If you’re looking for the Best Portable Heaters For Garage, Workshop, or other unheated spaces in your home, you’ve come to the right place!
If you do any work in your garage and live where winter temperatures can stay below freezing for days or weeks on end, you know it’s practical – almost essential – to own the best garage heater for your budget.
For today’s garage heater reviews, we show you the 10 best garage heaters for 2023. Let’s get started by explaining the different “types” of garage heaters you can buy:
Types of Garage Heaters:
(For types of garage heating systems, we recommend this list of heaters for efficiently raising indoor temperatures in cold weather)
Type 1) “Forced Air” Propane Heater
Many consider this type the best gas garage heater you can buy. Forced-air garage heaters use an electric fan to forcefully blow and distribute air quicker and more efficiently than any other garage heater.
Air heated by the combustion of propane gas quickly turns any freezing-cold garage into a comfortable workplace space.
This very popular type of forced air propane heater – is also called a “Torpedo heater” design and is used outdoors or indoors with minimal ventilation required.
Besides being a highly energy-efficient shop heater for the garage, a torpedo propane garage heater does not require garage heater installation – like a Natural Gas or 240 Volt wired garage heater would.
The Torpedo design heater is considered a portable garage heater, as it can be located anywhere an extension power cord can reach.
Whether working on your car or bike or setting up your workbench for DIY fixes, you plug the garage heater into a 115V outlet and connect the space heater to a 20 lb. LP propane tank – and you’re ready to go.
Editor’s Note – All Propane Heaters we review require a 20 lb. Lp Gas tank with a Hose and regulator. Some models include or offer a gas hose and regulator at purchase (Amazon).
The actual 20 lb. LP gas tanks are unavailable online – you can easily buy or exchange yours at any Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Etc. )
Type 2) “Radiant” Propane heater
Another variety of portable heaters for the garage is the Radiant Electric Heater, considered our second choice for best garage heater types.
This efficient but not quite as powerful type of electric garage heater relies on infrared heating elements to “radiate” and distribute heat to your garage Without a Fan — but with clean-burning effectiveness – They are rated at nearly 100% efficiency.
Most radiant electric heaters test at zero-carbon monoxide levels – but it’s good to be safe and use fresh air ventilation.
Type 3) “Kerosene” heater*
Kerosene heaters work similarly to forced air and radiant propane heaters but operate with kerosene or diesel fuel as the combustion source.
*Note – Kerosene or Diesel Fuel can emit harmful fumes from combustion. Kerosene heaters are only used in “Open – well-ventilated spaces.”
Type 4) Natural Gas Garage Heater
Natural gas heaters are connected directly to your local Natural Gas supply – and require specific gas connections – usually provided by the manufacturer.
Type 5) 240-volt Electric Garage Heater
Two great garage heating options are 240-volt electric and natural gas heaters. However, these aren’t ordinarily practical for most people since most homes do not have the necessary hookups in the garage.
Neither of these Garage Heater types is genuinely considered “Portable.” Because of this fact, this review will primarily focus on portable propane, 110-volt electric, and kerosene heaters*.
Don’t miss our 240-volt electric heater and natural gas garage heater options at the end of this article.
And If it’s cold enough outside for a new garage heater, check out a “cordless” snowblower Here.
The Best Garage Heaters To Buy In 2023
Best “Forced Air” Propane Heaters:
Editors Choice: Mr. Heater Forced Air 50,000-80,000 BTU Heater
Why We like it:
Manufactured by one of the top manufacturers in the world for space heaters, this torpedo heater model from Mr. Heater is no exception. It is our top choice as the best portable garage heater to buy.
Mr. Heater’s features include heat settings of 50,000 – 80,000 BTUs, QBT (50% quieter operation), 14 hours of operation on the 50,000 BTU setting, an upwards directional heat flow design, comes with a built-in garage heater thermostat, and, Mr. Heater makes it.
Specs
- Continuous Ignition
- Adjustable Temperature settings – 50k – 80k Btu’s
- QBT quiet technology
- Heats up to 2,100 Square feet quickly!
- Includes:10 ft. gas hose and regulator (LP tank not included)
Our Takeaway:
If you’re looking for a dependable, space-efficient heater and your budget allows it – we think this is the one to buy. This one will get your garage feeling like an oven in a hurry.
