The Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Shop Heater is our best garage heater and it has been listed under UL and C-UL for safety and quality. The temperature can be set between 45 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the voltage can be 240 volts or 208 volts. It also runs at a power of 5,600 watts and the thermostat control is very easy to use and it also has protection against overheat due to its automatic cut off switch. This heater can heat up any area within 600 square feet.
Our step-up pick is the Dr. Heater DR966 Garage Commercial Heater and there are 5 louvers that are highly adjustable to promote better air flow in your garage setting. It can be used commercially as it can run at 3,000 watts or 6,000 watts of power and the heavy duty construction is rated for use on 240 volts single phase. However, it should be hard wired with a separately sold power cord. It includes a mounting bracket so you can mount it on the ceiling or on the wall and is listed in UL and C-UL for safety and quality. The thermostat can be adjusted from high setting to low setting.
The budget pick is the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Radiant Heater and it gives 4,000 BTUs of heating on low setting and 9,000 BTUs on high setting. The heater can be used indoors or outdoors and it can cover up to 200 square feet of area. It also has an auto shut off tip over switch for safety and it can detect low oxygen levels so your safety is not compromised. It burns clean and reduces emissions and it gives you thorough energy efficiency and it is very portable in its design.
A Little Background
The garage can be a very hot place during the summer but can get blistering cold during the winter. Because a garage is like a cave, any weather from outside influences the inner garage itself and therefore, when it is cold outside, it is more likely to get super cold within the garage as well, which can be a problem if you run a DIY shop or business even during the winter months.
The need for a garage heater is more common nowadays that garage heaters have become portable and less expensive. Whenever the winter hits up, we need to heat up. This is why garage heaters are becoming more popular even if shop owners need to invest a little for a garage heater. To protect them from the blistering cold, the garage heater will be able to help them work even in sheer cold.
Heating a garage is important to let you focus more on your work than the cold weather. When zonal heating and space heaters are not enough, you might want to use a garage heater that is definitely fit to stand against the rugged world of a garage and cannot be easily knocked over even during rush situations. The air from the outside door can make things harder to heat up and this is why you need a little help from a garage heater that will get you through the winter chills in your DIY shop or garage.
Garage heaters also help in reducing the heating bill of any household. People who are into DIY woodworking, metalworking and the like should have their own heating systems during the winter because it can affect their work nature in genral.
How We Picked
A worthy garage heater should have any of the following:
The garage heater should have a reasonable amount of wattage depending on where you would operate it. For bigger garages, a garage heater can have as much as 5,000 to 7,000 watts of power whereas small garages are okay for smaller wattages. However, since a garage is generally an open area, you definitely need bigger wattage for a garage heater. The wattage can greatly impact your heating bill, so be careful and make sure you actually need a lot of heating power for your garage, if it really gets too cold and if it is something only 1,500 watts in power consumption cannot hope to contain.
Any listing or certification of the garage heater is a plus point. For instance, if a garage heater has been listed under the certifications and standard procedures of UL, C-UL, ETL or some other organization or body or standardization, it is a great factor because you are assured of the overall quality and energy saving features of the garage heater.
The adjustable thermostat of the garage heater should be convenient and accurate. A thermostat is your aide when it comes to a reliable heater or in this case, a garage heater. The thermostat should be able to be set on any temperature range that the user desires and it usually has a temperature range that you can adjust depending on your needs. A thermostat is important also for pre-programming heating so that you don’t have to wait for a room to be heated and have it scheduled heated to reduce on your time constraints. The temperature can be kept lower and you can conserve more energy ultimately.
The span of the heating area of the garage heater should be considered. Do know the square feet coverage area of the garage heater you will want to buy. This depends on the size of your garage heater and the typical coldness of the area you live in. Always consider those factors first before you go off to buy a garage heater. Too much heating in any area can cause problems in oxygen levels and can be uncomfortable for anyone who stays there. On the other hand, too little heat can also be ineffective when it comes to your heating bill. Even if you saved a lot on your heating bill, you are left cold.
Do know the voltage that the garage heater operates. For instance, do know if the garage heater is rated for 220 or 240 volts or for 120 volts. Usually, they are at 220 volts because of the amount of the power they possess, which is for power heating any garage using the garage heater. If you can find one, it is also best to get a dual voltage garage heater so that you don’t have to worry about plug standards.
