For any car enthusiast or DIYer, the garage is more than just a place to park vehicles; it’s a workshop, a hobby space, and sometimes, even a home gym. But during the colder months, an unheated garage can become an uncomfortable and even unusable space. That’s where the Best Garage Heaters come in, transforming your chilly workspace into a cozy and productive environment.
Just like space heaters for your home, garage heaters are designed to warm up your workspace, but they are built to handle larger, often less insulated areas. Choosing the right garage heater depends on several factors, including the size of your garage, your local climate, and how you intend to use the space.
To help you find the perfect heating solution, we’ve tested a range of gas and electric garage heaters in real-world conditions. We evaluated each heater on setup, performance, and features to bring you our top recommendations for the best garage heaters available today. We also consulted with experts like Traci Fournier, Vice President of Operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, to provide deeper insights into selecting the ideal heater for your needs.
Our Top Picks for the Best Garage Heaters
After rigorous testing, we’ve identified the top garage heaters across different categories. Whether you’re looking for мощный heat output, portability, or energy efficiency, our list has something for everyone.
Best Overall Garage Heater: Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater
Why We Chose It: The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater stands out as the best overall garage heater due to its versatility and effective heating. It offers a wide range of heat output, from 4,000 to 18,000 Btu across three settings, making it suitable for various garage sizes and heating needs.
Pros:
- Adjustable heat settings for customized comfort.
- Heats spaces up to 450 square feet effectively.
- Portable and lightweight for easy movement.
- Simple setup and user-friendly instructions.
Cons:
- Propane hose not included, requiring a separate purchase.
- Heat primarily radiates upwards, potentially leaving lower areas cooler.
- Cord length could be longer for greater placement flexibility.
The Mr. Heater Big Buddy impressed us with its ability to evenly heat a garage space. We could feel the warmth up to 15 feet away, a significant improvement over standard 110-volt infrared heaters. Setup was straightforward, thanks to clear instructions. Although a propane hose isn’t included, this minor inconvenience is overshadowed by its performance and portability. While the upward heat radiation and cord length could be improved, the Big Buddy’s overall heating power and ease of use make it our top pick for the best garage heater.
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Best Propane Garage Heater: Mr. Heater Portable Propane Forced Air Heater
Why We Chose It: For those needing powerful and rapid heating, the Mr. Heater Portable Propane Forced Air Heater is the best propane garage heater. Its impressive 60,000 Btu output can quickly transform even the coldest garages into comfortable workspaces.
Pros:
- Extremely powerful, heating up to 1,500 square feet.
- Rapid heating, noticeable warmth in minutes.
- Long runtime of up to 12 hours on a 20-pound propane tank.
- Portable with easy-to-use controls and carrying handle.
Cons:
- No built-in thermostat for temperature regulation.
- Can be quite loud during operation.
- May not be the most energy-efficient due to lack of thermostat.
In our tests, this heater made a 34°F garage noticeably warmer in just five minutes, especially in the direction of the heat flow. Its sheer power makes it ideal for larger garages or workshops. The portability and long runtime are also significant advantages. The lack of a thermostat means it runs at full power continuously, which isn’t ideal for energy conservation, and the noise level is considerable. However, if your priority is raw heating power and speed, especially in large spaces, this is the best propane garage heater for you.
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Best Garage Heater for Large Spaces: Briza Infrared Electric Heater
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Why We Chose It: For expansive garages, the Briza Infrared Electric Heater is the best garage heater for large garages. Its infrared technology efficiently heats objects and people directly, making it ideal for large, less insulated spaces where heating the air is inefficient.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient infrared heating, especially for large garages.
- Three heat levels (900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts) for adjustable warmth.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use with IP55 weather protection rating.
- Silent operation with no fan.
- Versatile installation options: ceiling, wall, or tripod stand.
Cons:
- No precise temperature control settings.
- Heat is directional and most effective within 10 feet.
