Best Propane Space Heaters for Garage

Working in a freezing garage is miserable. You can see your breath. Your tools feel like ice blocks. Your car struggles to start. If you are trying to get work done, you need serious heat fast. Electric heaters usually just don’t cut it for uninsulated spaces. They are too weak and drive up your power bill.

That is why you are looking for the best propane space heaters for garage use. Propane burns clean. It is powerful. It creates instant warmth.

I have spent a lot of time in cold workshops. I know that you need a heater that is reliable and safe. You do not want something that smells terrible or gives you a headache. You also don’t want a unit that breaks after one season.

In this guide, I will walk you through the top choices available right now. I have looked at what real mechanics and DIYers are using. I checked for heating speed, fuel efficiency, and critical safety features. Let’s get your garage warm so you can get back to work.

Quick Picks Summary Table

Here is a quick look at the top performers. You can see which one fits your specific garage needs.

How We Evaluated These Picks

I didn’t just pick random heaters. I looked for features that actually matter when you are shivering in a garage.

First, I looked at BTU output. This tells you how much heat the unit throws out. A small radiant heater won’t warm a three-car garage. A giant torpedo heater will roast you in a small shed.

Second, I checked ignition reliability. Nothing is more frustrating than clicking a starter button twenty times with cold fingers.

Third, I focused on safety. Garages have fumes and sawdust. Features like tip-over switches and oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) are non-negotiable for me.

Finally, I considered noise. Some forced-air heaters sound like a jet engine. If you want to listen to music while you work, noise matters.

Top 7 Best Propane Space Heaters for Garage

Here are the detailed reviews of the top heaters. I have broken down the good and the bad for each one.

1. Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Heater

Best for Small to Medium Garages

If you want heat without the roar of a fan, this is the gold standard. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy is incredibly popular for a reason. It uses radiant heat. This means it heats objects and people rather than just blowing hot air around.

It is very versatile. You can run it off small 1lb propane cylinders for portability. You can also hook it up to a standard 20lb tank with a hose. I really like that it has a built-in fan to help push heat, but it runs quietly. It is perfect if you are working at a bench and need the heat focused on you.

Performance Insight: It warms up instantly. You feel the heat on your skin the second it glows orange. It is safe for indoor use because it has an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). This shuts it off if oxygen levels get too low.

Key Features:

• 4,000 to 18,000 BTUs
• Three heat settings (Low, Medium, High)
• Integrated blower fan
• Tip-over safety shut-off

One Limitation: The internal fan requires batteries or an AC adapter which is often sold separately.

Bottom Line: This is the safest and quietest choice for typical 1-car or 2-car garages.

2. Dyna-Glo 60,000 BTU Forced Air Heater

Best for Large Garages

When you have a big uninsulated space, you need brute force. This Dyna-Glo torpedo heater provides exactly that. It is a forced-air unit. It sucks in cold air, heats it with a propane flame, and blasts it out at high speed.

This thing is a beast. It can raise the temperature of a freezing two-car garage in about 15 minutes. The base is adjustable so you can aim the heat where you need it. It is built tough and feels like it can take a few knocks in a busy workshop.

Performance Insight: The heat output is massive. However, it requires electricity to run the fan. You will need an extension cord. Also, keep in mind that forced-air heaters consume oxygen faster. You must crack a door or window for ventilation.

Key Features:

• Variable output: 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs
• Heats up to 1,350 square feet
• Continuous spark ignition
• Overheat shut-off protection

One Limitation: It is loud. It sounds a bit like a leaf blower running in the background.

Bottom Line: If you prioritize raw heating power over silence, this is the one to get.

3. Dewalt DXH70CFAV Cordless Forced Air Heater

Best for Heavy Duty Use

Dewalt is known for tough tools. Their heaters are no different. This model solves a big problem with torpedo heaters. Most of them need to be plugged into a wall outlet to run the fan. This Dewalt model can run on the 20V Max batteries you might already own for your drill.

This makes it truly portable. You can place it in the middle of the garage without tripping over cords. It looks great in the classic yellow and black. The build quality feels superior to cheaper generic brands. The handle is sturdy and easy to grab with gloves on.

