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8 Best Garage Heaters, Tested by Experts

Stay warm and toasty all winter long with one of our top-rated heaters.

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best garage heaters

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A reliable garage heater can turn a chilly space into a much more functional and inviting part of your home. Whether you’ve set up a workshop, created a home gym, or prefer to handle your own car maintenance, investing in a garage heater will pay comfort dividends year-round.

While the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test interior space heaters all the time, for this guide to the best garage heaters, we turned to our partners from the Hearst Autos Gear Team, who review products for GH’s sibling brands, Car and Driver, Road & Track and Autoweek. After all, who spends more time in garages than hardcore car enthusiasts? In reviewing their research and testing data on the best garage heaters, we considered a slew of factors, including heat output, power source, noise level and how hot the machines themselves got when on full blast.

After you’ve read our reviews of the best garage heaters, read on for more expert tips for finding the right model for your garage. And don't miss our roundups of other auto gear, including best portable car seats, best car wax and car air fresheners.

1
Best Overall

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater

Amazon’s Choice
Big Buddy Propane Heater

Pros

  • Dual tanks for double the runtime
  • Portable design
  • Fast, ample heat output

Cons

  • Not ideal for garages with tall ceilings

The combination of impressive heat output and a compact and portable user-friendly design makes the Big Buddy our top overall pick for most garages. With its maximum output of 18,000 BTUs, the heater will keep a 450-square-foot garage warm and toasty for up to two hours on its 1-pound propane tank, or up to 10 hours if you keep it on the low, 4,000-BTU setting. This years model features a dual tank connection that will double your runtime as you can switch between tanks. The only trade off is the added weight from the extra tank.

Unlike many other garage heaters, the Big Buddy doesn’t have a built-in fan; instead, heat radiates up and out from the unit. That makes for very quiet operation, but it also means it won’t do as good a job in cavernous garages with tall ceilings. In a typical two-car garage, though, our testers give big props to the Big Buddy. The unit is rated for indoor use so it's safe to run in enclosed spaces.

For good measure, it will automatically shut off if it tips over, if the pilot light goes out or if its on-board sensor detects low oxygen levels in the space. The Big Buddy can pull double duty and is portable enough to take with you on camping trips or while watching your kids play soccer.

Power sourcePropane
Max energy output18,000 BTU
Noise rating48 dB
Dimensions16.7" x 11.2" x 12"
Weight15 Pounds
Safety featuresLow-oxygen safety sensor, tip-over switch and thermal shut-down system
2
Best Value

Isiler 1500W Ceramic Space Heater

On Sale
1500W Ceramic Space Heater
Credit: Isiler

Pros

  • Excellent price
  • Instant heat
  • Adjustable temperature control

Cons

  • Not suited for large spaces

This 1,500-watt ceramic heater sells for a fraction of the price of other tested models while still delivering decent heat output. Don’t get us wrong: The Isiler isn’t designed to heat large spaces all winter longer. But parked on a workbench in the corner of your garage, it will generate enough heat to keep your digits warm while you toil away. Plus, the ceramic element starts throwing heat instantly.

Though it uses a fan, its noise level is fairly low, and the plug-in electric power source means constant operation (barring a power outage, of course). The adjustable thermostat control makes it easy to use and saves energy by allowing you to lower the temperature once the space is warm enough. The Isiler is also the smallest garage heater in this roundup, so it stores away neatly when not in use.

Power source Electric
Max energy output1,500 watts
Noise rating 64 dB
Dimensions7" x 6.7" x 6"
Weight 2.5 lbs
Safety featureTip-over sensor
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3
Best Ceiling Mount

Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Garage Heater

Ceiling Mount Garage Heater

Pros

  • Mounted off the floor
  • Remote controlled

Cons

  • Installation takes time

This industrial-looking garage space heater is built to heat large spaces up to 1,250 square feet. Its ceiling-mount design maximizes floor space, making it ideal for workshops, garages, and storage areas. The ceiling mount also keeps the unit out of harms way and makes it ideal for spaces with children and pets, who might touch or bump into a hot heating unit.

The adjustable louvers and mounting angle allow precise airflow targeting, which is helpful since the heater is installed in a fixed location. The fan-forced design ensures even heat distribution, and the 7,500-watt output quickly warms up a garage space. Additional features like the digital thermostat, 12-hour timer, and remote control offer user-friendly operation for hassle-free heating.

Auto-shutoff and an on/off status light are added safety features that make this a top choice among garage heaters.

Power sourceElectric
Max energy output7500 Watts
Dimensions14.02" x 10.63" x 12.91"
Weight21.4 pounds
Safety featuresOff the floor mount, auto-shutoff to prevent overheating, power light for visual indication of operation
4
Best for Large Spaces

DeWalt 68,000 BTU Garage Heater

68,000 BTU Garage Heater

Pros

  • Delivers big, fast heat
  • Long run time

Cons

  • Among the noisiest

This workhorse heater from DeWalt combines rugged durability with impressive heating power, making it ideal for job sites, garages, barns, and other cold-weather projects. It generated chart-topping heat in our tests, at both floor level and near the ceiling of our test space. And it did so extremely quickly, so you won’t stand around shivering waiting for the heat to kick in.

