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Best Garage Heaters for Winter (2022)

Written by :
Heating Wise
Last updated: December 14, 2021
Table of Contents
  • 1 1. Benross Industrial Fan Space Heater
  • 2 2. Pro Breeze Mini Ceramic Fan Heater
  • 3 3. Honeywell Heavy Duty Heater
  • 4 4. DONYER POWER Electric Patio Heater
  • 5 5. De’Longhi Capsule Ceramic Fan Heater
  • 6 6. Sunhouse Tubular Heater
  • 7 7. Climatik Oscillating Tower Fan Heater
  • 8 8. Amazon Basics Slim Portable Fan Heater

If you like to spend time in your garage tinkering with cars or working on your latest DIY project, then you will appreciate the luxury of staying warm, especially on frosty cold days. So, if you find you are struggling to see your work bench through the cold stream of your breath, then it may be time to consider buying a garage heater. Garage heaters come in a range of sizes and power outputs as well as designs, from electric and infrared to fan and natural gas, and your final choice will depend on the size of your garage, your heating needs and how often you will be using it.  To ensure time in your garage doesn’t leave you out in the cold, we take a look at some of the best garage heaters you can buy. 

1. Benross Industrial Fan Space Heater

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Key Features
  • 3000W stainless steel heating element
  • Also works as a 40W cooling fan
  • Two heat settings and adjustable thermostat
  • Tilting design and dual overheat protection 

As a versatile fan heater that can dial the heat up or down, depending on your space, the Benross Space Heater is one of the best garage heaters you can buy. And for the price, you get a lot of heat for your money. With its 3000W stainless steel element that has two settings so you can reduce it to 1500W, it can also be used as a cooling fan during the summer when the heat is on. This is a heavyweight unit that has a nice level of stability and the integrated carry handle makes it convenient to move around. And the tilting mechanism means you can target the generated heat to where it needs to go. Safety-wise, it has the essentials, including a fully adjustable thermostat and dual overheat protection and the outer metal casing is durable enough for both indoor and outdoor use. The only real downside is that you can’t control the fan speed and you do need to assemble it, but it is a simple and quick job to get it all set up. Our best buy as a garage heating solution for everyday use. 

Check price on Amazon

2. Pro Breeze Mini Ceramic Fan Heater

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Key Features
  • Ceramic heating element
  • 2 power settings plus oscillation
  • 2000W heating output
  • Lightweight and portable design

If space is tight or you only need to warm a smaller room, then this mini ceramic fan electric heater from Pro Breeze is a neat choice. Using ceramic rather than stainless steel for its heating elements, it is fast to heat up and the additional oscillating movement enables it to heat up cold air in a room evenly. Compact and lightweight, we like the portability of this heater too, meaning it is also good for caravans, home offices and conservatories.

The 2000W heat output is decent and you can also adjust to a lower 1200W setting as well as fine-tune with the adjustable thermostat so you can keep your room at an energy efficient temperature. You also get built-in overheat protection as well as an anti-tip over switch to cut the power if the unit is knocked over. The fan is a little on the noisy side, particularly when in oscillating mode but not too loud to be obtrusive and its smaller size makes it a neat space heater to have on display, or on the countertop when you need to be a little closer to its warmth. 

Check price on Amazon

3. Honeywell Heavy Duty Heater

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Key Features
  • 2.5KW output with overheat protection
  • Frostwatch function for temps below 5°C
  • All metal construction and slim design
  • Child safeguard and tip over protection

Designed to heat a space up to 30 square metres, the Honeywell Heavy Duty Heater is a tall unit that has been built for quality consistent heating. Ideal for garages and workshops, it has an all-metal construction that has a substantial and quality feel, and the controls are nicely sensitive and easy to use. And if you need to constantly keep the cold air chill off your space, then it also features a Frostwatch function which automatically kicks the heater into action should the room temperature fall below 5°C. 

The 2.5KW power output puts warmth at your fingertips with its robust carry handle, you can move the whole unit around your garage as you work, to ensure you get the benefit of its warmth. As an electric garage heater, it is not the quietest in our best garage heaters review, but it is no excessive and the heat generation is worth that little bit of extra noise. And it is safe too, thanks to the tip over switch and overheat protection. Plus, you get the benefit of Honeywell’s good value three-year guarantee. 

Check price on Amazon

4. DONYER POWER Electric Patio Heater

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Key Features
  • Overhead heater for garages or patios
  • Two halogen tubes for 360° heat distribution
  • 2000w high heat/800w low heat settings
  • IP24 rated for outdoor use

If you are looking for an indoor as well as outdoor heater or prefer your heat to radiate from above, then check out this ceiling mounted electric heater from Donyer Power.

