A garage today is not just a place to store a car but also a small personal workshop, a warehouse of spare parts, and a room for minor car repairs. It is usually connected to the mains but not to central heating, and it’s possible to get the huge electricity bills in the case of electricity heater using. So, the propane garage heater is regarded as one of the best options, whereas the facility features a long lifetime (15–20 years) and relatively high speed of room heating.
Alternate means of heating are not really popular (a classic wood or charcoal stove for a garage) because of the increased fire hazard, the abundance of soot, and the short duration of use. The wood-burning stove warms up too long to use it for a couple of working hours. Propane or natural gas is much better as it’s relatively a cheap fuel. Moreover, such a device is almost 100% eco-friendly.
Despite all the pros, pay attention that only a specialist can install natural gas garage heater or all the works have to be carried out only under the supervision of a specialist. It’s also dangerous to use homemade units.
Check out the natural gas garage heater reviews in order to save yourself from long doubts and worries when picking up a model for your personal needs.
Gas Garage Heater Reviews
Mr. Heater F232000 – Best Gas Garage Heater Overall
The Mr. Heater propane heater fits the garages with 225ft2 and can boast high efficiency, as the microclimate in the area quickly becomes comfortable for staying. It’s especially useful for continuous operation for 3 hours. I really like its BTU (9000) exponent and the possibility to use the heater indoors and outdoors. The radiant device is rather portable (7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches) and relatively lightweight (9 pounds), so it easy to take it with you and place almost everywhere in the garage. It has a low-oxygen safety shut off feature, so you can leave the device in the room without worries about its overheating. It might be probably the best gas garage heater, but there’s no tank adapter/hose, so you can’t attach to a large refillable bottle (such an element is able to prolong the run time of the heater). The unit comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- The produced heat is rather fundamental on both (high and low) modes.
- No electric power is required and there’s no need to worry about batteries.
- The unit can be easily mounted on the wall; all the necessary elements are included.
Cons
- Sometimes I have to push the control knob at least 5 times to fire the pilot light.
- The device has only 2 settings (low and high). It’s hard to call it convenient, especially when you need more temperature diversity.
Camco 57351
The Camco 57351 works on a low-pressure gas, so it’s safe to use and allows mounting on the wall (its weight is only 5 pounds). Moreover, its output can be adjusted from 4200 to 8000 BTUs that’s a good indicator. The catalytic device is suitable for 230ft2 areas; moreover, it doesn’t produce noise while operating, so it won’t distract, when working in the garage. The Camco 57351 might be probably called the best portable heater for RV, as it can heat up the RV up to 23-inches long. It has no electrical draining or battery connection. The unit’s runtime depends on the hooked up fuel tank capacity. It provides safe exploitation due to the shut-off valve that prevents incident non-ignition fuel discharge.
Pros
- It has a metal case and classic design, due to which it can be easily located anywhere in the room or RV.
- A 3-year warranty that is long term.
- It has high, medium, and low settings that make it easy to choose the most convenient mode.
Cons
- It takes some time to run the unit and heat up the room (upwards of 15 minutes that is rather long).
- The holes in the legs don’t match the screw locations in the unit.
Mr. Heater F299731
This 30000 BTUs device has everything to heat the space up to 1000ft2. It’s enhanced with an ODS that eliminates the need to control the device all the time, as it will shut off automatically in case of danger. The F299731 turned out to be almost silent. I can only hear how it works by listening specifically. It can be easily used for 6 hours. You can purchase a hose with the appropriate connectors and hook up the heater to a full-sized cylinder in order to increase battery life. Despite the entire positive functional features, this unit isn’t the best space heater for the garage as it quiet massive (23.75 x 11.25 x 27 inches), heavyweight (26.8 pounds), and can’t be used in California or Canada. The warranty period is 1 year.
Pros
- This natural gas garage heater has electronic ignition, which runs only on one AA battery.
