The 10 Best Propane and Electric Heaters for your Garage
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Just what is the best garage heater on the market in 2022? If you find yourself asking that question, you’ve come to the right place. Your garage might seem like the perfect place for your home workshop. After all, it provides a decent amount of workroom and most garages are only partly finished, meaning that making a mess in it is certainly going to less stressful than tackling a complicated project inside your home. But when the temperature begins to drop, a cold garage is probably the last place you’ll want to spend hours of your time.
That’s where garage heaters come in! Garage heaters are available in many shapes, models, and styles. Different models are powered in different ways. The most common power systems use electricity, propane, natural gas, or kerosene to warm work areas. And with a range of options out there, from heavy-duty large heaters to small portable models, determining which heating device is right for your needs can be very confusing.
STOP! Before you go ahead and buy a Propane heater, you must ensure you have a fully-functional carbon monoxide monitor. In this guide to garage warmers, we do all the dirty work so you don’t have to. We looked at all of the models out there and narrowed your options down to the best heaters of 2022. During our research, we considered the pros and cons of specific units, including their performance, what features they offer, how they operate, and how well they’re made.
When it was all said and done, we’ve come up with our list of the 10 greatest heaters for your Garage in 2022. After reading our breakdown of the top heaters presently on the market, you’ll easily be able to decide which model is the perfect choice for you.
View the Best Garage Heater on the Market, Below.
- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX
- Fahrenheat FUH724 Ceiling-Mount
- Optimus HEOP9010 Garage/Shop Heater
- Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988
- Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD
- NewAir G73 Hardwired
- Dr. Heater DR966 240-Volt
- Dimplex DGWH4031 4000-Watt
- King KBP2406 5700-Watt
- Modine HD45AS0111
1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX
With over 2,900 reviewers on Amazon, there’s a reason why the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000 BTU Portable Radiant Heater has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This portable propane heater is the most popular unit in North America. The Mr. Heater F232000 Garage Heater is a radiant liquid propane model that offers two heat settings at 4,000 to 9,000 BTU. It’s connected to a 1 lb propane cylinder and can be used to efficiently heat enclosed spaces up to 225 square feet.
Compact and weighing only 9.5 lbs, this garage heater provides an impressive size-to-BTU ratio and has a convenient fold-down handle for transport. With a swivel regulator, this versatile model allows you to connect the heater to either a gas cylinder or a remote gas supply. Plus, the operation is a breeze, simply turn the knob to the pilot setting and push it to light the unit.
And once your garage heater is on, it offers 4-position control with built-in Piezo igniter off and hi/low settings. A durable porcelain-coated heating surface directs radiant heat over a wide area and a ceramic insulated burner tile adds durability and shock-resistance. For added safety, it features low-oxygen shut-off and tip-over shut-off safety mechanisms.
Affordable, portable, and efficient, the F232017 MH9BXRV Radiant Heater is perfect for anyone looking for an easy, economical way to heat a small area. It’s one of the most popular workspace heaters on the market in 2017, delivering between 4000 and 9000 BTUs of clean radiant heat. Its portable design allows you to place it directly in your heat path.
With impressive safety features, like integrated auto-shut off features that turn the unit off in case it’s tipped over, the oxygen level drops, or the pilot is extinguished, it’s safe to use. And at an affordable sticker price, this model offers an impressive heat output, high durability, and a number of safety features, making it one of the top heaters of 2017.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Fahrenheat FUH724 Ceiling-Mount
Earning a spot in our list of the 10 best garage heaters on 2022 is the Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Industrial Heater. This is a highly durable, efficient, and powerful electric heater that is ideal for delivering comfortable heat to large spaces or even small ones that don’t have good insulation. This industrial electric unit can heat a space up to 1,300 square feet and provides up to 25,600 BTUs for consistent heating even on the coldest winter days.
A built-in thermostat turns the heater on and off, allowing it to keep your garage heated at a the ideal regulated temperature. And thanks to its ceiling-mounted design, this garage heater from Fahrenheat has no footprint and won’t take up space on your garage floor. Plus, with a durable design and an epoxy paint finish, you don’t have to worry about installing the Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mounted Industrial Heater on the ceiling where the air is damp because it’s protected against rust and corrosion.
Priced at just over $400, the Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mounted Industrial Heater is certainly a premium choice but it still delivers exceptional value. Capable of heating large spaces measuring up to 1,300 square feet quickly and comfortably, it’s incredibly powerful. The thermostat eliminates the need for you to constantly adjust the unit’s heating output and the epoxy finish means it’ll withstand years of use even in damp environments.