With a 17-inch diameter, the head of this heater is a decent size and hangs from a fixing via a one metre chain. This electric heater uses dual halogen tubes to create maximum warmth and offers two heat settings – a lower 800W heat output and its high 2000W setting.  The 360° design gives all round heating and the easy to reach pull switch gives you simple but effective control. It also comes with an IP24 rating, so can be installed outdoors and is resistant to the effects of rain and snow. This is a long-lasting halogen heater which brings a nice warmth over a wider area so a good heating solution if you are looking for general rather than focused heat in your garage or workshop.

Check price on Amazon

5. De’Longhi Capsule Ceramic Fan Heater

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Key Features
  • Compact ceramic fan heater
  • 1800W with two heat settings
  • Fast and efficient heat up
  • Portable heater with ergonomic handle

As they say, good things come in small packages and if the De’Longhi Capsule is anything to go by, we agree. Measuring just shy of 28cm in height, this compact and bijou ceramic fan heater is a great choice for heating small or targeted spaced as it boasts an impressive 1800W, despite its smaller size. The ceramic element in this electric garage heater is quality and heats up quickly to create a lovely warmth and there are two power settings so you can control its energy consumption. While not suited to larger spaces, this is a neat electric heater to pop under a work bench or by your desk and will more than take the chill out of the air. It is a tad noisy but in a small garage or workshop that shouldn’t be a problem. And it is super portable and lightweight, so a good type of heater to take on your travels. 

Check price on Amazon

6. Sunhouse Tubular Heater

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Key Features
  • 80W output tubular heater
  • Includes wall mounting brackets
  • Ideal for maintaining a minimum temperature
  • Splash proof with frost protection 

As good for porches, conservatories and workshops as it is for a garage or outbuilding, this tubular heater from Sunhouse has been designed for a low level of constant heat to ensure you can keep the chill out of a room. With its 80W heat output, the tube is two foot in length and comes complete with its own wall mounting brackets and can be used in conjunction with floor heaters to get the perfect tailored temperature, as and when you need it. 

The design is durable and long-lasting, with a splash proof rating of IPX4 and you also get an adjustable thermometer so you can control the output as you need it. It also provides a level of protection against frost, when at set at its lowest temperature. For the price, this is a workable piece of kit, and can be used in multiples if you have a larger space to cover.

Check price on Amazon

7. Climatik Oscillating Tower Fan Heater

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Key Features
  • Wide angle oscillating tower fan with ceramic element
  • 2000W of power output and LED display
  • Programmable timer, thermostat and ECO mode
  • Includes a multi-function remote control  

Tall and with an elegant look, this oscillating ceramic tower heater will look smart in your home but is durable enough for your garage or workshop. And with 2000w of power, this heater is more than just aesthetics as it can push out a decent amount of oscillated heat. It has some good features too, including an easy-to-read LED display, 8-hour programmable timer, thermostat and an ECO mode to optimise for energy efficient heating. We particularly like the addition of a remote control so you can tailor the heat, from wherever you are in your garage and the almost silent operation.

Yes, this is at the top end of our best garage heater review, but the extra spec and its consistent performance makes up for the premium price-tag of this portable heater. And if you are concerned that the tower design makes it a potential topple hazard, the design includes a stable base plus the expected safety features, including anti-tip switch and overheat protection. 

Check price on Amazon

8. Amazon Basics Slim Portable Fan Heater

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Key Features
  • 2-speed oscillating fan heater
  • Slim and portable design
  • 1500W of heating power
  • Tip-over switch and overheat protection  

Our final review product is this slim space heater from the good value AmazonBasics range which is easy to carry and transport to wherever you need to turn up the heat. This is a compact model that has some really nice features for the price, including a pressurised centrifugal air duct which can spreads heat over a wider area. The power output is a workable 1500W and it has two speeds to the fan giving you greater control as to how much warm air you need. When put to the test, this fan heater got to work quickly to warm up the air around it, without making too much noise.

It may not be as durable as more expensive models, but this heater would still work well in your garage to help keep thing cosy as you work and take the chill off a larger space. You also get peace of mind, thanks to the usual safety features, including a tip-over switch and overheat protection. And once you are done in your garage and need a little more heat in the home, the ergonomic top handle and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. 

Check price on Amazon

Best Garage Heaters Buying Guide

Here's what you need to know!
Types Of Garage Heaters

When it comes to buying the right garage heater for your needs, there are several different types you can choose from:

Infrared – infrared heaters use tubes to radiate heat into your garage. Rather than heating the surrounding air, infrared heaters emit heat directly and so you will feel the warmth quicker. However, an infrared heater will take some time to heat up an entire area.

Related Post: Infrared Heating Panels

Space or fan heaters – a popular and easy to use choice, fan heaters work as convection heaters, in that they use a fan to circulate warmed air around a room. They tend to be a little noisier than other types of garage heaters, but they are fast at heating up air and circulating it around. Space heaters need an electricity supply to work.

