Are you interested in buying an electric garage heater but just can’t seem to find the best one for you? Voltage is an important factor, and in this review, you will find a bunch of useful information about 120v electric garage heaters.
Read through the specifications of the models described and choose your best 120v garage heater to get you through cold days spent in your garage or workshop.
Advice On Buying 120v Garage Heaters
Why Is Voltage Important?
Unlike propane or natural gas heaters, electric garage heaters operate on electric power. Just like you would check the amount of BTUs per hour for a natural gas heater, for electric heaters you check watts and voltage. It equates to the power of the heater.
How Much Is 120 Volts?
An electric heater that uses a 120-volt power outlet is usually smaller in size. It is sufficient to heat smaller garages, shops, basements and similar rooms. If you have a large space that is harder to heat, you may want to choose a heater with a higher voltage – usually 240v.
Types Of Electric Heaters
When it comes to the way heaters distribute heat there are two main types – infrared and fan-forced. Infrared heaters use infrared technology to heat the surrounding object in the room that proceed to heat the air in the room. The latter uses a blower fan to heat the air, not objects or people.
Portable And Fixed
The difference between fixed and portable heaters is pretty self-explanatory. Fixed heaters are designed to stay in one place and can be mounted to a wall or ceiling, while portable heaters can be moved around where you want. What you choose entirely depends on your heating requirements and preferences.
Features To Look For
There are certain features that make it easier to choose the best 120v electric garage heater. Size and amount of power are a priority, but other features like a built-in thermostat, remote control and safety features like overheat protection can definitely enhance your heating experience.
The 5 Best 120v Electric Garage Heaters
Best Remote Controlled 120v Garage Heater
Homegear 1500W Electric Space Heater With Remote Control
Quartz Heating System
The Homegear 120 volt garage heater features a dual quartz heating system. It utilizes two tubes as heating elements: Quartz and Mica. This is an efficient way of heating medium-sized rooms such as garages, shops, basements, warehouses, etc. It heats to 500 square feet.
Blower Fan
This is a fan-forced type of heater. This means it uses a blower fan to fill the room with heat. It provides sufficient amounts of warmth and the blower fan is silent, which is important with fan-forced heaters because the noise from the fan can be really distracting.
Portability For Easy Use
This is a portable type of heater which means you can easily relocate it to any space that needs heating. The lightness of the heater contributes to this feature – it weighs only 11.5 pounds. It comes with a 71-inch long cable for easy access to a power source.
Remote Control
This 120-volt garage heater has a remote control included with it. This means you don’t have to deal with buttons on the unit of the heater, rather you can easily control it from a distance. This is a great feature to have because it makes it less difficult to operate.
LED Display
Another cool feature this heater has is its LED display of temperature. By using this digital thermostat you can easily monitor your heater while it is operating and make any changes to the temperature if you need too.
Specifications:
- Dual heating
- Quiet fan
- Remote controlled
- LED display for easy monitoring
- 71-inch power cable
Best Infrared 120v Garage Heater
Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
Energy Efficient
The Dr. Infrared features an automatic energy-saving mode. It uses infrared heating technology which warms the objects and people in the vicinity of the heater. This means you will enjoy nice and pleasant warmth and it won’t dry out the air.
Dual Heat
Like the previously mentioned Homegear garage heater, this one also uses a dual heating system. It combines an infrared quartz tube with PTC as heating elements. It produces substantial amounts of heat and requires 1500 watts to operate.
Programmable Timer
The 12-hour programmable timer is a really convenient feature. This allows you to program your heater to shut off at a certain point, without worrying if you mistakenly left it running, thus saving you a lot on electricity bills. Like the Homegear model, it is remote controlled.
Easy Maintenance
In order for this heater to last you a very long time, it is has a filter that can easily be removed for cleaning. This ensures long service. The blower fan-operated quietly and is barely noticeable.
Child-Friendly
This 120v electric shop heater has a number of safety features that make it perfectly secure if you have small children or animals. It features a tip-over switch that shuts it off if it falls down and overheats protection. It is also cool to the touch so nobody accidentally gets burned.
