Best Electric and Gas Heaters for Home and Workshop

Choosing between electric and gas heaters depends on space size, fuel availability, and installation limits. Below is a concise comparison of five relevant electric and gas heater options (unit heaters, infrared, portable, and water heater combos) selected from Amazon to match varied heating needs.

Product	Type	Key Feature
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG	Natural Gas Unit Heater	80,000 BTU, 2,000 sq. ft. Coverage
Rheem 11kW Tankless Electric Water Heater	Electric Tankless Water Heater	11kW, Up To 2.68 GPM, Digital Control
Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 Infrared Wall Heater	Natural Gas Infrared Heater	Infrared Radiant Heat, Up To 30,000 BTU
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX	Portable Propane Radiant Heater	4,000–9,000 BTU, Indoor-Safe Radiant Heat
Dometic WH-10GEA 10-Gallon Water Heater	Gas/Electric Water Heater	10-Gallon, Electronic Ignition, Lightweight Tank

Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

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The Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Is A Ceiling Or Wall-Mounted Natural Gas Unit Heater Designed For Large Spaces. It Produces 80,000 BTU Of Output And Is Rated To Cover Up To 2,000 Sq. Ft.

• Included Items: Unit With Two Angle Brackets And A Liquid Propane Conversion Kit.
• Electrical: 120 V, 2.3 Amps; Thermostat And Regulator Not Included.
• Installation Notes: Minimum 8 Ft Clearance From Floor To Base; Category 1 Vertical And Category 3 Horizontal Venting Options.
• Use Case: Best For Garages, Workshops, And Large Unfinished Spaces Needing Centralized Gas Heating.

Performance Focuses On High Output And Broad Coverage. The Unit Requires Proper Venting And A Compatible Natural Gas Supply; The Conversion Kit Allows LP Use But Thermostat And Gas Controls Must Be Selected Separately.

Rheem 11kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater

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The Rheem 11kW Electric Tankless Water Heater Is A Point-Of-Use Unit That Uses Self-Modulating Power Control To Match Output To Demand. It Is Designed For Electric-Only Applications Where Gas Is Not Available.

• Control: On/Off Dial With Adjustable Digital Temperature Display.
• Power: 11kW At 240 V; Model Flow Rate Up To 2.68 GPM Depending On Inlet Temperature.
• Applications: Ideal For Small Apartments, Sinks, Or Situations Where Supplementary Hot Water Is Required.
• Benefits: No Venting Required, Compact Wall-Mount Design, Simpler Installation In Electric-Only Buildings.

This Unit Prioritizes Electric Efficiency And Compact Sizing; It Is Not Intended For Whole-Home Demands In Cold Climates Without Multiple Units Or Higher kW Models.

Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Infrared Wall Heater

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The Dyna-Glo Infrared Wall Heater Uses Infrared Technology To Radiate Heat Directly To Objects And People, Mimicking Solar Heating. Its Output Is Up To 30,000 BTU Suitable For Enclosed Areas Up To About 1,000 Sq. Ft.

• Fuel: Natural Gas Ready; Manufacturer Notes That Fuel Conversion Is Not Permitted.
• Heat Delivery: Radiant Heating Warms Surfaces First, Reducing Perceived Lag Time Versus Convection-Only Units.
• Installation: Wall-Mounted Configuration For Garages, Workshops, Or Commercial Bays.
• Use Case: Spaces Where Targeted Warmth Is Preferred And Where Natural Gas Supply Is Present.

Infrared Heaters Offer Efficient Comfort For Occupied Zones Because They Transfer Heat To Masses Rather Than Relying Solely On Air Temperature.

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Propane Radiant Heater

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The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Is A Compact Propane Radiant Heater Offering Adjustable Output From 4,000 To 9,000 BTU. It Is Marketed As Indoor-Safe With Built-In Safety Features For Portable Use.

• Heating Method: Infrared Radiant Heat That Directly Warms People And Objects.
• Safety: Tip-Over Safety Switch With Audible Engagement, Piezo Igniter For Reliable Startup.
• Coverage: Suitable For Small Rooms Up To Approximately 225 Sq. Ft.
• Portability: Lightweight For Camps, Workshops, Garages, And Job Sites; Uses Disposable Or Refillable LP Cylinders.

Designed For Convenience And Quick Warm-Up, This Portable Option Requires Proper Ventilation And Adherence To Manufacturer Safety Clearances.

