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Garages can have unfavorable temperatures, making them unpleasant places to work in, especially in the colder winter months. They are usually constructed from brick and timer only, and don’t have any kind of insulation to keep them warm.
If you have a garage that you’d like to spend time in, but have been deterred because of the temperature, then a garage heater would be a good investment.
The best way to heat a garage is with a portable space heater. There are plenty of models to choose from, each offering their own useful features. Some garage heaters are designed with plenty of safety precautions to give you peace of mind, whilst thermostats ensure that you can conserve as much energy as possible.
Different heaters can heat different sized spaces, so it is vital that you measure up your garage and ensure that the heater that you choose is adequate for the size of your garage. If you choose a heater that is made for a larger space than your garage, you may find that it is not very energy efficient, whilst a garage heater intended for a smaller space will leave your garage feeling cold.
If you’re wondering “What is the best garage heater for me?” then these best garage heater reviews are bound to help you make your decision.
Contents
- 1 Top Rated Garage Heater Comparison
- 2 Top 10 Best Garage Heater In 2020 Reviews
- 2.1 1. Broan-NuTone (6201) Big Heat Heater
- 2.2 2. NewAir G73 Electric Garage Heater
- 2.3 3. Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt Garage Heater
- 2.4 4. Ceiling-Mount Industrial Electric Heater
- 2.5 5. King KBP2406 5700-Watt MAX 240-Volt Single Phase Paw Unit Heater
- 2.6 6. Patton Milk-House Utility Heater
- 2.7 7. NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater
- 2.8 8. Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater
- 2.9 9. Lasko 5905 Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater with Thermostat
- 2.10 10. Dimplex DGWH4031 4000-Watt Garage/Workshop Heater
- 3 Garage Heater Pros
- 4 Garage Heater Cons
- 5 How to Choose the Best Garage Heater?
- 6 Types of Garage Heaters
- 7 Garage Heater Safety Guidelines
- 8 Conclusion
Top Rated Garage Heater Comparison
[go_pricing id=”table_4″] [go_pricing id=”table_5″]Top 10 Best Garage Heater In 2020 Reviews
1. Broan-NuTone (6201) Big Heat Heater
This robust portable garage heater is probably the best heater you can buy if you need temporary or portable heating for your garage in the cooler weather. It has a strong carrying handle so that it can be easily transported, whilst to the base, there are rubber feet. The feet protect any surface that you may choose to stand the heater on.
Our Rating: (3.9 / 5)
This heater is completely safe, and has an automatic shut off feature for in case the heater is knocked over. When using the heater in a garage environment, this is a useful safety function.
The heating elements are made from ceramic, which is one of the best materials to use in heating equipment. It is both efficient and durable and the 1500-watt setting allows the heater to warm up quickly, saving energy. If you choose the lower 1200-watt setting, this option will further save energy and will allow the heater to maintain its warmth.
2. NewAir G73 Electric Garage Heater
For a versatile garage heater, the NewAir G73 Electric Garage Heater is a great choice. It has a carry handle so that it can be transported with ease, but if you’d rather use it as a fixed heater, then you can choose to either mount it on the wall or the ceiling.
Our Rating: (3.9 / 5)
You can comfortably heat up to 500 square feet with this heater, which is adequate for most garage sizes. If you have a particularly large garage, it might be a good idea to purchase two.
An automatic safety shut off and built in thermostat will keep the heater at its optimum temperature. You will be able to enjoy peace of mind knowing that this heater is safe, and the heater automatically conserves energy when it has sufficiently heated the space. Because the heater maintains its optimum temperature, the parts will also last longer, so you don’t need to worry about the heater wearing out too soon.
3. Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt Garage Heater
The Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt Garage Heater is another one of the top garage heaters and it is a powerful heater than can be used to supplement existing heating, act as backup heating or provide the main source of heat to any garage. It has mounting brackets included with it, and can be easily mounted to the wall or ceiling to provide either horizontal or vertical heating.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
An integrated thermostat controls the temperature of the garage. The thermostat temperature can be adjusted from 45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent the fan from circulating cold air around the garage, this garage heater will not activate its heat distribution fan until the heating element has reached a sufficient temperature. This feature also allows the heater to heat up much more quickly as the fan won’t disperse the accumulated heat too early.
To keep the heater as safe as possible, it has an automatic shut off mechanism to prevent overheating and it will start back up again once the heater has sufficiently cooled.