The ceiling-mount style of this model keeps the floor of your area clear and, since it’s electric, there’s no need to mess around with gas, propane, or kerosene to supply power to the unit. This model is simply one of the leading workshop heaters available on the market today.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. Optimus HEOP9010 Garage/Shop Heater
The Optimus HEOP9010 Ceiling or wall Mounted Garage Heater earns its spot in our list of the best heaters of 2022 because of its ability to deliver fast, reliable heat at a very affordable price. One of the most affordable space heaters on the market today, this garage heater from Optimus performs two roles, heating unit and halogen light.
Ensuring that small workspaces are kept both warm and bright. This 110 volt, 12 amp electric heater is designed with a high-efficiency quartz heating element and was built with a 25 watt halogen lamp. Both are easy to operate thanks to an easy-to-use pull string.
It's lightweight but durable metal housing ensures that it can withstand the damp air and moisture found in many unheated workshops and garages, meaning that it will be throwing heat for years. And thanks to its ceiling-mount design, you don’t have to worry about this heating unit taking up valuable floor space or accidentally being tipped over.
Priced at around $70, the Optimus Ceiling-Mounted Heater and Halogen Light is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable option that you can use to heat a small area. The added benefit of a halogen lamp means that you can illuminate your work area without the need for other specialized lighting fixtures.
And since the heater and lamp work with a pull string, it’s very easy to use. While this heater doesn’t provide the high BTU levels of some pricier models, it’s one of the most economical heating models out there and is one of the top choices available for heating small areas.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988
The Dr. Infrared DR-988 Industrial Heater is one of the most impressive garage heaters on the market, offering impressive performance, easy operation, and durable construction. This portable electric heating unit is capable of warming areas that measure up to 600 square feet, making it ideal for heating medium or large areas. And since it only weighs 20 lbs, it’s also extremely portable.
The DR988 Garage Heater is perfect for heating large spaces thanks to its quiet, powerful circulating fan that allows the warmth to flow throughout your workspace. Capable of providing up to 19,100 BTUs, this space heater features two thermostat settings. The low setting is capable of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the high setting is for 95 degrees.
Dependable and sturdy, the metal build of this heater includes an attached handle for increased portability. Finger-proof intake and discharge grills and a high-temperature shut-off provide extra safety. Built-in cord storage helps keep your workspace neat and, thanks to this heater’s square design, you’ll never have to worry about knocking this portable heating unit over.
The Dr. Infrared DR-988 Industrial Heater is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful heater that’s both sturdy and portable. With an impressive BTU output, rugged steel design, and the ability to heat up to 600 square feet, it’s the ideal heater for anyone looking for a reliable way to heat any medium or large area.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD
The Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD 60,000 BTU Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater is included in our list for a number of reasons. With an impressive heat capacity, this gas-fueled heating unit receives consistently great reviews thanks to its portability, performance, and ease of use. This gas heater from Dyna-Glo is capable of producing a staggering amount of heat, between 30,000 to 60,000 BTU, making it capable of heating even a large area measuring up to 1,350 square feet.
Compatible with a 20 lb propane tank that will allow up to 14 hours of operation, this powerful gas heater features a blower that operates at 325 CFM, perfect for circulating warm air throughout your workspace. Its 110 volts of blower and heat power boost its efficiency.
And the adjustable heat angle allows you to direct the heat flow generated by this heater for optimum effectiveness. At 14 lbs, this heater is lightweight and designed with a carry handle, so this portable gas heater can be easily transported anywhere and thanks to both tip-over and pressure shut-offs, you can count on safe operation for years.
The Dyna-Glow RMC-FA60DGD Propane Forced Air Heater is one of the best heaters available and is capable of circulating warm air in even large workspaces. With its powerful fan and adjustable height angles, you can easily adjust the heater’s heating element for a perfect heat path. And with one of the highest BTU ratings on the market today and its durable, simplistic design, it’s capable of providing exceptional heat for years to come.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. NewAir G73 Hardwired
The NewAir G73 Garage Heater is one of the best electric heaters on the market today, capable of exceptional performance and earning consistently great reviews. Since it’s an electric hardwired heater, this durable heating unit eliminates a lot of the aggravation associated with propane models while its durable stainless steel construction ensures that it will last for years. This impressive 240 volt electric heater offers up to 5,000 watts of heating power and provides up to 17,060 BTUs, so it can easily heat any area measuring up to 500 square feet.
