Best Diesel and Multi-Fuel Heaters for Garages

If You Need Reliable Forced-Air Or Multi-Fuel Heating For A Garage, Workshop, Or Job Site, This Guide Compares Practical Unit Heaters That Run On Liquid Fuels Or Gas. Below Is A Quick Comparison Table Of The Selected Models To Help You Scan Capacity, Fuel Types, And Coverage.

Product Fuel Type BTU / Output Coverage
Mr. Heater 80,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater Kerosene / Diesel / Jet Fuel 80,000 BTU Up To 2,000 Sq. Ft. (Manufacturer Spec)
Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater Propane (Forced Air) 125,000 BTU High-Output Areas / Large Workspaces
Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater Natural Gas 80,000 BTU Approx. 2,000 Sq. Ft. (Manufacturer Spec)
Mr. Heater F260550 Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater Natural Gas 50,000 BTU Approx. 1,250 Sq. Ft. (Manufacturer Spec)
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Propane (Portable) 4,000–9,000 BTU Up To 225 Sq. Ft. (Portable Use)

Mr. Heater 80,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater

Mr. Heater 80,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene Heater

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This Unit Is A Multi-Fuel Forced Air Heater Capable Of Running On Kerosene, Filtered Diesel #1 & #2, Fuel Oil #1 & #2, Or Jet A (JP8). The Listed Output Is 80,000 BTU, And The Manufacturer States Coverage Up To 2,000 Sq. Ft. Key Features Include A Built-In Thermostat And LED Troubleshooting Diagnostics, Which Help With Operation And Basic Fault Identification.

Its multi-fuel capability Makes It Relevant For Users Seeking Diesel-Compatible Heating Solutions. The Forced-Air Design Is Suited To Larger Open Spaces Where Rapid Air Movement And High Heat Output Are Required. Consider Ventilation, Fuel Storage, And Local Codes When Using Multi-Fuel Heaters Indoors.

Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater

Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater

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The 125,000 BTU Propane Forced-Air Heater Is Designed For Significantly Larger Spaces That Require High Heat Output. It Uses Quiet Burner Technology Claimed To Be Quieter Than Standard Units, And Includes A 10 Ft Hose & Regulator.

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This Model Is Provided As A High-Capacity Option Comparable To Diesel/kerosene Forced-Air Units In Application—useful Where Propane Is The Preferred Fuel. Features Like A High-Temperature Limit Switch Support Safety In Continuous Or Heavy-Duty Use. Venting And Combustion Air Requirements Should Be Checked Before Installation.

Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

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This Natural Gas Unit Heater Produces 80,000 BTU And Is Specified To Cover Around 2,000 Sq. Ft. It Supports Category 1 Vertical And Category 3 Horizontal Venting Which Provides Flexibility In Installation. The Unit Includes Angle Brackets And A LP Conversion Kit With Purchase, Though Thermostat, Hose, And Regulator Are Not Included.

As A Wall/Hangar Style Unit, It Is Suited For Fixed Installations Where Natural Gas Supply Is Available. The Design Focuses On Stationary Building Heating Rather Than Mobile or Vehicle-Mounted Applications.

Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

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The 50,000 BTU Big Maxx Unit Is A Mid-Sized Natural Gas Heater Rated To Heat Up To 1,250 Sq. Ft. It Offers Powered Exhaust Allowing Vertical Or Horizontal Venting And Provides Easy Outside Access To Thermostat And A/C Terminals For Simpler Wiring And Servicing.

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This Model Is Suitable When A Natural Gas Line Is Present And Moderate Area Heating Is Required. It Is A Fixed Unit Heater Designed For Garages, Workshops, And Light Commercial Spaces Where Permanent Installation Is Preferred Over Portable Units.

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Propane Radiant Heater

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX

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The Portable Buddy Is A Radiant Propane Heater With Adjustable Output From 4,000 To 9,000 BTU, Intended For Small Spaces Up To 225 Sq. Ft. It Uses Infrared Technology To Heat Objects And People Directly, Rather Than Heating Large Volumes Of Air.

Safety Features Include An Enhanced Tip-Over Switch And A Piezo Igniter For Matchless Lighting. This Unit Is Relevant For Temporary Or Supplemental Heating In Garages, Workshops, Or Outdoor Covered Areas When Portable Fuel-Powered Heat Is Preferred.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Diesel Or Multi-Fuel Heater

This Buying Guide Covers Key Considerations When Selecting A Diesel-Compatible Or High-Output Forced-Air Heater For Garages, Workshops, And Job Sites.

Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices

  1. Prioritize Quality Over Cost
    The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money.
  2. Check for Rebates
    Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost.
  3. Compare Multiple Quotes
    Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors.
  4. Negotiate Smartly
    Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.

Fuel Compatibility And Availability

  • Diesel/Multi-Fuel vs. Propane vs. Natural Gas: Multi-fuel units support kerosene and diesel; propane and natural gas require their respective supply. Choose Based On Local Fuel Availability And Storage Practicalities.
  • Fuel Storage And Handling: Diesel And Kerosene Require Approved Containers And Ventilated Storage; Follow Local Codes For Indoor Use.

Output And Coverage

  • BTU Rating: Higher BTU Units Heat Larger Areas Faster. Match BTU To Space Volume, Insulation Level, And Desired Temperature Rise.
  • Heat Distribution: Forced-Air Heaters Move Warm Air Quickly; Radiant Units Heat Objects And People More Directly—choose Based On Application.

Installation And Venting

  • Ventilation Requirements: Combustion Heaters Need Proper Venting And Fresh Air Supply. Confirm Category Venting Type (Horizontal vs Vertical) And Clearances.
  • Fixed vs Portable: Fixed Unit Heaters Require Professional Mounting, Wiring, Or Gas Hookup. Portable Units Offer Flexibility But Have Limited Coverage.

Safety Features

  • Overheat And High-Temperature Cutoffs: Important For Continuous Operation.
  • Tip-Over And Flame-Failure Protections: Critical On Portable Models.
  • Diagnostics And Controls: Built-In Thermostats, LED Diagnostics, And Remote Controls Improve Usability And Troubleshooting.

Noise And Duty Cycle

  • Noise Level: Consider Quiet-Burn Or Reduced-Noise Technology For Indoor Or Occupied Spaces.
  • Continuous Operation: Look For Heavy-Duty Components And Thermal Limits If Running Long Shifts.

Installation Cost And Professional Requirements

  • Hard-Wired Electric Or Natural Gas Units: May Require A Licensed Electrician Or Plumber For Safe Installation.
  • Permits And Codes: Check Local Codes For Indoor Combustion Appliances And Venting, Especially For Diesel/Kerosene Use.

Maintenance And Parts

  • Serviceability: Access To Thermostat, Terminals, And Gas Connections Simplify Maintenance.
  • Spare Parts: Verify Availability Of Nozzles, Filters, Igniters, And Diagnostic Components For Long-Term Use.

Comparison Perspectives

  • Cost Of Operation: Diesel/Kerosene May Offer Different Running Costs Versus Propane Or Natural Gas Depending On Local Fuel Prices.
  • Application Fit: Use Forced-Air Kerosene/Diesel Units For Large, Ventilated Spaces; Choose Radiant Or Small Propane Units For Targeted, Short-Term Heat.
  • Mobility vs Permanence: Portable Units Serve Temporary Needs, While Wall-Or Ceiling-Mounted Units Deliver Permanent, Even Heating.

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