Specifications:
- 12-hour timer
- Remote-controlled
- Safety features for children
- Removable filter
Best Portable 120v Garage Heater
TPI Corporation 188TASA Fan Forced Portable Heater
Lightweight And Portable
This 120v garage heater weighs only 7 pounds. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry around wherever you need to use its heating powers. It is suitable for traveling, as well. It comes with a 6-foot long power cord with three conductors.
Quality Steel Construction
The casing of this heater is designed with heavy-duty steel for durability and quality of use. It has a powder coat finish for a nice aesthetically pleasing look. It is advised to wipe the unit once a day with a damp cloth to prevent dust from accumulating.
Fan-Forced
This is a fan-forced type of electric garage heater which distributes heat evenly through the space it is heating. It is suitable for heating garages, shops, sheds, warehouses, etc. It is wired to use 120 volts and is compatible with most customary circuits.
Safety Features
This electric heater has an extensively thought-out safety system for maximum convenience. It features a tip-over switch overheat protection which cuts off the power if the temperature of the unit is too high, and automatic reset limits control.
Design And Installation
This heater is designed to be simple, elegant and compact. The installation is simple and uncomplicated so you can do it yourself. There is no need to hire a professional which saves you a lot of money. The unit operated quietly for optimal comfort.
Specifications:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Reliable safety features
- Easily portable
- Quiet operation
Best Ceiling Mounted 120v Garage Heater
TPI Corporation OCH46
Quartz Heating Element
This is another example of an electric garage heater that uses infrared heating technology. This particular 120-volt hanging garage heater uses a frosted quartz tube as a heating element. It has 120v of power and a 5120 BTU/hr thermal output. This industrial type heater will keep you warm all day long.
Where To Use
This is an industrial type of heater with a rather high thermal output. Other than everyday use in garages and shops, it can be used in production facilities, loading docks, construction sites, factories, etc.
Quiet And Low Maintenance
This heater produces minimal noise when active. The heater itself requires very little maintenance and cleaning, it is sufficient to wipe it now and again to prevent it from becoming dusty. Microfiber cloth for cleaning is included.
Additional Features
This stainless steel 120v garage heater features gold anodized reflectors and end caps for a beautiful finish. It is highly energy-efficient and saves you a lot of money on electricity. It offers three main heat settings: radiant, convection and conduction.
Durable Design
The stainless steel unit is resistant to corrosion. That is important because it means that this heater will provide long-lasting service. It is ideal to use it for damp weather conditions. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is resistant to moisture.
Specifications:
- Industrial heater with high thermal output
- Gold anodized reflectors and end caps
- Quiet and low maintenance
Best Industrial 120v Garage Heater
Dimplex EUH03B11T 3-Kilowatt Unit Heater
Supplemental Heating
This 120v electric garage heater is ideal for supplemental heating in your home or garage, especially places that are usually difficult to warm up. Its low maintenance and efficiency make it a great choice for your space.
Heating Element
The Dimplex EUH03B11T features a spiral finned heating element for maximum heat output. The steel fins have a fine nickel-chromium wire inside. The wire is encased within a magnesium oxide insulation.
Quality Motor
The ball-bearing motor on this industrial 120v electric garage heater is heavy-duty. It is completely enclosed and protected from high temperatures. It is also permanently lubricated for additional protection.
Ceiling-Mounted
This heater comes with a bracket for ceiling mounting included. There is also an available wall-mounting bracket that is sold separately. The unit swivels and has five adjustable louvers for directing the airflow.
Built-In Thermostat
The Dimplex 120v garage heater features a thermostat built into the unit for easy temperature regulation. The casing is powder-coated to prevent color fading and abrasions. It comes with a one-year warranty.
Specifications:
- Spiral finned heating element
- Heavy-duty enclosed motor
- Ceiling bracket included
- Built-in thermostat
Conclusion: Which Is The Best 120v Electric Garage Heater?
Considering all the models reviewed in this article, the best 120v electric garage heaters overall would have to be the TPI Corporation 188TASA Portable Heater and the Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater. The TPI Corporation is well constructed and has all the necessary safety features for carefree use. The Dr. Infrared is a remote-controlled heater with a 12-hour timer for maximum cost efficiency.