A built-in single pole thermostat, allows you to choose the perfect working temperature for your workshop. And the heater’s fan operates at 200CFM, ensuring adequate heat flow throughout your garage or workshop. Built to last, the stainless steel construction of this electric heater is protected from rust and corrosion thanks to a powder-coated finish.
And the included swivel brackets allow it to easily be mounted on any wall or ceiling. And with safety in mind, this hardwired heating unit offers an automatic temperature control that shuts down the heater if it overheats. Plus, since it’s hardwired to your electrical system, the G73 Heater provides exceptional warmth while eliminating the need to worry about the open flames or fumes that come with propane or gas-fueled heating heaters.
One of the most impressive electric heaters on the market, there’s a reason the G73 receives such great reviews. It’s capable of heating any area measuring up to 500 square feet and offers up to 17,060 BTU of heat. Its durable stainless steel body is powder-coated for increased durability and rust resistance, so you can count on years of operation.
And since it’s a hardwired model, once it’s installed on our wall or ceiling, you don’t have to worry about any maintenance. Safer, cleaner, and more efficient than the gas or propane heaters on the market, the G73 is a terrific option for anyone looking to buy an impressive and reliable electric heater.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. Dr. Heater DR966 240-Volt
The Dr. Heater DR966 240-Volt Hardwired Garage Commercial Heater is one of the most impressive heaters on the market today. This electric heater was built with heavy-duty use in mind and is perfect for heating even large garages. This electric-powered heater allows you to connect it directly to your home’s electrical system, eliminating the hazards and fumes that come with gas or propane heaters.
Once you mount this hardwired heater on your ceiling or wall with the included brackets, it provides between 3,000 and 6,000 watts of heating power, which is more than enough to keep your large workspace warm during the coldest winter days. And the adjustable thermostat with high and low settings allows you to customize the heating performance based on your needs.
The DR966 was designed with 5 adjustable louvers which allow you to direct the warm air flow where you need it, for optimum efficiency. Designed with a durable metal construction, this electrical heating unit is built to last. And its spiral steel-sheath electric heating elements are designed to provide low sheath temperatures, providing consistent, uniform heat while increasing the service life of the heating unit.
The Dr. Heater DR966 Heater is one of the most impressive electric heaters we came across. It’s built to last and provide consistent heating performance for years and since you can install it on your wall or ceiling, installation is easy. Its 5 adjustable louvers allow you to direct warm air flow where you need it the most.
And the spiral sheathing electric heating elements provide even heat while ensuring that this electric heater will last for years. Reviews for the DR966 Garage Heater are consistently positive and with a sturdy design, efficient heating element, and exceptional performance, it’s one of the top hardwired electric heating units on the market.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. Dimplex DGWH4031 4000-Watt
Reviews of the Dimplex DGWH4031 Garage Heater are consistently positive because of its impressive performance, ease-of-use, and durability. One of the leading stationary electric heaters on the market, the DGWH4031 is the perfect model for anyone looking for an affordable ceiling or wall-mounted unit to heat any workspace or area. This 4,000 watt, 240 volt electric heater is capable of providing up to 13,648 BTUs of heating power, making it perfect for even a large garage or workshop.
Plus, with its automatic temperature control settings ranging from 45 to 77 degrees, you can fine-tune the heating performance based on the temperature outside or the size of the area you plan on heating. With the included mounting bracket, this electric heater can easily be installed on your ceiling or wall.
And for increased efficiency, once you plug in the 6 ft power cord, this heater can swivel, allowing you to control where the unit throws heat. For efficient, economical performance the fan delay uses the residual heat from its stainless steel heating element. And for added safety, this electric heating model comes with an automatic safety shut-off mechanism.
The Dimplex DGWH4031 Heater is one of the most popular corded electric heaters on the market in 2017. And at around $130, it’s also one of the most affordable. More importantly, it’s also capable of providing clean, even heat in any garage for years to come. With durable construction and a powerful electric motor capable of delivering 13,648 BTUs of heating power, this electrical heater can stand toe-to-toe with many of the more expensive heaters on the market.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. King KBP2406 5700-Watt
One of the best hardwired electric heaters of 2022, the King KBP2406 5700-Watt Garage Heater is perfect for anyone looking for a ceiling or wall-mounted unit that’s capable of heating large areas measuring up to 600 square feet. With some very useful features, it’s one of the most powerful and versatile electric heaters on the market today. apable of providing up to 13,000 BTUs of heating power, this electric heater was built with a unique Pic-A-Watt feature that allows you to select from several wattages prior to installation.
