12 Best Garage Heaters (Electric, Gas, Propane)

Our list of the Best Garage Heaters along with full Garage Heater Reviews follows. It includes the best garage heaters for all types of fuel, use and garage sizes from one-car to four-car garages.

Feel free to jump straight to the garage heater models to browse or buy if you know:

On the other hand, if you want to be sure to choose the best garage heater for your situation, this introductory information on size and heater type will be useful.

The Best Garage Heater for Your Needs

A garage heater is a tool that should be customized to your garage, climate and purposes.

Here are a few garage heater factors to consider when choosing the best garage heater for you.

What Size Garage Heater Do I Need? – Garage Heater Size Calculator

How big is your garage?

Where do you live – are winters mild, moderate or cold?

Is your garage insulated? How well is it insulated? This factor plus climate can determine whether you need 8 watts or 20+ watts per square foot, aka 25 to 85 BTUs per square foot.

Is it attached to the house on one or two sides, or is it detached? This is a factor similar to insulation – does it adjoin warmed space on any side?

How much time do you spend in the garage? This helps determine whether you need quick heat, consistent heat keeping a minimal temp there, etc.

Is keeping the temp above freezing at all times important?

These are essential factors in choosing the best garage heater. And we make choosing easy.

If you don’t know the heating capacity needed for your garage, in watts/kW’s or BTUs, use the Pick HVAC Garage Heater Size Calculator to find out. And then close the calculator and return to this page to choose the best garage heater for your purposes.

This chart summarizes the results from using the Gas Furnace Heater Size Calculator. Keep in mind that your climate and how well the garage is insulated greatly affect the heater size you need. Use the Gas Furnace Heater Sizing Calculator for the most accurate results.

Garage Type	Square Feet	BTUs	Watts	Average Zone 4/5
1 Car	240 – 325	6,300 – 25,000	1,900 – 7,500	16,000 BTU/5,000 watts
1.5 Car	400 – 550	11,000 – 40,000	4,000 – 12,000	25,000 BTU/7,000 watts
2 Cars	440 – 600	12,000 – 46,000	3,400 – 13,500	30,000 BTU/8,5250 watts
2.5 Cars	500 – 700	14,000 – 54,000	3,900 – 16,000	34,000 BTU/10,000 watts
3 Cars	650 – 800	17,000 – 62,000	5,000 – 18,000	36,000 BTU/10,500
4 Cars	800 – 1,200+	22,000 – 94,000	5,500 – 27,000	50,000 BTU/14,500

Your Garage Heater Types – Heating Options

Choices are great, but selecting the right fuel or energy source can be a challenge if your garage heater options aren’t explained.

Here is a clear explanation of your options with pros and cons. This section is followed by the:

Best Garage Heater list with bullet points for quick consideration

Best Garage Heaters – Full Reviews

There are many ways to heat a garage. Which is best for you?

Propane Garage Heaters

Ventless garage heaters that burn propane quite completely are becoming very popular. Vented propane heaters are available too for those who prefer the peace of mind a vented unit gives.

You’ll need a propane source, and the most common type is a 20-pound or 30-pound “bottle,” a regulator and hose that connects directly to the heater.

The most economical propane source is a large tank, aka a pig, set in your yard with a line running to a gas hookup installed in your garage. If you already use propane to run your gas furnace, check into tapping into it to run a propane garage heater.

Pros

Propane heaters are affordable and have lower operating costs than electric garage heaters. Choosing a ventless propane heater, also called a vent-free heater, eliminates the need to install a vent. Many are portable, so they have no installation cost at all.

Cons

 If you have a well-insulated garage with a tight envelope – very little air leakage, in other words, then you’ll probably want some ventilation, even if using a ventless heater.

Natural Gas Garage Heaters

These units produce lots of heat, and they can warm up the garage very quickly.

Pros

Natural gas costs less than propane and electricity heating, so operating costs are the lowest among popular options except for a ductless mini split system. However, with the much higher cost of a mini split heat pump, a natural gas garage heater might be a more cost-effective option for most homeowners. Gas heaters, in terms of operating cost, are among the most efficient garage heaters.

