For DIY hobbyists, there can be no better workplace for engaging in miscellaneous projects than the garage. No wonder why I love mine!
But the problem arises during the winter months since the body chill plays spoilsport to the enjoyment of working on diverse projects. That’s why I have been using electric garage heaters for a long time now, and I would recommend them to anyone as they provide ultimate warmth and comfort.
However, not all models are equally efficient, so you need to be careful while making a choice. And I understand that the task is confusing since there are tons of options available. So, I’ve decided to help you out based on the knowledge that I’ve gathered about electric garage heaters till now.
Hey there! I’m Stacy Smith, and I’ve brought you this guide on the best electric garage heaters 120v.
Let’s get going!
Best Electric Garage Heaters 120v
1. NewAir NGH160GA00
The NewAir NGH160GA00 is one of the few models that are especially designed for use in garages. I would highly recommend this one for all DIY hobbyists who want to turn their garage into a cozy workplace.
Product Highlights
First and foremost, this heater uses an excellent combination of a ceramic heating plate and a 200 CFM fan to release a warm air stream across the garage. I was very impressed with how efficiently the fan directed the hot air above the plate to eliminate all the cold spots in the space.
This unit also offers great ease of use and mobility, thanks to its lightweight structure and a convenient 120-volt plug that works on any standard outlet for an uninterrupted supply of warm air. In addition, its compact design and an integrated handle fitted on the structure enables convenient storage.
As far as the safety of use is concerned, it incorporates an advanced automatic shut-off and a high-quality internal thermostat that help prevent overheating. The housing on the exterior surface is also built to keep the heater cool to the touch, which prevents users from burns.
What's There To Like About It?
What greatly enhances the user-convenience of this unit is its tilting head, which helps in spot-heating an area of up to 160 sq ft. This feature was really useful as I could always direct the warmth towards the particular corner in which I enjoyed working.
Apart from that, the heater comes with efficient controls for adjusting the power behind the heater as well as the temperature, making it capable of meeting different heating needs.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only disappointing aspect of this unit is the short, 1-year warranty period. For an appliance such as a heater, I felt the warranty period should’ve been longer. In fact, quite a few other models offer a better warranty than this one. So, it wouldn’t be the ideal choice if you’re specifically looking for a model with a greater warranty period.
Pros and Cons of NewAir NGH160GA00
Pros
Cons
- [SAFETY FIRST] - Our Garage Heater ensures safety with a cool-to-the-touch design, internal thermostat, and automatic shut-off, preventing overheating.
- [PORTABLE WARMTH] - Enjoy flexibility with adjustable temperature control, 2 heat modes, a tilting head, and an easy carry handle for convenient mobility.
- [FAST HEAT] - Experience rapid warmth with a ceramic heating plate and a powerful 200 CFM fan, delivering a steady stream of comforting heat.
2. Buyplus Garage Heater
This top-notch model from Buyplus is another great option to beat the winter chill in your garage. In fact, I was so pleased with its performance that I’ve already recommended it to quite a few of my friends!
Product Highlights
Perhaps, the most noteworthy feature of this fan heater is the availability of three highly efficient heat settings, viz. low heat, high heat, and fan only. While the power intake of the high heat setting is 1500W, the one applicable to the lower heating effect is 750W.
On activating any of these two heat settings, its superior-grade fan works to eliminate the cold spots from the garage to provide uniform heating.
Plus, at times when the weather felt just fine, I could use it as a fan to facilitate better circulation without heating up the air. Another beneficial aspect of this unit is that it is small and weighs just about 4 lbs, which lets you move it to any space you want.
In addition, the included power cord is nearly 7-foot long, which allows for greater mobility around the garage.
What's There To Like About It?
I understand how frustrating it can be to pay high power bills owing to the heaters that run every winter. But with this unit at your disposal, you can forget about that once and for all as the energy efficiency on offer is commendable.