Ceramic – swapping the electrical element with a ceramic heating element, these types of heaters can push out more heat than a fan heater and so can be effective in larger spaces. You can also get oscillating ceramic heaters where the element moves sidewards as it heats, ensuring a more even coverage of your room.

Radiant Heaters – using metal reflectors that are highly polished, radiant heaters effectively direct heat waves to objects that surround them, creating a steady supply of warmth without actually heating the air. The bonus of a radiant heater is that it won’t disturb dust or create air particles which could ruin a paint job so are a good choice for workshops.

Quartz Halogen – best suited to larger garages and outdoor spaces, a quartz halogen heater uses reflective metal sheets and infrared radiation to target heat where it is required.

Natural Gas – typically propane, natural gas heaters use fossil fuels rather than electricity as the power source. This makes natural gas heaters such as a propane heater portable and so a good choice for a garage when you need to move it around. Natural gas heaters can also push out a high rate of sustained heat but should always be used in a well-ventilated space and away from any combustible materials.

Safety Features to Look For in a Garage Heater

Your garage heater will be expected to work hard, especially on those colder days so should be robustly built and feature some essential safety features. Here is what you need to look for in your new garage heater to protect against fire hazards and possible electrical faults:

  • Tip over switch – especially if you have a busy garage or workshop, it is possible for your garage heater to get bumped or knocked over, which if left undetected could cause a hazard or even fire. To help protect against such accidents, your heater should be fitted with a sensor that can detect if it has been tipped over and will trigger the heater to switch itself off.
  • Overheat Protection – a heater that is used for prolonged periods or is used during very cold days run the risk of overheating. Which is why your garage heater should have an overheat protection or auto shut off safety feature. This feature can detect if your heater is pushing out too much heat and will trip the off switch to prevent things getting too hot, and potentially dangerous.
  • Remote controls – many heaters also enable you to remotely control its functions so you can be in full control of its settings, including reducing its heat and switching it off.

 

When considering safety, also consider where you want to position your new garage heater and whether a free-standing model or a wall mounted heater is the safest option. Free-standing heaters are portable and so can be moved out of the way should you need to bring in objects or items that could be a hazard if placed in the line of direct heat. But they can be a bit of a trip hazard so if this is your concern, look for a heater that can be mounted on the wall and out of the way.

How to Calculate Which Garage Heater You Need

Knowing which heater you need for your garage can be confusing, so you need to take certain things into consideration before choosing the best garage heater for your space and heating needs. And these include the size of your garage, the location inside the building, how it can be installed and, of course, your budget.

You also need to ensure the heater can emit sufficient warmth for your particular garage space. And to do this, you need to look at its heat output, which will be measured in Watts (W).  Once of the easiest ways to calculate the heater you need is to use the formula – 10W for every square foot of floor space you want to heat. For example, if your garage is 10 ft², then you need to multiple 10W by 10 and you get 100. This means you need a heater that can emit at least 100W of power to get sufficient warmth in your garage.

However, this is a guide as it doesn’t take into account the height of your ceiling, how well insulated your garage is and whether your doors and windows are prone to draughts. If in any doubt, speak to the store’s heating specialist to ensure you are getting the right power and the best garage heater for your garage space.

Our Top Pick

As a powerful garage heater, the Benross Industrial Fan Space Heater scoops our top pick for its versatility and value. With a 3000W output, and two heat settings, you can also use this fan heater as a cooling fan during the winter months. You get the key safety features and a convenient carry handle and the whole operation is pretty quiet. Plus, it can be used both in and outdoors. A good buy if you like comfort in your garage space, whatever time of year.

Related Post: Best Patio Heaters

FAQ

Q:Which type of heater is cheapest to run?

A:

All types of garage heaters have their pros and cons, and the best type for your needs, as we have already seen, depends on the size of your garage, and how you intend to use it. However, most of the new electric heaters are energy efficient – especially infrared that uses a low wattage – and so are one of the cheapest types to run but can be slower to heat up a larger space than other heater types.

Q:Can you heat an uninsulated garage?

A:

Yes, you can but it won’t be as efficient as a lot of the heat will be lost. For an uninsulated garage, opt for a heater which gives off a targeted heat, rather than heats the air, which will circulate and could be wasted. An infrared heater or a propane heater are good choices as they emit heat to warm up objects around them.

But for longer term efficiency and contained warmth to your desired temperature, looking to insulate your garage or workshop is always a good idea, especially during those long, cold winter months.

Q:How much do garage heaters cost?

A:

There are garage heaters to suit most budgets, from smaller heaters for around £30-£60 to large systems for several hundred pounds, or more. To get a cost-effective heater that is right for you and your garage, always take into account your heating needs and the size of space that needs heating, as well as your budget. And this needs to figure in the heater’s running costs too.

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