Best electric garage heater 120V | Types, Features, Power output

What is the best 120V electric garage heater? The home-based heaters would be very useful for your household, garage or other utility areas which allow creating comfortable temperature when needed. The main advantages of such heaters are the high speed ranges and easiness in gaining a desired temperature. In order to make this unit run you should simply connect it to the standard 120V power outlet. The diversity of such heaters allows heating of buildings, working spaces, basements, thus the central heating or steam boilers are not needed anymore. And here is the DR INFRARED DR968 which will tackle multiple heating challenges with no hassle.

What do I like the most in this model? I’m sure that the U.S. made Dr. Infrared is the unique infrared heater in its class. The control of this unit can be performed by means of push buttons or remotely which enhance the convenience and simplicity of its operation. Due to the dual-heating system, combining the infrared and convection technologies, it has the awesome heat transfer and output. The latter is stated to be 60% higher in comparison with the modern counterparts in its class. In spite of its high-performance this infrared heater is almost silent when running.

The wooden design of this unit is really fancy, thus it looks like a fine piece of furniture fitting in any interior design. More than that, this model is comparatively lightweight with a great mobility due its swivel casters, thus you can carry it easily from one location to another, when necessary.

Why do you need an electric heater?

In the winter time many homeowners have the issue of heating up garages or any other utility rooms. This is quite relevant, especially for the northern states. In order to choose a suitable device for your garage, it is necessary to figure out the main principles of operation, to estimate its efficiency and safety.

We’ve prepared the review of the most popular 120V alternatives, specified the pros and cons of different models, and the important recommendations to be observed when selecting a particular unit for your garage. However, before proceeding with the review of the top models, let’s find out what parameters should be primarily considered when buying any garage heater.

Types of the electric heaters

I suggest you finding out about the main types of heaters suitable for small garages and other workspaces, including models that can be arranged on the floor, wall, stands or even ceiling.

Convectors are the first type of the reviewed electric heaters and demonstrate the uniform distribution of the heated air. The principle of its work includes input of air from the downside with its further heating by means of internal tubular heating elements, and its output through the special notches on the upper side of the convector. The uniform heating of any premises is the main advantage of such devices. Besides, they are lightweight and portable. The majority of models can be placed on the wall with any arrangement you like, closer to the floor or higher. They feature different advanced functions from a traditional thermostat, on/off timer, remote control and the ability to be integrated into the smart house system. STIEBEL ELTRON CNS 150-1 E would be a great choice if you prefer the convection technologies.

Fan heaters draw external air through the heating elements with the help of a fan. As a rule, it is reasonable to purchase such unit for spot heating of some area; for instance, a working place in your garage. Contrary to convectors, the fan heaters are not designed for a uniform continuous distribution of the hot air. Besides, they are energy-consuming heaters, thus it would be irrational to run it for extended periods of time.  However, they would be indispensable for a quick heating up of a small room or necessity to warm up. It is great that these heaters can be rotated in order to stream the hot air in a desired direction. The modern models are also equipped with a power regulator, thermostat and timer. The VENTAMATIC H1026UPS is the feature-rich unit which will definitely warm you up and even more.

Blow heaters are similar to the fan heaters; however they feature more power and endurance. They always have rugged and solid metal design. Commonly, they are used for industrial purposes to heat up bigger areas, which have to be maintained in a specific way; for instance, garages, open-air pavilions, basements, etc. However, you should be ready to pick up the tabs, as such heaters will consume much more power in comparison with other heating alternatives. Air drying and dust accumulation on the heating elements with the further burning shall be specified as the other downsides of the blow heaters. The STANLEY 655704 is a bright example of the blow heating technologies which can be successfully used for various purposes including drying, cooling, etc.

Infrared heaters differ from other models by the unique method of heat transfer, which is directly conveyed to the objects which later dissipate the heat to the air. Particularly, the infrared units heat floor, ceiling, walls, furniture, instead of air. Now, the reason why these heaters are so widely used for open-air cafes or any other outdoor areas should be clear for you. DR INFRARED HEATER DR968 is one of the best advanced models available on the market, and our top-pick in this article. However, still there are a lot of arguments regarding harmful effect of the infrared models for the health. Thus, a person being close to the heater may feel some drying or parching effect on the skin. Besides, a person may have some strange feelings, like being spotted by a tiny sun in a cold room.

