Choosing a heater for a shop or garage depends on size, ventilation, and intended use. Below is a quick comparison of five propane-compatible shop heaters selected for power, fuel type, or suitability for enclosed workspaces.
| Product | BTU / Range | Coverage / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater Propane Unit Heater MHU80LP | 80,000 BTU | Designed for garages and workshops; ceiling-mount brackets included |
| Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater F271390 | 125,000 BTU | High-output forced air for larger shops; Quiet Burner Technology |
| Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Heater MH60QFAV | 30,000–60,000 BTU | Variable output, quieter operation, portable for spot heating |
| Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent-Free Radiant Propane Heater | 30,000 BTU | Vent-free radiant option for supplemental heating in enclosed areas |
| Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC200DG Convection Heater | 50,000–200,000 BTU | Wide BTU range for very large spaces; requires proper ventilation |
Mr. Heater Propane Unit Heater 80,000 BTU
Overview: This unit is a ceiling-mount propane forced-air heater rated at 80,000 BTU/hr. It is intended for heating workspaces where fixed installation and robust airflow are required.
Key Features: The product lists spark ignition with a self-diagnostic control module and includes two angle brackets for ceiling installation. Manufacturer notes include coverage for typical workshop environments and ease of installation where ceiling mounting is preferred.
Suitability: The heater is aimed at garages and medium-sized shops needing continuous forced-air heat. The included mounting brackets simplify installation in buildings with appropriate venting and clearance.
Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Propane Heater
Overview: A high-capacity forced-air propane heater offering 125,000 BTU output for large garages, commercial bays, or workshop spaces that require strong heat delivery.
Key Features: Features Quiet Burner Technology for reduced noise compared to standard forced-air units, a 10 ft hose and regulator for immediate hookup, and a high-temperature limit switch for thermal protection.
Suitability: Appropriate where higher volume and faster temperature rise are needed. The included hose and regulator simplify setup for temporary or semi-permanent installations when local codes permit.
Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Portable Heater
Overview: A portable forced-air propane heater with variable output from 30,000 to 60,000 BTU and technology designed to reduce noise output.
Key Features: Uses QBT Technology for operation that is claimed to be up to 50% quieter than standard propane forced-air heaters. Variable BTU control provides flexibility, and runtime estimates indicate up to 14 hours on a 20 lb tank at low setting.
Suitability: Best for spot heating, temporary jobs, or workshops without permanent mounting. Portability allows moving heat to the active work area while keeping noise and fuel consumption adjustable.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent-Free Heater
Overview: A vent-free radiant propane heater designed for indoor supplementary heating with a rated output of 30,000 BTU, optimized for efficient infrared-style warmth.
Key Features: Described features include high efficiency, multiple burner tiles for radiant heat, coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft in appropriate spaces, and a fuel consumption rate enabling extended runtimes on a standard tank. This unit requires no venting.
Suitability: Useful when vent-free radiant heat is preferred for enclosed additions, sunrooms, or workshops where local codes permit vent-free propane appliances. Verify ventilation and indoor air quality considerations before installation.
Dyna-Glo 50,000–200,000 BTU Convection Heater
Overview: A high-range liquid propane convection heater with selectable output from 50,000 to 200,000 BTU, intended for large indoor or outdoor commercial areas when proper ventilation is available.
Key Features: Wide BTU range for flexible sizing, manufacturer states heating capability up to 4,700 sq. ft. when used with correct installation and ventilation. Designed for construction and commercial environments where high capacity is needed.
Suitability: Best for larger bays or warehouse-style shops where a single unit must deliver substantial heat. Use only where ventilation, exhaust, and local codes allow convection-type propane heaters indoors.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Propane Shop Heater
Define Your Heating Needs: Start by measuring the shop’s volume (square feet x ceiling height). Choose a heater with appropriate BTU output for desired temperature rise. Forced-air units deliver quicker air temperature increases; radiant or convection heaters warm objects and occupants directly.
BTU Sizing Considerations: General guidance for an uninsulated shop can range widely; higher ceilings or poor insulation require more BTUs. Consider a heater with adjustable output or multiple units for even distribution rather than a single oversized appliance that cycles inefficiently.
Fuel Type & Availability: Confirm propane supply logistics—on-site tank capacity, refill frequency, and regulator/hose requirements. Some products ship with hoses or regulators; others assume you provide them. Verify compatibility with existing fittings and local fuel codes.
Venting & Indoor Air Quality: Vent-free units eliminate exhaust piping but affect indoor air quality and may not be permitted in all jurisdictions or certain workspace types. Vented forced-air or convection heaters may require flues or exhaust management. Always check local code and provide adequate combustion air.
Installation & Mounting: Decide between portable and permanent mounting. Ceiling-mounted forced-air heaters conserve floor space and distribute warm air broadly. Portable models offer flexibility and spot heating but may require more frequent refueling.
Safety Features: Look for tip-over switches, high-temperature limit switches, and self-diagnostic ignition systems. Radiant and vent-free heaters typically include safety shutoffs. Confirm minimum clearance requirements and install according to manufacturer instructions to reduce fire risk.
Noise Level: For workshops where communication or concentration matters, Quiet Burner or QBT technologies reduce operating noise. Forced-air blowers will be louder than radiant units; balance noise tolerance with heating speed and distribution needs.
Fuel Efficiency & Runtime: For portable units, check runtime estimates for a standard 20 lb tank. Variable-output heaters allow lowering BTU to extend runtime and improve fuel efficiency. For fixed installations, consider overall fuel consumption for monthly operating costs.
Coverage And Heat Distribution: Forced-air units excel at raising ambient air temperature and moving heat across large floor areas. Radiant heaters warm people and objects directly and are efficient for spot heating or where dust and airflow need to be minimized.
Maintenance And Serviceability: Regular inspection of hoses, regulators, ignition systems, and burners is required. Choose a model with accessible components and available replacement parts. Consider local service support for complex vented installations.
Compliance And Permitting: Verify that the heater model complies with local building and safety codes for indoor use of propane appliances. Some models may be listed for outdoor or properly ventilated commercial use only; obtain any required permits for installations that alter ventilation or fuel lines.
Comparing Multiple Perspectives: Evaluate based on these priorities—BTU vs. space, portability vs. permanent mount, vent-free vs. vented safety trade-offs, noise tolerance, and fuel logistics. A single large unit may be more cost-effective for a well-insulated space, while multiple smaller units offer zoned control and redundancy.
Final Selection Checklist: Verify required clearances, check whether an included regulator/hose meets needs, confirm ignition type and safety features, match BTU to calculated heat loss, and ensure installation meets local code and ventilation requirements.