Best Propane Garage Heater of 2023 [ 6 TOP REVIEWS & BUYERS' GUIDE]

Creating a comfortable working environment in the garage entails revamping, cleaning, organizing, and warming up the garage. If you work in your garage for extended periods with cold weather into the bargain, you may establish a significant barrier to productivity, especially during winter.

One of the most suitable and budget-friendly ways of prepping your garage for winter is installing one of the best propane garage heaters.

Best propane space heaters for garages exhibit the utmost convenience owing to their outstanding features, such as substantial potency and user-friendliness. These units produce fewer emissions than fuel oil space heaters or electric units, improving their environmental friendliness.

Unlike electric garage heaters, the best portable propane heater for garage units is less expensive. The vented types are easier to install and characterized with unsurpassed efficiency; thus worth every penny.

Read on to find some of the top propane garage heaters in the market with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make a quick purchase decision.

Also Read:

Can you cool a garage with a portable air conditioner?

Best Propane Garage Heater Reviews 2023

1. Mr. Heater Big Maxx Natural Gas Unit Heater (F260550)

The Mr.Heater Big Maxx natural gas unit heater should be your go-to if you are on a tight budget. It is suitable for average-sized garages as it can heat a maximum of 1,250 square feet. Consequently, it emits up to 50,000 BTU per hour, which is substantial for two to three-car garages. .

Among its outstanding features is its spark ignition, which has a convenient self-diagnostic control mode. Mr. Heater F260550 is designed to vent vertically or horizontally through its powered exhaust to maximize its performance. In addition, the product allows easy access to the gas connection, AC terminals, and thermostat, which is not included in the package.

Installing this garage heater should be a breeze, thanks to the two angle brackets included in the package. If your garage has a low ceiling, worry not because this unit has been designed with a low profile that comes in handy in such cases. It is recommended that you allow a clearance of at least eight feet from the floor to its base for maximum results.

Mr. Heater F260550 includes a limited three-year warranty on its burners and parts. A ten-year warranty also backs up the heat exchanger. This enhances your trust in the products, eliminating the fears of possible manufacturing defects.

Pros

Along with this garage heater comes a propane conversion kit to save you money
The heater offers an easy installation process
Silent mode of operation

The heater is adequately vented
It is suitable for a two to a three-car garage
It offers high operating adaptability

It is supported by a warranty

Cons

The package is devoid of a thermostat

You may also be obliged to purchase a venting kit separately for utmost convenience.

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2. Mr. Heater (F274800 MH18B) Portable Propane Heater

The estimable Mr. Heater brand graces us with yet another quality and affordable product. This product is battery-powered, giving you the liberty to carry it around as you please. It is relatively lightweight and features an ergonomic handle which further enhances its portability.

This heater is convenient for small garage spaces of about 450 square feet. This is because it emits 4000 to 18000 BTU per hour, which is substantial for small-sized garages. In addition, it is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors as it dissipates pure heat, meaning safety is guaranteed.

Additionally, this product is designed to offer precise control to its users. It is fitted with a control knob that allows you to set either low, medium, or high heat, depending on your preferred temperature. As a result, the battery tends to last longer at low or medium heat rather than at high temperatures.

It is even better that it features an auto-shut-off function that comes in handy if you forget to turn off the heater. In addition, the manufacturer guarantees a warranty provided you use the device alongside authorized accessories.

Pros

Quiet and odorless mode of operation

It is highly portable owing to its compact and ergonomic design

It has a lightweight of 2.75 pounds

It is safe to use

Its battery can last for a maximum of five hours at low/medium heat

The heater is supported by a warranty

Cons

The heater uses 4 D batteries which are not included in the package
It does not include a propane tank

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3. Dyna-Glo Delux Forced Air Heater (RMC-FA125DGD)

The Dyna-Glo forced air heater can be termed as a powerhouse due to its outstanding features. It dissipates 70,000 to 125,000 BTUs of heat per hour for starters, which is one of the highest rates among its counterparts. Due to this aspect, this heater is suitable for commercial or medium garage spaces of up to 3,100 square feet.

