Winter can be stressful if you don’t have a good heater to keep your garage warm. A frozen car can ruin a good day during the winter. But with a garage heater, you can comfortably maintain and keep your car functional the whole winter season. It will prevent your engines from hamming and anti-freeze from freezing. Moreover, you need to keep warm whenever you are working in the garage. Hence, this buying guide and review of best garage heaters will assist you in picking the best heater to keep both you and your car warm during those cold days and nights.
Best Garage Heaters – Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Cadet RCP502S Garage Heater | Can be used for air circulation during hotter days Has a durable steel construction of 20 gauges | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 2. Patton PUH680-N-U Garage Heater | Built for durability and safety Comfortable warmth from fan-forced heat | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | 3. Lasko 675919 Stanley Garage Heater | Highly portable Comes fully assembled | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 4. Modine HD45AS0111 Garage Heater | Powerful and compact heater No need for special wiring | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 5. NewAir G56 Garage Heater | Steel construction for safety and durability Powerful and portable | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | 6. Fahrenheat FUH54 Garage Heater | Simple electric heating that needs no refills Easy to set up and operate | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 7. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Garage Heater | The fuel efficiency of almost 100 percent Offers warmth in spaces that electrical heaters can’t access | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 8. Heatstar by Enerco | Not electricity-dependent Easy to set up | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 9. King KBP2406 Garage Heater | Five-year warranty Selectable wattage feature | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | 10. Dr. Heater DR966 Garage Heater | High power capacity Allows for air direction adjustment | 4.5 out of 5 |
Buying Guide for Best Garage Heaters
Finding the best garage heater can be a difficult task due to the wide variety of aspects that one needs to look at. Hence, here are the most essential factors to consider when buying a garage heater.
1. Type of Heater
There are a few types of heaters. Conduction heaters utilize the conduction method to heat the space. This means that heat will be directly transferred to the environment, including the walls, air, and floor. On the other hand, a convection heater normally uses cold air and hot air flow. It heats the air at the bottom and allows it to flow to the top, which regulates the temperature. A radiant heater heats people and objects directly in the room without requiring a medium. This is the quickest heater type. But convection heaters are the best low-budget heaters.
2. Energy Output
Energy output defines precisely the amount of heat evolved by the heater. This assists in determining the spaces that the heater is suitable for and if it is ideal for your garage. The recommended energy output is anywhere between 4,000 and 7,000 BTUs for small and big single garages. When it comes to two-car garages, the ideal output is between 13,000 and 20,000 BTUs. Spacious three-car garages are able to heat anywhere between 30,000 and 40,000 BTUs, while four-car garages require energy output of more than 40,000 BTUs.
3. Safety Features
Safety features are ideal for each heater. Because heaters involve heat, there is a risk of the devices causing fire or electrical hazard. Hence, it is good to check safety features like auto shut off function, which immediately shuts the heater off whenever there are threats. It also works in case you tip over your heater, or even use it in higher altitudes. You also need to look out for reverse polarity and over-voltage safety feature. The majority of heaters also include an overheating safeguard too.
4. Efficiency
Efficiency shows the amount of fuel that converts into energy and the amount that is wasted. For instance, 80 percent efficiency is the use of 80 percent of the fuel. When it comes to radiant heaters, you better go for over 80 percent efficiency. This makes sure that there is minimal waste. For convection and conduction heaters, the recommended efficiency is anything over 70 percent.
You can also check the level of efficiency by looking at the consumption of fuel per hour. For instance, a 15,000 BTU heater will use fuel amounting to 6.1 gallons per hour. The minimal the amount of fuel used, the better the efficiency. But this can also translate to a weak heater.
5. Durability
Durability is a consideration that can never be assumed. A durable product is better than a product that serves for a short time. When it comes to a heater that is powered by propane, durability is determined by the burner’s longevity and the heat exchanger’s strength. Electric heaters depend on the durability of the electric components that comprise them. There are no criteria for checking the durability prior to purchasing the product. Hence, always be sure to acquire a decent warranty. Generally, confirm the strength of the nuts/screws and all the parts.
6. Installation
Installation is normally straightforward since numerous heaters are easy to set up. You only need to plug in the equipment to a power socket, and it is ready. However, some heaters need more sophisticated installation, but it’s nothing you can’t handle with a manual. Radiant heaters usually have simple installations, particularly in the case of electric and propane powered ones. With regards to propane heaters, the installation needs connecting the tank with the heater before lighting it up. It is best to go through the manual before the setup.
7. Price
Price typically differs when it comes to the type of the heater and the brand as well. It can also vary based on the wattage, output, fuel type, quality, reputation, power, input, and heating type. Electric heaters can cost as much as $700 and even lower than $400. On the other hand, propane heaters can cost up to $600 and even lower than $300, while radiant heaters cost more than convection and conduction heaters. Radiant heaters can cost as low as under $100 and as much as more than $400.
8. Warranty
Warranty is a significant factor that you must consider. Acquiring a great warranty usually means you can rely on the heater. In case your heater malfunctions while within the warranty period, it can be exchanged and replaced easily. Sometimes you can even obtain a refund. Good warranties for heaters must be over five years. Don’t take a less warranty period since some heaters breakdown within the first few years or months. In addition to the warranty, you should also check for a return period. Return periods are critical for obtaining a replacement or a refund. They also eliminate the formalities of a warranty claim.
9. Portability
Portability is not a general consideration when it comes to heaters. Some heaters are massive and can fit half a basement. But if you are looking to save on space, there is a heater for you. An ideal portable heater is compact and small and needs minimal space for operation. If your house is small, a portable heater will be suitable for you. Some heaters come with carrying bags and handles for increased portability. Regarding portability, you also need to consider the weight. It determines both the portability and shipping expenses.