4. Ceiling-Mount Industrial Electric Heater
Instead of experiencing cold air being circulated around the garage, or a heater that doesn’t provide heat very quickly, this electric heating fan doesn’t kick into action until the element has heated sufficiently. To prolong the life of the parts inside it, once you’ve switched off the heater, the fan continues to work in order to keep the internal workings as cool as possible.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
The design of the heating element features a pleated fin, which allows the heater to evenly distribute warm air around the garage.
This is a powerful heater, and can operate at 7500-watt power. It is suitable for acting as the sole source of heat in larger buildings, including garages.
To save space, you can easily install this Ceiling-Mounted Industrial Electric Heater to the ceiling of your garage and it is possible to adjust the angle of the heater to direct the heat according to preference and requirements.
5. King KBP2406 5700-Watt MAX 240-Volt Single Phase Paw Unit Heater
The King KBP2406 5700-Watt MAX garage heater is a powerful space heater that has been designed to heat larger spaces in as fast a time as possible. It’s also one of the best heaters for garage as it makes a great option for both home and industrial use as it is quite versatile. When this heater is installed, it is possible to choose the power output that you would like the heater to operate at. These watt outputs vary from 950-watts to 5700-watts.
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
The CFM value of this heater is 270 so you can be sure that it will adequately heat an area that has a floor space of up to 270 cubic feet.
A safety switch is built into this heater, so if the heater tips, it will automatically cut out. The thermostat controls the temperature of the room and once the room has reached the desired temperature, the KBP2406 garage heater stops operating. Once the temperature of the room has dropped again, the heater will start up again.
6. Patton Milk-House Utility Heater
The Patton Milk-House Utility garage space heater is the perfect choice if you would prefer a heater that is not only useful, but that also adds to the décor of your garage. The classic milk-house style of this heater brings a unique look to your garage that you wont get from standard garage heaters. The metal housing is a great finishing touch.
Our Rating: (4 / 5)
A thermostat allows you to set the temperature of this heater so that it will not make the space too hot, or you can conserve energy if you wish.
The blower fan is entirely enclosed in the housing of this space heater, so you have the added protection that this heater is safe to use, even if it tips over. A carry handle makes this heater highly portable.
This heater is easy to clean without having to take it to a specialist so your maintenance costs can stay as low as possible.
7. NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater
For a solution that is suitable for the home as well as businesses, this 5600-watt garage heater from NewAir is a winning choice. The strong stainless steel body and the safety grille to the front will ensure durability, whilst the mesh – like grille allows as much warm air as possible to be expelled from the heater without being blocked by the usual thicker fin style grilles.
Our Rating: (3.7 / 5)
The controls for this garage space heater are at the front, towards the lower part of the heater and they are simple to use. These simple switch and dial controls are operated manually and are as basic as possible for convenient operation.
There is an overheat protection feature built into this heater with safety cut off for your own peace of mind. The space heater is suitable to heat an area of up to 560 square feet, which is perfect for most garages. If you have a larger garage, you may want to consider purchasing two to ensure that the space is fully heated.
8. Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater
This Stanley Pro-ceramic portable garage heater from the Lasko brand is great for garages as it can provide heat to large spaces, but if you have a profession where you need to take a heater with you, this is also a great portable option.
Our Rating: (3.8 / 5)
A durable carry handle and pivoting design allows you to have heat anywhere you may require it and direct it in the direction you need it the most. The handle has a rubberized cover for easy grip and the base features a durable tubular design. An adjustable thermostatic control allows you to easily set the running temperature for this heater.
There are 3 programmable settings including high and low heat and fan only for the summer months.
This portable garage heater doesn’t need any special assembly as it is packaged fully assembled in one piece. There is also a 3-year limited warranty to protect your purchase.
All these great features, as well as an in-built safety cut off switch make this garage heater the perfect companion for both home and business use.
9. Lasko 5905 Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater with Thermostat
The self-regulating ceramic heating element that is contained within this garage heater makes this heater maybe the best garage heater for workmen who need portability and versatility from their garage heater. 1500 watts provides enough warmth for small to medium sized garages whilst being suitable for most mains power outlets.
Our Rating: (3.6 / 5)
The rubber grip handle and the strong tubular frame of this portable garage heater mean the handle and stand will last as long as possible. The heater’s design allows it to be safely and easily moved around.
