Most home garages are unheated, so when it’s cold outside, your garage also becomes cold. Long exposure to extreme cold can have negative effects on cars and equipment you store in the garage. A lot of car owners also use their garage as a workshop to perform repairs and other activities. To keep your garage warm and comfortable year-round, a heavy-duty space heater is the best solution to add heat to your cold garage.
These garage heaters use different power sources to provide heat. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but most users find electric heaters more convenient to use. Electric garage heaters easily connect to an electrical outlet so you can set them up in any garage with available electricity.
To find the best electric space heater for your garage, some important factors you will need to consider are the size of your garage, the heating capacity you require, the ease of use and installation, as well as the safety features built into the unit. If you want to learn more, we will talk about these in detail in the following guide we’ve put together. Take a look at some of the best electric garage heaters according to quality, functionality, and overall value to help you find the most compatible unit for your own garage or workshop.
Top 5 Best Electric Garage Heaters
| Model | Wattage | Voltage | Type | Garage Size |
| Dr. Heater DR966 | 6000 Watts | 240V | Fan-forced ceiling mount | 600 sq. ft. |
| Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX | 1500 Watts | 110V | Wall-mounted infrared | 300 sq. ft. |
| Comfort Zone CZ220 | 5000 Watts | 208V-240V | Fan-forced ceiling mount | 500 sq. ft. |
| Briza Infrared Heater | 1500 Watts | 120V | Freestanding/ Wall/Ceiling mount | 200 sq. ft. |
| Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 | 5600 Watts | 208V-240V | Portable infrared | 560 sq. ft. |
| Lasko 755320 | 1500 Watts | 120V | Portable ceramic | 200 sq ft. |
Reviews of the Best Garage Heaters
Dr. Heater DR966
On the top of our list is the Dr. Heater DR966 industrial heater. It is the perfect primary heat source for a cold garage, workshop, or any industrial space. The brand is particularly known for portable heaters that combine the power of convection heating and efficiency of infrared technology. If you have a two-car garage or a space up to 600 square feet, the Dr. Heater DR966 provides almost everything you need in one compact and affordable package.
This Dr. Heater model delivers 6,000 Watts heating output perfect for a two-car garage. Once the unit is powered, you can switch between two heat outputs: low at 3,000W and high at 6,000W. This model is hardwired, which means it doesn’t need to be plugged into a power outlet; just connect the wires to a circuit breaker and the unit will operate, running on 240V. This type of installation ensures no power is lost in the plugs or cords.
This unit is portable and comes with a handle so you can easily move it around the garage or mount it on a wall or ceiling. Aside from the two power settings, you can adjust the temperature with a built-in adjustable thermostat and control knob.
Overall, this powerful electric garage heater is a cheap but reliable heat source for large spaces. Although, take note that this is not a fan-forced unit, rather it uses infrared heating in combination with a fan to distribute heat.
Pros
• Quick and easy heating solution for large space
• Simple to operate with two heat output settings
• Portable and easy to install
• Budget price
Cons
• Not powerful enough to heat 600+ sq ft garages
• Less precise control on temperature
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX Infrared Heater
For a small garage, floor space is important. If you need a reliable and efficient way to heat your garage without sacrificing a whole lot of space, this Heat Storm infrared heater is a good choice. This wall-mounted heater delivers 1500 watts of power that can cover up to 200 square feet as a primary heat source, and up to 500 square feet as supplemental heat. Actual size and performance will largely depend on your garage insulation and the ambient temperature.
You can set the temperature on the top control panel or with the included remote control. The digital controls allow you to adjust the temperature and set a timer. To make setting and adjusting easier, this model also connects to your Wi-Fi network so you can control the settings or set schedules from your mobile device.
Overall, Heat Storm is an elegant and compact unit that offers most of the standard functions of an electric space heater. However, it’s not very powerful in very large, cold garages. Safety features include overheating protection, tip-over protection, and cool-touch housing.
