Nobody likes unreliable heat, but that's exactly what happens when you buy one of the many low-quality heaters circling around the marketplace. Space heaters are particularly infamous for poor heating ability and are prone to starting fires.
That's why I recommend unit heaters for garages, barns, and other large spaces where it might not be feasible to install a furnace or ductless mini split. Unit heaters are safer, more effective, and hassle-free than portable space heaters.
Below, I've used my decades of professional HVAC experience to recommend the best heaters for various applications. Please also spend some time reviewing my process and criteria for selecting the best heaters.
| Best Garage Heater | Best Large Room Heater | Best Heater for Basement | Best Heater for Greenhouse | Best Workshop Heater | Best Heater for Warehouse | Best Patio Heater |
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If you spend significant time in your garage, whether working or entertaining, the Modine Hotdawg HD will keep you warm all winter without getting in the way. It's designed to keep a low profile, with a height of only 12.2 inches and the ability to mount one inch away from the ceiling on only two angle brackets. Beyond this, the Modine HD has a neutral color. It's baked on with polyester paint that not only blends the heater into your garage but offers corrosion resistance in case you use acidic products. Not only will it be out of sight, but its quiet operation means it won't interrupt whatever you're doing.
Your installer will be pleased with the Modine HD too. It comes with field wiring connections and electrical knockouts for easier installation and maintenance. Plus, certain models include the required mounting brackets in the package, so you don't have to purchase them separately.
A power venting system quickly and efficiently removes exhaust, while the permanently lubricated motor reduces wear and tear and contributes to that quiet performance. All of this is backed by Modine's quality reputation and a two-year part, 10-year heat exchanger warranty. I would call this the go-to for any garage application and promise you won't be disappointed.
| Ease-of-Installation/Service |
| - Electric wiring knockouts & field wiring connections - Mounting brackets included on select models |
| Features |
| - Aluminized steel heat exchanger -Permanently lubricated motor -Power venting system |
| Profile |
| - Only 12.2 inches high - Can be mounted with 1-inch clearance from the ceiling - Only 2 brackets required - Very quiet operation |
| Warranty |
| - 2-year parts - 10-year heat exchanger |
| Overall Value |
| Great price for a powerful heater that won't get in the way. |
For those looking to provide heat for a school, warehouse, hospital, or any large, open indoor space, I recommend the Reznor UDXC unit heater. Available in 14 sizes ranging from 30,000 to 400,000 BTUH, you'll find the perfect UDXC heater for your space. When installed, the heater blends in with its two-tone black and white powder-coated, scratch-resistant paint job. Clean-rounded corners and edges offer a modern look, and there are no visible screws or fasteners.
At its heart, the Reznor UDXC has a TCORE2® heat exchanger constructed from titanium-stabilized, aluminized steel for exceptional durability and efficiency. Although the power-vented natural gas model is standard, you have flexibility thanks to available propane conversion and separated combustion conversion kits. The latter is great if you're installing the unit in an area littered with indoor dust and debris.
Speaking of installation, the Reznor UDXC is easily suspended from four suspension points (two are possible in certain configurations) and has an external terminal strip for easy wiring connections.
Wherever you install the UDXC, it will be quiet thanks to its vibration-isolated fan and venter motors that are designed for low-noise operation. With a 5-year part and 10-year heat exchanger warranty, you'll enjoy great heat for years to come with this unit.
| Ease-of-Installation/Service |
| - Propane conversion kit available - Separated combustion kit available - Includes exterior low-voltage terminal strip for simpler wiring |
| Features |
| - Wide range of BTUH TCORE2® heat exchanger - External status indicating LED - Integrated circuit board for easy diagnostics |
| Profile |
| - Vibration/noise isolation for quiet performance Two-tone black & white color - Clean-rounded corners & edges - No visible screws or fasteners |
| Warranty |
| - 5-year parts - 10-year heat exchanger |
| Overall Value |
| Powerful, discreet unit heater at a fair price. |
Basements aren't ideal locations for venting. That's why the Williams Solana electric wall furnace is the perfect solution for adding warmth down there. It's not a unit heater but is still great for finished basements because it requires less than a foot of floor space and can be recessed into the wall or stand freely. Furthermore, the choice of four colors—glossy black, space gray, red, or white-coated—helps the furnace discreetly blend into your décor.
