If you spend your day working in a garage or workshop, getting started on a winter morning is challenging without a thousand coffees to warm up. Handling parts and checking inventory feels like you’re working in a commercial freezer, not a warehouse or workshop.
Working in the cold slows your productivity and dampens employee spirits. What if you could warm up the workshop to lift everyone’s spirits? What would it be worth to your business to boost productivity?
An electric garage heater will warm up your workspace this winter. Whether you need a heater for your garage at home or one for the warehouse at work, there’s a model to warm any space. This review of the best electric garage heater will help you settle on the right model.
Our Top Picks
We selected three top models for the best electric garage heater, looking at three categories. We have a top pick for the best overall, premium, and budget electric garage heater. Choose the model that suits your workspace and budget and warm things up this winter.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Industrial Heater
This electric garage heater wins the best overall model in our review. You get a powerful heater capable of heating garages and small to mid-sized workshops. This model fits a bracket installed in the ceiling, freeing up the floor space for other tools. With this Fahrenheat model, you get and industrial-grade heater with a fan-forced heater with a blower that operates when the space reaches optimal temperature. You get excellent heating action and a built-in thermostat for total control of the heater. - The Premium Pick: KING KB2410-1-B2-ECO KB ECO2S
This model is capable of heating the largest workspaces. You get a 10,000-Watt heating element, with a smart ECO2S energy-saving design. This model comes with two-stage heating and fan-only mode for use in the summer. There’s a timer to start it up before you arrive at the workshop, greeting your employees with a warm workspace on winter mornings. There’s a built-in fan delay for optimal heat dissipation, and remote control, with wall-bracket mounting to save on floor space. This model is the ideal choice for commercial use and the top premium model in this review. - The Budget Pick: Comfort Zone CZ220
This model is the best budget buy in this review. You get a potent 5,000-Watt electric garage heater that warms up the largest areas at home, and it’s suitable for commercial use as well. You get a space-saving design with wall-mounting and durable steel housing in its construction. The Comfort Zone CZ220 provides louvers for targeted heating and convenient control dials for optimal temperature alignment. This heater comes with built-in safety features to prevent overheating, and a fantastic price tag.
Electric Garage Heater Reviews
Now that you have a good idea of our top three models let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll look at the specs and go over the pros and cons. If you need further assistance choosing the right electric garage heater for your home garage or commercial workshop, check out our buyers guide section after the reviews.
Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Industrial Heater
If you’re looking for the best overall garage heater in this review, this Fahrenheat model is our top pick. You get a 5,000-Watt output with this model, features a forced-fan design and ceramic elements. The 16-inch air throw heats single garages fast, and you can fit two models for double garages.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This electric garage heater comes with a durable steel housing and louvers for adjustable airflow. You get easy installation with a ceiling-mount design to free up floor space. The built-in thermostat pole allows total temperature control, with fast heating of small spaces.
This model suits single garages or smaller workshops. The efficient and effective operation makes it the best overall model in this review.
- Ceiling mount to free up floor space
- Adjustable louvers to control airflow
- Easy installation with 240-Volt wiring
- 16-inch air-throw
- Durable steel housing
- 7,500-Watt capacity
- Suitable for single garages
- Best for single garages
KING KB2410-1-B2-ECO KB ECO2S
This electric garage heater features a powerful 10,000-Watt heating output, suitable for double garages. This model comes with a wall-mounted design to keep it off the workshop floor and smart ECO2 heating efficiency.
- King Electric ECO Unit Heater KB2410-1-B2-ECO w/ Bracket, Remote and Thermostat 240V 10KW 1 PH The
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get two-stage heating functionality, with a powerful fan. This model comes with a summer fan-only mode for cooling and heating. This model features a remote control for user-friendly operation and a built-in fan delay to dissipate the heat after you switch it off.
You get a spiral steel fin heating element for fast heating action and performance for up to 600-square feet of floor space.
- Smart ECO2 energy-saving design
- Suitable for use in double garages and commercial workshops
- 2-stage heating automatically selects the right setting
- Summer fan-only mode
- Remote control operation
- Wall bracket mounting for savings on floor space
- 10,000-Watt heating element
- Not for smaller garages
Comfort Zone CZ220
The Comfort Zone electric garage heater wins our award for the best budget model in this review. It’s hard to believe this heater is available at such an affordable price. You get a 7,5000-Watt heating element and fan-forced operation for this machine.
- ☀️SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: The fan-forced heater is designed for ceiling mounting and hard-wired installation, which saves valuable floor space in a packed warehouse, garage or storage area.
