Whatever the specifics of the room you’re hoping to heat, there’s an electric heater to suit every garage space.
But how do you determine what type of heater is going to suit your specific needs?
Because there’s just so much choice available, we’ve done the hard part for you and scoured the internet to find ten of the best electric garage heaters available. We’ve reviewed each of them and included some pros and cons so you can really see what they have to offer.
We’ve also put together a buyer’s guide which takes a closer look at some of the key factors we considered.
In a hurry? Our top pick is known for its quick heat-up time! Keep reading to find out more about what else the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX has to offer. ATVA Online has the scoop for you:
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater
- Very Lightweight
- lifetime washable filter
- Overheat Protection
- Anti-Trip Technology
- Child Lock Buttons
- ETL rating for safety
Electric Garage Heaters – Top Model Compared
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
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OUR TOP PICK
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Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
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NewAir NGH160GA00 Electric Portable Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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Stiebel Eltron CKT-230345 Wall Mounted Electric Fan Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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Heat Storm Deluxe Mounted Space Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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Dr. Infrared DR-238 Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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KING PAW1215-W Electric Wall Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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Minetom Portable Electric Space Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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BEST VALUE
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Multifun Electric Heater for Garages |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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Isiler Garage Space Heater |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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RUNNER UP
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Fast heating Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat |
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Check Price On Amazon |
Best Electric Garage Heaters 120V, Portable, Ceiling, or Wallmount
1. OUR TOP PICK: Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater
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Summary
Our top pick is this infrared heater from Heat Storm that mounts to the wall to leave you with extra floor space. It has many useful features, including an automatic shut-off function if it tips over, as well as remote control.
There are so many reasons why we love this heater, perhaps the most exciting being that it’s WiFi controlled!
Simply connect to the app for your phone and from there you can set the temperature to whatever you want, wherever you’re sitting. You can even set a timer that will adjust the thermostat at a later point in case you get lost in working on your project.
It features a corded electric power source, but when it’s been installed over the outlet, the cord is easily hidden on the inside of the heater for a neater look.
Overall the design is sleek and modern so it won’t be an eyesore in your garage. Bear in mind that the feet are not included, therefore you will need to purchase them separately.
Don’t worry about guarding grabby hands if your children are allowed to visit (and, let’s be honest, disrupt the sacred peace of) your workshop. Their fingers will be perfectly safe from harm due to the safe-to-touch grill because it doesn’t get too hot as it’s heating the room.
Pros
- Wall-mounted so it doesn’t take up too much space
- WiFi connectivity for remote control
- Safe to touch because the exterior doesn’t get too hot
- Expensive option
- Feet not included
2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: NewAir NGH160GA00 Electric Portable Heater
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Summary
Winter shouldn’t see the end to your favorite hobbies! With the NewAir NGH160GA00 electric heater, you can make sure your garage is warm enough to work in all year round.
The 120-volt plug is compatible with any standard outlet, so you can plug it in and start using it straight out of the box.
Built to last with a durable, heavy-duty exterior shell that can handle even the starkest conditions, this reliable electric heater will serve you well for years to come. It has an integrated handle for portability so it’s easy to maneuver around your garage depending on where you’re working.
When you’re feeling chilly, you can adjust the heater using the convenient tilting head to spot-heat a maximum of 160 square feet area for direct warmth. There are two heat settings to choose from or you can adjust the thermostat to suit your specific needs.
It features an efficient ceramic heating plate and a powerful 200 CFM fan which ensures a steady flow of warm air to wherever you’re working. The fan directs the air over the heating plate which is great for situational heating but is less effective at heating an entire room.
Overheating won’t be an issue as the NewAir NGH160GA00 has an in-built thermostat and will automatically switch off if it senses dangerously high temperatures.
You won’t have to worry about accidentally burning yourself, as the outer housing of the heater stays cool to the touch. We can honestly say that this is one of the best garage electric heaters you’ll find available today.