Regardless of its potency, this unit has a compact size and exhibits portability. Since it has such a high potential, it is designed to withstand harsh conditions through its rugged construction. Additionally, it features an automatic shutoff function to guarantee the device’s safety and that of its users by preventing overheating. With these features, this heater can serve you for a long period.

It also offers precise control for maximum comfort through its adjustable temperature settings. In addition, the installation process is fast because the product comes with a regulator and hose for convenience while setting it up.

Pros

The heater features continuous electronic ignition

Ideal for average-sized garaged
Offers a maximum of 125,000 BTUs of heat per hour
Compact, lightweight, and easily portable

It offers a fast and easy installation process
It features high durability
It has variable heat settings

Cons

The garage heater does not include a warranty

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4. Mr. Heater Forced Air Propane Heater

If you are searching for a suitable garage heater for commercial purposes, then Mr. Heater forced air propane heater is for you. Featuring a BTU of 250,000 to 400,000, this garage heater is a beast. It can dissipate to a maximum of 10,000 square feet, making it ideal for large-sized garage spaces.

It also includes a high-output fan which further reinforces its performance. The heater features a heavy-duty design to enable it to withstand such immense temperature. It is made of steel to enhance its durability, meaning it can serve you for extended periods.

Despite emitting such a significant amount of heat, this device features a silent operation mode owing to its quiet burner technology. Consequently, it can operate for a maximum of seventeen hours on a 100lb propane tank at a low setting.

Along with this garage heater comes a ten-foot hose, regulator, and an inbuilt thermostat for convenience. It is also fitted with thermoelectric valves, and high limit switches to enhance safety.

Pros

The heater emits up to 400,000 BTUs per hour

It is designed to maximize the safety of its users

The unit has an inbuilt thermostat

It is highly portable and durable

It features a compact and lightweight design

Operates quietly due to its quiet burner technology

Cons

The package is devoid of a propane tank

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5.Gasland Propane Radiant Heater (MHA18BN)

The Gasland Propane Radiant Heater is the definition of user-friendliness. This garage heater is easily adaptable due to various factors ranging from its outstanding affordability to its convenient features. Moreover, it has a compact design, hence perfectly suits small garage spaces. Consequently, it exhibits high mobility thanks to its lockable wheels and an ergonomic handle to reinforce portability.

It is also designed with its safety and that of its users in mind. For instance, it features an inbuilt shutoff function that comes in handy when the heater is accidentally tipped over or in case of limited oxygen in the room. In terms of safety, it eliminates the risk of accidentally falling in the garage by granting you freedom from a cord.

This garage heater guarantees precise control as it offers three heating modes to choose from, depending on your preference. Consequently, it operates silently, thus preventing disturbances. In addition, it features an inbuilt hose and regulator for convenience.

In addition to its affordability, the fact that it can operate without electricity enables you to cut costs. Moreover, it has an inbuilt propane tank to save you from the hassle of separately purchasing one. The heater dissipates 18000 BTUs per hour hence suitable for average-sized garages of up to 450 feet.

Pros

The heater exhibits high portability since it is fitted with rolling wheels
It is made of a compact and ergonomic design for efficient handling
Operates silently

It is economical since it does not require electricity
It offers variable heating modes (low, medium, and high)
Guarantees safety due to its auto-shutoff function

It has an inbuilt propane tank

Cons

The heater is devoid of a warranty

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6. Sunnydaze (B08KTY1Y5D) Forced Air Propane Heater

The Sunnydaze brand is popular for offering quality at a pocket-friendly price. This Sunnydaze forced air propane heater is designed to offer utmost convenience, owing to its compact and lightweight design that fosters easy handling. It is also fitted with a comfortable handle to ease portability.

Alongside this product comes a ten-foot hose and a regulator for convenience. The heater uses electricity and is fitted with a four-inch power cord. It uses a propane tank of at least twenty pounds which can last for up to twenty hours. It is advisable to use a minimum of two tanks or a single large tank during winter for efficiency. The propane tank, however, is not included in the package.

