Best of the Best

Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater F271390

Best Bang for the Buck

Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater

Also Great

Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Space Heater

Also Great

Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital Ceiling Mount Heater, 10,000-Watt

Also Great

Tempware Electric Garage Heater

Buying guide for best large-area space heater

Ready to buy now? Shop the best: 

• Best of the Best: Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater
• Best Bang for the Buck: Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
• Space-Saver: Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Space Heater
• Powerful Performance: Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital 10,000-Watt Ceiling Mount Heater
• Simple Yet Solid: Tempware Electric Garage Heater

When it’s cold outside, sometimes the chill follows you indoors. Whether your HVAC system isn’t keeping up with the wintry weather or you need extra heat for a cold area of your home, a space heater will help. However, not all models are up to the task of heating large spaces. For those larger than 300 square feet in size, you’ll need a large-area space heater to get the job done. 

Whether you have a family room, attached garage or busy workshop to keep warm, it’s important to choose one with built-in safety features and to follow all safety guidelines outlined in your owner’s manual (this is especially the case for propane heaters, which should always be used with a carbon monoxide detector nearby). See our safety tips section below for more information on how to prevent accidents. 

After researching dozens of models, our favorite large-area space heater is the powerful Mr. Heater 125,000 Btu Forced Air Propane Heater, which can heat areas up to 3,125 square feet. 

Which large-area space heater is best?

Mr. Heater 125,000 Btu Forced Air Propane Heater

The Mr. Heater 125,000 Btu Forced Air Propane Heater is both lightweight and super powerful.

Editor’s Choice

Type of Heater: Propane | Heats Areas Up To: 3,125 sq ft | Heat Settings: Variable thermostat | Weight: 3 lb 

From a two-car garage to a large worksite, huge drafty areas are no match for the Mr. Heater 125,000 Btu Forced Air Propane Heater. Plug it in and attach the 10-foot hose to a propane tank, and it delivers 125,000 Btu of forced air that will heat spaces as large as 3,125 square feet. While it’s highly effective at warming large areas, we love that its patented burner technology makes it quiet enough to enjoy conversation or music without interruption. 

Whether you prefer subtle or maximum warmth, the variable dial thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature to fit your needs. The manufacturer added a high-temperature limit switch that prevents overheating by shutting off the unit to prevent temperatures from reaching unsafe levels. Although setup is simple, it’s important to follow the included instructions for safety when using propane. 

Don’t let the rugged build of this propane heater fool you, as it weighs just 3 pounds. Combine that with the sturdy handle, and you have a model that’s simple to move from place to place. The split-barrel torpedo design doesn’t take up a lot of floor space and is easy to maintain. 

Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater

The Dr. Infrared Original Space Heater features a cherry wood exterior that looks nice in any home.

Great Value

Type of Heater: Electric | Heats Areas Up To: 300 sq ft | Heat Settings: Eco, high, low and variable thermostat | Weight: 24 lb 

If you’ve never experienced infrared heat, the Dr. Infrared Original Space Heater may be precisely what you’ve been looking for to heat a large room in your home. This 1,500-watt model works by turning electricity into infrared radiation that warms people and objects. (Think about how the sun warms, and you’ll get an idea of how this unique type of space heater warms indirectly without relying on heating the air.) 

This technology is quiet, too, so there’s no roar of forced air while it’s running. Personalized comfort is possible with the eco, high and low settings and variable thermostat that has a temperature range of 50 to 85 degrees.

In addition to comfortable heat and quiet operation, this space heater has key safety features. Except for the front metal grate, the housing stays cool to the touch. The unit shuts off if it’s tipped over or if it senses overheating, and it includes a timer so you can set it for auto shutoff. If you have a busy household with children or pets, these features provide peace of mind. 

If aesthetics are important to you, you’ll appreciate this heater’s cherry wood exterior that gives a furniture-like appearance. Although it weighs 24 pounds, it has built-in wheels for easy maneuverability. We also like the convenience of the lifetime filter and remote control. 

Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Space Heater

The Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling-Mount Garage Space Heater features a rugged build and can be controlled via remote.

Space Saver   

Type of Heater: Electric | Heats Areas Up To: 1,250 sq ft | Heat Settings: High, low and variable electronic thermostat | Weight: 21.43 lb 

Heating a garage or workshop isn’t easy when there’s limited space available for a heater. That’s where the 7,500-watt Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Space Heater comes in. It’s made to be ceiling-mounted so it can distribute warm air throughout a space of up to 1,250 square feet without getting in the way of your cars or projects, and includes an overhead mounting bracket. We think that this space-saving heater is a good choice for warming your space to your liking. It has adjustable louvers that allow you to direct the warm airflow where it’s needed most and a variable thermostat that can be adjusted to your preferred temperature. A remote control is included for changing the settings without having to reach the unit. This fan-forced model offers built-in overheat protection that shuts down the unit when overheating is detected. Made of tough steel, it will hold up to fluctuating temperatures and other harsh conditions. Note that because it requires hard-wiring, we recommend hiring a professional electrician to do it.   

Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital 10,000-Watt Ceiling Mount Heater

The Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital 10,000-Watt Ceiling Mount Heater features an easy-to-use digital control panel to change the settings.

Powerful Performance  

Type of Heater: Electric | Heats Areas Up To: 1,500 sq ft | Heat Settings: Variable electronic thermostat | Weight: 43 lb 

The Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital 10,000-Watt Ceiling Mount Heater is another quality large-area space heater by the Comfort Zone brand that boasts a rugged steel build, powerful forced air output and a space-saving ceiling-mount design. Boasting10,000 watts of power, this makes it an outstanding pick for extra-large garages, warehouses and other work areas. 

