Best Garage Heater
If you live in an area that gets chilly, working in garage or shop can get pretty challenging during the winters. The can make it difficult to work on your car, or any other project in your garage. The easiest way to keep the temperature under control is to use a garage heater.
The best garage heaters can warm up the garage within minutes and make it comfortable for you to work. After extensive research, we’ve found that the best garage heater is Blumfeldt Gold Bar 1500 Infrared Heater. It gives of 5,000 BTU of heat, plugs into a standard outlet, and is fairly inexpensive. The Blumfeldt is covered under a 1-year warranty, and the heater can be controlled with a remote. It’s great for those looking to heat a small area in a garage.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best Heater for Large Garage
The Infratech WD4024SS Dual Element 4,000 Watt Electric Patio Heater is a great choice for those who are looking for a more powerful heater. These 4,000 watt heaters run on 240v connections, so you’ll need an electrician to wire them up. They don’t plug into standard outlets, but the extra power helps keep you warm all winter long.
Once these are set up they are easy to operate and can be quite inexpensive to run.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Pick: Shop Heater
Mr. Heater MH15T Single Tank Top Outdoor Propane Heater is our budget pick, as it’s quite inexpensive, and requires only a regular propane tank, like those found in gas grills. This heater runs on propane, and you need to be sure that there is adequate fresh air and room in the shop to use it.
Depending on your shop or garage environment, the fresh air issue may defeat the purpose of the heater. If you want to keep your garage door open for ventilation you can add a screen door to keep the bugs out.
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Shop Heater Buyer’s Tips
For general information on outdoor heating, see our guide to outdoor heating. Generally, there are two major sources of heat appropriate for a shop, shed, or garage: electric heat and propane heat.
Electric Heat
Electric heat is almost always infrared heat, and is a somewhat effective way of heating a space. If you want an electric heater that plugs into a standard wall outlet, the maximum amount of heat you’ll get out of it is 1,500 Watts / 5,000 BTU. This is not a huge amount of heat, but it is enough to heat the area around a person.
These heaters need to be placed within about 3′ of a person in order to provide decent heat.
Some electric heaters (such as the Infratech covered in our Reviews section) go higher than this, but these require special wiring for a 240v electrical connection. This will necessitate having an electrician install it and they will likely have to run wire from your fuse box to the installation point. That can add additional installation cost but these units do provide more heat.
Propane Heat
Propane heaters are appropriate for some garages, but not for all. If the airflow is adequate, you can use a propane heater in a garage. However, it can be extremely dangerous if the airflow is not adequate! You could always open your garage door, but of course, if you do that, you may end up overall making the space even colder.
Consequently, garage propane heaters are not for everyone, but if your space has sufficient air flow, may be an inexpensive and convenient option.
Garage Heater Reviews
Let’s have a look at our top five picks and consider the pros and cons of each. We’ll start with a comparison table to get the lay of the land, and then move on to individual reviews, before ending with our conclusions.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Infratech WD4024SS Dual Element 4,000 Watt Electric Patio Heater
Key Points at a Glance
- 240 Volt
- Needs special wiring in order to function
- 4,000 Watts
- Approximately 13,500 BTU of heat output
- 16.7 AMP
- Covered under a 1 year warranty
- Available in multiple finishes
Dimensions and Specs
- Length: 39 inches
- Width: 8 inches
- Weight: 14.25 pounds
The Details
Infratech WD4024SS Dual Element 4,000 Watt Electric Patio Heater is an expensive, high quality heater that can put out quite a bit of heat for an electric heater. This is because it is 4,000 watts/240 volts, and requires an electrician to hook up the heater.
You’ll need to figure the additional labor into the cost of this heater, which is expensive off the bat. However, once wired up, it is fairly inexpensive to run, and doesn’t require you to get fuel for it, which is always nice.
The Infratech works best when mounted at a height of eight to ten feet. It’s also quite easy to maintain.
Pros:
- Can be ordered in black, white, almond, bronze, or beige powder coat.
- Comes with a mounting kit.
- No odor or harmful emission.
- Works silently.
- Energy efficient.
Cons:
- Does not come with a remote.
- Can be a bit difficult to mount.
