Best Propane Shop Heaters With Thermostat

Choosing the right propane heater for a workshop or garage requires balancing heat output, thermostat control, installation type, and safety features. The table below summarizes five heaters selected for shop use that offer thermostat control, forced-air or radiant designs, and varying coverage.

Product	Type	Key Feature
InoKraft Maxheat MH125 125,000 BTU	Forced Air Propane Heater	Auto 25–95°F On/Off Thermostat Control, Portable
ProCom ML300TBA-B 30,000 BTU	Blue Flame Ventless Space Heater	Built-In Thermostat With High/Med/Low Settings
Heatstar 30,000 BTU Radiant Propane	Vent Free Radiant With Blower	Top-Mounted Adjustable Thermostat And Blower
Mr. Heater Propane Unit Heater MHU80LP 80,000 BTU	Unit / Forced Air Shop Heater	Ceiling/Wall Mount, Spark Ignition, Powerful Output
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Radiant	Wall-Mounted Radiant Propane Heater	Infrared Radiant Heat, Compact For Additions & Cabins

InoKraft Maxheat MH125 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater

Check Price on Amazon

This heavy-duty forced air propane heater is designed for large garages, shops, and job sites. The heater delivers up to 125,000 BTU and claims coverage for areas up to 3,200 sq. ft., using a heavy-duty fan to move heat quickly across open spaces.

Key listed features include a Smart 25–95°F Auto On/Off Thermostat for automatic temperature control, fast heat distribution via a forced-air fan, adjustable heat angle, and multiple safety protections such as overheat auto-shutoff and auto-cut-off to help prevent gas leakage. The unit is portable and includes a 10 ft. hose for propane connection.

For shops that need rapid warm-up and a wide coverage area, the InoKraft’s combination of thermostat automation and powerful forced-air delivery is suitable. Ensure adequate ventilation and follow all clearance and propane-supply recommendations when installing in a work area.

ProCom ML300TBA-B 30,000 BTU Ventless Propane Blue Flame Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The ProCom Blue Flame ventless heater produces up to 30,000 BTU and is rated to heat areas up to 1,400 sq. ft. It uses a blue flame/blue-convection approach to heat the ambient air rather than direct radiant tiles, making it useful for space heating in workshops and offices where wall mounting or floor placement is preferred.

Notable features include an integrated thermostat control with High/Medium/Low settings, compact modern styling, included wall mount and base feet, and multi-position installation. The thermostat offers simple set-and-forget control, improving fuel efficiency over continuous run modes.

As a ventless unit, indoor air quality and ventilation should be considered. Blue flame heaters typically provide efficient heat transfer while remaining compact, and the ProCom’s thermostat provides a convenient way to maintain consistent shop temperatures without manual cycling.

Heatstar 30,000 BTU Vent Free Radiant Propane Heater With Thermostat And Blower

Check Price on Amazon

The Heatstar vent-free radiant propane heater combines radiant ceramic tiles with a blower to circulate warmed air. It includes a top-mounted adjustable thermostat and a blower that can improve heat dispersal beyond the immediate radiant zone.

Listed features indicate battery-operated electronic ignition (one AA battery included), easy wall-mount or freestanding installation with an included feet kit, and user-friendly comfort control. Radiant heat from ceramic tiles is effective at warming people and objects directly, which can feel more comfortable in cold shop environments.

Because this model is ventless and offers a blower plus thermostat, it provides both controlled comfort and improved distribution compared to passive radiant tiles. Proper placement and adherence to manufacturer-specified clearances are important for safe indoor operation.

Mr. Heater Propane Unit Heater MHU80LP 80,000 BTU/Hr.

Check Price on Amazon

The Mr. Heater MHU80LP is a purpose-built shop unit heater with 80,000 BTU output. It is designed for ceiling or wall mounting and features a spark ignition with a self-diagnostic control module. The unit includes angle brackets for installation and provides targeted forced-air heating for enclosed workspaces.

Manufacturer notes list heating capability for smaller shop spaces and convenience features such as included mounting brackets for quick installation. While this model does not list an integrated thermostat in the provided features, many installations pair it with a wall-mounted thermostat or controller to achieve automatic temperature regulation.

For users who prefer a dedicated shop heater with robust forced-air output, this Mr. Heater unit is a common choice. When purchasing, plan for a compatible thermostat or wiring option if automatic temperature control is required in a workshop setting.

Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Radiant Propane Heater

Check Price on Amazon

This Mr. Heater vent-free radiant wall heater delivers up to 30,000 BTU using multiple burner tiles to create infrared-style radiant warmth. It’s intended for spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. and emphasizes direct heating of objects and occupants for efficient comfort in cold zones of a shop or attached workspace.