Performance is top-notch. The Solana's counterflow blower system improves heat distribution by moving air from the ceiling to the floor. Gone will be the days of the cold, clammy basement.
What I find really neat is that you can heat two rooms with one installation by using the rear outlet register accessory (sold separately). This register allows the furnace to heat rooms on either side. Electrical operation means not having to mess with natural gas or propane, although a professional installation is still necessary.
Overall, this is a nifty little heater with a contemporary look that promises to keep your basement warmer than ever. The price point is great, and you get a one-year limited warranty. You can't go wrong.
| Ease-of-Installation/Service |
| - One furnace can be easily set up to heat two different rooms |
| Features |
| - Counterflow blower system redirects air from ceiling to floor - Blower equipped with a self-cleaning air scoop design |
| Profile |
| - Can be recessed into the wall or be freestanding - Requires less than 1 foot of floor space - Four color options: glossy black, space gray, red, or white-coated |
| Warranty |
| 1-year limited parts warranty |
| Overall Value |
| Compact wall furnace with a sleek, modern look at a good price. |
If you have a greenhouse, especially one with single-pane glass, it can be difficult to control the temperature. Since most greenhouses are built inefficiently, you need an extremely efficient heater to compensate. Enter the first-of-its-kind Modine Effinity93 condensing unit heater. Its condensing technology is the same used on high-efficiency furnaces and boilers and gives this unit heater a whopping thermal efficiency rating of 93 percent! That's the type of efficiency you can count on to keep your greenhouse warm without breaking the bank.
The Effinity93 also allows for an efficient installation. It includes electric wiring knockouts and field wiring connections for streamlined electrical work. Plus, it has external thermostat connections, an easily accessible disconnect, and can be vented using PVC or CPVC. This heater does produce condensate and includes an external plug for a condensate pump. We also recommend a neutralizing system (sold and installed separately) that allows you to repurpose the condensate water for your greenhouse plants.
Overall, this condensing unit heater is revolutionary. Although it comes with a cost, you're protected with a 2-year part, 10-year heat exchanger warranty. The Effinity93 should also last for years, largely thanks to its unique anti-corrosion technology. I recommend getting the model with the stainless steel heat exchanger so it better handles the moisture inside a greenhouse. It's a solid option.
| Ease-of-Installation/Service |
| - Electric wiring knockouts & field wiring connections - External thermostat connections - Accessible disconnect - Can be vented as either two-pipe or concentric with 3" and 4" PVC |
| Features |
| - Condensing technology allows 93% efficiency - Anti-corrosion technology - Permanently lubricated motor - Power venting system - Stainless steel heat exchanger |
| Profile |
| - 25.81 inches high, 42.52 inches wide, 33.83 inches deep
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| Warranty |
| - 2-year parts - 10-year heat exchanger |
| Overall Value |
| Groundbreaking efficiency that is well worth the higher price tag for greenhouse applications. |
Many of us have workshops in the basement, shed, garage, or other space that we use year-round. To avoid needing to layer up during winter, I recommend the Berko HUHTA as the best workshop heater. For one, since it runs on electricity, you won't have any concerns about it taking in dusty air like you would with a gas unit. Besides this, it's small. With a height of only 12.5 inches, width of 14 inches, and depth of 11.75 inches, it'll take up minimal real estate. Plus, dynamically balanced fan blades keep it quiet.
That doesn't mean the Berco won't pack a punch. The built-in thermostat offers a temperature range of 45°F to 135°F. You can direct this heat horizontally or vertically, depending on how you mount the unit. Adjustable louvers offer even more control. Another great feature is the automatic fan delay. The fans wait until the heating element is warm to start moving, preventing cold air blasts.