With 950, 1900, 2850, 3800, 4750, and 5700 watt options, you can tailor the unit to provide the right heat for any garage, however big or small. A built-in thermostat controls the temperature and ranges from 40 to 80 degrees and features an easy-to-read temperature control dial.Plus, the 270 CFM blower can even be operated without the heating element on, allowing this unit to be used as a fan in the summer.
With safety in mind, this impressive model was designed with patented Smart Limit Protection and tip-over shut-off safety mechanisms. And with a cast iron motor, aluminum fan blade, and durable metal construction, this electric heater is rugged and will withstand years of heavy use.
One of the most powerful hardwired electric heaters on the market, the King KBP2406 is the perfect option for anyone looking for a versatile unit capable of heating up to 600 square feet of space. With the ability to work as a summer fan, this model offers added functionality and the ability to customize the watt usage of this unit allows you to adapt it based on your specific needs, for optimal efficiency.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. Modine HD45AS0111
One of the most powerful gas heaters on the market today, the Modine HD45AS0111 Hot Dawg Garage Heater is a premium natural gas model that’s certified for residential, commercial, and industrial use. Modine has been making high-quality heaters for over 100 years and succeeds again with this compact natural gas heater that can produce up to 45,000 BTUs, meaning it can heat up to 1000 square feet in just a few minutes.
This industrial-grade gas heater can run on natural gas or propane and, thanks to its low profile design, it can easily be mounted on the ceiling, even in the tightest of spaces. For added, versatility, the Modine HD45AS0111 Heater can accommodate piping from either the right or left. And its standard power exhaust allows for easy side-wall or roof venting thanks to its small-diameter vent pipe, plus you can even connect it to a thermostat.
With its neutral color, impressive thermal output, and incredibly quiet operation, this 80% efficient gas heater will heat even a large space quickly and silently. Plus, while this model was designed to run on clean, efficient natural gas, saving you money in the long run, it’s also capable of being converted to an electrically-powered heater unit.
The Modine Hot Dawg Heater is an economical way to heat a medium or large-sized garage quietly and quickly. It can easily be installed on a wall or ceiling thanks to its compact design. And its ability to run off of a thermostat, as well as its capacity to operate as a natural gas, propane, or electric heating unit, makes it one of the most popular heavy-duty models on the market.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Buyers Guide Questions
How to Install a Garage Heater?
While a garage is an ideal spot for a workshop, the winter months can make spending long hours in an unheated workspace miserable. Luckily, several styles of heating units on the market are perfect for keeping your workspace warm and comfortable. The way you’ll install your warming unit depends on the power source and style of your particular unit. Here we’ll look at how to install the various kinds of garage heaters on the market, including natural gas and electric models that can either be corded or hardwired units.
While these steps are easy, if you’re not sure about how to go about it yourself, it’s advised to hire a professional simply because you are working with gas and electricity. But if you’re an experienced DIYer and have tackled projects like these before, installing your garage warming device shouldn’t take longer than an hour or two.
Electric Garage Heaters
There are two styles of electronic garage heaters on the market, hardwired and corded. Corded models are the easiest to install and require the least amount of work. Most of the corded electronic heaters are the easiest models to operate and install and since many of these heaters are floor units, they’re incredibly portable. Simply plug your corded garage warming appliance in an area of your garage, normally by the back wall facing the door, and turn it on.
Another style of corded garage heater is the ceiling or wall-mount model. For these warming devices, you install the unit with a mounting bracket in your desired location. The main things to keep in mind here is that you need to make sure that the unit’s power cord can reach your intended electrical outlet and that the area directly beneath the unit is clear for at least 2 or 3 feet, to ensure optimal heat flow and prevent unnecessary safety hazards.
Installing a hardwired model is slightly more complicated but can easily be tackled by yourself, though if you are inexperienced with these kinds of projects, hiring an electrician is advised. To install a hardwired garage heater, sheathed cable is run from your circuit breaker box to a junction box that is installed where you intend to mount your warming unit.