Pros
• Wall mount design occupies less space
• Less power consumption
• Wi-Fi control for convenience
Cons
• Small heat output and coverage
Comfort Zone CZ220 Fan-Forced Heater
The Comfort Zone CZ220 fan-forced electric garage heater provides a maximum 5,000W heat output. It can heat up small garages up to 500 square feet. It can be hardwired on 208V or plugged into a 240V outlet. This commercial heater is built to operate in harsh, poorly insulated spaces, with a rugged steel body that can endure sudden temperature changes in a garage.
This small heater delivers hot air immediately, set up to 135°F to provide maximum warmth and comfort within minutes. You can switch from 3000W, 4000W, and 5000W heat output, and adjust the temperature setting with its built-in thermostat. The Comfort Zone CZ220 also has built-in sensors that shut off the unit automatically when it overheats.
The heater can be hardwired and mounted to the ceiling or wall to save floor space in a small warehouse or garage. It can also be portable if you have enough table space. However, considering its construction, it’s best used for industrial applications.
Pros
• Excellent heater for small garage up to 500 sq ft
• Convenient to use and works immediately
• Simple installation
• Budget-friendly price
Cons
• Not appropriate for 500+ sq ft garages
Briza Infrared Heater
Heating your entire garage space can be costly, and all you need may be a small garage heater to keep you warm while you work in your garage. For the ultimate flexible heating solution, this infrared heater can be adjusted in many ways according to your needs. This Briza infrared garage heater is ideal for outdoor and indoor use, comes with an adjustable tripod stand, and it can also be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
Infrared technology provides more efficient heating that will not dry up the moisture in the air, making sure you feel warm and comfortable as soon as you turn on the unit. This heater runs at three heat levels: 900W, 1200W, and 1500W. It features a 9-hour timer to ensure safety and energy efficiency. It also features a protective metal sheath to prevent accidental contact with the hot coils inside, along with a trip sensor and auto shut off in case it is knocked over.
The Briza Infrared Heater uses carbon infrared technology to quickly heat its surroundings instead of the air itself. With an IP55 rating of four-season protection, this heater can withstand rain, snow, sand, and dust, perfect for a variety of uses both indoors and outdoors. It offers gentle and silent heat to warm you and the objects around you. Wherever or however you choose to install this heater, the included remote control can be used for convenience.
Pros
• Flexible design
• Gentle and silent infrared heating
• With remote control
Cons
• Tripod can be easy to knock over
• Low heating capcity
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988
Another entry from Dr. Infrared Heater that combines radiant heating and forced hot air is the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988. This 240V heater comes with the cord and plugs already attached for easier installation. It produces up to 5600W of heat in a garage up to 560 square feet. Like most electric garage heaters, you can set the desired temperature between 45°F and 95°F and the unit will heat up quickly to maintain the temperature with the built-in thermostat.
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 provides a good amount of heat for such an affordable garage heater. However, being an infrared heater, it won’t fully heat the whole space at once. As mentioned, radiant infrared heat transfers waves to objects near the heater, so you likely won’t feel the same amount of heat all the way across the garage from where the heater is installed.
Similar to other Dr. Infrared Heater models, the DR-988 is simple to use, easy to clean, and doesn’t require any complicated installation, but locating a receptacle for this plug will not be easy if you don’t already have it. The maximum temperature it can achieve is far from the common 135°F for other garage heaters.
Pros
• Good heat output up to 5600W
• Easy to use and install
• Budget price
Cons
• Can’t heat up past 95°F
• You might not have the receptacle required for this heater
Lasko 755320
Lasko ceramic heaters are a good choice if you want an affordable, portable, and easy-to-use supplemental heater for your garage space. The Lasko 755320 heater is one of its best-selling offers, with all the basic features you need in an electric heater including digital controls. The slim design makes it easier to move from room to room or store it when not needed.