- ☀️DURABLE STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The body of the commercial heater is crafted from heavy gauge steel, which stands up well to the temperature fluctuations in areas that are poorly insulated.
- ☀️TARGETED HEATING: Louvers and a variable mounting angle direct airflow where it is needed most, while the fan-forced design helps to distribute it throughout the room.
- ☀️CONVENIENT CONTROLS: The dual knob thermostat allows you to easily adjust the temperature to just the right level for your space and to turn the ceiling mount heater on and off quickly.
- ☀️SMART SAFETY FEATURES: A built-in sensor switches the device off automatically if it overheats, while a power indicator light ensures that you know when the unit is in use.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The housing features a durable steel design, with a thermostat control knob on the unit’s front for user-friendly temperature control. The louvers on this model allow for easy adjustment and targeted heating. We like the smart safety features included with this model, with a sensor switching off the elements when they get too hot.
- Excellent value for money
- Good choice for residential and commercial use
- Affordable
- Convenient dial controls
- Adjustable louvers
- Smart safety features
- Durable steel housing design
- 7,500-Watt heating element
- Underpowered for larger workshops
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988A
This infrared electric garage heater is a great choice for heating spaces fast. This model includes a 5,600-Watt output, with a thermostat for adjustable temperature control.
This model operates in temperature ranges between 45F to 95F, providing all the warmth you need for your workshop this winter.
- Infrared Portable electric 208 (4200 watts) -240 (5600 watss) volt heater
- At full power produces ~18,500 BTU
- Fan switch: on or automatic; thermostat control switch. 6-feet heavy duty 3-prong power cord - Plug is: NEMA #6-30P
- Size: 12" x 12" x 16" h
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get the option of a carry handle for convenient movement around the workshop. You also have the option of hanging this heater. The Dr. Infrared DR-988A comes with a robust steel housing with a bright red color.
- Suitable for single garages and small workshops
- Auto-heat cutoff
- Carry handle and hanging design for quiet operation
- Temperature Range: 45F to 95F
- 5,600-Watt output for cold conditions
- On the heavy side
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966
This Dr. Infrared Heater model is the ideal choice for a tidy and effective garage heating system. This model comes in a streamlined metal casing, with louvers for easy air adjustment. You get two operating modes with this model, allowing you to switch between a 3,000-Watt and 6,000-Watt output.
- Heavy Duty 240V Single Phase 3000/6000W Commercial Electric Heater. In high power mode, the heater will operate at max power of 6000W and in low power mode at 3000W.Heating Coverage:600 sq ft
- Hardwired; Power cord not included in the unit. Dimensions: Overall Height - Top to Bottom: -14.5". Overall Width - Side to Side: -13". Overall Depth - Front to Back: -14.5".
- UL/CUL Listed Wall or Ceiling Mounted Heater; Bracket Included
- Adjustable Thermostat with HIGH and LOW Setting. A dynamically 8 inch fan provide maximum air flow with minimum turbulence and noise, gently distributes warmth through your area
- 5 Adjustable Louvers for to Direct Airflow
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This heater is a great choice for home workshops and single garages, with wired-in fitment for a clean finish on your wall. The front of the heater features a thermostat adjustment knob and an indicator light with a power switch.
- 3,000-Watt to 6,000-Watt operation
- Suitable for single garages and small workshops
- Adjustable louvers
- Ceiling mounted design to save on floor space
- Adjustable thermostat with a high and low setting
- 8-inch fan size
- Hardwired design requires electrician installation
TPI Corporation FES15243E Heat Wave
If you need to heat a warehouse or a large workshop, we recommend using the Heat Wave model from the TPI Corporation. This model has a robust, floor-standing design, with a powerful heating element and fan.
- Thermostat Adjustment
- Magnetic Contactor
- Automatic Reset
- High-Limit Thermal Cutout Switch ; 240 Volt, Three Phase Portable Electric Heat Wave Heater
- Fan Only Switch
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a staggering 15,000-Watts of energy from this heater, with a fan design that blows the air around the room, heating it fast. This model comes with a thermal safety switch to prevent overheating, and an auto-reset option if it cuts out.
This heater features a frame-mounted design, with wheels. You can effortlessly move this heater around the workshop without any hassles.
- Suitable for heating large workshops
- 15,000-Watt heating power
- Long-life finned tubular heating elements
- Magnetic contactor
- Automatic resetting
- High-limit thermal cut-off safety
- Handle and wheels for portability
- Three-phase design
- Fan-only operation for summer use
- Not suitable for residential use
Comfort Zone CZQTV5M
This Comfort Zone model features a radiant quartz heating system. It’s an affordable system, and you get a twin-pack of heaters with your purchase.