Pros
- Durable, reliable heater
- Affordable option
- Effectively warms the space around it due to the ceramic heating plate
- Able to spot-heat specific areas
- The exterior doesn’t get too hot
- Less suitable for larger spaces or for heating an entire room
3. BEST VALUE: Multifun Electric Heater for Garages
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Summary
Nobody wants to have to work in cramped conditions, just as much as you wouldn’t want to work in the cold. If you’re limited in terms of space, this Multifun ceramic fan-forced heater is small and compact so that it doesn’t get in your way or take up too much room.
It’s super effective and can start heating your space in a matter of seconds thanks to the large air outlet. Switch it on before brewing your morning coffee and by the time you get back, you’ll notice a discernible difference in how warm the room feels. The innovative angled legs design also encourages warm air to blow upwards for more effective heating.
An easy-to-use digital dial-control thermostat lets you be in control of the room temperature at all times, and while it may be small in size, it’s surprisingly capable of evenly distributing warm air around the room.
It’s not too noisy when in operation, however, so you won’t be disturbed by it while you work as it only reaches 46 dB.
This portable heater features a durable, fire-retarded outer shell that is manufactured using V0 grade flame-resistant material, and it can withstand the yo-yo-ing temperatures of uninsulated rooms like your garage.
It comes with multiple other safety features, including automatic tip-over shut-off and overheating protection.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Great budget option
- Small, compact design saves space in your garage
- Simple dial-control thermostat
- Fire-resistant and able to withstand fluctuating temperatures
- Heats up in just 2 seconds
- Not as powerful as larger heaters
4. RUNNER UP Stiebel Eltron CKT-230345 Wall Mounted Electric Fan Heater
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Summary
Next up we have this electric fan heater from Stiebel Eltron, which is known for their excellent reputation when it comes to manufacturing quality. Made in Germany, the CKT-230345 electric heater is another great choice to consider for your garage.
It’s another quiet heating option as the galvanized steel blowers produce just 49 dB of noise volume, so you can work away without distraction.
However, despite its surface-mount design, it is slightly larger than some of the other options we’ve included in this list, which is something to consider if you’re short on space.
Set the timer for up to 60 minutes with the booster CKT timer, after which it will revert back to its thermostat setting. Bear in mind that if you adjust the thermostat it will override the timer, which some customers found to be frustrating.
It also has a frost protection setting which is the lowest heat setting available, to keep your garage’s temperature above freezing.
The down-draft design ensures even heating throughout your garage by drawing cooler air in through the top and blowing it back out again warm via the bottom of the unit.
The 120-volt heater requires just 1,500 watts of power, so it won’t cost too much to run, either.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- High-quality construction and sleek design
- Built-in thermostat for temperature control
- Convenient 60-minute timer
- Slightly trickier to install
- Takes up more space than other heaters we’ve looked at
5. RUNNER UP: Isiler Garage Space Heater
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Summary
Another compact heater for those with smaller space to work with and in, the Isiler space heater packs some surprisingly powerful heat-producing capabilities. Measuring just 6 x 6.7 x 7 inches and with a wide, thick handle, this is an easily portable option.
It’s a slightly more expensive alternative to the previous space heater we looked at, and although some people argue that this is reflected in the quality, if you’re not that particular then there’s not a whole lot of difference between them.
The triangular stand provides stability and supports the unit well so that it doesn’t easily tip over. If it does manage to be knocked onto its side, the automatic tip-over protection means it will shut itself off before causing any damage to your garage. It also features overheating protection so it’s a safe, reliable choice.
With a 1,500-watts power output, this heater warms up the room in very little time. It’s hugely effective thanks to the large air outlet and the ceramic heating elements which are also efficient.
It can heat up to 108 square feet of space without issue. The only thing you need to be slightly careful of is the outer surface, as this can heat up too which can result in burns if it comes into contact with your bare skin.
Pros
- Small and compact, it was designed with portability in mind
- Multiple safety features included tip-over and overheating protection
- Quick to warm up so no waiting around in the cold
- Can heat up to 108 square feet area
- The exterior can become quite hot after extended use
6. RUNNER UP: Fast heating Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat
Summary
If you like to get up and get going even on cold winter mornings, then this FAST heating space heater is perfect for you to use in your garage or workspace.