The DeWalt uses a large, 20-pound propane tank, with a claimed run time of 14 hours. It also needs power from a wall outlet or on-board battery to provide the start-up spark and power its integrated fan. That design is a little more complicated than what we found with other garage heaters, though at least the same 20-volt battery can power other top DeWalt picks from our tests, including its cordless drill and impact wrench.

A couple other notes: The heater itself gets quite hot during operation, so even with its overheat detection system and thermo-electric safety valve, you’ll want to be careful not to come into contact with the housing when it’s running full-tilt. It's also one of the loudest garage heaters we reviewed.

Power source Propane
Max energy output65,000 BTU
Noise rating74 dB
Weight13.2 lbs
Dimensions20" x 13" x 17"
Safety features Overheat detection system and thermo-electric safety valve
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5
Best Personal Space Heater

Presto Presto Heat Dish Plus Parabolic Electric Heater

Presto Heat Dish Plus Parabolic Electric Heater

Pros

  • Near instant heat
  • Almost silent

Cons

  • Very directional

The Presto Heat Dish Plus has been a popular choice for years due to its targeted warmth and combination of energy efficiency and nearly instant heat delivery. This heater is designed to heat a targeted area and will perform poorly if you need your entire garage heated. It's best used for heating the space around a work bench or a section of your vehicle that you are working on.

The unit is extremely quiet and its light weight makes it easily portable between areas of your garage and throughout your home. The loud safety alarm activates when the unit is moved while on or tipped over—ensuring peace of mind for users with pets or small kids. This heater's safety features, efficiency, and fast performance for delivering directional heat make it a seasonal winner.

Power sourceElectric
Max energy output1500 watts
Noise rating64 decibels
Dimensions16 x 9 x 18 inches
Weight7 pounds
Safety featuresTip-over alarm
6
Best Portable

Heat Hog 9,000 BTU Propane Heater

9,000 BTU Propane Heater

Pros

  • Compact housing
  • Tiltable design

Cons

  • Not suited to large spaces

The Heat Hog gave our top-rated Mr. Heater a run for the money for its solid heat delivery and space-efficient form factor. The 9,000-BTU heater doesn’t boast quite the capacity, maxing out around 250 square feet. But there’s a 18,000-BTU version that our experts say should perform similarly, generating enough heat for upwards of 500 square feet. There’s also a 4,000-BTU model for smaller spaces.

The compact 9,000-BTU model we tested runs on either a single 1-pound propane tank or a larger propane tank with a separate adapter. We like the tiltable design of the 10-pound heater, good for angling warm air in a particular direction. The Heat Hog’s housing gets warm, but not overly hot, and the unit has the safety features our experts look for, including a safety guard, a tip-over switch and an oxygen depletion sensor.

Power source Propane
Max energy output 9,000 BTUs
Noise ratingNot listed
Dimensions12" x 12" x 16"
Weight 10 lbs
Safety featuresTip-over and oxygen-depletion sensors
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7
Best Infrared

Briza Infrared Electric Patio Heater

On Sale
 Infrared Electric Patio Heater

Pros

  • Extremely energy efficient
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • Won't heat the whole garage

Infrared heaters, the kind used in outdoor restaurants and cafes, are extremely energy-efficient, since they heat up objects and people directly, rather than the air around them.

That’s what our testers found with Briza's Infrared Patio Heater, which can be mounted to a wall in your garage or used with the included tripod stand. “The Briza was incredibly effective in keeping us warm when we were in its path,” the Autos Gear Team noted. Since the heater doesn’t use a fan, it's also virtually silent. And it’s rated for outdoor use, in the event you need to take your activity outside (maybe to help your Cub Scout spray-paint their Pinewood derby car in the open air!).

The only downside with the Briza — or any infrared heater, for that matter — is that you won’t feel the heat unless you’re right in front of the heater. So it’s best suited for semi-permanent applications, for example, mounted to the wall above a garage workshop.

Power source Electric
Max energy output 1,500 watts
Noise ratingNil
Dimension35.5" x 4" x 4"
Weight6.6 lbs
Safety featureTip-over sensor
8
Best Diesel

Remington Kerosene/Diesel Forced Air Heater

Kerosene/Diesel Forced Air Heater
Credit: Remington

Pros

  • Extremely powerful heat
  • Heavy-duty construction

Cons

  • Housing gets very hot

Need serious heat? This Remington packs it. Powered by diesel or kerosene, “the heater quite literally spits fire and smells as though you're standing next to an idling semi,” testers noted. T

he rugged 80,000-BTU behemoth sent the temperature in our test garage from 53° F to 61° F in 15 minutes flat, and that was with the garage door slightly ajar on a brisk, 38° F winter day.

