The best way to heat a garage is with a power friendly heat source that maintains heat when you need it. Don’t want to cut holes in your garage? Need something for a detached garage? Or, are looking for a heater that can be used only when you need it without the expensive installation? In this guide learn what your options to heat both large and small garages.
BEST 120V INFRARED: Heat Storm 1500 can be plugged into most standard outlets.
BEST WARM CLIMATES: Dr. Infrared 240v require electrical connections but can heat medium sized shops quickly.
BEST COLD CLIMATES: Gas Heater require installation but will be the most economical long term.
MOST PORTABLE: Portable Convection Heater require basic setup and can heat medium sized shops quickly.
Unfortunately, there is no one size-fits-all-garage heater.
Which makes choosing a heater a challenge.
For example, I use a 75,000 BTU gas garage heater for my 1200-square foot workshop. But, an insulated 2 car garage in a warmer climate can be heated with one or two plug-in heaters that use a standard outlet.
In this article we’ll review heaters for all sizes of garages, including these types of heaters:
- Propane heaters
- Portable space heaters
- Radiant heaters
- Electric heaters
- Gas heaters
- Wood garage heaters
- And classic convection heaters
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First Things First: Garage Size & Climate
For reference, I live in that light blue band way at the top of the temperature maps.
And while that makes my heating decisions easy (insulate and high BTU’s) living in the green and yellow bands can cause some pause as the winters are not as bitter.
So, before we look at heaters I’d like you to find three things:
- Garage Square Feet: this is the #1 determinant of heater size. Simply measure the width and depth of your garage to arrive at square footage. Hint: a 3-car garage is usually 20×30′ = 600sqf.
- Climate Zone: there’s a big difference between heating a garage to 60-degrees in northern Georgia than in Minnesota.
- Heating Sources: do you have gas (LP or propane) or just electric?
Why Are You Heating the Garage?
So you have size, climate and heating source options in hand, now what else matters?
How you’ll use the space, of course.
For example, if you’re a woodworker woodworker you need a steady temperature above 60 degrees to prevent glue joint failures. On the other hand, a mechanics shop can cool off overnight and then warm up.
Or, perhaps you’re looking to keep the temperature at 50-degrees for a warm car and to keep a garage fridge or freezer running.
With that in mind, before selecting a heater you’ll want to consider:
- Temporary heat or hold a steady temperature
- Heating to 50-degrees vs. 70-degrees
- Does the heater need to be portable?
- Location and programming of the thermostat
- Energy efficiency
- Brand of the unit (eg. Honeywell, Reznor, HotDogg)
- And lastly, location of the unit
With all of these factors in hand you’re now ready to make a decision and warm your garage!
Best Way to Heat a Garage
With variations in your workshop size, intended use, budget, desired “steady” temperature and climate there is no single heater that works for everyone.
| Product | Garage Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
 | 120V Electric Garage Heater 1-2 stall garage (use multiples for larger) | Buy |
 | 240V Electric Garage Heater 2-3 stall garage up to 600sqf | Buy |
 | Gas Garage Heater Any size garage | Buy |
 | Ventless Gas Wall Heater 1-2 stall garage (less than 400sqf) with access to LP or natural gas | Buy |
 | Infrared Garage Heater 2 stall garage or outdoor areas to heat objects (not the air) | Buy |
However, the following list is a comprehensive collection of the best way to heat a garage:
1. Electric Shop Heater - Best Way to Heat a Small Garage
- Heavy duty 240V single Phase 4700/7500W electric heater
- Hardwired, wall/ceiling-mounted heater
- Remote controlled thermostat with temperature range from 50 – 90 degree
- 5 adjustable louvers to direct airflow
Last update on 2021-03-02 at 15:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Does not require natural gas or propane
- Electric powered for no fumes or gas
- Does not require external venting
Cons
- Best for small spaces
- Not suitable for extreme cold climates
- Requires professional wiring (120V or 240V)
Overview
- Type: Electric
- Thermostat: Remote
- Mount: Ceiling or Wall
- BTU: Up to 7500
- Square Footage: Best under 600 sqf
Looking for occasional heat for your garage and live in a warmer climate?