It can heat up to 70℉ in just 3 seconds to quickly provide warmth in small spaces thanks to effective ceramic heating elements, and it has a power output rating of 1,500 watts.
You can choose between 3 different heating settings, including high, low, and ECO mode. The latter option will self-adjust itself so that it’s somewhere between 1,500 and 900 watts according to the room temperature and the desired temperature you’ve set it to. There’s also a 20% wider heating range thanks to the 70-degree oscillation.
Anyone who’s easily distracted by noise will be pleased to know that it operates at a minimal 45 dB volume, which is quiet enough that you could even sleep with it on.
It’s only 18 inches high so it won’t take up too much room and you can control it via remote from wherever you’re working.
It includes all the standard safety features you’d expect from a heater in this price range, including ETL certification and V0-rated flame-resistant materials.
It is recommended however that you don’t use a power strip, and instead always plug this heater into a power source.
Pros
- Excellent option for low volume operation
- Multiple safety features
- LED display
- 3 different heat settings to choose from
- 70-degree oscillation for even heat distribution
- Not as powerful as some larger heaters
7. RUNNER UP: Heat Storm Deluxe Mounted Space Heater
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Summary
No, your eyes do not deceive you. This is indeed another Heat Storm wall-mounted space heater, but it’s a more budget-friendly option than our top pick. The infrared heater warms more than just the air and provides targeted heat that you’ll feel like the sun on your back.
It’s a great space-saving option and the sleek design will look good in any garage. It doesn’t take up much room on your wall and the cord can be neatly hidden behind the unit once it’s installed over the outlet.
The powerful motor is completely enclosed for added protection, so dust and debris can’t interfere with its inner workings and interrupt the smooth running performance of this heater. It’s also safe to touch as the grill is made from a material that won’t burn your skin.
You can adjust the temperature to suit your specific needs which is even easier using the Wifi Smart technology where you can control it from your phone. It has a power output rating of 1,000 watts which is slightly less than other models but still ensures effective heating.
Pros
- Compact, wall-mounted design
- A number of useful safety features
- LED display and adjustable thermostat
- 1-year manufacturers guarantee
- Not the greatest option for larger garages
- Could be more durable
8. RUNNER UP: Dr. Infrared DR-238 Heater
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Summary
Next, we looked at this Dr. Infrared heater which radiates heat for instant warmth as soon as you switch it on. It might not be enough to fully heat a large garage, but it effectively warms the area it’s directed at.
There are 3 different heating modes including low, mid, and high temperatures and you don’t even have to leave your workspace to adjust it, as it offers wireless remote control. Timer operation is another convenient feature that gives you more flexibility.
Manufactured using weatherproof aluminum with a rating of IPX4, it’s a durable choice for anyone whose garage reaches more extreme temperatures as it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation.
It doesn’t take up much space either, and it can easily be mounted to either a wall or ceiling. All the necessary parts for installation are included, such as a power cord and mounting bracket. Plus, it’s extremely quiet when it’s in operation for distraction-free heating.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- 3 different heat settings
- Durable unit with a weatherproof rating of IPX4
- More expensive option
- Installation can be difficult to do yourself
9. RUNNER UP: KING PAW1215-W Electric Wall Heater
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Summary
The penultimate heater we have for you to consider is the KING PAW1215-W electric heater. The wall-mounted unit saves floor space and time as the one-screw mounting ensures quicker installation, as do the QuickSet stud alignment tabs.
Enjoy comfortable, quiet warmth in your workspace as the squirrel cage blower offers whisper-quiet performance, and a heavy-duty steel heating element warms the air that’s directed over it to effectively heat up your space.
Easily tailored to your specific needs, you can alter the wattage output thanks to the original Pick-A-Watt element of the design and it’s compatible with built-in or wall-mounted thermostats.