- The blue flame heats efficiently and it becomes warmer in a few minutes after cut-in.
Cons
- If you are going to use this heater at 4500ft above sea level, it will shut off.
- The upper surface of the gas unit is heated most of all, this must be taken into account when positioning the device during operation.
Mr. Heater MH18CH
The Mr. Heater MH18CH is a radiant heater that operates up to 72 hours (requires a 20lb propane tank). This unit (6000-18000 BTUs) is complemented with 3 temperature modes, so it’s easy to decide on convenient conditions. A black body frame is made of steel that makes it easy to exploit it inside and outside the garage without the risk to stain this portable radiant heater. The facility can heat the area up to 450ft2. It can be used only with propane; switching to natural gas is prohibited. The gas model consumes oxygen during the operation. Therefore, it is inevitably to ventilate the space in which the garage propane heater is used. The user gets a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- There’s a button piezo ignition, so the device doesn’t require the electricity.
- Hose and regulator come together with the unit.
Cons
- First lighting was hard, perhaps, because of the air had to be purged.
- The wheels rotate poorly, so transportation can take a lot of effort.
Mr. Heater F271370
The Mr. Heater propane garage heater has a 30000-60000 BTUs output and can work for 14 hours (on a 20lb tank) to warm up the 1500ft2 space. The unit is equipped with an automatic gas burner and piezoelectric ignition. At the same time, the tool is compact and mobile (15.98 x 8.82 x 13.5 inches), so there are no special problems in choosing a place for its storage. This propane garage heater with thermostat creates conditions for safe usage and to avoid overheating. It is noteworthy that after switching the product on, it is immediately ready for use for its intended purpose and does not require additional time to warm up. I really like that the user gets a 10-inch hose and regulator, both of them are of decent quality and don’t have visual imperfections or bad smell. The owner gets a 1-year warranty from the day of purchase.
Pros
- It has a heat-insulated and wear-resistant housing.
- QBT technology reduces the noise level, making it quieter than its analogs.
- There’s an interruption of gas supply in case of flame attenuation in a gas burner.
Cons
- The propane heater for the garage creates a powerful stream of heated air during operation, lifting even small debris from the floor and racks in the room.
- The power cord is only 8-inches long, which is not enough for most cases.
Mr. Heater F299720
This blue flame heater is able to heat up the 700ft2 (due to the 20000 BTUs). The device is equipped with an oxygen sensor (ODS) and protection against accidental rollovers, so you can be sure in its safeness. There’s no need in venting or chimney, moreover, it’s powered up without electricity. Pay attention, it has a battery operated electronic ignition, so 1 AA battery is required (it complements the unit). It doesn’t have the wheels but mounting hardware and legs come with the device. The F299720 can work for 22 hours at max BTU that makes it easy to create a comfortable microclimate and keep it up for a long period of time. This might be the best propane garage heater, but the unit produces some annoying sounds while working and isn’t lightweight (24.8 pounds) comparing to other similar models. Its limited warranty lasts 1 year.
Pros
- To ignite the unit, simply turn the knob until it clicks.
- It’s really satisfying to look at the pleasant-to-eye flame on the facility.
- There’s no propane smell.
Cons
- The mound hardware that comes with the heater isn’t the appropriate quality (all the components are thin). It’s better to purchase high-quality substitution additionally.
- Its adjusting is rather problematic because it appeared hard to configure the necessary temperature.
Mr. Heater MH18B
Such a small gas heater for the garage (11.87 x 19 x 17.5 inches) joints radiant heat with convection-heated air in order to get the maximum heating efficiency. The air around the heating elements gets hot and the blowing diffuses the air into the room. The appliance will shut off if the oxygen content in the air is too low. Its heat settings vary from 4000 to 18000 BTUs. This Mr. Heater MH18B can be easily connected to a 20-pound propane cylinder with a special hose (then it might work for a few weeks at a comfortable minimum temperature level). The radiant heater for the garage is a suitable device for 400ft2 space. You might need only 10 minutes to heat up the whole room. The device operates silently, and if accidentally tipping over, it automatically turns off. It does not emit a smell of gas.