Installation and servicing are simple. Just remove one screw, and the bottom control box swings open. Note that you will still need a professional installer to validate the one-year limited warranty. Costing less than $500, this little heater will serve you well for years with minimal investment.
| Ease-of-Installation/Service |
| - Removing just one screw opens the bottom control box for servicing - Can be easily positioned horizontally, straight down, or in two intermediary positions
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| Features |
| - Built-in thermostat with a temperature range of 45°F to 135°F - Adjustable louvers; Automatic fan delay |
| Profile |
| - Only 12.5 inches high, 14 inches wide, 11.75 inches deep - Quiet operation |
| Warranty |
| - 1-year limited warranty |
| Overall Value |
| Compact, inexpensive heater perfect for your typical workshop. |
Warehouses require serious heating power due to their size, which is why I recommend the Modine PDP unit heater. Available in heating capacities up to 400 BTUH, the Modine PDP has no problem forcing warm air across long distances with a maximum air throw of 69 feet. What's more, it uses a propeller for air movement that helps minimize the unit's depth and allows for more installation flexibility. Electric wiring knockouts and field wiring connections further reduce the time and effort spent on installation and maintenance.
Another capability I like on the Modine PDP is the power venting system that quickly ejects exhaust and minimizes installation costs related to ventilation. The unit's permanently lubricated motor reduces the required maintenance and helps increase lifespan. It also includes an ignition controller that helps prevent false starts of the unit. Finally, if you take pride in your warehouse's aesthetic, the Modine PDP is painted in a neutral polyester color that provides corrosion resistance and durability.
The overall value is great, especially since the Modine PDP is priced hundreds of dollars less than comparable warehouse unit heaters. You won't be disappointed by the amazing heating power this compact unit provides.
| Ease-of-Installation/Service |
| - Electric wiring knockouts & field wiring connections - Mounting brackets included on select models |
| Features |
| - Built-in thermostat with a temperature range of 45°F to 135°F - Adjustable louvers; Automatic fan delay |
| Profile |
| - Propeller-based air propulsion - Aluminized steel heat exchanger - Permanently lubricated motor - Power Venting System - Ignition controller |
| Warranty |
| - 2-year parts warranty - 10-year heat exchanger warranty |
| Overall Value |
| Can't beat the value when it comes to effective warehouse heating. |
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to have patio parties in the Fall or a restaurateur interested in providing year-round outdoor dining for your customers, an InfraSave EL outdoor electric patio heater will expand your horizons.
The InfraSave EL series of infrared heaters uses radiant heat rays to warm people and objects in its vicinity and offers various size and power options to provide the perfect temperature in your space. That means you can keep the outdoor fun going well into the chilly evening.
Depending on the model you get, the InfraSave comes in single and double-bulb configurations and can, on average, heat an area of 25-100 square feet. You can flush mount the InfraSave to blend seamlessly into any structure and choose between black, white, beige, and mineral bronze finishes to match most aesthetics.
It installs horizontally and needs to be hard-wired to your electric panel, so be sure to call the electrician. Overall, having one or more of these units installed will transform how you view outdoor entertaining and perhaps make the end of summer a little bit less sad.
| Ease-of-Installation/Service |
| - Horizontal configuration - Hardwired to electric panel - Requires minimum distance from objects (see manual) |
| Features |
| - Various control options - Multiple voltages available - One and two-bulb configurations available |
| Profile |
| - Flush mounting option hides the heater - Available in multiple color options |
| Warranty |
| - 2-year warranty |
| Overall Value |
| A great value that opens the outdoors to year-round use |
When recommending unit heaters, we take five features into account.
The best heaters are easy for professionals to mount, install, and service. They should require minimal mounting brackets and, ideally, will have those brackets included in the package for installation convenience. Some units include electric wiring knockouts and field wiring connections, which make it easier and faster for your installer to get the heater running on day one. Easy access to features and components makes maintenance a breeze. We look for these and other characteristics that'll make setup and service seamless. NOTE: Do not attempt to install a unit heater without a licensed, insured, and bonded professional, as it could void your warranty and pose a physical risk.