It’s recommended that you purchase the King-Electric line-voltage thermostat as this works perfectly with the heater to provide ultimate control over the temperature.
The heater’s safety features take the worry out of warming your garage, such as the patented Smart Limit Protection function. Any abnormality will result in an automatic shut-off that requires manual resetting.
Pros
- Variable wattage to suit your needs
- Extremely quiet operation
- Wall-mounted unit saves floor space
- 5-year limited warranty
- Tricky installation
10. RUNNER UP: Minetom Portable Electric Space Heater
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Summary
Here to round off our list of the best garage heaters is this offering from Minetom, a small but mighty mini heater that existing customers absolutely love.
The portable heater was designed to be small and compact enough to travel with, so it won’t take up too much room in your garage.
The handle makes it easy to move around and it doesn’t weigh much, but don’t worry about it being so lightweight that it’s easily knocked because it features automatic overheating protection and tip-over protection for enhanced safety.
There’s the option to utilize the different wattage output settings of either 750 or 1,500 watts, or it also functions as a fan for all-year-round their versatile use. It has a lot to offer for such an affordable price! Simply adjust it using the thermostat control knob.
It’s super energy efficient due to the PTC ceramic heating technology and a high-speed fan that warms up 200 square feet in mere seconds.
It’s also relatively quiet when in operation so it won’t disturb you while you work, although some customers do report that it can be a little loud for their liking.
Pros
- Small, compact design saves space in your garage
- Most affordable option
- Energy efficient
- Easy to control the thermostat
- Powerful despite its small size
- Some customers find it to be too loud
- Less suitable for larger garage spaces
Know Your Options when Making a Purchase
Winter mornings are about to get a whole lot easier thanks to your brand new electric garage heater. If you’re still on the fence about which model to purchase, this buyer’s guide will help you realize which factors are going to be the most important for you to consider in order to make the top choice to suit your needs.Different Types of Heaters
Due to advancements in heating and cooling technology over the last 50 years, there are numerous different types of garage heaters and they are now a hugely common appliance in most American households.
Fan-Forced Garage Heaters
Featuring an electric element that heats the air, this type of fan heater then forces the air to circulate via a fan system.
It’s not the best in terms of efficiency or effectiveness, but it can be a good, affordable option for smaller garage spaces (and smaller budgets) if you’ll accept a longer preheating time.
Choose between either floor or wall-mounted, although bear in mind that the latter may require professional installation.
Infrared or Radiant Garage Heaters
Another affordable option, infrared or radiant garage heaters are also quite popular. Often you’ll be able to purchase two in a pack and you can position them at opposite ends of the garage space.
They produce high-output radiant energy which is warming to the point where it feels like you’ve just stepped off an airconditioned plane that has landed in a hot country.
This does pose some health and safety issues, however, as heating the surrounding area of something rather than warming the air can lead to plastics melting, paper catching fire, and other hazards.
Ceramic Garage Heaters
Similar to the fan-forced heaters we first mentioned, ceramic heaters circulate the air over and around a heating element which is then spread throughout the garage.
Instead of an electric element, however, this type of heater features porcelain or ceramic elements, which heats them much quicker than an electric element would.
Although they can be slightly more expensive, they’re extremely effective at heating larger spaces.
