Winter is hard, especially if you are not well prepared for it.
Not everyone is a GOT fan to know the ‘Winter is Coming’.
If you have a garage connected with a central heating system then it is good otherwise garage will become a scary place.
Worry not!
An electric garage heater can help you have an incredible experience in the garage.
There are different kinds of heaters available: 120v vs 240 volts; single-phase versus three phase motors…the list goes on.
In this article, I’ll give tips about how much wattage or voltage each type requires so that when shopping around.
You could turn your icy cold garage into a comfy and warm place by installing an electric garage heater.
Though there are garage heaters that run on different fuel types, an electric garage heater has the advantage of being versatile, easy to use and maintain, and generally lightweight, making it convenient during installation.
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Here are the top products we picked out through amazon you would be interested in depending on your budget…
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- 7 BestElectric Garage Heaters
- 1. Heat Storm Electric Garage Heaters | Best Overall
- 2. Infrared Electric Garage Heaters
- 3. Heater DR966 Garage Heater 240V | Electric Garage Heaters
- 4. Dimplex Heater | Electric Garage Heaters
- 5. Infrared Heater DR-988A | Best affordable Heater
- 6. KING PAW2422-W | Most Versatile Garage Heater
- 7. Fahrenheat FUH54 Electric Heater
- Buying Guide for Electric Garage Heater
- FAQ’s about Electric Garage Heaters
7 BestElectric Garage Heaters
Here’s my pick of the top 7 electric heaters you could use in your garage.
Each has benefits and drawbacks, but you should go for what’s best for your needs.
1. Heat Storm Electric Garage Heaters | Best Overall
I have selected this as the overall best because it is smart, efficient, and safe to operate. The heater pumps out 5200 BTUs of heat and can easily warm an area of at least 500 square feet.
It uses infrared technology to heat objects and spaces that cut running expenses by a fair margin.
You can operate the heater with your smartphone and adjust temperature levels even when you’re not at home.
This would allow you to heat your garage ahead of time since you could schedule timers on the app.
It also has an LED display and remote control that make it super convenient to use.
This heater can be mounted easily on a wall, so you shouldn’t worry about it taking any garage space. Since it has a sleek and modern design, you can also install it inside your living room as it would perfectly complement it.
This electric garage heater uses a heat exchanger with HMS Technology that helps provide heat without the risk of decreasing humidity or oxygen.
This makes it safe to operate in the presence of kids and pets.
Also, the grill is made from quality materials that make it safe to touch.
What We Liked!
- Wall-mounted
- Infrared technology
- Energy efficient
- It can be operated remotely via a WiFiSmart Control
Things to Consider!
- It takes longer than usual to heat up (as per several customer reviews)
2. Infrared Electric Garage Heaters
This heater was designed for operating in harsh outdoor environments but can be used indoor as well.
The installation is straightforward as it comes with a ceiling and wall mount and a 120V power plug.
You would enjoy the infrared odorless heat that is produced by this heater. Also, the garage or room objects would be heated up quickly, leaving you warm and energized to do your work.
Due to its extensive heat range, it serves as a great heating option for a garage. It also has a thermostat for regulating heat and can be operated via remote control.
As mentioned earlier, the heater was designed primarily for outdoor use in extreme weather conditions. So for this, they used anodized aluminum and waterproof materials for its build.
This would increase its life and tend to avoid major maintenance costs.
What We Liked!
- Wall and ceiling mounting bracket
- Remote controlled
- It can be used outdoors and indoors
- 900W, 1200W, and 1500W of infrared heat
Things to Consider!
- Installation might be tricky.
- Issues with the glass tube being broken.
3. Heater DR966 Garage Heater 240V | Electric Garage Heaters
This heater is ideal for large garages, warehouses and can be used for commercial purposes too.
The DR966 is a heavy-duty forced-air electric heater that has the capacity to heat a space of up to 600 square feet.
It comes with louvers to direct airflow and has a thermostat to adjust temperature levels. The 8-inch output fan helps distribute warm air quickly and efficiently through the room.
The fan also operates quietly and with minimal turbulence, so it won’t bother you if you’re using it at night.
The heater doesn’t come with a power cord and must be hard-wired into the electrical system. It meets the UL and C-UL standards and is, therefore, a reliable choice to make.
What We Liked!
- Compact design
- Two fan settings (low and high)
- Mountable bracket for wall and ceiling mounting
- Superior build that is corrosion-free
- Five louvers for directing heat
- It can be used outdoors and indoors
Things to Consider!
