If you think you can just use any heater to heat up an insulated garage, then you couldn’t be more wrong. The best heaters for uninsulated garages are typically larger than standard models to increase their capacity and limit heat loss. You will, therefore, need to consider the size of the heater and its BTU output for optimal coverage.
We have reviewed the top-rated units that vary in size and are fueled by different power sources, so you can choose the one that would fit your individual needs. All models are powerful enough to keep a certain area warm even if your garage is not insulated. Some of them are portable to put warmth where you need it in a given moment; others are fixed for mounting on walls or ceilings if you need them running at one place whenever you’re inside. To recommend the best heater for uninsulated garage, we also checked to confirm that there is a direct vent model for running it at all times.
More features: 5 adjustable louvers; temperature range from 50 to 90 degrees; remote controlled thermostat
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-975 is suitable as a primary or supplementary heat source. It comes with an arm bracket to make it mountable on walls and ceilings. The electric heater generates a total of 25,600 BTUs. One British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
The space heater for uninsulated garage features 5 adjustable louvers that let you direct airflow wherever you wish and a remote-controlled thermostat that maintains consistent heat ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in your space.
It also features a carrying handle, automatic overheat protection, and UL safety certification.
The unit effectively heats garages with maximum square footage of 500. It comes with a digital thermostat, on-board digital controls, and a remote control to set the 12-hour timer and temperature. You can program the timer to postpone operation to a later time. Keep the remote control safe since it is the only way to control the thermostat if you mount the heater high.
You may need to have a professional install this electric heater. Otherwise, it is relatively low maintenance with the motor and lubricated ball bearings sealed permanently in a steel casing and a front cover with rust-resistant gray coating.
What we liked: Control via panel or remote, adjustable louvers and heat settings, decent coverage, and mountable on ceilings or walls.
What could be better: The thermostat’s location at the front of the unit hinders it from reading ambient temperature accurately and may cycle off the unit too soon.
More features: built-in thermostat; glass ceramic window
Our Upgrade Pick combines functionality with pleasing aesthetics. Martin Direct Vent Propane Wall Furnace Heater has an elegant design featuring a fireplace-styled space heater for uninsulated garage with a durable die-cast aluminum front grill and a beautiful glass ceramic window to view the exquisite blue flame. It is certified by CSA for use in the USA and Canada.
The heater is mounted on walls of thickness ranging from 4.5 and 12.63 inches. It comes with a vent installation kit and incorporates direct-vent technology that uses air from outside to increase heating efficiency. Direct-vent heaters are also safer than vent-free models and emit cleaner energy because they expel noxious fumes outside. There is little risk of oxygen levels running low since the heater uses little or no air from the garage.
This model has BTU capacity of 20,000 and maximum coverage of 538 square feet that suits medium-sized garages. It has a built-in thermostat, operated with a dial at the top of the unit, which maintains consistent heat despite fluctuations in temperature.
The gas garage heater also features auto shut off mechanism for protection against extremely high temperature, and mounting brackets.
What we liked: It is regarded as the best direct-vent space heater for uninsulated garages. It is highly efficient and sports a sleek, modern look and built-in temperature modulation.
What could be better: Depending on your local building code, you may require a licensed HVAC professional to install it, which adds up to the already pricy cost.
More features: comes with a mounting bracket; ETL certified
NewAir G73 is an ETL-certified space heater for uninsulated garage with BTU output of 17,000. It comes with a hardwired connection to a 30-amp breaker and a mounting bracket for installations on walls or ceilings.
The heater covers a maximum of 500 square feet and is protected by a 1-year limited warranty.
It features an integrated single-pole thermostat for setting your preferred temperature settings, auto shutoff function to prevent overheating, and targeted heating facilitated by a tilting head and adjustable louvers. As an electric garage heater, you may need a professional to set it up. If you decide to mount it yourself, you will find the included manual handy.
The body is made of stainless steel with powder-coated finish for an additional protective layer against natural elements.
Use the thermostat knob to turn on the unit and to adjust the settings accordingly. To activate automatic cycle that maintains consistent temperature, turn it counterclockwise until it clicks.
