Looking for a heater to keep your garage or shop warm? There are tons of different 120v electric garage heaters out there, and it can be overwhelming to weigh the pros and cons of each in a sea of options. 120v heaters can be ceiling-mounted or are offered in a basic standing design.
Understanding the voltage and heat distribution you need for your specific garage is key to finding a heater to get the job done right.
We’ll take it from there and discuss the pros and cons of quality space heaters to help you pick the right heater for your garage.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 120v Garage Heaters
- OUR TOP PICK: Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, 1500-Watt
- RUNNER-UP: Homegear Infrared Electric Space Heater
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV
Comparison of the Best 120v Garage Heaters
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What Size Do I Need For My Garage? Are 120v Enough?
120v is a fairly small sized heater, but will absolutely get the job done for a smaller space. If you have a garage larger than 30 x 30 feet or a garage that is not well insulated, you may need something with a higher voltage to keep it at a comfortable temperature in winter months. A 220 volt is really designed for commercial spaces so, if you are trying to heat a medium-sized space it may be worth investing in two 120v heaters.
120/110 volt power outlets can take on between 15-20 Amps before the power breaker is affected. Check to see if your garage has a single breaker managing all of your lights and outlets or two or more breakers managing different outlets and lights separately.
Reviews of the Best Standing Garage Heaters
In the next section there will be reviews of the best standing garage heaters. These are different from the ceiling-mounted heaters we’ve also reviewed.
Best Overall
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, 1500-Watt
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 13 x 12.5 x 17
Weight: 19 pounds
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Review
The Dr. Infrared Heater is a safe and highly efficient standing heater. It has an energy saving auto mode and high and low settings. When the mode is set to auto, the unit will cycle on and off and switch between high or low settings to maintain the desired temperature setting.
The heating system features an infrared quartz tube + PTC with a 12hr automatic shut-off timer, an IR Remote Control, a high-pressure, low noise blower, an electronic thermostat (with a range of 50 to 86 degrees), and caster wheels. It weighs 24 pounds and uses 12.5 amps of power. This heater is engineered and designed in the USA.
Bottom Line
This little heater gives great value for your money, as it heats up medium-sized rooms quickly and efficiently, while keeping noise to a minimum. The IR remote control and long lasting design ensures that you’ll find it convenient to keep your room warm.
Pros
Quiet and efficient
Safe for children and pets
Tip-over protection and overheat protection
Long lifetime with 80,000 hours of operation
Cons
Control panel is confusing and poorly designed
Runner-up
Homegear Infrared Electric Space Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 13
Weight: 12 pounds
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Review
This standing 1500W heater from Homegear has a dual heating system containing mica and quartz infrared heating tubes. It can efficiently and quickly heat up a medium to large size room. The LED display allows for easy monitoring and the quiet and efficient blower fan spreads the heat around the room. The included remote control allows for convenient control. The heater is ETL certified, has built-in overheat protection, and provides 5100 BTUs of output.
Bottom Line
This is the right heater for keeping your garage warm during the winter if you want to be able to move it around and maybe use it in other rooms.
Pros
Easy to carry around
Effective and economical
Provides plenty of heating power
Cons
Cycles a lot to maintain the temperature
Best for the Money
Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 450
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 17.75
Weight: 16.42 pounds
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Review
This 4,000-18,000 BTU LP heater connects to 2 one-pound cylinders and is ideal for heating a garage up to 300 sq. ft. The integrated fan increases the heating capacity of this unit, blending radiant and convection style heat.
The two swivel regulators allow you to use either disposable cylinders or a remote gas supply like a 20-pound cylinder after purchasing a single hose and filter. The built-in Piezo sparking mechanism will turn on the heater and the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off will keep you safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. The low, medium, and high heat level control knob is good for maintaining steady temperatures. The fan runs off of four D-size batteries or an AC adapter.
Bottom Line
This heater comes with plenty of safety features and is convenient to light with its built-in Piezo switch, and as expected from Mr. Heater, the durability and value for money is unmatched.