- Horizontal mounting only may limit placement in some garages.
We were impressed by the Briza’s ability to produce noticeable warmth in a three-car garage within minutes. The infrared heating is particularly effective in large spaces, focusing heat where it’s needed rather than heating the entire volume of air. Safety features like tip-over shut-off and weather resistance add to its appeal. While it lacks precise temperature control and has directional heating, its energy efficiency and silent operation make it an excellent choice as the best garage heater for large garages.
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Best Ceiling Mounted Garage Heater: Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Heater
Why We Chose It: Maximize space and evenly distribute heat with the Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Heater, our pick for the best ceiling mounted garage heater. Mounting overhead keeps the heater out of the way and allows for better heat circulation throughout the garage.
Pros:
- Space-saving ceiling mount design.
- Even heat distribution from overhead placement.
- Remote control with a programmable 12-hour timer.
- Durable heavy-gauge steel construction.
- Available in multiple wattages (5,000, 7,500, and 10,000 watts).
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost, including professional installation.
- Requires hardwiring, necessitating electrician services.
While pricier than other options, the Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Heater’s benefits justify the investment, especially for maximizing garage space. Its ceiling placement ensures heat spreads evenly, eliminating cold spots. The remote control and timer add convenience, and the robust construction promises longevity. Installation requires professional hardwiring, adding to the cost, but the space-saving design and efficient heating make it the best ceiling mounted garage heater.
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Best Hybrid Garage Heater: Dewalt Hybrid Portable Heater
Why We Chose It: Offering versatility in power sources, the Dewalt Hybrid Portable Heater is the best hybrid garage heater. It can run on propane, electricity, or battery backup, making it exceptionally adaptable for various situations, including power outages or remote locations.
Pros:
- Hybrid power options: propane, corded electric, and battery.
- High heat output of 68,000 Btu, suitable for large garages.
- Wide base and safety shut-off for enhanced safety.
- Durable and portable design with a handle.
Cons:
- Requires good ventilation due to propane use.
- Can be very loud at maximum setting.
- Temperature control is less precise with nozzle adjustment.
The Dewalt Hybrid heater impressed us with its user-friendliness and safety features, including a wide, stable base and a flame-out safety switch. The hybrid power capability is a standout feature, offering flexibility in usage. Its powerful 68,000 Btu output quickly heated a three-car garage, even on a cold day. However, its propane operation necessitates good ventilation, and the noise level at high settings is significant. Despite these drawbacks, its hybrid functionality and robust heating power make it the best hybrid garage heater.
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Best Electric Garage Heater: Heat Storm Wifi Infrared Heater
Why We Chose It: For convenient and smart heating, the Heat Storm Wifi Infrared Heater is the best electric garage heater. Its smart features, safety, and efficient infrared heating make it a top choice for those preferring electric power.
Pros:
- Smart features with Alexa and Google Home compatibility.
- Programmable thermostat and remote control for easy temperature management.
- Safe to touch during operation with overheat protection.
- Energy-saving mode and efficient infrared heating.
- Can be wall-mounted or used as a portable heater.
Cons:
- Limited color options.
- Lower heat output compared to propane heaters, best for smaller garages or well-insulated spaces.
The Heat Storm Wifi Infrared Heater excels in convenience and safety. Its smart features allow for heating schedules and voice control, while safety features ensure peace of mind. It efficiently warmed our test garage in just 10 minutes and remained cool to the touch during operation. The option for wall mounting or portable use adds to its versatility. While color choices are limited and its heating power is less than propane options, its smart features and efficiency solidify its position as the best electric garage heater.
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Key Considerations When Choosing the Best Garage Heater
Selecting the best garage heater involves understanding different types, sizes, power sources, and installation requirements. Here’s what you need to know before you buy:
Types of Garage Heaters
Garage heaters primarily come in two main types: gas and electric.
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Electric Garage Heaters: These are generally easier to install, requiring only plugging into an electrical outlet. Infrared electric heaters are a more energy-efficient subtype, heating objects directly rather than the air.
