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15 Best Garage Heater of 2022 - Ultimate Guide
Back in the day, it was common to have beautiful, crackling wood-burning stoves installed in your garage to warm your fingers and toes when you were working on cold days or nights. Today, however, there is a multitude of modern-heating options that don’t require all that kindling.
Garage and workshop heaters come in dozens of styles and sizes and are packed with features to help keep your fingers warm and nimble, even on the coldest nights.
In this article, we’ll talk about the crucial characteristics for the best workshop or garage heater for your specific needs, then we’ll review our Top 15 picks.
Some models might not be as simple as throwing some wood on the fire, but the garage and workshop heaters available these days will keep you warm throughout the winter.
There’s no reason to let the weather sideline your long-awaited home-improvement projects or your regular auto maintenance. Start by thinking about the space you want to heat and how much work you intend to do in the area during the coldest months.
Table of Contents
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PROS
SPECS
Fahrenheat FUH54 Unit Heater
PROS
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Adjustable thermostat
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Automatic shut-off to prevent overheating
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Sturdy and lightweight for easy installation
SPECS
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Operates at 208/240 volts
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Adjustable louvers
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Pole thermostat
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
PROS
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Indoor/outdoor heater
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Foldable handle for easy storage
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Portable
SPECS
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Runs between 4,000 and 9,000 BTU
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Runs for three hours on a single tank of propane
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Instant shut-off
Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt
PROS
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Moveable louvers to direct heat
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Adjustable housing
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Heavy-duty construction
SPECS
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Heats up to 1,000 square feet of space
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Adjustable thermostat
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Visual alarm warning display
Dimplex DGWH4031G 4000 Watt Forced Air
PROS
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Swivel-mounted for effortless direction
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Automatic shutoff in case of overheating
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Stainless-steel heating element
SPECS
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Stainless-steel heating element
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Pumps out 13,640 BTUs
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Fully maneuverable
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 Garage Shop
PROS
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Inexpensive
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Automatic shutoff
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Can be mounted or used as a benchtop
SPECS
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Heats up to 600 square feet of space
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Uses a thermostatic control
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Includes finger-proof intake and discharge grills
15 Best Garage Heater Reviews
1. Fahrenheat FUH54 Unit Heater – Best Overall Heater
Our pick for the best overall garage heater is the Fahrenheit FUH54, which mounts either horizontally or vertically from hanging brackets.
This Fahrenheat heater operates at 208/240 volts, providing the perfect heat for a home shop or garage. And it comes with adjustable louvers to direct the heat where you want it.
The Fahrenheat heater comes with a pole thermostat to tailor its heat output to your comfort, between 45 degrees and 135 degrees Fahrenheit. An automatic shutoff provides security by shutting off the unit when it reaches the set temperature, preventing overheating and possible damage from fires.
PROS
- Adjustable thermostat
- Automatic shut-off to prevent overheating
- Sturdy and lightweight for easy installatio
- Adjustable louvers to direct airflow
- Vertical or horizontal mounting adapts to your space needs
CONS
- Has a high voltage for home use and might require an electrician to install
- Heats only 600 square feet of space
2. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
One of the best portable propane garage heaters is this handy workhorse from Mr. Heater. It runs between 4,000 and 9,000 BTU, which heats an area of up to 225 square feet. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can heat your workshop or carry it to your ice shanty for some ice fishing.
The Mr. Heater garage heater runs for three hours on a single tank of propane. Read the instruction manual, though, as the unit does have an exposed flame in it. It also features an instant shut-off in case it gets tipped over, detects low oxygen levels, or its pilot light goes out.
PROS
- Indoor/outdoor heater
- Foldable handle for easy storage
- Auto shut-off in case of tips, pilot-light failure, or low oxygen levels
- Portable
- Three-hour run time
CONS
- Exposed flame isn’t as safe as electric units
3. Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt
One of the most powerful and affordable heaters we came across is the Dr. Heater DR966 hardwired 240-volt garage or shop heater, which delivers between 3,000 and 6,000 watts of heating power.
This durable garage heater is strong enough to heat 1,000 square feet of space, including large garages or workshops. It has an adjustable thermostat with two settings – high and low – which provides a little customization for comfort.