These heaters use a ceramic heating element to provide consistent heat output. The Lasko 755320 features a thermostat that allows you to set the temperature and monitor it on the digital display. With simple control buttons on the top, you can also pick between two heat settings: Low (900 Watts) or High (1500 Watts). You can select oscillation to spread the heat evenly throughout the space, or set a timer to turn off the unit after one to eight hours. It also comes with a remote control so you can change the settings from a distance, including the temperature, oscillation, and timer.
Keep in mind that this compact electric heater is designed only to supplement existing central heat in large spaces in your home. It can effectively add heat to spaces up to 200 square feet, but the efficiency depends on your garage insulation and outdoor temperature. The fan helps distribute heat across the room. For safety, the unit is built with automatic overheat protection and cool-touch housing.
Pros
• Compact and portable
• Easy to use controls
• Widespread oscillation
• Affordable price
Cons
• Good for supplemental heating only
Types of Electric Garage Heaters
Garage heaters use different methods to deliver heat efficiently throughout the space. These heaters also use different power sources, but mainly electricity or gas. Depending on the size and insulation of your garage, and especially, the availability and cost of these resources, one may be more ideal than the alternative. Generally, natural gas heaters or propane garage heaters are best for extremely cold, large spaces.
If you simply need zone heating in an average one to two-car garage and workshop, then one of the electric garage heaters above may be suitable for you. Most electric garage heaters are simple and standalone, so you don’t need to install additional ducting from your home’s central heating and air conditioning if you have one.
Electric garage heaters typically fall under one of the following types:
Fan-Forced Heater
Fan-forced electric heaters use some kind of heating element inside the unit to rapidly heat the surrounding air. A fan inside the heater pushes the hot air out to warm up the surrounding air within the garage, raising the temperature in the process.
They don’t require venting but they may suck up moisture and dry up the air. These heaters are best for garages that are insulated because they use a fan to spread the heated air and are able to heat an enclosed space quickly. They also work well to add heat instantly and move hot air across larger distances. Although, as these heaters need a fan for heating, they are usually on the noisier side and may draw more energy when running. They can be portable or mounted on a wall or ceiling for permanent installation.
Infrared Heater
Infrared garage heaters are sometimes also called quartz heaters or radiant heaters. They generate radiant heat that works just like the sun heats up the Earth. They do not warm up the air, but rather emit waves that transfer heat to physical objects around it. This means the air temperature will not change drastically, but you will feel warm in your garage or workshop with the heater close by.
Because of this, infrared heaters are typically used in smaller garages or other residential spaces. Some homeowners may also use multiple units in one room. Depending on the size of the garage and the number of items inside, infrared heating may help retain heat longer.
Ceramic Heater
Ceramic electric garage heaters also use a heating element like fan-forced heaters. However, the difference is that the element heats up ceramic plates instead of directly distributing the heated air to the room. In some models, the ceramic plate radiates heat into the room. In the case of convection ceramic heaters, they utilize a fan for quicker heat distribution. This type of heater is best suited for small garages or for personal use in tight spaces.
How to Choose the Best Electric Garage Heater
Before you choose an electric heater for your garage or workshop space, the following factors are some important considerations to bear in mind.
Garage Size
The size of your garage or workshop is a critical factor to consider when choosing a heater. If you get an undersized heater for your garage, then it may not be effective at all and you’ll end up wasting a lot of money buying and running the heater.
The heat output of a heater determines the amount of space it can efficiently cover. For electric heaters, this is often measured in Watts, which also refers to the total power consumption per hour. As a rule of thumb, 10 watts of output can heat one square foot of space. So as an example, a 150-square-foot area can usually be warmed by a 1,500-watt electric garage heater. However, there are other factors that can affect how much space your heater can effectively cover.
A tightly insulated garage keeps the cold air out and helps the heater work more efficiently. Electric heaters with fans are great in this case because they can disperse the heated air evenly. Meanwhile, radiant heaters are ideal for basements with poor insulation because they heat up the objects around them instead of the air.
