If you are doing a lot of garage work in the winter, you might have to consider getting a heater for your garage. Besides preventing frostbites, a heater is also essential for productivity.
It is hard to achieve much when you are focused on staying warm. Hence, you should invest in a quality heater for these cold winter months.
However, there are many types of heaters around, and one might face buyer fatigue from browsing through the hundreds of selections. Fret not, as this article aims to list out the features to consider during your heater purchases, as well as listing out our 7 best 240v electric garage heaters that you should buy in 2022.
In this article, we’ll also go through:
- Features to consider when buying an electric garage heater
- The pros and cons of the best 240v electric garage heaters
- Frequently asked questions about maintaining an electric garage heater
Features to Consider
Before purchasing an electric garage heater, you need to ensure that it is suitable for your garage — your needs, budget, and installation requirements.
Garage size
The size of your garage is an important aspect to consider when choosing a heater. Your garage’s size directly affects the adequate power wattage and heating capabilities. Naturally, a more oversized garage requires a more powerful heater, and in turn a higher power consumption.
The standard measurement to determine power consumption rating is the British thermal unit (BTU). One BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by one Fahrenheit degree.
The rule of thumb is 20 BTU per square foot. Hence, all you need to do is multiply your garage square foot area by 20 to see how much BTU you need. For example, if your garage is 50 square feet, you would need a heater that can generate at least 1,000 BTU,
Heating location
Another factor to consider is where you want your garage to be heated. The heating location helps you choose an appropriate heater that fits your needs without incurring too much cost.
If you would like only specific areas to be heated, a radiant or infrared heater would do the job. Alternatively, a ceiling or wall-mounted heater is more appropriate if you prefer a central position for garage-wide heating.
Materials
No one wants a garage heater that breaks down after one winter. Hence, you should factor the garage heater’s durability into consideration.
A good determinant of the heater’s expected durability is its materials. If your heater consists of construction materials with a high-quality rating, you can expect it to be generally quite durable.
One of the more recommended heater materials to look out for is stainless steel. Stainless steel is an excellent material for electric heaters because it is rust-resistant, can withstand extreme temperatures, and are more energy-efficient.
Furthermore, stainless steel also has numerous safety features, such as being cool to touch, preventing overheating, and being easy to maintain.
Safety features
Any good space heaters should have safety features implemented to reduce potential hazards. These hazards can damage the unit, cause injuries, and cause fires.
The three main safety features to look for are overheating protection and a cool-touch body. You should also get an electric garage heater that is easy to maintain. Most heaters are ceiling-hung, meaning that a heater that is difficult to maintain can cause accidents and painful injuries.
Overheating protection
Good electric garage heaters should shut off automatically when reaching their temperature threshold. Most modern garage heaters use built-in sensors to prevent overheating.
These sensors protect the unit from self-damaging, which increases its’ durability. Furthermore, it also prevents any fires resulting from too high heat output.
Cool-touch body
A cool-touch body for your electric garage heaters is essential for an accident-free heater interaction. You would not want to burn yourself every time you touch your heater. So, look out for a unit that exterior remains cool even in operation.
Maintenance
Every electric garage heaters have their maintenance requirements; some only require some air blown to remove dust, while others require a professional inspection.
- Is it possible to clean the heater yourself?
- How often are maintenance checks and how much?
- Does it take a lot of time and effort?
- What does maintenance entail?
List of Best 240v Electric Garage Heater in 2022
Now that you know how to choose the right heater to accommodate your needs, it’s time to get right into our recommended list. We’ve gone through extensive research and listed our review for each heater.
At a glance, our seven best 240v electric garage heaters we recommend you to get in 2022 are:
- Fahrenheat FUH54 240V Garage Heater
- Dr. Infrared Heater DR966 Hardwired Shop Garage Heater
- Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Heater
- Dimplex DGWH4031G Industrial Space Heater
- Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling Mount Heater
- King PAW2422-Pic-A-Watt Electric Wall Heater
- Cadet RCP502S Space Heater
1. Fahrenheat FUH54 240V Garage Heater
Key points:
- Light and functional (24 lbs.)
- Adjustable louvers
- Easy installation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made from high-end materials | Pricy |
| Compact, small size | Projects air to the back |
| In-built thermometer | Hardwired |
| Safety features (high level cut out) |
The Fahrenheat FUH54 240v Garage Heater is one of the most highly recommended heaters. Fahrenheat has had the top-selling heating appliances since 1922.
This device is built with industrial-grade construction, creating dent resistance and corrosion protection. Its heavy-duty features allow it to continuously heat and withstand even under most weather conditions whilst being lightweight enough for home use at only 24 pounds.
This model also comes with adjustable louvers that allow you to direct heat where it is needed most in the garage. Besides that, it also has an adjustable ceiling mount that allows horizontal or vertical placement.
So, you can install the Fahrenheat FUH54 according to your garage needs to ensure that every nook and cranny gets the heat distribution as you desire.