You can also install a thermostat by running cable to the thermostat first and then from the thermostat to the junction box. Once all the wiring is done, your new warming tool will run off your home’s electric system and all that needs to be done is to mount the unit on your wall or ceiling with the help of a mounting bracket.
Gas Powered Garage Heaters
Installing a natural gas or propane garage heater involves steps that are similar to what’s required to install an electronic model, with one exception. Since these models produce fumes, a vent needs to be installed as well. When installing a gas-powered garage warming device on either the wall or ceiling, you want to select a location that is at least 3” from the ceiling and ensure that all objects are at least 3 feet away, to avoid safety concerns.
You’ll want to aim the blower of the unit at the areas of maximum heat loss and ensure that the placement allows for optimal air flow.Use a mounting bracket to install the warmer and allow for the vent outlet, gas connections, and electrical cord to be either to the right or left of the fan, depending on the model. Choose the appropriately sized gas pipe, according to the heater’s manual, to allow for proper gas pressure and make the pipe connections.
Make sure that you provide adequate support for the piping and that the connections are sealed with pipe compounds and tested for leaks prior to operation. With the gas connections in place, you simply make the electrical connections according to the manual. If you choose to, you can run sheathed electrical cable to a thermostat and then to the unit to allow for temperature control.
Once the unit and thermostat are connected to your electrical system, you want to run the venting system. Follow the unit’s instructions to connect the vent to the exhaust of the garage warming device and then connect the other end of the vent to a cut-out in either the ceiling or wall of your garage to allow for proper ventilation.
What Size Electric Garage Heater Do I Need?
Garage heaters are one of the smartest investments you can make if you plan to spend prolonged amounts of time tackling projects during the colder winter months. But while they’re capable of making your garage warm and comfortable, choosing the wrong size is like throwing money out the window. Why? Because if you buy one that is too small, the heat it throws simply won’t be enough to do the job and it will need to be replaced.
Plus, if the unit is too small, the warmer will constantly run, trying to keep up with the demands of your garage, increasing the cost of operating it. And if your garage warmer is too big, you’re overpaying for a model that is producing too much heat and wasting unnecessary energy. So how do you determine what size garage heater is perfect for your space?
While there are ranges available online, one of the most accurate methods is to perform the following calculation. With some accurate measurements, you can easily determine what sized heater is perfect for your needs. First, you need to determine the square footage of your garage. To do this, you will multiple the length of the interior by its width. So, that for a garage that measures 10 feet by 10 feet, your calculation will be 10 x 10 = 100 square feet.
Next, you will multiply the square footage of your garage by the height of the ceiling to arrive at the total cubic footage of your area. So, based on the previous example, if your ceiling is 10 feet high, your calculation will be 100 x 10 = 1,000 cubic feet. Now you will subtract the lowest winter temperature in your region from the temperature you want to maintain in the garage to determine the rise in temperature that your unit should generate.
For example, if the winter low in your region is 20 degrees Fahrenheit and you want to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees, your calculation will be 70 – 20 = 50. Next, you’ll want to determine the BTUs or British Thermal Units needed to achieve the temperature rise you want in your garage.
Before you do this, you need to consider how well your garage is insulated. To do this, you will assign a variable based on the insulation in your space. The variable you will use will be: “5” for no insulation, “1.5” for a little insulation, “1” for average insulation, and “0.5” for excellent insulation. With this in mind, you will multiply the insulation quality by the total cubic feet by the desired heat rise. You’ll then divide this number by 1.6. This will give you the BTU required.
Using the previous example, and assuming your garage has average insulation, your formula will look like this: (1 x 1,000 cubic feet x 50 heat rise) / 1.6 = 31,250 BTU. Finally, add 10% to the BTU number that you determined. This buffer will act as a safety margin, ensuring that the unit is capable of tackling unusually cold weather while not unnecessarily wasting too much energy.
So, using our example, you will simply perform these two steps: 31,250 BTU x .10 = 3,125 and then 31,250 + 3,125 =34,375 BTU. So for our given example, the perfect garage heating appliance would provide as close to 34,375 BTU per hour. By taking only 5 minutes to do some simple calculations, you can easily learn which garage warming device is perfect for your specific needs.
Purchasing the right unit for your needs will save you money by allowing you to buy the most affordable model for your space while ensuring that your operating costs are held at the lowest point possible. More importantly, you’ll be able to relax, knowing that your heater is perfectly capable of keeping your space warm and comfortable.
