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The Best Garage Heaters
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Best garage heater overall - Honeywell CZ2104EV1 Heavy Duty Heater
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Best for small garages - Draper 92967 Electric Space Heater
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Best portable heater - ANSIO Ceramic Electric Heater
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Best value heater - Igenix IG9514 Portable Halogen Heater
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Best for large garages - Modern Life Diesel Paraffin Space Heater
Garage Heater Reviews
1. Honeywell CZ2104EV1 Heavy Duty Heater
Best garage heater overall
- Stainless steel casing creates a robust, solid and stable heater
- Capable of making a noticeable increase to the temperature of a small garage in around 20 minutes
- Built-in thermostat helps control energy consumption
- Small enough to sit on the table but can also be placed on the floor
- Option to use just as a cooling fan without the heater so can be used in the summer as well
- The force of the fan may not be strong enough to be felt from a distance
- Fan is audible and may be too loud for jobs that require silence
- Thermostat dial isn’t marked with numerical temperatures so it’s hard to know exactly what temperature you’re setting
- Power cord could be longer - you may have to use an extension lead
- Heater Type
- Fan Heater
- Heat Settings
- 3
- Power Source
- Corded Electric
- Power
- 2500W
- Auto Cut-Off
- Yes
- Tip Protection
- Yes
- Oscillates
- No
- Weight
- 4.1kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Performance
- 4.5
- Features
- 4
- Safety
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 5
Having done a lot of research into the best garage heaters, I put the Honeywell Heavy Duty Heater CZ 2104EV to the test to see if it was a good option for most households.
I must admit, I absolutely love the appearance of this heater. It’s got this industrial charm to it. It looks a bit retro, yet its grey coating brings makes it current. It’s value is in its simplicity as well. Two simple knobs to select the temperature and setting, and some lights to indicate when its in use.
The only bit you have to figure out for yourself is that the fan setting knob needs pushing in before you can select which heat setting you want. At first I turned it on, and wondered why nothing was happening, but quickly sussed it out!
From my testing it took just under 20 minutes to heat my old man’s single garage from 9°c to 20°c – that is pretty respectable in my opinion. Perfect time to go grab a coffee! The only downside I suppose is that it’s got some noise behind it. But considering we’re usually in the garage testing out power tools, a little fan noise isn’t really of great concern to me!
Again, the charm of this garage heater is in its simplicity. As such, there aren’t many high-tech features to write home about! It’s got a fan setting which can be useful in the summer. It’s also got a ‘frostwatch’ function that automatically starts the heater when the room temperature drops below 5°C which can be quite handy too.
Onto the safety features. This heater has a sturdy construction, a heat insulated handle and overheat protection. The child safeguard switch prevents children from tampering with the heater, while the tip over safety switch ensures the heater turns off instantly if it’s accidentally knocked over.
In terms of value for money, this heater can’t really be faulted. It’s very fairly priced and can perform exactly as most people need it to. It looks the part and can heat your garage in under 20 minutes. Job done!
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2. Draper 92967 Electric Space Heater
Best for small garages
- Compact so suitable for single garages
- Comes with a cool fan setting so can be used in the summer as well as winter
- Accurate thermostat switches the unit off when it reaches the right temperature
- Eco-friendly to run on the lower heat setting
- Produces a good heat output especially given the small size
- Produces a lot of vibration which makes it a little loud to operate
- 1.5m cable may be too short for some users
- Won’t heat large areas - designed for spaces up to 20m² in size
- Heater Type
- Convection Heater
- Heat Settings
- 3
- Power Source
- Corded Electric
- Power
- 2000W
- Auto Cut-Off
- Yes
- Tip Protection
- Not Listed
- Oscillates
- No
- Weight
- 1.91kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Performance
- 4
- Features
- 4.5
- Safety
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4.5
A popular garage heater well worth a mention is the Draper 92967 PTC Electric Heater. This heater uses a ceramic heating element and PTC technology to warm spaces up to 20 m² in size. It’s a great option for small garages.
Style-wise, this heater may not win many awards, but if you’re looking for an effective garage heater, there’s a lot to love. It’s neat, compact and stable, with a reliable stainless steel stand. It weighs just 1.91 kg, so it’s easy to move around the garage if needed. The 1.5m cable, although arguably a little short, is good quality.