Besides that, the inbuilt adjustable thermometer allows you to set the desired temperature with a remote control that the unit will maintain as long as you wish to operate. Due to this, you no longer have to switch the device on and off continuously to maintain a comfortable temperature.
As a safety feature, the heater includes a high-level cut-out that deactivates the unit if it overheats. It also has a modern heat detector that turns the fan on when heating elements are hot.
Cons of the Fahrenheat FUH54 240v Garage Heater
There are a couple of downsides to the Fahrenheat FUH54 240v Garage Heater. Firstly, this model can be pricy, so it might not be recommended if you have a tight budget.
Besides that, it tends to project warm air to the back instead of the front. On top of that, the garage needs to be well insulated before the heater can be of good use.
It is also not a plug-in unit, and that requires electric knowledge to hardware the unit into your electrical system before it can be effective.
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2. Dr. Infrared Heater DR966 Hardwired Shop Garage Heater
Key points:
- Adjustable louvers
- Adjustable thermostat
- Uniform heating
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Front cover is steel | No off switch |
| Easy mounting | No fan oscillation |
| Adjustable louvers | Requires hard wiring |
| Adjustable thermostat (only low and high) |
Dr. Infrared Heater is a famous brand for garage heaters, so it is no surprise that their DR966 model would be on this list too. With its versatile heating options and highly durable construction of a steel front cover, this heater is a commercial-grade heater that heats large areas well.
Besides that, it also has mounting options of either wall or ceiling mounting. It also comes with adjustable louvers. This allows directional freedom when installing the heater to areas that need the most heat within the garage.
On top of that, it also has adjustable thermostats of high or low heat. You also get the freedom to choose the power output options of 3,000 W or 6,000 W, respectively. Through this, you can adjust the temperature according to what you require for your garage space.
It also comes equipped with an 8-inch fan, allowing uniform heating through the garage. Uniform heat dispersion enables you to enjoy warmth at every corner of the garage and save on the power needed to heat the area.
Cons of Dr. Infrared Heater DR966 Hardwired Shop Garage Heater
There are a couple of downsides to this heater. Unfortunately, the thermostat only has an option of low and high, so you cannot alter the heater to the temperature that you would prefer the most.
The heater also weighs 27 pounds, so this can be a rather heavy unit than most on this list. Hence, that requires professional installation and regular maintenance.
Besides that, the fan is unidirectional. There are no oscillation options with this unit, so you cannot have a wide range of heating.
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3. Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Heater
Key points:
- Heat large spaces quick
- Energy-efficient features
- Good fan circulation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heat larges spaces well | Not designed for residential use |
| Has two temperature choices (45 degrees and 90 degrees) | It needs a 220v plugin |
| Allows for more temperature and fan control | It cannot be mounted on ceilings |
| Reasonable noise level | Slow in heating |
| Energy-saving features | May need rewiring |
| Steel casing | |
| Good heat circulation |
DR-988 is another model from Dr. Heater; its specialization is relatively efficient for large spaces. The unit is decent for broad areas, mainly due to its’ practical design and portable features. Most users like to use it in semi-outdoor environments. With a 19,100 BTU, this model is rather powerful at heat dissipation even in those environments.
Besides that, the material composition is durable and light steel coated in epoxy paint. The construction aims to create anti-corrosion and dent-resistant properties, allowing for more durability.
You also have two thermostats for 45 degrees and 95 degrees. It can heat spaces relatively quickly with a constant thermostat. The garage heater also uses a dial for temperature and a button to control the fan.
The placement of this heater also is versatile. You don’t have to hang this heater, and you can just place it on the floor.
The safety features include an overheating cut-off option, so you do not need to keep an eye on it too much. It also has a cool-to-touch feature. It also has energy safety features that allow you to make most of your energy source.
Cons of Dr. Infrared DR-988 Garage Heater
This product does not oscillate, so it only blows hot air in a single direction. It also does not have a remote control to control the device, making it inconvenient to operate.
It also cannot be mounted on ceilings, so you might not able able to use the heater at a wide range. The plug-in also needs to be 220v, or it will not function appropriately. Users also have reported that it is relatively slow in heating.
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4. Dimplex DGWH4031G Industrial Space Heater
Key points:
- Affordable
- Automatic temperature control
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mounting bracket is supplied | The thermostat is on the back panel |
| Good price range | Quite a noisy unit |
| Choice of positioning | |
| Automatic temperature control |
Dimplex is a brand known for its heavy-duty yet portable garage heater. Its model DGWH3031G demonstrates durability with stainless steel and powder coated with an epoxy finish. Delivering a 14000 BTU of heat, this model is suitable for small to medium garage spaces.
The mounting bracket is supplied with this model, so you may hang this model on the wall as you wish to allow the best heat payoff. The model also swivels on the mount to redirect heat flow. It also has a relatively stable design, so you can position the model on the floor without fear of it falling over. The Dimplex also has a remarkable fan delay feature. This energy-efficient behavior allows you to save power on your heater usage.
