We also put together a comprehensive buying guide to help you buy an electric garage heater that meets your needs.
Best Electric Garage Heater 120V of 2021
Table could not be displayed.1. Best Overall – Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater
Overview
Dr Infrared is one of the most dependable and reputable brands out there when it comes to electric heaters. The Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater excels at heating up large areas – up to 1,000 sqft, making it ideal for use in garages, which are generally larger than rooms and less insulated.
Its specialized dual heating system has one of the highest heat transfer rates when compared to other 120V electric heaters. Because it’s so efficient at conducting heat, there is far less energy used, which reflects positively in a lower energy bill.
Performance
Dr Infrared Space Heater is one of the most efficient and safe energy-saving heating systems. By using infrared heating, it heats up objects in the room and not the air. This is one of the best and most efficient methods because energy isn’t wasted heating up the air. Because of this, you will experience instant warmth not long after it’s turned on.
This heater is fitted with three energy saving modes, namely the auto, low mode (uses 1000W), and high mode (uses 1500W). It is able to maintain the desired temperature by oscillating between the high and low mode settings.
Another technical thing to note in terms of performance is that this heater operates efficiently without stripping off the moisture content in the room. This way, it does not leave your skin dry, which is an undesirable effect many heaters have.
In matters of safety, the heater is installed with a system that automatically shuts off when the heater is either overheating or tipping over. This protection works to ensure the system uses less energy and is safe as well. You can go to sleep and not worry about any accidents.
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2. Runner-up – LifeSmart 6-Element Infrared Heater
Overview
Coming in second is the LifeSmart 6-element infrared heater. Like the Dr Infrared product, this is also a powerhouse heater and a top contender on this list. The advertised heat range is slightly higher than our top pick, peaking at 90 degrees F. It uses both forced air and a fan to emit infrared and radiant heat.
The LifeSmart Electric Heater also promises a heating area of 1000 sqft, and also has an eco mode. The only draw back for LifeSmart is that it is a little pricier when compared to Dr Infrared, and we find the features are similar. It comes with a digital remote thermostat and a start-stop timer that operates for up to 12 hours. The exterior is made of an insulated metal cabinet that is safe to touch.
Performance
This type of infrared heater works by emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation then warms up objects after getting absorbed. This way, the heater is able to warm up objects instead of the air around it.
It comes fitted with the settings of a dual timer, which enables you to easily turn it on and off during the 12 hour period. It can also be used for heating small spaces that require about 500 watts of power at 68 degrees. This is because it has 3 Eco-energy settings that enable you to easily switch from one to another.
Finally, it has a digital thermostat that can be operated using a remote control, to ensure ultimate and maximum control.
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3. Best Value – Taotronics TT-HE009 Electric Heater
Overview
Taotronics recently updated model makes the TT-HE009 is an excellent option if you’re more value-oriented. The new model is sleeker, smaller, and cheaper – a triple threat. It’s quite powerful, heating up to 70°F in as little as 3 seconds, with a temperature range of 64°F-86°F. It also features an energy-saving eco mode.
It only heats up spaces up to 300 square feet, however, we’ve seen that it can comfortably heat up a 400 square foot space. This is potentially a good option if you have a smaller garage space or working area and are looking for excellent value.
Performance
The heater is an oscillating portable 12-hour heater that comes with a remote and thermostat is made of LED and a corded electric power source. It has an improved ceramic technology for heating that ensures that it emanates consistent and effective warmth to the surrounding areas. It comes with a remote control that is multifunctional. This makes it easy to control the temperature, as well as the heating and oscillation modes.
Installed with an oscillation system that enables the distribution of air to various areas. The system oscillates at 70 degrees from one side to the other. This works to ensure that your garage is warmed with maximum comfort.
It has three heating modes namely eco, high, and low with a temperature ranging from between 64°F-86°F.
Tends to generate more heat to the surroundings thanks to its ceramic technology, which is a more recent advancement in the world of heating technology.