Before you pull the trigger, make sure the Remington won’t overwhelm your space. Any combustible materials will need to be at least 10 feet from the heater, and you won’t want to be within 3 or 4 feet of it for more than a few seconds. That might be fine in a well-ventilated country barn or sprawling workshop. But for a two-car garage in the burbs? Best to check out one of our other picks.

Power source Diesel or kerosene gas
Max energy output 80,000 BTUs
Noise rating 78 dB
Dimensions30" x 13" x 15"
Weight29 lbs
Safety features High temperature limit shut-off, flame-out protection, circuit breaker and heat sensor safety label indicator
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How we chose the best garage heaters

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Our partners at the Hearst Autos Gear Team conducted a thorough testing process to ensure our information about garage heaters is accurate and reliable. On a cold Michigan day, they opened the garage door to allow the temperature to drop to a consistent starting point of 50° F. This ensured that each heater began its test under similar conditions. After closing the garage door, they positioned the heaters in the same locations and let them run for 15 minutes. Then they monitored the increase in temperature inside the garage using a thermostat to determine the effectiveness of each heater.

To evaluate the heat distribution, they used a thermal camera to visualize the heat output of each heater. This allowed them to better understand how the heaters warmed up the space and whether they distributed heat evenly. Following the 15-minute testing period, they took temperature readings at various locations around the heater. Specifically, they measured the temperature 10 feet in front of the heater, the temperature of the ceiling directly above the heater and the outside of the heater. This provided a comprehensive view of the heater's performance and potential safety concerns.

The one heater where they had to make a compromise was the Remington. Specifically, they tested this heater with the garage door cracked open to allow for proper ventilation of the exhaust. This was necessary due to the safety requirements of this type of heater. Even with the garage door open, however, it managed to, unsurprisingly, beat all of the other heaters in terms of raw output.

What to look for when shopping

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Weigh the following factors to figure out which garage heater makes the most sense for your space and budget.

✔️ Heating capacity: This tells you what size space the unit is designed to heat. Larger garages naturally require a heater with a higher output (18,000 BTUs or 1,500 watts, for example), while smaller spaces can be sufficiently heated with lower-capacity models (4,000 to 9,000 BTUs or 750 to 1,000 watts).

✔️ Energy source: Garage heaters are powered by electricity or gas (the latter can be in the form of natural gas, propane, diesel, or kerosene). Electric heaters tend to be more convenient and energy-efficient, while gas heaters have the most powerful heat output. Take into account the power sources in your garage and long-term operating costs when deciding which fuel source is best for your needs.

✔️ Energy efficiency: This factor directly impacts your energy bills. Choose a heater with a high energy efficiency rating to save on utility costs. Features like adjustable thermostats, timers, and eco modes can also help you maintain a comfortable temperature while reducing energy consumption.

✔️ Safety features: All space heaters are potential fire hazards, so it’s important to look for models with built-in safety features, such as overheat protection, tip-over shut-off and cool-to-touch exteriors. And make sure the heater you choose is certified by a reputable testing organization like UL, CSA, or ETL.

✔️ Portability: Think about whether you want the heater to be permanently installed or if you want the freedom to move it about the space or even to other locations. Permanent options like wall- or ceiling-mounted heaters might require professional installation. Portable space heaters offer greater flexibility and can be easily moved or stored when not in use.

✔️ Noise level: Usually listed in decibels (dBA), this factor could be important if you’re using the garage for quiet activities, like artwork or meditation. Heaters that don’t have an internal fan usually have the lowest noise levels.

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Are garage heaters safe to use?

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Garage heaters are generally safe to use if operated correctly and with the necessary safety features activated. It's essential to follow all the manufacturer's safety guidelines and never leave a heater unattended while in use. Propane, natural gas, diesel and kerosene heaters often require proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up, while electric heaters and infrared heaters can be used in fully enclosed spaces. Our experts strongly recommend the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in any space where gas-fired equipment is in use.

If you are also seeking to stay warm outside, check out our list of the best outdoor heaters that will keep you toasty on your deck or patio.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home- and auto-related. In his role as director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings 25 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like Consumer Reports and This Old House.

For this report, we partnered with the Hearst Autos Gear Team, which combines the talent, resources and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive magazines in the world: Autoweek, Car and Driver and Road & Track. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories and gear, such as GPS trackers, car ramps and mechanics creepers. They get hands-on with every product they test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. To read more about their product testing and evaluation process, visit their Tested & Trusted page.

Headshot of Dan DiClerico
Dan DiClerico
Home Improvement & Outdoor Director

Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.


Headshot of Timothy Dahl

Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years. With a deep background in hands-on testing and reporting, he has reviewed and worked with hundreds of tools, products, and home innovations. Timothy's work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Mechanics, and he's the founder of Charles & Hudson. He specializes in making complex projects accessible and is passionate about empowering homeowners with clear, actionable guidance.

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