Best 80,000 BTU Garage Heaters for Workshop Heating

Finding the right 80,000 BTU garage heater means balancing fuel type, installation needs, safety clearances, and coverage. Below is a quick comparison of top models that match that output or comparable high-output options suitable for garages and workshops.

Model	Fuel Type	Output	Coverage / Notes
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG	Natural Gas	80,000 BTU	Designed For Up To ~2,000 Sq. Ft.; Hardwired 120V For Controls
Mr. Heater MHU80LP	Propane	80,000 BTU	Ceiling Mountable; Spark Ignition; Suitable For Large Garages
Dura Heat LPC80	Propane (LP)	50,000–80,000 BTU Variable	360° Convection; No Electricity Required; Up To ~1,900 Sq. Ft.
Mr. Heater MH60QFAV	Propane	30,000–60,000 BTU (Forced Air)	Quieter Forced-Air Option; Portable For Targeted Areas
Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS0111	Natural Gas	45,000 BTU	Residential/Commercial Certified; Low Profile Design

Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

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This 80,000 BTU natural gas unit heater from Mr. Heater is engineered for permanently mounted garage or workshop installations. It ships with angle brackets and an LP conversion kit, but the thermostat, hose and regulator are not included. The heater’s dimensions are 29.33” L x 15.50” W x 26.37” H, and it requires a minimum of 8 ft clearance from floor to base, so ceiling or high wall mounting is typical.

Performance details: 80,000 BTU output with electrical connection at 120V, 2.3 amps for controls. Venting is category 1 vertical or category 3 horizontal depending on installation. Manufacturer coverage guidance suggests effective heating for spaces up to around 2,000 sq. ft. Professional installation for venting and gas connections is recommended to meet local codes.

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

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The MHU80LP offers an 80,000 BTU propane-fired option with features aimed at workshop and garage mounts. It includes two angle brackets for easier ceiling mounting and a spark ignition with a self-diagnostic control module for reliable starts.

This model is suitable for larger single-zone spaces and is designed to be mounted high to distribute warmed air. The spark ignition and diagnostics improve startup reliability compared with standing pilot systems. Consider fuel access and tank/fuel line planning if using propane as the primary fuel source.

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

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The Dura Heat LPC80 is a variable-output convection heater that can be set between 50,000 and 80,000 BTU. It runs on propane and uses a piezo igniter, so no electricity is required for ignition or operation—useful for remote or off-grid garages.

It provides 360° convection heating, distributing heat evenly in larger open areas. On a 40 lb cylinder it can operate for many hours depending on chosen output. For users wanting flexibility in output and a non-electric option, this model offers versatility. Ensure proper ventilation and follow clearance instructions for safe operation.

Mr. Heater MH60QFAV 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Forced Air Heater

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While this model’s max is 60,000 BTU, it’s a relevant high-output forced-air option for targeted garage heating. It features QBT Quiet Burner Technology to reduce noise by approximately 50% compared to standard forced-air propane heaters.

Output is adjustable from 30,000 to 60,000 BTU, and it runs up to 14 hours on a 20 lb tank at low setting. As a portable forced-air unit, it delivers warm air quickly and is best for spot heating or supplementing a ceiling-mounted system. Consider the difference between forced-air and convection when matching to your space and noise tolerance.

Modine HD45AS0111 Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater 45,000 BTU

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The Modine Hot Dawg series is a low-profile, certified residential/commercial unit. While this model is 45,000 BTU rather than 80k, it’s included as a comparison for smaller garages or as a multi-unit strategy where two or more mounted units can provide similar coverage with quieter operation and residential certification.

Its quiet operation, compact footprint, and neutral color make it suitable for attached garages or workshops where aesthetics and certification for residential use are priorities. Consider combining units or upgrading to higher-output models for larger spaces.

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

Selecting the right heater depends on fuel availability, space size, local codes, installation complexity, and your heating strategy. Below are key considerations to compare effectively.

1. Fuel Type And Availability

• Natural Gas: Ideal if you have a reliable gas line; continuous supply and lower ongoing fuel logistics. Requires proper venting and a permanent connection.
• Propane (LP): Flexible for locations without gas lines. Requires tanks or bulk propane service and planned refills; conversion kits may be available for some models.
• No-Electric Options: Some propane convection units require no electricity (piezo igniter), useful for remote garages or power outage resilience.

2. Output, Coverage, And Heat Distribution

• BTU And Square Footage: Use rules of thumb: well-insulated garages need fewer BTUs; uninsulated or higher ceilings require more. An 80,000 BTU heater typically addresses large single-bay or multi-bay garages depending on insulation.
• Forced-Air vs Convection: Forced-air heaters (blower) provide rapid, directional heat and can warm people quickly. Convection heaters rely on air circulation and are better for even ambient temperature over time.
• Multi-Unit Strategies: For irregular spaces, consider multiple smaller units placed strategically instead of one central unit to combat heat stratification.

3. Installation And Venting

• Clearances: Check minimum clearances to combustibles and minimum mounting heights (some models require 8 ft clearance from floor to base).
• Venting Requirements: Natural gas units often require category-specific venting; improper venting risks carbon monoxide hazards. Propane units also need attention to exhaust and clearance.
• Electrical Needs: Some heaters need 120V for controls/ignition; others (piezo igniter) need no electrical connection. Plan wiring or dedicated circuits for wall thermostats or controls.

4. Safety Features And Certifications

• Thermocouples, Limit Switches, Tip-Over Shutoff: Look for high-temperature limit switches and safety valves for forced-air units.
• Residential Certification: If the heater will be installed in an attached garage, residential certification can be important for building code compliance and insurance.
• Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Any combustion heater needs proper ventilation and, when installed in enclosed spaces, a CO detector is essential.

5. Noise, Operation Mode, And Maintenance

• Noise Level: Forced-air heaters are louder than convection heaters; quiet-burner technologies reduce operational noise for work environments.
• Maintenance: Periodic inspection of burners, venting, and gas lines is necessary. Replace filters on forced-air units if applicable.
• Serviceability: Choose brands with accessible replacement parts and clear installation documentation.

6. Control Options And Thermostat Integration

• Built-In Controls: Some units include diagnostic modules, spark ignition, and basic controls.
• External Thermostats: Many ceiling-mounted heaters accept wall thermostats for zoned control—useful to avoid overheating and reduce fuel consumption.
• Smart Integration: If remote or timed control is needed, verify compatibility with thermostats or add-on controllers prior to purchase.

7. Space-Specific Considerations

• Insulation And Ceiling Height: High ceilings increase stratification; consider louvers or destratification fans to push warm air down.
• Doors And Air Infiltration: Frequent opening doors will increase BTU needs. For intermittent use, forced-air units provide faster warm-up.
• Workshop Activities: If venting must avoid contaminant recirculation (welding, paint), choose placement and venting that isolate exhaust.

8. Comparison Perspectives

• Single Large Unit vs Multiple Smaller Units: A single 80,000 BTU unit simplifies fuel/venting but may create hot zones and cold corners. Multiple units improve distribution and redundancy.
• Permanent Mount vs Portable: Permanent ceiling-mounted natural gas or hard-piped propane heaters provide continuous convenience. Portable forced-air units offer spot heating flexibility and lower upfront installation.
• Electrical Dependence: If power outages are a concern, consider a non-electric convection heater or ensure backup power for forced-air ignition systems.

When comparing models, cross-check manufacturer-specified clearances, venting category, electrical requirements, and BTU range against your garage’s dimensions and local building codes. Professional installation and adherence to safety guidelines ensure reliable performance and code compliance.