Best Garage Heater Reviews & Easy Guide for Beginners
Garages are usually meant for the cars, and thus they’re not the coziest place to be in, especially in low temperature. They’re constructed from brick and timber only, and often without any kind of insulation to keep them warm. However, there are some like myself who are interested to find other prospects as well – a garage can be an efficient workplace and a perfect little secluded world to be in. Remember how Nirvana was born? Or perhaps Apple?
But usually, at a low temperature, you will not be encouraged to use your garage. So, if you have to prevent pipes and equipment from freezing, keep cars relatively warm overnight and practice with your garage band or complete workshop projects during the most frigid times, a garage heater might come in handy. Winter is coming, and maybe it would be clever to invest in one.
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.
Before buying a garage heater, a number of factors have to be considered so as to ensure you get a heater that fits your home’s specific needs. Here are some tips:
Picture | Product | Power (BTUs) | Class | Review | Editor's Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| 19107 | |||
| 9000 | Mid Range | |||
| 17060 | High End | |||
| 13000 | High End | |||
| 17065 | ||||
| 210000 | Low End |
Best Garage Heater Reviews
NewAir G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater
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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.
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.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
Editor Rating:
The Mr. Buddy Series heaters make no sound at all, have zero smell, are easy to use and are incredibly efficient. There are also built-in features that make it turn itself off if it detects carbon monoxide, or if it is remotely moved forward.
We all have that know that one guy in the house who is awkwardly clumsy? With the Mr. Heater that is no worry, it is equipped with an accidental tip-over shutoff for indoor safety. Neat, eh?
Mr. Heater sure heats up a room, and it works fast, too. The only problem is that the portable propane canisters don’t last long, only about 6 hours on low and 3 on high. With the 20-lb tank and connecter, it’s a 5-star product.
What is separates this product from the others flooding the market? Well get this, suppose the device detects low oxygen levels in the room due to poor ventilation, it automatically shuts off. And you wondered why they named it buddy, didn’t you?
NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater
Editor Rating:
While some of you may face doubts over whether a product is as good as it is advertised to be. No, this product is better. With 5,000 watt of heating power, this heater can heat up to 500 sq ft in a cost effective way.
Featuring a rugged steel design to tolerate tough conditions and heavy duty fan-forced heating to spread warmth quickly and evenly, this unit is built to last and allows you to use your workspace on even the coldest days.
The heater has built-in single pole thermostat which allows for easy manual operation and accurate temperature control, so that now you don’t waste money on long electricity bills. The thermal line cuts off power before the unit gets too hot.
Gone are those days when you needed to make a ventilation panel inside your garage just to install a heater. Remember the bird droppings on your car? Well, with this baby you don’t need to. The simple fact that it runs on electricity and uses no gases makes it absolutely safe indoors. I’ll let you in on a secret. It is rumored to be so cost effective that users have never really noticed a difference in their electricity bill.
King KBP2406 5700-Watt MAX 240-Volt Single Phase Paw Unit Heater
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The KBP is an excellent choice for a garage and to that effect it is easily among the better models. It has a flow through design which means it pulls the air from the back of the heater and discharges out the front for efficient air movement. This is a rugged heater with quality components that is suitable for commercial applications as well.
It comes with a standard 3-position switch and an accurate built-in thermostat that has degrees on the label for precise temperature control. Also comes with fan delay to help dissipate the heat from the elements.
This heater is equipped with the patented Pic-A-Watt heating element which allows you to select from several wattages during installation – 950, 1900, 2850, 3800, 4750 and 5700 watts. So, now you can actually choose on your wattage when and according to your necessity. Thus, you can easily shift this between multiple garages and even use it in a greenhouse. Not impressed yet?
Fahrenheat FUH54 240 volt Garage Heater
Editor Rating:
This Fahrenheat is a monster of a heater. It is ideal for small areas like Garages but can also quite effortlessly heat up workshops, basements or outside buildings. It is rugged, heavy duty and Industrial – everything you would want to fight the cold!
Armed with an integrated thermostat that controls the temperature, the temperature can be adjusted from 45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit (told you it was a monster). 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.
Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro Ceramic Utility Heater
Editor Rating:
This Stanley Pro-ceramic portable garage heater from the Lasko Brand is great for garages as it can provide heat to large spaces, where it scores above its rivals is its portability.