Features to be considered when looking for a garage heater | Buyers’ Guide

• Power output. This parameter is one of the most important decisions you should make when choosing a particular heater for your needs. And primarily you should realize the space of the room you are going to use such unit for. An average power device will be capable of heating a small room or a garage. Operation of such heater at some large floor area will mean its continuous working to the max. Consequently, an appropriate mode of operation can extend the service life of a heater. Thus, you will need a 1500W device in order to heat up a 160 sq. ft. room. It will be enough in case of absence of a central heating under low temperatures. Heaters with around 4,000-5,000 watts are common for larger spaces heating.

• Wattage control. This parameter will allow you selecting an optimal mode of operation of your heater and thus regulate the energy consumption. Also, this parameter is directly correlated with a temperature control as the destination of any electric heater is to convert the electric energy into the thermal energy. The latter can be adjusted manually or automatically.  If the temperature accuracy is the crucial issue for you, than you should prefer heaters with an electronic control as they are capable of the fine tuning. Manually controlled heaters show the tolerance from 5 up to 10-20 degrees. Of course, the most advanced models with an automatic control grant more opportunities related to on/off pre-setting, a remote operation, display image of the current parameters (depending on a model), etc. However, it is a simple truth that the automatically controlled units will cost considerably more in comparison with the conventional mechanically adjusted counterparts.

• Type of the heating element. The type of a unit determines the heating element used. In particular, the infrared heaters are equipped with quartz tubes, halogen or carbonic heating elements. The quartz heaters are energy-efficient and quiet, but the tubes are very fragile even hidden by a lattice-type frame. Thus, such units require a special care while transportation or handling. Halogen heaters are capable of reaching higher temperatures within shorter periods, but still they are also fragile. Carbonic elements feature better heat transfer than the above-mentioned alternatives. Besides, they are durable and energy-efficient. Nevertheless, they are quite pricy.

Convectors use traditional tubular, tape-and-needle and solid elements. The conventional tubular option has chromium or nickel string with optional aluminum plates which enhance heat transfer. Sometimes these elements make a certain cracking noise due to difference of a thermal expansion of the materials used. As for the rest, they are quite good in operation. Tape-and-needle represents a narrow plate from a non-conducting material with coils made of chromium-nickel wire. It is a budget-friendly option, with the fast thermal response and high heating temperature. However, this type of heating elements is very fragile. Solid types also have a chromium-nickel string and non-conducting materials arranged inside the cast aluminum body, which form an integral solid unit. They are reliable, featuring the minimum thermal losses.

Fan and blow heaters are usually equipped with the traditional electric coils. They are heated fast up to the highest values (1300-1400°F). Consequently, burning of dust and other small particles results into unpleasant smell or over dried air. Besides, power consumption is higher in comparison with other heating elements in its class. That is why the ceramic options are more preferable, and they are considered to be the next generation of the existing heating elements. The plates with the ceramic coating have bigger area and consequently better heat transfer. Thus, there is no need in the extremely high temperatures, and here we speak about energy saving, the uniform heat distribution and less air drying effect.

The difference between 120V and 240V

As the wattage determines the capacity of a device, the 240V garage heaters are considered to be more powerful and capable of heating up bigger areas in comparison with the 120V counterparts. The latter belong to the class of the household appliances which include convectors, infrared and fan heaters. They allow maintaining the desired temperature in small rooms and premises. As a rule they are less powerful, quiet in operation and run on a standard 120V power outlet.

The extra powerful industrial-grade heaters are offered in different variations like fan or blow heaters, etc. They allow heating up considerably bigger areas and prevent early cooling down of the air. These units are powerful, noisy and most frequently run on the three-phase 240V source. However, there are some exceptions when the professional-grade heaters need only 120V for an adequate operation.

Top best electric garage heaters 120V

You will be totally absorbed by the variety of models and features we’ve prepared specifically for your attention. Find about the state-of-the-art infrared technologies by the Dr Infrared, safety and efficiency of the convection solutions from the Stiebel Eltron, and the amazing versatility of fan blowing heaters.

1. DR INFRARED HEATER DR968

According to the manufacturer, this heater has been designed in the U.S. according to the industrial standards, thus proving its efficiency and reliability. This unit features the dual heating design, combining PTC and quartz infrared elements, which is capable of delivering up to 60% more heat in comparison with the modern counterparts, offered on the market. This configuration will allow maintaining the desired temperature under the cold conditions and saving of energy. Its innovative blower which is 7 inches in diameter enhances hot air distribution with almost noiseless run of just 39dB.

