7 Best Electric Garage Heater 240v & 120v Reviews 2024

A car garage can be quite an uncomfortable place during the winter and rainy seasons. An electric garage heater is a solution to having a fantastic garage experience throughout the entire year. Garage heaters come in different types, brands, and features, and it can be challenging to get the right one for your need.

The most common heaters come in 120v or 240v. Most people get confused about how much voltage and watts the right garage heater should have for their garage. This article will give you the difference between 120v vs. 240v garage heaters, the guide to getting the best electric garage heaters, and the safety tips to consider when using the heaters.

best electric garage heater

240v & 120v Electric Garage Heater Comparison Table

240v Electric Garage Heater
Dr. Infrared Heater...
110v Electric Garage Heater
Dr Infrared Heater...
110v Electric Garage Heater
Mr. Heater F274830...
240v Electric Garage Heater
DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Garage...
Dr. Infrared Heater...
Dr Infrared Heater...
Mr. Heater F274830...
DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Garage...
-
-
-
-
Forced Air
Radiant
Radiant
Forced Air
27 pounds
24 pounds
16.66 pounds
12.1 pounds
14.5 x 13 x 14.5 inches
13 x 12.5 x 17 inches
19 x 12 x 17.75 inches
11 x 7.25 x 9 inches
240v Electric Garage Heater
Dr. Infrared Heater...
Dr. Infrared Heater...
-
Forced Air
27 pounds
14.5 x 13 x 14.5 inches
110v Electric Garage Heater
Dr Infrared Heater...
Dr Infrared Heater...
-
Radiant
24 pounds
13 x 12.5 x 17 inches
110v Electric Garage Heater
Mr. Heater F274830...
Mr. Heater F274830...
-
Radiant
16.66 pounds
19 x 12 x 17.75 inches
240v Electric Garage Heater
DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Garage...
DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Garage...
-
Forced Air
12.1 pounds
11 x 7.25 x 9 inches

240v vs. 120v Garage Heater

As winter approaches, one special thing every mechanic should have in their garage is a heater. Garage heaters come in different types, brands, and voltages. Among the most important factors to consider in an electric garage heater is watts and voltage. This is because electric heaters operate with electric powers. The most common heaters come in 120V and 240V.

So what is the difference between 120V vs. 240V? 120V electric heaters are smaller in size and are ideal for heating smaller basements, shops, garages, and rooms. 240V electric garage heaters are suitable for bigger garages. Let us learn more about 120V vs. 240V electric garage heaters.

240V Garage Heater

240v garage heaters are ideal when working in a large garage. These heaters can be plugged in in the standard domestic 3-pin plug, and thus it is ideal for home garages and DIY users. One great advantage of the 240 garage heaters is that they do not consume a lot of electricity.

Pros and Cons

The best thing about the 240V garage heaters is that they produce more heat and are best for commercial use. The 240 volts garage heaters tend to consume less electricity compared to the 120 volts garage heaters. On the downside, most of the heaters are large and bulky, and they cannot be carried from one place to another. They are only ideal for heating large garages where that is fixed.

120 V Garage Heater

A 120v garage heater is a small-sized heater ideal for heating just a small garage. You should only consider buying this heater if you are working in a small room. If your garage is more than 30*30 feet, you will require buying an electric heater with more voltage. A 120V garage heater should be connected to a 120V outlet, the standard electric outlet in most homes places.

Pros and Cons

The incredible thing about the 120V garage heaters is that they are small and portable. Therefore, these heaters work best for small spaces, and you can easily carry them from one room to the other. The con of using 120v garage heaters is that they do cannot be used in large rooms. Also, heaters using 120 voltages use more amps, thus consuming more electric current.

The Best Electric Garage Heater 240v & 120v

1. Dr. Heater DR966 240-volt Garage Commercial Heater

This garage heater is among the best electric garage heaters 240v for commercial purposes, including dormitories, hospitals, factories, schools, churches, warehouses, and other exposed areas. It is the ideal choice for any auto mechanic who needs a quick, comfortable, and safe garage heater. Dr. Heater DR966 offers the power of 3000 watts or 6000 watts and can be installed in both new and remodeled buildings.

