Stay Warm: The Ultimate Guide to Heaters for Your Home, Garage, and On the Go

Space heaters make it easy to warm up the areas where you spend the most time, whether that’s your living room or another part of your home. With numerous sizes and fuel types available, selecting the ideal heater requires some expertise. Below, we’ll break down top-rated models and what to look for, so you can stay warm and safe all winter long. 

Best Space Heaters

From personal units to garage heaters, space heaters come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Below are some top picks to help you find the best match for your room, workshop, or workspace.

Top Pick (Best Seller): Beyond Heat Ceramic Personal Heater

The Beyond Heat Ceramic Personal Heater is a simple, no-fuss option for keeping your personal space warm. It’s compact enough for a desk, nightstand, or small room and heats up quickly with ceramic heating technology. It also includes overheat protection and a tip-over shutoff for added peace of mind during daily use.

Best for Workshops: Vornado Velocity HD Garage Heater

Built to withstand tougher spaces, the Vornado Velocity HD Garage Heater delivers substantial heat with a high-output fan. It’s perfect for garages, basements, or small workshops that need more power than a standard room unit.

Best Ceiling-Mounted Heaters

Need to save floor space? The Beyond Heat 5000W Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount is a good choice for warming an entire garage or workshop from above. It moves air well and keeps heat circulating throughout the room.

Radiant Option: Beyond Heat Ceiling Mounted Dual Quartz Heater

The Beyond Heat Dual Quart Heater utilizes radiant heat, warming you directly, just like sunlight does. It’s a good match for workbenches or areas where you stay put in one spot for long stretches of time. 

Part 2: Best Portable Heaters

Portable heaters are easy to move and great for cabins, hunting blinds, and job sites. Some run on propane, while others run on electricity. However, all are built to bring heat where you need it most.

Top Pick (Best Seller): Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Portable Heater

The Mr. Heater 60,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater delivers serious heat for barns, garages, and large job sites. It connects to a standard propane tank and pushes warm air fast with its built-in fan. A rugged design and adjustable heat settings make it a good choice for wide, open spaces that need steady warmth.

Upgrade Pick (More Power): Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy

For heating larger spaces, such as garages, cabins, or small tents, the Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy takes it up a notch with higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) output and dual propane connections. It still features safety mechanisms and the same easy-to-carry handle, but with more power behind it.

Also Great (Job Site Ready): Dyan-Glo Flare 360° Portable Propane Heater

The Dyna-Glo Flare 360° Portable Propane Heater radiates heat in every direction, making it a great option for campsites, patios, or open work areas. It runs on a 20-lb propane tank and features a durable base, built-in safety shutoff, and easy push-button ignition. Ideal when you want full-circle warmth outdoors. 

Part 3: Power Solutions & Emergency Backup

When the power goes out, it’s good to have a backup plan, especially in the middle of winter. A portable power station or generator can keep your heater running and small essentials powered until things are back to normal.

Top Pick: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station is a quiet, indoor-safe solution for power outages or off-grid use. It runs small appliances, lights, and electric heaters without any fumes or fuel. Compact and rechargeable, it’s a solid backup to keep essentials going during a storm or while traveling in your RV or camper.

Upgrade Pick: Generac GP3300i Portable Inverter Generator

The Generac GP3300i Portable Inverter Generator gives you more power for tools, large heaters, and home appliances. With 3,300 starting watts, it’s built for backup use during outages or on the job site. The inverter design means it runs quietly and delivers clean power, so it’s safe for sensitive electronics such as laptops and charging stations. 

What to Look For Before You Buy

Not sure which heater to pick? Here are four key things to consider before adding one to your cart. From fuel types to safety features, these tips will help you find a heater that suits your space and needs.

Is it cheaper to run a space heater or central heat? Running a space heater is more cost-effective if you're only heating one room for a short period. However, for warming your entire home, central heating is usually more efficient and cost-effective.

Power Source & Type (Electric vs. Propane vs. Kerosene)

Electric heaters are best for indoor use because they’re easy to plug in and don’t need ventilation. Propane heaters provide more heat and are well-suited for outdoor setups or garages with adequate airflow. Kerosene heaters are powerful, but they require ventilation and refueling. 

Each fuel type has its place. Choose based on where you’ll use the heater and how frequently you’ll need to move it.

What is the most efficient type of space heater? Radiant heaters are often the most efficient for small areas because they direct heat to people and objects, not the air. For whole rooms, electric convection heaters with thermostats use energy more evenly.

Heating Method (Radiant vs. Convection/Fan-Forced)

There are two primary ways heaters warm up a space: by heating the air or by directly heating objects. Use the table below to see the difference:

Radiant

• How It Heats: Warms people and surfaces
• Best For: Workstations, small sitting areas

Convection

• How It Heats: Heats the air in the room
• Best For: Bedrooms, offices, full rooms

Fan-Forced

• Hot It Heats: Uses a fan to push warm air
• Best For: Garages, workshops, open areas

BTUs and Space Size

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which is a unit of measurement for heat output. The higher the BTU, the more heat the unit can produce. 

A simple rule:

• Small room (up to 200 sq. ft.) – 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs
• Garage or large room (400-600 sq. ft.) – 10,000 to 18,000 BTUs‍
• Open or insulated space – 30,000+ BTUs

What is the life expectancy of a space heater? Most space heaters last between 5 and 10 years, depending on the brand, frequency of use, and level of maintenance. Regular cleaning and safe storage can help extend their life.

Key Safety Features

Look for heaters with:

• Tip-Over Protection: Shuts off if the heater gets knocked over
• Overheat Protection: Turns off the unit if it gets too hot‍
• Low-Oxygen Sensor: Required for propane heaters used indoors

Is it OK to plug a space heater into a power strip? No, space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Using a power strip can increase the risk of overheating and fire.