Pros
- It’s able to raise the temperature from 35 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The unit comes with an easy-carry handle, which makes it comfortable to transport and store.
- Its heavy-duty safety wire guard maintains from accidental bumping.
Cons
- The output air has a scent of propane.
- It can run via the external A/C adaptor, but it has to be purchased additionally.
Mr. Heater F260550
The Mr. Heater F260550 is a high-efficiency natural gas garage heater that has 50000 BTUs and is able to warm up to 1250ft2. This unit can be installed either vertically or horizontally as the design provides ventilation in any position. I have to mention that the spark ignition is complemented by the well-running self-diagnostic control module. Its working time depends on the fuel tank capacity. Perhaps, the F260550 might be perceived as the best natural gas garage heater, but this unit is one of the heavyweight ones in the specified category (63 pounds), so it’s hard to call it the mobile device. The manufacturer provides its product with a 3-year limited warranty (on burners and elements), that is a good offer, comparing with other surveyed models.
Pros
- It’s easy to get access to the thermostat, gas connection, or A/C terminals in a case of need.
- It’s possible to perform the conversion from natural gas to liquid propane. The required instruments come with the specified natural gas garage heater.
Cons
- The thermostat has to be purchased additionally.
- Sometimes the device produces some noise and only its resetting can solve this problem.
Mr. Heater F299721
The Mr. Heater F299721 is a 20000 BTUs garage natural gas heater that was made to heat up 700ft2 space. There’s a thermostat that helps control the temperature. Battery-powered electronic ignition makes it easy to start up without any problems. The ODS improves safety conditions. The specific design of the heater with a white body color is attractive and harmoniously looks in any interior. All the main elements of the unit are made of stainless steel, to withstand both high temperature and corrosion. Since energy is used more efficiently (only for its intended purpose), such a heating device makes it possible to create a local thermal zone in a short period of time. It’s hard to say about the running time as its continuation of work depends on the tank capacity. The unit’s warranty period is standard – 1 year.
Pros
- There’s a blue flame burner that allows enjoying the conventional heat.
- All the elements for seamless installation and mounting are included in the set.
Cons
- You’ll get the smell of imperfect combustion at a low setting.
- The device isn’t designed to be the primary warm source, so it’s mostly an additional facility.
Mr. Heater F260560
This garage gas heater can work on both, liquid propane and natural gas. The unit comes with all the necessary instruments/elements for the successful transition. It can boast the 80000 BTUs per hour and the ability to warm thoroughly the area up to 2000ft2. The user can reach thermostat and gas connection from outside of the body frame, without the need to disassemble the construction itself. Pay attention that the body frame is made of a heat resistant steel material. It fits both horizontal and vertical vents, so I can choose a decent position for my conditions. This can be probably called the best gas garage heater, but it doesn’t have a safety tip-over switch. It’s complemented with a relatively long warranty period – 3 years (on parts and burners).
Pros
- As the device has a low profile design, it can be installed in low-ceiling garages.
- Low noise level (comparing with the previous model).
- The produced hot air is evenly distributed throughout the room due to the front grill.
Cons
- The steel case does not have a slot handle on the sides. This makes the device difficult to transport.
- It does not detect the level of carbon dioxide in the room and doesn’t stop working until its normal level is restored (as many other gas heaters do).
Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose the Best Gas Heater
Now make sure that a reliable device and correct heater installation can completely remove the issue of space heating. A good unit contains the following features:
- Heat controls. It might be not convenient to use the device with only “On” and “Off” settings, so the units with the possibility to alter the temperature according to the needs, are really useful ones. Such a peculiarity is especially profitable for people who are sensitive to temperature changes and need the ability to regulate heat depending on the weather and personal feelings.