Dometic WH-10GEA 10-Gallon Gas/Electric Water Heater

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The Dometic WH-10GEA Is A Dual-Fuel 10-Gallon Water Heater Featuring An Electronic-Ignition Burner And A Lightweight Aluminum Tank That Requires No Anode. It Provides Both Gas And Electric Heat Options.

• Burner Output: Electronic Ignition Burner Provides 10,000 BTUs.
• Tank Construction: Lightweight Aluminum Tank That Eliminates The Need For An Anode Rod.
• Capacity: 10-Gallon Tank Sized For RVs, Small Cabins, Or Marine Applications; Noted As Larger Than Some Standard RV Tanks.
• Flexibility: Dual Fuel Capability Enables Operation Where Either Gas Or Shore Power Is Available.

This Model Targets Mobile And Compact Installations Where Weight, Space, And Versatility Between Fuel Sources Matter.

Buying Guide: How To Choose Between Electric And Gas Heaters

Selection Should Be Based On Space Size, Fuel Availability, Installation Constraints, And Intended Use. Consider Both Immediate Comfort Needs And Long-Term Operational Factors.

Heat Output And Coverage

• BTU vs kW: Gas heaters list BTU ratings; electric heaters list kW. Convert 1 kW ≈ 3,412 BTU To Compare Output.
• Coverage: Match Rated Output To Room Volume; Higher Ceilings And Poor Insulation Require More Output.

Fuel Availability And Cost

• Natural Gas/Propane: Typically Higher Output And Lower Operating Cost In Many Markets; Requires Gas Supply And Proper Venting.
• Electric: Easier To Install Where 240 V Is Available; No Venting But Operational Cost Can Be Higher Depending On Electricity Rates.
• Dual-Fuel Options: Water Heaters And Some Units Offer Gas/Electric Flexibility For Mobility Or Backup Operation.

Installation And Venting Requirements

• Ventilation: Gas Unit Heaters Often Require Category-Specific Venting; Clearance Distances Matter For Safety.
• Electrical Supply: Tankless Electric Models Need Adequate Amps And Correct Breaker Sizing; Confirm Panel Capacity.
• Mounting: Wall Or Ceiling Mounts Versus Portable Floor Units Affect Placement Options And Heating Patterns.

Heating Method: Radiant Vs Convection

• Radiant/Infrared: Heats Objects And People Directly; Effective For Occupied Zones, Garages, And Outdoor-Adjacent Spaces.
• Convection: Heats Air; Better For Whole-Room Uniform Temperatures When Circulation Exists.

Safety Features And Codes

• Safety Devices: Tip-Over Switches, Overheat Protection, And Certified Ignition Systems Are Important For Portable Units.
• Compliance: Ensure Installations Meet Local Building Codes For Gas Lines, Venting, And Combustion Air Requirements.

Operational Factors And Maintenance

• Servicing: Gas Heaters Require Periodic Inspection Of Burners, Venting, And Gas Connections.
• Electric Units: Typically Lower Maintenance But Require Monitoring Of Electrical Connections And Elements.
• Water Heaters: Tank Units Benefit From Anode Rods Or Corrosion Resistance; Tankless Units Require Water Quality Considerations.

Performance Perspectives: Short-Term Versus Long-Term

• Immediate Warmth: Infrared And High-BTU Gas Units Provide Quick Sensation Of Warmth For Occupants.
• Efficiency Over Time: Electric Heat Pumps (Not Covered Here) Or Properly Sized Gas Systems May Offer Better Seasonal Efficiency Depending On Rates.
• Lifetime Costs: Factor In Fuel Prices, Maintenance, And Replacement Lifespan When Comparing Total Cost Of Ownership.

Size, Portability, And Use Case

• Portable Units: Offer Flexibility For Temporary Workspaces Or Outdoor Use But Require Attention To Ventilation And Fuel Storage.
• Fixed Unit Heaters: Better For Continuous Heating Needs And Larger Areas; Usually Require Professional Installation.
• Water Heaters: Choose Tank Or Tankless Based On Hot Water Demand, Space, And Fuel Options.

Key Questions To Ask Before Buying

• What Is The Square Footage And Ceiling Height Of The Area To Be Heated?
• Is Natural Gas, Propane, Or Sufficient Electrical Service Readily Available?
• Are Venting, Clearances, And Local Codes Compatible With The Selected Unit?
• Do You Need Portability, Targeted Radiant Heat, Or Whole-Room Convection?

Use These Criteria To Compare Products Based On Output, Fuel Type, Installation Complexity, Safety Features, And Long-Term Operating Costs. Matching A Unit’s Strengths To The Intended Application Yields Better Performance And Value.