Best Garage Heater Reviews 2018
Heating a garage presents a particular problem. Garages often have several external walls and are less likely to be insulated. The result is that they can often be cold and unwelcoming. A particular problem if you enjoy working in your garage.
Fortunately there are a wide range of garage heating models that can be purchased in order to make your garage a more hospitable place. But, with so much choice it can be difficult to determine which is the best garage heater.
Below are listed our view of the models available together with a short review of the top 10 models. We believe these are the top models available today, but if you have a different view then we’d be really pleased to hear your recommendation so we can check it out.
Garages tend to be large open spaces, so the number one consideration is usually whether your heater will be able to heat the whole space or whether it will struggle. You will also want to focus on safety issues and whether your choice is energy efficient.
Table of Top 10 Garage Heaters
Check out our table of best garage heater reviews and the short summary of their features and benefits.
Image | Model Name | Price | Rating | Select |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 Garage Shop Heater Editors Top Pick | $$ | 4.1 | |
| Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt Hardwired Shop Garage Commercial Heater | $$$ | 4.5 | |
| Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt Garage Heater | $$$ | 4.6 | |
| Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater | $$ | 4.6 | |
| Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater | $ | 4.0 | |
| Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Ceiling Mount Quartz Heater | $$ | 3.9 | |
| Patton Milk-House Utility Heater | $ | 4.1 | |
| Lifesmart Large Room 6 Element Infrared Heater with Remote | $$ | 4.1 | |
| Broan-NuTone (6201) Big Heat Heater | $ | 4.0 | |
| King KBP2406 5700-Watt MAX 240-Volt Single Phase Paw Unit Heater | $$$ | 4.5 |
Our Top 10 Best Garage Heater Reviews
Dr Infrared Heater DR-988 Garage Shop Heater
If you are looking for something to warm your garage, site, or workspace, the Dr Infrared DR-988 with 6-30R Plug is a great choice.
The DR-988 can warm spaces up to 600 square feet, with a 360 CFM output and an Auto Overheat Cut-Off to protect the unit. It also protects the area around the heater in the event of overheating. It has a temperature range of between 45 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and comes with a thermostat to control this. The heater has the UL and C-UL marks of approval.
The DR-988 not only performs well; the design is efficient. It comes with a fan and a straight-through design that is easy to clean should the fan get clogged. It also includes a handgrip that not only makes it portable, but could also be used to suspend the the unit from a wall or ceiling with the unit weighing just 12 pounds. The DR-988 looks, and is, durable and reliable.
The DR-988 is not recommended for smaller spaces such as bedrooms or living rooms. There are other heaters out there that are better suited to that job. At 360CFM and 5600W, the DR-988 is far better suited to larger spaces. Also, be aware of the included power cord - NEMA#6-30P (receptacle NeMA #60-30R 250V 30 Amps) - and make sure you have the correct electric receptors. An electrician could sort this for you if not.
Aside from this, the DR-988 looks, and is, durable and reliable, and a solid choice when wanting to warm those larger spaces.
Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt Hardwired Shop Garage Commercial Heater
The Dr Heater DR966 is a Hardwired, Heavy Duty 240V Single Phase 3000/6000W Commercial Electrical Heater. It includes an Adjustable Thermostat with High and Low settings, and 5 Adjustable Louvers. It is UL and C-UL listed as a wall or ceiling-mounted heater and comes with a bracket for this purpose. It also comes with a One-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, which is always nice to know.
The unit is durable and efficient, offering uniform heat and a long-lasting unit due to its heating elements and low sheath temperatures. Its name suggests it is for shop and garage use exclusively. But actually the manufacturer states that the heater could be used in a range of spaces. These include schools, churches, and hospitals.
It comes with a fan and a straight-through design, allowing a large amount of airflow with little noise, and a good distribution of warmth. The heater’s motor features are permanently lubricated, ensuring a longer life and little maintenance on the part of the buyer.
The DR966 will need to be installed as it comes hardwired, and as it warms spaces of up to 1000 square feet it would not be suitable for smaller areas. However, installation is a short and guided process and the DR966 is a great choice when looking for a tough and effective heater to warm those larger spaces.
Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt Garage Heater
The Farenheat FUH54 is a hardwired, heavy-duty industrial heater perfect for use in garages, basements, or the workplace. The FUH54 provides a good distribution of heat up to 500 square feet through its 5,000W heating element.