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4. Heat Storm HS 1000-WX Infrared Heater
Overview
The Heat Storm HS1000-WX is a deluxe Infrared remote-control heater with a 1000W energy system that can be used for both the home and garage. It is a modern wall mounted design that works to ensure that you save up on space. It comes with an adjustable LED thermostat that regulates the heat and temperatures of your space. The temperature is also controlled using the above-mentioned remote that enables you to have total control from across your garage.
The heater is able to retain heat so efficiently because it not only heats up the air around it but also heats up objects in the surrounding space. For this reason, the heated objects radiate back the heat thus ensuring that the warmth is retained over long periods.
Performance
Comes fitted with grills that are safe to touch, and are made of insulating material that won’t burn your skin, hence minimizing any potential safety concerns. These grills also work in such a way that they will sense when there is an obstruction over it and will turn itself off. This is potentially an important safety feature if you have small children running around. There is also a child lock feature, which is another feature that may make this attractive for families.
The Heat Storm also has an LED thermostat that can be easily adjusted. When there has been no activity for five minutes, it will transition to “dark mode” or stand-by mode, which is a helpful feature for those wanting to save on electricity costs.
This is a reliable 120V electric heater and it can efficiently operate on the same circuit with other electrical equipment without tripping or breaking the circuit.
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5. Homegear Infrared Electric 120V Heater
Overview
This is a Portable Infrared-Electric Heater is one of the lowest-priced heaters on our list and offers excellent value. It is heated using mica-thermic, radiant, and infrared heating systems. It uses both forced and fanned air. It is mostly used for warming up and heating large spaces, so it’s ideal for home garages. This is made possible because of the 1500W and 5100 BTU heat output counterparts.
Performance
It is made of Quartz and Mica heating tubes, which help to make the heater work quickly and efficiently. This electric heater also comes with a thermostat and a remote and allows for easy temperature regulation. The blowing fan works well to circulate the air efficiently, without being noisy. Despite its compact size, its ability to heat up a home garage is impressive, even in below freezing days.
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6. De’Longhi Space Radiator Heater
Overview
This heater uses an oil-filled radiator that is efficient at heating up garages while being portable, so you can also use it in other areas of your home. It operates with an optimal room temperature in mind, which helps save up on electricity bills. The heater comes with preassembled wheels, making it easy to transfer from room to room. Its maintenance-free system means that the oil is permanently sealed, so you won’t have to worry about refilling or putting money into any upkeep.
Performance
It works with a control panel that has an adjustable thermostat, making it easier to set it and forget it. It also comes installed with a temperature control button that enables the heater to produce maximum radiant heat under very low surface temperatures. This contributes to big energy savings without sacrificing heat.
The anti-freezing feature enables the heater to turn on automatically when the temperatures go lower than 44 degrees.
1500W heater operates under three power settings given by the following ranges: minimum of 700W, medium of 800W, and a maximum of 1500W.
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7. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX Infrared Heater
Overview
You may have noticed this is the second Heat Storm product on the list. The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX is the higher-end model. It has a similar heating theory to the first one we’ve reviewed, but with a sleeker design. This is also wall-mounted and has the added feature of being wi-fi enabled, with a smart-home element. You’ll be able to operate and manage the temperature settings anywhere in the home and give access to others in your home.
Performance
The Wi-Fi-enabled system makes it easy for the temperatures to be controlled from your phone device. Works with a voltage of 110 volts and power of 1500watts for maximum heat supply. Operates under HMS wall technology that makes it very efficient in terms of energy, thus warming up spaces around it very quickly. Operates with the cable hidden inside the heater thus ensuring that the surrounding wall remains cool with installation over an outlet.
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8. De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater
Overview
This heater comes installed with a fan system that is dual thus ensuring that it warms up its surroundings very fast. It uses a corded electricity source of power with a thermostat that is adjustable. It is very versatile to use as it can be either mounted on a wall or set on on the floor. It can be used for both small and large spaces since it comes with a power supply of about 1500 Watts.