Cons

Most natural gas shop heaters and garage heaters need venting, but there’s a new generation of ventless natural gas heaters.

Electric Garage Heaters with Fans

Hugely popular, most of these large electric garage heater options create a lot of heat using coils to produce what is called electric resistance heating.

Pros

Lots of models and sizes, and reasonable cost.

Cons

Electricity can be expensive, and your energy costs will be noticeably higher if you use the heater frequently.

Electric Infrared Heaters

These electricity-powered garage heaters use infrared radiation to warm people rather than producing a large amount of heat.

Pros

They are more affordable to operate than large electric garage heaters with fans.

Cons

You need to be pretty close to the heater to benefit from the heat. Infrared garage heaters are a better choice in small garages and shops when you will work right in front of the heater.

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps

These units cost less to operate than other garage heater options.

Pros

Low operating costs. They provide heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. Wall-mounted indoor units save floor space. Some can be DIY installed – they are pre-charged, so a licensed HVAC technician is not needed.

Cons

The upfront cost for the equipment is significantly higher than for other garage heater types.

Wood Heaters

Wood and pellet stoves are a great option for larger garages when there is adequate floor space.

Pros

Wood is cheap, and possibly free, in some areas. Pellets can be a cost-effective fuel too.

Cons

These units can be expensive, and they have to be vented, which increases installation cost.

We don’t cover wood and pellet stoves in this Best Garage Heaters Guide – but we do on other popular Pick HVAC pages.

Both are very good options that Pick HVAC has addressed in other buying guides. We skipped them in this guide because most readers of this page are looking for electric or gas heaters. Plus, wood and pellet stoves require more floor space, and there are concerns about potentially igniting gas fumes or other flammable vapors in the garage or causing a fire by something like an abundance of sawdust being created in a woodworking shop.

If you’re interested in these garage heating options, here are good places to start. Each gives you specific wood or pellet stove model recommendations.

• Best Small Wood Stoves on the Market
• Top Small Pellet Stoves and Buying Guide

12 Best Garage Heaters 

Garage heaters are not a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment. Far from it, given the range of climates, garage sizes and how our readers use their garages.

Therefore, Pick HVAC put together the ultimate list of the Best Garage Heaters you’ll find.

Don’t be overwhelmed by all the choices!

If you know you want electric, focus on electric garage heaters. Same thing if you have natural gas or propane and know that’s the direction you want to go.

Here is the list with quick bullet points. If you want to dig deeper, full reviews follow. All the garage heater options in this list currently have ratings above 4 out of 5 stars. We do the research it takes to offer our readers the very best products available.

Full Reviews of the Best Garage Heaters

Those are the best garage heaters for a range of garage sizes, fuel types and the way you want to heat your space.

Now, let’s dig deeper for those who want to know more details including pros, cons, features and the best use for all these top garage heating options.

Here are the best gas and electric heaters for the garage:

Comfort Zone CZ230ER Digital Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount Heater w/ Remote & Timer

Overall Best Electric Garage Heater

This highly rated 240-volt electric garage heater kicks out 7,500 watts of heat per hour, the equivalent of 25,000 BTUs. Its heavy-duty steel cabinet is ideal for a garage, workshop or other shop setting.

Convenience features include a 12-hour timer and a remote you can use to choose heat mode, set the temperature and timer and turn the unit On/Off.

This unit is hardwired and designed for ceiling mount.

Heat Type: Electric 240 volt hardwired

Heat Output: 7,500 watts

Insulated Garage Size: Up to 2 cars

Features: Tough, commercial-grade steel design, 12-hour timer and full-function remote. Overheat protection with built-in sensor. Use the louvers and adjustable mount to direct airflow where you want it. The digital thermostat offers precision heating.

Pros & Cons: Compact but strong design with powerful fan to move airflow throughout the garage. Must be hardwired, though you can probably attach a pigtail to plug it into a 240V outlet.

