Best Garage Heaters for Propane (LP)

Finding the right LP garage heater means balancing coverage, venting, safety, and fuel type. Below is a quick comparison of five propane (LP) heating options suited for garages, workshops, and similar spaces, followed by focused product overviews and a detailed buying guide to help you choose.

Product	Type	BTU	Coverage	Key Feature
Gasland MHA18BN	Portable Radiant	18,000 BTU	Up To 450 Sq. Ft.	Tip-over & Low O2 Shutoff, Wheels
ProTemp PT-80V-LPC	Convection LP Unit	80,000 BTU	Up To 1,800 Sq. Ft.	CSA Certified
Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS	Direct-Vent Unit	45,000 BTU	Medium To Large Garages	Direct Venting For Indoor Use
Mr. Heater Portable 4000–18000 BTU	Portable Multi-Setting	4,000–18,000 BTU	Up To 450 Sq. Ft.	Three Heat Settings, Dual Tank
Reznor UDXC-60	Ceiling-Mount Forced Air	60,000 BTU (two output levels)	Commercial/Garage Spaces	High Efficiency, Ceiling Mount

Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater

Check Price on Amazon

This Gasland unit is a portable propane radiant heater rated at 18,000 BTU, designed to warm up to approximately 450 square feet. It uses direct radiant heat rather than forced-air convection, making it efficient for spot heating in a ventilated garage or workshop.

Key listed features include built-in Tip-Over Safety and Low Oxygen Shutoff, an internal cabinet that houses the 20 lb propane cylinder, quiet operation, rolling wheels, and an easy-carry handle. The heater does not require electricity to run, which can be useful during power outages.

Consider this model for mobile, spot-focused heating where portability and onboard safety features are priorities. Suitable for ventilated garages and temporary work areas where radiant heating is preferred.

ProTemp 80,000 BTU LP Convection Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The ProTemp PT-80V-LPC is a convection heater that runs on a 20 lb LP tank and is rated at 80,000 BTU. It’s intended for larger, open garages, barns, or workshops with reported coverage up to 1,800 square feet.

Features highlighted by the manufacturer include CSA certification for safety and compatibility with standard 20 lb propane tanks for longer runtime. As a convection unit, it distributes warmed air through the space rather than relying on radiant heat, which can be effective for overall ambient temperature increase.

This model fits installations where a fixed LP convection heater is preferred to heat larger volumes. It’s suitable when central or ceiling-mounted convection is wanted instead of portable spot heaters.

Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS Direct Vent Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS is a direct vent LP gas heater delivering 45,000 BTU. Direct venting reduces indoor combustion byproducts, making it appropriate for enclosed garage settings where venting to the outside is feasible.

The manufacturer lists it as an LP gas 45K BTU unit, designed for ceiling or wall installation. Direct vent systems require proper ducting and clearances, and this product suits garages where a permanent, vented heating solution is necessary.

Use cases include tightly sealed garages that need a vented heater to maintain indoor air quality. Ensure professional evaluation for vent placement, clearances, and compliance with local codes.

Mr. Heater Portable 4,000–18,000 BTU LP Heater

Check Price on Amazon

This Mr. Heater portable unit offers three heat settings (4,000; 9,000; and 18,000 BTU) and supports propane tanks up to 40 lbs with an optional hose. It’s rated to heat up to around 450 square feet and includes safety shutoff for tip-over events.

Features include a single control start knob with piezo ignition, automatic safety shutoff if tipped, and the ability to connect to larger tanks (with additional hose and filter) for extended operation. The unit is designed for both indoor (ventilated) and outdoor use according to manufacturer guidance.

Choose this model when variable output and portability matter. Its multiple settings make it flexible for different garage sizes and intermittent use, while built-in safety features address common indoor concerns.

Reznor UDXC-60 Propane Forced-Air Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The Reznor UDXC-60 is a ceiling-mount forced-air propane heater offering two output levels with a rated 60,000 BTU design and reported thermal efficiency around 83% per manufacturer details. It’s intended for commercial-grade heating of garages, shops, and warehouses.

Manufacturer features include ceiling-mount capability with suspension points, quieter forced air operation, and dual fire settings for milder or colder conditions. The unit is presented as suitable for indoor use when installed per instructions and mounting hardware.

This model is appropriate when a more permanent, higher-capacity forced-air solution is needed to maintain consistent ambient warmth across larger garage spaces or multi-bay workshops.

Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right LP Garage Heater

1. Heater Type: Radiant vs Convection vs Forced-Air

Radiant heaters (infrared or rod-type) heat objects and people directly and are good for spot heating and short-term tasks. Convection heaters warm the air to raise overall ambient temperature, better for whole-space comfort. Forced-air

2. BTU Output And Coverage

Match BTU to your garage size, insulation, and desired temperature rise. As a rough guide, more insulation means fewer BTUs required. Portable radiant units with 18,000 BTU suit small-to-medium garages for spot heating; 45,000–80,000 BTU units suit larger or poorly insulated spaces.

3. Fuel Source And Tank Options

LP (propane) heaters can use 20 lb tanks or larger tanks with adapters. Consider runtime and refueling logistics. Fixed LP units may connect to bulk tanks for longer continuous operation, while portable units trade runtime for mobility.

4. Venting And Indoor Air Quality

Check whether a heater is vented, direct-vent, or vent-free. Direct-vent and vented heaters exhaust combustion products outdoors and are safer for enclosed spaces. Vent-free units produce minimal visible combustion products but may raise moisture and require ventilation; local codes may restrict vent-free indoor use.

5. Installation And Mounting

Permanent units require mounting, gas line hookup, and sometimes professional installation. Ceiling or wall mounting saves floor space. Portable units require minimal setup but need clearances and adequate ventilation.

6. Safety Features

Look for tip-over shutoff, low oxygen (O2) shutoff, flame failure devices, and overheat protection. For permanently installed units, follow clearance and venting requirements. For portable heaters, ensure stable placement and keep flammable materials away.

7. Controls, Thermostats, And Modulation

Basic models have manual knobs or on/off switches. Higher-end or fixed units may offer thermostatic control, timers, or modulating burners for better temperature regulation and fuel efficiency. Decide how much automation you need.

8. Certifications And Compliance

Choose heaters with recognized safety certifications (CSA, ETL, or equivalent). Confirm compliance with local building and fire codes, especially for inside installations and venting arrangements.

9. Portability And Mobility

Portable units with wheels and handles are useful if you move the heater between locations. Fixed LP units are better for hands-off, always-available heat but sacrifice mobility.

10. Noise, Efficiency, And Operation Costs

Forced-air fans create noise but move heat faster. Radiant units are quieter. Compare listed thermal efficiencies and fuel consumption to estimate operating costs. Remember that insulation and usage patterns strongly affect actual fuel consumption.

11. Maintenance And Serviceability

Regular maintenance includes burner cleaning, checking for leaks, inspecting hoses and regulators, and verifying vent clearances. For vented systems, have ducting inspected. Obtain service manuals and plan for periodic professional inspection where recommended.

12. Comparison Perspectives

• Short-Term Spot Heating: Portable radiant or small multi-setting propane models are practical.
• Whole-Garage Heating: Convection or forced-air LP units with higher BTU ratings provide more uniform warmth.
• Indoor Air Quality Priority: Prefer direct-vent or vented solutions to minimize combustion byproducts inside the garage.
• Mobility Vs. Permanence: Choose portable units for flexibility; choose ceiling-mount or permanent units for consistent, hands-off heating.