Best 80,000 BTU Propane Heaters for Garages and Workshops

Choosing an 80,000 BTU propane heater requires balancing coverage, ventilation, fuel runtime, and installation type. Below is a concise comparison table of five heaters that meet or closely match the 80,000 BTU range and are commonly used in garages, workshops, and job sites.

Product	Type	BTU Range	Coverage
Dura Heat LPC80 50-80,000 BTU Convection Heater	Convection (Propane)	50,000–80,000	Up To 1,900 Sq Ft
Mr. Heater Propane Unit Heater MHU80LP	Unit/Forced Air (Propane)	80,000	Up To 1,000 Sq Ft
Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC80DG Convection Heater	Convection (Propane)	50,000–80,000	Up To 2,000 Sq Ft
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG (Includes LP Conversion Kit)	Unit Heater (Natural Gas; LP Conversion)	80,000	Up To 2,000 Sq Ft
Mr. Heater Convection Heater 30–80K BTU	Convection (Propane)	30,000–80,000	Up To 2,000 Sq Ft

Dura Heat LPC80 50-80,000 BTU Propane Convection Heater

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The Dura Heat LPC80 Is A Variable Output Convection Heater Designed For Spaces Where Even, Gentle Heat Distribution Is Preferred. It Operates On Propane Only And Features A 360-Degree Convection design to circulate warm air.

• BTU Range: 50,000–80,000 (variable)
• Fuel Runtime: Up To 17 Hours On A 40-Lb Cylinder
• Ignition: Piezo Igniter — No Electricity Required
• Coverage: Up To 1,900 Sq Ft (manufacturer spec)
• Use Case: Garages, Workshops, Barns Where Convection Heating Is Desired

Key operational notes: The unit’s ability to run without electricity makes it useful in off-grid or intermittent-power situations. Variable output allows matching heat output to space load. Ensure proper ventilation and follow clearance recommendations for safe operation.

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

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The Mr. Heater MHU80LP Is A Ceiling-Or Wall-Mount Unit Heater Built To Deliver Direct, High-Output Heat Toward Work Areas. It Uses Spark Ignition With A Self-Diagnostic Control Module For Reliable Starts And Includes Angle Brackets For Easier Installation.

• BTU Output: 80,000
• Heating Coverage: Listed Up To 1,000 Sq Ft (application dependent)
• Ignition & Controls: Spark Ignition With Self-Diagnostic Module
• Mounting: Includes Two Angle Brackets For Ceiling Mount
• Use Case: Workshops, Garages, Commercial Spaces Requiring Directed Heat

Installation considerations include proper clearances, adequate ventilation, and mounting location to direct heat where needed. The unit’s design favors targeted workspace heating over whole-space convection distribution.

Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC80DG 50,000–80,000 BTU Liquid Propane Convection Heater

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The Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC80DG Is Designed For Indoor Or Outdoor Use With Proper Ventilation And Provides Variable Output To Match Load Requirements. It’s Positioned As A Commercial-Grade Convection Heater For Large Spaces.

• BTU Range: 50,000–80,000
• Coverage: Up To 2,000 Sq Ft (manufacturer spec)
• Construction: Suitable For Indoor Use With Proper Venting; Also For Outdoor Applications
• Use Case: Large Garages, Shops, Commercial Work Areas

Because this model is labeled for indoor use with ventilation, confirm local codes and ensure exhaust routing or adequate airflow. The variable range is useful for tempering output to save fuel and manage comfort levels.

Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater (LP Conversion Kit Included)

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The Mr. Heater Big Maxx Is Marketed As A Natural Gas Unit Heater But Includes An LP Conversion Kit In The Package. It Offers 80,000 BTU Performance And Is Sized For Larger Spaces With Category 1 Or 3 Venting Options.

• BTU Output: 80,000
• Coverage: Up To 2,000 Sq Ft
• Electrical: 120 V, 2.3 Amps (for blower/controls)
• Inclusions: Two Angle Brackets & LP Conversion Kit (thermostat, hose, regulator not included)
• Venting: Category 1 Vertical Or Category 3 Horizontal Options

Practical considerations include confirming the included conversion kit components and following venting and clearance requirements closely. Because this model expects electrical supply for blower/control, plan wiring and placement accordingly.