It comes with a dial thermostat that allows you to customise its temperature from 45 degrees (Low) to 135 degrees (High) Fahrenheit. The unit automatically cuts out to protect from overheating, and reactivates when its temperature returns to normal.
A built-in bracket allows for an easy horizontal or vertical mounting, and adjustable louvers on the front allow you to direct the heat around your designated space.
It comes with UL, CSA, and ETL stamps of approval.
It is sturdy and efficient, weighing in at 24 pounds and a better choice than most propane heaters of the same size. It is safe, compact, and easy to clean.
Though the FUH54 will need to be installed (it comes hardwired) and its suggested 500 square feet area (making it unsuitable for smaller spaces), installation and mounting is easy and it comes with instructions to help you through the process.
The Farenheat FUH54 is a great choice when looking for a tough and effective heater to warm that workspace this winter.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater
The Mr. Heater MH9BX is the middle of three products from Mr. Heater, with the smaller MH4B and larger MH18B.
The MH9BX is a 4000-9000 BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 200 square feet, and is approved for both indoor and outdoor use. It is almost 100% efficient with its clean burning feature, and has an automatic shut-off feature for if it is tipped over, the pilot light extinguishes, or it detects low oxygen levels, a great safety addition.
It has a fold-down handle for storage purposes, a swivel-out fuel connection for easy and flexible hose connection, and a simple four-position control. The wire guard over the front is durable and protects the unit, and a large porcelain coated heating surface is built in to direct heat over a wider area.
The MH9BX connects to external propane tanks that are sold separately. You will also have to buy their extension hose and filter kit, and portable propane canisters only last about three hours on the higher settings.
However, with such a strong heater in spaces up to 200 square feet and its thoughtful and many safety features, the Mr. Heater MH9BX is a better option than something such as a kerosene heater.
Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater
This Lasko 675919 12-Inch Utility Heater provides 1500W of warmth to moderate sized rooms, and is delivered fully assembled. It is ETL listed and comes with an adjustable thermostat, allowing for an extra level of customization. It can be set to Low, High, or Fan Only (for warmer days).
Italso has Self-Regulating Ceramic Element and Automatic Overheat Protection safety features.
This is a small and sturdy unit, designed to sit on a surface and direct heat around your desired space with a unique pivoting feature. It has an easy-grip rubberized handle and being lightweight, is easily portable.
The 12-Inch Lasko is quiet, as you would expect from a small device such as this. Despite its size, it heats quickly and distributes its heat well.
With its size, the Lasko is going to struggle heating larger rooms and there are better options for this task. The fan setting cannot be adjusted and will always spin at the same rate, as the Low/High settings are for the heat only.
The Fan Only feature is a nice addition but is no replacement for other sole purpose fans.
However, this small Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater does the job that it was manufactured to do very well and if you are looking for something to warm a smaller space quickly, this 12-inch Lasko is a great choice.
Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Ceiling Mount Quartz Heater
This wall or ceiling mountable Comfort Zone Quartz heater can deliver immediate and safe heat on a 90° vertical tilting bracket. It has two heat settings of 750W and 1500W (and 5120 BTUs) and is perfect for use in a small workspace or garage. The panel includes an angle adjustable halogen light and a pull switch with three settings - light only, light and one heating element, or light and both heating elements.
It arrives inside a rugged metal housing for durability and reliability. It is also ETL listed.
The casing looks good and sizes up at 14.25 inches x 26.5 inches x 5.25 inches. It is best mounted several feet above the designated area you wish to heat, and includes a safety metal grill over the Quartz heating elements. These are heating elements that emit medium wave infrared energy for when heat is required quickly.
The Comfort Zone Quartz heater is not the most powerful model you can buy, but it will warm a small area quicker than other heaters. However, it does need to be quite close to the area you wish to heat, as it is a small unit.
Despite this, it has some interesting and customizable features and would be a reliable option in a small space.
Patton Milk-House Utility Heater
The Patton Milk-House Utility Heater, perfect for open areas like garages or workspaces, has 1000W and 1500W heat settings that can be switched between on demand. It has added Low and High settings for further customization, and offers fan-forced convection coil heat with an automatic Comfort Control thermostat.
The Milk-House model also includes a guard on its front and automatic deactivation feature if it happens to be tipped over, allowing peace of mind on the part of the buyer. The manufacturer certifies that it has been tested beyond UL standards.