Pros
Consumes gas sparingly
Auto shut-off if flame goes out
Effective for spaces up to 300 sq. ft.
Combines both convection and radiant heat
Cons
Some customers found the heater fan stops working after a short period of time
Review of the Best Ceiling Mounted Garage Heaters
Below you will find in depth reviews of the top ceiling mounted garage heaters. We take a look at the best currently on the market and give you a review on each one.
TPI Corporation OCH46
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 46 x 6 x 6.5
Weight: 10.6 pounds
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Review
This ceiling mount unit offers 1500 watts of heating, which makes it great for smaller spaces. You can go for that old-fashioned workshop look, as it includes two chains to hang it with, or you can mount it with included brackets that provide a 45-degree swivel range.
This is a radiant heater, so there’s no fan. But it provides consistent heat from ceiling to floor.
Pros
Consistent heat in its range
No need to worry about fan power
Provides good output in its limited range
Ideal for over a workbench or other area where you work
Cons
Limited range – it’s not going to heat a room, just a space
Easiest way to control power is by adding a light-switch to the wiring
Needs to be hard-wired, although it is as simple as installing a light switch
Optimus H-9010 Garage Utility Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 300
Power (watts): 1200
Dimensions: 26 x 14 x 4
Weight: 8.5 pounds
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Review
The Optimus H-9010 is perfect for your garage as it can be ceiling or wall mounted. This saves space and is safer as it prevents the heater being knocked over or coming into contact with flammables. Additional safety features like overheat protection are also included.
Two heat settings (600/1200 watt) provide sun-like heat, as well as a soft light. The heater also contains quartz heating elements, halogen lights, and a pull cord for ease of use. The heater is constructed with a metal housing and bracket for long lasting life and the unit contains overheat protection.
Bottom Line
This is a great ceiling-mounted heater for your garage, with the required safety features and a convenient pull cord to control it. It also helps to illuminate your workspace, thus keeping you warm and ensuring you can see what you’re doing in cold weather.
Pros
Pull cord makes it easy to use
Overheat protection for safety
Wall/ceiling mount design saves space
Halogen light to illuminate your workspace
Cons
Control panel is not well designed
Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Quartz Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): N/A
Dimensions: 26 x 14.2 x 11.8
Weight: 16 pounds
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Review
This ceiling-mounted heater is controlled with a single pull string, which operates both heat settings, as well as the halogen light. It can be used without having the light on so the heater works independently of the light. It has the necessary safety features to keep you secure in your garage, such as an overheat protection sensor, safety metal grille, and a three-prong grounded plug to protect from electrical risks.
The ceiling mount for this heater gives you extra safety, security, and floor space. Best of all, the adjustable tilting bracket for this heater lets you point the heater in any direction to provide you with targeted warmth wherever you need it.
Bottom Line
This is a great combined heater and light for your garage, as it lets you heat up any part of the room where you need it, and stay warm while working in cold weather. Being both energy efficient and durable, you’ll find this heater to be a very good value.
Pros
Energy efficient
Two power settings
Durable metal housing
Adjustable angle for the light and heat
Ceiling mounted design is both safer and space saving
Cons
Control panel is confusing and poorly designed
Other Top Garage Heaters
The garage heaters below are ones that barely missed our top list, but are still solid heaters and deserve to be mentioned. You can check those out below.
Versonel Infrared Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 34.5 x 4 x 8.5
Weight: 8 pounds
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Review
This heater is not only designed for garages and workshops, but is also great for covered patios or decks. It can save up to 30%-40% on electricity when compared to traditional heaters.
You may just get a great return on your investment with the Vesonel. The Vesonel is much more effective in a closed in garage or shop. Those who used it outdoors did complain that without sitting within a 3-foot radius of the heater, it was difficult to really feel its effects.
