No two garages are alike, so it stands to reason that the best garage heater for the job will be tied to your garage's unique dimensions and layout. When your garage is also your woodworking shop, or jewelry bench, adding heat is essential for year-round comfort while you craft. We especially liked the versatility of our best overall by Heat Storm. It can be placed on your floor or walls, and its portability means you can take it out to the garage to stay toasty. Below we've rounded up different styles of outdoor, garage, indoor, and industrial heaters, so take a peek and pick your own.
Lasko oscillating ceramic tower space heater
Powerful heat and modern design
Lasko designs high-quality and modern appliances, and its oscillating portable space heater is no exception.
Pros:
- Adjustable temperature
- Heats in three seconds to 70 degrees Fahrenheit
- High, Low, and ECO modes
- Overheat sensor and auto-off
Cons:
- Floor or table use only
- Must use wall socket, not power strip
- Emits an odor when on
Considering the petite size and powerful output of this portable space heater from Lasko, its price is an absolute steal. It makes up for its short stature by providing targeted heat in a broad, oscillating swath. Garages can feel a bit crowded and often serve as a workspace for craftspeople and artists — it's crucial to keep your hands nimble and warm for detailed work. ECO mode keeps your electric bill reasonable, and a 12-hour auto turnoff protects you and your home from fire hazards.
Heat Storm Phoenix infrared floor or wall space heater
Get cozy
Heat Storm's compact infrared space heater is strong enough to warm your garage or shed and modern enough to elevate any room in your home.
Pros:
- Portable
- 750-watt and 1,500-watt modes
- Built-in thermostat
- Heat exchanger maintains humidity
Cons:
- Must plug into dedicated circuit
- Vents can't be aimed
- Not energy efficient
Small rooms and limited floor space don't have to limit your choices when shopping for a heater. Our best overall is by Heat Storm; their Phoenix floor-to-wall unit gives you options. It's only nine pounds, so it's easy to tote from bedroom to bathroom, and yes, to your garage. You might think it's too fancy for your workshop, but that makes it great. Two output modes add to this heater's versatility, an energy-saving 750-watts, and a full-blast 1,500-watts. Heat Storm includes a remote control, which can make all the difference if mounted on your wall or just out of your reach. One caveat: make sure you plug this heater into a dedicated circuit. Its hottest mode might trip a breaker if plugged into a crowded outlet or surge strip.
AEscod Space Heater
Portable electric heater with three modes
This powerful and compact portable electric garage heater is a practical and safe solution for quickly heating up your workspace during the colder months.
Pros:
- Portable and compact
- Strong heat and airflow
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- No thermostatic control
- No tip-over shutoff
- Smaller than expected
This heater is a game-changer for anyone who spends time in their garage during cold weather. This heater is easy to move around and can be plugged into any standard outlet, making it a convenient and practical solution for heating up your workspace.
Despite its compact size, this heater packs a punch and can quickly warm up a small to medium-sized garage. It has multiple heat settings, so you can adjust the temperature to your liking, and it also has a fan-only mode for when you just need to circulate air.
Briza infrared patio and garage heater
Put on a pole, mount on a wall
Breeze-proof infrared heat and a waterproof casing make Briza's slim oval heater an attractive buy for any outdoor setting.
Pros:
- IP55 water-resistant, safe outdoor use
- Mount on wall or tripod
- Protective, cool-touch sheath
- Tip-over sensor
Cons:
- Avoid using in narrow/close spaces
- Timer doesn't last longer than nine hours
- Not energy efficient
Windy nights can still make you shiver, even if you're bundled up in the she-shed. Combat that annoyance with Briza's versatile infrared garage and patio heater. Powerful enough to warm an uncovered porch several feet across, it can be mounted on the wall to radiate downward or placed on a 7-foot tripod for an even wider spread. The heater's built-in timer keeps you and your property safe from fire—choose between one-hour and nine-hour intervals for extra peace of mind.
Dr. Heater 240-volt hardwired garage heater
Industrial design, hardwired reliability
When looks aren't an issue, noise level, and reliability are, Dr. Infrared's hardwired garage heater should be your pick.
Pros:
- Adjustable flaps (louvers) direct airflow
- Bracket included
- Minimal noise
- Permanently lubricated fan motor
Cons:
- Drab industrial design
- Uses lots of electricity
- Some units overheat
Waft warmth quietly through warehouses, dorms, and garages alike with Dr. Infrared's DR966 industrial heater. Hardwired installation is necessary with this particular model, but this small inconvenience increases safety. A hanger bracket is included for wall mounting and additional stability, and five louvers direct airflow wherever you need it most. The design is admittedly bland and coldly industrial, and since it's intended for commercial or construction use, refined design is less of a concern.
DIMPLEX garage and shop 4,000-watt forced air industrial space heater
Heavy-duty heating
DIMPLEX's powerful 4,000-watt garage heater has a boxy frame but runs whisper-quiet when wall-mounted.
DIMPLEX
Pros:
- Reliable heat source
- High-performance motor
- Powerful propeller-fan airflow
- 6-foot cord
Cons:
- If the cord is too short, you'll need an electrician to hardwire it
- Thermostat issues with some models
- Not energy efficient
Consider DIMPLEX's "plug-and-play" hanging garage heater for a more current take on the quintessential shop heater. A propeller fan provides evenly distributed, forced air heating and is controlled by a user-friendly temperature dial. Since it's meant to be suspended, it might sound louder on a concrete garage floor. If you find yourself struggling with even heat distribution, then just hang this heater (as intended) via its convertible bracket mount.
Bottom line
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Our top pick is Lasko oscillating ceramic tower space heater. It oscillates to spread warmth more efficiently than stationary heaters. It has a clear, crisp LED screen and remote control for temperature checks. Lightweight enough to tote to and fro, it's a double-duty buy that we'd pick up ourselves.
As you can see, you're not limited to boxy, metal styles when looking for a garage heater. Frequently, dual-use products are the wiser purchase; this is proven by Heat Storm Phoenix infrared floor or wall space heater. Install it on your wall, place it on your floor, and take it with you between rooms to keep the temperature where you like it.
Why trust us?
At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.