Short Summary: This guide compares five heaters relevant to the search for a torpedo-style electric heater and practical alternatives for garages, workshops, and jobsite spaces. The roundup emphasizes heat output, installation, portability, and safety features.
| Product | Type | Key Output | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dura Heat EWH5510 | Hard-Wired Electric Forced Air | 17,060 BTU / 5,000W | Larger Garages, Hard-Wired Install |
| Dura Heat EUH1465 | Electric Forced Air, Pivoting | 5,120 BTU / 1,500W | Small Garages, Workbench Areas |
| VEVOR 10000W Garage Heater | Wall/Ceiling Hard-Wired Electric | 10,000W | Whole-Garage Convection Heating |
| VAGKRI 42″ Infrared Tower | Electric Infrared Tower | Up To 1,500W | Personal Zone Heating, Patio |
| InoKraft MaXheat MH68 | Propane Forced Air (Alternative) | 30,000–68,000 BTU | Large Spaces, Jobsite Forced-Air |
Dura Heat EWH5510 Electric Forced Air Heater
This hard-wired 240V electric forced air heater delivers 17,060 BTU (5,000W) and is rated to cover up to 750 sq. ft. It uses a high-output fan to distribute heat quickly across a garage or larger workshop space.
- Key Features: 240V / 5000W / 30A hard-wired design, remote control with adjustable thermostat, LED display settable from 45–99°F.
- Installation: Requires professional installation and hard-wiring; power indicator light activates after correct wiring.
- Use Case: Suitable for homeowners or shops wanting a permanent, high-output electric solution without combustion byproducts.
- Notes: Because it’s hard-wired, this unit is best for garages where a permanent electrical upgrade is acceptable.
Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater
The EUH1465 is a compact PTC ceramic forced-air heater offering 1,500W output and a pivoting base to direct air where you need it. Its rugged steel construction suits garages and workshops.
- Key Features: 1500W PTC ceramic heating, heat and fan-only settings, durable steel body.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to reposition; pivoting base allows targeted heating at a bench or vehicle bay.
- Use Case: Best for smaller spaces or supplemental heat near work areas where a plug-in electric heater is preferred.
- Notes: Lower output than hard-wired units but safer for indoor use without combustion or ventilation concerns.
VEVOR 10000W Garage Heater
This 10,000W hard-wired fan-forced heater is designed for ceiling or wall mounting to provide even convection heating across larger garage volumes. It includes a digital controller, timer, and overheat protection.
- Key Features: Two power levels, precise temperature control with ±2°F stability, hard-wired installation, 9-hour timer, ETL certification.
- Coverage: Manufacturer positions it for whole-garage coverage depending on insulation and bay size.
- Installation: Requires hard-wiring and mounting; intended as a fixed heating solution rather than portable.
- Notes: Choose this when even distribution, electronic thermostat control, and high wattage are prioritized in an enclosed space.
VAGKRI 42″ 1500W Infrared Tower Heater
The VAGKRI tower is an electric infrared space heater offering 1,500Wwith nine heat levels and quick-start infrared heating. It is IPX5 waterproof rated for outdoor use and useful for localized warmth.
- Key Features: 1-second fast heating claim, 9 power settings (620W–1500W), 100° wide-angle heating, remote control and timer.
- Use Case: Ideal for personal-zone heating in a garage entryway, patio, or small workshop area where instant radiant heat is helpful.
- Portability & Safety: Freestanding tower design is easy to move; IPX5 rating makes it suitable for partially covered outdoor spaces but follow indoor safety guidance.
- Notes: Infrared heat warms objects and people directly; it does not replace fan-forced convection for whole-bay heating.
InoKraft MaXheat MH68 Propane Forced Air Heater
While not electric, the InoKraft MH68 is a torpedo-style forced-air propane heater often considered when electric output is insufficient. It offers 30,000–68,000 BTU and is optimized for fast, widespread warm-up of large garages or jobsite tents.
- Key Features: Variable BTU output (30k–68k), heavy-duty fan for fast heating, adjustable heat angle, CSA certification, overheat and gas-leak protections.
