Dr. Heater hardwired

For a cold and exposed-to-the-elements woodshop, I recommend the Dr. Heater DR966, which is suitable for spaces of up to 600 square feet.

It offers 20,520 BTUs of fast and effective heating power, keeping even the harshest climates at bay.

The speedy heating is thanks to the forced air mechanism. The fan distributes heat evenly and reliably, and the heater only took 20 minutes to warm my space.

It may not have the coverage of the Mr. Heater propane heater, but you won't find many faster-acting home heating systems.

Despite the effective heating, it runs quietly (under 45 decibels) and is noticeably quieter than other fan heaters that I've used.

The heating was impressive, but what I really like about the DR966 is the build quality.

It has an industrial-grade stainless steel exterior made to last, a durable heating mechanism, and a solid wall connection.

Plus, it’s affordable (far cheaper than Dr. Infrared DR910F), offering great long-term value for under $160. 

The Dr. Heater DR966 has several safety features built-in to keep your home safe, but I did notice that the unit gets hot.

It isn't a problem because it's wall-mounted, but I suggest installing it out of the way.

And speaking of installation, this one is hard-wired and requires a 240 volt circuit, so making sure to factor in installation costs before buying.

This forced air heater is the perfect all-rounder and a great asset in any home. If you need reliable and effective heating, this is the model I recommend.

Mr. Heater forced air propane

The Mr. Heater forced air shows how powerful propane heaters can be and is a big step up from the standard garage heater.

It warmed my medium-sized workshop in minutes and is the best heater for larger spaces, even up to 3,100 square feet.

It has more BTUs than the Dr. Heater hardwired model or Heat Storm HS1500 and can circulate hot air quickly to keep your shop warm.

What surprised me most about this powerful heater was how portable it was. It weighs under 3 pounds and has a sturdy handle that makes it easy to lift and place.

It’s also simple and safe.

There are three heat settings, a push-button ignition, and integrated ODS (oxygen depletion sensors) to shut the unit down if the CO levels get too high. 

I still recommend good ventilation and using a carbon monoxide detector in your space, as well. 

The downside of this heater? It drinks fuel and uses propane gas more quickly than other models.

However, this doesn't really concern me because propane is reasonably cheap compared to electricity, and the large propane canisters will still give at least 10 hours of run time (on the low setting).

The Mr. Heater F271390  offers 125,000 BTUs of raw power.

I recommend it for homeowners who need fast heating over a large area for short periods.

Mr. Heater Big Maxx

The Mr. Heater Big Maxx is one of the best heaters for homeowners with a natural gas supply, offering 50,000 BTUs of heating power. 

It's perfect for converting a cold garage or barn into a comfortable woodworking shop, providing consistent heating over a medium-sized space of up to 1,250 square feet.

It may not have the BTUs of the Mr. Heater electric hardwired model, but the balance of performance and efficiency makes this much better suited for most woodshops.

It's also simple to install and use (unlike other natural gas heaters).

It's compatible with vertical or horizontal vents and has a power exhaust to direct vent fumes quickly out of your home.

I still advise hiring a professional for installation, but it shouldn't be a big job.

What I really like about the Mr. Heater F271390 is the digital thermostat. It's one of the most accurate I've used, and it's even Wi-Fi enabled for remote control.

The thermostat doesn't come as standard, though, so I highly recommend buying a model that includes one.

The Mr. Heater F271390 is noticeably pricier than the Dr. Heater hardwired version, but it offers long-term value for money.

It's cheap to run and built to last, with a durable exterior and high-quality components. It has a 3-year warranty, but I expect it will last at least 8-10 years indoors.

If you want a reliable, efficient, and long-term heating solution, this is the model I recommend. Just make sure you have a natural gas line to connect it to!

Heat Storm infrared 

The Heat Storm HS 1500 is one of the most straightforward and affordable heaters.

It doesn't draw much power, but it packs a surprising punch, with dual quartz infrared bulbs providing comfortable and effective radiant heating.

It may not have the power of the Mr. Heater F271390 or Mr. Heater F260550, but it’s more than enough to manage the temperature and relative humidity in a small garage woodshop of up to 100 square feet.

What I really like about this plug-and-play electric heater is the simplicity. It doesn't need any hardwiring or gas, just a power cord into a standard 110V outlet.

It's perfect for those with limited DIY experience, but make sure you have an outlet nearby!

The only limitation I found with this infrared heater is the coverage. It lacks the power of a propane or natural gas heater, and unlike forced air heaters, it only warms nearby to it.

However, it does oscillate, and by positioning it correctly, you can direct the comforting 5000 BTUs of heat to maximize the benefit.

I recommend buying the tripod model so you can set it up as a freestanding heater. It isn't much more expensive and offers greater versatility.

This heater may not be well-suited to commercial settings or large workshops, but it can be a real asset for hobbyists.

Heat Storm is a reliable brand, and they even make some of my favorite wall-mounted space heaters for indoors, too.

If you want a budget-friendly way to heat your garage year-round, this is the heater I recommend.

Dr. Infrared Heavy Duty

The Dr. Infrared DR 910F is one of the most powerful electric heaters on the market, capable of raising temperatures even in the most poorly insulated garages or woodshops.

I recommend this 10,000-watt (35,000 BTUs) model for spaces of up to 2,000 square feet. 

It performed amazingly in my woodshop and took under an hour to raise the temperature 40 degrees - faster than the ultra-powerful Mr. Heater F271390!

This fast heating is thanks to the combination of infrared and forced air heating that delivers consistent and comfortable heat across the space.

Aside from the power and speed, what I like about this heater is the ease of use.

Like the Dr. Heater hardwired, the Dr. Heater Infrared is also a hard-wired solution that requires a 240-volt circuit, so you will require an electrician if your workshop isn't already equipped. 

There are no complicated settings, just a simple remote control to switch between heating mechanisms or adjust the thermostat.

The thermostat isn’t as precise as the Mr. Heater F260550, but it’s close enough for a workshop.

This heater is expensive (to buy and run), and I don't recommend it for homeowners on a tight budget.

However, it is commercial-grade and built to stand up to heavy use - offering excellent value for money.

Electric heaters can often be easy to use but lack heating output - but the Dr. Infrared DR910F breaks the mold.

If you want commercial-grade electric heating in a large workshop, this is the model I recommend.

Radiant:

Radiant heaters radiate heat from a hot surface into the room, usually through infrared or tubular heaters. They can be freestanding or ceiling-mounted.

Convection:

Convection heaters generate warm air that then spreads around the room. Electric and propane heaters use convection to provide heated air over a larger area.

Fan forced:

A fan-forced air heater works similarly to convection heaters but uses a fan to push the warm air around a space and heat it more quickly.

Hydronic:

Hydronic heaters use hot water pumped in pipes around the woodshop, usually covering the floor space. Heat then spreads through the room to provide gentle heating.

Combination:

Combination heaters use more than one mechanism to warm your woodshop, usually a combination of radiant and forced air heating, making them faster acting and more versatile than other heaters.

What temperature should a woodshop be?

The optimal temperature in a woodshop is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the moisture level should be below 50%.

Do woodshop heaters use a lot of power?

The power draw of a woodshop heater depends on the make, model, and size of the unit. Workshops are often large and poorly insulated, so a woodshop heater typically requires more power to warm the space.

Do larger BTU heaters work quicker?

Yes, a larger BTU heater will usually heat a space faster. Still, the heating method can also impact the heating time.