Once installed, this space heater for uninsulated garage is low maintenance because you only need to clean the exterior with a damp cloth and vacuum the interior to remove any debris. Avoid using cleaning products in liquid or spray form.
It stays out of reach of kids since it is mountable on walls or ceiling.
What we liked: It is ETL-certified, made of durable material, easy to maintain, and you can direct the heat as you wish.
What could be better: The wires touching when you replace the cover make the heating element faulty.
More features: runs for up to 14 hours on a 20-lb. tank
Mr. Heater MH60QFAV is designed for garages, construction sites, warehouses, barns, and patios. As expected of propane models, it has impressive coverage and heat output, making it the best gas garage heater for large uninsulated garages. The unit produces 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs to heat spaces with maximum square footage of 1,500, utilizing Quiet Burner Technology (QBT) for 50% noise reduction.
The freestanding space heater for an uninsulated garage is convenient because you can easily move it to areas that most require heating. It is portable at 20.2 pounds and includes a carrying handle and a safety limit switch that turns off the unit automatically when the temperature is too high.
For quick installation, the liquid propane forced air heater includes a regulator, thermoelectric safety valves, and a 10-ft hose to attach to a gas tank that weighs 20 pounds or more. A 20-pound tank powers the heater for up to 14 hours on low setting.
Propane garage heaters should be used in ventilated spaces to prevent the accumulation of harmful carbon monoxide, especially if the garage is connected to the main house.
What we liked: We like the superior performance in large spaces even in low temperature, safety switch, noise reduction technology, and portability.
What could be better: It does not include a thermostat, and users have to buy an adapter separately. There is also a bit of noise, although limited by QBT.
More features: electronic ignition; auto low oxygen shut-off
Mr. Heater MHVFB30NGT comes with wall mounting hardware, legs for mounting on floors as a standalone device, and a built-in adjustable thermostat for temperature control.
Instead of infrared, this blue flame vent free heater uses convection mechanism which distributes warms air in your garage from the ceiling. It includes electronic ignition powered by AA battery installed under the red switch, and you can purchase an optional blower fan to speed up heat circulation.
Mr. Heater MHVFB30NGT heats garages measuring up to 750 square feet, producing 30,000 BTUs.
The blue flame model is rated among the best natural gas garage heaters for uninsulated garages. It is certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for safety and performance. One of its safety features is the automatic low oxygen shut-off system with Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS). The safety sensors automatically shut off the device when oxygen levels drop to 18.5%, or less, as long as you mount the heater within the operating elevation limit of 4,500 feet.
Please note that this vent free natural gas model is not recommended for use in bedrooms, bathrooms, and recreational vehicles, or approved for use in Canada or California.
What we liked: This natural gas garage heater for uninsulated garage is equipped with safety sensors and integrated thermostat, and mounts on walls or as a standalone unit.
What could be better: It emits gas odor, so confirm that the connection is secure. Also, it does not include a fan, and the gas connector is inconveniently placed at the base of the heater.
More features: 2 heat settings; 8-hour timer; remote control
Our Budget Pick is this tower-styled space heater for uninsulated garage, which is available as a 23-inch freestanding unit in silver and gray colors.
A highlight of Lasko 5160 Ceramic Tower Heater is the lengthy limited warranty of 3 years, which is thrice as long as the one provided for most models.
Other outstanding features include patented blower technology and oscillation features that distribute warm air evenly in your garage.
With BTU capacity of 5,120, Lasko 5160 Ceramic Tower Heater can effectively spaces measuring up to 300 square feet.
At the top of the unit is an accessible control panel with a digital display and 6 intuitive buttons. It also comes with a remote control powered by two AAA batteries to set oscillation, timer, and the level of output and to select various heating modes such as Auto setting.
You can also control output with a programmable 8-hour timer so the heater can run only when it is needed, or use the two selectable heat settings to set your preferred levels.
This heater is quiet and sounds like a gentle fan. It uses ceramic heating element, so there is little chance of overheating although the front grill may get a bit warm. The manufacturer recommends using this model as a supplementary heat source and to avoid installing it in bathrooms.
What we liked: It is ETL-listed, quiet, budget-friendly, and stylish, and it can be controlled with a panel or the included remote control. We also like the 3-year warranty.