Like all the garage heaters I’ve mentioned, this heater boasts a range of settings so you can heat your garage according to your specifications. There are 3 settings; fan, low and high. The fan setting can be used in the summer months to cool your garage, while the 1000W and 2000W modes can be easily switched between depending on the temperature outside.
This heater comes with an adjustable thermostat to help maintain a constant room temperature. If the temperature plummets overnight, this heater will automatically switch on and heat the room to your desired temperature, protecting equipment, machinery and more from frost or frozen temperatures.
Safety features include dual overheat safety protection. The unit will instantly switch off if it detects that it’s gotten too hot. The stable base and reliable construction also add to the safety.
Finally, this heater offers great value for money. It can heat rooms up to 20m² in size, and it’s very good quality. On the lower power setting, this heater doesn’t cost a lot to run, making it a good option for taking the edge off small, chilly garages.
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3. ANSIO Ceramic Electric Heater[ SAVE 4% ]
Best portable heater
- Produces a good amount of heat considering its small size
- Compact enough to tuck away out of sight if needed and can be used in small garages
- Safe if knocked over thanks to the tip over switch
- Fan heater so heats the entire room
- Relatively noisy so not suitable for those who like to work in their garage
- Lead is relatively short
- Heater Type
- Convection Heater
- Heat Settings
- 2
- Power Source
- Corded Electric
- Power
- 2000W
- Auto Cut-Off
- Yes
- Tip Protection
- Yes
- Oscillates
- No
- Weight
- 1.73kg
- Design
- 4
- Performance
- 4
- Features
- 4.5
- Safety
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 5
If you’re looking for a small, portable table top heater for your garage, the ANSIO Ceramic Electric Heater is a great option. This heater is extremely compact, yet it produces a good amount of heat given the size.
This portable heater has a neat black design and is packed full of features that make it easy to warm small rooms and garages. It can be placed on tables or it can also be sat on the floor.
This heater offers good performance especially given the small size. There’s a PTC heating element for faster, efficient heating, while there’s also 2 power options. The low power mode at 1200W will take the edge off your garage on chilly days, while the high power mode at 2000W is perfect for warming your space when the temperature drops below freezing.
A welcome extra feature is the adjustable thermostat. The heater will automatically turn off when the desired temperature is reached, saving you power and helping to maintain a consistent temperature.
Onto the safety features. This ceramic heater is safe to use thanks to its sturdy and robust build. The overheat and tip over protection means it can be turned on even when pets or children are in the vicinity. If the temperature is too high, the thermostat will automatically turn the heater off, while the safety tip over switch automatically cuts the power off if the heater is knocked.
The only real downsides to this heater seem to be the length of cable and the noise level. As it uses a PTC heating element, this heater is slightly noisier than regular fan heaters. It also shouldn’t be used with an extension lead, which will limit some users, as the included cable is fairly short.
If you’re looking for a super compact and lightweight option, this is one of the best garage heaters if you want something highly portable.
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4. Igenix IG9514 Portable Halogen Heater
Best value heater
- Very lightweight so easy to move around using the heat resistant handle
- Even on the lowest setting, your garage will feel noticeably warmer in minutes
- Cost effective to run and can be left on for long periods of time with no concerns
- Automatic cut out keeps you safe if you accidentally knock over the heater
- Easy to put together and turn on
- Lead may be too short for some users and an extension lead isn’t recommended
- The unit is made predominantly of plastic and may not last as long as a more industrial garage heater
- There’s no timer so this heater will need to be switched on and off manually
- Heater Type
- Halogen Electric
- Heat Settings
- 3
- Power Source
- Corded Electric
- Power
- 1200W
- Auto Cut-Off
- Yes
- Tip Protection
- Yes
- Oscillates
- Oscillates
- Weight
- 2.4kg
- Design
- 4
- Performance
- 4
- Features
- 4.5
- Safety
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
A great option for those who don’t want their electricity bill to skyrocket, the Igenix IG9514 Portable Halogen Heater offers a cost-effective and economical way to bring some extra warmth to your garage. As a halogen heater, this model provides heat almost instantly, and there’s no nasty gases or emissions released.
There are three power settings to choose from, depending on the size of your garage: 400W, 800W and 1200W. This means the energy output can also be controlled easily. For those who like to work in the garage, this heater is very quiet so won’t disturb you. It also produces light, so can be used to illuminate your garage if there’s not a lot of natural light.
