Finding the right heater for a small shop requires balancing heat output, safety features, portability, and energy use. The table below summarizes five practical small-shop heaters reviewed here, including product type and a quick suitability note.
| Product | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater | Electric Forced-Air (PTC) | Quick spot heating in small shops and garages |
| NewAir NGH160GA00 Portable Garage Heater | Electric Portable (Ceramic) | Safe portable warmth with thermostat and auto shut-off |
| Remington 1500W Heavy-Duty Electric Heater (REM-222A-120) | Electric Portable | Compact, jobsite-oriented small-area heating |
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | Propane Radiant | Off-grid or quick radiant heat for small enclosed shops |
| TEMPWARE 7500-Watt Ceiling Mount Shop Heater | Hardwired Fan-Forced (Ceiling) | Permanent installation for small-to-medium shops needing overhead heat |
Content Navigation
- Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater With Pivoting Base
- NewAir NGH160GA00 120V Electric Portable Garage Heater
- Remington 1500W Heavy-Duty Portable Electric Heater REM-222A-120
- Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Propane Radiant Heater
- TEMPWARE 7500W Electric Ceiling Mount Shop Heater With Remote
- Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Small Shop Heater
- 1. Heat Type And How It Matches Your Shop
- 2. Heat Output And Space Size
- 3. Power Source And Installation
- 4. Safety Features
- 5. Portability Vs. Permanent Installation
- 6. Energy Use And Controls
- 7. Noise And Air Movement
- 8. Durability And Build For Workshop Conditions
- 9. Compliance And Certification
- 10. Multiple Comparison Perspectives
Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater With Pivoting Base
The Dura Heat EUH1465 Is A 1500W PTC Ceramic forced-air heater that delivers fast warm-up for small areas. Its rugged steel construction suits garage and workshop environments where durability matters.
- Heating Performance: 1500W of PTC ceramic heat for rapid spot warming in compact workspaces.
- Construction: Steel body built for workshops and rugged use.
- Modes: Heat and fan-only settings provide flexible operation as either a heater or air circulator.
- Use Case: Ideal for localized heating at a bench, near tools, or to warm a small bay quickly.
Because it’s electric and PTC-based, the unit provides steady heat with inherent ceramic protection against overheating. It’s suitable where a portable electric solution with durable housing is preferred.
NewAir NGH160GA00 120V Electric Portable Garage Heater
The NewAir NGH160GA00 Is A portable ceramic heater designed for garage use with multiple safety-focused features. It targets homeowners who need safe, movable warmth without hardwiring.
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- Safety: Cool-to-touch exterior, internal thermostat, and automatic shut-off to prevent overheating.
- Portability: Tilting head and carry handle make movement and directional heating easy.
- Controls: Adjustable temperature control and two heat modes for tailored comfort.
- Performance: Ceramic plate and a 200 CFM fan deliver steady airflow for faster warming of small areas.
This model fits spaces where portable, thermostat-controlled safety is a priority, such as attached garages, sheds with power, or temporary workshop setups.
Remington 1500W Heavy-Duty Portable Electric Heater REM-222A-120
The Remington REM-222A-120 Is A compact 1500W electric unit geared toward jobsite and workshop environments where quick heat for a small footprint is needed.
- Heat Capacity: Designed to heat up to roughly 165 square feet, suitable for a small bay or corner of a shop.
- Controls: Two heat settings and an adjustable thermostat let users moderate output to match task needs.
- Application: Quick warm-up and portability make it useful for short-duration tasks or when a central heater is not available.
Its simple control scheme and rugged intent make this unit a straightforward option for those needing compact electric heat at workstations or small enclosed areas.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Propane Radiant Heater
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX Is A propane radiant heater offering 4,000–9,000 BTU output, ideal for shops with limited electrical access or for supplemental radiant warmth.
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- Heat Type: Infrared radiant heating warms people and objects directly rather than heating large volumes of air.
- Safety: Improved tip-over switch and oxygen-depletion sensor (when used per manufacturer guidelines) enhance safe operation in confined spaces designated by the unit’s rating.
- Ignition: Piezo igniter for quick start without matches or external power.
- Coverage: Effective for targeted heating up to about 225 sq. ft., making it useful for small enclosed shop areas.
