Best Overhead Propane Heater Options for Garages and Workshops

The right overhead propane heater keeps garages, workshops, and covered outdoor spaces warm and safe. Below is a quick comparison of five relevant heaters and compatible components selected for performance, coverage, and safety.

Product	Type	Key Feature
Cuisinart Perfect Position Propane Patio Heater	Directional Patio Heater	Swivel Arm and 38,200 BTU
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Unit Heater	Overhead Unit Heater (Natural Gas)	80,000 BTU Coverage ~2000 sq. ft.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX	Portable Radiant Propane Heater	4,000–9,000 BTU, Indoor-Safe
60105 Ignition Control Board PCB	Replacement Control Board	Compatible With Mr. Heater/HeatStar/Big Maxx
Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 Infrared Wall Heater	Vent-Free Wall Infrared Heater	Up To 30,000 BTU, Radiant Technology

Cuisinart Perfect Position Propane Patio Heater

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This stainless steel propane patio heater offers 38,200 BTU output using a cone-shaped burner and a 33″ heat shield for directed warmth. The unit features a swivel arm that allows you to direct heat left or right to cover more space and a built-in drink table for convenience. The swivel arm folds downwards for compact storage.

While designed for patios, the directional heat and adjustable arm make it useful in semi-enclosed areas where focused, adjustable heat is preferred over whole-space heating. It is a portable style that relies on a standard propane tank and does not require permanent venting.

Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

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The Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG is a heavy-duty unit heater designed for overhead mounting and large spaces. It offers 80,000 BTU performance and is rated to heat up to approximately 2000 sq. ft. The product includes two angle brackets for mounting and is intended for use with natural gas.

Key specs list a minimum 8 ft. clearance from the floor to the base of the unit and category 1 vertical or category 3 horizontal venting options. The unit is built for permanent installation and commercial-style heating applications. Note: this specific model is configured for natural gas; some Mr. Heater overhead models offer LP conversion kits if propane compatibility is required.

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX

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The Portable Buddy MH9BX delivers 4,000 to 9,000 BTU via infrared radiant heat, suitable for small workshops, garages, or tents up to 225 sq. ft. It uses advanced infrared to heat objects and people directly rather than the surrounding air. The unit includes a Piezo igniter for reliable start-up and a tip-over safety switch that helps prevent accidents.

This model is often used for localized, portable heat where overhead installation is not practical. It is classified as indoor-safe for well-ventilated spaces and includes safety measures to reduce the risk associated with propane use indoors.

60105 Ignition Control Board PCB For Mr Heater & HeatStar

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This OEM-style replacement 60105 control board is compatible with a range of Mr. Heater, HeatStar, Big Maxx, and Enerco overhead furnaces up to 125,000 BTU. It functions as a 24V ignition control circuit for compact overhead propane and natural gas unit heaters.

For owners of overhead heaters, keeping a compatible control board on hand can reduce downtime. Installation typically requires basic electrical knowledge and adherence to manufacturer wiring diagrams and safety protocols. This part supports reliable ignition and system sequencing on compatible units.

Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 30,000 BTU Infrared Vent Free Wall Heater

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The Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 is a vent-free wall-mounted infrared heater delivering variable heat output from 6,000 to 30,000 BTU and suitable for up to 1,000 sq. ft. It radiates heat to warm objects first, similar to sunlight, which can be efficient for spot and zone heating in garages and workshops.

As a vent-free appliance, this unit does not require external venting but does require appropriate clearance and ventilation per local codes. It is designed for permanent mounting and can provide continuous radiant warmth for larger enclosed workspaces when installed according to manufacturer and code requirements.

Buying Guide: Choosing An Overhead Propane Heater

Selecting the best overhead propane heater requires weighing several technical and practical factors. Below are key considerations to evaluate before purchase or installation.

Heating Capacity And Coverage

• BTU Output: Match BTU output to space size and ceiling height. Overhead heaters commonly range from small portable units (~4,000 BTU) to commercial overhead furnaces (>80,000 BTU).
• Square Footage: Estimate heated area; manufacturers often list approximate coverage. High ceilings and poor insulation increase required BTUs.

Fuel Type And Availability

• Propane vs Natural Gas: Confirm whether the model is built for propane (LP) or natural gas (NG). Some unit heaters are convertible but may require a conversion kit.
• Supply Logistics: For permanent installations consider hard-piped natural gas lines; for portable or semi-permanent solutions, standard propane tanks are common.

Installation And Mounting

• Overhead Mount Requirements: Check clearances, mounting brackets, and structural support. Many overhead units require specific clearances from combustibles and floor height minimums.
• Ventilation: Determine if the heater is vented, vent-free, or requires flue piping. Proper venting affects safety and indoor air quality.

Safety Features

• ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor): Important for indoor propane use to shut off gas if oxygen levels fall.
• Tip-Over Switches & Overheat Protection: Critical for portable units used in workshops or near flammable materials.
• Ignition Safety: Reliable electronic or Piezo ignition reduces reliance on external matches and improves safety.

Durability And Environment

• Construction: Stainless steel or powder-coated finishes resist corrosion in harsher garage or outdoor-adjacent environments.
• Indoor Vs Outdoor Rated: Confirm rating for enclosed spaces vs semi-protected patios. Some patio heaters are not suitable for fully enclosed garages.

Controls And Comfort

• Directional Heat: Features like swivel arms or adjustable louvers help direct warmth where needed, useful in workstations.
• Thermostat Compatibility: For whole-space comfort, choose models that accept thermostats or integrated controls for temperature regulation.

Maintenance And Serviceability

• Replacement Parts: Availability of parts such as ignition control boards, burners, and regulators can extend the service life of overhead heaters.
• Access For Servicing: Confirm clear access to pilot assemblies, thermocouples, and electronic boards for routine maintenance.

Code Compliance And Professional Installation

• Local Codes: Check local building and fire codes for venting, indoor propane use, and permitted appliances.
• Professional Setup: Overhead and permanently installed heaters often require licensed HVAC or gas-fitting pros to ensure safe installation and compliance.

Comparison Perspectives

• Portable vs Permanent: Portable radiant heaters provide localized, flexible heat; overhead permanent units offer broader, consistent space heating.
• Vent-Free vs Vented: Vent-free units are easier to install but require careful monitoring of indoor air quality; vented units handle combustion products externally but need flues or piping.
• Infrared vs Convection: Infrared heats objects and people directly and often feels warmer at lower air temperatures. Convection-style overhead heaters warm the air and provide whole-space temperature rise.

When selecting an overhead propane heating solution, align the unit type with the space layout, ventilation constraints, and intended use. For permanent, whole-space heating of large garages or workshops, professionally installed overhead units or wall-mounted infrared heaters are commonly preferred. For temporary or targeted heating, portable radiant propane units offer flexibility and safety features for smaller work areas.