Do know if it is an electric garage heater or a gas powered garage heater. An electric garage heater may seem a bit more costly at first but you will still save energy with proper discipline and thermostat programming. A gas powered garage heater can be energy efficient but very risky to run. Always consider which one is the best for your area. A gas powered garage heater requires a lot of ventilation in your garage or shop area while an electric powered garage heater does not.
A safety protection switch against overheating and tip over should be considered for any garage heater. Safety is the number one concern when it comes to any garage heater or any heater for that matter. A tip over switch is important for portable heaters that are not mounted to the ceiling or wall so that they stay safely shut down to prevent short circuit and such. Protection against overheating is a must so that you don’t overheat your room and your machine.
An easy to carry garage heater should be your pick if you intend to heat up various places around the garage with a portable garage heater. Most people who want a budget option may opt for a garage heater that has a carrying handle and much like a space heater than a power heater. This is only suitable for zonal heating and if you only work on a very small space or garage shop. Even if you buy a bulky garage heater with a lot of power that is still intended to be moved from place to place, make sure it is very mobile in its design. If the garage heater is mounted onto the wall or ceiling, a plus point would be the fact that it can be swiveled to aim precisely like an electric fan head for targeted heating.
The construction of the casing of the garage heater should be highly durable and built to last. You would want a garage heater that has been made from sturdy stainless steel material so that it can last for years to come on your garage or shop.
Our Pick
Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Shop Heater
Our best garage heater is the Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Shop Heater which can effectively heat up any area within 600 square feet. It runs at a power of 5,600 watts and it is also listed under UL and C-UL for safety and quality. It also has protection against overheat due to its automatic cut off switch while the thermostat control is very easy to use. The temperature can be set between 45 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the voltage can be 240 volts or 208 volts.
The Dr. Infrared Heater can be switched between 4,800 watts and 5,600 watts for true power saving capability. It is an industrial grade workshop heater for any garage or basement which uses a power cord with a NeMA receptacle rated foe 30 amps and 250 volts (6-30R plug).
Moreover, it comes with a continuous fan that is guaranteed to heat up for a long time and it can also be used on construction sites. The Dr. Infrared DR-988 Heater runs on 220 volts single phase and weighs only 12 lbs. So far, it is backed by a limited 1 year warranty.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
The only few cons of the Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Shop Heater is that it is only rated for use on 220 volts and you have to unplug it to turn it off.
Step-up Pick
Dr. Heater DR966 Garage Commercial Heater
The step-up pick for this article is the Dr. Heater DR966 Garage Commercial Heater in which the thermostat can be adjusted from high setting to low setting. Being listed in UL and C-UL for safety and quality, it can be used commercially as it can run at 3,000 watts or 6,000 watts of power. However, it should be hard wired with a separately sold power cord.
With adjustability, there are 5 louvers that are highly adjustable to promote better air flow in your garage setting and it also includes a mounting bracket so you can mount it on the ceiling or on the wall. The heavy duty construction is rated for use on 240 volts single phase. The motor has been totally enclosed and ball bearing in its design and it is also thermally protected so it is highly durable for a long time. Also, the motor is also permanently lubricated for a maintenance-free operation.
The Dr. Heater Commercial Heater is heavy duty at 27 lbs of weight and it can be a primary or secondary heat source due to its high power. Moreover, it can be used on garages, warehouses, stores and other establishments and it uses heating elements that are spiral steel metal sheath.
The front cover is made from steel that is rugged and stamped in its build and it has been given a gray epoxy finish for better protection. The Dr. Heater DR966 Heater runs at a but 20,000 BTUs of heating power for 6,000 watts consumption and it is backed by a 1 year warranty for parts and labor. Overall, it is truly a great DIY garage heater.
Budget Pick
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Radiant Heater
Our budget pick is the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Radiant Heater and it burns clean and reduces emissions. The garage heater gives 4,000 BTUs of heating on low setting and 9,000 BTUs on high setting and it can cover up to 200 square feet of area. Being very portable in its design, it can detect low oxygen levels so your safety is not compromised and it also has an auto shut off tip over switch for safety. It can be used indoors or outdoors and it also gives you thorough energy efficiency.