Because this is a fuel-burning device, it’s important to follow all ventilation and indoor-safety guidance from the manufacturer and local codes. It’s a practical option for portable, high-feel warmth without drawing heavy electrical loads.
TEMPWARE 7500W Electric Ceiling Mount Shop Heater With Remote
The TEMPWARE 7500W Ceiling Heater Is A hardwired 240V fan-forced solution intended for permanent small-shop heating, offering ceiling installation, remote control, and multiple energy-saving features.
- Output: Power ranges from 6,250 to 7,500 watts with maximum BTUs around 25,590, suitable for small-to-medium shop spaces when mounted overhead.
- Controls & Safety: Built-in thermostat, overheat protection, ECO mode, and a 12-hour timer provide control and safety automation.
- Installation: Designed for hardwired ceiling mount—best for shops wanting a fixed solution rather than portable units.
- Airflow Direction: Adjustable louvers and variable mounting angle direct warm air where needed.
This heater suits shops that prefer a permanent, centrally mounted heat source with digital control and timed operation to manage energy use and comfort efficiently.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Small Shop Heater
Choosing a heater for a small shop involves evaluating several technical and practical factors. Below are the main considerations and how they apply across electric, radiant, portable, and hardwired options.
1. Heat Type And How It Matches Your Shop
- Forced-Air Electric Heaters: Move warm air into the space quickly—good for raising ambient temperature. Examples: PTC ceramic and fan-forced units.
- Radiant Propane Heaters: Heat objects and people directly—efficient for spot heating and when you don’t need to warm the entire volume of air.
- Ceiling Hardwired Units: Provide distributed heat for the whole area when permanently installed and sized correctly.
2. Heat Output And Space Size
- Estimate the shop’s volume (square feet x ceiling height) and choose a heater rated for that coverage. Manufacturers list square-foot guidance; use that as a baseline.
- Smaller portable units (1500W / ~5,000 BTU electric) suit localized heating or small rooms. Higher wattage hardwired units serve larger small shops effectively.
3. Power Source And Installation
- Electric Plug-In: Best for simple setup; ensure circuit capacity matches heater draw (1500W typically on standard 120V circuit).
- Hardwired 240V: Requires electrician for installation but offers higher continuous output for whole-shop heating.
- Propane: Useful where electricity is limited, but requires attention to ventilation, fuel storage, and indoor-safety guidelines.
4. Safety Features
- Look for overheat protection, automatic shut-off, tip-over switches (for portable units), and cool-to-touch surfaces if items or people may contact the heater.
- For fuel-burning heaters, confirm oxygen-depletion sensors and follow ventilation rules and local codes.
5. Portability Vs. Permanent Installation
- Portable Options: Allow flexibility to move heat where needed; ideal for intermittent tasks or shared workspaces.
- Permanent Mounts: Offer even distribution and cleaner floor space; better for consistent daily use and larger small shops.
6. Energy Use And Controls
- Choose units with adjustable thermostats, ECO or auto modes, and timers to reduce energy costs when constant heat isn’t required.
- Confirm wattage and expected runtime to estimate energy consumption relative to your usage pattern.
7. Noise And Air Movement
- Fan-forced heaters circulate air and can be audible; radiant units are typically quieter. Consider noise tolerance if you operate sensitive tools or need quiet.
8. Durability And Build For Workshop Conditions
- Look for steel construction, dust-resistant intakes, and robust controls for shop environments. Units intended for jobsite or garage use are typically built for rugged conditions.
9. Compliance And Certification
- Check for ETL, UL, or CSA listings where applicable. For hardwired and fuel-burning devices, confirm compliance with local building and fire codes.
10. Multiple Comparison Perspectives
- Cost-To-Run: Electric units have predictable electrical costs; propane can be cheaper per BTU but has fuel logistics.
- Coverage: Compare rated coverage vs. real-world layout—obstructions and high ceilings reduce effective coverage.
- Maintenance: Electric units typically need less maintenance; fuel heaters require fuel-system checks and periodic servicing.
Use these factors to match heater characteristics—such as portability, heating method, and safety features—to your shop’s layout, usage patterns, and power availability. That ensures the chosen heater provides effective, safe, and economical warmth for small-shop tasks.
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.