Best Use: We like this unit for any 1-car or 1.5-car garage, even if not well insulated. If your garage is insulated, then this should handle a 2-car garage in moderate and cool climates.

NewAir NGH160GA00, 120V Electric Portable Garage Heater

Best 120V Garage Heater – 1 Car

This is a small electric garage heater designed to heat the immediate space around you. It plugs into any standard outlet, so is very easy to use. We recommend it for small, insulated shops too. This is the best cheap garage heater in the list.

Heat Type: Electric 120 volts, standard plug

Heat Output: 1500 watts

Insulated Garage Size: 1-car

Features: Portable, easy-to-use design. The bracket is adjustable – aim the head right where you want heat. Ceramic element heats quickly and stays warm. Low/High heat settings give you an option. Integrated handle for easy carrying.

Pros & Cons: The 200 CFM fan moves the heat quite well. Quality design and build for garages and shops.

Best Use: Spot heating is the main use. If you have a well-insulated 1-car garage or small shop, this unit will eventually raise the heat to comfortable levels in all but the coldest climates.

Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater for Garage 208/240 volts

Best 240V Garage Heater – 2 Car

Built for the demands of the garage or shop, this 240-volt heavy-duty electric heater mounts horizontally or vertically for convenience. It has 2 heat settings: 2,500 volts and 5,000 volts. Louvers give you control over heating direction.

Heat Type: 240-volt electric

Heat Output: 2,500/5,000 watt settings

Insulated Garage Size: 1-2 cars

Features: Dial-type mechanical settings. Integrated thermostat for energy efficiency. Ruggedly built steel cabinet for use in a garage, shop, factory. Can be set as low as 45-degrees for use in preventing freezing and as high as 135F for maximum heat.

Pros & Cons: Versatile garage heating with heavy-duty design. Set up for hardwiring. If you don’t have a 240V outlet, you’ll need a 30-amp circuit. Highly rated yet affordable 240V electric garage heater.

Best Use: This unit will provide reliable heating for 2-car garages in most climates. In milder climates in insulated space, you might get by running it on low. Works well as a shop heater too

Comfort Zone CZ260ER Ceiling-Mounted 10,000-Watt Fan-Forced Industrial Heater

Best 240V Garage Heater – 3+ Car

Kick out the equivalent of 34,000 BTUs of heat with one of the largest garage heaters available – and one that has great ratings from verified users in the coldest climates. It is heavy-duty enough for industrial settings – with more than enough durability for residential garages and shops.

Heat Type: 240-volt hardwired electric heating

Heat Output: 10,000 watts of hot!

Insulated Garage Size: Will heat 3-car garages up to about 700 square feet when the garage has some insulation. In milder climates, this unit is often installed in 4-car garages and large shops.

Features: Airflow disperses in a wide arc, so the whole garage is covered. Adjustable vents to target areas, if desired. This is a digital unit, so the 12-hour timer and thermostat give precise control over garage heating. Overload switch offers constant monitoring and protection. 208/240-volt operation.

Pros & Cons: Lots of heating power, which you can control for efficiency and performance. Heavy-gauge steel body is very durable. The sheathed elements last year after year. High-quality fan motor. A great deal for a high-output electric garage heater. Keep in mind that consistent use of a 10,000-watt heater will increase electric bills noticeably. Requires a 50-amp breaker.

Best Use: We recommend this 240-volt garage heater for any 2-car garage and for reasonably well insulated garages in cold climates. Great for larger shops too. It is OSHA and NEC approved.

Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Infrared, 13 ft Cord, Tripod + Heater

Best Infrared Garage Heater

Infrared heat means the device heats objects. The result is that you get a lot of heating for 1,500 watts of power. Plus, this unit comes with an adjustable tripod stand. Set the height you want, and direct to where you’ll be working, and you will stay warm!

Heat Type: Electric infrared heat

Heat Output: 1,500 watts

Insulated Garage Size: 1-car or 2-car garages, but since the unit heats people/objects directly in front of it, the best use is as a spot heater in a garage or shop of any size.

