I Tested And Reviewed 8 Best Electric Heater For Garage 120V (2023)

This heater is surprisingly effective for its small size and lightweight design. It quickly warms up a room or closed area upon turning it on, providing an immediate output of heat. The small button on the bottom of the heater ensures safety by automatically shutting it off if it is tilted or knocked over. However, it is important to note that this heater does not have a shut-off timer.

I purchased this heater for my pergola and I am impressed with its lightweight and instant heating capabilities. It is easy to transport to different spaces and provides a good amount of heat for its size. One of the standout features is the safety button on the bottom, which stops the heater if it falls over. Overall, this is a nice portable space heater with a reasonable price, and I highly recommend it.

Initially, I had doubts about this heater due to its small size. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its heating capabilities. It is compact enough to be placed on a bedside table, yet it produces a significant amount of heat. Within just 10 minutes of operation, it completely warms up my room. I would definitely rate this heater 10/10.

Compared to hot air style heaters, I prefer this radiant heater because it provides more heat and has a wider range. With two quartz tubes and a power of 1500W, it quickly warms up my room within a minute. The fast heating feature is a result of the nature of the quartz tubes, which makes it superior to hot air style heaters.

These heaters are truly impressive! They offer excellent value for the price. We have an unfinished garage that we use as a second living area, and most space heaters couldn't keep it comfortable during winter. However, these heaters have completely changed the game. With just one heater, our garage reaches around 65 degrees Fahrenheit even during freezing temperatures. And when we added a second heater, the temperature quickly soared to 80 degrees within an hour. It's truly amazing, and I'm not easily impressed by these things. If you're on the fence, I highly recommend buying one – you won't be disappointed!

I did notice some reviews mentioning issues with the on/off switch breaking, so I was careful with it at first. I simply plug and unplug the heater with the switch turned on, and it has worked perfectly. This little heater generates a significant amount of heat and kept my uninsulated 10×12 work shed warm throughout the entire year, even in a climate similar to the northeast of Washington. The thermostat functions well, and the heater runs smoothly and quietly. I have no complaints whatsoever.

While this unit is great for generating heat over a short distance, it's important to note that it's not designed to be a standalone outdoor heater for guests. However, it can be a useful supplement to other heating options. If you're looking for a heater to enjoy the outdoors in the northeast, especially during colder months, this heater plugged into an extension cord and placed around your feet can provide you with some extra warmth and allow you to spend more time outside. For larger outdoor gatherings, a bigger propane heater would be more suitable.

In my personal experience, I have found that this heater produces the perfect amount of heat for the part of my garage that I use as my office. It's my go-to on cold mornings, as it quickly warms up the space. The temperature functions work well, although I haven't had much opportunity to use the on/off function due to the continuous heat output. However, I believe it would be perfect for smaller, more insulated rooms.

I was so pleased with the performance of this heater that I bought another one for a friend. It puts out enough heat for my needs, and even though I live in deep south Texas where winters are relatively short (around two weeks) and temperatures rarely drop below the low 70s, this heater still impressed me. It's a testament to its efficiency and capabilities.

The Comfort Zone Heater is an excellent option for heating a 700 square foot garage. It provides efficient and reliable heating without any issues. The installation process may require additional wiring and products, which cost around $200, but the overall performance of the heater makes it worth it. I would highly recommend this heater for anyone looking to heat their garage.

When considering the heating options for an additional storage room section, I weighed the pros and cons of different types of heating and usage time. While gas may be cheaper in terms of energy costs, it involves additional expenses such as running gas lines and dealing with exhaust vent issues and safety factors. On the other hand, electric heating is less expensive and easier to install, especially for limited use. This Comfort Zone Heater is a perfect fit for this situation, as it can be unattached and relocated easily if needed in the future. The price of the unit on Amazon is comparable to other sellers, and considering the current supply chain interruptions and increasing prices, it's a wise decision to purchase it now. Additionally, buying summer items in winter and winter items in summer usually results in the best prices.

This heater is compact in size and has been tested well on a generator. It comes with a handheld remote for convenient control and also has a manual control option. The installation process was straightforward, with easy mounting on the ceiling. Hard wiring was done by a relative who is experienced with wiring, making it hassle-free. The heater provides ample heat and prevents freezing, eliminating the need to winterize items like boats each year.

Upon receiving the unit, I noticed that it was well-constructed overall, although the sticker with the buttons and labels was peeling off slightly. However, it was easily fixed by re-sticking it. Surprisingly, the heater was light and compact for its power output. The connection block terminals felt a bit flimsy but did their job. One of the heating element grates was bent, but it didn't affect safety or functionality. We connected a 50 amp range cord to the unit, which was then plugged into a NEMA14-50 outlet installed by our home builder. Following the recommended instructions, we installed a 40 amp breaker and turned the switch on. The heater worked great.