The device comprises an auto-shutoff function that comes into play when it overheats due to high temperatures in the surrounding. This garage heater is ideal for small garage spaces of up to 225 square feet because it emits 40,000 BTUs of heat per hour. In addition, the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty to guarantee the product’s quality.

Pros

The unit comes with a regulator and a ten-foot hose
It is highly portable owing to its lightweight and comfortable handle
Convenient for small garage spaces

Operates for long hours depending on the size of propane tank used
It features an automatic shutoff function for safety purposes
It is supported by a year’s warranty

Cons

The heater has a noisy mode of operation
It does not include a propane tank

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Best Propane Garage Heater Buyers’ Guide 2023

Propane garage heaters are an effective way of warming up your garage to create a conducive workspace in the garage, whether you use your garage for domestic or commercial purposes. Compared to other methods of warming up the garage, using propane tends to be a more economical and convenient method.

Below are some of the advantages of heating your garage using propane garage heaters:

They dissipate quality heat evenly
They cut down energy costs

They are safe to use since they minimize the emission of greenhouse gases
Propane garage heaters can be used alongside other heating options
They exhibit utmost longevity

They are environment-friendly

How to Heat Uninsulated Garages

Uninsulated garages are vital to offer shelter for bicycles, tools, cars, and other items throughout the year. Temperature varies over the year. Colder seasons require a heating source to make the area comfortable and enhance the users’ productivity. One of the perfect solutions during the winter is to install a propane garage heater.

However, to install the heaters in the garage, you should follow the below process;

The first step is to measure length, width, and height of the garage by using a measuring tape. Multiply length x width x height. For instance, for instance, if you have a garage with a length of 40 feet, 30 feet width, and 20 feet height, the size of the garage will be 40x30x20= 24000 cubic feet.
The second step is to find a heater that will fit into the created garage space. Normally, you will be needed to determine the size of the heater required by using an electric heater calculator. In case you do not have or do not know how to use it, you can ask a retailer to help you determine the specific propane heater size for your garage space.

To calculate the BTU you need for your garage space, use the following formulae and process.

Establish the measurements of your garage space (length x width x height; say 30x25x10= 7500 cubic feet).

Estimate and determine the difference between the coldest outside temperature and the ideal room temperature (Say 25°F and 65 °F; 65-25= 40°F.

The last step is to multiply the temperature difference with the square feet and then by 0.2394 for the Celsius scale or 0.133 for the Fahrenheit scale. ( 40x7500x0.133= 40,000BTU for a 30×25 garage with a 10-inch high ceiling).

The last step is to position the garage heater in the preferred position. This position must have an electrical socket to plug in your heater. However, if you need to set the heater in the ceiling, you will first need to install the brackets and an electrical outlet. Upon installation, you can switch on the heater, ready for use.

N/B: Carefully plug the heater into the wall outlet. Locate the blower fun and turn it on. Observe the fan run for 30 to 50 seconds to bleed any propane gas that might be trapped in the line.

How to Heat a Garage With Propane Heater

You should look no further than propane heaters when choosing the most proficient, economical, and environmentally friendly means of heating your garage. Besides, you do not need to break your budget to acquire these ideal units. The size acquired, measured in BTUs, depends on the size of your garage. For instance, when operating a 1000 square feet garage or less, go for a heater rated between 45000 and 75000 BTU per hour. The 2-car garage will require a 45000 BTU heater. In contrast, a 3-car garage will be sufficiently heated by a 60,000 BTU per hour of the forced air propane system.

Safely heating your garage with propane heaters involve the following basic steps;

The first step to setting a propane garage heater is to create a flat space near a window or other ventilation source in your garage. The practice will ensure that you reduce the accumulation of carbon monoxide produced through propane combustion. Proper ventilation ensures that the carbon gases produced during combustion are released to the atmosphere, reducing their health risks to the individuals in the garage.
The second step is to set the heater on your garage floor. Ensure that the heater is away from the gas cans, cardboard, and other flammable materials. Also, ensure that the heater is fitted on a flat surface to avoid toppling over as it operates. Besides, position the heater to face the central position of the garage that you intend to heat.
The next step is to connect the propane tank to the gas input. You then need to insert the head of the input line into the opening on the propane tank. Tighten the black connection nut clockwise until it becomes tight and secure.

