The Best Propane Garage Heaters (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023
Don’t get left out in the cold!
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There are plenty of reasons why you may want to keep your garage warm. Extreme temperatures can make working in your space impossible. Some tasks are often thought of as seasonal because extreme cold affects the results. Painting, setting resin and many other tasks require specific ambient temperatures. With a heated garage, you can complete these tasks even in the dead of winter. A propane heater can keep you working in your garage all year long.
There’s no need for expensive renovations to install an HVAC system that could take months to install. Electric heaters are expensive to run and may even trip a breaker if your space isn’t wired for high voltage appliances. A propane heater can solve all of your climate control issues without taxing your electrical system or requiring expensive installation. These space heaters can improve the time you spend in your garage from the moment you walk in the door.
De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater
Casters and a carrying handle make this heater easy to safely move from place to place.
- Multiple heat settings
- Can use this heater in spaces of varying sizes during multiple seasons
- Heater does not feature a safety alarm like other models
- Limited in effectiveness in spaces larger than 300 square feet
Mr. Heater Buddy Space Heater
Safe, reliable, portable heat at an affordable price point. Easily switch between fuel sources for convenience.
- Can be fueled by propane canisters as well as refillable tanks
- Carry handle and the unit’s light weight make it easy to move
- Plastic components make this unit less expensive but also less durable
- Limited running time when fueled by a canister
Camco Olympian Wave-6
Efficient space heating with a small footprint will keep your garage warm without taking up much space.
- Small but powerful with 6,000 max BTU
- Includes optional legs that allow you better control of where the heat is directed
- If your space is larger than 200 square feet, this heater will not be able to efficiently heat the entire space on its own
Benefits of a Propane Garage Heater
- Reduce vehicle warm-up time. When your garage is kept at a higher ambient temperature everything from the engine to the coolant will take less time to warm up to optimum operating temperature. The interior will take less effort to warm up as well.
- Increase the efficiency of home heating. Unless you have a detached garage, any shared wall with your home will exchange temperature with your home’s interior. By keeping your garage warmer will reduce the drain as your home heating system compensates for cold garage walls.
- Work in comfort in all seasons. If you enjoy spending time working on household projects in your garage cold temperatures can put a damper on your plans. A propane heater can keep your garage comfortable all year round.
Types of Propane Garage Heaters
Radiant
Radiant propane garage heaters raise the ambient temperature around them by radiating extremely high heat into their space. No additional air movement is provided to push the heat throughout the room. Many radiant heaters run at higher temperatures. More heat is needed when heating a space without added airflow.
Forced Air
Forced air propane garage heaters push air over a heating element. This heats the air passing through the heater and moves it through space thus heating more air as it circulates through the room. These heaters can sometimes run at lower temperatures because the added air movement helps heat the space.
Vented
All propane space heaters require oxygen to burn. Vented propane heaters pull in oxygen from the space around them and pass any fumes out through a vent outside of that space. This prevents carbon monoxide from building up within the space being warmed and increases the safety of the heater.
Top Brands
Dura Heat
World Marketing of America, Inc. was founded in 1982. It’s one of the largest manufacturers of space heaters including well-known brands like Dura Heat. Headquartered in Mill Creek, Pa., this company’s mission has always been to provide smart solutions to home heating challenges.
Mr. Heater
Since 1957 Enerco has been a trusted name in space heater brands including the popular Mr. Heater. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Its original Tank Top heater series are some of the most popular and portable propane heaters on the market. It is best known for the patented Buddy Heater.
Dyna Glo
Dyna Glo is one of the many well-known brands manufactured by GHP Group Inc. This company was founded in 2003 and is based out of Niles, Ill. It makes so much more than space heaters including outdoor grills, electric fireplaces, gas fireplaces, fireplace doors, electric log sets, and fireplace accessories.
Propane Garage Heater Pricing
- $50-$150: At this price point you can reasonably expect to find space heaters at or below 60,000 BTU. Heaters in this range can heat the most common garage sizes easily.
- $200-$500: This range is where heaters for larger garages and small industrial spaces are priced.
- $500-$1500: At the highest price point are propane heaters rated for commercial use.
Key Features
Tip Sensor
Propane heaters should include some basic safety features. Most models are equipped with a tip-over sensor that cuts off the flow of fuel if the unit is suddenly moved off balance. This prevents your space from filling with volatile gas during an accident. This safety feature reduces the risk of fire and propane inhalation.
Adjustable Temperature Control
Any propane heater you consider buying should have a basic set of temperature controls. Not only does this feature allow you to adjust the output to your comfort, but it also allows you to conserve fuel.
Self Starting
Propane heaters can be a lifesaver in cold conditions. There’s nothing worse than reaching for your heat source only to realize you have no way to light it. This is why propane heaters with self-starting features are ideal. Look for models that include built-in sparkers or other methods of ignition.
Other Considerations
- Carbon Monoxide. All propane space heaters create carbon monoxide. Most come equipped with low oxygen sensors. The ultimate fail-safe is a properly installed carbon monoxide detector installed in your garage. The safe operation of a propane heater is complimented by in-home safety practices.
- Condensation. Propane heaters introduce more oxygen into the air around them. In an enclosed space like a garage, this moisture may not be able to naturally disperse on its own. A dehumidifier is a perfect companion to your propane heater. With a small amount of preparation, this issue doesn’t need to be a problem.