The Mr. Heater F232000 can be used on any garage, RV, trailer, patio, workshop, tent or any place that needs portable heating. What’s more, you can connect it to a 20-pound propane cylinder. The Mr. Heater Radiant Heater is very easy to carry around. It weighs only 9.5 lbs and it is a great garage heater for emergency purposes such as disasters where you can’t depend on electric appliances.
Best Ceramic Garage Heater
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Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater
Being listed under the standards and certifications of ETL, a ceramic garage heater you would enjoy having is the Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater which comes fully assembles for your convenience. The thermostat included is highly adjustable and it is a garage heater that runs up to 1,500 watts producing comfortable heat.
The construction is durable and rugged and the handle has an ergonomic grip that is rubberized. The heater comes with low, high and fan only settings. It also comes with a user’s manual and it measures 12 inches. It is a ceramic heater for your garage that has a pivot feature for direct heating that has been made in the USA. Moreover, the Lasko 675919 Utility Heater can also be plugged onto an extension cord provided that the cord is thinner than 12-gauge and it is backed by a 3 year limited warranty.
Best Portable Garage Heater
Patton PUH4842M-RM Portable Recirculating Utility Heater
A garage heater that has a max heating output of 1,500 watts, the Patton PUH4842M-RM Portable Recirculating Utility Heater uses a 3-prong cord. With this heater, you can choose between 2 heat settings for energy consumption and it can also be mounted onto any wall. Also, it comes with a thermostat that is highly adjustable and the rugged design adds to its durability.
Being very portable in its design, the Patton Utility Heater is very versatile. It is very easy to handle even with gloves due to the oversized knobs and handle and it can be used on any garage or basement. Being super light at only 5.5 lbs, the Patton PUH4842M-RM Utility Heater is backed by a warranty of 5 years and it is a very safe garage heater.
Best Heavy-Duty Garage Heater
Comfort Zone CZ220 Industrial Steel Heater
With the Comfort Zone CZ220 Industrial Steel Heater, you can choose from up to 3 wattage settings: 5,000 watts, 4,000 watts and 3,000 watts. It is a garage heater with an adjustable thermostat and it comes with a safety cut off tip over switch. However, it requires hard wired connection at 240 volts 60 Hz single phase.
No worries about the construction as the Comfort Zone Steel Heater has been made from super sturdy steel body that is made from heavy gauge steel. You can easily clean this garage heater due to the front grille assembly being removable. It can be wired to 208 volts or 240 volts and it is a very high output heater which can be mounted on the ceiling as well.
Perfect for heavy duty heating, the Comfort Zone Heater is a favorite. The indicator lights help to notify the user about power and caution signals and the unit weighs only 16 lbs for a heavy duty garage heater. Being coated in a gray finish for better durability, overall quality is assured due being ETL approved for the United States.
The angles are highly adjustable to promote airflow horizontally and vertically. In fact, this is a great fan forced garage heater which does not get hot even when you touch the outside of the unit. The Comfort Zone CZ220 is currently backed by a warranty of 1 year.
Best Electric Garage Heater
NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater
The NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater can cover up and heat up any area within 500 square feet and it can also be easily mounted on any ceiling or wall structure. This garage heater comes with a built-in thermostat for targeted heating and its construction is made from durable steel for high durability.
It also has a safety auto shut off feature for protection and safety and it can heat up as much 17,060 BTUs of heating. However, it also needs to be hard wired but has a convenient handle. The NewAir G73 Heater runs as much as 5,000 watts of power and it uses fan forced heating to effectively heat up any workshop, garage or factory.
The louvers are highly adjustable so you can target the heating air flow where it is needed and this unit is certified by UL and CUL for safety and quality. It also does not require venting because it is an electric garage heater and it is rated for use at 220 volts. The NewAir Electric Garage Heater comes with a mounting bracket for wall mount or ceiling mount and it also has an automatic temperature control. Being easy to lift around at only 15 lbs of weight, the NewAir Heater is currently backed by 1 year of limited warranty.
Best Fan Forced Garage Heater
Dimplex DGWH4031 4000 Watt Garage/Workshop Heater
The Dimplex DGWH4031 4000 Watt Garage/Workshop Heater runs at a high heating power of 13,640 BTUs and you can control the temperature between 45 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit stands at 11 inches and is a garage heater that runs at 4,000 watts of power. For the construction, it uses stainless steel element as an effective fan forced garage and workshop heater.
