When the temperature drops in your garage or workshop, a reliable propane heater can make all the difference. These units provide powerful, on-demand heat without the need for a permanent electrical installation, making them perfect for small, detached spaces. Whether you’re working on a project, tinkering with your car, or just need to take the chill out of the air, the right heater will keep you comfortable and productive.
Selecting the best model for your needs depends on several factors, including heating capacity, safety features, and installation style. From portable “Buddy” heaters to wall-mounted blue flame units, there’s a solution for every scenario. Our roundup highlights eight of the best propane garage heaters designed to efficiently warm your small space.
Our Top Picks for Small Garage Propane Heaters
- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
- Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
- Mr. Heater Corporation F271370 Little Buddy
- ProCom MN200TBA 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
- Dyna-Glo 10,000 BTU Liquid Propane Radiant Cabinet Heater
- Mr. Heater F260550 Big Buddy
- Remington REM-60VH 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Heater
- Martin Hearth & Heating HBLP25 25,000 BTU Vent Free Heater
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
The Mr. Heater Buddy is a legendary portable heater, famous for its reliability and safety in small spaces. It delivers 4,000 to 9,000 BTU and can heat an area up to 225 square feet, making it ideal for a single-car garage section or a small workshop. Its compact design means it can sit on a bench or the floor without taking up much room.
This unit includes essential safety features such as an automatic low-oxygen shutoff sensor (ODS) and a tip-over switch for peace of mind. It operates quietly and can be connected directly to a 1 lb. propane cylinder or, with an optional hose, to a larger 20 lb. tank for extended use. Its simplicity and portability make it a go-to for quick heat.
Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
For those seeking a permanent heating solution, the Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU wall heater offers powerful, whole-room warmth. Using a blue flame combustion technology, it heats the air in a room similarly to a central heating system, providing consistent and comfortable temperatures for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Its vent-free design allows for easy installation without a chimney or flue.
This heater features a thermostat control, allowing you to set and maintain your desired temperature automatically. It includes a built-in blower to help circulate the warm air more effectively throughout the space. With its sleek, low-profile cabinet, it mounts neatly on a wall, saving valuable floor space in your garage.
Mr. Heater Corporation F271370 Little Buddy
The Little Buddy lives up to its name as the most compact and lightweight option in the lineup. With a 3,800 BTU output, it’s perfectly suited for very small spaces, such as under a desk, in a tiny shed, or next to you while working on a bench. It can provide warmth for up to 5 hours on a single 1 lb. propane cylinder.
Despite its small size, it doesn’t compromise on safety, featuring the same automatic low-oxygen shutoff system as its larger counterparts. It’s carry-handle design makes it easy to transport and position exactly where you need it. This heater is an excellent choice for targeted, personal heat in the most confined areas.
ProCom MN200TBA 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free Propane Wall Heater
The ProCom MN200TBA is a powerful yet efficient wall-mounted heater that delivers 20,000 BTU, suitable for heating spaces around 700 square feet. Its blue flame technology provides a quiet, even heat that is very comfortable. The vent-free operation simplifies installation, requiring only a connection to a standard propane tank.
This model includes a programmable thermostat, so you can set your preferred temperature and let the heater maintain it automatically. The clean, black finish allows it to blend seamlessly into most garage decors. It’s a solid, mid-range option for someone who wants the convenience of a permanent heater with reliable thermostat control.
Dyna-Glo 10,000 BTU Liquid Propane Radiant Cabinet Heater
This Dyna-Glo cabinet heater uses radiant heat technology, which warms objects and people directly in its path, rather than the air. This makes it highly effective for spot heating in drafty areas or for quickly warming you up in a specific part of the garage. Its 10,000 BTU output is ideal for small to medium-sized spaces.
Housed in a durable steel cabinet, it is designed for floor placement and features a protective grille. It operates without electricity, making it a dependable source of heat during power outages. If you need immediate, direct warmth and prefer a floor-standing unit, this radiant heater is a strong contender.
Mr. Heater F260550 Big Buddy
The Big Buddy is the larger, more powerful sibling in the Buddy family, capable of heating spaces up to 450 square feet. It offers three heat settings (18,000 BTU max) and can run for up to 12 hours on two 20 lb. propane tanks when connected with a hose. It even includes a battery-powered fan to help circulate the warm air.
This heater includes all the trusted Mr. Heater safety features, including a low-oxygen shutoff system and a tip-over safety switch. Its sturdy handle and substantial size make it a semi-portable powerhouse, perfect for a larger small garage or workshop where you need more substantial heat output.
Remington REM-60VH 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Heater
For small spaces that are particularly drafty or poorly insulated, the Remington REM-60VH delivers a massive 60,000 BTU of heat. This is a high-output, portable heater on wheels, designed to tackle challenging conditions in workshops, construction sites, and large garages. Its portability means you can direct the heat exactly where it’s needed most.
It features a piezoelectric ignition for easy, battery-free start-up and a variable heat control knob to adjust the output. The sturdy steel construction and large handles make it durable and easy to move. While powerful for its size, it’s best used in spaces with adequate ventilation due to its high BTU rating.