- Use Case: Effective for large, well-ventilated spaces where electric capacity is limited or rapid high-BTU heat is necessary.
- Safety & Ventilation: Requires adequate ventilation and CO monitoring when used indoors; follow local codes and manufacturer ventilation guidance.
- Notes: Fuel-based torpedo heaters deliver much higher BTU per unit weight than electric units, but they require fuel supply and ventilation planning.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Torpedo Or Garage Heater
Selecting the right heater depends on space size, installation options, fuel availability, and safety requirements. The guide below outlines key factors to compare across models.
Heat Output And Coverage
BTU And Watts: Electric heaters list power in watts (e.g., 1,500W) or BTU equivalents; 1,000W ≈ 3,412 BTU/hr. For whole-garage heating, higher wattage or BTU is needed. Use manufacturer coverage estimates and account for insulation and ceiling height.
Electric vs Fuel (Propane, Diesel, Kerosene)
- Electric Heaters: Provide clean indoor operation with no combustion, minimal ventilation, and simpler installation for plug-in models. Hard-wired electric units require electrical upgrades but can deliver even, quiet heat.
- Fuel Torpedo Heaters: Deliver high BTU output and rapid warm-up for large or poorly insulated areas. They require fuel, ventilation, and CO monitoring and are generally intended for well-ventilated shops or outdoor use.
Installation And Power Supply
Plug-In vs Hard-Wired: Plug-in electric heaters are portable and easier to install but often limited to 1,500W on standard circuits. Hard-wired units (240V) provide more power but need a licensed electrician and appropriate circuit capacity.
Portability And Mounting
Portable Torpedoes: Many forced-air torpedo heaters are portable with handles and wheels, useful for jobsite repositioning. Wall/ceiling-mounted electric units work for permanent whole-bay heating and free up floor space.
Distribution Method: Forced Air vs Infrared
- Forced-Air (Convection): Moves heated air across a wide area; effective for warming entire garages but can stir dust.
- Infrared (Radiant): Warms objects and people directly; efficient for spot heating and outdoor or semi-outdoor areas but less effective at raising whole-space air temperature.
Safety Features And Certifications
Look for overheat protection, automatic shut-off, tip-over sensors (for portable units), and listings like ETL or CSA. For fuel heaters, check for gas-leak protection, spark ignition reliability, and manufacturer ventilation guidelines.
Controls And Convenience
Remote controls, programmable thermostats, timers, and adjustable heat levels improve usability. For workshops, easy-to-read LED displays and remote thermostats matter for daily convenience.
Operating Cost And Energy Considerations
Electric heaters are straightforward to size for power usage (watts). Fuel heaters provide higher BTUs per fuel unit but require fuel purchases and maintenance. Compare typical run-time, fuel consumption rates, and local electricity rates for realistic operating-cost estimates.
Noise And Airflow
Forced-air torpedo heaters use high-velocity fans that can be noisy. If quiet operation is important, compare fan specs or consider radiant heaters for personal spaces and convection or ducted solutions for whole-bay comfort.
Maintenance And Durability
Check for serviceable filters, accessible fans, corrosion-resistant coating for moist environments, and availability of replacement parts. Fuel heaters require periodic cleaning and burner maintenance; electric units typically need less routine maintenance.
Multiple Comparison Perspectives
- Performance Perspective: Compare BTU/watt, airflow (CFM if available), and coverage per model to match the heater to your garage volume.
- Installation Perspective: Assess electrical panel capacity, need for a dedicated circuit, or whether a portable plug-in is sufficient.
- Safety Perspective: For indoor use prioritize electric units with overheat protection; for fuel units plan for ventilation and CO detection.
- Cost Perspective: Balance upfront install costs (electrical work or mounting) against running costs and fuel logistics.
Final Tip: Measure the heated volume (length × width × height), check insulation levels, and select a heater with rated coverage that exceeds the calculated need to maintain comfort on the coldest days. For mixed uses, consider pairing a permanent hard-wired heater with a portable infrared or forced-air unit for spot boosts.