These heaters are a good choice for warming up your garage on cold mornings.
- ☀️RADIANT QUARTZ HEATER: The unit’s 2 quartz bulbs reflect heat onto nearby objects just like the sun, providing gentle and efficient warmth perfect for living spaces, workshops and garages..Voltage: 120.0volts
- ☀️TARGETED WARMTH: The quartz heater can be easily angled up to 90 degrees, helping to direct its output precisely to the areas of your space where it’s needed most.
- ☀️SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: The radiant heater is designed to mount on the ceiling, which helps to save valuable floor space in a crowded garage, workshop or storage area.
- ☀️INCLUDES HALOGEN LIGHT: A handy halogen light is built into the heater, allowing you to view items on your worktable more clearly and to read instructions and fine print better in dim spaces.
- ☀️SMART SAFETY FEATURES: A metal safety grill prevent the bulbs from coming into contact with other items, while a sensor automatically turns the unit off if it overheats.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The radiant design provides fast and effective heating of small spaces, like workshops and garages. You get a space-saving design with wall-mounting brackets included with your purchase.
- Radiant quartz heater
- Affordable
- Twin-pack for use around the garage
- Ideal for heating a single garage
- Space-saving design with wall-mount
- Smart safety features included
- More suited to smaller garages
DIMPLEX DGWH4031G
This model is a great choice for the garage workshop. You get a wall-mounted design freeing up floor space, and 4,000-Watt heating output. The Dimplex comes with a fan delay for the unit’s safe cooling after you switch it off, and there’s an auto-safety shut-off.
- POWERFUL: Durable 4,000 watt, stainless steel heating element and a high-performance motor deliver reliable comfort. Includes a six foot long cord with NEMA plug for quick connection to a 240 volt (20 amp) receptacle.
- DURABLE: Our electric heater is designed with heavy gauge steel treated with epoxy powder-coated finish to provide longevity and corrosion resistance
- ADJUSTABLE: Includes bracket that allows ceiling or wall-mounting, plus swivel and pivot to direct heat where it is most needed
- SAFE: This heater includes an automatic overheat protection to ensure safe operation
- CONTROL: Made with thermostat control and fan delay to use residual heat after the element shuts off
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This heater comes with a swivel mount to direct the heat and a good balance for easy installation and operation.
- 4,000-Watt heating element
- Fan delay for efficient use
- Suitable for small workshops or single garages
- Auto-safety shutoff
- Good balance
- Ceiling mount to save on floor space
- Temperature range from 45F to 77F
- More suited to smaller garages
Electric Garage Heater Buyer’s Guide
The winter mornings are brutal along the eastern seaboard and the northern states. If you have to go out into your garage to set up your workshop, chances are you procrastinating on the task. The thought of having to handle tools and parts in cold weather leaves your hands tingling.
Warm-up your workspace this winter with an electric garage heater. They’re easy to set up and operate, and you get a variety of options to suit any size garage or workshop. In this section, we’ll help you settle on the best electric garage heater. We’ll unpack all the specifics around selecting the right wattage and size for your new heating solution.
After reading this guide, you’ll never have to worry about cold weather again. Imagine walking into a warm workshop this winter, and make it a reality with one of the heaters in this review.
What are the Types of Garage Heaters?
There are several types of garage heaters. Heating and cooling technology developed rapidly since the 1970s, and today, most homes throughout America have residential cooling and heating systems to manage the indoor temperature.
From HVAC systems to built-in or portable aircon, there are plenty of residential solutions for inside the home. However, most of us don’t consider our garage as space worth heating. We struggle through the cold of the winter months, instead of making things manageable. We spend the winter getting in and out of a cold car in the morning or setting up an icy workshop.
A garage heater can revolutionize your workshop. Imagine walking into a warm workspace every morning, even if it’s snowing outdoors, and the wind is howling. Most models come with timers that preheat the space before you arrive.
Here are the types of electric garage heating systems available.
Fan-Forced Garage Heaters
These models feature an electric element, with a fan forcing air over it and out into the room. The element superheats the air, warming up the air. However, fan-forced models are not the most efficient or effective models, and they suit smaller garages and rooms inside the home.
If you have a smaller garage, and you don’t mind, and extensive preheating time, a fan-forced model is an affordable choice. These electric garage heaters will feature floor-mount or wall-mounted operation. In some cases, the wall-mounted varieties might require professional installation with a wired-in connection.
