Best Overall
Comfort Zone Ceiling-Mounted Industrial Heater
Best Bang for the Buck
Lasko Digital Ceramic Space Heater With Remote
Best for Ceilings
Fahrenheat FUH Electric Garage Heater
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For DIYers and hobbyists , a garage can often be projection central . It can be the position to store tools and to work on a variety of projects — even when temperatures are low .
Fortunately , a garage heater can banish the shiver when it ’s cold out . pick out the best bullet for a garage depends on several factors , include the size of the garage , the preferred character of fuel , the grandness of portability , and of the essence safety features .
Keep reading to memorise more about some of the estimable service department hummer , as well as what we experienced during hands - on testing with our favorite Cartesian product .
How We Tested the Best Garage Heaters
We put these garage heater through their paces , considering installation , output , and ( to a stage ) safety features . First , we bump off each unit from the box and prepare it up harmonize to the maker ’s instructions . Many did n’t call for any apparatus , while others required attach branch , hanging bracket , and install wiring . We took note of each , proportional to the case of heater , as we expected gas and 220 - V heaters to be a petty more knotty .
Then , the smoke were essay for end product . We turned each heater on inside the garage , taking annotation of how long it took to reach the want temperature . At this point , we evaluated the additional features , such as humidifiers , thermoregulator , and timer .
Finally , we checked each smoke ’s safety feature , such as coolheaded - ghost surfaces and tip - over shutoffs . Replicating the low - oxygen cutoff would ’ve been dangerous , so we took the manufacturer ’s tidings for it .
Our Top Picks
The lineup below include some splendid heaters that we hand tested in real - life situations . They proved to be top - nick in their heating method for heat output , safety , and overall quality . Organized by category , this list can help folks find oneself the best service department warmer to stay warm while operate .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our blade ’s highest level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the family and DIY products that impressed us most in our real - world examination and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand , let in craftsmanship , innovation , and value for the buck . Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review squad and are personally approve by Bob Vila .
The Comfort Zone electrical service department heater is a semipermanent option that mount on a cap or a wall . It can be hardwired into the nursing home electric system , or equip it with a fireplug - in cord for a 30 - A outlet . The heater ’s long-wearing steel trunk is immune to impact impairment , and a twofold - knob thermostat at the cornerstone makes it easy to control the temperature in the garage .
This 5,000 - W strained - line electric hummer has adjustable louver and a variable - angle mount wall bracket to direct airflow wherever necessary . A built - in sensing element in this garage heater ensures that the unit wo n’t overheat . If the temperature gets too high , the gadget switch off immediately to prevent internal or external hurt . It proved to put out great deal of heat .
While the Comfort Zone is a quality garage heater , set up it up was a scrap of a motley bag . It did n’t hail with the 240 - volt pigtail or box seat entranceway ( the overseas telegram clamp that secure the wire to the box ) , so these must be separate purchases . Otherwise , it was very easy to set up . Another plus : remove the grill is simple , making future cleaning a duck soup .
Photo: Tom Scalisi Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the Comfort Zone garage heater atAmazon .
The Lasko ceramic space heater is well suited for the garage — or any indoor location where a bit of supererogatory lovingness would be welcome . Just plunk it up by the built - in handle and find a suitable localization with an approachable power outlet . The heater can be adjusted via the mastery gore on the top of the unit or with the included remote control .
Once the warmer is turned on , users can opt to set up an automatic timer that will call on it off when it reaches the scheduled prison term , or let it run nonstop until it is switched off manually . The 1,500 - watt heater boasts several additional feature film , let in oscillation , overheating protection , and a cool - touch exterior so that users can maneuver the unit while it is in employment without getting burned .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
During testing , the Lasko proved to be a surprisingly powerful ( and very quiet ) fastball . While it was n’t able to fire up the whole garage , it did make a significant difference in the immediate field . We also liked that it has a remote dominance for adjusting the temperature and trade through modes . The cycle style is especially nice for diffuse a bit of heating system over a turgid area , like a bench or a shop floor . The only complaint is that this middling marvelous fastball does n’t have any tip - over protection . We left it confront down on the garage trading floor for over a minute , and it just continued to heat .