Pros
Saves on electricity
10,000-hour life span
Produces no odors, chemicals, or fumes
Easy to install on either the wall or ceiling
Reflective heating technology replicates warmth from the sun
Cons
Only heats within close range outdoors
Lasko 675919
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 10 x 11.98 x 12.1
Weight: 8.75 pounds
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Review
The Lasko is a great compact heater that comes with the added convenience of being pre-assembled. No nuts or bolts here! The pivoting heater helps to distribute heat throughout a space or specifically right where you need it.
The dials and varying fan strengths help you to further personalize your space heater experience. The heater is ETL listed, which means it has met safety standards and requirements by a testing organization and certifying body in Canada.
Pros
E.T.L. listed
Comes fully assembled
High, low, and fan settings
Pivots to direct warmth where you want it
Adjustable thermostat for personalized usage
Rubberized, comfort grip handle for easy transport
Cons
Limited ability to rotate upwards
Not great for uninsulated or large spaces
Editor’s Pick
Maxx Air HeTR
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 26 x 9 x 9
Weight: 8 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
According to surveys, buyers have found this product to be highly desirable for outdoor use in the garage, patio, or shops. Families with kids or pets approve of it because it can be hung on the ceiling to avoid any burning accidents. Moreover, its electric design does not require the use of any flammable fuels.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The effective infrared heating system of Maxx Air HeTR heats not only the air but also the objects present around it. It is outdoor-rated for a variety of locations. It is also equipped with a high-efficiency carbon fiber heating element that provides quick and reliable heat at only 1500 watts of power.
Bottom Line
To conclude, the ease of use and simple setup of this product is comforting. Its smart, elegant shape, and design make it look attractive. Hence, it adds not only heat but also beauty to its surroundings.
Pros
Has a long cord
Features a lightweight and durable build
ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories) safety certified
Provides ease of operation because of remote control
Can be easily mounted on a wall or a ceiling at any distance
Cons
Lacks an LED display for ambient temperature
Some buyers complain about insufficient heat output
Patton PUH680-N-U
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 10.31 x 7.72 x 14.65
Weight: 5.45 pounds
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Review
The Patton Milk-House utility heater is definitely the most well priced electric heater on the list. But how does it stack up against the competition? The heater is definitely only for small sized garages and shops that are already well insulated.
It has all of the top-of-the-line safety features and personalized heating options without the hefty price tag.
Pros
All-metal housing
Comfort control thermostat
Comes with a 5-year warranty
Carry handle for easy portability
High visibility power light, tested beyond UL standards
Fan-forced convection coil heat and automatic thermostat
High and low heat settings and adjustable manual controls
Tip-over safety protection, front guard, and auto safety shut-off
Cons
The fan is loud
Craftsman Portable Ceramic Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 9.92 x 9.72 x 9.02
Weight: 4.86 pounds
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Review
The Craftsman Portable Heater is perfect for tighter spaces. It heats up quickly and keeps hot air circulating. You can adjust the temperature to your exact specifications thanks to the 4-notch dial and wattage options.
The fan may not be strong enough to get the job done for larger spaces, but for working in compact woodshops or garages it’s a great heater. As far as price, nothing really beats the Craftsman.
Pros
Very portable and compact
Two heat levels, 750 watts and 1500 watts
Tip-over switch and overheating protection for safe operation
Four position rotary dial for heat settings and adjustable thermostat
Cons
Not strong enough for larger spaces due to moderately powered fan
How Do I Choose a 120V Electric Garage Heater?
When buying an electric garage heater, keep the following features in mind for the heater:
Size
A large-sized heater for a small garage or a small-sized heater for a large garage are both incorrect. The former would simply be a waste of energy, while the latter would give insufficient heat output. So, make sure you find a heater that is in accordance with your garage size.
Efficiency
The thermostat should be in good shape, and the heat productivity must be what is claimed by the company, or it will just be a loss of money. This can be assessed by viewing customer feedback regarding the product you are planning to buy.
Price-to-Feature Ratio
A better-performing heater with greater features may be a bit more expensive, but it will certainly offer comfort for a longer period with greater consistency and efficiency.