Dr. Heater 240V electric garage heater uses a 240-volt power connector, which is ideal for large garages. The heater heating element uses a spiral steel metal sheath with low sheath temperatures. This, therefore, provides you with long service life and uniform heat. It also features a large, matching, and dynamic 8 inches fan for optimal airflow with minimal noise and turbulence. This also helps in the smooth, constant, and steady distribution of warmth in the garage.

This Dr. Heater electric garage heater comes with a bracket that you can use to mount to the wall or ceiling. The 5 louvers at the front of the heater are adjustable, allowing you to direct the heat in your preferred direction. The Dr. Heater DR966 garage heater is also equipped with heavy-duty bearings, permanently lubricated to reduce maintenance.

Dr. Heater DR966 electric garage heater is made with high-quality components and strong metal; thus, you can be guaranteed durability. The front cover is rugged stamped steel, making it extra sturdy. Its grey epoxy finish gives the heater an outstanding look. The thermostat is inbuilt and adjustable, allowing you to set your desired style.

Pros
  • Offers uniform and steady heat
  • Ideal for large garages
  • Have five adjustable louvers
  • Inbuilt and adjustable thermostat
  • Provides 3000 or 6000 watts
  • Can be mounted on ceiling and walls
Cons
  • Takes a little more space

2. Dr. Infrared 120V Portable Space Heater

Dr. Infrared Portable Space electric heater works similarly to sunlight by warming objects instead of the air, giving you a natural feel. This electric garage heater has a dual heating system. The infrared quartz tube is combined with the PTC to ensure rapid and effective heating of medium-sized and small garages. This 1500 watt heater offers more heat compared to other electric heaters of the same wattage.

Dr. Infrared Portable Space electric garage heater features a programmable timer. This 12-hour timer will shut off automatically when your programmed hours reach. Another outstanding thing about this garage heater is that it comes with remote control. You can therefore program the heater settings, shut it off or change its temperature with the IR remote control.

Dr. Infrared Portable Space electric garage heater has a quiet blower, and you may not even know that it is on. It features a 7 inches state of art blower, which generates high pressure enabling it to blow large air volumes at low speed. This portable electric garage heater weighs 24lbs and uses 12.5 amps of power. It also features a lifetime filter, caster wheels, and a 72-inch long electric cord.

This Dr. Infrared heater is among the best electric garage heater with a thermostat. Its electronic thermostat ranges from 50 to 85 degrees. It is one of the safest garage heaters to use since it has overheat protection and tip-over protection. In case the heater falls accidentally, the tip-over protection will prompt it to switch off automatically.

Pros
  • Has an overhear and tip-over protection
  • Has a dual heating system
  • Features a 12-hour automatic shut off timer
  • Comes with an IR remote control
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Have caster wheels for easy movement
Cons
  • Caster wheels can be damaged easily

3. Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater

Fahrenheat is one of the best sellers of garage heaters in the world. Their Fahrenheat FUH54 is one of the best and most powerful electric heaters for large and drafty garages. This garage heater offers comfortable and long-lasting warmth even in areas that are most difficult to heat. It is an ideal heater for outdoor and indoor and can be used in commercial and home spaces.

Fahrenheat electric garage heater has several features that make it easy to use. This heater can only be mounted on the ceiling; thus, it does not consume any space on your counters or floor. This also makes it suitable for small garages. This Fahrenheat electric heater has an inbuilt thermostat, which allows you to regulate the temperature from 45 to 135 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Fahrenheat FUH54 electric heater features adjustable louvers, which you can set to aim the heat to your preferred area and change as you desire. This model of electric heater uses 240V power connections and provides 2500W and 5000W power. It also has a high-level cutout, which shuts off automatically to prevent overheating, and the heater reactivates later when it returns to normal temperatures.

This Fahrenheat electric heater is compatible with both 240V and 208V electrical systems. It comes along with a ceiling mount bracket, which you can use to mount horizontally, vertically, or in any other position to fit your space. It, therefore, provides you with directional heating. This model of Fahrenheat electric garage heater does not come with a power cord and should be mounted directly to its power outlet.