Get the Lasko service department heater atAmazon .
Midrange electric garage heaters like this are a good selection for those who prefer a roof - mounted hummer . This ball of fire has a ramp up - in overheating signal detection system that will keep out down if the temperature gets perilously mellow .
Photo: Amazon
Control the passion yield with the elementary analog dial at the pedestal of the unit and airt the flow of warmheartedness with the adjustable mounting bracket and louvers . This 5,000 - watt fastball comes with a make - in thermoregulator and a thermal condom shutoff . However , the building block does not include a power cord , so it must be direct cable to a dedicated 240 - V release with a 30 - amp breaker .
During testing , the Fahrenheat FUH electrical heater proved to be a solid choice in a compact design . The hanging bracket was easy to set up , and adapt the angle of the heater was as simple as relax the two mounting nuts and pose the building block . Also , this model ’s pall aim the high temperature downwards , warm the space below it . But its lack of a 240 - volt wire or cable clinch imply shoppers will have to make separate purchases
Get the Fahrenheat service department heater atAmazon , Northern Tool + Equipment , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Infrared
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 Portable Industrial Heater
If infrared or buff - storm heating system is more likeable than convection heat , then this Dr. Infrared garage heater is a corking choice . It has a dual heating system of rules that incorporates a beamy infrared heating element , which can chop-chop warm up up physical target , like people and tool , and it has a fan - force heating plant system to warm up up the zephyr in the garage .
The heater necessitate a 208 - V or 240 - volt connexion to work properly , appropriate it to run at up to 5,600 watts . Once the garage heater is set up in a good location away from flammable material , the temperature dial can be set between 37 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit , and it will mechanically maintain this temperature as long as the fastball switch is on “ automobile . ” The smoke will run continuously with the permutation place to “ on . ”
If ample heat is the primary finish from a succinct bullet , the Dr. Infrared Heater can redeem . Although this is an industrial - grade heater , there is n’t much frame-up or installation to do : Just absent it from the boxful . However , this unit does run on 240 - volt electricity and use a NEMA # 6 - 30P plug , which many users may not have on hired hand ( we did n’t ) ; budget some additional John Cash for the way out and an electrician , if needed .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 garage fastball atAmazonorTarget .
Best for Barns
Mr. Heater MH200CVX Propane Convection Heater
When it comes to heat large barns and garages , Mr. Heater ’s propane convection heater might be the top pick . This large , barrel - style heater raise between 75,000 and 200,000 BTUs , meaning it can heat up up to 5,000 square feet of garage blank . And since the hummer works on convection , it will pop a cycle that helps warm the space evenly .
This Mr. Heater example have a collapsible upper subdivision that slides down over the lower subdivision when not in function . This micturate it easy to store . It also has a thermoelectric safety valve to shut the unit off if the flaming goes out .
If there ’s one thing our test revealed , it ’s that this heater is built for broad open spaces ( within a barn or service department , of course ) . Even at its gloomy scope , it bring on 75,000 BTUs , filling the space quickly with passion . We felt our small test service department hot up up within a few minutes , and it conjure up the temperature 15 degree Fahrenheit in 20 minutes . However , it ’s likely too much heater for a small garage , but the fact that it does n’t require electricity mean it can be used to keep horse b , building internet site , and other similar off - storage-battery grid construction warm .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Mr. Heater garage warmer atThe Home Depot(2 - pack ) .
