In the cooler months, nothing overcomes that chilly draft better than a 120v garage heater to warm up space around you. It makes working on your car and with your tools that much easier and even gets you motivated to get the job done. An electric garage heater 120v comes in all shapes and sizes with each model loaded with different features to help you stay comfortable whilst working. But which model is the right one for you to choose?
1. Heat Storm HS 1500-PHX Wall Mount Heater
[Editor’s Choice]
If you are looking for something that is at the cutting edge of heating technology, then you can’t go wrong with Heat Storm’s HS 1500. This 120 volt garage heater uses infrared technology to heat the entire area meaning that you are never going to be at risk of catching a cold draft. The grill bars are made from a heat-resistant resin that makes them safe to touch at all times no matter what temperature the device is programmed to.
One of the biggest selling points of the HS 1500 is that is perfectly suited for use in the modern home. It can be synced with a companion app that gives you full control over it from your smartphone. The app can be used to monitor current temperatures, pre-plan schedules to operate it as well as seeing how it affects the temperature around the house. Alongside that, the heater has temperature sensors on its body to automatically switch itself off and on when it reaches the preferred temperature saving energy.
PROS
- Energy Efficient
- Safe to use
- Smart features
- Visually appealing
CONS
- Wall mount only
- Feet can be difficult to assemble
2. TaoTronics Space Heater
[Top Seller]
If you are looking for efficiency, then the TaoTronics Space Heater could be something that you are looking for. It has three modes (high, low, and ECO) to manage the heat output when operating with ECO mode automatically able to adjust the power volume based on the ambient temperature currently within the room. Alongside this, it is extremely quick to heat things with the heater able to reach 70˚F (21˚C) in just 3 seconds.
It has also been designed to heat wide areas in quick succession with the curved grilles able to oscillate the hot air across a wider berth than many straight grilles. This ties in handily with its freestanding nature allowing it to be placed anywhere in the room standing on a circular base without any additional support. Should it get knocked over, there is an automatic shut-off feature to cut the power and reduce the risk of a fire. An all-around effort that fits nicely anywhere it is needed.
PROS
- Rapidly produces hot air
- Silent
- Freestanding
- Strong heat output
CONS
- Exceptionally bright light from grille
3. Multifun Portable Heater
[Top value pick]
If you need something that is portable and works instantly, then Multifun’s Portable Heater may just be what you are looking for. This 120v garage heater has a rapid mode which can start pumping hot air in just 2 seconds and has a heat-proof handle on the top to help you carry it wherever you need to be. It’s also not difficult to move around either with the body only 6”x6.7” and weighing just 38.8oz. The legs of the heater are also angled to allow air to be circulated at a wider angle covering more space in the room.
Multifun have also put a lot of focus into the safety features ensuring that it is safe to use in all conditions. The device has an anti-tip sensor to cut the power should it get knocked and all of the inner components are made from flame-retardant materials to reduce the risk of any fires. The outer metal body is also heat resistant making it easy to carry even when it has been on for a prolonged period.
PROS
- Portable
- Automatic shutdown if knocked over
- Lightweight
- Warms the air in seconds
CONS
- Needs to be unplugged after use
- Requires some assembly
4. Dr. Heater DR-238 Infrared Heater
Dr. Heater is one of the more prominent 120 volt garage heater brands so it’s hard to go wrong with this infrared heater. Able to be mounted to either walls or ceilings, this uses infrared technology to heat the room silently and without any odors whilst it runs. It comes with three different settings (low, medium & high) allowing you to find a mode that you are comfortable to work with.
The wide-angle design of the grill allows heat to filter out evenly across the room avoiding any areas becoming uncomfortably warm or cold. It is simple to operate with the accompanying remote giving you full control of all the settings with just a push of a button. It’s versatility and sleek body makes it a great addition to your garage workspace.
PROS
- Silent
- Heats wide area
- Easy to use
- Sleek design
CONS
- Limited remote range
- Power hungry
5. AirnMore Comfort Deluxe
Don’t let its size fool you as the AirnMore Comfort Deluxe packs a big punch for one of the larger electric garage heaters available in the market. The developers have remodeled their heating mechanism using copper elements to produce the heat allowing it to heat rooms for longer and more efficiently than aluminum variants. It can also run in two modes (low/high) with the lower mode running at 1000W helping you save on bills should you only need to warm things up a little.
It is also laced with technology with the internal processor able to save the settings if there is a power outage and return to using them once it has been restored. It also has a motion sensor designed to switch off the heater should it be knocked or tipped making it a potential safety hazard. An all-in-one electric garage heater that can fit anywhere and fulfill all your heating needs.
PROS
- Retains heat
- Saves settings internally
- Energy efficient
- Child-safe
CONS
- Large body
- Expensive
6. Stiebel Eltron CK 15 E
German firms are known for their build quality and that is what you get with the Stiebel Eltron CK 15 E heater. This 120v electric garage heater works in a fan cycle sucking in cooler air from its upper vents and turning into warm air from the bottom grates and heating the room. The heater has a thermostat built in the center of its body to ensure that all air generated from the bottom is warm and not cool.
