Best Garage Heaters for a Warm Workshop
The Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater is our top pick for most garages because it combines powerful 5,200 BTU output with a quiet, fan-forced design that heats up to 1,000 square feet. It excels in well-insulated spaces but struggles in drafty garages.
A cold garage can turn a weekend project into a miserable experience. The right heater makes your workspace usable year-round.
We compared the most popular garage heaters on Amazon, looking at BTU output, safety features, and ease of use. Here are the top picks for different needs.
The best picks, ranked
Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
The Dr. Infrared Heater combines infrared and convection heat for even warmth. It features a powerful fan and a digital thermostat that maintains your desired temperature. Owners report it heats a two-car garage efficiently and runs quietly.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Even heat distribution
- Digital thermostat with remote
Cons
- Heavy at 24 pounds
- Not suitable for drafty garages
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
The Mr. Heater Buddy is a portable propane heater ideal for small garages or spot heating. It runs on 1-pound propane cylinders or can connect to a 20-pound tank with a hose. It has low and high heat settings and an automatic shut-off if tipped over.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Instant heat
- Works during power outages
Cons
- Requires ventilation
- Propane fumes can be an issue
NewAir G73 Electric Garage Heater
The NewAir G73 is a powerful 5,000-watt electric heater designed for large garages and workshops. It delivers up to 17,000 BTU and has a built-in thermostat. It features a fan that circulates warm air quickly, but it requires a 240-volt outlet.
Pros
- Fast heating
- Wall-mountable to save space
- Adjustable thermostat
Cons
- Requires professional installation
- Noisy fan
Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DG 60,000 BTU Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater
The Dyna-Glo forced air heater is a heavy-duty propane option that blasts out 60,000 BTU, warming even the largest garages quickly. It’s ideal for temporary heating during projects. Safety features include a thermocouple that shuts off the gas if the flame goes out.
Pros
- Very high heat output
- Portable with wheels
- Quick temperature rise
Cons
- Very loud
- Requires ventilation and propane tank
Comfort Zone CZ220ER 2-in-1 Radiant Heater
The Comfort Zone radiant heater uses infrared quartz elements to heat objects and people directly, not the air. It’s energy-efficient and silent. It has two heat settings and a safety tip-over switch. Best for small, well-insulated garages.
Pros
- Silent operation
- Heats objects directly
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Limited coverage
- Bulky design
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater
The Heat Storm infrared heater is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control it from your smartphone. It features a patented heating element that warms up in seconds. It’s wall-mountable and has a safety sensor that shuts off if it overheats or tips.
Pros
- App and voice control
- Slim profile
- No fan noise
Cons
- Not powerful enough for large garages
- Requires Wi-Fi for full features
Fahrenheat FUH54 240-Volt 5,000-Watt Garage Heater
The Fahrenheat FUH54 is a ceiling-mounted electric heater that saves floor space. It produces 17,100 BTU and includes a built-in thermostat. It’s designed for permanent installation in garages and workshops.
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Durable steel housing
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Requires hardwiring
- Not portable
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Heating Coverage | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater | Up to 1,000 sq ft | Best Overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy | Up to 225 sq ft | Best Portable Propane | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | NewAir G73 Electric Garage Heater | Up to 1,000 sq ft | Best for Large Garages | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DG 60,000 BTU Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater | Up to 1,500 sq ft | Best for Quick Heat | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Comfort Zone CZ220ER 2-in-1 Radiant Heater | Up to 200 sq ft | Best Radiant Heat | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater | Up to 300 sq ft | Best Smart Heater | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Fahrenheat FUH54 240-Volt 5,000-Watt Garage Heater | Up to 750 sq ft | Best for Mounted Installation | 8.0 | Check price |
Before you buy
Good to know
What size garage heater do I need?
Calculate the square footage of your garage and consider insulation. For a well-insulated 2-car garage (400-500 sq ft), a 5,000-10,000 BTU heater suffices. For larger or poorly insulated garages, you may need up to 30,000 BTU or more.
Are electric or propane garage heaters more efficient?
Electric heaters are nearly 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat, but electricity costs can be high. Propane heaters have lower operating costs but lose some heat through ventilation. The best choice depends on your local energy prices and usage patterns.
Can I leave a garage heater on overnight?
It is not recommended to leave any space heater on overnight or unattended. Many heaters have automatic shut-off features, but the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning (for propane) is too high. Always turn off the heater before leaving the garage.
Do infrared heaters work well in garages?
Infrared heaters work well in small, well-insulated garages because they heat objects and people directly, providing quick warmth. They are less effective in drafty or large spaces because they don’t heat the air thoroughly.
What is the safest type of garage heater?
Electric heaters with tip-over protection and overheat sensors are generally the safest because they have no combustion and no carbon monoxide risk. Always read the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and keep the heater clear of flammables.
Can I use a propane heater in an enclosed garage?
Propane heaters can be used in garages, but they require ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Never use them in a completely closed space. Open a window or door slightly and never leave the heater running unattended.
How much does it cost to run a garage heater?
Electric heaters cost about 15 to 20 cents per hour per 1,500 watts of power, depending on electricity rates. Propane heaters cost varies with fuel prices. For occasional use, either is manageable, but for frequent heating, consider insulation to reduce costs.
Do I need a 240-volt outlet for a large garage heater?
Many high-wattage electric garage heaters (5,000 watts or more) require a 240-volt outlet, similar to an electric dryer or oven. If you don’t have one, you may need to hire an electrician to install it, or choose a 120-volt model with lower wattage.
The bottom line
For most homeowners, the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater is the best overall choice due to its quiet, even heating and safe electric operation. If you have a large, drafty garage and need quick heat, the Dyna-Glo propane forced air heater is the most powerful option. For a permanent solution, the NewAir G73 offers heavy-duty performance. Choose based on your garage size and power source.
