Best 30 Amp Electric Heater Options for Garages and Workshops

Quick Overview: Below is a concise comparison of selected electric heaters and powerful point-of-use units relevant to a 30 amp circuit or similar heavy-duty electrical setups. Use this table to match capacity, typical installation needs, and intended space.

Product	Type	Power / Circuit Notes
Dr Infrared Garage Heater DR-988A	Hardwired Garage Heater	5600W / Requires NEMA 6-30R (250V 30A) outlet
Dura Heat EWH5510 Electric Forced Air	Hardwired Garage Heater	5000W / 240V / Requires 30A hardwire installation
NewAir 5600W Portable Electric Garage Heater	Portable Fan-Forced Heater	5600W / Typically used on a 30A circuit for full output
TEMPWARE 5000-Watt Ceiling Mount Shop Heater	Ceiling/Wall/Floor Mount Shop Heater	3,000–5,000W settings / 240V; mounting options for workshops
ThermoMate 11kW Electric Tankless Water Heater	Tankless Point-Of-Use Water Heater	11kW unit requires significantly higher amperage (example: 60A setup)

Choosing the right heater for a 30 amp circuit depends on whether you need a forced-air garage heater, a portable fan-forced unit, or a point-of-use electric appliance. The sections below summarize features and installation considerations for each product.

Dr Infrared Garage Heater DR-988A

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Type: Hardwired/Plug-in Garage Heater Designed For 240V 30A Outlet

• Power: 5600W at 240V — requires a NEMA 6-30R receptacle and matching plug (NEMA 6-30P).
• Installation: Requires a dedicated 30A circuit. The unit ships with a NEMA#6-30P power cord.
• Use Case: Suitable for heating mid-size garages and workshops where a stable 30 amp 240V supply is available.
• Safety & Specs: Designed for hardwired or special outlet connection; follow local electrical code and professional installation recommendations.

Dura Heat EWH5510 Forced Air Heater

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Type: 240V Hardwired Electric Garage Heater

• Power: 5000W / 30A design intended for hardwired 240V installation.
• Coverage: Manufacturer states coverage up to roughly 750 sq. ft., depending on insulation and ceiling height.
• Controls: Remote control and adjustable thermostat for set-and-forget operation; LED display with temperature range.
• Installation Notes: Requires professional hardwired installation to a 30A breaker. Ensure proper conduit, disconnects, and local code compliance.

NewAir 5600W Portable Garage Heater

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Type: Portable Fan-Forced Electric Heater

• Power: 5600W of heating power — commonly paired with a 30A 240V circuit for reliable full output.
• Mobility: Portable design with handle and cord wrap for temporary or flexible heating locations.
• Durability: Sturdy steel body and powder coat finish intended for workshop and garage use.
• Controls: Thermostat and auto-fan control maintain room temperature and prevent short cycling.

TEMPWARE 5000-Watt Shop Heater

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Type: Ceiling Mount / Floor / Wall Shop Heater

• Power Settings: 3 heat levels — 3,000W, 4,000W, and 5,000W allowing staged use depending on circuit capacity and heating need.
• Mounting Flexibility: Can be ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or floor-placed. Adjustable louvers direct airflow where needed.
• Safety: ETL certification noted; heavy-duty steel construction for workshop environments.
• Electrical: Works on 240V supply; if drawing full 5,000W, plan wiring to match roughly 20–25A — but check installation instructions and local code.

ThermoMate 11kW Tankless Water Heater

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Type: Electric Tankless Point-Of-Use Water Heater (High-Amperage Appliance)

• Power: 11,000W requires substantial electrical capacity — manufacturer notes need for 60A capability (two sets of double-pole 30A breakers in some installations).
• Performance: Self-modulating technology maintains stable water temperature and energy efficiency.
• Durability: Alloy metal housing and separated heating element aim to reduce scale and prolong service life.
• Electrical Note: This item is included to illustrate that some electric appliances exceed 30A and require special wiring; consult a licensed electrician for panel capacity and breaker configuration.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A 30 Amp Electric Heater

Selecting a heater for a 30 amp circuit involves evaluating electrical capacity, intended space, mounting, and safety. The sections below outline the key factors to compare.

Understand Electrical Requirements

Amps, Volts, Watts: Use P = V × I to check compatibility. A 30 amp 240V circuit can deliver up to roughly 7,200W before continuous-load derating; code typically requires continuous loads to be limited to 80% of breaker rating, lowering usable continuous power to about 5,760W on a 30A circuit. Match unit wattage to circuit capacity and confirm if dedicated circuits are required.

Installation Type And Outlet Requirements

Plug vs Hardwired: Some heaters use a NEMA 6-30 plug/receptacle; others require hardwiring. Confirm whether a NEMA 6-30R outlet is present or if professional installation is needed. Hardwired units generally require an electrician and may need a disconnect switch.

Space Size And Heating Capacity

Coverage Estimate: Determine cubic footage and insulation level. Manufacturer coverage claims assume moderate insulation. Fan-forced units (5,000–5,600W) are typically suited for single-vehicle garages or small workshops; larger or poorly insulated spaces require more power or supplemental heating.

Mounting And Airflow

Ceiling/Wall vs Portable: Ceiling or wall-mounted heaters free floor space and direct airflow, while portable heaters offer flexibility but may need a dedicated circuit for full power. Consider adjustable louvers and mounting angle to direct heat where occupants or workbenches are located.

Controls And Thermostatic Regulation

Thermostats & Remote Controls: Integrated thermostats and remote controls help maintain set temperatures and can reduce run time. Auto-fan and programmable features improve comfort and energy use by cycling heat efficiently.

Safety Certifications And Features

Certifications: Look for ETL, UL, or CSA listings for electrical safety. Important safety features include overheat protection, tip-over protection (for portable units), and proper enclosure ratings for workshop environments.

Durability For Workshop Environments

Construction: Steel housings and powder coatings resist dents and abrasion. Consider units designed for heavier use if the heater will operate in dusty, greasy, or workshop atmospheres.

Continuous Load Considerations

Load Rating: Many electric heaters draw near-continuous power; code requires sizing circuits to handle continuous loads at 125% of the heater’s rated current. Verify whether the unit is rated continuous and confirm breaker/cable sizing with an electrician.

Comparing Forced-Air VS Tankless Electric Appliances

• Forced-Air Garage Heaters: Convert electric power to warm air using fans — best for space heating, quick warm-up, and even distribution.
• Tankless Water Heaters: Provide hot water on demand but can require much higher amperage than 30A units; these belong in a separate electrical planning category.

Professional Installation And Local Codes

Electrician Consultation: For any 30A or higher heater, consult a licensed electrician to verify panel capacity, breaker sizing, wire gauge (typically 10 AWG for 30A), termination methods, and local code compliance. Improper wiring risks fire and equipment damage.

Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost

Efficiency: Electric resistance heaters are near 100% efficient at point-of-use, but operating cost depends on local electricity rates. Consider thermostats, timers, and zoning to limit runtime and lower energy usage.

Final Notes: Match the heater wattage to the available circuit and intended space. For 30 amp circuits, many garage heaters in the 5,000–5,600W range are a practical fit when properly installed. For appliances that exceed 30A, such as larger tankless water heaters, plan for the necessary higher-amperage wiring and breaker capacity.