Choosing the right LP (propane) garage heater depends on space, mounting preference, safety features, and heating capacity. Below is a quick comparison table of five propane-capable garage heaters reviewed in this guide to help you narrow options before diving into each product overview.
| Product | Type | BTU | Coverage / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG | Unit Heater (Ceiling/Wall) | 80,000 BTU | Natural gas with LP conversion kit, large garage / shop |
| GASLAND MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater | Portable Radiant / Cabinet | 18,000 BTU | Portable, for single-bay garages and workshops |
| Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS01 | Direct Vent Garage Heater | 45,000 BTU | Ceiling/wall mount, common garage unit |
| Reznor UDXC-60 | Forced-Air Ceiling Mount | 60,000 BTU | Two output levels, high efficiency, shop/garage |
| ProCom ML300TBA-B Blue Flame | Ventless Wall/Portable | 30,000 BTU | Ventless LP blue flame, heats up to larger single garages |
Content Navigation
- Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Unit Heater
- GASLAND MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater
- Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS01 Direct Vent Heater
- Reznor UDXC-60 Propane Garage Heater
- ProCom ML300TBA-B Ventless Blue Flame Propane Heater
- Buying Guide: How To Choose An LP Gas Heater For Your Garage
- 1. Determine Required BTU And Coverage
- 2. Venting Type: Direct Vent, Ventless, Or Vented Unit
- 3. Mounting And Space Considerations
- 4. Safety Features And Code Compliance
- 5. Fuel Conversion And Supply
- 6. Efficiency And Heat Delivery Method
- 7. Noise, Controls, And Thermostat Options
- 8. Maintenance And Installation Costs
- 9. Safety Equipment And Monitoring
- Comparison Checklist
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Unit Heater
This 80,000 BTU unit heater is a high-capacity solution for large garages and workshops. The package notes include two angle brackets and an LP conversion kit, enabling use with liquid propane after conversion. It is designed for ceiling or wall installation (vertical category 1 and horizontal category 3 venting), and is rated to cover large open spaces (advertised up to ~2,000 sq. ft. depending on insulation and climate).
Key technical points: requires a 120 V supply for controls (amps ~2.3), minimum clearance from the floor is specified, and a thermostat, hose, and regulator are not included. As a high-output heater, it suits garages needing fast, powerful heat and professional-style installation. Follow local codes and manufacturer venting guidance when converting or mounting.
GASLAND MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater
The GASLAND MHA18BN is a portable 18,000 BTU radiant cabinet heater designed for ventilated garages, workshops, and job sites. It operates on a standard 20 lb propane cylinder with an included regulator hose and requires no electricity to produce heat, making it useful during power outages or for off-grid situations.
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Safety features include tip-over protection and a low oxygen (ODS) shut-off. Mobility features—rolling wheels and carrying handle—help move the unit around the garage. This model is best for smaller garage spaces or as a supplemental heat source where radiant warmth and portability are priorities.
Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS01 Direct Vent Heater
The Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS01 is a 45,000 BTU direct vent gas heater commonly used in garages and small workshops. It supports LP fuel and is engineered for quiet operation and residential/commercial certification, making it suitable for attached garage applications when installed per code.
Its compact, low-profile design simplifies mounting on ceilings or walls. As a direct-vent appliance, it exhausts combustion gases outside, which improves indoor air quality compared to ventless options. This unit is appropriate for mid-sized garages where reliable, fixed heating is preferred.
Reznor UDXC-60 Propane Garage Heater
The Reznor UDXC-60 is a forced-air 60,000 BTU propane-capable unit with two firing rates and an ~83% thermal efficiency rating. It’s built for ceiling mounting in larger garages, shops, and light industrial spaces and includes suspension points for hanging installations.
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Two heat output levels (low and high) let you match heat delivery to ambient conditions. The forced-air design moves warm air across the space quickly, which is beneficial for heating larger or poorly insulated garages. Mounting hardware may be sold separately; check installation needs and clearances before purchase.