- Requires professional wiring in order to install
The Bottom Line
The Infratech WD 4024SS is a great heater for larger garages, as it puts out a solid 13,000 BTU of heat. However, buyers may want to consider purchasing multiple smaller 1,500 watt heaters like the Blumfeldt heaters mentioned below, as they are far cheaper per watt and as long as the circuits can handle the load, do not require special electrical wiring.
If you are looking for a single large electric heater, this is the best for large spaces.
- Up to 90% energy efficient with zero emissions and cost effective, low...
- Made from durable 304 stainless steel, components proudly made in the USA...
- All Infratech heaters are UL/CUL listed for Indoor / Outdoor use, and...
- All WD-Series heaters are compatible with Infratech’s Duplex Stack Switch...
- Expert installation required, please consult a licensed electrician
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Muskoka 1500 Watt Infrared Heater Remote Controlled Patio Heater
Key Points at a Glance
- Infrared heat source
- Weather-proof and IP65 listed
- Watts: 1500
- 5,000 BTU heat output
- Can be controlled manually or with a remote
- 120 Volt
- 12.5 Amp
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 9 pounds
The Details
This electric infrared heater from Muskoka can be used indoors or outdoors and is generally marketed for patios and outdoor use. That said, it can be used in a garage, outdoor shed, or pretty much any other location. Marketed specifically for patios, this heater is perfect for garages as well.
It works without any noise and will not cause you any disturbance. There are three heat output settings, though most everyone will want to leave it on Off or High, in the end.
It’s quite easy to mount and should be kept at a height of eight to ten feet. However, it may be a bit difficult to clean.
Pros
- The heater works within seconds.
- It can be controlled with a remote and offers three settings.
- Is very lightweight.
- Supplies 1,500 watts of heat / 5,000 BTU
- Doesn’t cause health risks and works in all weather conditions.
- Comes with all mounting brackets needed.
Cons:
- Cannot be mounted vertically.
- Customer support is not very good.
The Bottom Line
This Muskoka heater is a decent choice for an electric heater and will work well in most environments. With no special wiring required, it’s easy to set up and use, and the remote is convenient. That said, the Blumfeldt below is generally more attractive, and is likely a better choice for most.
- Indoor/outdoor infrared heat source produces no harmful UV rays
- Perfect for patios, decks, hot tub & BBQ areas, garages, warehouses and...
- Weather proof IP65 rating. Read about IP65 before any purchase of any IR...
- Silent operation and full heat output within seconds.
- Comes with the adjustable wall mount brackets, 1 remote control, on off...
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Muskoka 1500 Watt Adjustable Infrared Heater
Key Points at a Glance
- Infrared heat source
- Weather-proof and IP65 listed
- Watts: 1500
- BTUs: 5,000
- Can be controlled manually or with a remote
- Adjustable brackets allow it to be adjusted up and down, and side to side
- 120 Volt
- 12.5 Amp
Dimensions
- Weight: 9 pounds
The Details
If you’re looking for a product that’s perfect for a small garage then Muskoka 1500 Watt heater can be a good choice. It’s quite similar to our pick #2 but offers a little more ease when it comes to adjustability. The output is the same, and the 5,000 BTU power is about as good as you can get in a standard plug-in heater.
Make sure to mount it at least eight feet above the ground so that there’s no risk from the rays and the heat is evenly distributed.
Pros
- The heater works within seconds.
- It can be controlled with a remote and offers three settings.
- Is very lightweight.
- Doesn’t cause health risks and works in all weather conditions.
- Comes with an adjustable wall mount that is very easy to install.
Cons:
- Only suitable for a small room.
- Customer support is not very good.
- Heat output isn’t great.
The Bottom Line
If you want an adjustable wall mount then Muskoka 1500 Watt Infrared heater can be a good pick.
However, it’s only suitable for small garages, and will only offer so much heat.
- Indoor/outdoor infrared heat source produces no harmful UV rays With remote...
- Perfect for patios, decks, hot tub & BBQ areas, Horse stables, Barns and so...
- Weather/ Dust proof IP65 rating with CETL/ UL certifications. Read about...
- Silent operation and full heat output within seconds. Low glare light...