Infrared or Radiant Garage Heaters
These electric garage heaters are an affordable and popular choice for heating your garage. These heaters often come in twin-packs, allowing you to set them up in opposing areas around your garage. A radiant heater, also known as a “quartz” heater, produces high-output radiant energy. These heaters create an effect like standing under the sun.
These heaters offer a powerful heating action, warming up your workspace fast. However, it’s important to note that radiant heaters focus more on heating the area around the unit than the air. Therefore, these heaters will heat nearby objects. Plastics can melt, and paper or cardboard can catch fire, presenting a fire hazard in your workshop.
However, these heaters are effective, affordable, and somewhat efficient. They’re a good choice for a home garage, especially if you just want a heater to warm the air before you get into your car in the morning.
Ceramic Garage Heaters
Ceramic heaters utilize the same operating principles as fan-forced heaters. A fan blows air over a heating element and out into the garage. Ceramic heaters have porcelain or ceramic heating elements, allowing them to heat up faster than the traditional elements in fan-forced models.
These heaters operate at high temperatures, making it easy to superheat the air in large commercial spaces. The fast heating action of these models makes them ideal for workshops that need quick heat-up times. If you can’t wait for a traditional fan-forced model’s slow operation, a ceramic heater is a great alternative.
Ceramic heaters are typically higher-priced compared to standard fan-forced heaters. However, if you need to heat large spaces quickly, it’s a great choice.
Mounted or Freestanding Garage Heaters
Electric garage heaters feature freestanding, ceiling-mounted, or wall-mounted design. There are different advantages to each, and you’ll need to settle on the right design for your workshop. If you have a single garage or a small workspace, you’ll benefit from installing a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted model.
Ceiling-mounted models are the best choice for versatile use. Many ceiling-mounts allow you to position the heater at your preferred angle for optimal heating of the workshop. Ceiling and wall-mounted models both offer the advantage of keeping your heater off the floor. As a result, you free up floor space in your workshop, allowing room for other tools and materials.
The floor-standing model typically feature handles for easy movement around the workshop or garage. Some models come with frames and wheels that let you move them around easily. However, portable and framed models typically have larger capacities and suit big workshops.
Floor-standing models aren’t the ideal choice for smaller garages. They get in the way and take up valuable floor space. Make sure you choose the right model to suit your workshop size and your working conditions.
What are the Factors I Need to Consider Before Buying My Garage Heater?
Now that you understand the different heaters’ differences let’s look at the factors you need to consider before settling on the best electric garage heater. Each of these factors plays a significant role in the machine’s operation, efficiency, and efficacy.
Have You Measured the Size of Your Garage?
Before we get into the details you need to look for in your electric garage heater, let’s discuss your garage. Have you measured your garage yet? Finding the right air volume for your garage is important if you want to heat the space efficiently.
The typical 10-foot by 6-foot by 8-foot garage size requires a 5,000-Watt heater to effectively and efficiently heat the space. Therefore, you need to ensure your garage meets the right dimensions for the model you want.
If you’re heating a commercial space, you’ll need a minimum of a 10,000-watt heater, and a 15,000-Watt model might be the better choice.
What are the Safety Features of the Heater?
Most electric garage heaters come with safety features to prevent accidents. The elements inside the heater get up to extremely high temperatures during operation. If the elements don’t receive any thermostatic management, it might result in a fire hazard around your garage.
To prevent accidents occurring with electric garage heaters, manufacturers install a variety of safety features. Look out for the following safety features when selecting your garage heater.
Overheating Mechanism – The overheating mechanism prevents damage to the elements and the heater. If the heater starts to overheat, it could end up burning out, requiring a replacement. A thermostats-controlled heater is the best option to prevent these malfunctions. Some models feature adjustable temperature dials that prevent overheating of the machine.
Tipping Shut-Off Mechanism – This safety feature activates if someone accidentally tips over the machine while in use. The last thing you want is a hot fan heater buzzing away on its side. Some models feature a balance switch that activates a fan-cut-off when titled past 20-degrees.
What’s Your Budget for Your Garage Heater?
There are plenty of models of electric garage heaters in this review. We selected the top heaters from dozens of models and manufacturers to bring you the best.
When selecting your ideal electric garage heater, remember to set a budget. These heaters come at various price points, and it’s easy to end up overspending on your machine.
We recommend you create a budget for the exercise and stick to it. Choose the model that suits your workshop needs and your bank account.
How Do I Maintain My Garage Heater?