What could be better: Considering its tower shape, it is surprising that this heater has no protective features against tipping over. Another downside is that you can only use the thermostat on high setting only.
More features: Eco mode; 24-hour programmable timer; digital user-friendly controls
De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator boasts of patented steel assembly and vertical thermal slots to maximize heat distribution while keeping the surface of the device at low temperature to prevent damage from overheating and to keep it cool to touch.
It is a freestanding unit that comes with a 1500-watt sealed oil-filled radiator that generates 5,120 BTUs to raise temperature in areas of up to 144 square feet. The low coverage is a deal breaker if your garage is of medium or large size, but since it is a freestanding model, you can move it to heat small spaces. It is made of rust-resistant steel and equipped with 4 SmartSnap wheels to improve mobility.
You have greater control over the output because you can adjust heat to 3 different settings and maintain your preferred temperature with the adjustable thermostat. There is a digital control panel with user-friendly controls that quickly initiate selected settings such as Eco-mode to conserve energy by up to 40%, or the programmable 24-hour timer that is activated to schedule operation.
Safety features include, onboard cord storage, automatic thermal shut off, anti-freeze setting that turns off the heater when temperature drops to less than allows the unit to automatically turn on when the temperature drops below 44 °F to avoid frozen pipes.
What we liked: It is equipped with multiple heat settings, safety features, and wheels.
What could be better: There is an annoying clicking sound when the unit cycles on or off.
Consider this your shopping reference guide with a detailed analysis of the most important features to keep in mind before buying the best space heater for an uninsulated garage. We have reviewed the various types and add-ons and their coverage and mounting options. You will also find useful safety tips in the FAQ segment.
The following are the key factors that determine the best natural gas, propane, and electric garage heaters for uninsulated garages.
The best space heaters for uninsulated garages are classified according to their power sources and heating mechanisms.
Electric heaters use different modes of heat transmission; convection, infrared, and panel.
Gas heaters: They use propane, natural gas or liquefied petroleum as a power source.
The coverage area refers to the size of space, usually expressed in square footage, which a specific model can heat effectively and efficiently.
As a general rule, your garage will require a primary heating source with 10-watt output per square foot for effective heating. However, this rule may differ according to the specific type and heating technology of your space heater for uninsulated garage, and whether it provides primary or supplementary heat. Some portable products are also capable of extensive reach.
Measure the dimensions of your garage, keeping in mind the height, level of insulation, number of windows, and other factors that may require a heater with broader coverage.
For optimal performance, a model with greater coverage than you need would be more suitable because it would be better at managing drastic fluctuations. Besides that, you can still maximize output and reach your target temperature in a shorter time even when the heater is running on low settings. Make sure the coverage is only slightly higher than recommended to avoid huge consumption of energy unnecessarily. A heater that is too small would also be a poor choice since you risk it overheating from overworking.
British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a standard unit of measurement that indicates the heating capacity of a specific heater. Consider a larger BTU capacity when choosing the best natural gas garage heater for uninsulated garages, basements, and spaces with high ceilings to be able to maintain consistent temperature and withstand heat fluctuations.
As well as the BTU capacity, check the energy efficiency of your heater by comparing its BTU rating with its wattage.
Heaters are available in portable versions or in fixed form mounted with brackets on walls and ceilings. A natural gas garage heater for uninsulated garages is hardwired-connected to vents and gas lines by a certified HVAC technician.
Portable: Also known as standalone or freestanding units, they are compact, lightweight, and may have handles and wheels or legs for easy installation on the floor and convenient relocation to different rooms or areas. They are plugged into electrical outlets, and some have onboard cord storage. They are ideal for small spaces and focused heating in one section of the garage, and may be placed on the floor, table, or nightstand.
Mounted: They are the best space heaters for large uninsulated garages since they are hardwired into an existing connection to increase their output. Their downside is that their high initial cost for professional installation. Most are mounted on walls and ceilings to draw air from outside or to disperse warm air downwards. Baseboard models are commonly installed in basements. They are quiet and easy to install.
The best space heater for an uninsulated garage should be easy to mount or move around without taking up much space. If mounted, it needs to fit on the wall or ceiling and leave sufficient clearance from the wall and room for any venting hoses. For a portable natural gas garage heater for uninsulated garage, check that it has a handle or wheels for smooth transport.