While this method is essential for some brands that don’t specify the heating coverage of their models, there is an option for anyone who isn’t interested in tackling math problems just to determine which size garage warming product is right for you. Many of the top brands out there have decided to make it easier for you.
While most models only used to list the BTU heating output that the unit was capable of, many of the more popular options now state the size of the area that they are capable of warming up a room. Simply measure the square footage of your garage, look on the box or research the model online, and choose a model that is capable of efficiently warming up your workspace – click here for the study.
If you are looking for a heater for your patio – you can view our guide here.
What is the Best Heater for a Garage?
If you’ve ever attempted to tackle a project or do some routine car maintenance in your garage during the winter, you know how unbearable the cold can be. But by buying the right garage warming appliance for your space, you can keep your garage warm and comfortable all year round. But before buying just any unit, you need to consider two things: which style is right for your needs and which brand makes the top models on the market.
Type of Garage Heater
There are several styles of garage heaters available allowing these units to control temperatures differently. The three styles you’ll find on the market today are convection, radiant, and forced air models. Convection garage heaters are designed with an enclosed flame or heat element that warms the air inside the unit. This warmed air then rises without the use of an internal blower. These are the most affordable units on the market and come in mounted or portable models.
While they are great for a small space and are perfect for someone on a tight budget, these models will take a long time to warm your workspace. Radiant garage heaters are designed with reflectors that redirect infrared heat – click here to read the review, making them great for spot heating, or, in the case of high-end units, warming up a large space.
These models radiate heat into the workspace without the use of a fan, so if you are a DIYer who wants to eliminate dust being blown around and ruing a project’s finish, radiant models are ideal for your needs. And since these warmers are available in various sizes and come in electric, gas, and propane-powered models, you can easily find the perfect unit for your specific needs.
Forced-air garage heaters work by blowing hot air into your workspace. These models are also available in different sizes and fuel types. Gas-powered models are the most expensive but since they are connected to your home’s gas line and are incredibly efficient, they’ll save you money in the long run. While cheaper than gas-powered units, electronic models will cost more money to operate since they’ll be using electricity to generate the heat needed to warm your space.
Portable or Mounted
Once you’ve determined the style of garage warmer that’s right for you, you need to decide if you want a portable or mounted model. Stationary and portable models each have their own specific pros and cons. But by looking at each style individually, you’ll be able to decide which style is perfect for your needs. Stationary garage heaters are attached to either the ceiling or wall of your garage. They are available in a variety of fuel, sizes, and price options and most are capable of providing incredible performance.
The drawback to these models is that they usually cost more than their portable siblings but if you spend a lot of time in your garage, you’ll enjoy the fact that these models don’t take up space on the floor and you’ll never have to worry about knocking the unit over or tripping on a power cord. Portable units are also available in electric, natural gas, and propane models and allow you to maneuver them to where you need heat the most.
Plus, if you need to use your unit somewhere else, you can just pick it up and go. There are a variety of styles out there, some are ideal for use as a spot heating tool and others are perfectly capable of warming up large rooms easily. They’re also much cheaper than gas models but, since the cost of operating them is higher, they’ll end up costing you more money in the long run.
Which Garage Heater is the Perfect Choice for You?
Once you’ve considered the choices out there, you’ll be able to decide what style of heating device, portable or stationary, and which fuel type, gas, propane, or electronic, is perfect for your needs. If you’re looking to purchase a portable heater that is very effective for small or medium-sized workspaces but costs less to operate than an electric model, the Mr. Heater F232000 is one of the top options on the market.
This durable, efficient portable garage heating product runs on propane and offers up to 9,000 BTU. And if you’d rather connect it to your home’s gas line, you can use the swivel regulator to connect the unit to your home’s natural gas line. Compact and sturdy, this lightweight model takes up less floor space and since it was designed with a number of safety features, you can count on years of safe, efficient heating.
If you’ve decided that a ceiling-mount unit is the best model for your needs, one of the smartest choices on the market is the Fahrenheit Industrial Heater. This impressive model can warm garages measuring up to 1,300 square feet and provides a thermal output of 25,600 BTU. Durable, reliable, and built with a thermostat for efficient temperature control, this is one of the most popular ceiling-mount electronic garage heaters on the market.
Electric or Propane Garage Heater?
Since different garage heaters are capable of operating with different fuel sources, you need to decide which is best for you, an electronic or gas model. To help you decide which model is best for you, let’s look at the pros and cons of each of these popular options.