Capable of heating up a space in seconds, it works as a great supplemental heating system, ensuring that the thermostat is never overworked. Furthermore, I loved how this unit always offered a quiet performance so that the atmosphere in my garage was very peaceful and comforting aside from being warm.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although this heater does its job quite well, it may not be suitable for heating large spaces. So, if your garage is larger, you will need to purchase two units to get the ideal warmth in the space. Hence, with regards to the coverage, my previous pick will be a better choice.
Pros and Cons of Buyplus Garage Heater
Pros
Cons
- ☀【Long Cord Garage Heater】- Buyplus electric garage heater (110 - 120V, 15 amp) is designed with a super long cord which is much longer than most in the market. With approx 89 inches long cord, this electric heater for garage can be used as a greenhouse heater, outdoor or indoor electric heater in workplace. Besides, with a 97°tilt rotation, our electric heaters can provide heating evenly in a wider range!
- ☀【Portable Outdoor Heaters】- Buyplus electric patio heater for outdoor use is combined with a small size design, convenient for you to move the outdoor space heater for room to any place as you want with a built-in carrying handle. With this portable feature, you can use this space heaters for greenhouse, kitchen, living room and so on. Pick our outdoor electric heater for you and your family, you will be surprised with its wonderful performance.
- ☀【3 Modes Electric Patio Heater】- Are you ready for staving off the chill in winter? Our electric heaters for home is suitable for you. Buyplus portable electric heater has 3 heat setting, fan only, low and high heat. With 1500W and 757W heat settings, this fan heater can eliminate cold spots quickly in winter. Besides, by rotating the power switch to different positions, this electric space heater can be used as a normal fan which can promote air circulation.
3. ISILER Space Heater
My next pick is this advanced unit from ISILER as it incorporates some high-performing features to provide ultimate user satisfaction. Not only that, but it’s also quite popular among homeowners as well as professionals across the country.
Product Highlights
Designed for a maximum power output of 1500W, this unit can warm up your garage almost instantly. What facilitates such quick and effective heating is the combined impact of a large air outlet and some strong ceramic heating elements.
It can also meet different heating needs quite efficiently owing to the temperature control dial that adjusts the temperature between 41 and 95 degree Fahrenheit. So, when I felt the room was sufficiently warm, I just had to lower the temperature to reduce the power consumption. This, in turn, ensured that my power bills were never high even if I used it for hours!
Even the noise control functionality is at par with some of the high-end models on the market since its quiet fan produces a sound output of just around 50 dB. Moreover, you don’t have to deal with any annoying light originating from the heating panel while working, which is the case with a lot of ordinary models.
What's There To Like About It?
For those of you who are looking for a heater with a better coverage, this model will be the perfect option to go for. Capable of distributing warm air uniformly throughout an area of up to 108 sq ft, it will be a life-saviour for owners of larger garages on the coldest days.
Beyond that, this unit consists of superior safety features such as an automatic overheating protection system and a self-regulating element. A significant addition to this list is a tip-over protection feature that shuts the unit off to avoid any power hazard if it accidentally gets knocked over.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The power cord that comes with this unit is only about 4.9 feet long, which makes it less mobile than my other recommendations. However, since its heat coverage is better than many other models, there won’t be a major impact on its performance due to this slight drawback.
Pros and Cons of ISILER Space Heater
Pros
Cons
- SAFE & RELIABLE: This small space heater made from fire-retardant materials; The ceramic heater has a self-regulating element and automatic overheating protection for added safety. Tip-Over Protection will shut off the room heater if it gets knocked over accidentally to avoid accident happens. It will automatically shut it off if the temperature exceeds the limit value and back to work once it gets to a safe temperature inside.
- ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT CONTROL: Features a temperature range of 41 °F-95 °F; Rotate the thermostat control dial to lower the temperature once the room is warm, this ceramic heater will greatly reduce power consumption.
- INSTANT WARM-UP: The small space heater heats up a room within seconds thanks to its 1,500 W output, reliable ceramic heating elements and large air outlet; Distributes warm air evenly around a large area of up to 108 sq. ft.; The space heater suitable for living rooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, studies, offices and more.