The Milk-House was built with rigidity and durability in mind, both in show in its steel housing design. With dimensions of 14.65 inches x 10.31 inches x 7.72 inches and an oversized carry handle, it is comfortably portable. It has sizeable feet and a firm base to add. The heater’s fan moves air over its elements to distribute warm air and to also keep the unit from overheating and shutting down.
The Patton Milk-House is not perhaps the best-looking heater or the most powerful that you can buy to heat your workspace or garage, but it is sturdy, reliable, and efficient. It promises to heat your small space quickly and its portability is a nice feature. There are not many cheaper options that could offer the features of this option.
Lifesmart Large Room 6 Element Infrared Heater with Remote
The Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Heater provides infrared warmth to a designated, sizeable room quickly and efficiently.
The unit has three heat settings, which includes a 500W Eco Setting that can heat a smaller area to 68 degrees Fahrenheit using just 500W.
All of the settings are energy-saving, and the it also has a 12-Hour Start and Stop Timer which can be used to turn the unit on or off up to twelve hours earlier.
The Lifesmart has six quartz infrared elements inside, and a quiet scroll fan that circulates heat. All electric parts are warrantied for 1 year also.
On the outside, the unit looks fantastic. With a stylish black metal cabinet that is cool to touch even when the heater is at work, this Lifesmart unit is not just about performance. It comes with E Z Glide casters that make moving the unit about easy, a nice addition when it does not include any handles or grips.
The digital thermostat on the front of the unit is a nice touch, and a large remote that comes with it which allows operation from afar.
Though ‘Large Room’ is vague on the manufacturer’s part, the Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Heater is a safe, reliable, and stylish choice for the house that just might take a bit of trial and error before you can optimize it.
Broan-NuTone (6201) Big Heat Heater
The Broan-NuTone Big Heat Heater can put out a full 1500W for rapid warmth, with a 1200W setting to keep the warmth and use less electricity.
It has Low, High, or Fan Only settings, and deactivates instantly if tipped over on its front or back. The unit does the same if it overheats, and a caution light emits for the user to see if the Big Heat detects excess heat.
The Broan-NuTone (6201) Big Heat Heater is UL listed.
The unit casing has a rugged steel construction with rounded bumpers to protect any surfaces that the Big Heat rests on. It looks and is durable, and includes a carrying handle to allow for portability. The fact that it weighs just 5 pounds and its dimensions are 5.25 inches x 6 inches x 5.88 only add to this.
This deviceis advertised as being suitable for the garage, workshop, the job, or wherever it is put to work, and with its ceramic heating element-allowing fast warm-up, this may just be the case.
It is also quiet, as you would expect from such a small unit, and comes with a cord and safety plug.
Being small, the Big Heat is not going to work as well in a large room or space, and the exterior can get warm to the touch on its highest setting. However, it has many features for a small unit, and won’t break the bank like some other units with similar features.
King KBP2406 5700-Watt MAX 240-Volt Single Phase Paw Unit Heater
The King KBP2406 Heater is a large space heater, boasting a 5700W, 270 CFM and 13,000 BTU output.
It is a hardwired unit suitable for commercial applications, and comes with a built-in thermostat that shows degrees on the label (40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and allows for customizable and comfortable temperature control.
The KBP2406 also includes a 3-position switch with Fan, Heat, and Off settings. It has a fan delay that allows the heat to dissipate from the elements.
The KBP2406 is the perfect choice for a garage, shop, or large workspace, with a flow-through design that pulls the air through and out for efficient air movement and warmth distribution. It is a rugged and durable unit, weighing 24 pounds and with dimensions of 13.5 inches x 11.5 inches x 10 inches, it was built to warm and control the temperature of larger spaces.
The unit is hardwired and would need installing, and with its size and output it would not be suitable for smaller spaces and rooms. It will also set you back more than other units that claim to do a similar job.
However, being built in the USA with self-professed quality components, this King model promises a long and efficient life that you cannot overlook when shopping for a large space heater.
Choosing The Best Garage HEATING OPTION
Garage heaters are a dependable and more rugged alternative to residential heaters when looking to warm larger spaces. Before you buy, however, there are certain things that you must look out for.
Check Your Heating Output
The first of these is the unit’s output. How many Watts and/or British Thermal Units (BTUs) does the machine have?
The number of Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) that it heats is important for the same reason.
The higher these numbers, the larger the space the unit can heat.
Are you trying to heat a small garage or workbench, or do you have a large two-car garage that you need warmed? Be sure to look at these numbers first to know which will suit your needs better.