Mr. Heater – Torpedo Heater
Runner Up: Remington – 60,000 BTU Propane Heater
Why We Like It
With its high heat output and variable heat settings, the Remington torpedo is considered one of the best heaters for garages and workshops for the price.
Unlike older models, this is a safe choice for indoor use – sufficient ventilation makes it easy to heat any medium-sized garage, even outside frigid temperatures.
Specs
- 60,000 BTU output
- Heats up to 1,500 square feet
- Up to 11 hours per tank
Our Takeaway
The Remington heater is well-built and, per reviews, appears to be highly reliable. Fully fired up, Its heat output is more than enough for any standard-sized garage, even under the coldest conditions.
Like most forced air heaters, it is loud, but the noise is simply a part of using this type of heater.
REMINGTON – Torpedo Garage Heater
Best Value: COSTWAY – 60,000 BTU Forced Air Heater
Why We Like It
As one would expect with a COSTWAY product, the COSTWAY Forced Air propane forced air heater is of excellent quality and provides plenty of heat for most applications. The construction standards of this heater are solid, and we believe it to be one of the best garage heating options.
Specs
- 40,000 OR 60,000 BTU heat output SETTINGS
- Heat up to 3,000 square foot space efficiently
- Push-button ignition
- LP TANK (NOT INCLUDED)
- 10 FOOT LP Tank HOSE INCLUDED
Our Takeaway
While some would question our rating for this garage heater as our “Best Value” garage heater, based on the very high 60,000 BTU heat output for this price is an outstanding value.
We found that the COSTWAY 60,000 BTU propane heater provides plenty of heat to make a garage comfortable during cold weather – for spaces up to 3,000 sq. Ft. – and does so affordably.
If you’re looking for an economical heater that will allow you to work on your car or tinker with projects on your workbench during the coldest months of the year – this heater is a great economical option.
COSTWAY – 60,0000 BTU Garage Heater
CLICK HERE FOR PRICE >>>
Other “Forced Air” Garage Heaters:
Best “Cordless” Propane Heater – DeWalt DXH70CFAV 68,000 BTU
Why We Like It
While all of our Top Place forced air propane heaters are excellent – They All require an extension cord to power the built-in blower. The DeWalt propane heater fixed that problem by creating a “battery-powered” propane heater. Simply plug in a 20V DeWalt lithium-ion battery – connect it to your 20lb. Propane tank and you’re done.
Specs
- Up to 68,000 BTU
- Stainless steel – Powder coated finish
- Variable adjusted heat control
- High-temperature limit switch
- QBT Technology (Quiet Burner Technology) built-in
Our Takeaway
If you often use a portable heater in places that don’t have AC power – like job sites – Then the DeWalt portable propane heater is likely your best choice. In addition, if you already use the DeWalt power max 20-Volt battery system, you own the battery and charger to power this impressive space heater!\
DeWalt Garage Heater
Best “Hybrid” Portable Heater – Ryobi: 18V – 120V – or Propane
Why We Like It
The Ryobi Garage Heater could be considered “Revolutionary.” And while it does offer some limitations – if your intended use is, well, limited – this could be a great one to consider 🙂
The Ryobi 18V Hybrid offers the unique option of using either a one lb. propane tank (up to 1.5 hours), the 18V Ryobi Battery (up to 5 hours – battery sold separately), or Using an extension cord for unlimited 120-volt AC power.
The versatile power options and the lightweight design of the Ryobi Heater – make this one of the most Portable Garage Heater designs on the market.
Specs
- Up to 15,000 BTU capability
- Up to 5 Hour Run Time using 4.0 Ah Ryobi Battery (sold separately)
- Propane Tank Option
- Compact Design – Great Portability
Check out this video for the Ryobi propane heater:
Our Takeaway
Suffice it to say, the Ryobi Portable Heater is a one-off – extremely versatile design. And while it offers super convenient options, we only recommend using it to heat small to medium-sized spaces effectively.
Ryobi Garage Heater
Too early for a garage heater? Check out the Best Fire Pit tables you can buy.