You can choose from three fan settings with this heater. A high heat setting will allow you to quickly heat a garage and keep it warm, even if it is draughty. The low heat setting is better for well-insulated garages that simply need a little heat. For warmer summer conditions that can be uncomfortable to work in, it can be preferable to choose the fan only setting that will circulate cool air around the garage.
10. Dimplex DGWH4031 4000-Watt Garage/Workshop Heater
This economical garage heater is great for workshop and commercial use. This top rated garage heater has a powerful 4000-watt element, which is made from durable stainless steel.
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
For convenience, this heater can be easily wall mounted with the bracket provided. The bracket is designed in such a way that means that the heater can be swiveled in any direction to direct heat in a specific direction. The heater can also be mounted to the ceiling if desired.
The automatic thermostat allows you to manually control the temperature of this heater from 45 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater has been specially designed for the fan to only start up once the stainless steel element has heated to a sufficient temperature. This makes the heater as energy efficient as possible. There is a safety shut off feature for peace of mind, which ensures that the heater will automatically turn off if it is tipped over.
Product name | Settings | Type | Watts | Safety | Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fahrenheat FUH54 | adjustable thermostat | Fan forced type | 5000 | overheat and tip over protection | 18 x 14 x13 |
NewAir G73 | adjustable thermostat | Fan forced type | 5000 | overheat and tip over protection | 9 x 9.5 x 14 |
Broan-NuTone 6201 | high, low, fan only | Ceramic heating element | 1500 | overheat and tip over protection | 6 x 5.9 x 5.2 |
Ceiling-Mount Industrial Electric Heater | adjustable thermostat | Plated fin heating element | 7500 | overheat and tip over protection | 14 x 12.5 x 12.4 |
King KBP2406 | adjustable thermostat | patented Pic-A-Watt heating element | 5700 | overheat and tip over protection | 13 x 12 x 16 |
Garage Heater Pros
A garage heater brings many great advantages:
- You can create a usable space that would usually be too cold to spend time in without the heater.
- Portable and cordless heaters offer you the chance to have heat in a garage that is in a location where you cant easily have an electricity supply.
- Safety cut-out features keep the running of the heater as safe as possible.
- You can easily mount many garage heaters to the wall or ceiling to save space.
- Variable thermostat features allow you to choose the temperature that you would like your garage to be.
- Different sizes of garage heaters mean that there is a solution for almost every garage.
Garage Heater Cons
There are also a few disadvantages of garage heaters.
- For safety, you will need to ensure that the garage is free from leaks and moisture if you choose an electric heater.
- Heating appliances consume a lot of electric, so especially if you choose a higher power of garage heater, you should keep an eye on your energy bills.
- Fuel bills can be expensive if you choose alternative fuel types to electric. You’ll also need somewhere to store spare fuel for your heater.
- You should be careful to ensure that your electricity supply can handle the higher power consumption of the more powerful garage heaters.
How to Choose the Best Garage Heater?
There are many things to consider when you’re choosing your garage heater. There are different power and fuel types, more powerful heaters for commercial use, portable or mounted heaters and all kinds of features that you may or may not need. So just how do you choose the best garage heater for your needs?
- Room size. Firstly, you should measure the room that you wish to heat. Most garage heaters tell you how large a space the heater is suitable for, so you should check that this matches with the dimensions of your garage.
- Portability. How portable do you need your garage heater to be? If you move around your garage, or if you intent to take your heater to other garages for work, then you would probably benefit from a portable heater. Fixed heaters are better for safety and can be space saving too, so if you don’t need to move your heater around, you could look at wall and ceiling mounted garage heaters.
- Mains Supply. Garage heaters – even fuel powered ones – need an electric point to work. You should always check the power output of the garage heater before you start. Heating appliances require a lot of power to work, and those that are intended for larger garages often need more power than a residential power supply is equipped for. In order to avoid blowing your electric circuit, it’s a good idea to check with an electrician if you are unsure.
- Thermostats and fans. If you want to regulate the heat from the garage heater you should opt for one that has an inbuilt thermostat. This will ensure that the heater stops circulating warm air once it detects the room has reached a certain temperature. When it starts to cool down, the heater will automatically start up again. If you would also like your garage heater to act as a fan in summer to keep the garage cool, you can find garage heaters that can double up as cool air fans.