Understand How To Install Your Garage Heater
Specialist garage heating units are also more powerful than their domestic equivalents and will need specific wiring to hook up to your garage or workspace. This is usually a simple process, however you need to check you are able to install the heater before you buy or it may turn out more expensive than you thought.
Your Garage Heater Must Be Safe
In addition, certain safety features are indispensable when deciding between units. Protection against overheating is a great feature, preventing all kinds of problems with the unit and your garage. Other units shut off when they detect low oxygen levels.
Tip-over deactivation is a good idea, with the machine turning itself off if it happens to fall or be knocked over on one of its sides. Some heaters also come with built-in cool-touch housing to stop work surfaces or wandering body parts from being burned.
An Underwriters Laboratory (UL) stamp of approval is a must, telling you that your unit has been tested and certified satisfactorily. Some kind of warranty is also nice to see, with many manufacturers offering one-year warranties for electrical components, labor or parts, or a combination of these.
Check Out The Available Features
Thermostatic Control
Many machines include thermostats with several settings (of different temperatures) for a more comfortable and customizable warmth. Some of these machines even boast the ability to keep the space at your desired temperature, a great feature and certainly one to look out for if you know the temperature you like to work in.
Direction of Heat
Adjustable louvers, which some machines include on the front to direct heat more specifically, add an extra level of customizability.
Fan Only Settings
Some units also have a ‘Fan Only’ setting for the warmer months, which is a nice touch but probably won’t replace any fan you have for that specific purpose.
Those units with ‘Fan Only’ options can even stay out and keep you cool in the warmer months!
Portability
Portability is a good feature in plug-in garage heater units; with many including a comfortable carry handle, wheels, or gliders, they make the unit simple to move to their designated resting spot.
If your garage heater is a plug-in unit, it will be a portable and temporary addition to your garage or workspace when the temperature drops to eye-watering lows. Then when the sun comes out, it can be stowed away for easy retrieval the next winter.
Hardwired garage heating units are permanent features of the garage, which you may not want and will need to consider before buying. It can also push the electricity bill up quite considerably depending on how often you use it.
Build Quality
Garage heaters are also sturdier, more rugged, and more durable alternatives to their residential cousins, built to withstand harsher punishment. These units will save you money on insulating the walls and roof of your garage or workshop, and let you leave the woolly gloves and scarf indoors.
Energy Efficient Garage Heaters
A lot of this extra heat you are paying for can also be lost to the draft in more open spaces. Different spaces require different heaters and without having the heater there with you to trial, it can be a gamble whether that specific unit will suit your space and needs.
Some units can clog up and overheat quicker as they get older, and some do not have all the safety features that you do expect of a garage heater. Some units with a fan can be rather noisy, but this is also difficult to tell without examining it first. Electric heaters can also take some time to heat larger spaces to desired temperatures.
Types of Garage Heater
There are four main types of heaters, which all have their differences to suit specific needs.
Electric or Fan-Forced Models
The first of these is the electric or fan-forced option. These are generally plug-in units and are relatively simple to use. Make sure before you buy that you have the capacity to plug your unit in to your power source (larger ones tend to require larger 220-240V sources).
These devices work by turning electricity to heat and then use a fan to distribute this warmth around your chosen space. They usually come with most of the safety features listed above and tend to be reliable and customizable to some degree.
Radiant and Infrared Garage Models
Radiant and infrared heaters are quite similar to each other in that they are better suited to smaller spaces, and that they heat surfaces over distributing warmth around an area. These models are very quiet (silent, some) and are perfect for hovering over a workbench.
Infrared or radiant heaters also give out heat almost instantly, making them a better option than the electric heater if that is what you are looking for. You do have to be situated quite close to these devices to feel their benefits, however.
Propane / Kerosene Garage Heaters
Lastly, there are propane/kerosene heaters. These units are not suggested for garages or enclosed spaces, due to them being highly flammable and that they give off hazardous fumes.
They can, however, heat larger spaces just as well as the heaters above. They do take longer to heat up and do require you to buy canisters of gas to power, but of course are not plugged into an electrical source. They are a great source of warmth in more open spaces.
Garage Heating Summary
We hope that this has assisted in your search for a reliable and durable garage heater. There is a multitude of choice, but if you keep in mind those things to look out for, you won’t go far wrong. Be sure to know what size a space you need heated and what kind of electrical source you have before you search; there are units offering unprecedented levels of customization, safety, and portability, with warranty included. Good luck finding them.