Best Radiant Heater For Garage
Best Radiant Heater – Spaces Under 450 Square Feet: Mr. Heater MH18B
Why We Like It
Moving along to the best garage heaters in the radiant propane category, we start with the Mr. Heater MH18B, arguably the best space heater for smaller garage areas.
Mr. Heater provides a good amount of supplemental heat for spaces up to 450 square feet and can be run on a low, medium, or high heat setting, depending on the ambient temperatures.
This heater is approved for indoor and outdoor use thanks to its high-efficiency rating.
Specs
- 18,000 BTU max heat output
- Heats up to 400-450 square feet (20 x 20 Sq. Ft. Garage)
- Tip over and low oxygen safety switches
- Three heat settings
Our Takeaway
If you’re heating a smaller garage, we think the Mr. Heater MH18B is one of the best and safest garage heaters you’ll find. Not only will it provide plenty of heat, but the radiant nature of its heating mechanism helps quickly distribute the heat throughout the space.
Overall, this high-quality heater will serve you exceptionally well in smaller spaces.
Too early to buy one of these best garage heaters? Check out the Best Fire Pit tables you can buy here.
Mr. Heater Garage Heater
Best Radiant Heater – Spaces Under 250 Sq. Ft: Mr. Heater MH9BX
Why We Like It
Like the larger MH9BX, this smaller unit from Mr. Heater provides a high-quality solution for RVs, smaller garages, and sheds. Thanks to its small size, it is also perhaps the best portable garage heater on the market today, as it can be picked up and carried quickly.
It also offers many great features as the larger Mr. Heater models.
Specs
- 9,000 BTU maximum heat output
- Auto-Shut Off
- Heats up to 225 square feet (20 x 12 Sq. Ft)
- Tipover and low oxygen safety switches
- High efficiency
Our Takeaway
This is the best portable garage heater we’ve researched for mid-size garages (single stalls).
While it is small and lightweight, it’s also more than capable of warming up small spaces quickly and efficiently.
As with the previous model in our reviews, the Mr. Heater MH9BX uses radiant heating to distribute heat quickly, preventing you from waiting too long for your space to warm up.
Mr. Heater – Radiant Garage Heater
Best Radiant Heater for Workbench or Camping: Mr. Heater MH4B
Why We Like It
This is it if you’re looking for a small heater to warm up small spaces like your workshop.
The MH4B Little Buddy space heater is a small, portable workbench that provides enough warmth to keep your immediate area comfortable.
This Mr. Heater heater is excellent for camping or hunting trips and easy to carry for mobile applications.
Specs
- 3,800 BTU maximum heat output
- Heats up to 95 square feet (10 x 10 Sq. Ft.)
- Lasts up to 5.6 hours on a 1-pound LP tank)
- Tipover and low oxygen safety switches
Our Takeaway
Due to its small size and low fuel requirements, we find Mr. Heater MH4B the best shop heater for smaller workshops and colder workbench spaces.
With this Mr. Heater model, you’ll be able to comfortably work on your projects during the winter months without having to burn up insane amounts of propane in the process.
Like other Mr. Heater products, this mini heater is fast-acting and will quickly warm up your small space.
Mr. Heater – Best Camping Heater
Best “Kerosene Garage Heater” for Garage:
Best “Forced Air” Kerosene Heater: Pro-Temp 80,000 BTU Torpedo Heater
Why We Like It
At 80,000 BTUs, this unit puts out some severe heat. For larger areas, this is perhaps the best garage heater you’ll find available today.
Thanks to its all-steel construction, this heater is a durable machine that will stand up to practically anything you put it through.
Specs
- 80,000 BTU heat output
- Heats up to 2,000 square feet
- 5-point safety
- Adjustable thermostat
- It can run on kerosene or diesel
Our Takeaway
The Pro-Temp Kerosene forced air heater does a great job of heating large spaces, even when the temperatures outside get extremely cold.
Pro Temp’s heat output is enough to warm even the most oversized garages. We’re very impressed with this unit’s user reviews and quality, and it appears to be built exceptionally well.
*Note – Kerosene or Diesel Fuel can emit harmful fumes from combustion. Kerosene heaters should only be operated in “Open – well-ventilated spaces,” such as Open – Barns, Garages, and New Construction sites.