All heating elements of this infrared device are safely closed in order to avoid any exposure of anybody, especially curious children and pets. This model can be operated in automatic mode. Its integrated thermostat maintains the set temperature by auto on/off switching. As a result, the energy saving is significantly higher.

Features

• Power output (watt): 1500
• Type: Infrared
• Area heated (ft.sq.): 1000
• Weight (lbs): 24
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 15 x 12 x 16

This state-of-the-art infrared heater is one of the best options available on the current market. It features high efficiency in a compact and portable design making it an awesome heating device, thus reasoning the price which is not much higher than the similar models!

Dr Infrared Heater DR968: Check the current price

2. STIEBEL ELTRON CNS 150-1 E

Stiebel Eltron is the Germany Group with more than 100-year experience on the market of the electric heating equipment. Nowadays, the company offers its products worldwide and considered to be one of the technology leaders in the fields of construction services and sustainable energies.

The CNS 150-1 E is an efficient wall-mounted convection heater. It has a slim-line design which is perfectly fit in the small rooms, garages or any tight workspace. Its operation is noiseless and draft-free due to natural convection process and the absence of a fan or a blower. This model has an integrated thermostat which is capable of varying the temperature from 41°F to 86°F and creating an optimum heat output, depending on the ambient conditions. Besides, this unit features a frost protection system which prevents air freezing indoor. Its built-in overheat protection contributes for safety and convenience of its use.

Features

• Power output (watt): 1500
• Type: convector
• Area heated (ft.sq.): 500
• Weight (lbs): 12.6
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 4 x 23.2 x 17.7

This is a great convector which works silently and capable of maintaining favorable temperature in any housekeeping areas or smaller garages.

Stiebel Eltron: Check the current price

3. DR INFRARED HEATER DR-238

This infrared heater is a multipurpose model which can be used both indoor and outdoor. It has a carbonic heating element which is distinguished by the excellent heat transfer and energy efficiency. Besides, it comes with 3 settings in order to select the heat output depending on your needs from 900 W up to 1,500 W. Additionally, it can be remotely controlled for better convenience and comfort of the users.  More than that, the generated hot air is clean and odorless.

This infrared heater comes in an aluminum design which contributes to durability of the device for many years ahead even for the constant outdoor use. The unit can be mounted on the wall or ceiling thus making it suitable for various intentions.

Features

• Power output (watt): 1500
• Type: Carbon infrared
• Area heated (ft.sq.): 1000
• Weight (lbs): 8
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 35 x 6 x 11

This infrared heater can be recommended for various applications due to its ability to work both indoors and outdoors. In any case, you will be more than satisfied with the opportunities of this model.

Dr Infrared Heater DR-238: Check the current price

4. STANLEY 655704

This powerful blower fan can be used for several purposes like heating, cooling and drying due to direct and high flow of the air. This model is also suitable for indoor and some of the around-the-house tasks. It comes with a variable speed control featuring 3 settings. The air stream can be also pointed to any direction by means of the pivoting blower head.

Its portability is proven by the lightweight and compact design, and a rugged handle to carry it from one location to another easily. More than that, there are two 120V grounded outlets on the housing for plug in various accessories required.

Features

• Power output (watt): 1500
• Type: Blower fan
• Weight (lbs): 8.7
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 12.2 x 9.6 x 12.3

This model becomes a perfect choice for those who are looking for a compact and versatile electric appliance which can be adapted for various jobs like cooling or drying apart from its primary heating mission.

Lasko: Check the current price

5. VENTAMATIC H1026UPS

This compact and adoptable unit will quickly heat the space by a direct stream of hot air. The heat output can be regulated within the range from 750 W up to 1500 W. Plus, this model features a temperature dial which in combination with the power selection function gives an excellent accuracy of the settings and the precise control over energy consumption. The efficiency of heat transfer is ensured by the PTC ceramic heating element. The desired temperature will be maintained by means of the integrated thermostat. In case of temperature rise, the unit will be shut off automatically to prevent overheating and thus contributing to safety of its use. Besides, this fan heater features an auto reset function after cooling down.

This model comes in a metal powder coated design to enhance its durability and protect against surfaces scratches and corrosion.

Features

• Power output (watt): 1500W
• Type: Fan heater
• Weight (lbs): 5
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 5 x 6.5 x 9

According to the multiple reviews of the owners of this VENTAMATIC H1026UPS, and despite the small size, it holds plenty of power. It is the most affordable model among other selected options in our top list. However, it has numerous benefits of an advanced and efficient heater to keep you warm.

Ventamatic: Check the current price

Best Electric Garage Heater 120V | Comparison Table

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