Best Propane Garage Heater Reviews & Recommendations 2021
If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to heat your garage this winter, look no further than the De’Longhi Micra Thermic Panel Heater. This model is well designed to heat up to 300 square feet efficiently. It’s loaded with features that set it apart from the competition at a price point that won’t break the bank. This heater has multiple mounting options depending on the needs of the space. If keeping more open floor space is an issue, the unit can conveniently and safely be mounted to a wall. If you have plenty of wide-open floor space you can also mount this heater on the included legs which feature casters. The unit will then be easy to roll from one part of your workspace to another. Should the unit ever be tipped or accidentally knocked over, it features an automatic shut off. If the unit is tipped too far it’s immediately turned off to avoid accidental injury or fire.
For budget shoppers looking for the most bang for their buck, the Mr. Heater Buddy space heater is a perfect choice. This powerful little heater can efficiently raise the ambient temperature of up to 225 square feet of space. When you need a heater you can easily move from one area to the next, this one fits the bill. If you’ll be moving your heater between locations you can even buy a convenient carrying bag. This model can be fueled by small propane canisters or an adapter can be used to attach it to larger tanks. It’s the perfect option for budget shoppers. You won’t need to invest in an expensive 20-pound propane tank to use this product. The low price, easy operation, and portability of this model make it a great choice for a variety of uses.
The Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Propane Heater is the perfect solution for larger spaces. This heater can efficiently heat spaces up to 1,250 square feet. Don’t let its massive size fool you. This huge heater is easy on fuel. You can squeeze 14 running hours out of one 20-pound tank. This forced air heater will push super-heated air into your space, raising the ambient temperature of your garage. You’ll notice this model is much quieter than traditional propane heaters. It’s built with patented QBT, or Quiet Burner Technology, This model includes a 10-foot liquid propane rated hose as well as a regulator so you’ll be ready to hook up and use your heater straight out of the box. Enjoy clean-burning, efficient heat, even in the largest garage.
This heater is the perfect solution for heating your garage with a permanent installation. If you don’t need to move your space heater from one location to another, this heater will serve you well. It’s not just efficient but also beautiful. Enjoy the blue flames produced by this heater through the included glass door. Few space heaters can boast the stylish design of this model. The Martin Direct wall mounted propane garage heater is loaded with features. It comes equipped with a room thermostat which allows you to keep an eye on heat dispersion. It also has controls that allow you to control the heat output of the unit and the rate at which you burn fuel. This heater balances function and form perfectly.
This portable DeWALT heater is a good option for your garage or workshop as well as job sites in which there's no power source available. This cordless forced-air propane heater delivers 68,000 BTU/hr of heat and features quiet burner technology that is as much as 50-percent quieter than a standard propane heater. It produces little to no fumes, is very efficient, and will run for about six or seven hours on high and 13 hours on low on a bottle of propane. It has a high-temperature limit switch, recessed controls, and a heavy-duty handle. The stainless steel, CSA-certified heater is also easy to maintain and comes with a hose and regulator. One downside is the 20-volt battery and charger must be purchased separately, which can drive up the cost. Also, the heater may struggle to heat up a space if it's frigidly cold outside.
This forced air heater is an impressive 125,000 BTU unit. The ProCom Forced Air Heater can safely and efficiently heat up to 3,000 square feet. If you have a large garage with multiple bays, this heater can warm the whole space. You’ll notice immediately that this unit is significantly quieter than other propane heaters.
This unit requires no warm up time. It begins heating your space as soon as it’s lit. It will require proper ventilation to be safely operated. This model features a high-output circulation fan that allows the heater to put out plenty of warmth while staying cool to the touch. The single push-button start makes this heater easy to use even while wearing a pair of gloves.
It’s not always necessary to heat your entire garage. Maybe you simply need to warm up one small area or direct ambient heat at yourself while you work on a project. If you simply need to increase your comfort in a small space, this heater may be a perfect, portable option. The Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater is one of the smallest on the market. It’s fueled by a small propane canister.
This heater is so small, it comes with an adapter to safely mount it in a golf cart cup holder. It also comes with a wide paddle foot base which makes it perfect for use on a tabletop or work surface. The base prevents it from tipping over adding to the safety of the heater.The Camco Olympian Wave-6 Propane Garage Heater allows you to control not only the heat output but the fuel burn rate as well. The unit can be wall-mounted or used as a portable heater as well. The Olympian Wave-6 is a catalytic heater. These heaters do not utilize an open flame. They operate much more efficiently than flame-based heaters. You’ll feel radiant heat immediately eminent out from this heater as it also raises the ambient temperature of the room. You’ll want to make sure you point the heater directly toward the area you want to heat. You may notice colder spots outside of the direct radiation range. These heaters do not use added airflow to push heat. This heater is easy on the fuel but delivers consistent heat.
Tips
- Be sure to select the right size heater for your space
- Compare the fuel burn rate of each model you consider
- Consider if you’ll be moving your heater often, or leave it stationary
FAQs
Q: Can you use a propane heater in a garage?
Many propane heaters are designed and rated for indoor use.
Q: How much propane does it take to heat a garage?
Each heater will burn fuel at a unique rate depending on the ambient temperature of the garage and the individual heat settings. For a frame of reference, our top pick can burn at low heat for approximately 4 hours based on user reviews.
Q: Is it safe to use a propane heater in a garage?
Many features make it perfectly safe to use a propane heater inside a garage.
Final Thoughts
Our best overall pick, De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater, is a safe and efficient option with many versatile mounting options. It’s flexibility and features make this a great choice. If the price is a concern, look no further than the Mr. Heater Buddy Space Heater. This option is also highly portable.
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Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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