NOTE: California prohibits using this product in any dwelling, house, or unit. In California, use should be limited to non-airtight outbuildings such as barns, garages, etc. The sale of this product is prohibited in the state of Massachusetts. Please check your state and local codes before purchasing.
Pro-Temp – Best Kerosene Heater For Garage
Best “Radiant” Kerosene Heater: “Dyna Glow” 23,800 BTU Indoor Kerosene Heater
Why We Like It
Although it has less power than the 23,800 BTU heater mentioned above, the Dyna Glow Radiant heat model is still an excellent choice for medium-sized spaces. And as a lower BTU provider, the Dyna Glow heater is the most energy-efficient electric heater for the garage on our list.
It is also somewhat unique in dispersing heat in a 360-degree pattern, making for even distribution. As such, it deserves mention on this list of the best portable heaters for garage spaces.
Specs
- 23,800 BTU heat output
- 360-degree distribution
- It runs up to 12 hours on one tank of fuel
- Protective grille
Our Takeaway
Our evaluation found that the Dyna Glow Kerosene Radiant heater does a great job of quickly warming up medium to large spaces thanks to its radiant heating capabilities. Its long runtime on a single fuel tank is also a significant advantage since it can be used over a prolonged period without refueling.
*Note – Kerosene or Diesel Fuel can emit harmful fumes from combustion. Kerosene heaters should only be operated in “Open – well-ventilated spaces,” such as Open – Barns, Garages, and New Construction sites.
NOTE: California prohibits using this product in any dwelling, house, or unit. In California, use should be limited to non-airtight outbuildings such as barns, garages, etc. The sale of this product is prohibited in the state of Massachusetts. Please check your state and local codes before purchasing.
Dyna Glow Kerosene Heater for Garage
Best Electric Garage Heaters (240 Volt)
Best 240-volt Garage Heater: Dr. Infrared DR988
Why We Like It
The electric garage heater is perfect for 240 voltage-equipped garages or construction sites and will provide heat in spaces of up to 600 square feet.
With that said, most home garages may offer 120-volt service and are not set up for 240-volt power, so not everyone can use this great heater. If you’re fortunate enough to have a 240-volt hookup, this is a great option – as it cranks out an unbelievable 5600 Watts of heat!
Specs
- Up to 5,600W power
- Heats up to 600 square feet
- Thermostat control
- No fumes
Our Takeaway
This 240-volt option is more powerful than the best 120-volt garage heater options. And much more efficient.
As such, it provides a great way to leverage the convenience and safety of 240-volt electricity to heat your garage.
That is, assuming you have a 240-volt electric service.
We’ve found that the Dr. Infrared Heater does a great job keeping garages warm and comfortable, all while producing no fumes.
Dr. Infrared – 240 Volt Garage Heater
Best “Natural Gas” Garage Heaters:
Best Natural Gas Garage Heater: Mr. Heater Big Maxx
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a gas heater for a garage – and already have a natural gas hookup, the Big Maxx is an excellent option as a natural gas garage space heater.
Mr. Heater’s Big Maxx is exceptionally efficient and produces up to 50,000 BTUs of heat output.
Coming from a reputable, well-known brand like Mr. Heater – is also a significant plus.
Specs
- 50,000 BTU maximum heat output
- Heats up to 1,250 square feet
- Thermostat control
Our Takeaway
For larger garages with a natural gas space heater connection, the Mr. Heater Big Maxx is an excellent option to heat garages quickly and reliably.
This model requires venting exhaust fumes.
This natural gas heater can also be converted to an LP Gas source. This makes this model more versatile for homes that use liquid propane to heat their homes.
Mr. Heater – Big Maxx Garage Heater
Now that you have your Portable Garage Heater figured out – Look at these Portable Generators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Best Garage Heater for an Uninsulated Garage?
Suppose you have an uninsulated garage with exposed studs (no drywall) and intend to heat your garage. In that case, we highly recommend installing “Rolled Batt” Insulation between the wall studs – and, if possible, the exposed roof rafters.
After you have installed garage insulation, you can decide which garage heater is perfect for your budget, space, and needs.
