Best Industrial Space Heaters for Workshops and Warehouses

Choosing the right industrial space heater depends on power source, mounting style, coverage, and safety features. The table below summarizes five top options included in this guide so you can compare key specs at a glance.

Product	Type	Key Power/Feature
Global Industrial Fan Forced Wall Heater	Hard-Wired Wall Heater	4000/3000W, Built-In Thermostat
Berko Industrial Space Heater	Wall/Surface Mounted	208/240V, BTUs 6396/17100
Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling Mount	Ceiling-Mount Fan-Forced	5000W, Adjustable Louvers
Dr Infrared Heater DR-988A Garage Shop	Portable Hard-Wired/Plug	4800/5600W, NEMA 6-30R Plug Required
Mr. Heater 35,000 BTU Propane Forced-Air	Portable Propane Forced-Air	35,000 BTU, Heats Up To 800 Sq Ft

Global Industrial Fan Forced Wall Heater

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This wall-mounted fan-forced heater is designed for areas where quick warm-up and space-saving installation matter. The listed features highlight that it is quicker than a conventional convection heater, which indicates active airflow to accelerate heat distribution. The unit is recessed for optional space—useful where profile and clearance are limited. A built-in thermostat provides local temperature control, reducing the need for external controls.

Installation requires proper electrical wiring for 240/208V operation and consideration of wall structure for recessing. The fan-forced approach gives faster response than passive radiators, but fan noise and motor maintenance should be planned for in high-use environments.

Berko Industrial Space Heaters With Thermostat

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Berko’s industrial heaters are specified with size and electrical ratings to match commercial circuits. The listed dimensions are Overall WxDxH: 14 x 12-3/8 x 12-1/2″, which helps in planning mounting and clearance. Electrical ratings show Amps: 9/20.9 and BTUs: 6396/17100, giving insight into performance at different input voltages.

These specifications are valuable for facilities needing to match heater capacity to available panel capacity and heating load. The unit’s BTU range suggests suitability for mid-size zones when paired with appropriate airflow strategies. Incorporate the listed amperage into electrical planning and consult an electrician for correct breaker sizing and conduit.

Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Heater

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The Comfort Zone CZ220 is a ceiling-mounted fan-forced solution intended for workshops and storage areas where floor space is limited. The unit’s hard-wired design keeps cords out of the workspace and supports permanent installation. Features list louvers and adjustable mounting angle, supporting targeted heating to workstations or aisles.

Construction uses heavy-gauge steel, improving durability in industrial settings. The overheat protection and thermal cut-out switch contribute to safety in environments with fluctuating temperatures or intermittent airflow. Ceiling mounts require structural support and electrical hard-wiring; plan clearances to avoid direct exposure to dust or overhead obstructions that could impair airflow.

Dr Infrared Heater DR-988A Garage Shop 208/240-Volt

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The Dr Infrared DR-988A is a higher-capacity electric option requiring 240-Volt supply and using 5600-Wattspecial outlet (NEMA 6-30R) is needed for the power cord (NEMA 6-30P), which is critical when planning installation and placement.

Its plug type affects portability and wiring: it can be plugged into a dedicated NEMA 6-30R receptacle rather than permanently hard-wired. This model is aimed at garages and shops where a powerful electrical outlet is available. Verify circuit capacity and use appropriate receptacles and breakers to meet local code and safety standards.

Mr. Heater 35,000 BTU Propane Forced-Air Heater

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This propane forced-air heater offers a non-electric heating option with 35,000 BTU output and claimed coverage up to 800 square feet. It runs for extended periods and is portable, suitable for larger open areas or where electrical supply is limited. The forced-air design provides rapid heating and wide dispersion.

When considering propane units, review ventilation needs, CO monitoring, fuel storage, and local regulations. Propane forced-air heaters can provide high heat output without stressing electrical systems, but they require safe placement, adequate combustion air, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines for indoor use.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An Industrial Space Heater

Selecting an industrial heater involves evaluating heat source, capacity, mounting, controls, safety, and installation logistics. Below are practical considerations to guide selection across multiple perspectives.

1. Heat Source And Fuel Type

• Electric (Hard-Wired Or Plug-In): Common in workshops with adequate electrical service. Pros: no combustion products, easier indoor use. Cons: requires sufficient circuit capacity and may need special outlets or hard-wiring.
• Propane: High BTU output without heavy electrical demand. Pros: strong heat output and portability. Cons: requires ventilation, CO monitoring, and fuel handling.

2. Output Capacity And Coverage

• Match heater BTU or wattage to the zone size, insulation level, and ceiling height. Higher ceilings require more output or directed airflow to occupied zones.
• For electric heaters, convert watts to BTU (1 watt ≈ 3.412 BTU) when comparing specs.

3. Mounting Style And Placement

• Wall-Mounted: Useful for perimeter heating and where floor space is limited.
• Ceiling-Mounted: Saves floor space and allows directional louvers for targeted heating.
• Portable/Stand: Offers flexibility for temporary zones or seasonal use; check cord/receptacle needs.

4. Controls And Thermostat Options

• Integrated thermostats support local temperature regulation; centralized controls may be needed for multiple units.
• Consider programmable or remote thermostats if energy efficiency and scheduled heating are priorities.

5. Electrical And Installation Requirements

• Verify available voltage and breaker size. Products may specify 208/240V or require a NEMA 6-30R outlet—plan wiring accordingly.
• Hard-wired units require licensed electrical installation; portable plug-in units require correctly rated receptacles and breakers.

6. Safety Features And Compliance

• Look for overheat protection, thermal cut-out switches, and enclosed motors in industrial settings to reduce failure risk.
• Check product listings for safety listings or certifications appropriate for commercial use.

7. Durability And Construction

• Heavy-gauge steel housings and enclosed motors extend service life in dusty or high-use environments.
• Consider corrosion resistance if used in humid or chemically active spaces.

8. Noise And Airflow Considerations

• Fan-forced heaters provide faster heat but introduce noise. Review decibel levels for occupied workspaces.
• Directed louvers or adjustable mounting can reduce the need for excessive output by focusing heat where needed.

9. Ventilation And Indoor Air Quality

• For combustion heaters (propane, kerosene), ensure adequate ventilation and CO detection. For electric heaters, minimize dust ingestion and maintain filters or guards.

10. Maintenance And Serviceability

• Choose units with accessible fan motors and replaceable components for easier upkeep.
• Document service intervals and check electrical connections, louvers, and safety cut-outs regularly.

Comparing Perspectives: Efficiency, Practicality, And Code

Efficiency can be measured by how quickly occupied zones reach target temperatures and how well units maintain setpoints. Electric units convert nearly all input power to heat, while combustion units’ effective heating depends on exhaust and ventilation management.

From a practicality standpoint, choose portable units for temporary heating and fixed wall/ceiling units for long-term installations. For code and safety compliance, always match heater selection with local building and electrical codes and consult licensed professionals for installation and fuel-handling systems.