Also, keep in mind the total amount of space you actually use. If you only use a portion of your garage while part of the space is used for storage or vehicles, then a smaller heater may be good enough for the area where you’ll actually spend time. You can get a portable heater that will provide the heat you need but won’t waste energy heating up the unoccupied space in your garage.
Portable vs. Mounted
Electric garage heaters can be further classified into two types depending on the installation: portable and mounted.
Portable electric garage heaters can stand alone on the ground or on a table. You can easily move them and place them anywhere you want to get the best heat you need for the space. These heaters do not involve a lot of complicated steps for installation and setup. They generally only require a compatible power outlet to start working right out of the box. However, these portable heaters do take up more floor and table space and the power cords can be a tripping hazard, so you need to keep a distance from them when working.
On the other hand, mounted electric garage heaters can be installed on the wall or ceiling with included hardware and tools. They can also be hardwired into your home’s electrical system for more powerful heat output, or they may be plugged into a standard power outlet for easier installation. Mounted electric heaters are your best option for a semi-permanent heating solution in a large garage or workshop space. However, if you don’t have a large space, these bigger units may be too powerful and consume too much electricity.
Adjustable Thermostat
Electric heaters offer more precise control over the unit’s operation to make it more effective and efficient according to your needs. If you want a heater that can monitor the ambient temperature of your garage and turn on automatically when the temperature drops and turn off when the temperature is too high, then look for an electric garage heater with a built-in adjustable thermostat. This feature allows you to set your preferred temperature for the garage (or select a pre-set condition) and the heater will automatically begin heating until the ambient temperature reaches your setting. This is an extremely beneficial function during colder seasons when you may need 24/7 heating in your garage. The automatic on and off features will keep your garage at your preferred temperature at all times without wasting energy. Most electric heaters come with a remote control that allows you to do all the changes from anywhere in the room. This is especially useful for ceiling-mounted units.
Maintenance
Almost any appliance will require some maintenance from time to time to keep it functioning properly over the years. Your electric garage heater is no different. While portable heaters are less expensive than larger, more durable units, they aren’t built to last as long. If you don’t mind replacing a heater every couple of years, then these heaters may be good enough for you without a lot of maintenance requirements.
Heavy-duty electric garage heaters are built to last longer in larger spaces with harsher conditions, but they require more meticulous maintenance. You’ll need to clean them regularly, inspect the power inlets, and check each component to ensure they are functioning properly. While it may seem like a lot of effort and time, regular proper maintenance can help these more expensive heaters work for longer and cost you less in the long run.
Safety Features
Like any heating or cooling appliance, electric garage heaters can be dangerous if they are not properly installed, set up, and used. To ensure the safety of electric heaters, look for certifications from recognized organizations that test them. If the heater has been tested and approved, there will be a label on the unit. Look for this label to make sure the unit has passed safety standards. Also, look for the following safety features:
Overheating protection is a useful feature when you need to use the heater for long periods. The ambient temperature in your garage can fluctuate by several degrees throughout the day, which can cause the heater to overheat when left to operate. The overheating protection monitors temperature and automatically shuts off the heater to prevent any damage to your heater’s components or accidents in your garage.
Tip-over protection must be included in electric garage heaters because they are easy to knock over, especially portable units placed in a busy workshop or a small garage. This feature automatically activates when the heater is knocked over, shutting down the unit to prevent damage or accidents.
Cool-touch housing is especially needed for wall-mounted and portable garage heaters. While the internal components heat up, the exterior can also get too hot to touch, which can be dangerous in the case of heaters installed in locations where you can come into contact with the heater. Without this safety feature, the sides of the heater can cause burns when you accidentally touch them.
The Advantages of Owning an Electric Garage Heater
Space heaters are beneficial for many homes. It can also be useful in less-used spaces like the garage. The most important advantage of using an electric garage heater is providing a warm and comfortable garage and workspace year-round.
