Nowadays, garages are play areas, laundry rooms as well as garage workshops. Whether you are playing indoor games, doing laundry, or working on your vehicle brakes, you can do something to ensure that you are comfortable working during the coldest months. That is, buying the best garage heaters on the market.
However, there are many ways to warm up your garage. Adding a space heater is one of the most convenient ways. You can select from various categories; electric heaters and gas heaters, or go for direct-vent heaters if your house is already piped for natural or propane gas. Whatever your need is.
While there are many different kinds of garage heaters, finding the one right for you needs thriving research; however, we have made it easier for you by compiling expert options across the various categories. Keep reading our recommendation as well as the key factors to consider before buying the best garage heaters.
Best Garage Heaters
1. Best Portable Garage Heater -Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Portable Garage Heater
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Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater,...
- 4,000- to 9,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 225 square...
- When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea...
- Auto shut-off if tipped over, if pilot light goes out, or if...
- Fold-down handle; swivel-out regulator; connects to propane tank...
- THE USE OF UN-AUTHORIZED ACCESSORIES/ATTACHMENTS WITH THIS HEATER...
The Mr Heater MH9BX garage is a portable heater that will keep you warm wherever you go. If you don’t want a large, installed unit that can only emit heat from a single location, then Mr Heater MH9BX is the best model for you. Keep it handy so that you may feel the warm air on the coldest nights or carry it with you when you move from the garage to a shed for more work. You can also use it as a shop heater since it’s portable.
The Mr. Heater MH9BX has a 4,000 to 9,000 BTU radiant heater for up to 225 square feet. Besides, running on a 20-pound propane tank, Mr. Heater MH9BX has a consumption rate of 0.044Gal/Hr for 4,000 BTU and 0.099 Gal/Hr for 9,000 BTU with a run time of 3 hours. The good thing about this model is that the availability of an electric outlet does not limit it.
How safe is this model? Well, it features a tip-over mechanism, which automatically shuts down the heater to prevent any damage when accidentally knocked down by kids. Besides, the heater has an oxygen depletion sensor that shuts it down if it senses low oxygen levels in the surrounding.
Word of caution from the manufacturer; you are advised not to use un-authorized accessories with this heater because they may bring about severe injury and void the warranty. Please be careful and handle with care.
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2. Best Kerosene Garage Heater - Sengoku Kerosene Heater, White
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Sengoku Kerosene Heater, White
- Excellent emergency heat source
- No matches or electricity needed
- Heats approximately a 1000 square foot room
- Fuel capacity of 1.9 gallons
- 1.9 gallons of kerosene will provide 12 hours of heat
The Sengoku kerosene heater is also portable and an ideal emergency heat source. However, it emits fumes, and therefore you will require a ventilation solution. If you can provide enough ventilation, well and good, buy it for your garage. Besides, it can be convenient and affordable compared to other models.
The Sengoku heater is a 23,500-BTU heater capable of warming a room of up to 1000 square feet. Besides running on, a 1.9 gallons container, this model has a run time of 12 hours. The best thing about this model is that the availability of an electric outlet does not limit it. You also don’t need matches since it comes with a push-button start.
Fortunately, the manufacturer never forgot the safety of the user. This unit is designed to be as safe to use as possible. It features a one-touch shutoff feature and an automatic shutoff switch that activates when the garage heater is knocked over accidentally.
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3. Best electric garage heater - Fahrenheat FUH54 Electric Heater for Garage
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Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater for Garage, Factory, Basement, Warehouse, and Outdoor Use, Beige
- HEAVY DUTY HEATER: Warm-up just about any open space with this...
- CONTINUOUS COMFORT: If you have a large drafty space, this heater...
- EASY TO USE: This heater includes a ceiling mounting bracket for...
- OUTPUT CONTROL: The high-level cutout automatically shuts off to...
- COMPATIBILITY: Whether you need 208 or 240 volts, this heater is...
If you are looking for a heavy-duty heater, look no further, Fahrenheat FUH54 is the model for you. This unit provides a long-term comfort solution with its built-in single pole thermostat, which adjusts from 45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, if you have a large garage space, this heater is perfect.
With this unit, you will need a 220V power outlet to produce up to 17,065-BTU. However, the fact that an electric power source limits it makes it unreliable during power outage periods.
Fahrenheat FUH54 electric garage heater is designed to ensure that the fan action is delayed until the heating element has warmed up. This means that no more cold air is blown on you while you wait for the warm air. This garage heater also has an automatic shut off feature that automatically prevents the heater from overheating and automatically reactivates when the temperature returns to normal.
The product warranty information is not included in the package. However, we will do no justice if we don’t mention the manufacturer’s customer services. They have an email address where they provide 24/7 support.
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4. Best propane garage heater - Mr. Heater MH60QFAV Propane Forced Air Heater
Mr. Heater MH60QFAV 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Forced Air Heater
- QBT Technology - 50% Quieter than a standard propane heater
- 60,000 BTU Propane Forced-air Heater"
- Variable 30,000-60,000 BTU Output (Runs Up To 14 hrs on 20 lb....
- Heats Up To 1,500 Sq.Ft.