First, a great place to start is an electric heater to take the chill off a small workshop and keep the heat at a working temperature for your shop projects.
And, as a major advantage to a gas garage heater you will NOT need to vent an electric unit (that I have seen – follow all manufacturer guidelines).
Key features:
- Ceiling mounted to not take up valuable wall or floor space
- Direct wired (no extension cords!)
- Available in sizes from 5000-7500W+
- Quiet operation
- Most units have a thermostat on the unit
120V Electric Heater vs. 240v Electric Heater
So you’ve heard about 120V heaters and 240V heaters, but what’s the difference? When it comes to a heater, it’s as simple as more power in the 240V.
And while you should hire an electrician for ALL wiring, you can learn more on the differences between 120V and 240V over here.
2. Gas Garage Heater - Best Way to Heat a Large Garage
- Your purchase includes One Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Heater with 2…
- Heater dimensions – 29.33” L x 15.50” W x 26.37” H | Coverage area…
- For use with natural gas | Category 1 vertical, category 3 horizontal…
- Powered exhaust allows for vertical or horizontal venting | Spark ignition…
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Pros
- Fast heating time
- Holds a high temperature
- Suitable for small to large spaces (by varying BTU units)
- Lower running cost (typically)
Cons
- Requires professional installation
- Higher initial cost
- Requires venting
Overview
- Type: Gas
- Thermostat: Wall mounted control
- Mount: Ceiling
- BTU: 30-100,000+
- Square Footage: Any (multiple units)
For large spaces you’ll want (need) to start with a vented gas garage heater.
And, personally, I have no regrets in going this route since I’ve used a 75000 BTU heater in my 1200 square foot garage with 12′ ceilings in a cold climate. Due to the design of a gas heater they heat up fast and hold a temperature easily.
Key features:
- Ceiling mounted with external venting
- Direct wired and connected to a gas supply
- Capable of heating a large space to a high temperature quickly and efficiently
- Wall mounted thermostats to control temperature
- Most units have a thermostat on the unit
3. Best Way to Heat a Garage: 120V Electric Infrared Heater
- (Wall Mounted Heater Only.) Wi-Fi enabled makes it possible for you to…
- Safe to the touch grill. 1500 watts of power
- Space saving wall mount design means you don’t lose floor space. Perfect…
- When installed over the outlet, you can hide the cord inside the heater….
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For instant heating a 120V electric heater will provide heat to smaller areas with minimal installation skills.
Pros
- No vent required
- Heats small garages (use two for larger spaces)
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Best for small spaces in warmer climates
Overview
- Type: Electric
- Thermostat: On unit
- Mount: Wall
- BTU: n/a
- Square Footage: Under 400
There aren’t many options for heating that use a standard 120V outlet, but this unit is one of them.
Should you consider this for constant duty heating in colder climates? Probably not.
But, if you live in a warmer climate, want to take the cold out of the garage for the weekend then this is worth looking at.
4. Vent Free Space Heater for Smaller Garages
- Uses propane gas
- Electric ignition and digital display with programmable temperature and…
- Cabinet is cool to the touch
- Onboard self-diagnostics for easier maintenance
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Pros
- No vent required
- Heats small garages (use two for larger spaces)
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Requires professional installation
- Higher initial cost
- Lower BTU than standard gas heater
If you don't want to punch a hole in a wall for venting, then a ventless space heater is a heater worth looking at.
Overview
- Type: LP or Propane
- Thermostat: On unit
- Mount: Wall
- BTU: n/a
- Square Footage: Under 400
Over the course of two home workshops I’ve had to cut two holes in garage walls to accommodate a vented garage heater.
But my shops are larger and in a (very) cold climate.
So how can I heat my garage without holes? Well, if your garage is in a moderate climate, smaller in size and you don’t want a hole in the wall then this unit is a must-see.
