Keeping a garage or workshop warm is the only way to stay productive when the cold weather hits. But for those without a natural gas supply or regular propane access, that means plugging into the home’s electrical system. Between ceiling-mounted forced air units and freestanding infrared models, there are electric garage heaters that are best for every situation.
Our guide will cover what you need to know when choosing an electric heater for your garage. Moreover, we’ll highlight some of our picks for the best electric garage heater, broken down by type, scenario, and more. Keep reading to learn more about these handy heat sources for your garage space.
- Best Overall: Comfort Zone CZ220 – Buy from Amazon
Jump to this Heater ↓ - Best Portable: Comfort Zone CZ799BK – Buy from Amazon
Jump to this Heater ↓ - Best Infrared: Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 – Buy from Amazon
Jump to this Heater ↓ - Best Forced Air: Heat Storm HS-6000-GC – Buy from Amazon
Jump to this Heater ↓ - Best 120 Volt: Vornado VMHi600 – Buy from Amazon
Jump to this Heater ↓ - Best 240 Volt: Comfort Zone CZ230ER – Buy from Amazon
Jump to this Heater ↓ - Best Smart Heater: Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI – Buy from Amazon
Jump to this Heater ↓
Also In This Article
- How We Picked the Best Electric Garage Heaters
- Best-Selling Electric Garage Heaters
- Best Electric Garage Heaters Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Garage Heaters
- Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
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How We Picked the Best Electric Garage Heaters
Choosing a list of the best electric heaters was quite a task. We wanted to ensure that whatever models we chose for their respective awards were truly up for the job. We had to consider all our experience with electric heaters, garage heaters, and specific models to determine which features and functions the average garage or workshop would need. This was a good starting place.
Once we knew which features we needed, we performed extensive product research to compile a list of models we thought would hit the marks. We considered our personal experiences (with most of the models on the list), customer feedback on the best-rated electric garage heaters, pricing, and functionality to ensure that each model we chose provided enough value. The electric garage heaters that didn’t provide enough value were removed, while those that did were given awards based on their best uses or specific functions.
Best Overall Electric Garage Heater
Comfort Zone CZ220
The Comfort Zone CZ220 is a great choice for any garage heating need. This model is wall-mounted, keeping it out of the way in a workshop or garage space. It also features a forced air design with adjustable louvers that make pinpoint heat flow easy to achieve. It needs to be hardwired into a 208 to 240-volt circuit and produces a maximum BTU of up to 17,070 when wired for 240 volts.
The CZ220 has a simple control panel that makes it easy to adjust and use. It has a temperature dial as well as a switch that toggles it between 3,000, 4000, and 5,000-watt outputs. It has overheat protection as well, shutting the unit down if it gets dangerously hot.
Key Features
- Mounts to the ceiling to keep it away from the workspace
- Louvers and angle adjust, allowing users to position heat where they want it
- Simple control panel is user-friendly and easy to adjust
Specifications
- Type: Forced air
- Mount type: Ceiling mount
- Voltage: 240V
- Wattage: 5,000 watts
- BTU: Up to 17,070
Price: $147.69
Best Portable Electric Garage Heater
Comfort Zone 1,500W Electric Portable Utility Heater CZ799BK
Whether it’s to keep warm while changing the oil on a car or for keeping a garage space above freezing, the Comfort Zone Milkhouse Heater is worth a look. This model features all-metal construction, allowing it to withstand the rigors of a workshop or garage space. It’s also lightweight so users can take it wherever it needs to go for concentrated heat.
This model is small and compact, making it easy to store away when it’s not needed. It also has a built-in thermostat and adjustable output settings (750 watts or 1,500 watts) for energy efficiency. As far as safety goes, it has built-in overheat protection as well as a built-in tip-over switch to shut it off if it’s knocked over.
Key Features
- Lightweight design allows users to take it anywhere it’s needed
- All-metal construction is durable enough for a workshop
- Built-in thermostat and adjustable heat settings for energy efficiency
Specifications
- Type: Forced air
- Mount type: Freestanding
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- BTU: Around 5,120 BTU
Price: $38.95
Best Infrared Electric Garage Heater
Dr Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Heater DR-238
Dr. Infrared Heater’s DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater is a great choice for most garage workshops and hangouts. This heater produces infrared heat, warming the objects in the area rather than the air around it. This helps warm workbenches and tools, making them more comfortable to use.
It’s also easy to install. It features adjustable brackets that can attach to a wall or a ceiling. It also plugs directly into a 120-volt outlet, making it useful in just about any garage space. Users can turn it on and off or adjust the output between 900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts using the included remote control as well.