Now, let's discuss the conditions in which we tested the heater. Our garage is a partially insulated space attached to our home, measuring 26×26 feet with a height of 13 feet. It is connected to another garage measuring 22×22 feet with a height of 9 feet. The primary garage to be heated is 676 sqft, while the other garage is 484 sqft, totaling 1160 sqft of garage space. The heater was mounted approximately 9 feet off the ground in the 13-foot garage. The outside temperature was 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and we ran the heater on high for 2 hours. After 1 hour, the temperature in the garage had risen from 41 to 50 degrees. By the end of the second hour, it reached 55 degrees. It's worth noting that the temperature was measured on the opposite side of the garage, about 5 feet off the ground. The thermostat on the heater never read above 67 degrees, indicating that it struggled with heating such a large garage.

Upon further observation from a ladder, we noticed that most of the heat was concentrated about 7 to 8 feet off the ground. Installing a ceiling fan in the garage would be beneficial in pushing the heat down. However, I have concerns whether this unit would be sufficient for an uninsulated garage of this size. Insulating the garage would undoubtedly make a difference, but since I do not spend much time in the garage, I prefer to keep it at 45 degrees to prevent freezing and only require heat for the half-hour I spend on projects outside. I am not fond of waiting for 2 hours for the garage to reach the mid-50s. Additionally, living in Ohio, where temperatures can drop to single digits or teens, I am concerned about how well this heater would perform under colder conditions.

Moving on to functionality, the best aspect of this electric heater is that it generates heat instantly. Within 15 seconds, it was blowing air at nearly 200 degrees, and within 2 minutes, it reached the high 300s. The heater offers four modes: Fan only, Low, High, and Eco. The Eco mode is more of an automatic setting that switches between the other three modes based on the room's conditions. Personally, I found it somewhat useless and preferred to use the Low and High modes. The Fan mode only blows air without producing heat, the Low mode activates most of the heating elements, and the High mode turns all the heating elements on. Interestingly, the Low mode only uses 15% less energy than the High mode, so it may simply turn off one of the heating elements. I found this feature to be pointless as the cost savings were minimal, and the heat output felt significantly reduced. Ideally, I would have preferred a Low mode that consumed around half the energy of the High mode. Unsurprisingly, the High mode performed the best in terms of heat output but also had the highest running cost.

It's important to note that the fan speed does not change in any of the modes; rather, it adjusts the number of heating elements to account for the cost difference. Personally, I felt that the fan could have been stronger to distribute the heat more effectively throughout the room.

When turning off the unit, it runs for an additional 90 seconds to cool down the heating elements before shutting down. The temperature display even counts down the 90 seconds, which I found to be a nice touch. Most manufacturers recommend against cutting off power to heaters immediately, as this cooling-off period is necessary for both longevity and safety reasons.

The remote control provided with the heater is simple and straightforward to use.

Now, let's discuss the efficiency and running cost of the heater. Many people are curious about the operational expenses, so I have captured some accurate data using our energy monitoring software. It's important to note that your own cost may vary depending on your electricity rate. In our case, with an electric rate of $0.16 per kW, the Fan only mode consumes 38 watts and costs approximately $0.01 per hour to run. The Low mode draws around 6,350 watts and costs roughly $0.92 per hour. On the other hand, the High mode utilizes the full 7,500 watts and costs around $1.09 per hour. The Low mode only offers a 15% energy saving compared to the High mode, making the cost difference negligible while providing significantly less heat. During the 2 hours we ran the heater, the average cost per degree increase from 41 degrees Fahrenheit was approximately $0.15. This cost can escalate rapidly as temperatures drop below freezing and reach single digits or even zero.

Considering that Amazon offers free returns within 30 days, we plan to try the 10,000 watt model and compare its performance to make an informed decision. We will then return the unit that does not meet our requirements.

Although this review is based on one day of use, my initial impression is that this heater deserves a 5-star rating for those with smaller garages or workshops with lower ceilings and/or insulated walls.

After having installed the heater, I can confidently say that the process was incredibly easy. I highly recommend fully removing the bracket and mounting it to your desired location before attaching the heater. This method proved to be much simpler than trying to mount it while still connected.

One of the standout features of this heater is its versatility. In addition to the typical hand nut, the support arm offers several positions to secure the heater at various angles, providing you with the ability to direct the heat exactly where you need it the most. This is further enhanced by adjustable fins that help guide the heat towards your workspace.

When it comes to construction, this heater is truly solid. Every aspect of its design is sturdy, ensuring durability and longevity.

With a BTU output of 29000, this unit delivers impressive heating power. You can rely on it to keep your woodshop warm and comfortable, even in colder temperatures.

It is important to note that this heater requires wiring into a 240v circuit and is not a plug-in device. This ensures a consistent and reliable power source for optimal performance.

I recently purchased this heater for my 550 sq ft insulated detached garage, and I have been pleasantly surprised by its efficiency. With 8ft ceilings and a 2 car garage door, I was concerned about the impact on my electric bill. However, even with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 40 degrees outside, I was able to keep the space at 48 degrees Fahrenheit with a November electric bill of $106. This includes 3-5 days of the space being at 60 degrees for 6-8 hours while I was working in it.

One of the standout features of this heater is its ability to protect rust-prone tools. As someone who values the longevity of my tools, this heater provides cheap insurance in that regard.