The Dr. Heater DR966 might require professional installation, as it is a hardwired unit requiring high power output. There is no automatic shutoff, only a visual alarm warning you when the unit is overheating.
PROS
- Moveable louvers to direct heat
- Adjustable housing
- Heavy-duty construction
- Heats 1,000 square feet of heat
- Good price
CONS
- Might require professional installation
- No automatic shutoff for overheating
4. Dimplex DGWH4031G 4000 Watt Forced Air
The Dimplex Garage and Shop heater is small enough to fit comfortably in almost any shop or garage while providing maneuverable heat for a reasonable price.
It’s simple to install and made with a stainless-steel heating element, giving it durability and longevity. At the same time, it pumps out 13,640 BTUs to heat to temperatures between 45 degrees and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Dimplex heater is louder than other heaters we reviewed, but it’s also fully maneuverable, pivoting on a swivel and tilting up and down for directed heat. Unfortunately, the thermostat is located on the back of the unit, making it difficult to adjust.
PROS
- Swivel-mounted for effortless direction
- Automatic shutoff in case of overheating
- Stainless-steel heating element
- Small unit suitable for small spaces
CONS
- Loud compared to others
- Thermostat located behind the unit, making it difficult to adjust
5. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 Garage Shop
Another inexpensive electric heater worth considering is the Dr. Infrared heater, which heats up to 600 square feet of space.
It uses a thermostatic control to detect when the unit drops below the set temperature before kicking on the fan. Unlike the other electric units we reviewed, however, this heater can’t be installed on a wall or ceiling.
This garage heater includes finger-proof intake and discharge grills to prevent accidents. It heats the room to between 45 degrees and 95 degrees and includes an automatic shutoff.
But it might not be suitable for domestic use because of the high power requirements and 30-amp fuse. The cord is an insulated safety plug long enough to maneuver where needed.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Automatic shutoff
- Can be mounted or used as a benchtop
- Thermostatically controlled
- Safety power plug
CONS
- Not recommended for domestic use
- Persistent hum of the fan
6. Cadet RCP502S 5,000-Watt Portable Garage Heater
On the more expensive side of the portable electric garage heaters on our list is the Cadet RCP502S, which offers 5,000 watts of heating power and 20-gauge steel construction. This heater can easily switch between 3,333- and 5,000-watt output and includes a six-foot-long power cord and decent portability.
This Cadet heater allows you to switch to fan-only mode to help keep you cool in the summer. And it comes with a durable, pre-installed bracket for mounting it as a wall unit or using it on a swivel base. It requires a safety outlet to operate, so be sure your workspace has one.
PROS
- Fan-only operation for summer
- Switch between 3,333- and 5,000-watt output
- Built-in durable bracket for wall mounting or floor use
- Automatic shutoff
- Durable construction
CONS
- Expensive
- Requires 30-amp safety outlet
7. Modine HD45AS0111 Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater
If you have ample space that you want to heat and aren’t afraid of high price tags, the Modine garage heater is a great choice.
This 120v garage heater pumps out 45,000 BTUs of heat, which might be too much for small spaces but ideal for large garages or home shops.
The Modine Natural Gas Hot Dawg mounts to walls or ceilings and can convert to a propane garage heater with an adaptor, which is sold separately. It has no external thermostat, so the only options are on or off, but it can heat a large garage in 30 minutes, making it quite an investment.
PROS
- Powerful heating unit capable of heating an ample space quickly
- 45,000 BTU’s
- Mounts to wall or ceiling
- Can be used with gas or propane
CONS
- Powerful heating might be too much for small areas
- Expensive
- Propane adaptor not included
8. Heatstar By Enerco F125444 Radiant Overhead Garage Heater MH25NG
The best overhead natural-gas heater we found is the Heatstar Garage heater, which begins producing a respectable 25,000 BTU’s of heat instantly. The thermostatic controls turn the unit on and off when needed, conserving energy and fuel. And it has no moveable parts, so it lasts longer and requires less maintenance.