In general, this heater can make a difference in most garages in just a few minutes. It heats instantly, while the oscillating function ensures everyone in your garage can benefit from its warmth. Of course, it’s worth noting that it’s a halogen heater, so it only warms people and material, instead of the garage air. If you’re not standing in front of the heater, you’re unlikely to see much benefit.
Design-wise, this heater is robust, stable and well-balanced. It weighs just over 2 kg and the handle used to transport it is heat resistant and strong. This heater can be moved around your garage even while switched on with no concerns that you’ll burn your hands.
In terms of safety, there’s a cut-out safety tip over switch which prevents injury if the heater is suddenly knocked. This makes it safe for areas regularly used by children or pets. The heat resistant handle prevents burns if the heater is lifted while switched on.
The Igenix Portable Halogen Heater is great value for money primarily down to its low cost to run and ease of use. The only disadvantages seem to be the length of the power cable, which is a little short.
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5. Modern Life Diesel Paraffin Space Heater
Best for large garages
- Heats up very quickly in around 10 minutes
- Well made unit with a metal body and plastic stand
- Easy to put together with the two included screws simply fixing the handle to the body
- Can heat garages up to 350m² in size
- Power outlet required, as well as gas fuel, meaning this is not a cordless unit
- Fan is relatively noisy and may be distracting for those who need to work in silence
- Heater Type
- Diesel Heater
- Heat Settings
- Adjustable
- Power Source
- Corded Electric
- Power
- 220-240V
- Auto Cut-Off
- Yes
- Tip Protection
- Not Listed
- Oscillates
- No
- Weight
- 21kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Performance
- 5
- Features
- 4.5
- Safety
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 3.5
The Modern Life Diesel Paraffin Space Heater is different to others on my list as it uses paraffin oil to heat large spaces. Whilst you may think this makes it harder to use than standard heaters, it’s actually relatively easy. This heater has been specifically designed with ease of use in mind. It’s very simple to get set up and works well in large spaces.
This space heater is well-made and good quality. It has a stainless steel combustion chamber which is very durable, while it’s easy to move around using the castor wheels. You’ll be thankful for the wheels, as this heater weighs over 20kg! Unlike others on the market, it can’t be easily picked up and placed in a different location, but the wheels allow you to drag it across hard ground.
This heater performs very well in large garages. It has an air output of 720 m³/h which allows it to heat rooms up to 350m² in size. It’s energy efficient too, with a fuel consumption of around 2.5 kg per hour. The tank capacity is 38L and this needs infrequency filling. It runs on either diesel oil, kerosene or paraffin.
In terms of extra features, this heater ticks a lot of boxes. First of all, there’s an adjustable thermostat so you can set your ideal room temperature. There’s also an easy to read temperature display and control. For very specific garage heating needs, this model is perfect.
This heater is also very safe. There’s a flame sensor and cut-off protection if it overheats. It’s also IP24 rated which means it’s splash proof – never a bad attribute when used in a garage or shed.
A couple of disadvantages to note. Firstly, this heater using a fan that can be quite noisy. If you’re looking for a quiet heater, this probably isn’t the best choice. Secondly, a power outlet is required to power the fan and display, so although gas powered, you’ll still need access to electricity.
If you’ve got a large double garage and you’re after an effective industrial-size heater, the Modern Life Diesel Paraffin Space Heater is a fantastic choice.
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Product Tester
I spent hours of research and testing to review a broad range of different types of garage heaters. I compared their design, performance, useful features, safety, and value for money spent to recommend the best products for you for any size garage. Here are the factors that I examined for each of those elements:
- Design: I examined the type of heater (fan, convection, halogen, diesel), the overall appearance of the heater, how sturdy it was and what materials it was made from. I rated plastic models lower for garage use than the metal models as these were less hard-wearing and corrosion resistant. The noise produced was another critical consideration for those wanting a quieter workspace; noisy models (above 40 decibels) were rated lower than quiet ones. I also gave the garage heater a lower rating if the lead wasn’t long enough (below 2 m), as this may require some people to use an extension cord, which is strongly advised against! I also looked at how much it weighed and how compact it was, as lightweight (below 3 kg), compact models were easier to move around and put in smaller spaces. For heavier models, I identified whether it had features to make it easier to move around, such as wheels.