Size of Your garage
Before you can start virtually planning the layout of your new heating system, you need to make sure you’ve taken some active measurements so you can work out where the garage heaters are best placed within your space. Air volume is another big consideration, as you need to find a heater that is capable of heating the air around you else it’ll be ineffective. Larger spaces will require a higher wattage garage heater in order for it to do its job effectively. For example, a 10 ft. by 6 ft. size garage needs a heater with around 5,000 watts. Comparably, a commercial space would need at least a heater with 10,000 or preferably 15,000 watts. The size of your garage space should also influence what mounting type to look out for and which will better suit your needs. Consider mounted vs. freestanding, for example. Both ways of mounting your heater will have its own advantages, but you’ll need to determine which will be better suited for your workshop. A wall or ceiling mounted heater is great for heating a small, single garage. Ceiling-mounted heaters are arguably the most versatile as you can position it wherever you want, and along with wall-mounted heaters, they don’t take up too much space so you can store lots of other stuff. Freestanding models are, by comparison, better suited to larger garages where you have more floor space to spare. Some portable options will feature wheels and larger frames to help you maneuver the heater.Safety Features
Anything that reaches high temperatures is worth being extra cautious about, especially when they’re to be left in smaller, contained spaces. When the heaters are switched on and in use, the inner element that heats up is capable of reaching pretty high temperatures. A lack of thermostatic control could lead to hazardous results, including a fire! In order to combat this, the majority of electric heaters for garages will include some key safety functions, such as an overheating mechanism. This is essentially a system that prevents any damage from occurring with either the elements or the heater through overworking it. Some will also include temperature knobs that you can adjust to prevent overheating. A second popular feature is the tipping switch-off mechanism, which protects your heater if it gets knocked over to the floor while in use. This function will ensure that you don’t burn the floor (or yourself!) if it does tip over and is great if you have younger family members.Power Output
Energy consumption doesn’t have to be complicated to understand, just check the product specification information section to see what kind of output it has. It’s important to know, especially if you think you’ll be frequenting your garage often and will need to have the heating on for longer periods of time, as otherwise, these costs can begin to add up. We’ve already mentioned that a single garage needs a minimum of 5,000 watts in a heater in order for it to work, but it depends on the efficiency of the model. You may find that a 4,000-watt heater performs just as well if not better than a 5,000-watt heater from another brand due to being more energy-efficient.Additional Features
- Adjustable thermostats: With this useful feature, you can have more control over your heat output.
- Summer fan modes: Two machines are better than one? Not in this case! Why waste space by having a fan installed for the summer when removing the elements from your heater fan and running it will do just as good of a job?
- Carry handles, casters, and wheels: Portability is made much easier with any of these three features, whether you’re simply relocating within your workshop or transporting your heater to another space altogether.
- An extension cord or wired-in: Keep in mind that a wired-in garage heater is probably going to need to be professionally installed.
- Fan louvers: Change the direction of the airflow any way you like using the fan louvers to send warmth where it’s most needed.
- Remote controls: Want to adjust the thermostat but don’t want to get up from your comfortable spot? Control the temperature from your seat with remote control. If you’ve opted for a ceiling or wall-mounted heater, this is indispensable. Just try not to misplace it!
Cost and Budget
We’ve reviewed a range of electric garage heaters, from high-end to budget-friendly, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The more additional features your heater has and the more energy-efficient it is, the more expensive it’s likely to be. With that being said, heaters that are more efficient incur cheaper running costs which make up for the higher initial costs.Is it Safe to Use Electric Garage Heaters in an RV?
Certainly, employing electric heaters in an RV is deemed secure, but it is imperative to select the best portable grills made for RV use. Make sure you choose a model that includes safety features and is suitable for use indoors. Following the manufacturer’s instructions closely is vital to avoiding potential risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts does it take to heat a two-car garage?
If a single garage requires a 5,000-watt generator, it would be logical to assume that a double garage would need closer to 10,000 watts in a generator. This is a more efficient size-to-output ratio. Alternatively, to achieve the same results you could mount two 5,000-watt heaters in the same garage.Are they expensive to run?
The exact answer will depend on your use of the heater and how high you have it set to, but electricity is typically a more expensive option than a gas heater would be.How do I reduce my garage heating costs?
Insulation is probably the most effective and the easiest way to help bring the costs of heating your garage down without having to freeze your fingers to the bone due to being stingy with the thermostat. Roof insulation is commonly found to be lacking in most garages, which is understandable if it’s not being used as a workspace. If it is being used for that purpose, look into having some insulation added to your roof and see if that helps to reduce your garage heating costs.Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater
- Very Lightweight
- lifetime washable filter
- Overheat Protection
- Anti-Trip Technology
- Child Lock Buttons
- ETL rating for safety