The Heatstar Garage Heater puts out enough heat to warm up a small or medium-sized garage and comes with a refillable 40-pound propane tank. It is easy to set up and, with no moving parts, and is completely noiseless, but customers have reported that it generates a lot of moisture when in use.
PROS
- 40-pound propane tank included
- No moveable parts for a longer lifespan
- Thermostatic controlled for improved efficiency
- Starts heating immediately
- Wall mounting bracket included
CONS
- Creates a lot of moisture
9. NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater
The NewAir garage heater isn’t cheap, and you’ll have to add in the cost of professional installation.
But this heater’s maneuverability and heavy-duty steel construction make it one of the best heaters on the market. With only 17,000 BTU’s of heat, it is not ideal for large spaces, but if you have only a small garage, it’s a terrific investment, capable of swiveling and directing heat right where you need it.
The NewAir Garage Heater is a hardwired unit, which means you might need a professional electrician to install it directly into your 30-amp breaker. This heater doesn’t have an on/off switch, and customers report that the fan is relatively noisy.
PROS
- Adjustable louvers
- Fully swiveling unit directs heat
- Robust stainless-steel construction
- Automatic shut-off to prevent overheating
CONS
- Not suitable for large spaces
- Might require professional installation
10. Fahrenheat FUH724 Ceiling-Mount 7500 Watt
Much like our No. 1 entry, the Fahrenheat affords you a comfortable workspace, but this unit requires a little more installation know-how to get working correctly. Fahrenheat includes a mounting bracket for mounting on the ceiling — which allows it to pivot — and moveable louvers to provide additional direction for airflow.
This unit operates at 7,500 watts, lending it more heating power and range than the FUH54. Still, it has most of the same features, including durable construction and an automatic shutoff to prevent overheating. The higher power means spending more on energy, and it could require professional installation.
PROS
- Moveable louvers
- Automatic shutoff to prevent overheating
- Almost noiseless
- Better output than the 5,000-watt model
- Easy installation
CONS
- More expensive than the FUH54
- Might need more than one heater for bigger spaces
- Hardwired: Installation might require a professional electrician
11. KING KBP2406-3MP KBP Multi-Wattage Compact Unit
The King Mult-Wattage Compact Unit Heater offers features similar to many of the other heaters listed but includes a few features unique to this heater.
The ‘pick-a-watt’ system allows you to select the wattage for your particular space, helping you save energy and prevent overheating. The unit has two controls: one for the thermostat and the other controlling the fan speed.
The King puts out up to 5,700 watts of heat, capable of warming a space from between 240 square feet to 600 square feet. But, it’s one of the more expensive units among its competitors.
PROS
- Pic-a-watt: Customization for your space, from 240 to 600 square feet
- Two controls – one for thermostat and one for the fan
- Automatic shutoff prevents overheating
- The turnover switch shuts it off if tipped
CONS
- Hardwired: Might require professional installation
- More expensive than competitors
12. Mr. Heater F260550 Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
The Mr. Heater Big Maxx might not be the most expensive natural gas heater on our list, but it is unquestionably one of the best gas garage heaters for large spacious garages.
This unit puts out 50,000 BTU’s, capable of heating a space up to 1,250 square feet. It has all the features we’ve come to expect from the best heaters on the market – including moveable louvers and powered vertical or horizontal venting.
The Mr. Heater Big Maxx includes a natural-gas-to-propane converter, as well as a three-year warranty on all parts and burners.
PROS
- Three-year warranty on parts and burners
- Powered exhaust for vertical or horizontal venting
- Natural-gas-to-propane converter included
- 50,000 BTU
- Great for large garages, with a natural-gas line
CONS
- Does not come with a thermostat
- No carbon monoxide monitor
13. Mr. Heater MH25NG 25,000-BTU Natural-Gas Radiant Heater
As we’ve seen already, Mr. Heater produces some of the best garage heaters on the market today, including this overhead infrared garage heater that maximizes efficiency. With an available natural-gas line, it’s easy for a professional to install, lightweight, and powerful enough to warm 625 square feet.
Radiant heat works by heating objects and people directly instead of warming the air around them, which means it works fast. But Mr. Heater sells its natural-gas hookup kit separately, and customers report its thermostat isn’t perfect.