- Performance: How long it took to heat the garage to a comfortable temperature (20°C) was essential to my product testing; the faster it heated the space, the better. Those that had oscillation to heat the room more efficiently also scored better. Another important performance factor was how well the garage heater worked for small, medium, or large garages, so I tested them in various locations – if it could heat a large garage, it was rated higher.
- Features: For features, I looked at the manual controls and how easy and intuitive they were to use. The number of heat settings and the different power settings (for example, 2000 W and 1000 W) were also significant features, as these allowed you to choose the power output, which helps with energy efficiency. Fans with built-in timers and thermostats also earnt them better ratings. Other features that secured them a higher rating were a fan option for summer cooling and a frost switch, which ensures the fan turns on automatically when the temperature dropped below 5°C.
- Safety: For safety, I looked at features like overheat protection, if it shuts off automatically if it tips over, and if it has a heat-insulated handle, which is essential if you need to move it around while you are using it, so you don’t burn your hands. Those with child safeguard switches also received better safety ratings.
- Value for Money: I compared the heater’s cost against its overall performance and design to see if you were getting a good value for your money. I also factored in the size of the garage it could heat for that price.
Compare Product Features
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.
Honeywell CZ2104EV1 Heavy Duty Heater
- 4.5
- Fan Heater
- 3
- Corded Electric
- 2500W
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 4.1kg
Draper 92967 Electric Space Heater
- 4.3
- Convection Heater
- 3
- Corded Electric
- 2000W
- Yes
- Not Listed
- No
- 1.91kg
ANSIO Ceramic Electric Heater
- 4.4
- Convection Heater
- 2
- Corded Electric
- 2000W
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 1.73kg
Igenix IG9514 Portable Halogen Heater
- 4.3
- Halogen Electric
- 3
- Corded Electric
- 1200W
- Yes
- Yes
- Oscillates
- 2.4kg
Modern Life Diesel Paraffin Space Heater
- 4.4
- Diesel Heater
- Adjustable
- Corded Electric
- 220-240V
- Yes
- Not Listed
- No
- 21kg
How to Choose The Best Garage Heater
Particularly in the cold winter months, it can seem quite unappealing to work in the garage for hours on end. However, a lot of us find ourselves still needing to do jobs that can’t be neglected just because of a cold snap.
This is where garage heaters can come in handy. Using a garage heater can help you keep your workspace at a pleasant working temperature – letting you continue working out there, regardless of what the weather’s doing.
There are a few different types of garage heater to choose from, ranging from gas-fuelled to electric, and floor-standing to portable. The following information should help give you more idea about what to look out for (and avoid) on your quest for the best garage heater.
The Benefits of Using a Garage Heater
Here are five ways that using a garage heater could benefit you:
- A garage heater will allow you to make use of your garage space year-round. It’s a shame to have to retreat from the garage or shed just because it’s cold, and a heater can help you continue to use all the spaces on your property to their full extent.
- Using a heater to create a warmer garage environment can also benefit other items in the garage (not just you!). Machines like tools and cars can benefit from not being left cold for prolonged periods. Car batteries don’t react well to the cold, so keeping the temperature up can help the battery last.
- Some garage heaters have specific frost prevention settings. If this is the case, the heater will come on when it detects the temperature has dropped below 5°C. This can help protect all manner of items, from plants to machines, to tins of paint and tools.
- Cold environments invite damp and mould. Using an appliance like a garage heater and a dehumidifier can help keep damp at bay in the garage. Heating the air can help dry out damp patches and stop them from worsening.
- Even if it isn’t too cold outside, sometimes low temperatures can cause cold hands. Using a garage heater, especially one on a table top or workbench can help keep hands warm and nimble. This can make it a lot easier to do intricate work, rather than trying to work with gloves on.
It will also make a big difference if your garage is properly insulated. Check out our guide on Smart Ways to Insulate Your Garage for Winter
Electric Vs. Gas Powered Garage Heaters
Some of the garage heaters featured on this page are entirely powered by electricity, whilst others require fuel, like propane, as well as electrical input.
Gas Powered Garage Heaters
Gas heaters use a combination of fuel and electricity – they generally burn the fuel to create heat, and use a fan (powered by electricity) to disperse the heat around the space. These gas heaters tend to be more powerful than purely electric heaters. This is partly down to the fact that all of the electrical power is focused on powering the fan, and all the fuel is providing heat.