Locate the gas valve on the propane cylinder and twist it one complete turn in the counter-clockwise direction to open. With this, you will feel the pressure of the gas as it leaves the tank and goes through the gas line.
The last step is to press the ignition button on the heater to light the flame and commence the heating process. You will need to hold the igniter button for 20 seconds to engage the heating element.

Like any other device that involves heat, propane garage heaters pose various dangers when mishandled. Therefore, the importance of doing your due diligence before purchasing one of the best propane garage heaters cannot be stressed enough. Several aspects come into play when choosing the best propane garage heater that specifically suits your needs, and these include:

Size of the garage

Propane heaters tend to be unique for each garage, especially due to differences in sizes. In this case, the size of your garage should be directly proportional to the BTUs generated by your propane garage heater of choice per hour.

The first step in establishing the ideal BTU for your garage is to measure its square footage. The larger the square footage, the higher the BTUs you will need. For large-sized garages, especially those used for industrial or commercial purposes, propane garage heaters that feature a BTU of at least 70,000 to 125 000 per hour for maximum satisfaction.

For average-sized garages of about 1,000 square feet, a minimum of 40,000 to 60,000 BTUs per hour is ideal. Small garage spaces of less than 1,000 square feet, on the other hand, require propane heaters that emit about 18,000 to 20,000 BTUs of heat per hour. Therefore, by choosing a propane garage heater that corresponds to the size of your garage, you will enjoy utmost satisfaction and enhance safety by providing adequate ventilation.

Safety

Safety is a primary factor to consider when dealing with electrical appliances, and propane garage heaters are not an exception. In terms of safety, various aspects determine the level of safety offered by your propane garage heater of choice. Among these aspects is an automatic shutoff function.

Accidentally leaving your propane garage heater on could result in significant damage. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to settle on a propane garage heater with an automatic shutoff feature, which will automatically switch the device following prolonged hours of idleness.

Consequently, propane garage heaters may overheat depending on the surrounding temperatures, and this is where the automatic shutoff function takes effect. Most of the best propane garage heaters feature compact and lightweight designs, increasing their likelihood of accidentally tipping over. Without an auto-shutoff function, the propane garage heater could end up getting damaged.

Adjustability

In this case, adjustability refers to the propane heater’s ability to be set or adjusted based on your preference to maximize comfort. Your propane garage heater of choice should feature variable heat settings to offer you precise control over the device. Propane garage heaters that comprise low, medium and high heat settings are recommended.

Accessories

Without the relevant accessories, propane garage heaters tend to be costly in the long run since you are obliged to purchase them separately. Accessories, in this case, include a hose, regulator, thermostat, and propane tank. Thermostats, for instance, go a long way in regulating the amount of heat emitted and are therefore a must-have accessory.

Finding a compatible propane tank to suit your propane garage heater could also be an uphill battle. On the other hand, propane garage heaters accompanied by a propane tank save you the hassle of purchasing one separately. Therefore, propane garage heaters that comprise an inbuilt propane tank should be your go-to.

For battery-powered propane garage heaters, it is advisable to opt for one that includes batteries. In addition, consider opting for propane garage heaters that include these accessories to cut down on costs.

User-friendliness

User-friendliness, in this case, depends on:

Portability: The ease of carrying around your propane garage heater is of paramount importance, especially if you purpose to use it both indoors and outdoors. For this reason, compact and lightweight propane garage heaters are ideal and easy to manage. In addition, some propane garage heaters are fitted with rolling wheels to move around easily, and these are recommended.

Ergonomics: An ideal propane garage heater should be fitted with an ergonomic handle to offer a comfortable grip. This factor also tends to enhance the portability of the device.

Ease of installation: This factor largely depends on the accessories that accompany a propane garage heater. Consider opting for heaters that include a ten-foot hose and a regulator for easy installation. Consequently, some propane garage heaters feature continuous electronic ignition, and these are ideal since this feature speeds up the installation process.