Features include high efficiency radiant heating, fuel efficiency (listed consumption and runtime metrics), and suitability for supplemental heating in cold rooms, additions, sunrooms, and cabins. The radiant approach is particularly effective when occupants are stationary or focused in a specific work area.

While this model’s feature set focuses on radiant performance rather than thermostat integration, some users pair wall-mounted radiant heaters with inline thermostats or simple programmable wall controls to maintain consistent shop temperatures.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Propane Shop Heater With Thermostat

Heat Output And Shop Size

Match heater BTU output to your shop’s volume. Forced-air propane heaters (e.g., InoKraft 125,000 BTU) heat large volumes quickly and distribute heat broadly. Radiant or blue-flame units (30,000–80,000 BTU) are better for smaller shops, zones, or workstations. Calculate approximate BTU needs: multiply cubic feet of space by desired temperature rise and factor insulation.

Thermostat Integration And Control Types

Thermostat options vary: built-in thermostats (ProCom, Heatstar) provide simple setpoint control. Advanced units (InoKraft) offer auto on/off thermostats with programmable ranges. If a heater lacks an internal thermostat, plan for a compatible external wall thermostat or controller rated for gas heater control. Consider programmable thermostats for time-of-day temperature management.

Heater Type: Forced Air vs Radiant vs Blue Flame

• Forced Air: Rapidly raises ambient temperature and moves warm air across large areas. Good for big shops and quick warm-ups.
• Radiant: Warms people and objects directly; efficient for targeted work zones or poorly insulated spaces.
• Blue Flame: Heats air more uniformly than radiant and is efficient for enclosed areas; often ventless.

Ventless vs Vented And Indoor Air Quality

Ventless heaters (many radiant and blue flame types) exhaust combustion products directly into the space; they are efficient but require adequate ventilation and adherence to local codes and CO/oxygen depletion safeguards. Vented/direct-vent or external-venting heaters remove combustion products outdoors and are preferred when indoor air quality is a priority.

Safety Features

Look for overheat protection, flame failure/shutoff valves, oxygen depletion sensors (for ventless units), and self-diagnostic ignition systems. Forced-air shop units should include auto-shutoff and gas-leak protections. Follow manufacturer clearance specs and install carbon monoxide detectors in occupied shops.

Installation And Mounting

Consider ceiling-mounted unit heaters for floor space saving, wall-mounted radiant for localized warmth, and portable forced-air units for temporary job-site use. Check included mounting hardware, orientation options, and whether a conversion kit is needed for LP vs natural gas. Ensure mounting clearances and gas line/hose lengths meet your layout.

Fuel Consumption And Runtime

Compare listed fuel consumption at maximum settings and runtime estimates for common cylinder sizes if using portable tanks. Higher BTU output equates to faster fuel use; if long runtimes without refilling are important, select a unit with efficient thermostat control or lower maximum BTU suited to the space.

Distribution And Blower Options

A blower or forced-air fan improves heat distribution from radiant or unit heaters. If your shop has high ceilings or partitioned areas, select heaters with blowers or combine radiant units with fans to avoid stratification of warm air near the ceiling.

Noise And Work Environment

Forced-air heaters and units with large fans can be audible. If noise matters in a workshop or shared space, compare manufacturer noise characteristics or choose radiant/blue flame units that operate quietly while delivering comfortable warmth.

Controls And Automation

Basic thermostatic control maintains setpoint temperatures. For enhanced convenience, look for units compatible with programmable thermostats, remote sensors, or thermostats with wider temperature ranges. Auto on/off features provide hands-off operation ideal for shops used intermittently.

Codes, Permits, And Local Regulations

Check local building codes and gas appliance regulations. Some jurisdictions restrict ventless heater use in certain spaces. Confirm that the heater type and installation comply with code requirements, and consider professional installation for hardwired or vented systems.

Cost Of Ownership

Beyond initial purchase, factor in fuel costs, maintenance, and any required accessories like detachable thermostats, hoses, regulators, or conversion kits. Thermostat control can improve efficiency by reducing fuel consumption compared to manual operation.

Comparison Perspectives

When comparing units, weigh these perspectives:

• Performance Perspective: BTU output and fan/blower presence determine how quickly and evenly a shop will warm.
• Efficiency Perspective: Thermostatted units reduce runtime and fuel use; ventless radiant may feel warmer at lower ambient temperatures.
• Safety/Compliance Perspective: Vented units score higher for indoor air quality; ventless units require additional ventilation and detectors.
• Installation Perspective: Ceiling-mounted forced-air units maximize floor space; wall-mounted radiant units are easier to install and target work zones.

Use this guide to match heater type to shop size, desired level of automation, and safety requirements. If thermostat precision and automatic control are top priorities, select units with integrated thermostats or plan to pair a robust heater with an external wall-mounted thermostat designed for gas appliance control.