- Hardwiring required (no plug)
4. Dimplex Heater | Electric Garage Heaters
This is a 240V electric garage heater that can be plugged into an electrical outlet to operate. It has the capacity to give a full 13,640 BTUs of heat over a coverage area of up to 400 square feet.
This heater is generally used in workshops and garages has a 4000W stainless steel element with a temperature control ranging from 45 °F to 77 °F.
It also features an auto safety shut off mechanism in overheating, while its fan considers residual heat to offer better efficiency.
The heater can be attached to a wall or ceiling as it has a mounting bracket on it, and you could also swivel it in your desired direction.
It meets CUL standards and is made from 22-gauge steel with a powder coating finish for increased durability.
What We Liked!
- Energy efficient (fan delay feature)
- Dimensions are compact
- The build is long-lasting and corrosion-resistant.
- Mountable bracket for wall and ceiling mounting along with swivel
Things to Consider!
- No louvers for making adjustments to heat in vertical directions
- A bit noisy
5. Infrared Heater DR-988A | Best affordable Heater
The heater offers great value for money and can be used in medium-large garages or job sites with its heating element. It has an estimated coverage area of 600 square feet, and it throws great power (5600W of power).
There are carrying handles on the top that make it portable but lack any mounting options.
It needs to be connected to an electrical outlet of 208V/220V, and it features a three-pin plug at the end of the power cord.
The heater has a built-in thermostat that regulates heat and offers protection against overheating. Other safety features include finger-proof intake and discharge grills for reduced risk of injuries while operating it.
It is also approved by UL and C-UL standards, which adds more credibility to its quality.
What We Liked!
- Offers great portability
- Energy efficiency
- It won’t take much floor space due to its compact design
- Affordable and gives great value for money
Things to Consider!
- No wall or ceiling mounting capabilities
- Noisy
6. KING PAW2422-W | Most Versatile Garage Heater
The heater is extremely portable (9 pounds) but also packs great power as well. It can give 2250W of power while heating spaces up to 400 square feet.
Ensure that there is proper insulation so that the heat is retained and the heater can operate efficiently.
The steel heating element installed in the KING PAW2422-W is of superior quality that would allow you to use it for many years. It also automatically shuts itself off if overheating issues arise.
This heavy-duty heater operates very silently, but it needs to be hardwired into an electrical system for it to operate.
A huge benefit is a 5-year warranty that the manufacturer gives on this product.
What We Liked!
- Lightweight and easy installation
- Heats up quickly
- Automatic shutdown feature in case of overheating
- Extremely silent when operating
- 5-year warranty
Things to Consider!
- The thermostat has to be purchased separately
- It has to be hardwired
7. Fahrenheat FUH54 Electric Heater
This electric heater would warm up your garage or workplace quickly and effectively.
It was designed as a heavy-duty industrial heater with a temperature range of 45º to 135ºF that can be adjusted through its inbuilt thermostat.
After reading reviews, the heater has been regarded by many customers as very easy to operate and install.
It has a ceiling mounting bracket that allows for horizontal or vertical mounting and has louvers for directing heat in your desired area. As per the manufacturer, it is fully compatible with 208V or 240V electrical systems.
The heater automatically shuts off when overheating issues arise and then turns itself back on at the desired temperature with the thermostat’s help.
It makes very little noise and doesn’t vibrate at all, so it won’t cause any disturbance at night if you’re using it indoors.
What We Liked!
- Low noise and vibration produced.
- Heavy-duty heater with a durable build
- Louvers for directing heat
- There are multiple mounting options
- Energy efficient (automatic fan controls)
Things to Consider!
- Issues with output fan
- It cannot be operated via remote control
Buying Guide for Electric Garage Heater
Before putting your hard-earned money into investing in an electric garage heater, it is advised first to get acquainted with some important factors that would help you make that decision.
Coverage Area
This is the size of the garage or the space you’re going to run the heater. You should first measure the area and see whether the heater has the range to provide that much heat.
If you select an electric heater with a coverage area 100 square feet less than that of your room or garage, you would have to wait a long time for the heat to reach all areas.
There is also a possibility that you may never hit that desired temperature you wish for, or not all areas get proper warmth.
Plus, it increases the cost of running the heater at high speed and makes it less energy efficient.
Safety Features
Safety is a critical factor to consider when making your choice. Unsafe heaters tend to cause great damage to your health and can also cause injuries when dealt with.
The basic step is to assess how the heater is built critically. Look out for any loose screws or broken parts when the product arrives.