Gas Models
Gas-powered garage heaters are very efficient and will heat up even large work areas very quickly, meaning that the cost to operate them regularly will be fairly affordable. Because of this, if you are going to be operating your unit daily or have a large area that you want to keep warm, they’ll save you money in the long run.
These models will require a larger upfront cost since they are more expensive than their electronic counterparts but since they run on your home’s natural gas line, they are very efficient and run on a clean source of energy. There are two styles of gas units, forced-air, and radiant garage heaters. Forced-air models use a heating element or open flame to generate heat which is then circulated throughout the area with a fan.
Radiant models use an infrared tube heater that radiates heat for even heating throughout your space. Both are very effective but radiant models are more expensive. Radiant models are ideal if you are a DIYer who does a lot of woodworking projects because, since they don’t use a fan blower, they won’t cause dust to flow throughout your workshop so you don’t have to worry about debris and dust particles ruining a finished surface before it dries.
One other consideration of gas-powered garage heaters is that, since these models emit fumes, you’ll need to install a ventilation system that allows fumes to exit your space through the wall or roof. For more information on the effects of Gas heating systems – read this Iowa State study here.
Electric Models
Electric garage heaters are popular for several reasons. One of the major benefits is that they are less expensive than their gas-powered siblings. These units are available in forced-air and radiant models as well as portable or mounted designs.
Due to their power ability and the fact that it costs more to operate an electronic model than it does a gas unit, these garage heaters are used for small and medium-sized areas. When it comes to driving heated air or radiant heat in large garages, these often aren’t the most effective option simply due to the higher operating cost.
Top Pick
During our search for the top garage heating devices of 2022, it was clear that one model was the best choice on the market today. The Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Garage Warming device is simply one of the best models you can buy. This lightweight propane-fueled garage heater receives consistently great reviews due to its performance, durability, reliability, and price. Easy to operate, it’s capable of warming up a garage measuring up to 225 square feet. Plus, operating it is easy. Simply turn the knob and push the button, allowing the Piezo igniter to make the ignition spark.
Capable of providing between 4,000 to 9,000 BTU, this garage warming device will keep you warm during the coldest winter days. With the ability to connect this garage heater’s swivel regulator to either a propane tank or a remote gas supply, it can be used for several applications. And since it only weighs 9.5 lbs and features a fold-down carry handle, it can be transported practically anywhere.
With Hi-Low heat settings, this heated garage tool lets you choose the right temperature easily. And with safety in mind, Mr. Heater has designed this garage warmer with a number of features including Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), high-heat, and tip-over safety shut-off mechanisms – click to read the study on safety. And thanks to its compact size, this impressive radiator makes a small footprint, minimizing the valuable floor space it takes up in your garage or workshop.
Premium Choice
With impressive reviews and exceptional design and performance, it’s clear that the Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Industrial Heating device is the best premium choice on the market in 2022. Capable of warming up large spaces up to 1,300 square feet, this garage warmer is one of the most popular electric-powered models available. Capable of providing up to 25,600 BTU, this garage heat device is designed to be mounted on the ceiling, reducing clutter on your garage floor.
Its built-in thermostat makes regulating the temperature easy, eliminating the need to turn it on or off. And built with a durable design and an epoxy paint finish, it’s capable of throwing heat for years while being resistant to rust and corrosion.
Priced at just over $400, the Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Garage Heater is certainly a premium choice. But if you’re looking for a heating unit that is durable, easy-to-use, and capable of making even the coldest work areas comfortable and warm, it’s one of the best models on the market today.
Great Value
Our pick for best value of 2022 is the ProFusion Ceiling-Mounted Garage Heater. This compact, lightweight model performs very well and is one of the most affordable garage heaters on the market. Capable of keeping your work area warm, this electric-powered garage heating device from ProFusion also features a 25 watt halogen lamp that is great for lighting up your work area.
The quartz heating element and halogen lamp are easily operated thanks to a pull string. And its durable metal housing allows it to withstand corrosion and rust. Plus, the fact that this model is ceiling-mounted means that it won’t take up valuable real estate on your garage floor while allowing you to install it directly over the area that you usually work in.
This ProFusion Garage Heater is better served as a spot heater simply because it won’t heat an entire garage effectively. But with a sticker price around $40, this garage warming device provides solid overhead heat-generating performance and can also illuminate your work area. It’s one of the best, and cheapest way to heat a garage in winter out there for anyone on a tight budget.