The best electric garage heaters don’t require any maintenance., You’ll have to dust them down from time to time and check the connections every so often, but they are relatively painless to maintain. The installation is the biggest task involved with your new electric heater.
If you purchase a wall-mounted, wired-in system, it will take some effort to set it up. However, after finishing the installation, you won’t have to worry about the unit again. Some models might end up blowing fuses or experiencing electrical faults.
If that’s the case, check if your warranty on the heater covers the faults. Online retailers like Amazon offer effortless, hassle-free return policies for your purchase. All the models in this review work of fan-forced or radiant heating. Therefore, there is no oil required to maintain these units, and no maintenance or cleaning is needed.
What Is the Power Rating of the Garage Heater?
When selecting your garage heater, remember the rule of 5,000-Watts for a single garage. Some heaters are more efficient than others, and you might get the same performance out of a 4,000-Watt model as a 5,000-Watt model from a different brand.
Read through the product descriptions to understand the heater’s energy consumption and output before you buy it. Heating your garage every day for the entire winter can become a costly expense. Choosing an efficient model could end up saving you hundreds of dollars on your seasonal energy costs.
What Additional Features Do I Need to Look for In My Garage Heater?
- Adjustable Thermostats – An adjustable thermostat gives you more control over the heat.
- Summer-fan modes – Why install a fan in the summer when you can run your heater fan without the elements?
- Extension Cord or Wired-In – Which model do you prefer? A wired-in model will likely require professional installation.
- Carry Handles – Are there carry handles on the heater for easy movement around the workshop?
- Casters and Wheels – Does the hater come mounted on a frame with wheels for easy maneuverability?
- Fan Louvers – Louvers help you adjust the airflow in any direction.
- Remote controls – A remote can help you access the thermostat controls from anywhere in the room. It’s a must-have accessory for ceiling or wall-mounted units.
Electric Garage Heater FAQs
How many Watts does my heater need to heat a double garage?
For a basic rule of thumb, we recommend going with 5,000-watts per single garage. Therefore, if you have a double garage, you’ll need to go with a 10,000-Watt heater for efficient operation. If you’re heating commercial spaces, take this sizing and apply it to your workspace to find out how many heaters you need.
Most models come with increments of 2,500-watts. If you’re heating a large double garage, you could always link two 5,000-Watt heaters instead of one 10,000-Watt model. Choose the heater design that suits your workshop or garage design.
What’s the best way to reduce my garage heating costs?
If you want to reduce your heating costs, we recommend insulating your garage. Many garages lack sufficient insulation in the roof. Since they aren’t welling spaces, there’s no need to go to the cost of laying insulation.
However, if you decide to convert the garage into a workshop, you’ll need to insulate the roof. When the mercury drops in the winter, all the warmth rises to the ceiling, dissipating into the air if the roof has no insulation. Insulate the roof and the doors to prevent heat loss.
What temperature range do I need in my garage?
The best rule of thumb for temperature is to keep it above the dew point. With this strategy, you never see the buildup of condensation on your workshop or garage’s interior walls and windows. For most inland states, the dew point is around 40°F, with a 65°F dew point for coastal states.
Adjust the temperature to meet your needs, but bear in mind that the more heat you use, the higher your electricity costs.
Where is the best place to buy my garage heater?
We recommend purchasing the best electric garage heater from Amazon. Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer. You’ll find the best selection and prices at Amazon. With fast shipping for Prime members.
If there are any issues with your order, Amazon buyer protection covers you for seller issues. If you need to return your heater, Amazon’s customer service and returns department are the best in the business.
Electric Garage Heater Reviews – The Verdict
By now, you should have a good idea of the best electric garage heater for your application. This review has a choice for any size workshop or garage. There’s a heater in this review to suit any residential or commercial space – from your home to the office.
If you’re having trouble settling on the right electric garage heater for your home, why not rely on our top picks?
- The Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Industrial Heater is our best overall choice, and it’s suitable for home garages and workshops. You can add a few of these models around the workshop for a commercial heating solution that keeps your employees toasty this winter.
- If you’re looking for a heater with more power for commercial workshops, we recommend the KING KB2410-1-B2-ECO KB ECO2S. This model feature’s a 10,000-Watt operating power, with two-stage heating and fan-only mode for the summertime. The bracket mount allows you to set it up anywhere around the workshop, freeing up your floor space.
- If you’re looking for the best budget buy in this review, we recommend the Comfort Zone CZ220. This affordable model comes with a 5,000-Watt heating element, making it suitable for smaller spaces like your home garage or the basement. The Comfort Zone features targeted heating, a durable steel housing design, and smart safety features to prevent overheating.
