adminWhile your garage can be a productive space to spend time in, cold temperatures could leave you inactive and unable to handle your tasks.
Thankfully, the perfect solution for this situation is a garage heater that can supply the heat you need to continue working even through winter.
Since finding a suitable option could take an eternity, here's a review of the best garage heaters and the factors for consideration to help you make an ideal choice.
Contents
1. Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Propane Heater
- PORTABLE HEATER: Portable propane heater designed for emergency heat, tents, campers, job sites,...
- HEAT SPACE: Perfect for heating enclosed spaces up to 225 square feet
- PROPANE GAS: For use with propane gas; Runs off a 1-pound cylinder of propane and can connect...
- FEATURES: Includes Piezo igniter, Accidental tip-over safety shut-off, swivel regulator and...
- SPECIFICATIONS: 4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour; Run time (max BTU): 3 hours; Run time (min BTU): 6...
The overall best portable propane heater is the Mr. Heater MH9BX. This liquid propane heater features 4,000 - 9,000 BTU and is ideal for heating large spaces of up to 200 square feet, making it a perfect option for any garage size. Contrary to its high output, this propane garage heater is quite space-efficient in size and has a fold-down handle that adds to its compact design.
You can adapt this portable garage heater to your home by connecting to a remote gas supply with only a hose and filter. So, after the 1 lb cylinder runs out, you don't need to refill it; instead, you can assimilate the Mr. Heater MH9BX to your gas line. It is easy to use this car garage heater since The in-built Piezo sparking mechanism handles the rest.
The Mr. Heater MH9BX features an Oxygen Depletion Sensor and a shut-off function that automatically turns it off when oxygen levels are low or when you accidentally tip it over for added indoor safety. This makes this one of the best propane heaters for garages, tents, shelters, barns, sheds, and other structures.
2. Mr. Heater MHU8ONG Big Maxx Natural Gas Heater
- Your purchase includes One Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Heater with 2 angle brackets & Liquid...
- Heater dimensions – 29.33” L x 15.50” W x 26.37” H | Coverage area – 2000 Sq. Ft. |...
- For use with natural gas | Category 1 vertical, category 3 horizontal venting
- Powered exhaust allows for vertical or horizontal venting | Spark ignition features self-diagnostic...
- This heater offers the operating versatility and safety that you have come to expect from Mr. Heater...
If your planning to spend significant time in your car garage, it's essential to find a reliable heater. The Mr. Heater MHU8ONG Big Maxx is one of the best natural gas heaters on the market. This fan-forced air heater delivers 80,000 BTU and has a powerful fan that distributes the warm air around your garage.
You can vent it vertically or horizontally according to the amount of garage space you have. Plus, it heats an area of approximately 2,000 square feet, making it one of the best garage heaters for large spaces. This natural gas heater is easy to install since it features external access to power and reachable thermostat connections. Unfortunately, the thermostat is sold separately, which means some additional costs.
It has a low profile design that makes it suitable for low-ceiling structures. Nevertheless, you need at least 8 feet of clearance from the floor to the base of Mr. Heater MHU8ONG.
3. Dr. Infrared Heater
- 240-Volt is required. Power Consumption 5600-Watt
- Special Outlet (NEMA# 6-30R) is needed for Power Cord (NEMA# 6-30P)*
- Power Cord : NEMA#6-30P (receptacle NeMA #6-30R 250V 30 Amps)
- Temperature Range: 37-113 °F degree. Comes with Thermostat control
- Auto Overheat Cut-Off Protection. UL and C-UL listed
The DR988A is an industrial electric garage heater perfect for warming up your space. Whether it's a basement, construction site, garage, or workshop, this infrared garage heater is specially designed with a heating element that will keep you warm and comfy.
The DR988A infrared heater features a portable design and an in-built adjustable thermostat that you can use to control the heat from high to low levels. Once you set the heat, the space heater will retain the set temperature automatically. The fan inside it ensures warm forced air moves through every part of your garage evenly. As a result, your
This infrared heater features several safety functions like a high-temperature heat limit and finger-proof intake and discharge grills. The in-built handle makes this garage heater easy to carry and handle for maximum portability.
This portable garage heater has a sturdy build and integrated cord storage for keeping the cables out of your way. You'll need a special outlet to power the infrared garage heater.
4. Fahrenheat FUH54 Electric Garage Heater
While it might be difficult to heat a large drafty space, the Fahrenheat FUH54 Electric heater can effectively provide warmth to every inch of your indoor space. It features a powerful heat output that can warm a cold store, service station, basement, and even outdoor spaces.
You can easily mount this electric heater on the wall or ceiling with the vertical and horizontal mounting brackets on it. Since the louvers are adjustable, you can direct the heat in a particular direction if need be, making the Fahrenheat FUH54 the best electric garage heater you can find.
If this ceiling-mounted heater starts overheating, it automatically shuts off and reactivates later when the temperature lowers. As such, you don't have to worry too much about manually switching it off to prevent it from getting too hot.
The remote control that comes with this heater allows you to operate it comfortably from a distance. It also features a heating element and a fan that automatically waits until the element is warm to start. Even when the heater is turned off or at maximum capacity, the fan keeps going until the heating element cools.
5. Modine HD45AS0111 Hot Dawg Garage Heater
- Quiet operation
- Certified for residential, commercial and industrial use
- Low profile design and neutral color
- Installs quickly and easily with field wiring connections and knockouts for quick access to gas and...
