Top Heaters for Garage – Guide & Comparison
If you’re used to working in your garage during the wintertime or want to safely store all your essentials without worrying about them being damaged by the cold temperatures, you need to invest in the best garage heaters your money can buy. After carefully researching the market, we concluded that the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 Garage Shop Heater would be the right choice. It boasts a powerful motor of 5600 watts and can be set on any temperature between 45 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with auto overheat cut-off protection, which means it will automatically shut down to prevent overheating and faults. Unlike other items, this one is rather quiet, delivering a noise level of only 45 dB. It is easy to operate thanks to the three large buttons for power, fan, and thermostat which allows you to regulate the intensity of the heat. If this garage heater is not available for purchase right away, a good alternative would be the Dr. Infrared Heater DR966 Hardwired Shop Heater.
Comparison table
1st Choice
Affordable and reliable, this product can be set at temperatures ranging from 49 to 95 degrees F. It comes with full thermostat control and is less noisy than other similar heaters, allowing you to focus more when working in your garage.
If you plan on heating the entire garage, this item is not right for you but will do a good job if you’re only working in one spot and all heat is pointed toward you.
Compact and reliable, this product represents a good choice for those who work in their garages on the weekends. It is powerful enough to heat a small room and is less noisy than other similar items.
2nd Best
The heater boasts a powerful motor of 20,500 BTU and won’t occupy too much space thanks to its compact design. It features an adjustable thermostat with low and high settings and gently distributes warmth to the entire area thanks to the powerful fans.
We liked the compact design but this unit won’t run on high temperatures for more than 5 minutes before restarting. It doesn’t deliver too much heat.
If you’re looking for a small and portable heating unit to take with you when casually working in your garage, this product represents a reliable choice. However, don’t expect miracles.
Also To Consider
The item features a durable steel construction that won’t break, chip or corrode in time. It comes with a built-in sensor to automatically shut down the device in case it overheats. It saves a lot of space since it is mounted on the ceiling.
Unlike other similar products, this unit is quite noisy and is not built to heat up a large garage. It works best in small spaces when the heat is oriented toward you.
Small and easy to mount, this product will save space in your garage by being installed on the ceiling. It is powerful enough to keep you warm as long as you stay near it at all times.
10 Best Garage Heaters (Updated Reviews) in 2020
Finding the best garage heater could take you a lot of precious time, especially with so many good products available. Showcased below, we have gathered some of the most sought-after items on the market, together with their in-depth reviews, so you can pick the electric garage heater that suits your needs the best.
- 1. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 Garage Shop Heater
- 2. Dr. Infrared Heater DR966 Hardwired Shop Heater
- 3. Comfort Zone CZ220 Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount Heater
- 4. NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater
- 5. Buyplus Garage Space Heater Electric
- 6. CCC Comfort Zone CZ260ER Industrial Heater
- 7. Ken Brown Fan Forced Ceiling Heater
- 8. CCC Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Radiant Quartz Heater
- 9. Dura Heat Electric Garage Heater
- 10. Prowarm Electrical Forced Air Industrial Heater
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 Garage Shop Heater
Compact and coming in a bright shade of red, this heater will be easy to spot wherever you choose to place it in your garage. It displays an adjustable temperature between 45 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and features an auto overheat cut-off protection that will immediately switch off the device when it gets overheated to prevent accidents.
The heater can be easily programmed thanks to the thermostat control so you always get the perfect temperature. It is delivered with a power cord and doesn’t require any assembling. All you need to do is plug it in and let it work its magic.
What we also liked about the Dr. Infrared Heater is that it is less noisy than other similar items, which means it will let you focus when working on your DIY projects or vehicle.
It is designed for workspaces and comes with a built-in carry handle to ensure maximum portability.
Pros
This product is compact yet extremely reliable, making it a great heating tool for your garage or workspace.
It is made of durable materials and is painted in a bright red color to ensure increased visibility wherever you are.
Thanks to the advanced dual heating technology, the product will heat a relatively large room fast and evenly, without any hot spots and cool spots.
You can easily move the item from one place to another and enjoy its heat anywhere you are thanks to the convenient built-in handle that ensures maximum portability.
Cons
Although it will seem less noisy than other items at first, the fans inside will start running louder after a while, making it hard to ignore if you need to stay focused on your DIY projects.
If you want to stay warm during the colder months when working in your garage, we suggest keeping the heater close to you as it is not strong enough to provide enough heat from across the room.