If you still have not found your ideal garage heater be sure to check out this review. If you are interested in purchasing a gas garage heater or an infrared garage heater, you’ll find all the necessary information in these reviews.
- Top Fahrenheat Electric Garage Heater To Buy In 2022 Reviews
FAQs
What is the best heater for a garage or workshop? ›
- Best Overall. Mr. ...
- Runner-Up. Heat Hog 9000 BTU Propane Heater. ...
- Best for Large Garages. DeWalt 68,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater. ...
- Best Heater for Shops and Barns. Remington 80,000 BTU Diesel/Kerosene Heater. ...
- Best Infrared Heater. Briza Infrared Patio Heater. ...
- Best Workbench Heater.
NewAir Portable Ceramic 120v Electric Garage Heater for 160 sq. ft. with Adjustable Tilt Head & Perfect for Garages - Cool Grey NGH160GA00 - The Home Depot.
What type of heater is best to heat a garage? ›Wall-Mounted Electric Heater
A wall-mounted electric heater is a great way to heat your small garage, as it is designed to save up floor space without affecting your comfort. These heaters are easy to install; you just plug them into the power outlet, and you can start using them right away.
In-Surface Radiant Heat
This system generates heat through infrared radiation. Unlike other heating methods, it heats a surface, rather than the air around it. In-surface radiant heat is one of the most efficient ways to heat a garage.
Radiant Heating System
This makes it one of the most efficient ways of heating a detached garage, which would likely require little energy to heat up using this system. Indeed, even though it is expensive to install, its operating costs are very low and, unlike many heating systems, it is quiet, too.
For a 1 car garage with 200 sq ft to 300 sq ft, the estimated heater size is 15,000 to 25,000 BTUs. For a 2 car garage with 500 sq ft to 700 sq ft, the estimated heater size is 30,000 to 45,000 BTUs. For a 3 car garage with 750 sq ft to 900 sq ft, the estimated heater size is 45,000 to 55,000 BTUs.
Is a 120 volt heater better than 240 volt? ›Picking the voltage for your heater
If you intend to use your heater as a plug in, or to use it on the circuit that outlets are on, you will want 120V (in the USA). If you are hardwiring a new circuit from your electrical panel, usually it makes the most sense to use 240V, as this will allow you to reduce amperage.
If you have a smaller home or need additional space for a workshop or workout room, using an electric garage heater can provide you with the extra living space you need, even in colder temperatures. It also will protect the items you need to complete this living space, such as electronic workout equipment and tools.
How much electricity does a 120V heater use? ›Generally, space heaters use 1,500 watts (W) of electricity, depending on the model. Most space heaters use about 15 amps, and connect to a 120 volt outlet. How much you run your space heater has the biggest impact on how much electricity it uses over time.
What is the cheapest way to heat a workshop? ›Propane heaters are a popular choice for workshops because they're relatively inexpensive to operate. They also don't require any electricity to run, which can be important if your workshop is located in a remote area or if you often experience power outages.
What is the safest most efficient way to heat a garage? ›
- Ductless Mini-Splits. A ductless mini-split system is a popular and efficient choice for any space. ...
- Window Units. ...
- Portable Units. ...
- Through-the-Wall Systems. ...
- Ductless Mini-Splits. ...
- Window Units. ...
- Through-the-Wall Units. ...
- Add or Replace Insulation.
For optimum results, the garage heaters should be installed as close to the floor as possible. In smaller rooms, garage heaters should be mounted eighteen inches off the floor. In larger rooms, garage heaters should be mounted at least seven feet above the floor and a minimum of four inches below the ceiling.
What is the most cost effective way to heat a workshop? ›The best way to heat a garage, workshop or showroom is air heating. Because it is quick, comfortable and cost effective.
What is the best way to heat a large workshop? ›Forced Air Heaters: These heaters blow air across a super-hot electric heating element to produce a high volume of hot air. They provide rapid heat and can heat large spaces quickly. These are ideal for a garage and can be found in a wide range of styles and voltages.
What size heater do I need for my workshop? ›The calculation. Depending on whether you are measuring in feet or metres, there are two calculations you need to do next. We can estimate that a square foot of room will require 10 watts, since a square metre is equal to 0.09 square meters, each square metre will require 111 watts.