- Comes with the adjustable wall mount brackets, 1 remote control, on off...
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Blumfeldt Gold Bar 1500 Infrared Heater
Key Points at a Glance
- Infrared heat source
- Attractive German design
- Weather-proof and IP65 listed
- Watts: 1500
- BTU: 5,000
- Can be controlled manually or with a remote
- 120 Volt
- Aluminum reflector for proper heat dissipation
- Coated to minimize glare
Dimensions
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
The Details
If you’re looking for a high-quality electric heater with superior visual design, the Blumfeldt Gold Bar 1500 is the garage heater for you. This heater provides the same output as the other standard plugin electric heaters (5,000 BTU or 1,500 watts), but works quite well, and is super stylish.
Like the others at this heat output, the Blumfeldt is not a monster when it comes to heating, but will supply decent heat to those in the vicinity of the heater, and requires no special installation, no need for an electrician, etc.
The Blumfeldt won our choice as the best wall mounted electric patio heater. It is ideal for garages and shops, and is quite reasonably priced, given its heat output. You could pick up several of these heaters for the price of one of the Infratech, and get much higher heat output.
That said, you’ll need multiple circuits if you plan to run multiples of these heaters, as they still draw quite a bit of power.
Pros:
- High-quality build-out
- Comes with a guide for easy installation.
- Comes with a mount.
- The remote control offers perfect settings for different weather conditions.
- Looks very good.
Cons:
- Can be a little complicated to install.
- Heat range is very low.
- The cord is very short, and should not be plugged into an extension cord.
The Bottom Line
Blumfeldt Gold Bar 1500 Infrared Heater can be a good choice for people looking for an affordable product.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Mr. Heater MH15T Single Tank Top Outdoor Propane Heater
Key Points at a Glance
- Portable heat
- 1-year warranty
- Radiant heating
- Safety shut-off feature
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 3 pounds
The Details
If you want a durable heater then bring home Mr. Heater MH15T. It’s a very simple garage heater and essentially mounts to the top of a standard propane tank. This mini heater provides a very solid 15,000 BTU of heat, at a low cost. This is great, however as this unit burns propane, it must be used cautiously in some garage and shop environments.
You need to ensure adequate air flow with this unit, as it is burning gas. If your space has appropriate ventilation and enough air flow, or if you leave the garage door partially open, you should be able to use this heater in a garage space.
But ensuring proper fresh air is critical.
Some may find that providing enough fresh air for their Mr. Heater results in so much fresh, cold air flowing in that it defeats the purpose of the heater.
Regardless, it is quite portable and requires no electric wiring. It is the ideal choice for those who don’t have wiring in their shed or garage. Or, if you want to take it camping or just to the patio, it can easily go virtually anywhere!
Pros:
- Reasonably high BTU output at 15,000 BTU
- No need for electrical connections or wiring
- Great portable option
- Highly durable and reliable.
- Customer service is great.
- Covered under a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Air quality and ventilation are very important
- May not be appropriate for some garages and shop enclosures
- Can be complicated to install
The Bottom Line
The only heater on the list using propane technology, the Mr. Heater MH15T is a great option for those whose garages and shop environments have appropriate ventilation. It is inexpensive and convenient. For this reason it is our budget option.
However, be sure to only use it in environments with appropriate ventilation.
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Conclusion: Best Shed Heater
While all the options on the list are quite good, the right one largely depends on your personal needs and budget.
If you’re looking for general shop heating and don’t want to do any special wiring, the Blumfeldt gold bar heater is the best choice. It balances quality and price, and provides 5,000 BTU of heat, which is decent for those within about 3′ of the heater.
If you have a large garage and want electric heat, you’ll be best sticking with the Infratech WD24024 heater, and its 13,500 BTU of heat. As it’s 240v, you’ll need special wiring and likely the help of an electrician.
And lastly, if you have a garage or shop space that has appropriate ventilation to handle a propane heater, then the Mr. Heater MH15T is a great budget choice. Providing 15,000 BTU of heat, this heater is easily portable and fairly portable for a small heater. Just be sure you have appropriate ventilation and clearance, as it can be dangerous.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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