On the plus side, radiant heaters work without electricity, so it has no energy requirements other than a natural-gas source.
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Quickly heats objects and people instead of the air
- Heats 625 square feet
- Thermostat included
CONS
- Hookup kit is sold separately
- Requires professional installation
- Not a very good thermostat
14. Heatstar By Enerco F160550 Natural Gas Unit Heater
The Heatstar is another overhead natural gas heater that can warm a large garage or workshop.
It features a spark ignition for an easy start, and it pumps out 50,000 BTU’s of energy, which can heat up to 1,250 square feet of space. But it requires a natural-gas hook-up or a propane conversion, which is not included.
The Heatstar Garage heater provides a ½-inch gas conversion to make the hookup to your standard gas line easier. But there is no external thermostat, so temperature modulation gets a little tricky. For best results, hire a professional installer to hook up the gas line properly.
PROS
- 50,000 BTU’s
- Can heat spaces to 1,250 square feet
- ½” gas connection
- Can be converted to propane
- Offers vertical or horizontal venting
- Spark ignition
CONS
- Minimum eight feet of clearance needed beneath the heater
- No thermostat
15. Mr. Heater 40,000 BTU Natural Gas Garage Heater
Mr. Heater offers a significant upgrade to its 25,000 BTU heater listed above (No. 13) that will keep you toasty in a bigger garage or workshop, for a higher price, of course.
This 40,000 BTU, high-efficiency natural-gas garage heater features the same elements as the smaller unit, including a thermostat for moderating the temperature, and installation brackets. But it’s a much stronger unit, capable of warming a space up to 1,000 square feet.
With the added heat comes a few shortcomings, though. This infrared garage heater requires at least 12 feet of clearance under the unit, so it might not be suitable for smaller garages or workshops. And you can’t convert it to propane.
PROS
- Doesn’t require ventilation ports
- Clean and quiet
- No electricity required
- Easy to install
- No electricity required
- Thermostat for proper temperature control
CONS
- Requires 12 feet clearance beneath the unit
- Can’t be converted to propane
Final Verdict
Choosing the best garage heater depends on a lot of factors, including your available outlets, space, and heating needs. But if you’re looking for something with a little of everything without breaking the bank or requiring pricey installation costs, the Fahrenheat FUH54 unit heater is the best electric garage heater available today.
Compared to its competitors, it’s inexpensive, doesn’t require professional installation, and has excellent features making it versatile enough for any workspace. Even without the power of other heating units, its moveable louvers and swiveling mount make it capable of getting the warmth where you need it most. Get cozy!
How to Choose the Best Garage Heater?
How to Choose the Best Garage Heater?
You don’t need icy, aching fingers when you’re working to replace the oil in your truck inside a garage that’s hovering near zero degrees. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring to change it!
Warm up your life with one of the latest and greatest garage heaters on the market today. We’ve taken the time to do the research for you and will provide reviews of the top 15 here.
Start by considering the size of the space you need to heat. Even if you have ample space, like a three-car garage or a large woodshop, you may not need to warm the entire area, so consider. Some garage heaters allow you to direct the air in a specific place, while others heat the entire room.
Types of Garage Heaters
Garage heaters come in three basic types: electric, natural gas or propane, and infrared radiant heat. In this section, we’ll briefly review all three and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are typical for use in garages and workshops. As you would guess, they plug into a wall and comprise a heating element, often combined with a fan to help direct the warm air where you need it most. They’re often not as powerful as other heater types, but they’re usually easier to install and maintain.
Natural-Gas Heaters
Natural-gas heaters typically involve hooking into a natural gas line. They often are quite efficient heaters, capable of warming entire rooms. Natural-gas heaters come in various sizes, in the form of everything from small portable garage heaters to units that you install on walls or ceilings.
Infrared Garage Heaters
Infrared garage heaters use a source of natural gas or propane and a heating element to warm a panel of infrared heating materials. These do no use electricity and can heat an entire garage or workshop, at virtually no cost to you. Infrared heaters directly heat people and objects, ostensibly heating the surrounding air.