Features: Instant heat. Nearly silent design. Weatherproof, so a little moisture or condensation won’t harm it.

Pros & Cons: Lightweight and affordable, yet powerful heating when you’re in front of this 1,500 watt infrared heater.

Best Use: Spot heating in a garage or shop rather than heating all the space. Position the stand where you are working, and you’ll feel the heat. The lightweight design makes it easy to move as you change locations. We recommend this for all but the coldest climates, and especially for space with some insulation to hold in the heat.

Modine HD45AS0111Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater 45,000 BTU

Overall Best Gas Heater

Modine might be the most respected name in gas heaters for the garage and shop. This is an efficient, powerful natural gas heater that puts out instant heat, and a lot of it. These units are widely used in residential and commercial settings where reliable durability is essential.

Heat Type: Natural Gas – Can be converted to propane

Heat Output: 45,000 BTUs, as much as a small gas furnace.

Insulated Garage Size: This unit will easily heat most 2-car garages and larger garages and shops in moderate climates.

Features: Sidewall or roof venting. Compact design. Easy-to-use controls deliver accurate heat output and temperature control. Installation is quick with field wiring connections and knockouts that give you flexibility when hooking it up.

Pros & Cons: 80% efficiency is good for a garage heater, though actual gas furnaces can be as efficient as mid-90s and higher. DIY installation is possible for handy homeowners experienced with gas line connections. You might need a permit for this unit – check with your local Codes officials. This is a quality 20-year workhorse gas garage heater.

Best Use: Heated garages when you want a reasonably warm space all winter – and it’s ideal for fast, full-garage heat in less than 30 minutes even when starting from freezing-cold temps. This unit serves garages for up to 3 cars depending on the climate and level of insulation.

Dyna-Glo 20,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater

Best Ventless Propane Garage Heater

This is also the most efficient garage heater available. Clean-burning propane is an ideal fuel when you don’t want the expense of installing a vent. This convection heater – one that rapidly heats all the air in the space – is a good choice in cold climates.

Heat Type: Liquid propane. This unit is not convertible. There is a natural gas ventless version – right here.

Heat Output: 16K, 18K and 20K BTU settings

Insulated Garage Size: 1-2 cars. If the garage has good insulation and the outdoor temperature is above 20 degrees, this unit will serve a 2-car or 2.5 car garage.

Features: Vent free propane heat, 3 heat settings, wall mount brackets. Doesn’t require electricity. There’s no fan included, but a Dyna-Glo vent-free wall fan accessory is available here.

Pros & Cons: Adjustable heat output, no power needed. Runs off bottle propane or a tank. Heats space quickly. Not convertible to natural gas. Dyna-Glo is one of the top-rated manufacturers of gas garage heaters.

Best Use: We recommend this unit for moderate and cold climates. It’s an affordable heater to have around, because it can be brought indoors to provide emergency heat during winter power outages.

Martin Direct Vent Propane Wall Thermostatic Heater 20,000 BTU

Best Direct Vent Propane Heater

Many homeowners prefer the safety of a vented propane heater compared with the potential, but unlikely, danger of a ventless unit. This direct vent 20K BTU heater is easy to install and gives you peace of mind.

Heat Type: LP/propane gas

Heat Output: Adjustable heating up to 20,000 BTU per hour

Insulated Garage Size: up to 2-car garages in most climates – larger shop and garage areas in milder climates when the space has good insulation.

Features: Adjustable heat setting, clean burning yet vented for safety. Built-in thermostat for accurate heating.

Pros & Cons: Easy installation, quality burner with tough cabinet for garage and shop use. Highly rated by verified consumers. This is an affordable and attractive direct vent propane garage heater.

Best Use: Ideal for well-insulated 2-car garages, but it will provide decent heat in larger spaces or smaller garages with poor insulation. If venting is important to you and you need moderate heat, this unit will suit you well.