Martin Hearth & Heating HBLP25 25,000 BTU Vent Free Propane Blue Flame Heater
The Martin Hearth & Heating HBLP25 is a robust vent-free wall heater that produces 25,000 BTU, making it suitable for areas up to 1,100 square feet. Its blue flame technology ensures efficient and quiet operation, distributing heat evenly throughout the room. The unit is designed for a clean, permanent installation on your wall.
It comes with a convenient remote control, allowing you to adjust the thermostat and settings from anywhere in the room. An optional blower kit is available to improve heat circulation. This heater combines substantial heating power with modern convenience features for a very comfortable and user-friendly experience.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Propane Garage Heater for Your Small Space
When I’m looking for a propane garage heater for a small space, my first priority is always safety. Since we’re talking about an open flame and combustible fuel in an enclosed area, this isn’t the place to cut corners. I always look for two key safety features: an automatic low-oxygen sensor (ODS) and tip-over protection. The ODS will shut the heater off if the oxygen level in the room drops to an unsafe level, which is crucial for a tight workshop or garage. Tip-over protection is a no-brainer; if the unit gets knocked over, it turns off immediately.
Next, I consider the BTUs, or British Thermal Units. This is the measure of heat output. For a small space, like a one-car garage or a workshop under 500 square feet, you don’t need a monstrous industrial heater. A unit in the 10,000 to 30,000 BTU range is usually perfect. Going too high is not only overkill but can also be a safety hazard and will burn through propane tanks way too quickly. I match the BTU rating to my square footage to find that sweet spot of efficient warmth.
Portability is another huge factor for me. A smaller garage heater should be easy to move around. I check the weight and see if it has a built-in handle. Some models are compact and lightweight enough to carry from my workbench to the area where I’m detailing my car. This flexibility means I can direct the heat exactly where I need it, when I need it, rather than heating the entire space unnecessarily.
Finally, I think about the practical stuff. How is it powered? Some models require a standard electrical outlet for the fan and controls, while others are completely electric-free, running on thermoelectric or piezoelectric ignition. The electric-free ones are great for power outages but might have a less consistent flame. I also look at the run time on a standard 20-pound propane tank. A heater that guzzles fuel and only lasts a few hours isn’t very practical for a long project. Noise level matters, too; a loud fan can be annoying when I’m trying to focus. By weighing these factors—safety, BTUs, portability, and practical operation—I can find one of the best propane garage heaters for small spaces that fits my specific needs and keeps my projects on track through the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are propane garage heaters safe to use indoors?
Yes, but with critical caveats. Modern vent-free propane heaters designed for indoor use are equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that automatically shuts off the heater if oxygen levels become unsafe. However, they do release water vapor and combustion byproducts into the air. It is absolutely essential that you provide adequate ventilation by cracking a window or door. Never use a heater designed for outdoor construction use inside an enclosed space, as this can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.
How long will a 20 lb propane tank last with my heater?
The burn time varies significantly based on the BTU setting of your heater. You can calculate a rough estimate. A 20 lb tank holds about 430,000 BTUs of energy. If you’re running a 10,000 BTU heater on high, it would theoretically last about 43 hours (430,000 / 10,000 = 43). In real-world use, it’s less due to ignition cycles and the fan using some fuel. A 30,000 BTU heater would drain the same tank in roughly 14 hours. For frequent use in a small space, I find that a lower BTU setting extends the tank life considerably.
Can I use a propane garage heater in a fully insulated garage?
You can, and it will work very effectively. An insulated garage simply means the heater won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. The heat produced will be retained much longer, allowing you to run the heater on a lower BTU setting or for shorter cycles. This improves efficiency and extends the life of your propane tank. Just remember that even in a well-insulated space, the requirement for ventilation remains the same for your safety.
What size propane garage heater do I need for a one-car garage?
A typical one-car garage is around 200-300 square feet. For a space this size, a heater rated between 10,000 and 18,000 BTUs is usually sufficient, especially if it’s moderately insulated. If your garage is poorly insulated or you live in an extremely cold climate, you might want to lean towards the higher end of that range. One of the key benefits of the best propane garage heaters for small spaces is that they are appropriately sized, so you’re not wasting fuel or creating an uncomfortably hot environment.
Do these heaters require electricity to operate?
It depends on the model. Many propane garage heaters have a fan that distributes the heat, and that fan requires electricity from a standard household outlet. However, there are also “vent-free” radiant models that operate completely without electricity, using a piezo ignition to start. These are fantastic for power outages but may not distribute heat as evenly as a model with a fan. Always check the product specifications to see what type of power, if any, is required.
Where is the best place to position the heater in my garage?
Safety is the top priority for placement. You should place the heater on a stable, level floor, away from any potential foot traffic to avoid it being knocked over. Keep it at least three feet away from any combustible materials, including walls, workbenches, shelves, gasoline cans, and paint thinners. I always make sure it’s positioned where the heat output isn’t directly blocked by a large object, allowing for good air circulation throughout the space.