- Continuous ignition
As the name suggests, this heater runs on propane and just like kerosene heaters; it emits fumes. With that said, the carbon monoxide fume comes with its safety concern. Therefore you will require a ventilation solution.
The MH60QFAV heater generates heat at a maximum power output of 60,000 BTUs, capable of warming a room of up to 1,500 square feet. Besides running on a 20-pound tank, this model has a run time of 14 hours.
This heater is also known as “torpedo heater”, named for its shape. It is 50% quieter than a standard propane heater. Moreover, it is portable, making it possible for you to carry it to your workshop for more work.
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5. Best natural gas garage heater - Heater F260560 MHU80NG Natural Gas Garage Heater
Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
- Your purchase includes One Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Heater...
- Heater dimensions – 29.33” L x 15.50” W x 26.37” H |...
- For use with natural gas | Category 1 vertical, category 3...
- Powered exhaust allows for vertical or horizontal venting | Spark...
- This heater offers the operating versatility and safety that you...
Another name for this garage heater is “Big Maxx.” It is one of the best options for natural gas heaters and one of the best options for heating large garages. Furthermore, your purchase will include one Big Maxx natural gas heater with two angle brackets and an LP conversion kit. The thermostat, hose and regulator are omitted.
The Big Maxx natural gas garage heater has a heating capacity of 80,000 BTU capable of warming a room of up to 2,000 square feet. Besides, running on natural gas, it requires access to both an electrical power source for the fan and a gas source to enable heating.
Just like the Fahrenheat FUH54 garage heater, the Big Maxx natural gas garage heater is designed to ensure that the fan action is delayed until the heating element has warmed up. This means that no more cold air is blown on you while you wait for the warm air.
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Factors to consider before buying the best garage heaters
Before choosing the best garage heater for your car garage or workshop, take a few minutes to read the most vital shopping considerations to keep in mind.
1. Garage size
The size of your garage is a vital consideration when it comes to selecting a garage heater. Get a unit that is powerful enough for the space you want to heat, or else you will be left working in the cold. Conversely, if you purchase a garage heater with excess power, you may end up creating a scorching environment or even a safety threat.
Furthermore, keep in mind the amount of actual space you use. If you use a third of your garage while the rest is for storage or your vehicle, then you should get a smaller heater that will provide enough heat for you. No need to waste energy by heating the rest of the unoccupied room. Not to state that it would be a waste of money.
2. Maintenance
A heating appliance requires some maintenance so that it can continue working effectively for a long time. Some heaters will last longer; however, you will need to clean them regularly, test the heat outputs and inspect the power inlets for breaks to make sure they are functioning correctly.
Although these heaters are much expensive, they may end up costing less over time. However, if you don’t mind replacing the heater after every year, you can buy lightweight heaters which doesn’t require much maintenance. Besides, they are less expensive.
3. Mounted Vs. portable
Garage heaters have two main installation types; mounted and portable.
- Mounted heaters can be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted. For electric garage heaters, they can be hardwired into the home’s electrical system for more robust heat output or plugged into a regular power outlet. Mounted heaters are the best options if you are looking for a permanent heater that you will have to set up only once.
- Portable heaters can stand on a table or the ground, and you can move them wherever and however you want to get the best heat for the room. These garage heaters don’t need much setup or installation; they begin working right out of the box.
4. Safety features
Some of these heaters can be dangerous, especially the electric models, if they are not correctly set up, installed and used. Luckily, many manufacturers have begun including safety features on their units designed to make the heaters as accident-proof as possible, including overheating protection, a tip-over mechanism and a cool-touch elements.
- Overheating protection is designed for days of prolonged use when the temperature can vary by several degrees, causing the heater to start overheating. In case this happens, the overheating protection senses the rising ambient temperature and shuts off the heater to prevent internal damage to the heater and stop external damage to your garage.
- Tip-over mechanisms are designed because some garage heaters are easy to knock over in a small garage, a busy garage or in a home with small kids. This mechanism starts when the heater is knocked over. It automatically shuts down the heater to prevent any damage.
- Cool-touch elements are primarily used for portable and wall-mounted garage heaters because they are frequently installed in areas where passing children or adults can get into contact with the sides of the heater. This element allows you to grab or touch the outside shell of the unit without injuring yourself.
5. Power source
Consider the available power source to choose the most appropriate solution. For instance, if you are already connected to a gas line, a natural gas garage heater would be the best choice, being the cheapest to maintain. However, if you require a unit to provide you with heat for a significant period frequently, a propane garage heater would be the last option. This is because you will be needed to refill it way too often.
6. Additional features
Some of these heaters come with a variety of additional features that may benefit your garage. Here are some of the features;
- Wheels improve the maneuvrability of portable space heaters
- Louvers features allow you to direct the flow of the heat with a ceramic garage or fan-forced heater.
- Wi-Fi, some heaters such as electric models are Wi-Fi enabled and can connect to an app or a website so you can control the heater through your smartphone, as long as the Wi-Fi is connected.
- A handle on portable models makes it easier to carry and maneuver around the garage so you can find the best location to place it.
Conclusion
As we can see, all types of garage heaters, no matter their power source, have their pros and cons. However, their importance will depend on your individual needs, preference and requirements. We hope you will use this information wisely after reading these garage heater reviews.