The only downside? You’ll need to supply it with either propane or LP.
5. Infrared Garage Heaters for Medium Sized Garages
- 25,000-BTU natural-gas radiant workshop heater
- Heats up to 625 square feet
- Efficient radiant heat warms objects directly, not surrounding air
- Comes fully assembled; hooks up to existing natural-gas line; how-to video…
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While other heaters warm the air, an infrared garage heater will heat the objects in the room. These heaters are suitable for an average 3-stall garage for a homeowner unit - or pole barns as you look at commercial units.
Pros
- Noiseless
- Holds a high temperature
- Suitable for small to medium garages
- Lower running cost (typically)
Cons
- Pilot light must be re-lit when unit turned off
- Higher initial cost
- Requires venting (humidity release)
Overview
- Type: LP or Propane
- Thermostat: Wall mounted
- Mount: Ceiling
- BTU: N/A
- Square Footage: Up to 600
While there are industrial sized radiant heaters, for a medium sized insulated garage with an (air) vent you can invest in a silent infrared heater.
What’s different about radiant heat? Well, radiant heat works by warming the objects in your garage vs. warming the air (that in turn warms the objects). And, best of all, it’s powerless design makes it a great backup for power outages as it doesn’t rely on a fan for operation.
Lastly, there is some debate on this but most radiant heaters require venting as humidity is generated by the heater and requires release. So, while at first this heater may seem to not require a vent be sure to check the manufacturers instructions.
6. Garage Torpedo Heater For On-Demand Garage Heating
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For portable heat or temporary heating a torpedo heater was designed to make your garage workable, and then allow the space to cool when not used.
Pros
- Portable and fast
- High BTU for larger spaces
- Forced air drives high volume of warm air
- Runs on an outlet and 20-gallon propane tank (no gas lines)
Cons
- Not meant for continuous duty
- Requires propane refilles
Overview
- Type: Propane
- Thermostat: Unit mounted
- Mount: N/A
- BTU: 35000 - 85000
- Square Footage: 300 to 2000
Growing up in a northern climate I remember my dad’s torpedo heater well. On cold days in the workshop this would occasionally make an appearance to quickly warm the shop after extended periods of the shop doors being opened.
And as a kerosene powered unit it blasted out a high volume of heat quickly.
Key features:
- Doesn’t require any installation
- Simply plug it into a wall outlet and a 20-gallon propane tank
- Runs around 20 hours on a single tank
The biggest drawback? You won’t want to use this for continuous duty heating (follow the manufacturer’s instructions!).
7. Best Way to Heat a Garage With No Installation: Portable Convection Garage Heater
- 23,000 BTU/hour
- Heats up to 1,000 SQ.FT.
- NO ELECTRICITY NEEDED
- Save on utility bills!
Last update on 2021-03-02 at 16:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A kerosene heater is a classic convection design that's been used for decades to heat indoor areas - simply and without power or installation.
Pros
- Noiseless
- Inexpensive
- Holds a high temperature
- Suitable for small to medium garages
- Lower running cost (typically)
Cons
- Not for continuous use
- Higher initial cost
- Requires venting (humidity release)
Overview
- Powered by: Kerosene
- Thermostat: On unit
- Mount: n/a
- BTU: 10,000 - 23,000+
- Square footage: Up to 600 (larger with multiple units)
First, convection heat works by heating the air around it and continuing to warm air gradually warms an entire room.
Similar to a torpedo heater but with no noise or air movement this installation-free heater will heat a small to medium sized garage at an affordable price.
The biggest downside? Storing and supplying this heater with kerosene.
8. Compact Garage Space Heaters for Warmer Climates
- 4000-Watt premium utility heater at 240 volts provides warmth for large…
- Note: included 6 foot cord requires a NEMA #6-20 (polarized) 20 amp…
- Includes bracket for wall mount or floor stand use
- Rugged USA made 20-gauge steel construction, with a baked-on powder coated…
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This 240V plug-in heater will heat a small garage with 4000 watts of power.