Warranty

Anything could go wrong with electrical appliances, and this is where a warranty comes in. Manufacturers that stand behind their propane garage heaters are certain that they offer quality. A warranty should therefore boost your confidence in the quality of a propane garage heater. It is, therefore, crucial to purchase heaters that are supported by a warranty for convenience.

Safety Precautions When Using Propane Garage Heaters

If you are a first-time user of propane garage heaters, here are some safety tips to take home:

Place your propane garage heater in a safe space. Select a place away from flammable materials to minimize the dangers posed by these heaters. Flammable materials in the garage include paint and gasoline and placing your propane garage heater near these items is dangerous.

Always turn off the heater after use. Leaving your propane garage heater unattended after use or when you go to bed is also risky since the device is likely to overheat following prolonged use. Therefore, it is advisable to always monitor the heater while in use and ensure it is turned off afterward. This precaution also enhances the longevity of your propane gas heater.

Avoid spraying deodorants near propane garage heaters. Sprays such as deodorants and air fresheners are classified as flammable, and spraying them near a source of heat such as propane heaters is not advisable.

Avoid placing items on top of propane heaters. Placing items on top of these heaters enhances their chances of overheating and may hinder ventilation, resulting in poor functionality.

Install smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors in the garage. Carbon monoxide detectors go a long way in notifying you of imminent dangers, and installing them is advisable.

The video provides a step-by-step process of installing a heater in a garage

Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs

Are propane heaters safe in garages?

Yes. Propane heaters are perfect for both commercial and home garages. Unlike the fuel oil space heaters, the best garage propane heater units burn cleaner with fewer emissions, making them ideal for the garage spaces. Besides, the units are affordable and are easy to install and operate. Added to their efficiency, you would never regret investing in propane heater models for your garage.

How many BTU do I need to heat a 2 car garage?

If you are operating a 2-car garage, you will need a 45000 BTU for sufficient heating. However, if you are running a 3-car garage, you will require a 60000 BTU garage heater. A 60000 BTU means that your propane heater can heat 60000 pounds of water by one degree Fahrenheit per hour. The same applies for the 45000 BTU.

Is Propane Better Than Kerosene?

When choosing propane and kerosene as heating fuel choices, go for propane. Unlike kerosene with high carbon composition and oil-based, producing more soot, propane burns cleaner and is odorless. Compared to propane, kerosene is cheap. However, propane and kerosene are efficient fuel choices and readily available for heating purposes.

How long will a 20lb propane tank last on a 30000 BTU heater?

You can easily determine the number of hours your tank would last on a given heater through a straightforward calculation. A 30000 BTU heater will take up to 14.39 hours with a 20lb propane tank.

For instance, every pound of propane always corresponds to 21,591 BTU. Therefore, with a 30000 BTU heater and a 20lb propane tank, multiply 21591 (BTU/pound) x 20 (pounds)= 431820. Divide the result with the heater size of BTU, in the case 30000. 431820/30000= 14.39 hours. Thus, if you run the heater at full all the time, the propane tank will last for 14.39 hours.

Do propane heaters need to be vented?

Yes. Venting propane heaters will provide you with the best heating results. Oxygen is essential to ensure complete combustion. Besides, you will reduce the risks posed by producing carbon monoxide from the burning fuels with ventilation.

Are Dyna Glo heaters safe inside?

If you are looking for a safe means of heating your garage or home, then look no further than the Dyna Glo heaters. The heater-type presents you with an ideal choice for safe, indoor supplemental heating. They do not require electricity for heating, saving on electricity bills, and are essential in emergencies when there is a power outage. Besides, the operation of these heaters is less costly.

Conclusion

Ultimately, working in the garage during winter without one of the best propane garage heaters could be a deal-breaker. Using propane garage heaters is an economical, safe, and effective way to warm up your garage during the cold season evenly. The best propane garage heater for you largely depends on the size of your garage, which enables you to establish a suitable BTU.

In addition, safety should be a priority when using propane garage heaters. Although effective, these devices are hazardous and may be dangerous if misused. However, by implementing the aforementioned safety precautions, you can maximize the potential of your propane garage heater while enhancing safety simultaneously.