Pros
  • Comfortable and consistent heating
  • Louvers are adjustable
  • Has a huge range of temperatures
  • Has an overheating protection
  • Built-in thermostat for personalized warmth
  • Ideal for large and drafty places
Cons
  • Can only be mounted to the ceiling

4. Mr. Heater F274800 120V Portable Propane Heater

Mr. Heater F274800 is among the most portable propane heaters on the market. It is a suitable electric heater for heating enclosed places and garages of up to 450 square feet. The liquid propane heater with 4000 to 18,000 BTU connects to two1 lb. cylinders directly, making it perfect for heating enclosed spaces.

Mr. Heater F274800 is a clean-burning heater with near to 100% efficiency. It is made with safety features making it among the most outstanding. It features an auto shut-off feature when tipped over. It will also shut off when it detects low oxygen levels and when operating on high altitudes of above 7,000 feet above sea level. This portable RV propane heater features a control knob for high, medium, and low heat levels for steady temperatures.

The heaters’ inbuilt fan increases the unit’s heating capacity. It combines convection and radiant style heat to give you the best experience in both worlds. This Mr. Heater F274800 has two swivel regulators, enabling you to adapt using a disposable cylinder or remote gas supply by purchasing a filter and a hose. You are advised to avoid using unauthorized attachments and accessories since they may cause injures.

Pros
  • Have oxygen depletion sensors
  • Heats a room of up to 450 sq. feet
  • Have high, medium, and low heat settings
  • Features a tip-over safety shut off
  • Used with propane gas
  • Provides clean-burning
Cons
  • Difficult to use the 20lb propane tank

5. DIMPLEX DGWH4031G Garage Heater

DIMPLEX DGWH4031G is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a compact but powerful electric garage heater. This propeller-style fan heater is made with high-quality metals and treated epoxy paint finish to prevent corrosion and rust. It can be mounted both at the wall and ceiling. Its high-performance motor and stainless steel heating element offer you fast, comfortable and effective warmth.

DIMPLEX DGWH4031G electric heater uses 4000watt of power and uses a standard 240-volt connector. Therefore, this garage heater produces up to 13 648 BTUs of heat, which is enough to give warmth to a fairly large garage. It comes along with a bracket featuring a pivot and swivel, allowing you to direct the heat to your preferred space.

This DIMPLEX electric garage heater is safe to use thanks to its automatic overheat protection feature. It also has a thermostat control and fan delay allowing you to enjoy residual heat even after switching off the heater. This heavy-duty garage heater comes with a six-foot-long cord featuring a NEMA plug for quick connection. If your garage is small then you can consider their dimplex 120v garage heater.

Pros
  • Built with durable metal
  • It is compact and powerful
  • Has a six-foot-long cord
  • Offers effective and fast warming
  • Has an automatic overheat protection
  • Features thermostat control
  • NEMA plug for quick connection
Cons
  • It is a little noisy

6. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI 120V Infrared Heater

Heat Storm HS-1500 is a safe, smart, and high-efficiency garage heater. The most incredible thing about this heater is that it is Wi-Fi enabled, making it possible for you to control temperature right from your phone. It is made with HMS dual-wall technology, which makes it extremely energy efficient.

Heat Storm HS-1500 electric heater is made with a space-saving wall design thus does not consume your floor space. This compact and portable heater is therefore ideal for offices, kitchens, bedrooms, and garages. It uses 1500 watts of power ideal to heat a small or medium spaced garage.

This Heat Storm garage heater is one of the safest. Its wall and grills remain cool and thus safe to touch even when in operation. After installing this 110 Volts garage heater, you can hide the cord in the heater. It is ETL safety certified; thus, you can be guaranteed safety. It, however, can only be mounted on the wall.

Pros
  • It is Wi-Fi enabled for easy control
  • Safe to touch the grill
  • Space-saving wall-mount design
  • Can hide cord after installation
  • ETL safety certified
  • It is extremely energy efficient
  • Heater is portable
Cons
  • Can only be mounted on the wall

7. AirNmore Comfort Deluxe 120V Heater

AirNmore Comfort Deluxe is among the newest, most comfortable, and best electric garage heater 120v in today’s market. This infrared zone heater is ideal for heating small to large garages up to 1000 square feet. It has two power choices, which include 1000 watts and 1500 watts. The heater comes along with remote control for easy settings. This high-quality electric heater does not reduce oxygen levels or humidity in your garage during operation.

