Best 240 Electric Heaters for Home and Garage

Quick Overview: This guide reviews top 240-volt electric heating options for workshops, garages, wall-mounted rooms, and on-demand hot water needs. The selected models span fan-forced space heaters, hard-wired ceiling units, garage/shop heaters, and high-capacity tankless water heaters that require 240V supply.

Product Type Key Feature
Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling-Mount Space Heater 5,000W Fan-Forced, Hard-Wired
Cadet CSC202TW Wall Heater With Thermostat 2,000W, Fast Heating For ~200 sq. ft.
Dr Infrared DR-988A Garage/Shop Electric Heater 4800/5600W With 6-30P Plug
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater 13kW At 240V, Self-Modulating
Rheem RTEX-24 High-Capacity Tankless Water Heater 24kW, Up To 5.9 GPM Flow

Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Heater

Comfort Zone Ceiling Heater

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This hard-wired ceiling-mount unit is designed for garages, warehouses, and workshops where floor space is at a premium. The fan-forced design moves heated air across the room, and the adjustable mounting angle and louvers provide targeted heat distribution.

  • Construction: Heavy-gauge steel body intended for durable, long-term use in variable temperature environments.
  • Installation: Hard-wired 240V connection required; ceiling mount conserves floor area.
  • Safety: Built-in overheat protection and thermal cut-out switch for shutdown in unsafe conditions.
  • Best Use: Uninsulated garages, workshops, and storage areas needing robust overhead heating.

This unit emphasizes space-saving installation and directional airflow control. It is primarily suited to fixed installations and requires proper electrical circuit capacity and professional wiring where local code requires.

Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater With Thermostat

Cadet Wall Heater

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The Cadet Com-Pak is a compact wall-mounted electric heater with an integrated thermostat, intended for rooms up to roughly 200 square feet. It targets quick warm-up and quiet operation via an internal fan.

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  • Heating Capacity: 2000/1500 watts (240/208V), suitable for small to medium rooms.
  • Performance: Fast heating coil designed for rapid temperature rise in enclosed spaces.
  • Installation Flexibility: Some models allow ceiling installation under specific wattage limits; follow manufacturer guidance for placement.
  • Safety: Thermal cutoffs shut the unit off if temperatures exceed safe levels.

Cadet units are commonly used for supplemental room heating where central HVAC is absent or inadequate. They are suited to bedrooms, small offices, and garages that need a discreet wall-mounted heat source.

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

Dr Infrared Garage Heater

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This model is a plug-in garage/shop heater designed for 240V circuits with a NEMA 6-30P plug connection. It offers two power settings and is aimed at garage and workshop heating where portability or plug-based installation is preferred.

  • Power: 4800 to 5600 watts depending on model configuration; requires a dedicated 240V receptacle (NEMA 6-30R).
  • Connection: Comes with a NEMA#6-30P power cord; ensure compatible outlet and breaker sizing.
  • Application: Portable or semi-permanent garage heating where a 240V receptacle is available.
  • Considerations: Requires appropriate circuit protection and adherence to outlet amperage ratings.

The DR-988A is practical when a hard-wired install is not desired and a 240V receptacle is already present. Confirm plug type and electrical capacity before procurement.

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater

EcoSmart ECO 11

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The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a point-of-use tankless electric water heater rated at roughly 13kW on 240V service. It uses patented self-modulating technology to match power draw to hot water demand and offers compact wall-mount installation.

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  • Size & Efficiency: Compact footprint; heats water on demand to avoid standby losses common to tank systems.
  • Control: Continuously monitored water temperature and flow control maintain consistent output within close tolerances.
  • Electrical: Higher amperage draw; check breaker and wiring requirements (unit draws ~54A at rated conditions).
  • Use Case: Ideal for single fixtures or point-of-use applications where centralized tankless capacity is unnecessary.

Tankless water heaters like the ECO 11 convert a 240V electrical supply into on-demand hot water. They differ from space heaters and require plumbing considerations along with electrical upgrades for high-power models.

Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater

Rheem RTEX-24

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The Rheem RTEX-24 is a high-capacity tankless electric water heater designed for higher flow demands, offering up to 5.9 GPM under optimal conditions. It features self-modulating power control and a digital temperature dial for user adjustment.

  • Capacity: 24kW at 240V suitable for multiple simultaneous hot water fixtures depending on inlet temperature and flow requirements.
  • Controls: On/off dial with adjustable digital readout aids precise temperature selection.
  • Installation: Requires professional electrical sizing and potentially multiple breakers or dedicated circuits per local code.
  • Best For: Homes or light commercial applications needing higher hot water flow without a storage tank.

Large tankless electric heaters convert substantial 240V electrical power into continuous hot water. They are an alternative to gas-fired systems when gas is not available but often demand significant electrical infrastructure upgrades.

Buying Guide: Choosing The Right 240V Electric Heater

Selecting a 240-volt electric heater depends on intended use, electrical capacity, space constraints, and safety requirements. This guide covers the critical factors to consider.

1. Identify The Type You Need

  • Space Heaters (Hard-Wired Or Plug-In): Designed to heat rooms, garages, or workshops. Hard-wired ceiling or wall units free floor space while plug-in models require a matching 240V outlet.
  • Tankless Water Heaters: Provide on-demand hot water and use 240V power; they are not space heaters and require plumbing plus electrical upgrades.

2. Assess Electrical Capacity

  • Breaker Size And Wiring: Large electric heaters and tankless units often need dedicated breakers and appropriately gauged wiring (for example, 6 AWG for some high-amp devices). Confirm panel capacity before purchase.
  • Amperage Draw: Review manufacturer amperage requirements; tankless water heaters can draw dozens of amps at full load.

3. Heating Capacity And Coverage

  • Space Heaters: Choose based on square footage, insulation, and ceiling height. Fan-forced and louvers improve distribution in larger, less insulated areas.
  • Water Heaters: Match flow rate (GPM) and desired temperature rise to household usage patterns. Higher kW models deliver greater flow and temperature lift.

4. Installation And Mounting

  • Ceiling Vs Wall Mounting: Ceiling-mounted units conserve floor space but require secure mounting and wiring access. Wall units offer easier access for thermostats and maintenance.
  • Plug-In Vs Hard-Wired: Plug-in models require compatible receptacles (e.g., NEMA 6-30R). Hard-wired installs may be preferred for permanent, tamper-proof setups.

5. Safety Features

  • Overheat Protection: Look for thermal cut-outs and automatic shutoffs to prevent overheating.
  • Certifications: ETL or UL listings indicate testing to safety standards; check product labeling.

6. Controls And User Interface

  • Built-In Thermostats: Provide automatic temperature regulation for space heaters to maintain set temperatures.
  • Digital Displays: For tankless water heaters, digital controls and thermostatic accuracy help match output to demand and improve comfort.

7. Durability And Environment

  • Construction: Heavy-gauge steel housings resist physical damage and temperature cycles typical in garages and workshops.
  • Corrosion Resistance: For water heaters, materials and immersion elements affect longevity in varying water qualities.

8. Application-Specific Considerations

  • Garages & Workshops: Consider fan-forced ceiling units or plug-in garage heaters with high wattage for rapid heat distribution.
  • Living Spaces: Wall units with integrated thermostats and quieter fans are preferable for occupied rooms.
  • Hot Water Needs: Evaluate peak simultaneous fixture demand and incoming water temperature when sizing a tankless unit.

9. Comparison Perspectives

  • Energy Use: 240V heaters can be efficient for high-output needs, but running costs depend on local electricity rates and duty cycle.
  • Installation Cost vs. Convenience: Hard-wired and high-kW units may require panel upgrades, increasing upfront cost but offering long-term performance.
  • Portability: Plug-in models offer mobility but depend on existing outlet compatibility and may limit placement.

When choosing any 240V electric heater, match device type, electrical requirements, and mounting style to your intended space and use case. Consider professional electrical and plumbing consultation for high-power or complex installs to ensure compliance with codes and safe operation.

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