Types of Garage Heaters
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Natural Gas Garage Heaters
The two main types of natural gas garage heaters include forced air heaters, which blow warm air in the style of a furnace, and infra-red tube natural gas heaters which radiate heat instead. These heaters can burn natural gas, which is very affordable, or LP gas, which is also quite cheap.
These heaters come in various sizes so that you can choose the best one for your requirements although you should be aware that you will need an electrical point to power these heaters as well as a ventilation method to expel waste gases.
For garages that will be used as workshops where you may be cutting wood or similar, you would be better choosing a radiating style heater, as it will not kick up dust.
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Electric Garage Heaters
Electric gas heaters are popular and readily available. As long as you know that there is a power supply for the heater, you can install an electric garage heater with confidence.
As well as thermostats to maintain the heating at a comfortable level, most electric garage heats these days are completely safe with automatic cut off switches in case the heater tips over.
Many electric garage heaters can be mounted to the wall or ceiling to save space in your garage.
Electric garage heaters are available for a wide range of uses, from residential to commercial, and you can find electric heaters that can effectively heat particularly large spaces.
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Propane Garage Heaters
For a solution that gets to work as quickly as possible, you should chose a propane garage heater. Propane heaters produce a strong and hot flame, which heats a garage space in no time. It keeps the garage warm, and once it’s turned off, it quickly cools again.
Most propane heaters have a thermostat, which is an important feature when it comes to propane powered garage heaters. These heaters can cause a room to warm up very quickly, and the thermostat helps regulate the temperature of the room, as well as conserving energy when the heater isn’t needed.
You will need ventilation for a propane heater to ensure that waste gases can be expelled to the outside. Because of the fumes, they can be a poor choice if you use your garage frequently.
Whilst propane heaters are very cheap, they are often not the most practical choice for garage heating solutions.
Garage Heater Safety Guidelines
Heaters come in all shapes and sizes. There are many different safety factors to consider when it comes to positioning and operating your specific heater. Some heaters are electrical, some use a burned fuel and some use both. Being safe with fuel and electricity is a no brainer. So be safe using your particular type of heater and make sure to follow these general guidelines on safety for Garage Heaters.
- Never leave your heater on unattended. If you have to leave – even just for a short time, unplug or turn off the fuel to your heater. Even if you’re just going back to the house for a glass of water, turn it off.
- Likewise don’t leave heaters and children or pets unsupervised.
When thinking about positioning your heater consider where is best if you have kids or pets. - It goes without saying really but – Don’t use your heater for something it’s not designed for and don’t modify it. If it needs a repair take it to a qualified technician. Your life isn’t worth the small fee it would cost to service it properly.
- When placing your heater makes sure that there is plenty of room above the heater for the heat to rise. Ensure that there is nothing flammable stored above the heater and ensure it’s on a safe sturdy level surface.
- The area you choose for your heater should be free from anything accidentally knocking into the heater while it’s in operation.
- Remove all other flammable materials from around the area of your heater – this includes gasoline, paints, solvents, materials, BBQ fuel etc.
- If your heater uses a flammable liquid or gas bottle – store any spare well away from the unit.
- Ensure that there is enough room around your heater for ventilation and don’t block any of the intakes or outputs. Don’t dry clothes on heaters.
- Before cleaning or moving your heater, make sure you disconnect from the power supply or fuel source.
This list isn’t exhaustive but covers the basics. Your heater will come with it’s own specific instructions so read them carefully and ensure you are familiar with how your heater works and how to turn it off quickly and safely in case of emergency. If your heater uses a flammable liquid you may want to buy a fire extinguisher or fire blanket. Ensure that any extinguisher you buy is the right type for your heater.
Conclusion
As you can tell from these top 10 best garage heater reviews, there is plenty of variety when it comes to choosing the best garage heater for your needs. Whether you have a large garage or a smaller one, there are different heaters that are capable of heating different sized rooms so you can choose the one that will be the most economical for you.
Being able to wall or ceiling mount the heater is a useful option for those who want to save space in their garage, and who don’t need to move the heater around, whilst those who work in several garages may prefer the portability of the more mobile garage heaters.
You wont need to be too concerned with safety, as most garage heaters these days have automatic cut offs in case they tip over. You can also keep the energy consumption down as thermostats can ensure that the heater is only on when the garage needs to be heated.
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