Although unit heaters are fairly straightforward, and that's a good thing, some do include practical features that'll help you in the long term. Power venting is one feature that's important for ensuring that exhaust gases are quickly and efficiently removed from the heater. Another neat feature some units have is an external status light that blinks if there's a problem, making it faster to identify and address maintenance issues. We'll call out any feature we believe will improve a heater's performance and lifespan.
Once installed, heaters should be out of sight and mind. Nobody wants a giant eyesore. That's why we look for heaters with a low mounting clearance because they rest closer to the ceiling and away from view. I also like heaters with a low vertical height for the same reason. External paint is another important factor for keeping a low profile and should be an unobtrusive, neutral color. Besides the visual aspect, you also want a unit heater that is quiet, so it doesn't interrupt whatever you're doing, whether hosting a garage party or concentrating on a task.
Although unit heaters are extremely reliable, and I've rarely seen any issues, I still place great importance on warranty no matter the purchase. After all, you want to know that you're protected if something goes awry. If two heaters seem identical in every other way, that extra year of coverage could be the deciding factor in choosing the best one.
Depending on the model, output, and capabilities, unit heaters are generally priced very fairly. Although, as I always say, value isn't all about price. A low-price unit that fails after a couple of winters isn't an advantage to anyone. When evaluating value, we look at the quality of the unit and what you're getting before weighing that against the price. In that sense, all the other criteria come into play here.
Unit heaters are self-contained heaters that use a fan to blow warm air directly into a space. They are permanently installed on the wall or ceiling and do not require ductwork. Available in a wide range of BTU options, unit heaters are also much more powerful and safer than portable space heaters. Learn more in our unit heater buyer's guide.
Depending on the type and installation, garage heaters can be perfectly safe, or a fire hazard. The unit heaters we recommend above fall into the safe category, assuming they're professionally installed and properly used. They are usually mounted on a wall or ceiling away from combustible materials and are controlled with a thermostat to avoid overheating.
It's a much different story with portable space heaters. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, portable heaters were involved in an estimated average of 1,700 fires per year. Often, this is because they run too long and too hot. They are often mistakenly placed near drapes or furniture that can easily ignite. Although their lower price and portability can be tempting, portable garage heaters often are not worth the risk. That's why you won't find them on our list.
Although both provide heat using forced air, furnaces and unit heaters are designed for different applications. While a furnace is typically used as a central heating system for every room in a building, a unit heater is designed to heat one space, be it a garage, basement, or warehouse.
Furnaces and unit heaters both use a blower fan, but a furnace requires ductwork to distribute the warm air around the building. Since a unit heater only heats one open space, the blower throws the warm air across the room. To put it simply, a unit heater can be considered a furnace without ductwork.
Sizing a unit heater is based on many factors, including your local climate, desired temperature, insulation levels, and room size/orientation. That's why we always recommend hiring a professional to do a Manual J Load Calculation to find out exactly how much heat you need for the space, which will help you choose the right-size unit heater. This wall furnace sizing calculator can give you a rough idea, however.
Ken DeJong has been a versatile handyman for decades, able to adapt to every home improvement challenge thrown his way. From working on cars in his youth, to installing carpet, and even doing decorative painting, Ken is a determined jack-of-all-trades. He served as a manager at Lowes before joining the Power Equipment Direct team
Ken has amassed a wealth of product knowledge across various categories, especially when it comes to heating and cooling equipment. He has taken roughly 130 hours of professional training hosted by industry vendors and now trains others in his department. He’s particularly fascinated by ductless mini splits and the inverter technology that makes them exceptionally quiet and efficient.
When he's not helping customers choose the right evaporator coil or tankless water heater, Ken puts his creativity to use designing t-shirts and writing royalty-free instrumental music. To sum up, Ken is a professional who is obsessed with acquiring new skills and sharing his knowledge to help others optimize their home living.