Performance Insight: The Quiet Burner Technology actually works. It is noticeably quieter than standard torpedo heaters. It still makes noise, but it is a lower hum rather than a high-pitched whine. The ignition is smooth and reliable.

Key Features:

• Runs on 20V battery or standard cord
• Variable heat output
• Rugged two-piece barrel design
• high-output fan

One Limitation: It burns through batteries relatively fast on high settings. You will want a backup battery charged.

Bottom Line: Perfect for pros or DIYers who already own Dewalt tools and hate extension cords.

4. Mr. Heater MH540T Tank Top Heater

Best for 360-Degree Heat

Sometimes simple is better. This heater mounts directly on top of a standard 20lb propane tank. There is no heavy box to carry. You just grab the tank and go.

The unique thing about this model is the 360-degree burner head. Most tank top heaters only point in one direction. This one radiates heat in a full circle. This is excellent if you have a few people working in the garage at the same time. You can put it in the center of the room and everyone gets warm.

Performance Insight: It is very efficient. Since there is no fan, it uses no electricity. It is completely silent aside from the hiss of the gas. The heat is intense near the unit, so be careful not to walk too close to it.

Key Features:

• 30,000 to 45,000 BTUs
• Mounts on 20lb tank
• Safety shut-off valve
• Multi-directional heat

One Limitation: It is top-heavy. You need to make sure the tank is on a flat, stable surface so it doesn’t tip.

Bottom Line: An affordable, no-nonsense heater that is great for group work or card games in the garage.

5. Dyna-Glo Cabinet Heater

Best for Long Work Sessions

If you want a heater that looks like furniture and acts like a furnace, look at this cabinet heater. It hides the 20lb propane tank inside the back of the unit. This makes it look very clean and tidy.

It rolls around on caster wheels. You can easily push it from one side of the garage to the other. It uses radiant heat, similar to the Big Buddy. This means it is quiet and does not blow dust around. This is a huge plus if you are doing painting or finishing work.

Performance Insight: It takes a little longer to heat a room compared to a torpedo heater. However, once the room is warm, it maintains the temperature very well. It is very efficient on fuel. You can run it for a long time on a single tank.

Key Features:

• 18,000 BTUs
• Holds tank inside the unit
• Side handles for easy lifting
• Oxygen Depletion Sensor included

One Limitation: The wheels are plastic and can struggle if your garage floor is very rough or cracked.

Bottom Line: The best choice for a tidy, quiet, and long-lasting heat source.

6. Remington 60,000 BTU Portable Heater

Best Value Torpedo

Remington has been making heaters for a long time. This unit is a classic workhorse. It offers performance very similar to the Dyna-Glo but often comes in at a slightly lower price point.

It is simple to operate. You plug it in, attach the gas, and hit the switch. The motor is fully enclosed which protects it from garage dust. It is lightweight enough to carry with one hand.

Performance Insight: Users often report that this unit starts up very easily, even in extremely cold weather. Some heaters struggle when the tank gets cold, but the Remington seems to pull fuel efficiently. It heats up a standard garage in minutes.

Key Features:

• Heats up to 1,500 sq. ft.
• Adjustable heat angle
• 10-foot hose included
• Heavy-duty construction

One Limitation: The power cord is quite short. You will almost certainly need an extension lead.

Bottom Line: A solid, budget-friendly option that gets the job done without fancy frills.

7. Mr. Heater Hero

Best Quiet Forced Air

This is a unique heater. It attempts to bridge the gap between the quiet radiant heaters and the powerful forced-air ones. Mr. Heater claims it is 50% quieter than a standard kerosene or propane forced air heater.

It runs on a rechargeable battery inside the unit. You can charge it up and get hours of heat without a cord. The burner design is different from a standard torpedo. It looks more like a jet turbine.

Performance Insight: The noise reduction is real. You can actually hold a conversation next to this heater without shouting. It produces clean heat and the battery life is decent for a morning of work.

Key Features:

• 35,000 BTUs
• Cordless battery operation
• Quiet Burner Technology
• Flame safety system

One Limitation: It is more expensive than standard corded heaters with higher BTU ratings. You pay for the quietness.

