Best of · Garage
Best garage heaters of 2026: electric 240 V and gas, with smart control
A 240 V electric heater is the easiest way to warm a garage. Gas unit heaters cost less to run in big spaces. Here’s how to size one and add smart control safely.
Our pick: Dr. Infrared DR-975 for most two-car garages; Mr. Heater Big Maxx for big, gas-plumbed shops
Dr. Infrared Heater
DR-975 Hardwired Garage Heater
8.7About $290
Strong 7,500 W output for the price, with a remote thermostat.
Pros
- • 7,500 W / about 25,600 BTU
- • Heats about 470–750 sq ft
- • Remote thermostat
- • Wall or ceiling mount
Cons
- • Hardwired 240 V circuit required
- • Fan noise
Fahrenheat
FUH54
8.3Varies widely by retailer
A durable 5,000 W ceiling heater with a built-in thermostat.
Pros
- • 5,000 W / 17,065 BTU
- • Up to 500 sq ft
- • Built-in 45–135°F thermostat
- • UL listed
Cons
- • 1-year warranty
- • Mount at least 6 ft high
Mr. Heater
Big Maxx MHU50NG
8.4About $915
50,000 BTU of vented gas heat for large garages and shops.
Pros
- • 50,000 BTU/hr
- • Up to 1,667 sq ft
- • Natural gas with LP conversion kit
Cons
- • Requires venting and gas line
- • Thermostat sold separately
The best electric garage heater for most two-car garages is a 5,000–7,500 W, 240 V unit mounted high in a corner. It needs no venting and runs on a dedicated circuit. Dr. Infrared’s DR-975 delivers the most heat per dollar. Big or poorly insulated shops with gas service are better served by a vented gas unit heater like Mr. Heater’s Big Maxx.
| Heater | Fuel / power | Output | Coverage | Thermostat | Venting | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Infrared DR-975 | Electric 240 V, hardwired | 7,500 W (~25,600 BTU) | ~470–750 sq ft | Remote thermostat | None | ~$290 |
| Fahrenheat FUH54 | Electric 240 V (20.9 A) | 5,000 W (17,065 BTU) | Up to 500 sq ft | Built-in, 45–135°F | None | Varies |
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG | Natural gas (LP kit), 115 V | 50,000 BTU/hr | Up to 1,667 sq ft | Sold separately | Required | ~$915 |
Best electric garage heater: Dr. Infrared DR-975
About 25,600 BTU from 7,500 W covers roughly 470–750 sq ft, enough for most insulated two-car garages. A remote thermostat makes setting temperatures easy.
Best ceiling heater: Fahrenheat FUH54
The FUH54 is a compact 5,000 W unit with an adjustable ceiling bracket and a built-in 45–135°F thermostat. It’s sized for up to 500 sq ft. It draws 20.9 A, so it needs its own 240 V circuit.
Best gas garage heater: Mr. Heater Big Maxx
At 50,000 BTU/hr, the Big Maxx heats up to 1,667 sq ft and ships with an LP conversion kit. It must be vented (vertical Category 1 or horizontal Category 3), and its wall thermostat is sold separately.
How to make a garage heater smart
- Electric: an electrician can add a smart line-voltage thermostat or contactor rated above the heater’s draw.
- Gas unit heaters: ask the installer whether a smart wall thermostat is compatible with the heater’s control wiring.
- Add a Wi-Fi temperature sensor so you get freeze alerts, which protect pipes, paint, and batteries.
- Pair heat with a garage dehumidifier to fight winter condensation.
Questions we get
Can a 1,500-watt heater heat a garage?
Only a small, insulated space. A common rule of thumb is about 10 watts per square foot for moderate climates, so 1,500 W covers roughly 150 sq ft. A typical two-car garage (about 400–500 sq ft) needs 5,000–7,500 W on a 240 V circuit.
Is propane or electric better for a garage heater?
Electric is simpler: no venting, no combustion, and clean installs. Gas (natural gas or propane) usually costs less per BTU and heats large spaces faster, but it needs proper venting, a gas line, and CO alarms.
Is it cheaper to run a gas or electric garage heater?
It depends on local rates, but in much of the US natural gas costs less per unit of heat than electricity. Insulating the garage door and walls cuts running costs more than any heater choice.
Can I control a garage heater with a smart plug?
No. Garage heaters exceed smart plug ratings, and heater makers warn against plugs and extension cords. For smart control, have an electrician install a smart line-voltage thermostat or relay rated above the heater’s current. A 5,000 W heater draws about 21 A at 240 V.