Performance
This panel heater comes with two safety measure features that ensure that it works efficiently to avoid any accidents whatsoever. The first is a thermal cut-off button to avoid overheating and the second is an anti-freeze setting to prevent freezing that may happen during extra cold nights.
There are also customizable three heat and thermostat settings to enable you to set the heater to your desired temperature. The LED display makes for a pleasant user experience and the settings are relatively easy to set.
With regard to safety, an alarm ensures that the system tips over in the event that it overheats.
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9. Aikoper Ceramic Space Heater
Overview
The Aikoper Ceramic Space Heater is a 1500W portable electric heater with an in-built oscillating system. It comes installed with a 1oF temperature that makes it very easy for you to adjust your warmth to the desired heat levels. It uses the convection heating method to ensure that the spaces around get instant warmth. It operates under an electric source that is well corded for its power supply.
Performance
Uses ceramic technology for heating, which ensures that spaces heat up quickly. This is because this system has a mild heat current that warms up the air around it fast and efficiently. Operates under an ECO setting that ensures optimum temperatures, by turning on and off depending on the set temperatures. This way, a lot of energy is saved.
The auto shut system protects the heater from overheating. This is because the system automatically tips over when the temperatures are too high.
Installed with a 2-heat setting and 1500W power supply that ensures that heat is evenly distributed to every part of the surrounding areas.
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10. Pelonis Oil Filled Radiator Heater
Overview
This is a luxurious portable space heater that is remote controlled with a 10H timer and can be used for both home and office. It comes with five different temperature settings ranging from 65F-85F with the high, low, and economic heating modes. You can therefore set the heat to your desired temperature. You can also move this heater from room to room because it comes installed with 4 caster wheels.
Performance
The Pelonis heater operates under high, low, and economic modes for heating, with different temperature settings. There are 5 different temperature settings, which makes it user friendly and easy to find a setting that is most comfortable for you.
It has a safety switch that shuts of when the system is either overheated or accidentally toppled over. Since this is a radiator and not fan-based, it’s one of the quietest options when it comes to electric heaters. Radiators are also one of the best types of heaters to heat large rooms, and therefore ideal for home garages.
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Electric Garage Heater 120V Buyer’s Guide
If you usually spend lots of time in your garage, adding an electric garage heater can be a great way to protect the people and things in there. Frigid temperatures during colder months will not only present health risks on people but can also damage or affect the performance of your valuables, including vehicles.
What are the Components Electric Garage Heaters?
Although all the electric garage heater brands work the same way, there are three main types of these essential devices.
Fan forced
Typically, fan-forced heaters are powered by an electric element within the heater that quickly heats the air around your garage space. The device features a fan at the back that rapidly pushes the hot air outside. It helps to quickly raise the ambient temperatures in your room and usher in warm air. This kind of garage heater is ideal for smaller spaces.
Infrared
Infrared garage heaters are also referred to as quartz or radiant heaters. This type of heater produces brilliant infrared heat ideal for small to large garage spaces. They work fast and produce very high heat levels compared to other kinds of heaters in the market. The downside with this heater is that rather than warming up the air within the garage, it warms up physical objects that the waves come into contact with, for example, a vehicle or garage equipment. If you are looking to heat your garage fast, ensure you have more items within the garage space when using this type of heater.
Ceramic
Ceramic garage heaters are designed to work just like fan-forced heaters. However, this type of heater uses a ceramic heating element instead of a metal component located in fan-forced heaters. This difference in design makes this brand a lot more effective than the fan-forced type. Ceramic heaters are ideal for larger garages that require space’s temperatures to be raised instead of heating the physical items only. However, the ceramic heater may take more time to heat up before it begins blowing warm air out to the outer space.
What are the Important Factors to Consider When Buying 120V Electric Garage Heaters?
Before you select an electric garage heater for your workspace or garage, take a moment, and reflect on the following shopping considerations.
The size of garage space
There is no doubt your garage space size will influence your shopping choices. Should you go for a unit that is not powerful enough for the size of space you intend to heat, you will only be left with a cold room and more frustration.