Buy from Amazon Now ($40.19)
2. Dr. Infrared Heater DR966 Hardwired Shop Heater
Compact and powerful, this affordable garage heater represents a good investment in the long term. It is made of heavy-duty materials that won’t break, chip or corrode easily, meaning it will last you a long time without wearing off.
It is easy to control and doesn’t require additional mounting. The adjustable thermostat offers two settings – high and low, depending on how much heat you want it to deliver.
The dynamically 8-inch fan inside provides maximum airflow with minimum noise and turbulence, which means it is quieter than other similar units in its category. Moreover, it will evenly distribute the heat through the area thanks to the 5 adjustable louvers that allow you to direct the airflow.
It boasts a convenient carrying handle that ensures maximum portability and comes with an included bracket for wall or ceiling mounting, depending on where you want to place it. The heater provides 20,500 BTU when setting at “High” temperature.
Pros
Boasting a sturdy metal construction, the heater won’t bend, break, chip or corrode easily, meaning it represents a smart investment in the long term.
It is designed to be used in small shops and garages, heating a room at up to 70-80 degrees, depending on how big it is, the temperatures outside, and how well it is insulated.
It comes with a bracket so you can easily mount it on the ceiling or wall, saving space, and allowing you not to worry about stumbling across it whenever you’re not paying attention.
It features a thermostat and various settings that allow you to control air circulation and heat flow for extra comfort.
Cons
Keep in mind that this unit is not shipped with a power cord so you’ll have to purchase one yourself to make the heater work.
Despite its small dimensions, this garage heater is noisier than other similar items in its category.
Buy from Amazon Now ($171.99)
3. Comfort Zone CZ220 Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount Heater
If you’re looking for affordable garage heaters that are durable and useful at the same time, the new Comfort Zone CZ220 could prove a good solution. The product features a heavy gauge steel construction that stands up well to temperature fluctuations in poorly insulated areas, which means it is a good choice for garages and small workshops.
It is designed to be mounted on the ceiling and comes with a hard-wired installation that will save valuable floor space and prevent you from stumbling across the heater every time you turn around. The dual-knob thermostat allows you to easily adjust the temperature according to your preferences and to turn the heater on or off in just a couple of seconds.
Unlike other products, this one is equipped with a built-in sensor that will automatically switch off the heater in case it overheats, potentially preventing fires and other damages in your storage area, warehouse or garage.
Pros
This item features a heavy-duty steel casing that won’t break, chip, bend or corrode easily and provides increased protection against temperature fluctuations that might appear in poorly insulated places.
It is lightweight and compact and, thanks to the hard-wired installation, you can easily mount it on the ceiling, saving important space in the garage and keeping all wires away for your convenience.
It is easy to operate thanks to its convenient controls. One push of a button and you can regulate the temperature until reaching the perfect one for the room or turning the product on and off.
The heater is equipped with a convenient handle that makes transportation easy and fast.
Cons
The fan on this device is quite loud so you should expect to work in a noisy room whenever you turn it on. Moreover, it is mainly designed for smaller garages and workspaces and you have to stay close to it to feel its heat.
Buy from Amazon Now ($59.6)
4. NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater
Featuring a rugged exterior, the product was built to last. The case is made of quality stainless steel which means it won’t bend, break, chip or rust in time. It comes with a mounting bracket in case you want to install it on the ceiling or the wall of your workplace, saving precious space, and preventing you from getting tangled in wires or stumbling across the unit every time you turn around.
Unlike other products that are designed to heat small rooms, the NewAir G73 is equipped with a powerful fan to keep you warm even during the coldest winter days. The heater is powerful enough to blow hot air evenly through a 500-square foot radius, which means it represents a great choice for sheds, large workspaces or two-car garages.
It is considered one of the safest heaters on the market and is backed up by an ETL certificate for electrical safety, meaning it is also equipped with overheating protection.
Pros
The item is made of durable stainless steel that is lightweight and sturdy at the same time, and it won’t break, bend or corrode even when exposed to high humidity and different weather conditions.
It features a convenient handle to ensure comfortable transportation and even comes with a mounting bracket for those who want to install it on the wall or the ceiling of their working space.
The heater is equipped with a vent that is capable of blowing hot air within a 500-square feet radius, more than enough to heat a two-car garage.
Thanks to the adjustable louvers and the easy tilt head, you can direct the heat anywhere you want in the garage, which means you can always stay warm while working.
Cons
You might have to remove a silver rod located next to the fan to make the unit work properly but we don’t suggest doing so until you talk with the manufacturer’s customer service in case the heater doesn’t work.