ProCom ML300TBA-B Ventless Blue Flame Propane Heater
The ProCom ML300TBA-B is a ventless blue flame propane heater rated up to 30,000 BTU, designed to heat up to larger single-car garages or small workshops. It offers thermostat control and can be wall-mounted or placed on the floor using included feet.
Ventless blue flame heaters maximize indoor heat delivery because they don’t exhaust to the outdoors. This increases efficiency but requires adequate ventilation and adherence to local codes due to combustion byproducts in the conditioned space. It’s a practical option where venting is impractical, but ensure safety measures like CO monitoring and periodic ventilation checks.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An LP Gas Heater For Your Garage
Selecting the right LP gas heater involves balancing heat output, installation type, ventilation, safety features, and operational needs. Below are core considerations and comparison perspectives to guide your decision.
1. Determine Required BTU And Coverage
Estimate your garage volume (square feet x ceiling height) and local temperature expectations. High-output heaters (45,000–80,000 BTU) suit large or poorly insulated garages. Smaller units (18,000–30,000 BTU) work for single-car garages or as supplemental heat. Always factor insulation levels and desired temperature rise.
2. Venting Type: Direct Vent, Ventless, Or Vented Unit
- Direct/Vented Units: Exhaust gases outside—better for attached garages and indoor air quality. Require ducting or flue work.
- Ventless/Blue Flame: Highly efficient because no exhaust is lost, but combustion products remain in the garage. Use where codes permit and ensure fresh air exchange and CO monitoring.
- Radiant/Portable: Provide direct heat to objects and people without heating all the air—good for spot heating.
3. Mounting And Space Considerations
Ceiling/ceiling-hung forced-air units distribute heat across the space and stay out of the way. Wall-mounted or floor-standing units are easier to install but may take up space or require specific clearances. Portable cabinet heaters can be moved as needed but need stable placement and ventilation.
4. Safety Features And Code Compliance
Look for tip-over shutoff, oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), flame failure protection, and certification for residential or commercial use. Ventless heaters require strict adherence to local codes; direct-vent and vented units often have clearer approval for garages attached to homes.
5. Fuel Conversion And Supply
Some units are natural-gas-ready but include LP conversion kits; confirm the kit is included if you plan to run propane. Check required regulator/hose specs and whether those components are supplied. For propane, ensure appropriate tank capacity and secure connections.
6. Efficiency And Heat Delivery Method
Forced-air heaters heat ambient air quickly; radiant heaters warm objects and people directly; ventless blue flame maximizes heat in the room but requires ventilation planning. Consider how fast you need heat and whether you want whole-space heating or spot heating.
7. Noise, Controls, And Thermostat Options
Fixed-install units often offer thermostat compatibility for automated control and quieter operation. Portable and forced-air units can produce more fan noise. Decide if thermostat integration or remote controls matter for your garage usage.
8. Maintenance And Installation Costs
Fixed gas heaters generally require professional installation, venting work, and periodic maintenance. Portable units have lower upfront installation cost but may require more frequent inspection for hose/regulator integrity. Factor installation and service into total cost of ownership.
9. Safety Equipment And Monitoring
Always equip garages with functioning carbon monoxide detectors and ensure proper ventilation. For ventless or indoor combustion appliances, CO monitoring and fresh air intake are essential. Follow manufacturer clearance and maintenance instructions.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.
Comparison Checklist
- Space Size: Single-car vs. multi-car vs. large workshop
- Mounting Preference: Ceiling/wall vs. portable
- Venting Constraints: Can you install an exhaust flue?
- Heat Delivery: Radiant vs. forced-air vs. blue flame
- Safety: Required ODS/tip-over protection and code compliance
- Fuel Readiness: Native LP support or conversion kit included
- Thermostat & Controls: Manual vs. thermostat-ready wiring