Compared to central heating, electric garage heaters give you the ability to choose how and where to use them, providing the right power source. You can install a heater on your garage wall or ceiling if you don’t want to have to set it up every time you need it. If you want more flexibility, then you can get a portable unit that you can take anywhere and simply plug in.
Electric garage heaters also offer simple installation and environmentally-friendly operation as advantages over gas heaters. Electric heaters are typically more affordable, providing just the right level of heat output for most residential spaces. Although, keep in mind that extra large rooms may require a more powerful heating solution you can only get from a gas heater.
Using an electric garage heater allows you to control the temperature so you can work effectively in your garage in cold weather. Electric garage heaters can be mounted on your ceiling or wall, or they can be portable. Wherever you choose to place them, these heaters give you the freedom to adjust the settings according to your needs. Lastly, an electric heater is inexpensive and easy to use and install compared to gas heaters.
Space Heater Safety Tips
While space heaters are incredibly useful in cold garages, they pose some safety risks if not used properly. The following are some tips to prevent your heater from turning into a hazard.
Firstly, make sure to use the right size and type of space heater for your garage or workshop space. To ensure safe and efficient usage, always check all its safety certifications and built-in features. These heaters don’t require ventilation and may even work more efficiently with more insulation to enclose the garage tightly and prevent cold air from seeping inside.
Once you get the right type and size of the heater, find a good location for the heater before installing and operating. If you have a small garage, then a portable unit may be enough. If you have a large space but don’t want to sacrifice any floor or table space for a bigger unit, then opt for a mounted installation. Place it on a hard and flat surface and keep it away from other items that may cause it to overheat and flammable materials that can start fires. For units with fans, maintain a distance from your workspace so the warm air does not blow directly on you.
When running the heater, occasionally check if it’s working normally to prevent any problems and find solutions right away. Do not touch the unit itself while running or immediately after turning it off. If you notice anything unusual, turn it off and have the unit checked by a professional.
FAQ
Should I heat my garage?
Heaters in a garage can be useful year-round. Keeping your vehicles in a heated garage means you won’t need to warm them up before you get in, saving fuel. A warm garage can also lengthen your car’s battery life and performance. If you need to do any repairs during the winter, you’ll be more comfortable in a heated garage
Are electric heaters good for a garage?
Electric heaters are typically more affordable than gas heaters for garage use. Their heat output is optimal for most residential garages and other spaces in your home.
Where should I place my electric garage heater?
You can place portable electric garage heaters anywhere you want so you can get the heat you want. Mounted electric garage heaters should be installed in the coldest corner of the garage with the air directed to the center and pointed toward the entrance to form a wall of hot air.
Are ceiling-mounted garage heaters safe?
Ceiling-mounted heaters are safe and effective to use in garages and other residential spaces. They typically work by using infrared technology that allows for radiant heat distribution.
How much does it cost to run an electric garage heater?
This depends mainly on your local electricity costs, the wattage of the electric heater, and the frequency and duration of use. However, on average, a 1,500-watt electric space heater will cost between $0.18 and $0.25 per hour to use.
Are propane heaters and natural gas garage heaters also safe?
A propane heater for the garage is a great option for large spaces because propane costs much less than electricity per BTU of heat output. A vented propane garage heater is easy to install, incredibly efficient, and extremely powerful. They can provide up to 60,000 BTU of heat equivalent to more than 17,000 Watts for electric heaters.
Final Thoughts
A lot of homes don’t have central heating that includes their garages. In colder regions, this can limit the use of this space in your home, especially during the winter. By investing in an electric garage heater, you can effectively utilize your garage space throughout the year. To find the right unit for your garage, look at the features we’ve discussed in this guide. You can simply add one of these heaters to your garage to effectively add heat and comfort to the space without having to make modifications to your central HVAC system.