Review of 10 Best Garage Heaters
1. Cadet RCP502S Garage Heater
This heater offers high power when it comes to electric heating. It has a tiny, portable frame and a heat output of 5000 watts. It produces its heat from a power source of 240 volts and has an integrated bracket for mounting it on walls and using it as a floor-standing heater. The body and frame are designed from 20-gauge steel and has been powder coated in a wide variety of finishes to enhance durability. The heater is also used as an air circulation fan during hotter days, which means that it can make your garage comfortable throughout the year.
Pros
- Can be used for air circulation during hotter days
- Has a durable steel construction of 20 gauges
Cons
- Has a restriction of 30 amp receptacle
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2. Patton PUH680-N-U Garage Heater
This Patton heater uses fan-forced heat whereby air is blown by a fan past a heated wire element to offer soft and gentle warm air in basements, garages, and other small spaces. It can heat anywhere between 1000 and 1500 watt levels and has been constructed with durability and safety in mind. It features guards at the front to safeguard it from falls as it protects internal components from the surroundings. Moreover, it has manual settings that make sure you obtain exactly the heat that you need. It has overheating and tip-over auto-shutoff safeguards to increase safety.
Pros
- Built for durability and safety
Comfortable warmth from fan-forced heat
Cons
- Unsuitable for heating big spaces
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3. Lasko 675919 Stanley Garage Heater
Lasko’s 675919 Stanley Garage Heater offers exceptional personal heating mixed with high portability. It only weighs 8.75 lbs and features power output of 1500 watts. It also has a compact frame and can pivot in its tubular steel base to offer heat precisely where it is required. Moreover, it has a multi-positional thermostat that ensures you receive the precise amount of warmth that you require, and can also run on fan-only mode during hot days. It comes with automatic overheat shutoff and is fully assembled with a three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Highly portable
- Comes fully assembled
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4. Modine HD45AS0111 Garage Heater
This Modine’s garage heater offers heating power of 45,000 BTUs and can run on either propane or natural gas. It is quiet during operation, which makes it perfect for residential, industrial, and commercial uses. It is packed in a compact casing and has an efficiency of 80 percent. This makes it ideal since it is a powerful heater that is portable. It features a small-diameter exhaust duct that makes the process of venting straightforward. Moreover, exhaust and intake piping are able to be routed from the right and left sides of the heater.
Pros
- Powerful and compact heater
- No need for special wiring
Cons
- Not as portable due to its 60 lbs of weight
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5. NewAir G56 Garage Heater
The NewAir G56 Garage Heater is perfect for you if you are looking for high power output and portability as well. It has sufficient power to heat a maximum of 560 square feet and features a compact steel build. It is also certified for electrical safety especially due to its overheat protection system that turns the heater off when it overheats. It has been engineered to be placed on the floor and has a solid carrying handle at its top.
It also features a power cord with a length of six feet that lets it offer heating power of 5600 watts. Moreover, the components are protected by a steel safety grille. It features a single-pole thermostat to make sure you get the precise amount of heat you require.
Pros
- Steel construction for safety and durability
- Powerful and portable
Cons
- Lacks a mounting bracket, making it a tripping hazard
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6. Fahrenheat FUH54 Garage Heater
The Fahrenheat FUH54 Garage Heater uses industrial-style construction and materials for heating your garage. It features a broad range of output that is between 45 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also compact as it measures 11 by 14 by 13 inches. It contains 5000 watts of heating power that is ideal for instant warming. Additionally, it has an integrated mounting bracket that makes it safe for mounting on a ceiling, vertical, or horizontal surface. It has front-mounted louvers that are adjustable and allow for direct heating.
Pros
- Simple electric heating that needs no refills
- Easy to set up and operate
Cons
- Unsuitable for heating bigger spaces
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7. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Garage Heater
The Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Garage Heater is one of the most popular compact propane heater in the US. It has a one lb propane tank and almost 100 percent fuel efficiency. It is also certified clean burning and can be safely used both outdoors and indoors. Moreover, it can heat spaces measuring up to 225 square feet and has a wide variety of safety-minded features of the design.
In case you tip the heater over, it senses that it is not getting sufficient oxygen for proper functioning, or the pilot light shuts off, it will shut itself off. Additionally, the heater features an electrical ignition system, which means that it will warm your garage instantly.
Pros
- The fuel efficiency of almost 100 percent
- Offers warmth in spaces that electrical heaters can’t access
Cons
- Smaller heating area compared to other heaters of its size
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8. Heatstar by Enerco
A significant feature of this heater is its 99.9 percent fuel efficiency. In addition to the garage, it can also be used at your warehouse or shop to warm up your employees. The unit is highly durable as it is constructed from non-corrosive materials. Additionally, it can be used with electricity or gas. It can effectively warm up a space up to 4250 square feet.
Pros
- Not electricity-dependent
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Can result in CO build-up
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9. King KBP2406 Garage Heater
This garage heater has a durable steel build and a capacity to heat an area of 600 square feet. It also features an adjustable thermostat control for picking the preferred heating level. When it comes to mounting, you can mount it on the ceiling or wall. It has a solid bracket and is engineered to offer optimal heat output regardless of the placing.
Pros
- Five-year warranty
- Selectable wattage feature
Cons
- Unsuitable for larger spaces
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10. Dr. Heater DR966 Garage Heater
This heater is ideal due to its versatility. You can change the temperature at various levels. You can change the temperature between 3000 and 6000 watts. It also has five adjustable louvers for positioning. Moreover, it features nice assembly and safety. It even has an option to hang it on the wall or ceiling.
Pros
- High power capacity
- Allows for air direction adjustment
Cons
- Lacks a power cord
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