Best Commercial-Grade
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 240-Volt Commercial Heater
The Dr. Infrared 240 - volt commercial warmer might be a great alternative for those in the market for a high - caliber warmer with ample output signal . This model features two modes : 3,000 Isaac Watts and 6,000 watts . It has an adjustable thermostat built into the hummer , but it also comes with an additional thermostat to instal on the paries for better mastery of the temperature . It is a lineal - wire diligence , meaning that instead of a cord to plug in , the installer hardwires it into a 240 - V circuit .
We ’ve try out a few of these wall- and cap - mount heater , and this Dr. Infrared hardwired shop heater is one of the nicest . The pattern is politic and likeable , rather than too boxy like most other models . The oversize plastic knob make it easy to mesh the heater in lieu once users find the idealistic angle . This realise a openhanded conflict , as these knobs were easier to apply than small hardware typically discover on other standardized heaters . If the unit is to be cap mount , its louvers are adjustable to mastermind air flow down or away from the work area .
Although the build - in thermoregulator does n’t indicate temperature value that drug user can fructify precisely , once they get an idea of how much warmth they need in their service department , they ’ll know where to do it . The heavy concern with this example is that most folks will have to hire an lineman to run 240 - V service to the heater so it can run in the legal age of service department . Also , the product description make it sound like it comes with a separate wall thermostat , but our test model did not .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 garage heater atAmazon , The Home Depot , orDr . Heater .
Best Indoor/Outdoor
Briza Infrared Carbon Indoor/Outdoor Heater
Anyone attend for a pliable service department heater that they can also apply outdoors to keep the chill at bay will desire to consider the Briza infrared electric indoor / outdoor fastball . This infrared hummer is weatherproof , allow for it to withstand rain , snow , George Sand , and debris . It also has three output options .
The Briza boasts pliable mounting pick . It fare with hardware to attach it to a wall or roof and also includes a portable telescoping tripod so that it can stand alone and be adjusted for height wherever it is placed . It has a remote control so users can adjust the temperature or mark a timekeeper without birth to contact up to the unit ( the timekeeper is only available through the remote control , in fact ) .
In examination , we were impressed by the amount of heat the Briza give rise while also being incredibly hushed . It amaze so warm on the eminent setting that we could barely stand in front of it , yet it breathe a hardly audible hum . We also found infrared heating plant more comfortable than ingest a fan blowing hot melody at us . Though at first we were a little doubting of the tripod , it proved to be very sturdy and telescoped to the gross height . Our only complaint is that while there are three scope , this heater does n’t have a thermostat to twist it on and off when the room meets the desire temperature .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Briza service department warmer atAmazon , Walmart , orBriza Comfort .
Best for Plumbed Garages
Bio Green 110-Volt Palma Greenhouse Fan Heater
Cold breeze can spell out disaster for garage with water or sewer job , but the Bio Green Palma buff heater allow folks avoid this job . This heater can maintain temperatures around 48 degrees Fahrenheit — considerably lower than most space heaters . This reserve the impel - melody unit to run less often while still preventing frozen pipes . It features a 5,118 BTU 1,500 - watt output and a digital thermostat for easy temperature setting .
During our mental test , we realise that the Palma heater ’s note value lie in its power to maintain very down in the mouth temperature without allowing freeze — it ’s not intended to give a service department Florida Keys - point warmth . And we found that it does this line of work quietly and very well . It ’s well built , with a tough stainless housing , and it ’s dab - validation to forestall damage from a bit of water . It does n’t have a tip - over safety electric switch , but give its compact , stout sizing , it would be hard to knock it over by stroke . Our only ailment about the Bio Green was the off - gassing sense of smell it produced when it was first turn on .
Get the Bio Green garage heater atAmazonorGardener ’s Supply .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Cordless Ignition
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Forced-Air Propane Heater
Dewalt ’s 20V MAX cordless drive - air propane fastball allows users to take electric - outset convenience on the road . This theoretical account uses any of the sword ’s 20 - volt MAX battery to start the ignition unconscious process in the heater , mechanically elicit up while the user holds down the fuel valve button . Once lit , just hold down the button for another 10 second base ( the directions say 30 , but that was n’t necessary ) , and the unit is ready to go .