Buy from Amazon Now ($244.99)
5. Buyplus Garage Space Heater Electric
Lightweight and compact, this tool represents the perfect way to keep you and your family warm during the cold winter nights. It is equipped with innovative PTC technology which means the unit will cool down quickly so there isn’t any chance of overheating.
The product comes with a convenient handle that ensures maximum portability and, thanks to the 75-inch long cord, you can use it anywhere you want in the house and outside it – in your living room, bedroom, garage, office, working unit or storage room.
Unlike other heaters, this item from Buyplus is silent and will heat up in just 3 seconds. You can easily adjust the heat settings according to your preferences. On the high setting, the unit can provide up to 1,500 watts of heat. Choosing the Fan Only option you will generate refreshing air circulation without adding extra heat which will significantly lower your monthly energy bills.
Pros
The product is made of quality materials and won’t break, bend, chip or corrode, becoming a good investment in the long term.
It is lightweight and compact and, thanks to its convenient handle, you can easily carry the heater with you anywhere. Moreover, it comes with a 75-inch long cord that ensures additional portability and freedom of movement.
It is designed to consume less energy and when operated on the Fan Only option, it will only recirculate the air without consuming more energy to heat it.
The product is also equipped with overheat protection that will automatically turn it off when reaching the set temperature. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting the heater on, before going to bed.
Cons
It works well as a general heater but we don’t advise you to use the device for your greenhouse as it may end up producing too much heat and damaging your plants.
Buy from Amazon Now ($24.44)
6. CCC Comfort Zone CZ260ER Industrial Heater
Are you looking for powerful heaters for garage or working places? This product from Comfort Zone is designed for industrial buildings and larger buildings that could use additional heat during the cold winter months.
The heater boasts a heavy-gauge steel body that adds durability and prevents breaking, chipping or corrosion in time. It has a fan-forced air design and features adjustable directed airflow vents to provide superior heat distribution across a wide area. Therefore, the unit is more efficient than others and can be used to heat a particular spot where you work or the entire space evenly.
It features an integrated digital thermostat control and a 12-hour timer that can be controlled via a remote, making it an extremely user-friendly device. The digital display also allows you to set the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees, depending on which measuring unit you’re more comfortable with.
Pros
The product is made of durable steel that won’t corrode or break easily, which means it is a durable investment that will function perfectly for years from now on.
The item is powerful enough to heat a larger garage, small warehouse or working place and comes with an adjustable mounting bracket for optimized positioning on the ceiling. All you need is a single-phase hardwire connection to run it.
The heater comes with integrated digital thermostat control that allows you to adjust the temperature according to your preferences, a 12-hour timer, and remote control for convenience.
It is also equipped with overheat protection that will automatically shut off the device to prevent accidents.
Cons
It would be best to ask a certified electrician to install this unit and you’ll also need to make sure your electrical box has the necessary openings for the heater to be added.
Buy from Amazon Now ($281.84)
7. Ken Brown Fan Forced Ceiling Heater
Boasting a durable steel body, the product is constructed to last you a long time without worrying about it breaking, chipping or corroding. It is designed for ceiling mounting and hard-wired installation to a 240V electric power, saving valuable space on the floor in a crowded storage area, warehouse or garage. Plus, you won’t have to worry about stumbling across wires or the heater when you’re not paying attention.
The product features a dual-knob thermostat that allows you to easily set the desired temperature or to turn it on and off in just a matter of seconds.
Thanks to the louvers and the variable mounting angle, you can direct the airflow where you need it the most, while the fan-forced design will distribute the heat throughout the room. Therefore, you can reach the optimum indoor temperature and comfortably work on your DIY projects in your garage.
The built-in sensor will automatically switch off the device in case of overheating.
Pros
One of the first things you will notice when reading this garage heaters review is the durable steel construction that allows high-temperature fluctuations without damaging the electrical components. The product is designed to last you a long time and won’t corrode or break easily.
It is specially designed to be mounted on the ceiling, saving you precious space on the floor of your garage or warehouse.
Thanks to its built-in sensor, the heater will automatically shut off if it overheats, saving you from potential fire or hazardous situations.
You can easily control the temperature and the fan of the heater so you reach the optimum temperature inside your garage.
Cons
This item doesn’t come with a remote to control its functions from a distance, so it may be inconvenient to turn on, off or adjust the temperature if your garage or warehouse has a tall ceiling.