On the other hand, a cheaper heater may cause discomfort by not delivering expectations. However, this can be assessed better with the help of customer feedback and research.
Types of 120V Electric Garage Heaters
120V electric garage heaters come in a variety of types. Some of the most commonly used include:
Infrared Electric Garage Heaters
These heaters function by warming up not only the air but also the objects present around them. This feature enables it to be energy-efficient as the room or garage where this heater is working, remains warm long after it has been turned off. It works by giving out electromagnetic radiation called infrared rays, which are quite similar to the rays coming from the sun.
Electric Fan Heaters
Electric fan heaters are often used in garages as they are easy on the budget for most people. They work by passing the air over a heating source and then circulating this heated air in the room. The most obvious disadvantage of such heaters is the noise they make, which is, however, being overcome with the advancing technology.
Electric Underfloor Heating System
Although electric underfloor heating systems have a pretty expensive installation, their long-term working expenses match with those of other types of heaters. They are very efficient and work by turning the whole floor into a radiator.
Garage Heater Electric vs. Gas – Comparison Overview
Both gas and electric heaters help to battle the cold weather. However, certain distinguishing factors between the two are:
Installation
The installation of a gas heater is a time-consuming process and requires expert service. Also, it is much more costly than an electric heater, which requires little to no installation efforts. Here’s a calculator to help you estimate installation costs.
Maintenance
The maintenance of an electric heater does not require expert knowledge and experience, anyone can do it. But the same is not the case with a gas heater. Their annual maintenance is essential to ensure proper functioning for longer periods and avoid unpleasant accidents such as a gas leak.
Lifespan
The lifespan of an electric heater, which is about 20-30 years, is much longer compared to that of a gas heater, which is around 10-20 years.
Which is Cheaper to Run, a Gas or Electric Garage Heater?
The value of a heater cannot be determined based only upon its functioning. All other costs, such as installation and maintenance costs, matter a lot as well. However, based on the expenditure of running, a gas heater is cheaper than an electric heater. This is because natural gas is cheaper than electricity.
Conclusion
When it comes to space heaters, a heater can only heat your garage or shop to your desired temperature proportionally to the size and insulation level of the space. It is also important to take into account the outdoor temperature you will be using the space heater to offset.
All in all, these are all great options to accommodate different garage sizes and heating needs for all budgets.
People Also Ask
If you have read all the reviews for the best 120v garage heaters that are available on the market but are still unsure and have a few doubts in your mind, here are a few frequently asked questions by other customers that can clear those uncertainties.
The placement of the garage heater depends on the type of heater you own. For a forced-air heater, you should opt for the coldest corner of your garage. If you do not have an idea of where that spot may be, place thermometers to measure the coolest area of the room. Also, ensure that your heater is at least 7 feet above the floor and away from combustible items.
If you own a forced-air heater, the rule would be 45,000 BTU to heat up a 2-2.5 car garage. In the case of an infrared heater, it would take about 30,000 BTU to heat a 2-2.5 car garage.
Infrared heaters are a good option for small spaces, are easily installable, and run on natural gas. An infrared heater gives direct heat and warmth to the person or object and does not have high maintenance. It’s also less noisy and does not have a strong odor.
Because gas is highly flammable, you have to keep a constant check on it, which is why it’s one of the more dangerous kinds of heaters. However, some gas heaters come with safety sensors, so it’s more about the kind of safety features that come with the heater. However, infrared and forced-air heaters are usually safer.
The required power of a heater depends on the size of the room it has to be used in. A 1500-Watt heater can comfortably heat a space of up to 150 square feet. Depending on this fact, you can decide whether the heater you are purchasing will fulfill your needs or not.
Electric garage heaters may often be considered expensive to run. However, that is not the actual case. When other factors, including maintenance, lifespan, and installation services, are kept in view, we can easily conclude that an electric heater has a much lower overall cost than most other types.
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