Choosing the right propane heater for a garage or workshop depends on space, ventilation, and the type of heat required. Below is a quick comparison of five propane heaters suited for garages and workshops, followed by detailed product sections and a practical buying guide.
| Product | Type | Heat Output | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater Propane Unit Heater MHU80LP | Ceiling/Unit Heater | 80,000 BTU | Up To 1000 Sq. Ft. |
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | Portable Radiant | 4,000–9,000 BTU | Up To 225 Sq. Ft. |
| Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT Blue Flame Vent Free | Wall Blue-Flame | 20,000 BTU | Up To 700 Sq. Ft. |
| Mr. Heater 4,000–18,000 BTU Portable LP Heater | Portable Multi-Setting | 4,000 / 9,000 / 18,000 BTU | Up To 450 Sq. Ft. |
| Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater | Portable Radiant Cabinet | 18,000 BTU | Up To 450 Sq. Ft. |
Mr. Heater Propane Unit Heater 80,000 BTU
This ceiling-mount propane unit heater provides high-output heat ideal for medium-to-large garages and workshops. The unit lists an 80,000 BTU capacity and is stated to heat up to 1,000 square feet. Installation includes two angle brackets for ceiling mounting.
Key listed features include a spark ignition with a self-diagnostic control module and included angle brackets for mounting. The unit is built to distribute warm air broadly, making it appropriate where centralized forced heat is preferred. Thermostat, hose, and regulator are not included in the listing and must be sourced separately. Observe manufacturer recommendations for clearance and venting during installation.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX 4,000–9,000 BTU
The Portable Buddy MH9BX is a compact radiant propane heater designed for small garages, workshops, and work bays. It offers adjustable output between 4,000 and 9,000 BTU and lists coverage for spaces up to 225 sq. ft.
Notable features from the product listing include advanced infrared radiant heat for direct object and person warming, a robust Piezo igniter for matchless start, and an improved tip-over safety switch that audibly engages if disturbed. The unit is positioned as indoor-safe but requires proper ventilation and attention to safety specifications in garage environments.
Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free Heater
This vent-free blue flame wall heater is intended for indoor installations where venting is impractical but local codes permit vent-free appliances. The listing specifies 20,000 BTU output and coverage up to 700 sq. ft., with operation possible up to elevations of 4,500 ft.
Product features include a built-in thermostat, battery-powered electronic ignition (battery included), and an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) for automatic shut-off in low-oxygen conditions. The listing states fuel consumption and highlights suitability for cold rooms, additions, sun rooms, cabins, and garages where vent-free operation complies with regulations.
Mr. Heater 4,000–18,000 BTU Portable LP Gas Heater
This portable LP heater offers three heat settings—4,000, 9,000, and 18,000 BTU—for flexible warming of small garages, workshops, or outbuildings. The listing indicates a heat range up to 450 sq. ft. when used appropriately.
Listed features include dual tank connection capability for larger propane supplies (up to 40 lb tanks with additional hose), a piezo sparking mechanism for reliable ignition, and automatic safety shutoff in case of tip-over. The multi-setting design is suited to variable work scenarios where intermittent or adjustable heat is needed.
Gasland MHA18BN 18,000 BTU Propane Radiant Heater
The Gasland MHA18BN is a portable radiant cabinet-style heater that lists 18,000 BTU output and coverage up to 450 sq. ft. It is promoted for garages, workshops, and job sites, where mobility and targeted radiant heat are priorities.
Features from the listing include built-in safety systems such as tip-over and low-oxygen shut-off, an internal tank storage design, and included regulator hose. The product emphasizes no electricity required operation and portability—rolling wheels and an integrated handle are listed for easier movement between work areas.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Propane Heater For Your Garage Or Workshop
1. Heater Type And How It Affects Heat Delivery
Understand the difference between radiant, forced-air/unit, and blue-flame vent-free heaters. Radiant heaters warm objects and people directly and are efficient for spot heating or workbenches. Forced-air/unit heaters distribute warm air broadly and are better for whole-space heating. Vent-free blue-flame heaters heat air and are highly efficient but require code compliance and careful ventilation consideration.
2. Required BTU Based On Space
Calculate approximate BTU needs: small work areas (≤300 sq. ft.) often need 4,000–10,000 BTU; medium garages (300–1,000 sq. ft.) generally need 10,000–80,000 BTU depending on insulation and ceiling height; large or poorly insulated spaces may require 80,000 BTU or more or multiple units. Always factor in insulation, ceiling height, and typical outdoor temperatures.
3. Ventilation, Indoor Safety, And Local Codes
Check local building codes for vent-free appliance restrictions. Vent-free heaters produce combustion byproducts and may require adequate ventilation or not be permitted in attached garages. Consider models with an ODS (oxygen depletion sensor), tip-over protection, and clear manufacturer ventilation guidelines.
4. Installation And Mounting Considerations
Ceiling-mounted unit heaters need structural support, clearance, and sometimes professional installation. Wall-mounted and freestanding units require clearances to combustibles. Portable units offer mobility but need stable placement and may need additional hoses or regulators not always included.
5. Fuel Supply And Runtime
Assess available propane supply and whether you need standard 20 lb cylinders or connections for larger tanks. Some units support dual-tank or larger connections for longer runtime—verify compatibility and any extra hose or filter requirements listed by the manufacturer.
6. Ignition, Controls, And Thermostat Options
Piezo ignition provides matchless starting without batteries. Electronic ignition and thermostatic controls allow more precise temperature management and efficiency. For workshop comfort, a thermostat or variable heat setting reduces fuel use and maintains steady temperatures.
7. Portability Versus Fixed Installation
Decide whether a mobile radiant heater or a fixed unit is more practical. Portables allow repositioning for task heating; fixed units deliver consistent whole-space heat. Consider weight, wheels, handles, and storage for portables.
8. Noise, Durability, And Job-Site Use
Forced-air and high-output job-site heaters can be noisy; some models list quiet-burn technology. For heavy-duty or intermittent outdoor use, prioritize rugged construction, quiet operation if occupied, and readily replaceable parts.
9. Safety Features To Look For
- Tip-Over Shutoff — required for many portable units.
- ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) — shuts off if oxygen levels drop.
- High-Temperature Limit Switch — prevents overheating in forced-air units.
10. Efficiency And Operating Cost Considerations
Compare BTU output to coverage and insulation to estimate fuel consumption. Vent-free models approach 100% combustion efficiency but may not be allowed in all garages. Spot radiant heaters minimize wasted heat when you need targeted warmth near work areas.
11. Comparison Perspectives
If your priority is whole-space heating for a larger garage, a high-output ceiling or forced-air unit (e.g., 80,000 BTU) is appropriate. For task heating at a workbench or small workshop, portable radiant units (4,000–9,000 BTU) or an 18,000 BTU cabinet heater give focused warmth with mobility. If code and ventilation permit and you want efficient indoor operation, a vent-free blue flame wall heater offers continuous heat without ducting but requires adherence to safety and local regulations.
Use the features listed in product descriptions—BTU output, safety systems, included mounting hardware, and ignition type—to match a heater to your workshop size, ventilation, and usage pattern.