Cons of Dimplex DGWH4031G Industrial Space Heater
This product, unfortunately, has a thermostat on the back panel. This makes adjusting the temperature a tedious process as you have to reach behind the unit. It does not come with a remote control either, so you have to be in a rather precarious position to fix the temperature.
It also is a rather noisy unit, so be prepared for some rattling.
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5. Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling Mount Heater
Key points:
- 3-wattage settings
- Saves space
- High heat dissipation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 3 wattage settings | Loose fan blades |
| Save space | High energy use |
| High heat dissipation | |
| Direct heat with louvers | |
| Built-in heat sensor | |
| Dual-knob to adjust the thermostat |
This model of Ceiling Zone is a ceiling mount heater, which is an excellent heater for small spaces. Its main feature is its’ space-saving design, which allows you to occupy less space in the room while delivering a high heat dissipation.
Besides that, it also has a targeted heat trait through exemplary louvers. Through them, you can mount them at different angles to channel the airflow to where you need the heat the most.
It also has safety features like a built-in sensor that shuts the unit whenever it overheats.
The heater uses a dual knob to adjust the temperatures to achieve the correct heat output. It also operates three wattage settings to determine the unit’s heat output.
Cons of Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling Mount Heater
This unit tends to come with loose blade fans, so make sure to check and remedy this issue before installing it. If not, the unit can be rather noisy. It also has a lower heat dissipation if the fans are not installed correctly.
The fan also does not keep running when the thermostat is cut off. Hence, you might need to use more energy as the thermostat needs to consistently run even when the heat has reached its maximum temperature.
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6. King PAW2422-Pic-A-Watt Electric Wall Heater
Key points:
- Lightweight (9 lbs.)
- High steel mass elements
- Budget-friendly
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight (9 pounds) | It does not come with a compatible thermostat |
| Wattage selection according to area requirements | Noisy unit due to its' installation |
| High steel mass | |
| Quiet blower | |
| Smart heat limit |
This King heater model is the most lightweight heater on this list at only 9 pounds. This allows for great portability and allows you to enjoy the .heat at any location where you need it.
On top of that, this heater also has a Pick-A-Watt option, which allows you to choose the wattage you need to generate the heat required for the area requirements. This heater is constructed out of high steel mass elements, enhancing its durability.
Its safety features also include an intelligent heat limit, which allows the heater to shut itself off in abnormal situations, whether a power surge or overheating.
Cons of King PAW2422-Pic-A-Watt Electric Wall Heater
One of the downsides of this heater is that it does not come with a compatible thermostat, so adjusting the temperature is rather tricky if you do not have existing thermostats.
Many users also have reported that this unit can be rather noisy, mainly due to the way it is installed. It is secured on the left side to the wall, but the right side needs a metal bracket to not rattle against the wall. So, be prepared for this foresight.
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7. Cadet RCP502S Space Heater
Key points:
- High efficiency
- Thermostat control dial
- Inbuilt safety features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High efficiency | No carrying handle |
| Steel constructed, powder paint finish | Not suitable for large garages |
| Thermostat control dial | |
| Auto control temperature switch | |
| Plug into wall for use | |
| In-built safety features |
This model is built out of 20-gauge tough steel, finished with a powder coat finish for high levels of durability.
On top of that, it is also known for its efficiency, in which it has a thermostat control dial with two different wattage settings. It also has an auto temperature switch, adjusting the temperature according to the surrounding temperature.
This model also has multiple placement options, choosing a mounting bracket or stand-alone. Hence, you can move this heating unit to where you need it most within the garage.
Besides, it also has a plug-in, which means the model can operate the moment you plug it into any power socket. Its safety feature is an auto power-off option when the model reaches the maximum temperature.
Cons of Cadet RCP502S Space Heater
Unfortunately, this model does not have a carrying handle. Essentially, it will not be very portable for something intended to be mobile. You would have to make direct contact with the case to carry it around, which also makes it easier to burn yourself.
Besides that, the Cadet space heater also might not be suitable for large garages. It works better for spot heating as opposed to uniform heating over a wide region.
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FAQ
Do garage heaters use a lot of electricity?
Garage heaters use relatively the same amount of electricity as other indoor heaters. It uses about 20% more energy than a gas heater and 40% more power than an air vent heater.
How much does it cost to run a 1,500-watt heater for 24 hours?
An electric garage heater tends to accumulate wattage costs as it runs. So, although it has a lower operation per hour, it costs roughly $4.80 per hour (for 24 hours) to run.
Does a 240v electric garage heater perform better than a 120v unit?
The difference between 240v and 120v is the amperage the heater uses. Although there is a difference of half the amperage, the units will both have the same efficiency. Hence, there is not that big a difference in terms of performance.
Conclusion
The best 240v electric garage heater is one that suits your needs in terms of budget, spacing, and heat requirements. This list is meant to help narrow down those units, but ultimately, what works is what works best for you.
Which garage heater do you use for your home? Let us know your experiences in the comments below!
