Having a garage that is warm on cold days makes you comfortable and energized when you step in. This makes it easier for you to work long hours and is also great for your car health.
Having a gas garage heater instead of other types offers great value for money due to its efficiency.
The fuel source is easily accessible, and there’s no disruption due to power outages.
To help you decide which natural gas garage heaters are best in the market, I have compared numerous models and brands and shortlisted some.
QUICK PICKS
Here are the top products we picked out through amazon you would be interested in depending on your budget…
Quick Navigation
- 7 Best Natural Gas Garage Heaters
- 1. Heater MHVFB30NGT Blue Flame | Best Overall
- 2. Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Unit Heater | Best High End
- 3. Heater F299731 | Best Infrared Natural Gas Heater
- 4. Modine HD45AS0111 | Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater
- 5. Dyna-Glo BF30NMDG | Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
- 6. Heatstar F125444 | Overhead Garage Heater
- 7. Heater F272800 | Natural Gas Garage Heater
- Buying Guide for Natural Gas Heater
- FAQ’s about Natural Gas Heaters
7 Best Natural Gas Garage Heaters
Below are the products that were relevant for me to include on my list. I also mentioned some pros and cons to assist you in choosing the right one.
1. Heater MHVFB30NGT Blue Flame | Best Overall
This heater is in the top 5 best indoor natural gas heaters category, and there are some excellent reasons it has become so popular.
It has the capacity to provide up to 30,000 BTUs per hour over an area of up to 750 square feet.
This means a medium to the large-sized garage can easily be heated up quickly with this heater.
It features a beautiful blue flame burner for heat distribution using convection heat. Since it is fan-forced, proper ventilation is required when running to avoid breathing issues and building up harmful gases.
The heater features an oxygen depletion sensor that detects loss of oxygen in the air and, as a result, shuts down the heater.
It has an electronic ignition that runs on a battery (included in the box) and can be mounted on a wall to save floor space.
If you plan to keep it on the ground, it has base legs included in the box. Since it has an attractive design and builds, you can also place it in your living room to complement it.
It features a thermostat that maintains the desired temperature, and the heater is CSA certified and good to go. It can be used at a maximum elevation of 4,500 square feet above sea level.
Operating beyond this altitude might result in the pilot flame burning out or the ODS system shutting down.
What We Liked!
- Push-button ignition
- It has a thermostat, base legs, and wall mounting capabilities
- Safe to use (ODS feature)
- Beautiful design and build
- Heats quickly and operates quietly
- High BTU with a decent coverage area
- Easy installation
Things to Consider!
- No fan to allow for better circulation
- Beyond 4,500 feet of altitude, the heater may not operate properly or may even shut down completely.
2. Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Unit Heater | Best High End
After carefully comparing this heater with the rest, I found this better in heating power, ease to use, durability, and overall performance. It pumps out up to 50,000 BTUs and can heat an area of 1250 square feet with ease.
The heater has a potent motor, while it also features an electric ignition and a durable fan that runs on a 115V AC circuit.
It has 2 angle brackets that would allow it to be easily mounted on your ceiling. The exhaust allows venting to be either vertical or horizontal, but the venting kits must be bought separately.
Its low-profile design allows it to be mounted in low-ceiled garages, but the manufacturer recommends having at least 8 feet of clearance from floor to base.
The heater is a forced-air type, so proper ventilation is necessary to maintain suitable humidity and oxygen levels.
The box includes a conversion kit that would allow you to use liquid propane instead of natural gas.
It comes with a 10-year warranty for the heat exchanger and a 3-year warranty period on parts.
What We Liked!
- High BTU power and decent coverage area
- Easy installation
- Long warranty periods
- Vertical and horizontal venting capabilities
- Durable and long-lasting
Things to Consider!
- Bulky (63 pounds)
- Venting kits and the thermostat has to be bought separately.
3. Heater F299731 | Best Infrared Natural Gas Heater
The heater is extremely similar to the overall best in my list if you look at the build and design.
The difference is that this heater uses infrared heat technology that warms objects in the room first, then the air.
It offers a full 30,000 BTUs of radiant heat and can cover an area of up to 750 square feet.
The heater features a battery-powered electronic ignition with an automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS). The batteries for the ignition come with the heater.
You can mount it on a wall if you wish to or keep it on the ground.
It has wall mounting hardware and base legs included in the box. There is also a thermostat that can be used for regulating temperature levels.
The heater is designed to operate below an altitude of 4,500 feet. Keeping it above this level may result in a complete shutdown of the heater or may render some features inoperable.
It is CSA certified, which adds credibility to the performance and safety of the heater.
What We Liked!