4. Briza Infrared Heater
This Briza heater is in sharp contrast to my previous recommendations as it uses infrared rays to warm up the air directly in place of convection currents. So, it will be a suitable pick if you want a model that has a different mechanism but still offers good heating.
Product Highlights
First things first, this unit works using an advanced carbon infrared technology to emit infrared rays that are readily absorbed by the surrounding surfaces. This leads to an uniform increase in the ambient temperature, giving the atmosphere in the garage the ideal warmth.
A remote control is also provided with the unit, which lets you control the power and heat level. What’s more, a timer built into the unit lets you regulate the running time between 1 and 9 hours, after which it is automatically shut off.
I was also pleased to find that it came with a dual installation feature to facilitate the different installation needs of users. You can either mount it on the wall or ceiling or attach it to the extendable tripod stand included in the package.
Another great benefit of going for this heater is that it provides a silent operation as it doesn’t use any fan but just radiates light, that too, with an extremely low glare.
What's There To Like About It?
I felt the biggest advantage of using this unit was that it required minimal maintenance. After all, it doesn’t have a motor that will wear out, nor does it come with air filters that need regular replacement. All you need to do is clean the reflectors periodically to help the unit function properly, and that is as easy as it can be!
Furthermore, I was highly impressed with the strong metal sheath that covered the heating elements of the unit, thereby ensuring that it is never hot to the touch.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The brand doesn’t offer a warranty on this unit, and the customer support is also not responsive enough in addressing issues of the users. So, in case you need to replace any part or repair services, you will have to invest separately for that. This is a disadvantage as an efficient product support facility is a basic factor that users stress on.
Pros and Cons of Briza Infrared Heater
Pros
Cons
- DUAL USE - Comes with hardware for mounting on walls or ceilings. Also comes with an adjustable tripod stand.
- CONTROL WITH EASE – With the remote, power your heater on and off, adjust the timer and heat levels from anywhere on your patio or in the room.
- SAFETY FEATURES -The Briza has a built-in sensor that will automatically shut off the unit if tipped over, significantly reducing the possibility of a fire hazard.
5. KING PSH1215T
Towards the end of my list, I have picked this rugged unit from King that fares well in providing the warmth needed to work comfortably in a garage. Also, the price on offer is quite reasonable, making it suitable for users faced with a tight budget.
Product Highlights
The most interesting and beneficial feature is the unique flow-through design. In simple words, this design facilitates the efficient movement of air by pulling it from the back and releasing it from the front, which provides considerable warmth throughout the space.
Furthermore, the heating power of this unit is enhanced by its stainless steel spiral fin heating element that makes for efficient heat transfer. You can also set the heating temperature to the desired level very easily using the rotatable dial provided for the purpose.
Moreover, like some of my other recommendations, this unit comes with an adjustable tilt control feature for directing the heat towards a particular spot. I also liked the durable finish on the structure as it provided better rust and scratch resistance than most other models I’ve come across till now.
What's There To Like About It?
If I had to pinpoint the feature that I liked the most, it would definitely be the SureStop temperature control, which shuts off the unit whenever it senses overheating. This way, it always remains protected from mishaps due to abnormal heating and provides ultimate protection to the users.
Aside from that, it comes with a 6-foot long cord, allowing greater mobility around the garage. In fact, this places it a step ahead of the high-performing ISILER space heater.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I found this unit to be slightly noisier than other models, and could also sense more vibration on adjusting the temperature to a higher level. Not only that, but the noise level might also increase with regular use over the years. However, that doesn’t affect its functioning in any way.
Pros and Cons of KING PSH1215T
Pros
Cons
- Built-in thermostat On/Off switch with power indicator 6 foot cord with 15 A grounded plug Adjustable tilt control with locking had nut Durable scratch and rust resistant finish Comfort grip handle Auto-reset safety limit ensures the heater shuts off if an unsafe condition occurs Stainless steel heating element Permanently lubricated motor ensures long life
Buyers Guide
When it comes to choosing a garage heater, let me tell you that merely checking the specifications of some good-quality models wouldn’t suffice. And I say this because I’ve had my share of disappointments in all these years when I've used different units.
