Choosing the right garage heater means balancing heater type, installation requirements, and coverage. The table below summarizes the five selected heaters that fit common garage needs, including dedicated radiant tube models and infrared/forced-air alternatives suited to garage spaces.
| Product | Type | Key Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunStar Garage Tube Heater – LP, 45,000 BTU | Radiant Tube | 45,000 BTU | Compact radiant heat for garages |
| SunStar Garage Tube Heater – Natural Gas, 45,000 BTU | Radiant Tube | 45,000 BTU | Natural gas radiant solution |
| Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater | Infrared Electric | 900–1500W | Indoor/outdoor infrared flexibility |
| Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater | Wifi Wall-Mounted Infrared | Infrared, wall mount | Smart control and spot heating |
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater | Unit/Forced-Air Heater | 50,000 BTU | Larger coverage with venting options |
SunStar Heating Products Garage Tube Heater – LP, 45,000 BTU
This SunStar model Is A radiant tube heater designed for installation in garages and workshops. The unit features a compact overall length of 110 inches for easier mounting in constrained ceiling spaces. Listed efficiencies reach up to 84.5%, indicating a higher share of fuel converted to radiant heat rather than wasted exhaust.
Installation can be completed with the unit as low as 8 feet above the floor, which can be useful for typical garage clearances. As an LP (liquid propane) model, it requires appropriate gas connections and professional installation to meet code. The tube design directs heat along the length of the garage for even warming of work areas and vehicles.
SunStar Heating Products Garage Tube Heater – Natural Gas 45,000 BTU
This SunStar Natural Gas version shares the same 110-inch compact length and up to 84.5% efficiency as the LP model, offering a radiant heating solution compatible with natural gas supplies. The product is tailored for garages where permanent natural gas service is available.
Like other tube heaters, it is designed for ceiling installation and can be mounted with a base at roughly 8 feet above floor level. Radiant tube heaters transfer heat directly to objects and people rather than heating all the ambient air, which can be more efficient in partially open garages and shops.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
The Dr Infrared DR-238 Is A carbon infrared electric heater rated IP55 for indoor and outdoor use. It delivers clean, instant, odorless infrared heat with three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) on standard 120V, making it a plug-and-go option for garages with accessible outlets.
Its IP55 rating supports use in semi-exposed areas such as open garage doors or covered patios. The heater includes remote control operation, and because it’s infrared, it heats surfaces directly which can make it efficient for targeted work zones in a garage. No fuel hookup is required, and installation is typically simpler than gas tube systems.
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, Wifi Wall Mounted
The Heat Storm HS-1500 Is A wifi-enabled wall mounted infrared heater suitable for garages where spot heating and remote control are priorities. The unit includes a touch screen and remote, and smartphone control allows scheduling and temperature adjustments before arriving at the garage.
It features tip-over safety and a space-saving wall mount that preserves floor space. While this model targets smaller areas than high-BTU gas units, it provides efficient radiant heating for specific zones, workbenches, or partially insulated garages.
Mr. Heater F260550 Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
The Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG Is A natural gas unit heater providing 50,000 BTU intended to heat areas up to approximately 1,250 sq. ft. Its powered exhaust allows either vertical or horizontal venting, offering flexibility for installation and code compliance.
Accessibility to thermostat and gas connections is designed to be straightforward, with outside access panels. This unit uses forced-air rather than a radiant tube, meaning it distributes warmed air through the space. Forced-air units can heat larger volumes faster but may be less efficient in garages with open doors or poor insulation compared to radiant options.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Garage Radiant Tube Heater
Selecting the right heater depends on multiple factors: heater type, garage size, installation complexity, fuel availability, safety, and control options. Below are core considerations and comparison perspectives to evaluate when choosing a garage heater.
Heater Type: Radiant Tube vs Infrared vs Forced-Air
- Radiant Tube Heaters (like SunStar): Emit infrared energy along a tube to warm objects and people directly. Good for partially open garages and work areas where heating the air would be inefficient.
- Infrared Electric Heaters (like Dr Infrared, Heat Storm): Provide spot heating with quick start-up and easy installation. Ideal for smaller garages or targeted zones; no fuel lines required.
- Forced-Air Unit Heaters (like Mr. Heater Big Maxx): Move warmed air throughout the space and heat larger volumes faster. Better for insulated, enclosed garages where circulating air provides even warmth.
Fuel Source And Utility Considerations
- Natural Gas / LP: Radiant tube and unit heaters can run on gas, offering higher BTU output and lower operating cost in many areas, but require professional gas hookups and venting considerations.
- Electric Infrared: Simpler installation, often plug-and-play or hardwired. Useful where gas service isn’t available or for smaller spaces. Consider electrical panel capacity for high-wattage electric heaters.
Coverage Area And BTU / Watt Matching
- Estimate the garage square footage and insulation level. Use BTU for fuel heaters and watts for electric heaters when comparing capacities.
- Radiant methods heat surfaces — they feel warmer for occupants at lower ambient air temps. Forced-air requires more BTU to raise the air temperature across the entire volume.
Installation Height, Mounting, And Clearance
- Radiant tube heaters typically mount on ceilings and may list a minimum mounting height (example: 8 ft). Verify clearances to combustibles and local codes.
- Unit heaters need venting options and sometimes powered exhaust for flexible venting directions. Infrared electric units need secure wall or ceiling mounting and appropriate electrical wiring.
Efficiency, Operating Cost, And Heat Delivery
- Look at listed efficiency metrics for gas models (e.g., up to 84.5% for some tube heaters). Higher efficiency means more fuel converted to usable heat.
- Infrared heaters convert almost all electrical input to radiant energy but can be costly on electricity versus gas depending on local rates.
Controls, Safety, And Convenience
- Consider thermostats, remote controls, and smart features. Wifi-enabled units allow pre-heating and scheduling.
- Safety features such as tip-over switches, high-temperature limit switches, and certified outdoor ratings (e.g., IP ratings) matter for exposed garage conditions.
Venting And Local Codes
- Gas-fired units require correct venting category and compliance with local mechanical codes. Tube heaters often have specific vent/combustion air requirements.
- Consult a licensed HVAC technician or plumber for gas installations and permits where required.
Maintenance And Longevity
- Radiant tube systems have few moving parts but need periodic inspection of burners, tubes, and supports.
- Electric infrared units require minimal maintenance beyond dusting and verifying electrical connections.
- Forced-air units need filter checks (if applicable) and inspection of blowers and venting components.
Comparison Perspectives
- Best For Uninsulated Or Partially Open Garages: Radiant tube heaters are efficient when air exchange is high because they heat surfaces directly.
- Best For Quick Spot Heating And Easy Installation: Electric infrared wall or ceiling heaters provide immediate heat with minimal infrastructure.
- Best For Whole-Space Heating In Enclosed Garages: Forced-air natural gas unit heaters supply broad airflow and higher BTU output for fully enclosed, insulated areas.
- Best For Flexible Indoor/Outdoor Use: IP-rated infrared electric heaters can serve both covered outdoor areas and garages with occasional exposure.
When narrowing choices, match the heater type to your garage usage pattern: short-duration spot work favors infrared, while full-space comfort favors forced-air or larger radiant tube systems. Always factor in installation complexity and code requirements before purchase.