- Push-button ignition
- It has a thermostat, base legs, and wall mounting capabilities
- Safe to use (ODS feature)
- Beautiful design and build
- Heats quickly and operates quietly
- High BTU with a decent coverage area
- Affordable option
- Infrared heat (energy efficiency)
- Easy installation
Things to Consider!
- No fan included allowing for better circulation.
- Altitude restriction of 4,500 feet
4. Modine HD45AS0111 | Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater
This heater throws a good 45,000 BTUs of heating power which is sufficient to keep your garage warm in icy cold weather.
It operates with very little noise, which would help you concentrate on your work and those critical repairs.
Though it does not have a fancy design like most of them do, its durability separates it from the rest.
Since it was primarily designed for use in a garage or workshop, performance would certainly be prioritized over design.
The heater is also certified for commercial, industrial, and residential use and can be installed easily with field wiring connections.
It has pipe holes on each side, but you would have to purchase them as they are not included in the box.
It has a power exhaust at the back that can be connected with a vent pipe. Since it has mounting capabilities, it is advised to fix it near a wall to exit the vent pipe.
What We Liked!
- Heavy-duty
- Easy installation
- Operates quietly
- Durable and long-lasting
Things to Consider!
- Bulky (60 pounds)
- No thermostat or electronic ignition
5. Dyna-Glo BF30NMDG | Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
This is similar to Mr. Heater MHVFB30NGT in terms of having a beautiful blue flame and modern design. This heater offers a full 30,000 BTUs of heat for areas up to 1000 square feet.
Generally, the size of a 2-car garage is around 700 square feet, which means it will provide sufficient heat in all spots.
Blue Flame Technology works similar to a central heating system; it uses convection heat to warm the air first, then the room’s objects.
The heater has a temperature control knob at the top right corner to adjust heat settings (low, medium, high).
Being a heater that runs on natural gas requires no electricity to operate and is therefore reliable in emergencies and outages.
The ignition is battery-powered, which makes it convenient and quick to start.
The heater features an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that shuts the heater off because of a lack of oxygen or carbon dioxide accumulation in the air.
The Dyna-Glo BF30NMDG comes with wall mounting options for those who wish to avoid taking up floor space.
If you wish to mount it on the floor, base legs can be bought separately on the market.
There is also an optional Wall Heater Fan that can be purchased online, enabling effective heat circulation in a powerful but quiet way.
There are also some issues with the heater, as reported by some customers.
The 3-position gas valves operating at one setting as the height of the blue flame does not change.
Also, the heater has no in-built thermostat, which makes it difficult to regulate temperature.
This means one has to manually turn it on and off every time you use it.
What We Liked!
- Quick heating
- Good coverage area and BTU
- Wall mounting capabilities
- Safe to use (ODS feature)
- Beautiful design and build
Things to Consider!
- No thermostat
- BTU output is not variable, apparently
6. Heatstar F125444 | Overhead Garage Heater
This heater runs on natural gas and has the capacity to give 25,000 BTUs per hour. It is ideal for 2-3 car garages as its coverage area ranges from 500 to 600 square feet.
The heater can be used in low-profile buildings with a 7-8 feet clearance from the floor.
It uses infrared heat that efficiently heats objects in the room first, then the surrounding air.
Again, natural gas is the sole fuel source that eliminates any disruptions in the event of any power outages.
The heater is easy to set up if you follow the instruction manual carefully.
It also comes with a millivolt thermostat that helps regulate heat in the garage.
But to connect it to the heater, you would need to separately purchase a wire as it isn’t included in the box.
The heater is made from non-corrosive materials that add to its durability.
It is CSA certified, operates very quietly, and gives clean & odorless heat.
As per the manufacturer’s advice, this heater should not be used in mobile homes or sleeping quarters.
Also, the heater does not run on any other fuel type like liquid propane.
What We Liked!
- Easy installation
- Wall mounting capabilities
- Infrared technology for energy efficiency
- The use of non-corrosive materials makes it durable.
- Operates quietly and gives odorless heat
Things to Consider!
- The thermostat sometimes turns off before the desired temperature.
- Flimsy wall bracket
7. Heater F272800 | Natural Gas Garage Heater
This indoor gas heater pumps out 40,000 BTUs per hour and can easily heat an area of up to 1000 square feet.
It uses infrared heat, which means that it would be energy efficient to operate, resulting in reduced costs.
It also generates odorless heat with almost no noise.
The heater comes with an adjustable thermostat that could be used to regulate temperature levels.
But before you plan on buying it, make sure that your ceiling is high enough as it requires 12 feet to 15 feet of clearance.
It is CSA certified and comes with a 1-year warranty on gas control and a 5-year warranty on its burner.