- High safety. This moment mostly depends on the models, as some units shut off automatically after being tipped over. Garage gas heaters explode extremely rarely, electrical analogs burn much more often (due to short circuits). Despite this, the gas device in a closed room is dangerous by the gradual burning of oxygen inside the garage. If ventilation is poor and there is no outside airflow, the gas in the burner may die out. This means, that in the case of a heater protection cylinder absence (which shuts off the fuel supply), there’s a possibility to get an explosion or burning.
- Power and efficiency. The device has to warm up the required area and won’t lead to the payable amount in the bill increasing. Moreover, the BTU rating specifies the efficiency, as the natural gas heater for the garage is able to heat up a large area. It is irrational to use a too powerful model for a small garage or try to warm up a large workshop with a small device.
- Ease of installation. The unit’s hooking up may be difficult, especially when venting is required. Sometimes it’s easy when the natural gas space heater for the garage is complemented with a convenient handle and is relatively lightweight. It allows you to install it in any convenient place. Certain manufacturers suggest using special removable elements that come with the kit (for floor placement of the device).
Gas Garage Heater Installation and Safety Tips
This process isn’t difficult, especially when you follow the rules and perform everything in an accurate way. First of all, you should hook up the heater to your house’s natural gas line. Second, since oxygen is consumed during gas combustion, exhaust ventilation or continuous ventilation should be provided. Remember that while installation performing on the ceiling or wall, it’s better to choose the spot that is 3 inches below the ceiling. Make sure that all the objects in the garage are located at least 3ft away from the heater.
Make use of the mounting bracket and assure yourself that there is enough space for venting, gas, and electrical connections. Now you can use the gas pipe (its specifications are described in the manual) that ensures that the heater is receiving the required gas pressure. After the pipe securing, you should test the line to make sure that there are no leaks. The next step is electrical connections making. Many models require hardwiring. After that, you have to take care of ventilation and hook up the appropriately-sized vent ducts to the exhaust of the heater with a 90-degree venting elbow. The next step is the other end of the vent connecting to a cut-out in either the ceiling/wall of your garage.
There are a few additional safety and installation tips:
- The integrity of the hose, connections, glass bulb, and other structural elements of the gas heater has to be checked before installation start.
- The tightness of the gearbox and cylinder joints shouldn’t be checked with the open flame of matches, lighters, etc., but only with the use of a non-corrosive foaming agent.
- The condition of the hose is checked before the mounting starts. Those elements with kinks, cracks, and damages to the insulation have to be immediately discarded.
- When you see the damaged shut-off valve or a reducer, they urgently have to be replaced by working elements.
- The installation process of wall and ceiling gas heaters has to be carried out by two people (to ensure proper assembly and safety).
- Do not cover the device with a cloth.
- Heat radiation should not be directed at flammable objects.
- The heater must not be placed next to cars.
- Do not remove the grill from the heater when it is turned on.
- The device should only be used in the position indicated in the manual.
How Many BTUs does Your Garage Heater Need?
The heat output of garage gas heaters is measured in BTU/hours (propane models). The higher the indicator, the more area the device can heat. If you really want to know how many BTUs are required for your garage, check out the following steps:
- Size the length and width of the area. Multiply them and the obtained number is the total square footage of the space. A medium two-car garage is presumably 484ft2, but it may vary from 400 to nearly 600ft2.
- You should check the garage isolation (fiberglass is popular and widespread) and make sure that there are no open rafters, which facilitate heat loss.
- It’s recommended to divide the total square footage by 200, and then multiply the gotten number by 9000 to determine the BTU requirements for an uninsulated garage. If the area is insulated, multiply by 6000 instead of 9000. Be aware, this is an approximate result because it depends a lot on the climatic zone, the height of the ceilings, etc.
- Choose the garage space heater that has the required BTU output and meet your demands.