Mr. Heater Convection Heater 30–80K BTU/HR

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This Mr. Heater Convection Model Covers A Wide Output Range (30,000–80,000 BTU) For Flexible Use In Various-Sized Spaces. It’s Designed For Propane Use And Offers Standing Pilot Operation For Continuous Readiness.

• BTU Range: 30,000–80,000
• Coverage: Up To 2,000 Sq Ft
• Fuel: Propane; Operates Up To 14 Hours On A 100-Lb Tank (spec dependent)
• Ignition: Standing Pilot For Increased Safety
• Use Case: Whole-Space Convection Heating For Garages, Workshops, Barns

Standing pilot systems can be useful for continuous heat needs but may have different fuel usage characteristics versus intermittent ignition systems. Inspect pilot design and recommended maintenance before installation.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An 80,000 BTU Propane Heater

Selecting the right heater involves evaluating performance, installation, safety, and operating costs. Below are key considerations and comparison perspectives to guide a decision.

1. Heating Method — Convection vs Forced Air

Convection Heaters (e.g., Dura Heat, Dyna-Glo, Mr. Heater Convection) warm air passively and promote even temperature distribution. They are often quieter and better for whole-space warmth. Forced-Air/Unit Heaters (e.g., Mr. Heater MHU80LP) produce directed, rapid heating and are effective for spot heating work areas.

2. BTU Rating And Coverage

BTU is a measure of heat output. An 80,000 BTU unit is suitable for medium-to-large garages or small commercial spaces. Coverage estimates from manufacturers assume typical insulation conditions; colder climates or poorly insulated buildings reduce effective coverage.

3. Fuel Type And Conversion

Most models are propane-specific; some natural-gas models include LP conversion kits (e.g., Mr. Heater Big Maxx). Confirm whether conversion kits are included and whether additional components (regulator, hose) are required for LP operation.

4. Ignition Type And Electrical Needs

Piezo Or Standing Pilot Ignition can operate without electricity but may have different fuel usage. Spark Ignition With Electronic Control or heaters with blowers typically require electrical supply. Decide whether off-grid capability is needed.

5. Venting, Clearances, And Installation

Check manufacturer-required clearances, venting categories (for unit heaters), and mounting options. Improper venting can create carbon monoxide hazards — ensure compliance with local codes. Some unit heaters require professional installation for safe venting and gas connections.

6. Runtime And Fuel Consumption

Runtime depends on BTU setting and tank size. Variable-output units conserve fuel when low heat is sufficient. Confirm runtime estimates on the BTU setting you expect to use most often.

7. Noise And Comfort Considerations

Forced-air units typically produce more noise; models with quiet-burn or QBT technology reduce operational noise. Convection units are generally quieter but deliver heat more gradually.

8. Safety Features

Look for thermal limit switches, tip-over protection (mainly for portable units), thermoelectric safety valves, and reliable pilot/ignition safety systems. Ensure adequate CO detection if operating indoors.

9. Mounting And Space Constraints

Unit heaters require clear overhead space and secure mounting; convection units may be floor-mounted or wall-mounted. Verify unit dimensions and clearance requirements relative to your space.

10. Maintenance And Serviceability

Consider ease of access for cleaning, pilot servicing, and routine inspections. Commercial or heavy-duty applications may benefit from units designed for easier servicing and replacement parts availability.

Comparison Perspectives

Performance Focus: If rapid, directed heat is required for a workbench or specific zone, a forced-air unit heater like the MHU80LP is appropriate. For whole-room comfort and quieter operation, convection models such as the Dura Heat LPC80 or Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC80DG are better suited.

Installation & Utilities: If no reliable electricity is available, choose a model with piezo or standing pilot ignition. Units with blowers typically require 120 V power for operation and control.

Flexibility: Variable-output units give more control over fuel consumption and can reduce operating cost when full output is unnecessary. Units that include or support LP conversion provide flexibility if gas source options change.

Common Safety Checklist Before Use

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in any occupied space using combustion heaters.
• Verify clearances to combustibles per the manual.
• Confirm proper gas pressure, regulator sizing, and hose connections for propane.
• Follow venting requirements for unit heaters and models with category venting designations.
• Schedule periodic inspection and maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.