Choosing an LP (liquid propane) garage heater depends on the space, mounting preferences, and safety needs. Below is a concise comparison of five propane-compatible heaters selected for garage and workshop use, followed by detailed product breakdowns and a practical buying guide.
| Product | BTU | Coverage / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ProTemp PT-80V-LPC | 80,000 BTU | Up To 1800 Sq. Ft.; Uses 20 lb Propane Tank; CSA Certified |
| Reznor UDXC-60 | 60,000 BTU | Ceiling Mount; High Performance For Workshops & Warehouses |
| SunStar SIR45-15-L Tube Heater | 45,000 BTU | Tube Heater Design; Compact Length; High Efficiency |
| Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS01-21 (LP) | 45,000 BTU | Direct Vent Garage Heater; Suitable For Residential & Commercial |
| Gasland MHA18BN Portable Radiant | 18,000 BTU | Portable Radiant Heater; Up To 450 Sq. Ft.; Built-In Safety Features |
ProTemp 80,000 BTU LP Propane Convection Heater
This ProTemp unit is a propane convection heater rated at 80,000 BTU, designed to heat large open spaces up to about 1,800 square feet. The manufacturer lists CSA certification, indicating it meets safety and performance standards for many indoor settings.
Key attributes from the product listing include use with a 20 lb propane tank, even heat distribution for workshops and garages, and a focus on safety certification. The unit is suitable where a robust, high-BTU convection solution is required and where a 20 lb tank setup is acceptable.
Reznor 60,000 BTU Propane Unit Heater UDXC-60
The Reznor UDXC-60 is a forced-air propane unit heater intended for ceiling or wall mounting in commercial or larger residential spaces. It lists a nominal rating of 60,000 BTU with two firing levels and an ~83% thermal efficiency rating according to the product specs.
Design points include low static propeller airflow and threaded suspension points for ceiling mounting. The listing notes two output levels (low and high) for flexible use across milder and colder days, making it a fit for workshops that need steady forced-air circulation and higher efficiency than older units.
SunStar Tube Heater LP 45,000 BTU Model SIR45-15-L
The SunStar tube-style heater offers a 45,000 BTU LP option designed for compact installations. The product highlights an overall tube length that eases installation and reported efficiencies up to 84.5%. It can be installed relatively low above floor level (as low as 8 ft.) when specified.
Tube heaters provide radiant warmth across benches and work zones. This model is characterized by a compact footprint and higher stated efficiency, which can be a useful tradeoff for medium-size garages or workshops that want targeted radiant heat instead of full-room convection.
Modine Hot Dawg 45K BTU LP Garage Heater
The Modine Hot Dawg LP variant lists 45,000 BTU capacity and is part of a long-standing line of direct-vent garage heaters. The product naming indicates suitability for garage and small commercial spaces where a compact, high-output direct vent solution is required.
Modine Hot Dawg models typically emphasize quiet operation and compatibility with residential and commercial installations. This LP configuration is often chosen for its reliable heat output and straightforward mounting options in workshop settings that require venting per local codes.
Gasland MHA18BN 18,000 BTU Portable Propane Radiant
The Gasland unit is a portable propane radiant heater rated at 18,000 BTU, designed to warm areas up to roughly 450 square feet. The listing shows built-in safety features such as tip-over and low oxygen shut-off, plus an internal tank housing and rolling wheels for mobility.
This product targets spot-heating needs in ventilated garages, sheds, or temporary work areas. The radiant design warms surfaces and people directly and operates without electricity, which can be beneficial for power-outage scenarios or mobile jobsite use.
Buying Guide
This buying guide covers the primary considerations when selecting an LP garage heater, plus comparison perspectives to help match heater types to typical garage use cases. Evaluate BTU output, heater type, venting needs, safety features, installation and operating requirements.
BTU Output And Coverage
BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is the principal metric for capacity. Rough guidance: small garages or targeted spot heat — 10,000–25,000 BTU; medium two-car garages or workshops — 25,000–45,000 BTU; large or poorly insulated spaces — 45,000–80,000+ BTU. Always factor in insulation, ceiling height, and doors that will open frequently.
Heater Type: Radiant vs Convection vs Forced-Air
Radiant Heaters (tube or cabinet) warm objects and people directly and are efficient for workstations. Convection Heaters heat air and are useful for maintaining even ambient temperatures across a whole space. Forced-Air Unit Heaters combine high-output burners with blowers for rapid heat distribution and are common in larger garages or shops.
Fuel Delivery And Tank Considerations
LP heaters may be designed for 20 lb tanks or larger bulk systems. Portable models often accept a 20 lb cylinder, while permanent or higher-BTU units may require larger tanks or hardline connections. Confirm the acceptable tank size and refueling logistics for your setup.
Venting, Clearance And Installation
Some LP units require direct venting to the outside; others are category vented or designed for indoor use with proper venting specified by the manufacturer. Check minimum clearances from walls, ceilings, and the floor — many listings require specific clearance distances for safety and code compliance. Professional installation is recommended for hard-piped or vented units.
Safety Features And Certifications
Look for CSA or equivalent certifications and safety systems like tip-over shutoff, low-oxygen shutoff (ODS), flame failure devices, and pressure regulators. Permanent LP heaters should comply with local building and fuel codes; portable units should include regulator hoses and safety shutoff features.
Efficiency And Operating Costs
Higher efficiency means more usable heat per unit of fuel. Tube heaters and modern forced-air units can advertise efficiencies in the 80%+ range. Consider BTU input vs effective heat delivery and how often you will run the heater to estimate fuel consumption and operating cost, keeping in mind that propane energy content and local refill costs vary.
Portability Versus Permanent Installation
Portable units offer flexibility and no permanent installation, suitable for spot heating or temporary shops. Fixed ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted units provide better whole-space heating and can be integrated with larger propane supplies. Choose based on whether you need mobility or consistent whole-room warmth.
Noise, Air Movement, And Comfort
Forced-air models use blowers and can move more air but may produce more noise. Radiant and tube heaters are typically quieter and provide direct warmth without moving much air. Consider whether dust circulation or blower noise affects your workspace tasks.
Maintenance And Serviceability
Regular maintenance includes checking burners, pilot assemblies, venting, and regulator hoses. Tube and radiant units may require less frequent service than complex forced-air systems but always verify available service parts and local technician support for the chosen brand.
Sizing Checklist
- Measure floor area and ceiling height; calculate cubic footage.
- Assess insulation levels, door usage, and local climate.
- Decide between spot heating (radiant) and whole-space heating (convection/forced-air).
- Confirm fuel supply method and regulator/hose requirements.
- Verify venting needs and local code compliance.
Matching Heaters To Use Cases
- Small, intermittent use (spot heat, mobile tasks): Portable radiant like the Gasland 18K.
- Medium-size two-car garage or well-insulated workshop: Tube or direct vent 45K units (SunStar, Modine Hot Dawg).
- Large, open shop or poorly insulated area: High-BTU convection/forced-air like ProTemp 80K or Reznor 60K.
- Frequent, long-duration operation: prefer units with higher efficiency and a larger tank or hard-piped propane supply.
Installation And Local Codes
Check local codes for LP appliance installation, venting, and required clearances. Many jurisdictions require professional installation for permanent gas heaters or for hard-piped propane systems. Portable units typically have fewer installation requirements but still need adequate ventilation.
Final Selection Tips
Balance BTU capacity, installation complexity, and safety certifications. For entire-garage comfort, prioritize a fixed forced-air or convection unit sized for your square footage. For targeted workbench heating or temporary needs, a certified portable radiant model may be more practical.