Mr. Heater Corporation F299831 Vent-Free 30,000 BTU Radiant Natural Gas Heater

Best Natural Gas Garage Heater – 1-2 cars

This is our top-rated natural gas garage heater ideal for the shop/workshop/shed or other outbuilding. And it is vent-free!

Heat Type: NG/Natural gas

Heat Output: 30,000 BTU

Insulated Garage Size: 2-2.5 cars

Features: Electronic hassle-free ignition, variable output, so you get enough heat without being overheated or wasting energy. There’s no blower, but an optional blower fan is available. Low-oxygen sensor and shutoff. Legs for floor mount; wall-mounting bracket included too.

Pros & Cons: Runs on natural gas, so operating costs are lower than with propane and electricity. Mr. Heater is a highly rated and top-selling brand of gas heaters.

Best Use: Heated garages and when you want fast heat in garages you don’t keep warm all the time. We recommend this unit for most 2-car and 2.5-car garages.

Mr. Heater F260550 Big Maxx MHU50NG

Best Natural Gas Garage Heater – 2+ cars

You won’t have trouble keeping a 2 to 3-car garage warm with this high-output natural gas heater from one of the top-rated manufacturers in the industry. An LP conversion kit is included!

Heat Type: Natural gas

Heat Output: Up to 50,000 BTUs per hour

Insulated Garage Size: 2.5 or 3-car garages. It is rated for 1,250 square feet of well-insulated space (a 4+ car garage).

Features: Click the Price button and choose from 3 options – Heater only; Heater and Hookup Kit; Heater and Thermostat. Strong angle brackets are included.

Pros & Cons: High heat, adjustable output. 10-year heat exchanger warranty; 3-year parts warranty.

Best Use: Large garages and shops for short-term heating or when you want the space to be warm all winter.

Mr. Heater MH60QFAV 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Forced Air Heater

Best Garage Floor Heating

Crank out the heat to keep feet warm or the entire space nicely heated with this high-BTU portable propane heater from an industry leader – Mr. Heater.

Heat Type: Propane

Heat Output: Settings from 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs/hour

Insulated Garage Size: 2 to 3 cars

Features: High heat output, but adjustable to meet specific heating needs. 10-foot hose and regulator included, so this unit is ready to go out of the box. Fan runs on a standard 110-volt outlet using an included plug.

Pros & Cons: A lot of heat fast. Reasonable cost. Highly rated brand. Select the Price button to choose this model or a high-output unit with up to 80,000 BTUs of heat per hour. There’s a burn potential because of the high heat, so use with care.

Best Use: We recommend this when you want a lot of heat instantly. Because of the high heat output, you’ll go through a 20-lb bottle in about 7 hours on high output; 14 hours on low.

Cooper & Hunter 12,000 BTU, 115V Ductless Mini Split AC/Heating System

Best Mini Split for Garage

Do you spend time in the garage year-round? Would AC in hot months make working on cars or on a workbench more enjoyable – in addition to having warm space in the cold months? Consider a DIY mini split heat pump system for about the price of some gas and electric garage heaters. Get more for your money with a ductless system for comfort in all seasons.

This mini split gets high marks for quality and dependability – plus it is easy to install with pre-charged refrigerant lines.

Heat Type: Electricity is used to cycle refrigerant, and the refrigerant does the work of absorbing heat outside and dispersing it inside your garage in winter. In summer, it pumps the heat outside to cool your garage.

Heat Output: 12,000 BTUs, but this Cooper & Hunter series offers models from 9,000 to 30,000 BTUs. Select the Price button, and choose the size or sizes you prefer.

Insulated Garage Size: 2-car and 2.5-car garages. This is a great unit for your shop too.

Features: Heating and AC. Remote with full controls. Digital accuracy. Thermostat control. WiFi and app for easy monitoring and adjustments from anywhere.

Pros & Cons: This is the most efficient way to heat a garage, though it won’t heat the space as quickly as the gas heaters on the list. This unit has good warranty coverage – 7 years on the compressor; 5 years on all other parts.

Best Use: Garages and shops you want heated and cooled all the time