AirNmore Comfort Deluxe heating element is made with state-of-the-art copper PTC instead of aluminum saving your bulbs from burning out. PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) is a new heating technology that uses traditional coil electric heaters alternatives. Copper is more long-lasting efficient and retains heat longer than aluminum. Using copper as a heating element increases the heater’s performance and durability.

Comfort Deluxe electric heater is made with the user’s safety in mind. It features dual heat sensors for limiting high temperatures. The heater also has additional safety sensors that offer tip-over protection. It is, therefore, a suitable heater to use in homes with children and pets. This electric garage heater is ETL listed, showing that it is compliant with North American safety standards.

AirNmore Comfort Deluxe, with copper PTC, is equipped with a heavy-duty particle filter. This filter captures dust and small particles, thus protecting the heater’s internal protection. Comfort Deluxe electric heater has an auto-reboot memory. Therefore, in case the power goes off, the unit will remember your previous setting. The heater comes along with a 3-prong and 14-gauge power cable.

Pros
  • Features a heavy-duty particle filter
  • Made with the latest copper heating element technology
  • Energy-efficient and durable
  • Has advanced tip-over protection
  • Feature dual heat sensors
  • Has an auto-reboot memory
  • Comes with a remote control
  • Cool to touch
Cons
  • It is noisy

Things to Consider Before Buying the Garage Heater

One crucial thing you will need in the garage during the winter season is a good electric garage heater. A garage heater should be a long-term investment, and thus you need to be serious when purchasing. Here are just some important considerations you should make to distinguish the best garage heater from the many heaters in the market.

best electric garage heater
Image Credit: Amazon.com

1. Garage Size

The size of your garage is a vital factor to consider when buying an electric heater. Different heaters offer a different amount of power. A small heater with less power will work well for a small garage, but it will take a very long time for the same heater to heat a large garage.

When selecting a heater, the ground rule is that every 10 watts heat 1 square foot of the area. You also need to answer whether you want to heat the whole garage or just a part of it? Therefore, you should ensure that the heater you choose should have enough power or output to cater to the garage space.

2. Safety

An electric heater can be quite dangerous if not set up, installed, or used properly. The safety of the garage heater is important, especially in places where there are pets or children. Look for an electric garage heater with various accident-proof features. The heater should have an auto shut tip-over feature where it shuts itself off if it is knocked over.

The heater should have an overheating protection feature, which is important in days of prolonged use. With this feature, the heater will automatically shut off when it senses an excess rise in temperatures. This protects the heater from internal damage and the garage from external damage. If the heater you plan to buy is portable or wall-mounted, ensure it has cool-touch features. This will prevent people from passing around from getting injured or burnt.

3. Portable or Fixed

It is important to check if the heater you want to buy is portable or fixed. If you want a heater you can move around with, maybe from the table room to bedroom, to garage, you need a portable electric heater. If the heater is to be fixed in the garage, then check on the easiness for mounting and where it should be mounted. Some can only be mounted on the floor, wall, ceiling, while some can be mounted anywhere.

When buying a portable electric heater, consider if it has handles and wheels. The heater should have a comfortable handle to carry it around before you get the right place to put it. Heaters with wheels are also easy to maneuver around, especially if it is large and bulky.

4. Adjustable Thermostat

A thermostat gives the user the freedom to set the garage’s cooling and heating temperatures to suit their needs and minimize the total energy cost. When looking for a thermostat option in an electric garage heater, consider the amount of energy you need in the area and unit type.

A heater with an inbuilt adjustable thermostat monitors the ambient room temperature and turns on when the room temperatures are low, and shuts off when the room temperatures are high. This will help you to choose your desired temperature for the garage.

This is a great feature in cold climates where you need 24-hour heating. The auto-off and auto-on features will keep the garage in the right temperatures without wasting too much unnecessary energy.

