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Installing the best infrared heater for the garage is a great way to keep your workshop/ garage warm and cozy, especially during the long winter months. At the same time, it keeps your cars and working tools warm. This allows you to undertake your DIY projects in the garage and protect your vehicles from cold environments.
In essence, IR heaters emit a steady and uniform flow of heat, while keeping the unit cool to the touch. As a result, you’ll immediately feel sun-like warmth on your skin, making them an excellent option for providing an additional heat source to your garage. Better yet, these units are safer, eco-friendly, and more energy-efficient than conventional heaters.
However, even with all these benefits, choosing the best unit for your garage isn’t an easy task, considering the different options available. For instance, they come in different sizes, power options, shapes, and mounting options.
Don’t worry though! In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best garage infrared heaters out there to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
5 Best Infrared Heater for Garage
1. Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B Big Buddy Infrared Propane Heater
Specifically, this IR heater provides 3 heating options, 4000 BTU, 9000 BTU, and 18000 BTU. The unit has a single control start knob that you can use to adjust these heating settings and 2 swivel regulators that connect directly to 1-pound propane cylinders. Interestingly, connecting one 20-pound propane tank to this heater will provide enough warmth to heat your indoor space for about 220 hours. Not to forget that it will only take 20 minutes to heat its maximum space size due to the dual heating system.
Talking of space size, MR Heater Big Buddy is an excellent solution for heating enclosed spaces of up to 450 sq ft. For that, it’s the best heating option for single and double garage sizes as well as large tents. Like any other IR heater, it provides instant heat, ensuring you’re warm even before you’re done setting up your workspace.
Another benefit of this infrared heater is that it’s quite easy to light since you only need to push and rotate the knob. This is because it’s equipped with an inbuilt Piezo spark igniter, eliminating the need for a matchbox to light it.
Moreover, this heater is safe to use in the garage and other indoor spaces, seeing that it’s CSA certified. Also, it has some unique safety features such as a tip-over shut-off switch that turns it off when you accidentally knock it over. More importantly, it has a low oxygen shut-off sensor that turns it off when there are low oxygen levels in your garage or workshop.
Benefits
- Dual heating system
- Efficient tip-over & low oxygen sensor
- Quiet, clean, and odor-free operation
- Piezo ignition mechanism
- Low, medium, and high heat settings
- Safe for indoor use
Drawbacks
- Lacks an inbuilt thermostat
- High heat settings require a larger capacity LP tank
2. Comfort Zone CZQTV5M Ceiling Mounted Infrared Heater
Here are some of its notable features!
First, this radiant heater is equipped with 2 quartz IR emitters that direct heat onto nearby objects. This provides gentle and efficient sun-like warmth that is suitable for garage, workshop, and indoor living spaces. Even better, the quartz element is highly efficient as it provides instant safe heat with 2 heat settings.
In addition, the quartz element features an adjustable angle halogen light, which allows it to provide instant heat. You can easily angle the heater up to 90 deg, allowing you to direct the output to the right areas. On the same note, the device has an inbuilt bright halogen light. This will allow you to see your projects more clearly, and even read instructions on your packages while working in low-light conditions. Best of all, the heater has a convenient pull string switch that you can use to control this halogen light as well as the heating settings.
Lastly, this electric infrared heater comes with various smart safety features, making it safe for use in enclosed spaces like a garage. For instance, it has a metal grill to prevent the bulbs from coming into contact with flammable objects. Also, it has an inbuilt sensor that automatically turns it off if it overheats. As if that is not enough, the unit is equipped with caution and power indicator lights, allowing you to monitor its operations with ease.
Benefits
- Space-saving design
- Affordable
- Best infrared heater for a single-car garage
- Provides targeted sun-like warmth
- Features a 3-prong outlet and a 6ft power cord
- Comes with mounting hardware
Drawbacks
- No remote control feature
3. BRIZA Infrared Garage Heater
Moving on, this device uses carbon infrared technology to produce sun-like heat that is easily absorbed by the skin. More notably, it’s 90% heat efficient, helping you save a lot of energy. At the same time, it produces instant heat in a matter of seconds, without producing any noise.
Still, on heat output, this unit has 3 adjustable heating settings; 900, 1200, and 1500 Watts. This allows you to switch between these heat levels depending on how cold your garage is. Even better, it’s equipped with an inbuilt timer that allows you to warm the garage for a specific duration before it automatically shuts off. Also, it has an inbuilt sensor that switches it off if it accidentally trips over, reducing the risk of fire accidents.
To control the device, this unit comes with a remote that you can use to adjust the time or heat levels and power it on and off. In addition, it’s easy to maintain since it doesn’t have any moving parts or motors. However, it’s important to clean the reflectors from time to time to enjoy optimum performance.