Standalone models may feature space-saving cylindrical or tower shapes like Lasko 5160 Ceramic Tower Heater to reduce footprint.
Ultimately, the right size will be determined by the size of your space and the type of mounting. Expect fixed high-capacity heaters to be bigger in size to accommodate the larger motors and fans required to process large volumes of air.
Lasko 5160 Ceramic Tower Heater is available with a limited warranty of 3 years. However, majority of propane and natural gas garage heaters for an uninsulated garage are covered by a shorter limited warranty of one year. You will also find brands that provide different warranty periods for different components such as one year for the heater and 3 years for its motor. Wrong applications and attachments could render your warranty null and void. These instances include using garage heaters in bathrooms and damp environments or converting propane models to natural gas without confirming compatibility.
Weight: This would mostly matter in portable products that are moved regularly for precise heating. De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator weighs 26.6 pounds and uses wheels to improve transport.
Heat settings: Adjustable heat settings are ideal for customizing the speed and volume of output according to your needs, and for saving energy and reducing noise on low settings. Also check whether the heater is capable of directional airflow, which is achieved with tilting heads and adjustable louvers that provide precise heat distribution by directing warm air to specific areas that need faster heating.
Thermostat: This is integrated into the heater to automatically adjust and maintain your designated temperature whenever it fluctuates.
Design: Portable heaters may have a vertical tower or cylindrical shape to minimize footprint, legs, and weighted bases for stable anchoring, and onboard storage for some components. Some mountable models feature beautiful blue flames viewable on clear glass windows.
Remote control: A remote controller lets you operate the unit from afar, providing the best control method for mountable space heaters for uninsulated garages. Other user-friendly controls include a digital screen that displays feedback on active settings and responsive knobs and dials to switch heat modes and tweak the settings.
Safety features: Overheat protection shuts off the unit if the temperature is at high unsafe levels; some portable models have tip-over protection, and others maintain a cool surface despite producing warm air; oxygen depletion sensors switch off the heater to prevent buildup of noxious gases while auto-defrost sensors do the same to avoid frozen pipes during low temperature operation. For instance, De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator turns off automatically if the temperature is less than 44 °F.
Energy-saving features: Auto mode triggers the heater to run only when it is necessary to maintain target temperature. A natural gas garage heater for uninsulated garage that features Eco mode conserves power by running the heater on the lowest settings. A programmable timer operates the unit at a specified period to save energy, with the interval varying according to the model. Timers let you schedule the garage heater to run for 8, 12 or 24 hours.
Long cord and hose: Long length extends reach for flexible mounting options. Mr. Heater MH60QFAV comes with a regulator and 10-ft hose attachment to a gas tank.
Noise: Since fans are partly responsible for noisy output, the quietest space heaters for uninsulated garages are not fan-forced. They include radiant, oil-filled radiator and baseboard models.
Mobility: Portable garage heaters are equipped with handles for a safe grip when transporting them and wheels to improve mobility and maneuverability.
Onboard storage: To save space, some space heaters for an uninsulated garage come with storage compartments for the power cord to keep them out of the way.
Certifications: They are gatekeepers with testing laboratories who set and regulate quality, energy and safety standards. They include CSA, UL and ETL.
To provide the best space heater for an uninsulated garage, the UL-listed Dr. Infrared Heater DR-975 is equipped with adjustable louvers for directional airflow, a sealed motor, a remote-controlled thermostat to maintain consistent heat levels, and overheat protection for safe operation.
Martin Direct Vent Propane Wall Furnace Heater is appealing in almost every aspect. The wall-mounted gas heater comes in a beautiful blue-flame design and generates efficient clean energy with little risk of toxic gases, and NewAir G73 is an ETL-certified heater mounted on walls or ceilings to heat garages of up to 500 square feet. It is low-maintenance and compact with dimensions of 8.9 x 9.1 x 11.3 inches. For a large space heater for uninsulated garages covering maximum square footage of 1,500, we recommend the freestanding Mr. Heater MH60QFAV for its broad coverage, high capacity, and patented noise reduction technology.