One of the biggest strengths of the CK 15 E is that it runs at a very quiet 49dB meaning that you will barely hear it operating at all. It also can have the heat boosted for up to an hour if it is particularly cool when you are working in the garage. Fighting off the cold is something that the Stiebel does well as the heater has a frost protection setting when the room temperature hits 7˚C (45˚F) to stave off any threat of mold or mildew.
PROS
- Quiet
- Strong build quality
- wide temperature range
- $mall body
CONS
- Must be hardwired into wall
- Power cord visible at top of the unit
7. De’Longhi Oil Filled Space Heater
De’Longhi is no stranger to the world of electric garage heaters and their Oil-Filled Space Heater makes a great little addition to your garage environment. With a sealed oil reservoir, the heater will always have a heat source to warm up the room and the steel grates act as a strong conductor to quickly warm things up. It can also be taken anywhere with ease as the grates have four wheels on it to move it with you as you go.
It has also been built with safety and usability in mind with the inner processors having an automatic overheating sensor to cut the power immediately should anything go wrong. It also has a 24-hour timer that can be used to preset the heater to operate during certain times should you have anything scheduled further down the track. With the addition of an ECO mode to reduce power output too, De’Longhi’s offering is efficient, adaptable, and safe to use at all times.
PROS
- Portable,
- Permanent heating source
- Additional safety features
- Preset timings available
CONS
- Prone to clicking noises
- Visible reduction in output during ECO mode
8. HeTR Portable Space Heater
Not everything is bigger in Texas as HeTR’s Portable Space Heater is a nimble little 120 volt garage heater that can fit snugly in a corner. Weighing just 5lbs and with dimensions of 11’x7’, this heater can be placed anywhere in the room and moved without having to break your back. The 6’ circular grille immediately projects heat straight into the room and covers a wide area able to ensure that you stay comfortable at all times you are working.
A lot of effort has gone into the finish of the heater with the body coated in a resin powder to avoid any chips or scrapes and the heating element is made from a ceramic material reducing the risk of rust or cracks that may appear in metal elements. A handy choice for anyone looking for something lightweight and compact to use in their garage.
PROS
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
CONS
- No cut-off safety switch
- Some durability issues
The benefits of having a 120v garage heater
It can be hard to justify purchasing new accessories however the choice becomes easier to make knowing that it comes with a host of benefits and heaters are no exception. There are many bonuses to having the best 120v garage heaters such as:
- Avoids mold damage. One of the biggest issues anyone faces over the winter months is the increased risk of mold damaging the walls or doors in the garage. Having a heat source such as an 120v electric garage heate prevents mold from growing in any damp areas and causing structural damage or even breathing problems.
- A valuable asset. Having a garage heater that becomes a permanent fixture in a garage is a surprising plus if you are looking to sell your home. It helps turn the area into another purposeful room and is something that can add value to a property or act as an extra selling point with real estate agents.
- Motivator. There is nothing worse than working in an area that is cold and damp so having something to warm the area up gives you the extra motivation to get jobs done. It allows you to work in your own time and focus on the task at hand instead of having to worry about rushing it and making costly errors.
FAQ
Should I opt for a portable or mounted 120v garage heater?
When searching for the best 120v garage heater, you need to assess the design and functionality of the heater itself. Anything that has a downward-facing grille or circulates air downwards is best to be mounted as that increases the area that can be heated from that source even though that may limit your working area range. Many heaters with circular or direct heat vents are better used as a freestanding device as it allows them to cover areas directly and move with you as you go.
Alongside that, it will also vary on the power source for the 120v electric garage heater. Anything that requires a hardwired connection to the electrics will need to be mounted and will remain a permanent fixture once placed. However, if a heater just plugs into a socket with a power cable, they are best to be kept free-standing to maximize their operating range.
What are the key safety features needed on a 120v garage heater?
By far the most crucial safety aspect is an automatic kill-switch should something go wrong with the heater. This is most commonly with portable or free-standing devices as they can be easily knocked over by the user, children, or a pet so this is vital to have when in use. Failure to have this could lead to a fire hazard so always keep an eye out when making your purchase. It’s also worth checking that the grilles are heat-resistant where possible as an errant hand can easily be burnt if the grilles aren’t resistant and glow red hot.
How noisy are 120v garage heaters?
Some 120v garage heaters can be noisy to run if they are fan-driven as they can make constant whirring or droning sounds whilst they are active. Many new models are being designed to keep the internal fans below 50Db which makes the background noise more of a low hum and allows you to focus better on the tasks at hand. If you find one that reaches that level, then consider them the best electric garage heater 120v around.
If you’re a petrolhead, why not check out some of our other reviews!
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