Benefits
- Easy to use & setup
- 3 adjustable heat levels
- Offers instant heat
- Consumes less energy
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Comes with an adjustable tripod stand for portability
Drawbacks
- A bit pricey
4. CENSTECH Electric Infrared Garage Heater
Here’s why!
At first glance, this infrared heater uses radiation to directly heat objects and people, thanks to its advanced IR heating technology. This reduces the amount of energy wasted trying to heat air in your garage. It provides various health benefits of infrared heating like promoting blood circulation and reducing joint pain while working in your garage.
On the same note, this heater uses advanced carbon tube technology. This provides heat in just 3 seconds, ensuring you feel the warmth as soon as you turn it on. In addition, it’s equipped with 2 heating modes, 620W and 1500W, allowing you to adjust it at different temperatures.
Better still, it has a 9-hour timer that will meet most of your needs, including working in the garage. Plus, this will save you a lot of energy bills since the heater doesn’t have to be on all the time. On top of that, this heater has an LED display that allows you to see the timing and temperature you set.
You’ll also find this garage heater to be easy to install and operate. First, it has a wall-mounted design and comes with everything you need for the installation including a detailed instructions video. This space-saving design ensures that the device saves plenty of floor space in your garage. At the same time, this allows you to keep it away from children for safety reasons. In addition, it has 2 switches and remote control to promote easy operation.
Benefits
- Easy use and installation
- Saves a lot of floor space
- Energy efficient
- Suitable for use in various areas
- Wall-mounted and freestanding design
- Advanced infrared heating technology
- Comes with a remote and inbuilt 9-hour timer
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t comes with a mounting tripod
5. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Garage Heater
The most unique feature about this electric infrared heater is that it has 3 heating modes. For that, you can use it to provide instant heat at various wattages, including 900, 1200 & 1500 watts. Even better, you can easily switch between these heating modes with the included remote control.
Another interesting thing about this unit is it comes at a reasonable price, yet it can heat an area of up to 1000 sq ft. While one unit will not be enough to heat your garage, you can mount multiple heaters on the garage walls or ceiling to meet your heating needs. Each unit comes with a ceiling and wall mounting bracket, making it extremely easy to install in your garage. Moreover, the device uses a 120V power outlet, so you only need to plug it into a standard outlet and you’re good to go.
When it comes to construction, this heater has a special design that fits the carbon lamp and a high-level aluminum with a reflectivity of about 90%. In addition, the unit is crafted from durable and weather-resistant aluminum, protecting it against harsh elements like rain and moisture.
Benefits
- Easily visible LED display
- 3 heating modes
- Can be mounted on the ceiling, wall, or freestanding tripod
- Durable and weatherproof aluminum construction
- Inbuilt overheat protection feature
- Timer operation
Drawbacks
- Tripod is sold separately
Factors to Consider when Buying the Best Infrared Heater for Garage
Before you pick any of the above heaters for your garage, there are important factors you need to consider. These include;
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Garage size
First, you should consider the size of your workspace or garage before you settle on any IR heater. Afterward, determine the right size of infrared heater for your garage. Choosing a unit that’s not powerful enough means that your workspace will not have adequate warmth.
Generally speaking, 1 sq foot of floor space requires a heat output of about 10 watts. Therefore, a 1500W electric heater will provide adequate heat to a 150 sq ft garage or workshop. If your garage is bigger than that, determining its floor size will help you determine the number of electric heaters you need.
Also, you have to consider the actual space you use while in the garage. For instance, if you only use a ⅓ of your garage space. A smaller heater will provide adequate heat for you without wasting energy by warming the rest of the unoccupied space.
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Power Source
3 main types of power sources are used by infrared heaters for the garage; propane, electricity, and natural gas. However, from the list above, you’ll note that we’ve included 2 types of heaters based on their power sources; propane and electricity. This is because natural gas-powered heaters produce toxic products. However, they are still a reasonable option for outdoor use or if you have a natural gas line in your home.
Propane, on the other hand, is a popular option, especially among free-standing heaters since it heats up very quickly and makes them highly portable. But electric heaters are the most convenient options since they are silent, easy to use and ensure odor-free operation.
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Safety
Infrared heaters, especially electric models, are dangerous as they can cause fire accidents or burn risks if they’re not set up, used, or installed properly. For that, it’s important to look for an infrared heater that comes with safety features for added safety. Some of these features include; overheating protection, cool-to-touch features, and tip-over mechanisms.
Final Word
Although the garage is one of the most overlooked rooms in the house, which isn’t surprising seeing that it’s originally designed for parking cars and storing tools. However, many homeowners are now converting it into creative spaces, workshops, home offices, and home gyms. Unfortunately, you cannot get any task done in the garage if it has a cold environment, hence the need to look for an infrared heater. With the best infrared heater for the garage, you can convert it into a valuable space that can be used any time of the year, regardless of the weather conditions. More importantly, it will ensure that the garage is as comfortable as any other indoor space in your home!