- Standard power exhaust simplifies side-wall or roof venting with small-diameter vent pipe
Another incredible option for large garages, workstations, and stores is the heavy-duty Modine HD45AS0111 Hot Dawg Garage Heater. Despite being costly, this indoor space heater will certainly deliver the heat and warmth you need for your daily operations, even in cold conditions without any noise.
It is designed to be a natural gas heater, but you can convert it into a propane garage heater if the need arises. The exhaust pipe it features makes it easy to ensure proper ventilation by venting it outside to dispel the harmful gases.
With its low profile design and inconspicuous color, this garage heater will be a great addition to your indoor space without drawing too much attention. You can easily access the connections and knockouts necessary for this model, which means it's quite easy to install.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Garage Heater
1. Type of Heater
There are several types of heaters that use different power sources; electric power, propane, natural gas, or kerosene. However, we will classify them into two main types of garage heaters, including fuel-burning garage heaters and electric garage heaters. The type of heater you choose depends on preference. So let's take a quick look at them in detail.
i) Fuel Burning Heaters
- Natural gas garage heaters
A natural gas garage heater uses natural gas as the source of power, which is quite convenient. They are the best for large spaces and can warm any garage size competently. However, since the burning of natural gas leads to the emission of carbon monoxide, it is essential to have proper ventilation when using these heaters.
- Kerosene Heater
Kerosene heaters are affordable options but have many risks attached since handling kerosene during refills can get messy and explosively dangerous. Nevertheless, a kerosene heater can be designed to be safe for indoor use.
- Propane Garage Heaters
These heaters come with a propane cylinder attached to provide the heat necessary to warm up your garage. Most of them are portable, which gives them an edge over other garage heaters.
ii) Electric Garage Heaters
- Fan-Forced Garage Heaters
These are powered by electricity and feature a fan that creates an airflow system that distributes heat across the entire space evenly. They are cheap, compact, and easy to install, making them popular among car garage owners.
- Infrared Heater
These electric heaters create a field of heat around them. Unfortunately, this heat is localized in one area of the room, which can cause cold spots in some areas and so are not the best option for a garage. Nevertheless, some models have an integrated fan to help take the heat around.
2. Heating Capacity and Garage Size
The heating capacity in garage heaters is displayed in Watts and BTU. Garage heaters vary in their heating power; they could range anywhere between 10,000 and 100,000 BTU. Depending on your garage's size, you should find a suitable heater to meet your warming needs.
However, since it might be tricky to know how to choose the best garage heater for your garage size, you can use the following estimates.
- 240 sq. ft - 8,200 BTU
- 440 sq. ft - 15, 000 BTU
- 620 sq. ft - 21,000 BTU
- 800 sq. ft - 27,000 BTU
- 1000 sq. ft - 34,000 BTU
- 1500 sq. ft - 51, 000 BTU
Some other factors that may affect the heating capacity you need include climate, insulation, and ceiling height. However, with the estimates above, you have a good idea of the capacity you need for your garage.
3. Essential Safety Features
With major power requirements and heating functions, complications can easily arise with garage heaters. That is why there are several features that are put in place to prevent specific issues. The most crucial features a garage heater should have include;
- Tip-over Switch
Floor mounted heaters can go unnoticed in the garage, and as a result, people could easily trip over them and tip them over. The tip-over switch automatically shuts off the heater when it detects the heater is not in its proper position. This ensures there is minimal damage and risk when your heater falls over.
- Overheating Protection
Even the best garage heaters are prone to overheating every so often. The overheating shut-off feature ensures that the garage heater automatically turns off when it exceeds a particular temperature. This protects the heater from breakdown or fire outbreaks resulting from overheating.
- No-Flame Protection
Propane and natural gas heaters are susceptible to fires since they run on fuel power. A flame protection feature will ensure they immediately shut off if there is no flame to fire them up. This prevents the leakage of gas and propane, which could have explosive consequences.
- High-Heat Guard
These guards prevent direct contact with the hot parts of the heater, which could cause extreme burns. Even if you accidentally touch the heater with these guards, you won't get burned since they stand in between you and the heater.
4. Positioning
The place you position your garage heater depends on the amount of space you have in your car garage. Additionally, you can consider a location you can compromise to mount the garage heater.
- Wall-Mountable Garage Heaters
These heaters are positioned on the wall using brackets that you use to attach to the desired location. They require some hardware for installation and are therefore not the easiest to install. Nevertheless, having them high on the wall makes it easy to circulate the heat around your garage.
- Ceiling-Mounted Heaters
These heaters have brackets that allow them to be fastened onto the ceiling. Like the wall-mounted types, they are challenging to install since they need some hardware to secure them in place. However, they are quite efficient since they don't require any floor space. This makes them a viable option for car garages with limited space.
- Floor-Mounted Heaters
As the name suggests, these types stay on the floor. As such, they need car garages with a decent amount of floor space since you'd want to avoid tripping or to tip it over.
- Portable Heaters
These are the easiest to use since they have a ready-to-go design. You can place them wherever you deem convenient, and you can change their location according to preference. They require no installation skills or tools since they are portable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best garage heater on the market?
The best choice would be the Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Propane Heater which is among the most efficient portable propane heaters on the market.
2. How many BTUs do I need for a 2-car garage?
A two-car garage measures 450-700 square feet, making a heater with 12,000-24,000 BTU the best option.
3. What's better, gas or electric garage heater?
While electric heaters are more affordable, natural gas heaters can efficiently maintain your space temperature, making them better for long-term use.