When choosing an electric heater based on available space, the rule of thumb is to go for one that heats 1 square foot for every 10 watts of output. It means that if you have a 150 square foot garage, you should go for a 1500 watt electric garage heater. However, there is a need to consider the amount of actual space that you use. If the available space is a quarter of the garage with the rest occupied by your vehicles, get a smaller unit.
Installation types
There are two main methods of installation when it comes to electric garage heaters. These are portable and mounted.
- Portable garage heaters – This type of electric garage heaters can be placed on the ground or a table. Ideally, you can maneuver them depending on how best you want your room heated. One benefit of these heaters is that they don’t need a lot of installation or set up. All it takes is to connect them with ideal outlets and power them on. However, they take a lot of floor or table space and may not be best for small garages. Besides, their cords can be a dangerous tripping hazard.
- Mounted heaters – Typically, the mounted garage heaters can be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted. You can also hardwire them to the building’s electrical system to get a more robust heat output. If you are in the market for a more permanent heater, then the mounted one is the best unit to consider. However, most mounted heaters can be too powerful for small garage spaces.
The adjustability of the thermostat
There are units designed to monitor the room’s ambient temperatures to automatically turn on or off when the temperatures drop or rise. Such garage heaters feature a built-in adjustable thermostat feature that will automatically heat the room to an ideal temperature. This feature is useful for colder climates that need 24-hour heating.
Maintenance
Any device, including electric garage heaters, needs routine maintenance for optimal performance. When considering a heater’s maintenance aspect, keep in mind that lightweight heaters are inexpensive to maintain. However, they may not last long when compared to heavyweight units. Besides, the more durable units may last longer but will need regular cleaning, inspection, and parts replacement.
Efficiency
The thermostat of the unit you choose should be in perfect shape. It should also produce a heat level that adequately heats your space within a few minutes. To assess the device’s efficiency level, consider viewing customer feedback regarding the specific unit you intend to buy.
Safety features
Electric garage heaters can present a hazardous risk if you fail to install them appropriately. When buying an ideal unit, ensure you go for one that features accident-proof mechanisms such as cool touch features, overheating protection, and tip-over mechanism.
Additional features
With the advent of technology, the newest brands come with advanced features that enhance their performance and safety. Research on each brand you want to buy to determine if they boast additional features that will benefit your garage. Some of the critical design and functionality features to look out for include:
- Extended cords – A unit that features a longer extended cord allows you to place the heater in your most preferred place. It is also convenient when looking to expand the areas you want to be kept warm.
- Wheels – Wheels offer convenience when maneuvering the heater on available space
- A handle – A handle will allow for easy pickup and moving around within the garage.
- Wi-Fi- enabled – Some electric garage heaters connect to an app or website for you to control their performance via a Wi-Fi connection.
- Louvers – Louvers allows you to direct the flow of heat on ceramic or fan-forced units.
120V Electric Garage Heaters FAQs
Where should I place my garage heater?
The location of your garage heater will depend on the type of heater you own. For example, if you have a forced-air heater, place it in the coldest corner of your room. Besides, make sure the garage heater is at least 7 feet above the floor. The device should also be located some distance from physical objects.
Are infrared heaters suitable for my garage?
Yes. Infrared garage offers top performance and is ideal options for small spaces. They also less noisy and don’t need high maintenance.
Are electric garage heaters expensive to run?
Most people think electric garage heaters are expensive to run. However, this is often not the case. If you consider other factors such as maintenance, lifespan, and installation costs, you will quickly realize that an electric heater comes with a lower overall price than different types.
Final Thoughts
Buying an electric garage heater, you need to think beyond the brand name that interests you the most. Understanding the voltage and heat distribution that is best for your garage is crucial to finding the right brand to get the job done. The tips we have provided in our buying guide will help you get started.
Based on our extensive research on 120V electric heaters, we feel Dr Infrared Heater is the most reliable, robust, and most powerful. It’s by far the best choice if you need to heat up a larger garage. If you’re not looking to spend too much, and have a smaller garage Taotronics TT-HE009 is one of the best options.