Unfortunately, after only four months of use, the heater began blowing cold air. However, I must commend the customer service team at NewAir. After contacting them and providing my Amazon invoice, they promptly sent me a pre-paid return shipping label to have the unit repaired. After four weeks, they determined that the unit was unrepairable and sent me a brand new one. I was impressed with their quick and helpful customer service.

In terms of performance, the heater fully meets my expectations. It easily heats my 22 x 24 garage, and even my electrician was impressed with its output. He mentioned that it is the best he has seen.

The product came well-packaged, and despite my uninsulated 450 sqft shed, it was able to provide sufficient warmth. I had to run a 240V line with a 30amp breaker, and during the first use, it burned off the factory chemicals, which is a normal and documented process. The coldest night I experienced was around 39°F, and after about an hour of the heater running full blast, the shed was warm enough to work in with just a t-shirt. I also insulated my garage door, which further improved its performance.

One minor drawback is that the mounting bracket does not come with screws, so make sure to pick up the necessary lag screws or bolts for installation.

The unit is highly effective and efficient. It is important to address some of the negative reviews, as they seem unfair and inaccurate. Many complaints revolve around the unit's ability to heat certain spaces. However, it is crucial to consider factors such as insulation and outdoor temperature when determining the suitability of any heating unit. If your garage is uninsulated and the temperature is extremely low, this unit may not perform optimally. Proper research is necessary to determine the appropriate heater for your needs, and a simple search online can provide valuable information.

In my experience, this unit performs exceptionally well. My insulated garage maintains a comfortable temperature of 60 degrees, even when the temperature outside drops below zero. It is essential to set realistic expectations for the unit's performance and understand its limitations.

Some negative reviews mention the need for a special outlet, which seems unfair to blame on the product. The product description clearly states that a 2 pole 30amp 240v 6-30 receptacle is required. It is essential to read and understand the requirements before making a purchase. Any decent heater for a garage would typically require a 240v receptacle, so this should not come as a surprise.

Additionally, some reviews suggest using a homemade thermostat, which is unnecessary. When wiring the receptacle, simply include a 240v inline thermostat in the circuit to control the heater. This is a simple and readily available solution that can be found at major home improvement stores and online platforms like Amazon. It is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid homemade solutions that may pose risks or incur additional expenses.

Many complaints about the unit's heating capabilities stem from a lack of research on the consumer's part. It is important to note that this unit provides 19,000 BTUs of heat, and it would be unreasonable to expect it to heat a space that requires 100,000 BTUs. It is essential to understand the product's specifications and limitations before making a purchase. Blaming the product for not performing beyond its intended capacity is unjust.

Some reviews also mention issues with the thermostat not working accurately. While this may be a common problem with garage heaters, it can be easily resolved by installing an inline thermostat in the circuit. This provides better control over the temperature and ensures accuracy. It is important to note that a glowing red coil is not a prerequisite for effective heating. The primary focus should be on the unit's ability to generate sufficient heat, which this unit accomplishes remarkably well. Comparing it to other heating systems in your home, such as radiators or electric baseboards, further emphasizes this point.

I recently moved into a loft apartment that was remodeled in an old warehouse, and while I love the abundance of natural light from the windows, I struggled to keep it warm during the winter months. Last year, I had to rely on three 1500w heaters, which didn't provide sufficient heat. Determined to find a better solution, I had my landlord install a 240v 30amp plug to accommodate the NewAir NGH500GA00 garage heater.

I must say, I'm impressed with the heat output of this heater. Even though it hasn't been extremely cold yet, whenever I turned it on, it quickly took the chill out of the air within about 5 minutes. This heater is a game-changer compared to the 1500w heaters I used before. It's worth mentioning that it does produce some noise, but considering that it's a garage heater, I expected it to be a little loud. I simply turn up the TV volume to drown out the noise.

UPDATE: It's now January, almost February, and I've been relying on this heater for warmth since December. I absolutely love it! Even during snowfall and freezing temperatures, my apartment feels like summer with this heater. It easily heats up my space, allowing me to reach temperatures of up to 90 degrees. This level of comfort was impossible to achieve with a 1500w heater. I run this heater all the time, and it consistently does a fantastic job.

Before purchasing the NewAir NGH500GA00, it's important to ensure that you have a NEMA 6-30R receptacle ready for the plug, as it requires a larger socket. This heater is capable of warming a fairly large space, and it performs better than two 1500w electric heaters while being more cost-effective. However, one drawback is that it produces a noticeable amount of noise. It's not a rattling sound, but more of a solid whir, similar to an industrial-quality blower. Despite this, the unit itself feels sturdy and reliable. The remote controls may seem a bit odd initially, but they are simple to operate once you read the included instructions. Overall, this heater provides decent heat but doesn't work miracles.

Based on my experience using the NewAir NGH500GA00 in the cold climate of Northern Michigan, I can confidently say that it is the best 220VAC garage heater I have ever owned. The new electronics greatly improve efficiency, with automatic high/low settings, and the temperature control is extremely accurate. I even compared it to my high-precision temperature sensor in the garage, and the heater's readings were spot on. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient garage heater, I highly recommend the NewAir NGH500GA00. It has exceeded my expectations and is worthy of a AAA+++ rating.