A durable handle allows you to carry this wherever you want it. The Device has 3 programmable modes including High Heat, Low Heat and Fan only for the summer months (The Heater that also works in the summer!). While its small size might turn you off, do not underestimate it. It also comes with a 3-year limited warranty 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.
Learn about the Heater’s Range
Heat range is a measure of the space your heater can warm up, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) for gas heaters and watts in electric heaters. You want the heater range to be appropriate for the size of your space, so that your garage can be warmed as efficiently as possible.
Consider the Maintenance
Both electric and gas heaters require maintenance, though at different levels. For electric garage heaters, wiping with a damp cloth and vacuuming is all it takes to maintain the unit. For gas heaters, the air vents need to be unblocked, dirt vacuumed out of the motor, and the burner cleaned with a wire brush.
Ensure the Heater is Safe
Like all things that involve gas or electricity, the safety of your heater should be ensured. Buy a heater with discharge grills and a fireproof intake. Be sure to keep heaters away from flammable objects in the garage, and clean them often. Additionally, check for an automatic shut-off, in case you forget to turn the system off.
Heaters come in all sizes and types. You have a variety to choose from different power sources like electric, natural gas, propane, hot water, infrared, wood/coal, wasted oil. As per efficiency, you can very well rely on good old electricity, which may cost a little, but gives in return a 100% efficient heating. But, if there are frequent power shortages in your area, or if you want the heater to go easy on your pockets, there are several other options as well. Coal, shelled corn, or waste oil might be the cheaper alternatives that you're looking for.
The Most Popular Variants:
Electric Garage Heaters
An electric heater efficiently converts electricity into heat to warm your garage. Most devices feature thermostats and gauges that let you easily establish and regulate the temperature. Many electric heaters can be mounted onto a garage wall or ceiling, and most include a thorough manual to let you quickly install the unit yourself. How much power your heater needs depends on your garage’s size, its insulation and the temperature you want.
These heaters don't cost much, apart from the power usage.
Natural Gas Garage Heaters
With a natural gas garage heater, a pilot igniter uses gas flowing through a valve to create a flame inside a heat exchanger. A fan then circulates the warm air.
Natural gas heaters can rapidly turn blazing hot to heat large spaces, they do not need electricity. You must connect the device to your natural gas line. Most products include detailed instructions to properly install the unit and connect it to an efficient ventilation system to remove harmful combustion chemicals from your garage.
Propane Gas Heater
A third option is a propane gas heater. It creates a flame inside a heat exchanger, and a fan sends warm air into your garage. Propane heaters are very powerful and highly effective. Because propane gas is extremely flammable, you should ensure that the heater is out of the reach of children and far from flammable materials. You may want to hire a professional to install your unit.
Gas Infrared Heaters
Gas infrared heaters, also known as radiant tube heaters or infrared tube heaters, are the most efficient way to warm people and objects in large open areas with high ceilings, poor insulation and overhead doors. Infrared technology heats people and objects, not the air. Gas infrared heaters can consume 50% less fuel than fan forced heater systems. The upper half of the space is not heated and occupants underneath the radiant heater feel immediate warmth. This allows thermostats to be kept at lower set point temperatures. Infrared heaters are factory built for use with natural gas or propane.
Hydronic Unit Heaters
Hydronic unit heaters are found in commercial and industrial buildings where central hot water and steam boilers are used for heating. Hot water unit heaters are designed to produce a lot of heat fast. Multiple hydronic unit heaters are typically installed in large facilities. Each hydronic unit heater is controlled independently with a wall mounted thermostat. Many heat exchanger types are available to meet the most demanding applications. Hydronic unit heaters are available in horizontal air flow and vertical airflow designs, with several fan styles with varying airflow rates.
Choosing the perfect heater is not easy. Like the wand, rather it chooses you, depending on the space and insulation of your garage, which fuel you are using, and how cold the temperature is.
Now, there are plenty of machines in the market. You may act accordingly on your choices and preferences. For your help, I have prepared a list of the best garage heaters. Feel free to scroll down and see.
Summing up the Garage Heater
With winter approaching it’s time you decided on procuring one of these beauties. After all, they might at first seem like a fruitless venture but need we remind you of those expensive car maintenance jobs that winter brings along with it? Your Car indeed is your most trustworthy, loyal and caring aide. A little care thus, goes a long way.