This heater can come out on corded power or cordless for added public convenience . It has a maximum output of 68,000 BTUs and a minimal output of 27,000 BTUs . It also has a turgid pliant floor for symmetry and constancy without added weight . There is a gamey - temp limit replacement that exclude off the whole for safety .
We really enjoyed this heater from DeWalt . First , it provides a lot of heat output for a smaller forced - air smoke . It was able-bodied to make our small service department more comfortable within 20 bit , though we still had to trade with some cold spots . We also wish that the fundament was very stable despite being made from plastic . It is quite loud , as most forced - air service department heaters are , and it does n’t come with a manual light , so users are out of luck if the battery break down off the power grid .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the DeWalt service department bullet atAmazon .
Also Consider
Flame King Portable Propane Forced-Air Heater
Flame King ’s portable propane forced - air heater is another small garage heater that ’s deserving considering . This belittled poser features an turnout scope between 30,000 and 60,000 BTU , let it to heat average - sizing service department . It features a fireplug - in electronic lighting and an adjustable output dial to help users achieve the sodding temperature in their garages .
This model from Flame King has ton of safety gadget feature of speech . It has a low - oxygen fuel shutoff that activates when there is n’t any flame as well as a fire detections system and a tip - over permutation .
The Flame King portable propane forced - airwave heater did quite well during our mental testing . It was promiscuous to fix up and apply and grow lot of passion for our low test garage . Temperatures started to feel comfortable after around 25 mo of runtime . We also liked that this model is lightweight and extremely portable , though it is loud just like the other forced - air propane warmer in the test . Another point to consider is that the Flame King is relatively good on fuel , stretching a 20 - Syrian pound army tank to 8 time of day while most fastball in the reach take just 7 hours to empty a bottle .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Flame King service department heater atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Heater
Before prefer the best heater for the service department , take a few minute to find out about some of the most important shopping considerations , include heating plant method acting , fuel root , and heat end product . There are also criticalsafety featuresthat can help keep substance abuser safe while enjoying a service department heater .
Stationary vs. Portable Garage Heaters
DIYers will need to regulate what ’s most valuable in their service department : freed - up space on the counter or the floor , or the ability to turn at a few dissimilar workstations . Knowing this should help when deciding whether to purchase a stationary or a portable service department bullet .
officious DIYers may appreciate being free of the trip fortune that electric cords on the floor can make . Stationary garage heater most often attach to the ceiling , but there also are alternative that mount to a rampart .
There are a wide variety of energy options , sizes , and toll that set out from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars . The downside to get on heaters is that theytypically costmore than their portable counterparts because they ’re closer to commercial calibre .
Photo: amazon.com
No matter the type of heating system or fuel used , portable heaters focus warmheartedness where it ’s needed the most . Likespace heaterson steroid , forced - strain options boast large horizontal subway that domiciliate the heating chemical element and a potent fan that delivers flack of hot aura .
While portable electric units often be less , they can be less powerful than their multifuel counterparts . Alternatively , portable unit can distribute warmth through beaming warmth and convection .
Heating Method
Not all garage heaters operate the temperature in the same elbow room . There are three primary heating options : forced aura , convection , and radiant .
Fuel Source
Consumers have a wide kitchen stove of energy options from which to choose when shopping for a garage heater . While heaters are most commonly fueled by electricity , propane , or natural accelerator , there are also those that scarper on diesel and kerosene .
Since electric garage heaters pull a lot of power , these usually postulate a designated electric circuit on its own breakers . An electrician can tell if existing garage wiring is adequate to melt an electrical heater or if a new circuit should be installed .
If there is already instinctive gas service to a home , there is an selection to install anatural gas heater . Propane - power warmer can be installed on a home ’s propane crease , or individual tanks of propane to fuel smaller hummer can be purchase .