These are the heaters to go for if you’re trying to heat a larger space. They often have over 10 kW of power, which is noticeably more powerful compared to a 2 kW or 3 kW electric heater. In the next section you can find out more about what size heater you need.
However, there is one main drawback to using a gas heater. They need to be used in ventilated areas because they are burning fuel and emitting fumes. As a result, a gas heater is not suitable to be used in a space with all the windows and doors closed.
Electric Powered Garage Heaters
Electric heaters do not have the same necessity of being used in a ventilated area because they do not produce any fumes. Therefore, they are well suited for use in small sheds or garages, and all the heat that they produce can be kept inside (with none being lost through open windows or doors). They do not, however, have the same capacity as fuel-powered heaters for heating as large an area.
READ NEXT: The Best Shed Heaters
Some of the best electric fan heaters can heat small spaces quite effectively. However, a lot of electric heaters, like halogen heaters, generally offer personal warmth instead of having the capacity to heat the whole garage. If you keep these heaters close by, you will benefit from the heat. They tend to be smaller and easier to manoeuvre than gas-powered heaters, so they can always be kept to hand.
Working Out What Size Garage Heater to Buy
This is one of the hardest things to know when buying a heater – buying something too small will be a waste of money, but getting something too big could see your energy bills unnecessarily skyrocket.
The following rule is the simplest way to estimate what size heater you will need: for every 1 ft² of floor space, 10 W of power will be required.
So, if your garage is 15 ft², multiply 10 x 15 which gives 150. Then multiply this by 10 again, which gives 1500. This shows that you need a unit that produces at least 1500 W of power to heat the space.
Gas heaters are measured in BTUs. You can estimate the size of gas heater that you will require by multiplying the required wattage by 3.41. So, again, if your garage measures 15 ft, and will require 1500 W to heat the space, multiply 1500 x 3.41 which equals 5,115 BTUs.
Of course, other factors will affect how much power you need to heat your garage. For example, spaces with high ceilings will require more heating. In addition, the amount of heat required will depend on the insulation of the building as well as if there are draughty window or doors.
READ NEXT: The Best Plinth Heaters
Adjustable Settings for Your Garage Heater
Some of the best garage heaters will have adjustable heat settings. This will mean you can choose between different heat outputs, depending on your intention for the heater.
For example, heaters frequently have two power settings: a maximum heat output (of around 2500 W) and a standard heat output (somewhere around 1200 W). Having two settings gives the choice of heat as well as some control over energy consumption and running costs.
There are some garage heaters that will have a ‘cool’ fan option, or a low heat setting (of approximately 40 W). A low heat setting is great for frost protection, keeping a consistent temperature above freezing which will combat frost.
In addition, an adjustable thermostat is a useful function to look out for in a garage heater. With a thermostat you can set your desired temperature for the room, and the heater will maintain this temperature. This means the heater will turn off when the set temperature is reached, and turn back on when more heat is needed. This is a great feature for making the heater easy to use, as well as economical – you won’t be wasting energy that you don’t need.
Garage Heater FAQs
If you have paint and tools inside your garage which you’d like to protect from frost, a garage heater can help. Plus, keeping the garage warm can help preserve your car battery if it is parked in there. And, of course, you may just find that it’s too cold for you to work in your garage as you normally would, in which case a garage heater is indispensable. Even just a table-top heater can help improve working conditions, warming your hands and making it possible to work without gloves on in winter. Larger heaters can increase the overall temperature of the space.
If you have a reasonably large heater that is powerful enough to heat the whole space, you should position it in the coldest corner of the space facing towards the middle of the garage. This will warm the air in the cold corner and push hotter air towards the centre of the room. If you have a smaller heater, you may need to position it closer to you, such as on the desk or workbench, in order to benefit from the heat.
If your garage isn’t well insulated, start by improving the insulation. This will instantly improve the temperature in your garage. You can buy shed insulation that is easy to attach to the walls and roof of the garage, so it doesn’t need to be a complicated job. Once you’re happy with the insulation, consider buying one of the best garage heaters listed above. This will help boost the temperature in the garage, and if the space is well insulated it will retain the warmth for longer.
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