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8. CCC Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Radiant Quartz Heater
Boasting the latest technologies in the field, this heater is designed with two quartz bulbs that reflect the heat onto nearby objects, providing efficient warmth suitable for workshops, garages or living spaces.
You can easily angle the quartz heater up to 90 degrees which means a more convenient heat distribution precisely to the areas where you need it the most. Thus, you can always stay warm while working in your shop or garage.
The product is specifically made to be mounted on the ceiling, saving valuable floor space which you can later use to store additional tools and items, without worrying about tripping on wires. It comes with an included handy halogen light that allows you to view your workable items clearly and even read instructions or fine print in dim spaces.
Besides, the metal safety grill will prevent the bulbs from getting in contact with other items and causing burns and the sensor will automatically shut down the device if it overheats.
Pros
It is equipped with the latest technologies in the field and the two quartz bulbs will provide gentle and efficient warmth to your workshop, garage or living space.
The product is designed to be mounted on the wall which will save a lot of space in the room and will also prevent you from tripping and falling because of wires.
The heater can be rotated up to 90 degrees, allowing you to direct its output specifically to the areas of your working space that need it the most. In other words, you can point the heater toward you and enjoy the perfect temperature for working in your garage.
The safety sensor will automatically turn off the heater to prevent overheating, while the metal grill will prevent the quartz bulbs from getting in contact with other items nearby and burning them or damaging them.
Cons
As with many other similar products, this one requires professional installation by an electrician.
Buy from Amazon Now ($47.99)
9. Dura Heat Electric Garage Heater
Who said heaters should be dull? Boasting a bright yellow color, this heating unit will certainly stand out from the crowd and will make your working space shinier and happier.
It is equipped with a user-friendly LED screen that allows you to set the desired temperature anywhere between 45 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect ambiance in your warehouse, garage or workshop.
The ECO setting will recirculate air without adding extra heat so it maintains an optimum temperature in the entire room without extra costs on your electricity bill. For convenience purposes, the item is delivered with a full mounting kit that allows you to mount it on the ceiling, saving precious space in your garage or workshop.
The electrical part is enclosed in a heavy-duty metal case that provides perfect insulation and is resistant to scratches and rust. We also liked that the garage heater is delivered with a remote to allow you to easily access all its functions from a distance.
Pros
It comes in a vivid shade of yellow that will help it stand out from the crowd and be easy to spot anywhere you place it.
Thanks to the included mounting kit, you can mount the unit on the ceiling, saving important space on the floor of your warehouse, working space or garage and also allowing you to avoid stumbling across the wires.
The LED display helps you regulate the temperature between 45 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit and, thanks to the included remote, you won’t have to worry about climbing on your desk or a chair to reach the heater.
The built-in sensor will automatically shut down the heater in case it overheats, so you can rest assured there is no room for fires or dangerous situations, even if you forget to turn it off before going to bed.
Cons
We suggest using 8 gauge wires and a 50 amp receptacle to prevent the wires from being too warm.
Buy from Amazon Now ($210.89)
10. Prowarm Electrical Forced Air Industrial Heater
Boasting a compact body that won’t occupy too much space in your garage, this space heater can be used by everyone without worrying about any safety concerns. In case of overheating, it will automatically shut down to prevent dangerous situations, which means you don’t have to worry about turning it off before going to bed.
Thanks to its powerful motor, it can heat a room within seconds and distribute warm air evenly around a large area of up to 860 square feet, which is more than enough to cover a two-car garage, workshop or storage room.
It is made of durable and reliable materials that won’t break, chip or corrode and can withstand high temperatures without overheating. The built-in adjustable thermostat allows you to accurately control the temperature inside the room, while the adjustable heating angles will help you distribute the heat toward the needed area.
It comes with a ceiling mounting bracket that allows you to save space.
Pros
This item comes with step-by-step instructions on how to use it and prolong its lifespan, so you can enjoy most of the heat it delivers without worrying about your energy bills or dangerous situations.
It is powerful enough to deliver even heat to a total area of up to 860 square feet, which should cover the surface of a regular two-car garage, workshop or storage facility.
The PTC ceramic heating element will rapidly heat the atmosphere. Allow your product to preheat for a couple of seconds.
The stainless steel construction is resistant to wear and tear and won’t corrode, so you can enjoy this item to the fullest for many years from now on.
Cons
This particular product may not be strong enough to cover an uninsulated garage in the wintertime. We suggest you purchase it only if you live in warmer areas where temperatures rarely reach the freezing point in the cold months.