5. Adjustable Louvers

At times you might need more heat in a particular place in a garage than in others. Choosing a heater with adjustable louvers will enable you to direct more pressure to these areas. The adjustable lovers will help you direct the heat to your desired area in the garage. This feature makes your heater more practical and useful.

Types of Garage Heaters

Garage heaters are of different types. Different types of garage heaters control temperatures in different ways. Therefore, it is crucial to know the types of garage heaters so that you can purchase one that meets your needs. The types can be classified based on the heating method, placement, and fuel type.

Heating Method

One way of differentiating garage heaters is by the process they use to heat the room. Here are types of garage heaters based on the heating methods:

1. Radiant/ Infrared Heaters

Radiant heaters are also referred to as infrared heaters. These heaters do not heat the whole space. They are an ideal choice for heating a particular spot. The heaters provide warmth without waiting. They can either be powered by electricity, propane, or gas. They warm the place and objects through radiation and gives you an experience similar to what you get from the sun. Radiant electric garage heaters do not have fans and thus have a silent operation.

2. Fan Forced Heaters

These heaters are also known as forced air garage heaters. These types of heaters vary in price, fuel type, and size, but they all work the same. The heaters convert electric energy to heat and use the fan for cycling hot air blasts in the space. Fan forces heaters are portable and easy to install. Most of them, however, make noise due to the fan. They are suitable for workshops, basements, and garages.

3. Convection Heaters

These heaters rely on a heating element or an enclosed flame to warm the air in the unit. Convection heaters take air from one side, warm it and release the hot air from the other side. These heaters take some time to heat, but when they do, they warm up the entire place. Most conventional heaters are quiet during operation.

Fuel Type

Garage heaters can also be classified based on where they get their power from like below:

1. Electric Heaters

These are garage heaters powered by electricity. Electric garage heaters are efficient, and their upfront costs are minimal compared to those of gas heaters. Most of these types of heaters are portable and do not need any ventilation. A variety of electric heaters comes with remote controls, are easy to maintain and install and have several safety features.

2. Propane/Natural Gas Heaters

Just like the name suggests, these heaters are fueled by propane or natural heaters. These heaters have the lowest running cost. They are, however, very difficult to maintain and install. Most of the gas garage heaters are not portable, and they need a proper ventilation system. These heaters are also quite risky and can lead to fire hazards in case of gas leakage.

3. Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene garage heaters are powered by kerosene. Most of these heaters are portable and have a kerosene tank. The heaters come along with several safety features making it ideal for indoor use. They, however, emit gases, thus needing enough ventilation.

Placement

Garage heaters also differ based on where they are placed. They include:

1. Ceiling or Wall Mounted

These types of garage heaters can either be mounted on ceilings or walls or both. The best thing about these garage heaters is that they do not need any extra space. The heaters are also away from any combustible materials since they are either mounted on the wall or ceiling. Most gas heaters are mounted because they need a ventilation system.

2. Floor Heaters

These are heaters that run from the garage floor. These heaters have to consume some space in the garage since they need a safe and stable place to stand. Always ensure that you have placed the floor heater away from any combustible materials. Floor heaters are easy to carry, portable, and need no installation.

Safety Tips for Using Garage Heater

At times especially during the winter season, cold can make your life in the garage unbearable. For this reason, you need to invest in a good garage heater to serve you through the season. However, a garage heater can be quite dangerous when not used in the right way. Therefore, it is important to learn the safety measures when using a garage heater to rip the best from this heat appliance. Here are safety tips for using a garage heater:

  • Plug the Heater Directly to the Outlet- Always plug in your garage heater directly to an outlet with a sufficient power supply. If you are using a 120V electric garage heater, ensure that the power outlet can support the 120 volts. Attaching the heater to extensions increases the risks of shock injuries, overheating, and fires.
  • Have the Right Ventilation- It is advisable to use a garage heater that is well-ventilated. Good ventilation prevents building up to dangerous fumes, which can later result in health issues. Ensure to get a heater which the manufacturer states are suitable for garage use. It is never recommendable to use a home heating system for your garage since most of them do not have good ventilation.
  • Never Leave the Heater Running- Always switch off the garage heater when you leave your garage. Even if you want to leave for a short period, turn off the heater and unplug it.
  • Stable Positioning- When installing the garage heater, it should be very stable. If you are placing it somewhere, the surface should be hard and stable to avoid knock overs. Ensure there is enough space around the garage heater to avoid bumping it accidentally, which would result in electric shock, bruises or burns.
  • Keep Away Flammable Materials- Whenever you are using a heater in the garage, ensure that there are no flammable materials around such as solvents, gasoline, or paint. The heater should be away from papers, blankets, curtains, and clothing.
  • Supervise Pets and Kids- Always warn kids of possible injuries when they get in contact with the heater. Never leave children and pets unsupervised when the garage heater is in operation.
  • Disconnect the Power Supply before Cleaning- If you want to clean your electric garage heater, the very first step is to unplug it from the power supply. Cleaning when the unit is still connected may result in electric shock. If the unit needs repair, do not do it yourself. Always take the heaters to be repaired by a certified technician.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What Size of Electric Heater Do I Need For My Garage?

The electric heater size for your garage will depend on various things like the size of the garage, the heater’s wattage, and voltage. One of the most important factors is the size of the garage. Small garages will work with a small electric garage heater of 120V, but large garage heaters will need a large heater of around 240V and high watts. The general rule that will guide you on getting the correct heater for your garage is 10 watts for each 1 square foot.

Q. What Is The Best Type Of Electric Heater For a Garage?

The best electric garage heater differs from one user to another. To get the right garage heater, you should first know your needs and choose the one that will fulfill your needs. If you are working in a large garage, you need to get a 240-volt heater with high watts. The heater should be able to fit in your garage space.

Ensure that the garage heater has been designed with safety features such as cool touch, a tip-over switch, and overheat protection. Go through the best electric garage heater review above and choose the one whose features will meet your needs. One of the most recommended and best electric garage heater 240v is Dr. Heater DR966 garage commercial heater.

Q. Will a 1500 Watt Heater Heat a Garage?

Yes. A 1500 watt heater with 240 volts can heat a garage of roughly 150 square feet. The best way to measure if a certain heater is ideal for your garage is to measure its area in square meters. 10 watts are said to heat an area of 1 square foot. Therefore, the number of watts appropriate to heat a garage solely depends on the size of the heater.

Q. What Is The Most Energy Efficient Garage Heater?

There are many energy-efficient garage heaters in the market, and all come with specific features. One of the best-known energy-efficient heaters for garages is Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater. The best energy-efficient heater keeps your room at the right temperatures and consumes less energy.

Q. How Many Square Feet Will a 5000 Watt Electric Heater Heat?

A 5000-watt electric heater heats a room of 500 square feet. This is calculated by a ratio of 10: 1. This means that every 1 square feet room is heat by 10 watts. Use this ratio every time you are buying an electric garage heater to get the correct wattage.

Q. How Many BTU Do I Need to Heat a 2 Car Garage?

The number of BTUs needed to heat the car garage will depend on its size. In most cases, a 2 car garage measures around 20 feet by 20 feet, which is 400 square feet. To heat a 400 square feet car garage, you will need approximately 12,000 to 24,000 BTU. The rule used on this is one square foot room is heat by 30 to 60 BTUs.

Final Words:

Excessive cold during the winter or rainy season is uncomfortable to the mechanic and can also lead to the destruction of valuable mechanical tools in the garage. The best electric garage heater helps you to keep the garage warm and comfortable all year round. The review above makes it easy for you to get the best 120 volts and 24o volts electric heater for your garage.

120v electric heaters are ideal for small garages, while 240v heaters are suitable for large and commercial garages. Apart from the voltage, also consider the watts of the heater. Also, consider the watts, portability, safety, and if the heater’s louvers are adjustable or not.

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Tito

Hi there, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic, and owner of this website. My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanic (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). I worked as a Mechanic and Mechanic Supervisor for over fifteen years at Global Rebound Automotive companies - Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others. Now, I enjoy my new role of leading a team of automotive experts (in their respective fields) and publish new content on a regular basis on my website and social media.

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