Bottom Line: If you hate the noise of standard heaters but need more power than a radiant unit, buy this.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Heater

Choosing the best propane space heater for garage use isn’t just about picking the biggest one. Here is what you need to consider.

Calculate Your BTUs

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures heat energy.

• Small Garage (1 Car): You need 10,000 to 25,000 BTUs.
• Medium Garage (2 Car): You need 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs.
• Large Shop: You need 60,000+ BTUs.

If you buy a heater that is too big, it will cycle on and off constantly. If it is too small, it will run forever and never warm the space.

Radiant vs. Forced Air

This is the biggest decision.

• Radiant (like Mr. Heater Buddy): Silent. Heats objects. No electricity needed. Best for working at a bench or small spaces.
• Forced Air (Torpedo): Loud. Heats the air volume. Needs electricity (usually). Best for warming up a whole cold garage quickly.

Safety Features

Never ignore safety. Your garage is an enclosed space.

• ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor): This detects if oxygen levels drop and shuts the heater off. Essential for tighter spaces.
• Tip-Over Switch: If you knock the heater over with a lumber board, it must turn off instantly.
• Overheat Protection: Prevents the internal components from melting if airflow is blocked.

Hose Length

Many heaters come with a short hose. This forces you to keep the heater right next to the tank. A longer hose (10 feet or more) allows you to place the tank in a corner and move the heater around more freely. This is safer and more convenient.

Who Should Buy This Type of Heater?

Propane heaters are not for everyone, but they are perfect for specific people.

• The Weekend Mechanic: You spend Saturdays fixing cars and need to keep your hands warm.
• The Woodworker: You need to keep glue and finishes from freezing, and you need a comfortable temp to work safely.
• The Home Gym User: You have a gym in the garage and it is too cold to touch the barbell in January.
• The Emergency Prepper: You want a backup heat source that works even if the power grid goes down during a storm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I see people make these mistakes all the time. Save yourself the trouble.

1. Ignoring Ventilation: Propane burns oxygen. You must leave a window or door cracked open slightly. If you start feeling sleepy or get a headache, turn it off and get fresh air immediately.
2. Using the Wrong Tank Size: Don’t try to run a 60,000 BTU heater off a tiny 1lb camping cylinder. It will freeze up and stop working in minutes. Use a 20lb tank or larger for big heaters.
3. Placing Near Combustibles: Don’t point a forced-air heater at your gas can, paint thinner, or a pile of oily rags. Give the heater at least 6 feet of clearance in front.
4. Expecting Instant Silence: Torpedo heaters are loud. Don’t buy one and then return it because it’s noisy. That is just how they work.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right heater changes your winter. You stop dreading the garage and start enjoying your projects again.

If you want the best overall balance of safety and quiet, go with the Mr. Heater Big Buddy. It is versatile and won’t give you a headache from noise.

If you have a large 2-car garage and just need maximum heat fast, the Dyna-Glo 60K Torpedo is your best bet. It is loud, but it works incredibly well.

For those who hate cords, the Dewalt Cordless model is a game changer.

Check your square footage, decide on your budget, and grab a heater before the next cold snap hits.

FAQ

Is it safe to use a propane heater in a closed garage? 

No, never use it in a completely sealed room. You need some airflow. Crack the garage door open a few inches to let fresh air in and exhaust fumes out.

How long will a 20lb propane tank last? 

It depends on the BTU rating. A 30,000 BTU heater will run for about 14 hours on a standard BBQ tank. A 60,000 BTU heater will last about 7 hours.

Can I use a patio heater in my garage? 

It is not recommended. Patio heaters are designed for open outdoor air. They often lack the oxygen depletion sensors found on indoor-safe garage heaters.

Why does my propane heater keep shutting off? 

It could be the tip-over switch or the ODS sensor. If there is not enough oxygen, it shuts down. It might also be a strong draft blowing out the pilot light.

Do propane heaters produce moisture? 

Yes, burning propane produces water vapor. If you run it for a long time, you might see condensation on cold windows or metal tools. Ventilation helps reduce this.

What is the difference between blue flame and infrared heat? 

Blue flame heats the air (convection). Infrared heats objects (radiant). For a drafty garage, infrared is often better because the wind doesn’t blow the heat away.