Some heaters offer a shut-off mechanism when the heater is overheated. Generally, this happens when you use it continuously for prolonged hours or when the temperature is set too high.
This safety feature not only protects the radiator but also prevents any possible damage to the garage.
Some models have a tip-over switch built into them. When using it at home with kids or kept on the garage floor, the chances are that someone might bump into it or knock it over.
The heater shuts itself off through this technology when such accidents occur to avoid further damage and risk of injury.
Another feature is called ‘cool touch’ that keeps the outer body cold when the heater runs. For heaters that can be mounted high up from the reach of children, you might choose to select one that doesn’t have this feature.
But if you plan to use the heater indoors or keep it on a floor, it would be hazardous if the body gets too hot, causing a risk of burns.
Cost
Normally people have a proclivity to go for cheap-priced heaters at the expense of build quality and performance. While cost is an important determinant when deciding which one to choose, you shouldn’t always consider it the main factor.
Find out what you’re looking for that is durable enough to run for years or maybe has a good warranty attached to it. Sometimes cheap heaters die out within a few months of purchase. And nowadays, you could easily find some good-performing models with a reasonable price tag on Amazon.
Brand
Some companies are well-known for the quality that they offer. Some brands are trusted by customers when buying a certain type of heater, and it assures them that what they’re buying would be durable. It is also better to read customer reviews, visit the manufacturer’s website, or ask them questions directly.
Maintenance
The heater that requires less maintenance is generally preferable. If customer reviews suggest wear & tear and the heater needs regular tending, you might want to look for other options if it poses a problem for you. You might also choose to ignore it if the model’s positives far outweigh the drawbacks in this factor.
Power
A problem with these types of heaters is that since the fuel source is electricity, you might sometimes overuse it, losing track of the ongoing cost.
Though the convenience is incredible, instead of kerosene and propane heaters (plug and operate, or in case of hardwiring, turn the heater on), you would need to check how much power the heater requires to operate the electricity bill doesn’t become a shocker.
Portable or Mounted
If you plan to use it only in one place, it is advisable to select a heater that has mounting capabilities. Fixing it on a wall or ceiling helps avoid hazards and also saves floor space. But if you plan to use it indoors or at different locations frequently, go for a portable heater.
Additional Features…
You might want to avail yourself of the benefit of any extra features that come with the heater that adds convenience. One of which is a thermostat that adjusts the heat by considering the temperature level of its surroundings. Nowadays, most models have a thermostat built into them as they realize its significance to the user.
If you’re planning to buy an electric heater with a power cord (as opposed to hardwired), try to go for models that offer extended cords to make your life easy.
Otherwise, if you choose to keep it at a different place where there’s no outlet, you’ll have to buy an extension cable, which increases the risk of short-circuiting.
A heater that has handles on the sides and top is great for portability. It makes it easier to move it from one place to another safely. If it comes with wheels attached at the bottom, that is an added benefit.
You could roll it to another room smoothly and could easily then disregard the weight of the heater.
Adjustable louvers help in directing heat at a particular angle that is important when using forced-air heaters.
If your heater has these installed, you might want to purchase them for better airflow and directional heating to maximize your comfort.
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You may also love to read these my reviews and the buying guides…
FAQ’s about Electric Garage Heaters
What is the best Electric Garage Heaters?
Here is a list of the best electric garage heaters in 2022;
- Heat Storm Electric Garage Heaters | Best Overall
- Infrared Electric Garage Heaters
- Heater DR966 Garage Heater 240V | Electric Garage Heaters
- Dimplex Heater | Electric Garage Heaters
- Infrared Heater DR-988A | Best affordable Heater
- KING PAW2422-W | Most Versatile Garage Heater
- Fahrenheat FUH54 Electric Heater
Are electric heaters expensive to operate?
No. If you compare them to electric heaters used in the past or the older versions of those sold in the market nowadays, you will find that they tend to be cheaper overall. This is because of smart functions that have been built into them like an auto thermostat, auto fan controls, remote-controlled, and LCDs.
Are electric garage heaters safe?
Yes, compared to other types of heaters (e.g., propane or kerosene powered), the electric ones are generally considered much safer to use.
One of the reasons is eliminating harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and the accumulation of other dangerous materials inside your house. They’re also equipped with a thermostat to reduce any overheating issues and risk of fire.
How many watts are required for effective heating?
Well, it depends on the area in which you’re going to run it. But to understand it roughly, 10 watts is needed to provide sufficient heat for 1 square foot. Obviously, it tends to vary if we include other factors like insulation in the room, quality of the heating element, temperature controls, and fan speeds.
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