Roll Insulation is cheap and easy to install; you only need a utility knife, a staple gun, and a step ladder. So, while you may be able to raise the garage temperature without insulation, the cost over time will far outweigh the one-time cost to Install Batt Insulation.
If you don’t plan on insulating your garage for a while, pick the highest-rated BTU garage heater you can afford for that space. We recommend selecting a top-rated propane heater like the 60,000 BTU forced air propane heater from Mr. Heater at Amazon.
What size Propane LP Gas tank do I need for a Garage Heater?
All 60,000 BTU forced air – torpedo style garage heaters we feature above – require a 20 lb—propane tank (same size as needed for your grill).
If you bump up to one of the larger models (80,000 BTU or higher), you will need to use 40 lb—propane tanks, which are trickier to find already filled.
How Many BTUs To Heat My Garage?
Here is the general rule of thumb on how BTUs and how big a heater are needed for garages:
BTU Requirements for Forced Air Propane or Kerosene Garage Heaters:
30,000 BTUs to heat a 1-car garage
45,000 BTUs to heat a 2 /12 car garage.
60,000 BTUs to heat a 3-car garage
With that said, you may require more or less, depending on your average outside temperature, your insulation, the size of your space, and the level of warmth you want. (Like, whether you’re standing still at a workbench vs. Training to be the next champion Ninja warrior 🙂
If you live in a more moderate climate (Not Alaska), you may be more than comfortable buying the 18,000 BTU Electric radiant heater from Dyna-Glo. It’s available at Amazon, is highly rated, and can be floor or wall-mounted.
Note: A Forced Air propane heater will heat cold spaces much quicker than a Radiant type. Check with your local heating contractor to get a recommendation for your region.
Dyna Glo Propane or Natural Gas Heater Video:
Is a Propane Heater Better Than a Kerosene Heater?
While not necessarily better, propane is more widely available than kerosene. In addition, the propane heaters we feature in this article operate at nearly 100% efficiency. Propane heaters are safer indoors and have fewer safety risks than Kerosene heaters.
Propane heaters tend to be less expensive. However, many Kerosene heaters can provide greater fuel capacity and BTU output – For well-ventilated Barns and unheated Construction sites, etc.
How Important Is Ventilation for Garage Heaters?
Even the most efficient propane heaters produce gas fumes. It’s always a good idea to place your heater in a well-ventilated space where fresh air is continually introduced, and any fumes the heater produces can disperse harmlessly.
While propane heaters we feature are considered safe to use indoors, we still recommend allowing fresh air for ventilation. Many propane users crack their service or garage door a couple of inches to allow some fresh air – and in many cases – to cool the garage down.
Radiant heaters typically do not require additional ventilation.
Kerosene heaters that operate on Kerosene or Diesel Fuel require fully open ventilated spaces to be used safely.
Are Garage Heaters Expensive to Run?
Since a portable garage heater is used only while working in a garage, you’ll only use it for a few hours.
Given the efficiency of today’s modern heaters, with thermostats, auto heat settings, etc., the cost of using garage heaters is relatively low.
How Important is Garage Insulation?
One of the best ways to ensure your garage loses less heat is by making quick trips in and out of your garage or using the garage door opener.
When selecting a heater, you should consider your garage’s insulation. The more insulated your garage is, the easier it will be for your heater to bring it to the desired temperature.
If you have a garage with little to no insulation, you’ll likely need a larger heater to overshoot the BTU recommendations – and compensate for the added heat loss.
Conclusion
While all the garage heaters we’ve reviewed offer great heating options, we suggest being very selective on “which garage heater” makes sense for your space.
Select a garage heater that is “appropriate” for your air quality. For instance, you wouldn’t want to order a kerosene heater in a closed garage or workshop space.
We recommend the “Mr. Heater forced air propane garage heater” as the best choice for spaces up to 1500 sq. ft. We also suggest many other fine heaters – all dependent on the size of the area you plan to heat.
Thanks for visiting BestHomeGear.Com – & don’t miss our other Review and How-To Guides
Additional Reading & Resources:
- Buyer’s Guide; The 8 Best Smoker Grill Combo You Can Buy In 2020
- The Proper Way to “Store an LP Propane Tank” from “WikiHow.”
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