Since I don’t want my readers to make the same mistakes, here are few factors that you must consider before proceeding to make a suitable choice.
1. Power
The power of a heater plays a key role in determining the heating efficiency and heat distribution across the space. After all, it’s important to ensure that the unit you’re choosing is sufficient for making the garage warm enough to be comfortable.
The differentiating factor at this point is the size of the garage, as larger spaces will need a unit with more power and vice versa. Generally, a heater of about 1500W is considered ideal for heating garages of up to 150 sq ft.
Some units are also enhanced with adjustable heating modes, which allows users to adjust the power to different levels for reducing or increasing the heating intensity. Such a model will be more suitable for regions with fluctuating weather.
So, make sure you find out the power from the product information of each of the units you’re considering.
2. Heat Source
The heat source used in electric heaters usually varies from model to model. While most models available on the market use convection to operate, others use heat sources such as ceramic plates, infrared beams, or built-in thermostats. Now, since the main component used is different, not all of these units will be equally efficient in all respects.
Generally, convection heaters provide a steady heating effect without compromising on speed. On the other hand, infrared heaters release direct heat but take relatively more time to uniformly distribute the heat around the space.
You may choose a heater with any heating element depending upon your preferences. That said, don’t forget to check the customer reviews for the unit to make sure it delivers the desired heating effect.
3. Noise
A noisy heater is the last thing that you would want in your garage. That’s why it is very important to check the information about the noise control measures adopted in the unit. Also, the decibel value of the sound produced is generally mentioned in the product description, so make sure you note that too.
Some heaters come with quieter fans than others, making the atmosphere more peaceful. On the other hand, those models that use alternative sources such as infrared technology deliver an absolutely noise-free performance.
4. Safety Features
While choosing a suitable heater, you will come across many units that incorporate specialized features to facilitate ease of use and ensure safety. These generally include tip-over switches, overheat protection, and cool-touch housings.
Speaking of protection from the hot exterior, it’s one of the basic safety features that’s integrated in most garage heaters. But some of them may come with additional safety features such as a specialized overheat protection system or a protective covering over the heating element.
5. Mobility
This is also a crucial factor to consider when you’re choosing an electric garage heater. Smaller and more lightweight units will be more portable and viable for working in different spots around the garage.
Although most of the models I have recommended are smaller than the standard size, they come in different designs and are not equally lightweight. So, you will have to choose a suitable option based on your specific needs, which should also include the available space for placement.
Additionally, the length of the power cord of the unit impacts its mobility as well. Usually, a 5.5 inches long cord is the minimum requirement to ensure greater mobility, so make sure you check the cord length while going through the product details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ensuring that the garage has plenty of insulation is important to retain the heat within its space. In particular, you should insulate the garage doors and walls to maintain the warmth.
While you can use rigid foam for the doors, fiberglass will be a good choice for insulating the walls. As for the windows, you can add clear plastic sheets, which are quite affordable.
Using extension cords for garage heaters is not recommended by most brands. However, in case you require extending your heater to the hard-to-reach spots in the garage, a heavy-duty extension cord can be used along with a surge protector. Make it a point to read all the safety rules before using such electrical equipment.
My Final Recommendation
With that, I have almost reached the end of my guide on the best electric garage heaters 120v. I hope you’ll find it easier to choose a suitable model for yourself. Again, make sure you have your needs and preferences in mind, as that will help in making an efficient choice.
But before I bring down the curtains, here’s a quick recap of my personal favorites from the list. If you’re on the lookout for a high-performing and energy-efficient unit available at an affordable price, the Buyplus Garage Heater will be the best option to go for.
On the other hand, the NewAir NGH160GA00 will be a good option if you are searching for a more portable model that’s also capable of efficient spot heating.
That’s all I had for you today. Till next time, take care!