Key Features
- Mounts to wall or ceiling for convenience and space savings
- Warms the objects in the area rather than the air in the space
- Uses standard 120-volt power so it can be used in any garage space
Specifications
- Type: Infrared
- Mount type: Wall or ceiling
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- BTU: Around 5,120 BTU
Price: $105.99
Best Forced Air Electric Garage Heater
Heat Storm HS-6000-GC
Heat Storm’s HS-6000-GC Heater looks completely different from most other electric garage heaters, and it has some unique features, as well. This model needs to be hardwired into a 220 or 240-volt electrical circuit and draws up to 6,000 watts of energy. As such, it produces around 20,000 BTU of heat, which is plenty for most workshops.
This compact but powerful model has some other features going for it, as well. It features WiFi connectivity that allows users to set the temperature, plan schedules, and otherwise control the device from their phones. Also, it comes with a remote for those who’d rather point and click. It has a built-in thermostat that’s easy to set, and it features overheat protection for safety.
Key Features
- Produces up to 20,000 BTU of heat output
- Connects to WiFi and can be controlled with an app
- Powerful but compact and attractive
Specifications
- Type: Forced air
- Mount type: Wall or ceiling
- Voltage: 220 or 240 volts
- Wattage: 6,000 watts
- BTU: Up to 20,000 BTU
Price: $184.23
Best 120 Volt Electric Garage Heater
Vornado Whole Room Metal Space Heater VMHi600
When it comes to plug-and-play ease, check out the Vornado VMHi600 space heater. This freestanding forced air heater plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and heats garages and other spaces efficiently. Its two output levels (750 and 1,500 watts) and circulation are automatically controlled and adjusted according to the user’s settings for efficiency and convenience.
This model has a built-in thermostat that users can program from the top-mounted handle. It has a unique airflow pattern that rifles across the garages and cycles back toward the heater, allowing it to heat large spaces faster than typical forced air models. It’s also durable as it’s made from stainless steel to ensure that it’s tough enough for a workshop or garage, making it one of the best 120v garage heaters on the market.
Key Features
- Metal construction will allow it to hold up to garage or workshop use
- Features a unique airflow pattern that disperses heat further into the room
- Automatically adjusts the heat output and circulation to maintain the temperature in the room
Specifications
- Type: Forced air
- Mount type: Freestanding
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- BTU: Unlisted, but likely around 5,200
Price: $179.99
Best 240 Volt Electric Garage Heater
Comfort Zone CZ230ER
Comfort Zone’s CZ230ER is one of the best 240-volt electric garage heaters because it blends a hard-working, high-output heater with convenience and adjustability. This forced air heater needs to be wired into 240-volt power so it can draw up to 7,500 watts. This allows it to deliver up to 25,600 BTUs of heat and warm large garage spaces easily. But, it also has a push-button control panel with features like timers and temperature adjustments.
This Comfort Zone heater offers angle adjustments, as well. The ceiling-mount bracket can be adjusted to change the pitch of the unit, while the louvers are adjustable to direct airflow. It also has overheat protection which will detect if it gets too hot and shut it down.
Key Features
- Produces up to 25,600 BTUs of heat
- Push-button control panel for maximum adjustability
- Adjustable louvers and mounting brackets for directing heat
Specifications
- Type: Forced air
- Mounting type: Ceiling mount
- Voltage: 240 volts
- Wattage: 7,500 watts
- BTU: Up to 25,600 BTUs
Price: $190.44
Interested in giving the floor in your heated garage a new look? Learn about the Best Garage Floor Coatings!
Best Smart Electric Garage Heater
Heat Storm Infrared Heater HS-1500-PHX-WIFI
The Heat Storm HS-1500’s smart functionality makes it a great choice for heating smaller garage spaces. This heater features WiFi connectivity that users can use to link their voice and voice assistants. Through the SmartLife app, they can turn the heater on and off, set timers, or program set schedules.
This electric heater features an infrared heat element that warms objects in the surrounding area, as well as a fan for forced air heating. It has two settings, including 750 watts and 1,500 watts, and it produces a maximum output of 5,200 BTUs. It has tip-over protection, overheat protection, and a safety lock to prevent accidentally adjusting the temperature.
Key Features
- WiFi connectivity allows users to set, program, and control the heater from their phone
- The slim wall-mount design keeps it safe and out of the way
- Combines forced air and infrared heating for maximum flexibility
Specifications
- Type: Forced air and infrared heat
- Voltage: 110V
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- BTU: 5,200 BTUs
Price: $110.03
Best-Selling Electric Garage Heaters
Our main list highlights what we think are the standout electric garage heaters for 2024. However, there are plenty of other models that have garnered a lot of attention from consumers. Here’s an overview of the top sellers at leading retailers.