Heat Output
The good garage heater for a blank can produce enough heat to be comfortable , without bump the budget . Heat output for accelerator pedal - powered heaters is measured in BTUs . Gas service department heaters typically range from 12,000 to 30,000 B.Th.U. or more .
When trying to limit the heat outturn of an electrical hummer , a oecumenical guideline is to provide 10 W of output for approximately every square foot of space . For object lesson , a 100 - square - foot room will require a smoke with 1,000 - James Watt output for adequate comfortable warmth .
Most heaters advertise the maximum hearty footage the unit can adequately heat with a standard 8 - foot ceiling . If a garage has a higher ceiling , take that into retainer and find fault a size of it up . Insulation will also feign the warmth factor in a service department . Even a gamy - content heater can not prevent icy drafts from entering through badly insulate doorway and windows .
Safety
base hit must be a primary consideration when settle on the best garage heater . To help keep the quad dependable and comfortable , producer have added several features , including coolheaded - touch exterior , overheating auspices , and robotic exclude - off system .
Additional Features
Various different features may add to the convenience and efficiency of a service department hummer . These include programmable thermostats , oscillation , and remote controls .
Installation
Portable garage heaters only need to be positioned and leave with fuel or electrical energy to serve . Wall- and roof - mounted garage heater typically make out with the ironware postulate to instal the heater , but some Cartesian product do n’t have rise brackets . Also , for hard - wire induction ( these heaters do n’t have plugs ) , it may be necessary to charter an electrician .
Mount a heater in the dusty corner of the service department , ensuring that roof - mounted theoretical account are at least 24 inches from the walls to dilute flack risk . Direct the bullet toward the middle of the garage and follow the manufacturer ’s steps to ensure that the smoke is installed harmonize to its stipulation .
FAQs
Even after becoming conversant with the in effect garage heaters , there may still be some lingering questions about the type , efficiency , and appropriate size of it . Below are answer to some of the most ordinarily asked question about garage heaters to leave additional info .
The best type of bullet for the service department depends on your needs . heavy garage benefit from a natural gas or propane fastball because of the high heating capacity , allowing the heater to adequately warm the space . However , an electric service department hummer is a dependable alternative and the heating capacity is suitable for littler garages .
depend on where you live , the answer to this inquiry can depart . region with mild wintertime will by nature need less heat product to warm up a space than locations with harsh , freezing wintertime . However , an electric service department heater with 3,000 watt is unremarkably needed to heat a 2 - car service department . The best gas service department heater for a 2 - car service department typically has a rating of about 18,000 British thermal unit to adequately heat the outer space .
Efficiency can be unmanageable to determine because an galvanizing infrared heater technically has 100 pct efficiency , but it may actually be more to engage than the best natural gas service department heater . This is due to the cost of electricity over natural gas or even propane . If you are looking for a heater that uses almost every W of energy for warming , then an infrared heater can be the best selection .
Yes , a garage warmer can be too big . If it is too big , the supernumerary warmth grow quickly makes the service department feel uncomfortable , forcing you to unfold the room access to unloosen some heat . If you have a smaller garage , take using a portable heater to keep the space affectionate .
It bet on the size of the garage . Typically , a good general guideline for electric heaters is that they leave 10 watts of output for every square foot of space . This means that as long as the garage is 150 square foot or smaller , a 1,500 - watt warmer is more than adequate .
Portable garage smoke can be placed anywhere . Fixed or mount up garage heaters should be establish in the dusty corner of the service department , aim the passion and airflow toward the center of the space . ensure that smoke are set up at least 24 inches forth from the walls , and always check the manufacturer ’s charge so you install and utilize the unit properly .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and construction author for many of the big websites in the industry , including Bob Vila , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own pest control web log . His uninsulated service department makes winter projects ruffianly in the Northeast , so he experience a affair or two about hold open fond out in the store .
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