Cold weather can turn your garage into a freezing, uncomfortable, and unproductive work environment. An electric garage heater can keep your garage warm and toasty, allowing you to work in comfort regardless of the outside temperature. Electric garage heaters are powered by an electrical connection through an outlet, making them ideal for use in any wired garage or with an extension cord running to the nearest outlet.
How We Tested the Best Electric Garage Heaters
Testing the best electric garage heaters took several days because the temperatures in the garage had to be low enough to give these heaters a fair shake. The temperatures here were in the high 30s or low 40s for three mornings, giving us the perfect opportunity to put them to the test.
First, we put the system through its paces. To see how simple it was to go from in the box to heat the garage, we attached and hung brackets, wired heaters, and installed apps. Then we turned on these heaters to see how well they heated the garage. We also ran a test in which we let the heater regulate the temperature in the space on its own (which is why we could only test a few a day).
Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater
This tower-shaped portable electric garage heater has an oscillation feature that allows heat from the ceramic elements to spread across a taller and wider area. For a maximum 1,500-watt power output, you can set the temperature to either a fixed low or a fixed high setting. The ceramic heater also includes an adjustable thermostat for automatic operation.
When you turn on the heater, you can set an automatic timer to turn it off when the timer expires, or you can leave it to function on its own until you turn it off. The heater has a built-in carry handle, a remote control, and several safety features, such as overheating protection and a cool-touch exterior that allows you to maneuver the heater while it’s on without getting burned.
Broan-NuTone 198 High Capacity Wall Heater
The impressive Broan-NuTone 4,000-Watt Electric Garage Heater delivers as a wall-mounted electric garage heater. This wall heater can be plugged into an available outlet or hardwired directly into the electrical system with the appropriate attachments. It is designed to work with either a 240-volt (4,000-watt maximum output) or a 120-volt (2,000-watt maximum output) electrical system.
The front of the fan-forced electric garage heater features a heavy-duty 18-gauge steel grill and an adjustable thermostat. Downflow louvers in the grill direct airflow toward the ground, so this heater may be best installed higher up on the wall. A fan delay prevents the fan from turning on until the element has reached a high enough temperature to push out only heated air.
Aikoper Ceramic Tower Heater
The Aikoper Ceramic Tower Heater is the last option on our list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good one. It has an energy-efficient design that helps keep your energy bill low, and it’s simple to use and transport. Not only can you control it from the machine, but it also comes with a remote control that allows you to control it from anywhere in your garage. While it is a low-cost option, it still has important safety features such as tip-over and overheating protection.
While we’d be happy with this space heater in our garage, it was at the bottom of our list for a reason. First and foremost, it is not the most efficient design. The tower absorbs a lot of heat and does a poor job of dispersing it throughout the room.
KB ECO2S 2-Stage Garage Heater
The KB ECO2S is a heavy-duty 240-volt model with two heat settings (high and low), making it ideal for climates with large temperature swings. Its Eco Mode setting defaults to the lowest wattage required to maintain the desired temperature.
Its lower heat output is adequate for mildly cool days, whereas a higher stage can handle temperatures in the single digits. The KB also has a fan mode, which is great for providing airflow in a stuffy garage. This heater comes with a universal bracket for easy mounting to a ceiling or wall, and it has a remote-controlled thermostat so you can adjust its settings from across the room.
Big Maxx Natural Gas Garage Heater
If you have an uninsulated wood garage or a space with minimal insulation, the ceiling-mountable Big Maxx is for you. This large heater runs on natural gas (a propane conversion kit is included) and can warm spaces up to 2,000 square feet thanks to its impressive 80,000-BTU output and built-in electric fan. Its powered exhaust can vent vertically or horizontally. It should be noted that the Big Maxx does not come fully assembled; you will need to purchase a thermostat, gas hose, fittings, and regulator separately. The Big Maxx should be installed by a licensed heating-cooling contractor for all but the most mechanically advanced people.
Fahrenheat FUH54 Heater
Electric garage heaters are commonly perceived as being less powerful than their fuel-burning counterparts, and while it is true that a gas heater or liquid fuel can provide more heat output, the right electric heater can also meet your warming needs. Consider the Fahrenheat FUH54.
The Fahrenheat FUH54 has a power output of up to 5,000 watts and an adjustable thermostat that ranges from 45 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The electric garage heater must be hardwired (rather than plugged in), which means it must be installed by an experienced electrician. On the plus side, the relatively small size of this heat unit allows it to be installed and mounted in a variety of locations.
King KB2415-1-B2-ECO 15,000-Watt Garage Heater
The King KB2415-1-B2-ECO is an excellent choice for medium-sized garages. Its 15,000 watts can heat up to 1,500 square feet, which is larger than a typical three-car garage. It also has several useful power-saving features, such as two-stage heating that selects the lowest wattage required, summer fan-only and timer modes, and a built-in fan delay to dissipate heat. It includes a universal mounting bracket as well as a remote control. It requires its own 240-volt power outlet with its own circuit breaker. This unit is definitely expensive, even before you factor in installation costs. Some users have also reported significant increases in their electric bills following installation.