Best-Sellers at Amazon
- TEMPWARE 7,500W Fan-Forced Heater TW7500ER – $185.99
- Heat Storm 1,500W Infrared HS-1500-TT – $114.99
- NewAir 1,500W Electric Portable Garage Heater NGH160GA00 – $54.67
Lowe’s
- Dyna-Glo 7,500W Electric Garage Heater EG7500DH – $258.16
- Cadet 4,000W Portable Electric Heater w/ Thermostat CGWH4031G – $208
- NewAir 5,600W Infrared Portable Electric Garage Heater w/ Thermostat – $169.43
Home Depot
- Dyna-Glo Pro 4,800W Electric Garage Heater EG4800DGP – $99.97
- DeWalt 10,000W Forced Air Electric Furnace w/ Thermostat DXH1000TS – $523.50
- Dyna-Glo 5,000W Electric Garage Heater EG5000DGP – $170.97
Best Electric Garage Heaters Buying Guide
The only thing you’ve decided on is that you’re turning to an electric heater to warm your garage. But beyond that, there are a lot of points to consider when choosing the best electric heaters for garages.
Size and Heating Capacity
Calculating the right wattage for your space
There is a consensus that you can calculate the amount of wattage needed from an electric garage heater with a simple formula. Measure the length and width of the garage space to find the square footage. Then, multiply that number by 10 to find the required wattage.
So, for a 24 by 24 garage:
- 24 x 24 = 576 feet
- 576 x 10 = 5,760 watts
In this case, a 6,000-watt electric heater will do the job. However, keep in mind that if a garage has high ceilings or very little insulation, it can be difficult to nail down the required wattage. This is just a rough estimate, and smaller heaters can help raise the temperature in these spaces quite a bit, they just might need to work harder and more often to keep up.
Understanding BTU ratings and their significance
BTUs, or British Thermal Units, are equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. However, when it comes to electric garage heaters, we can use BTU as the unit of measurement that describes the heater’s output. The larger the number, the higher the heater’s output.
Generally speaking, even the best electric heaters for garage spaces don’t produce as many BTUs as those that use combustible gasses. However, an extremely high-output electric heater can produce more than 35,000 BTUs, while smaller heaters might only produce around 5,000 BTUs.
Heat Type
Forced Air vs. Infrared vs. Convection
There are three main heat sources for electric garage heaters: forced air, infrared, and convection. Each works very differently, but it’s worth understanding them before choosing a model.
| Type | Description |
| Forced Air | Forced air heaters feature powerful built-in fans and electrical coils. As the coil heats up, the fan draws cool air in from the space and blows it past the coil, heating the air and pushing it into the room. These units are typically loud but can heat a space quickly. |
| Infrared | Infrared heat works by emitting infrared rays and heating the objects and people within the space, rather than the air. Once the objects in the space are warm, they can start to emit heat as well. These models work well in localized spaces and they’re quiet, but they can take a while to heat an entire garage. |
| Convection | Convection heaters work by emitting heat upward. The warm air produced by the heater rises, pushing colder air down. The heater then warms the colder air, pushing it upward, and pushing colder air back down in a cycle. These models are silent and heat evenly, but they may struggle to heat a cold garage quickly. |
Energy Considerations
Efficiency
Inefficient electric garage heaters can really spin the electric meter when the temperatures drop. Rather than letting that heater put you in the poorhouse, look for one that’s relatively efficient. Keep in mind that Energy Star, the leading authority of efficiency, doesn’t qualify any space heaters, so it’s best to look for a model with energy-saving features.
Features that boost efficiency
When energy efficiency is a priority, look for electric garage heaters that offer:
- Timers
- Apps
- Thermostat compatibility
These features allow the user to choose how often or how hard they want their electric garage heater to work. They can turn the heater off when they’re not in the garage, set it to a temperature that simply keeps the garage space from freezing, or even program schedules to turn the unit on and off at specific times.
Understanding Voltages
Electric space heaters are available in a few different voltage ratings, including 110, 120, 208, 220, and 240 volts. The higher the voltage, the potentially more powerful the heater.
Standard household outlets produce 110v or 120v power. Generally speaking, differentiating between the two isn’t a big deal. A 120v device will work in a 100v outlet, and vice versa.
However, large appliances like air conditioners, dryers, and electric ovens require more voltage (208v, 220v, or 240v). The same applies to powerful tools like welders, as these devices also require more voltage.
When it comes to electric heaters, smaller models can typically plug into a 120v outlet. The best 120v garage heaters are ideal for smaller garages or regions where the temperatures don’t drop extremely low. However, large heaters often need to be hardwired into the home’s electrical system on a dedicated 30-amp circuit. They can also be fitted with appliance cords and plugged into specific 30-amp outlets.