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Gas Garage Heaters: Often more cost-effective to run, gas heaters can be natural gas (requiring a gas line installation) or portable models running on propane, kerosene, or diesel. Proper ventilation is crucial with gas heaters to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Sizing Your Garage Heater
To determine the right size heater, consider garage dimensions. A general rule is to estimate 10 watts of heating power per square foot of garage space. For example, a 20×24 foot garage (480 square feet) would need approximately 4,800 watts.
Power Source and Installation
Garage heaters are powered by either gas or electricity. Gas heaters can be cheaper to operate but may require gas line installation and necessitate good ventilation. Electric heaters range from simple plug-in models to those requiring hardwiring and professional installation, especially for ceiling or wall-mounted units. Professional installation ensures safety and optimal performance, minimizing risks associated with DIY setups.
Other Garage Heaters We Tested
While the above heaters topped our lists, we also tested other models that are worth considering:
Heat Hog 18,000 BTU Indoor/Outdoor Portable Propane Heater
The Heat Hog Portable Propane Heater, with 18,000 Btu, is tiltable for directional heating and suitable for smaller garages up to 450 square feet. Its compact size and quick propane consumption might make it better suited for outdoor use like camping or tailgating rather than as a primary garage heater.
Remington REM-80T-KFA-O Kerosene/Diesel Forced Air Heater with Thermostat
The Remington REM-80T-KFA-O is a powerful kerosene/diesel heater with an 80,000 Btu output, capable of rapidly heating large garages. In our 4°F weather test, it significantly warmed a garage in just 15 minutes. However, its fuel-based operation necessitates excellent ventilation to manage fumes, and it may not be ideal for users unfamiliar with fuel-powered heaters, despite its rapid heating capabilities.
Our Garage Heater Testing Methodology
We rigorously tested garage heaters across various types, including portable, infrared electric, and gas-powered models. Portable models were tested for ease of movement, while hardwired models were professionally installed. Our testing process involved:
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Setup and Baseline Measurement: Heaters were set up in a garage with ventilation, and a thermostat was placed 10 feet away to record baseline temperature for an hour before testing.
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Performance Evaluation: For the first three uses, we recorded temperatures before heating, after 15 minutes, and after each daily session. We also noted external weather conditions and garage contents (number of vehicles).
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Safety and Features Assessment: We evaluated safety features like timers, tip-over shut-off, surface temperature, and overheat protection, along with additional features like thermostats, timers, and eco-modes.
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Usability and Practicality: Factors like noise level, ease of operation, and portability were assessed. For electric models, energy consumption was also monitored.
This comprehensive testing process ensured that our recommendations for the best garage heaters are based on thorough, real-world performance evaluations.
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Your Garage Heater Questions Answered
What is the most energy-efficient type of heater for a garage?
Gas heaters are often considered more energy-efficient in terms of fuel cost. However, modern electric heaters, especially infrared models and those with energy-saving features like programmable thermostats and eco-modes, can also be efficient, particularly for targeted heating or smaller spaces.
How many Btu are needed to heat a two-car garage?
A typical two-car garage, around 500 to 700 square feet, generally requires about 45,000 Btu for effective heating. Larger spaces will need proportionally higher Btu ratings.
What is the average cost to install a garage heater?
Installation costs vary based on heater type, size, fuel source, and efficiency. Portable heaters are the most budget-friendly upfront, while larger, hardwired models, especially gas heaters requiring line installation, will be more expensive due to professional installation fees.
About Our Expert
Nor’Adila Hepburn, a seasoned writer specializing in in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens, conducted this garage heater testing. Her recommendations are supported by lab insights and expert consultation with Traci Fournier, Vice President of Operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, ensuring you receive expert-backed advice for choosing the best garage heater for your needs.
Find the best garage heater for your workshop and enjoy a warm, comfortable workspace throughout the coldest months!