Pros
- Quiet, fan powered
- Holds a high temperature
- Suitable for small garages
- No venting (check manuf.)
Cons
- Requires 240V wiring
- Not for bitter cold climates
- Cost to run
Overview
- Type: 240V electric
- Thermostat: Wall mounted
- Mount: Ceiling
- BTU: n/a
- Square Footage: Less than 500
If your garage is smaller (1-2 stalls) and your climate is warmer then a compact wall garage heater is an option.
While this heater will still require a 240V connection to achieve the required heat, they are easy to use, simple to mount and will take the chill off a cold workshop.
9. In-floor heating - the BEST way to heat a garage
- Reliable quality- Color: Red Nominal Diameter: 1/2″; Total Length: 1000ft….
- Diverse use scenario – Suit for home & commercial use, like: radiant floor…
- Robust o2 resistant – Unique EVOH layer, stop O2 into the tube, protect…
- Effortless installation – Compatible with different connection system &…
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If you are in the design and build phase of a garage then one of the BEST ways to heat a garage is with in floor heating.
Pros
- Efficient
- Holds a high temperature
- Suitable for all insulated garage sizes
- Lower running cost
Cons
- Cost to install
- Only for new garages
- Requires a well insulated building
Overview
- Type: In floor (water)
- Thermostat: Wall mounted
- Mount: In floor
- BTU: Varies by system
- Square Footage: Any
In concluding our list of the best ways to heat a garage we’ll end with what I’m putting in my next garage: in floor heating.
Key features of heating a garage with a radiant floor system:
- No forced air to blow dust around
- No noise
- Energy efficient if installed correctly
- Warms the floor and then the air
How to Heat Different Garage Types
Choosing a heater often involves deciding on what type of garage you’re trying to heat.
For example, a detached garage will have different considerations due to location, availability of energy and often differing construction quality (and efficiency).
However, an attached garage may require additional considerations for venting and controlling the temperature for doors that may open more frequently.
Best Way to Heat a Detached Garage
As you might guess, a detached garage has a number of shortcomings when it comes to heating options. For example, you’ll need to likely overcome:
- Limited power supplies such as availability of natural gas or propane.
- Insulation and construction quality often less than a home due to building codes
- And lastly if you’ll be heating and holding the temperature, or letting it cool and re-heat (time to heat)
With that in consideration there are two options for heating a detached garage:
- One of the best options is a 240V electric heater (or two) that leverages your existing electrical.
- Or, if you propane is an option, a gas heater with a propane conversion for larger garages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most efficient way to heat a garage?
Before choosing a heater, the first thing you’ll need to do is fully insulate your garage and garage doors. Without adequate insulation you’ll spend hundreds (or thousands) on lost heat. Next, based on your garage size and target temperature, look for a heater that will run when needed. Gas heaters can be the most efficient way to heat due to their ability to quickly heat a space and turn off the blower motors.
What type of heater is best for a garage?
The size of the garage often dictates the best heater. For single car garages a wall or ceiling mounted garage is often best. While for 2 or 3 stall garages you’ll want to turn to gas (LP or propane) for a sure-bet heating to higher temperatures. Building a new garage? Then I’d consider investing in radiant in-floor heating.
Should I heat my garage in the winter?
You should only heat your garage in winter if it’s necessary, of course. Reasons to heat a garage often include keeping an outdoor fridge or freezer above 45-degrees. Or, for hobbies like woodworking (my use) you NEED to heat it for keeping glue and other cannot-freeze items above freezing.
How many BTU's does it take to heat a 2 car garage?
The minimum is generally 35,0000 BTU’s in warmer climates up to 70,000 in bitter cold climates with tall ceiling spaces (remembering a 12′ ceiling can add 50% to your space over an 8′ ceiling).
Summary
Hopefully this article was useful in showing you what the best ways to heat a garage are. While there is no one way to do this, a little planning will help your purchase and improve usability.
Bestselling Garage Heaters
Last update on 2021-03-02 at 14:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