Buy from Amazon Now ($129.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Whether you’re looking for a cheap garage heater or one that will last you a long time from now on, you need to take into account some of the features mentioned below to make sure you end up with the right product.
External conditions
A garage heater’s performance depends on a series of external factors and conditions, so you don’t have to discard a unit immediately if it doesn’t keep you warm enough, according to your standards.
To go home with the proper device, you first need to consider the size of the room you’re looking to keep warm. Most heaters are designed to cover a 400-500 square feet area so, if your garage, working place, warehouse, shop or room is bigger, carefully read the label or look for more powerful items.
Secondly, you also have to think about the average temperatures in your area during the wintertime. If you live in an area with mild winters, any type of heater will do the trick as the average temperatures in these places rarely reach the freezing point.
However, if you’re living in the north where temperatures drop consistently from mid-September to late-April, you’ll have to consider a heavy-duty machine that will provide enough heat to warm up the garage.
Lastly, insulation plays an important role in finding the best heater for your garage. Proper insulation can increase the indoor temperature by up to 10-12 degrees, which means you wouldn’t need a powerful heater and you would save money on your monthly energy bills.
Thermostats for adjustable temperature
Often enough, cheap garage heaters make it impossible for you to set the optimum temperature inside your room, which makes it frustrating when you need to store some of the items at precise temperatures. The “high” and “low” buttons on the heater will have you guessing the correct inside temperature anywhere between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can end up paying more for your energy bills.
An efficient heater should come with a thermostat that allows you to preset the preferred temperature. Depending on the unit, you can easily control all the functions of the heater via a remote for maximum convenience.
Compact and portable devices
Most items feature a steel case that is sturdy and reliable in the long term. However, if you haven’t picked the perfect place for the heater inside your garage, you might want to look for an item that comes with a convenient carrying handle and that is light enough to easily transport it across the room without hurting your back, shoulder or arms.
Keep in mind that most units are delivered fully assembled so you can’t remove the heavier parts and later reassemble them.
Ceiling-mounting units
If you want to save more space in your garage and prevent tripping on wires and hurting yourself, the easiest way would be to opt for a heater that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Most of these units come with all necessary kits to install them but you might need the help of a professional electrician to get all the wires straight.
However, if you’re still not sure which type of product would best suit your needs, we suggest you go through some online garage heaters reviews and read the opinions of other customers to discover the pros and cons of the item you’re interested in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of heater is best for a garage?
Choosing a heater for garage is a serious business, so you need to take into account various factors to find the perfect product for your needs. First of all, consider the size of the garage and how much time you’re going to spend inside it during the colder winter months.
Secondly, think about the types of items and tools you usually store in your garage and find out if any of them require specific housing conditions. For instance, motorcycles and motorboats may need a dry yet warm place to stay in the wintertime so that their batteries and motors won’t be affected by heavy winds, cold temperatures, and snow.
Don’t forget to also consider the place where you will be mounting the heater. Some items are free-standing and can be easily pointed toward the needed direction while others are mounted on the ceiling, saving more space but delivering most of the heat only underneath them.
Q: How can I heat my garage cheaply?
There are plenty of ways of keeping your garage warm when the temperatures drop below the freezing point but the most efficient is to properly insulate the construction.
Glass silk may cost more but polystyrene is an affordable item that you can even get for free. It is lightweight and easy to mount and will perfectly insulate any type of building, increasing the average temperature by a few degrees, while cooling it down in the summer.
If you don’t have the skills to work on this project on your own, it would be best to find an alternative source of heating your garage. Heaters and central heating are second-best options. Central heating will provide a constant temperature for the entire garage but won’t work too well if the building isn’t insulated properly or you keep your door open most of the time.
Regular plug-in garage heaters are short-term solutions for those who don’t spend more than a few hours on weekends in their garages. They are easy to handle and portable so that you can keep them close to you and receive more heat.
Q: How much does it cost to install a garage heater?
The answer to this question also depends on your handyman skills and the type of heater you’re opting for. If you choose a regular one that only requires you to plug it in to start working, you won’t have to pay any extra for installing it. These products come preassembled and fully-functional right from the shop, so all you have to do is take them home and place them in your garage.
Central heating is a more complicated job that requires the use of professional plumbers and contractors. We only recommend this option if you spend all of your free time in your garage or if the weather in your area is extremely cold during the winter.
If your heater requires ceiling mounting, you can ask for professional help or the help of your friends who are more skilled than you. Most stores also provide professional installation services for a fee, so expect at least $100-$200, depending on how complicated the system is.