Installation and Portability
Wall- or ceiling-mounted vs. freestanding options
When it comes to electric garage heaters, there are two options: mounted or freestanding. Mounted units attach to the wall or ceiling, and they stay up and out of the way. This is a big help in a busy workshop. However, freestanding units are portable and able to move about the garage, allowing users to put the heater right where they need it most.
Portability features
To help make these freestanding models a bit easier to shuffle around, the best portable electric garage heaters include carrying handles. Users can lift these heaters by their handles, often while they’re still hot (be sure to check the owner’s manual).
Some electric heaters made for garages might also feature wheels that allow them to roll across the garage floor. These options may be the best electric space heaters for garage spaces owned by older folks or those with physical disabilities.
Thermostat and Control Features
Importance of an adjustable thermostat
Thermostats are incredibly important when it comes to electric garage heaters. These devices tell the heater how warm to make the space, preventing the user from overheating the space unnecessarily. But, thermostats also allow the heater to turn on when the temperature starts to drop and turn off when the set temperature is satisfied, saving energy over the unit running continuously.
Remote controls and smart features
Aside from a standard thermostat, some electric heaters have remote controls for easy setting and turning on or off. Even more advanced are those with Bluetooth or WiFi compatibility, which users can turn to for controlling and monitoring their garage heater. These apps can often set schedules, as well.
Maintaining Comfort in Cold Seasons
Keeping a garage space warm in the winter allows DIYers to take on projects that might otherwise have to wait until spring. For example, any project involving paints, adhesives, plastics, and other materials that don’t respond well to the cold doesn’t have to wait until the warmer months.
Also, cold weather tends to affect coordination and motor skills, making smaller projects very difficult to handle. With a warm garage space, there’s no reason why the user can’t fire up the electric garage heater and get to work.
Protecting Equipment and Supplies
Some items that people typically keep in a garage shouldn’t freeze, and a garage heater can prevent it. Glues, paints, jarred foods, and other items could become damaged or useless if they freeze, so it’s a smart move to have an electric garage heater that can keep the space above freezing.
Safety Considerations When Using Electric Garage Heaters
Overheat Protection and Auto Shut-off
Electric space heaters don’t produce dangerous gasses like combustible fuel heaters, but there are still certain safety devices they should include.
Many of the best-rated electric garage heaters feature overheat protection, which shuts the unit off if the temperature gets too high. Others include tip-over switches, so the unit will shut off if the heater falls over. Other safety features might include cool-touch handles or exteriors, or timers that ensure the unit shuts off even if the user forgets.
Proper Clearance
Electric space heaters need to have enough space around them for airflow (particularly forced air models). Otherwise, they’ll heat the air in their direct vicinity, never allowing convection to take place and shutting down when the thermostat setting is satisfied.
Also, keep these heaters far from flammable items. The general rule is to keep space heaters at least 3 feet (5 is better) from flammable items like paints, solvents, fabrics, paper and cardboard, and similarly flammable items.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Checking for wear and tear
Be sure to check your heater for wear and tear. While electric heaters don’t require as much maintenance as fuel-burning heaters, they should still be inspected for frays in the power cord, dents, broken switches, and other items that could create a hazard.
The risks of using a faulty heater
It’s important to fix or replace a faulty heater right away. Damaged electrical devices can behave irregularly, potentially causing fires or electrocution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Garage Heaters
How much does it cost to run an electric garage heater?
The cost to run an electric garage heater depends on the heater itself, the volume of the space being heated, the temperature outside, the garage’s insulation value, as well as the desired temperature inside. However, most real-world data provided by garage heater owners suggest between $0.75 and $1.40 per hour.
Are electric garage heaters safe to leave on overnight?
Most modern electric garage heaters are safe enough to leave on overnight. Just be sure that there isn’t any potential for the unit to fall or for something to fall on it. Also, be sure to use the thermostat.
How can I maximize the efficiency of my electric heater?
Efficiency and consumption are two different things. Electric garage heaters, or all garage heaters for that matter, aren’t extremely efficient. However, using a built-in timer to turn it on and off as needed, lowering the thermostat, and making sure the space is as insulated and well-sealed as possible will help the most.
Can I install an electric garage heater myself?
It depends on the model. Many electric garage heaters use 208 to 240v electricity and need to be hardwired into the home’s electrical panel. For these projects, most jurisdictions require an electrician’s license. However, the act of assembling and installing an electric garage heater’s brackets is well within the capabilities of a DIYer.
What’s the difference between radiant and forced-air garage heaters?
Radiant heat is emitted into the space, heating the air around the unit. The warm air rises, pushing the cold air downward where it is heated and the cycle continues naturally and evenly. This is called convection. Forced air heaters have powerful fans that draw cold into the fan and push it across a heated coil, forcing hot air to disperse throughout the garage.
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