In addition to that, the Dimplex Garage/Workshop Heater comes with a convenient mounting bracket so you can mount it onto any wall or ceiling and it can also be swiveled so you can direct heating air to wherever you want it to. It also has a fan delay option so it saves you energy in the long run as it uses residual heat. The heater is rated for use on 240 volts and also has a safety shut off feature to conserve energy and reduce overheating.
Furthermore, the heater is encased in corrosion-resistant material and is given a powder coat epoxy finish and it is also easy to carry around at only 18 lbs of weight. The Dimplex DGWH4031 Heater can heat as much as 700 square feet of area and it is so far backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
Garage Heater with Stainless Steel Construction
NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater
A garage heater that is guaranteed to heat up any area within 560 square feet that you will love, the NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater is enclosed in a stainless steel body housing with a durable safety grille and it comes with overheat protection.
The controls are manual but simple and it is ideal for use in any garage, residential or commercial use. It only uses push button controls and it uses a 240 volt grounded plug which is 3-prong. Being very durable in its build, the NewAir G56 Heater also has a thermal cut off system to prevent overheating. Moreover, it also has a convenient carrying handle while the power cord included measures 6 feet in length.
Additionally, it also has a fan-only function to conserve energy and can be used during warmer months and the thermostat can be controlled from 45 to 95 degrees F. the NewAir G56 Garage Heater runs at a heating power of 19,107 BTUs at 5,600 watts of power consumption which makes it ideal for bigger garages and it runs at 23 amps.
What’s more, you can also hook up a different thermostat aside from the built-in one. Additionally, the motor is fully protected for durability. The NewAir G56 Heater is relatively easy to lift at only 16 lbs of weight and is under a 1 year warranty for parts and labor.
Ideal Garage Heater for Wall or Ceiling Mount
Optimus H-9010 Garage/Shop Ceiling/Wall Mount Heater
A garage heater that can be mounted up the ceiling for overhead heating, the Optimus H-9010 Garage/Shop Ceiling/Wall Mount Heater lets you choose between 600 watts and 1,200 watts of heating power. Moreover, the heater and the light have separate power sources.
This heater uses quartz for its heating element and it also comes with a protective feature against overheating. What’s more, it also uses a soft halogen light for realistic sun-like heating. The Optimus H-9010 Mount Heater can be mounted on the ceiling or on a wall conveniently. It is easy to mount at only 11 lbs of weight and it also comes with the mounting bracket required.
Backed by a warranty of 1 year, the heater can be adjusted at different angles for exact and targeted heating. Also, it uses a regular plug rather than being hard wired. The Optimus Garage/Shop Heater is a must-have heater for a wood working shop.
The Competition
Other competitive garage heaters did not make it to our list because most of them were not UL certified and did not have safety features. Some of them do not have what it takes to power up a garage even if they consume a little bit of wattage only. Power is more important if you want to heat up a garage.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need to heat up my garage space using a garage heater?
A: According to Stay Comfy Minnesota , garage heaters are compact in design and have thus evolved over the years to accommodate the smaller spaces of home garages. Also, garage heaters nowadays are also cheaper than ever before so more and more people, especially DIY shop workers can benefit from the heating benefits of a garage heater.
Additionally, today, newer technology has given a garage heater more safety than the usual regular heater that used to be used by old shop owners. What’s more, heating can help you focus on your job even during the midst of the winter chills and give you more productivity in the long run even as the seasons pass by.
Q: Any tips on using or setting up a garage heater?
A: According to The Family Handyman , you will need a budget above $500 if you want a high quality garage heater but you can still settle for less. However, you can choose a gas powered garage heater or an electric garage heater. In general, electric heaters are safer but have a higher initial cost whereas a forced air gas heater may run noisily and might not be suitable for woodworkers.
Wrapping It Up
To wrap it up, the Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Shop Heater is our best garage heater that has been thoroughly and expertly designed to meet the needs and demands of any home DIY shop or garage that has been suffering through the depths of the winter chills and have no means of heating up. It is your ideal buddy when it comes to woodworking or metalworking during the winter.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.