Remember, this heater should be used for indoor purposes only.
Otherwise, you would encounter issues with the pilot not staying lit.
It also needs requires an exhaust vent as the pilot runs all the time.
What We Liked!
- Easy installation
- Infrared technology for energy efficiency
- Operates quietly and gives odorless heat
- High BTU and a good coverage area
Things to Consider!
- Some issues with the pilot turning off frequently
Buying Guide for Natural Gas Heater
Before you decide which natural gas garage heater to go for, let’s look at some factors that may help you choose the one that best suits you.
This would also allow you to learn some important terms that may prove helpful in your buying decision.
Factors to consider when buying a natural gas garage heater:
What is the BTU Total?
The first thing you should look for when shopping for the best gas garage heater is its BTU total.
BTU – ‘British Thermal Unit’ is a unit of heat.
One BTU is quite enough heat to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1°F.
US households require anywhere from 20,000 BTU to 300,000 BTU of heating output in the winter.
We have 30,000 BTUs of radiant heat and that can cover an area of up to 750 square feet of a garage or house.
A natural gas model will have a higher number than an oil or propane variety, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be better at heating.
You should account for the total amount of BTUs that it produces, as this will let you know how powerful your new purchase can be and which type would work best in terms of covering large spaces or heating small ones.
It may also help if there’s an option with adjustable settings so people have more control over their environments while saving on costs!
A higher BTU rating means that it can pump out greater amounts of heat quickly but is not not always recomended as you have to get to cover your garage area.
Coverage Area
Coverage area means the garage’s size, the size of your room, or any space you want to use the heater in.
To cater to large spaces and heat them quickly, this normally means going for heaters with a high BTU rating.
Normally, manufacturers mention the coverage area, so there’s no ambiguity left anyway.
Always ensure that the heater’s capacity supports the area you’re going to heat.
Otherwise, you would not get consistent heat in all spots of your room.
Igniter
The igniter would start the flow of natural gas that would allow the heater to operate.
If your heater has a push-button ignition system, then that eliminates the hassle of first lighting the pilot for starting it.
It also tends to be safer and helps avoid any possible burns.
Dimensions
First, look at the place where you want to install the heater. Then match it with the dimensions mentioned in the website or user manual.
If it’s going to fit easily without causing any disruption or interference, then buy the heater quickly.
This is equally important when planning to go for wall mounting options. You would have to look for wall space and consider the possibility of obstruction caused by the installation.
Warranty
Be very careful of warranties that the manufacturer offers you. Some heaters may not even come with a limited warranty period, but customer reviews support their durability claims.
Nonetheless, having a warranty period secures you from any financial losses and gives you a replacement option. Be sure to consider heaters with warranties and keep an eye on customer feedback on those products.
More features…
This includes having an ODS sensor, thermostat, temperature control knob, and other convenient options that make your life easier. Wall-mounting brackets are also one of these features. The safety features allow you to be carefree about how the heater is operating and make it possible to use it in kids’ presence.
Related Posts:
You may also love to read these my reviews and the buying guides…
FAQ’s about Natural Gas Heaters
What are the Best Natural Gas Garage Heaters?
Here is a list as per our ratings;
- Heater MHVFB30NGT Blue Flame | Best Overall
- Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Unit Heater | Best High End
- Heater F299731 | Best Infrared Natural Gas Heater
- Modine HD45AS0111 | Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater
- Dyna-Glo BF30NMDG | Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
- Heatstar F125444 | Overhead Garage Heater
- Heater F272800 | Natural Gas Garage Heater
How to calculate the heating load that is needed for my garage?
You can use any garage heater calculator tool on the internet to find the right BTU and wattage required from the heater. The calculator considers your garage’s size, ceiling height, insulation of walls and ceiling, and your desired temperature. This would help you in finding the BTU through which you can select the proper heater.
How would I control my gas heater?
To regulate heat, a thermostat would be required to signal the heater to turn on. Some thermostats also come with a fan switch that enables you to run the fan when the cold days are over.
What is the best spot for placing my heater?
Ideally, the heater should be placed in the coldest spot. Also, adjust the angles towards the coldest wall so that the garage is heated up quickly.
What is the best spot to install a wall-mounted thermostat?
A thermostat should be fixed at a spot where the average temperature level in a room can be found. If you mount it in a cold area, the heater will run more than it should. If you place it under direct sunlight, the heater may not provide enough heat. An interior with proper insulation is best for mounting the thermostat.
- Pros and Cons Of Sealing Garage Floor - October 27, 2022
- Portable Car Lift for Home Garages - October 27, 2022
- Garage Door Opener for 10 Foot Door - October 27, 2022