It has an adjustable bracket and louvers for targeted heating. Overheat protection includes caution and power indicator lights, which allow you to monitor it during use to ensure safety. It also has an overload switch to protect against extreme electrical use that could cause damage to electrical components. Thanks to the timer function, you can also program it for auto shut-off. 

From the sleek digital control panel, you can select temperatures from 68 to 95 degrees to warm your space comfortably. It also includes a remote control, so it’s easy to change the settings when you aren’t close to the heater. When it comes to installation, note that this model needs to be hard-wired by a professional.

Tempware Electric Garage Heater

The Tempware Electric Garage Heater can warm an area up to 1,250 square feet.

Simple Yet Solid 

Type of Heater: Electric | Heats Areas Up To: 1,250 sq ft | Number of Heat Settings: Variable thermostat | Weight: Not provided 

Once you have this hard-wired Tempware Electric Garage Heater professionally installed, you’ll never have to worry about a chill in your garage again. Made of durable steel, it produces enough heat to warm spaces up to 1,250 square feet in size. It also saves space, as it’s designed to be ceiling-mounted and comes with a strong, adjustable bracket. 

Its eco-mode function saves energy by automatically adjusting heat output. It also has two speeds and an adjustable thermostat with a temperature range of 45 to 95 degrees. Plus, the louvers adjust to direct the warm air precisely where you want it. 

We are also impressed with the Tempware heater’s safety and convenience features, which include auto-shutoff overheat protection and a timer. You can easily adjust the settings from the user-friendly control panel or with the included remote control. 

How we analyzed

To determine the best large-area space heater, we first searched the market for models by trusted brands that have earned many five-star ratings. We then researched crucial features, such as power sources, heat-output capabilities and safety functions, to narrow down our list of dozens of models to just the very best options. We also included information from experts on important safety precautions to follow when using a space heater. 

Key features to consider

Types of large-area space heaters 

Space heaters are powered by either fuel or electricity. Both types warm large spaces effectively, but there are pros and cons to consider before you choose which is best for your needs. 

Gas or oil 

Some space heaters run on fuel such as kerosene, natural gas or propane. These models are capable of heating large areas and producing even, reliable heat. The downsides of fuel-powered space heaters are that not all of them can be used indoors; they need proper ventilation and can be noisy and pricey to operate. Additionally, some also require an electrical outlet to operate. And because there is a risk of carbon monoxide, it’s essential to have a detector that will alert you if there is a problem. 

Electric 

Electric space heaters typically aren’t overly noisy and are generally safe when used as directed. Keep in mind that they must be placed close enough to an outlet for the cord to reach. Running one frequently can also increase your electric bill. What’s more, some electric models, especially large-area heaters for garages, require hard-wiring by a professional electrician. 

• Mr. Heater 125,000 Btu Forced Air Propane Heater: This powerful propane-powered model heats large spaces quickly and comfortably. 
• Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater: We love that this heater converts electricity to infrared heat that makes even the coldest rooms cozy. 
• Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Space Heater: Although it requires hard-wiring, hiring a professional is worth it for the powerful electric forced-air heat it produces. 
• Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital 10,000-Watt Ceiling Mount Heater: If you have an extremely large industrial area, the Comfort Zone 10,000-Watt hard-wired electric model delivers pro-level results. 
• Tempware Electric Garage Heater: This is another hard-wired electric heater that we find highly effective at warming a garage, workshop or other spacious work area.

Easy to use   

When you need to use a space heater, you want it to be a straightforward process. If the controls are confusing or the unit is heavy and awkward to move, chances are you’ll regret your purchase. The best large-area space heaters will have controls that are easy to use and maneuverability that won’t bog you down. 

Intuitive controls 

Some inexpensive, basic space heaters have simple control panels with dials and buttons. Higher-end options have digital control panels with touch controls and adjustable thermostats so you can select a precise temperature. When available, auto-sensing functions adjust the settings so you don’t have to. Many heaters also come with remote controls. 

Portability 

Some space heaters are compact, lightweight and easy to use. Most have handles to help you move them from one room to the next. Some larger models have wheels to slide them around without having to lift them. While hard-wired models are installed in a fixed location, most have tilting brackets and louvers so you can adjust the heat flow as needed. 

• Mr. Heater 125,000 Btu Forced Air Propane Heater: This model is lightweight with a durable handle; its variable temperature thermostat has a basic dial control. 
• Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater: With built-in wheels, the Dr. Infrared heater glides across the floor with ease. The touch-control panel is easy to navigate, plus you get a remote control. 
• Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Space Heater: This model has a sleek control panel and remote control. Once installed, there’s no need to move it. 
• Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital 10,000-Watt Ceiling Mount Heater: Ceiling-mountable, this stationary heater has a control panel with simple controls and a remote. 
• Tempware Electric Garage Heater: This is another ceiling-mounted model with touch controls plus a remote. 

Safety features  

Space heaters are wonderful appliances to have, but they can be dangerous. Fortunately, quality models have built-in safety features. 

Overheat protection 

Large-area space heaters with overheat protection shut off automatically when dangerously high temperatures are detected. This protects the unit from damage and, more importantly, from fires developing. 

Tip-over protection 

It can be dangerous if a space heater continues to run if it’s accidentally knocked over from an upright position. The good news is that most well-made models shut off if they detect tipping. 

Oxygen-depletion sensor 

Found on space heaters that use fuel, an oxygen-depletion sensor detects if the oxygen in a room is low and shuts off the fuel supply when it dips too low. This is designed to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. 

• Mr. Heater 125,000 Btu Forced Air Propane Heater: This propane heater will shut off if it detects that temperatures are getting too high. 
• Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater: The Dr. Infrared heater has both overheat and tip-over protection built into the unit. 
• Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Garage Space Heater: This model has reliable overheat protection. 
• Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Digital 10,000-Watt Ceiling Mount Heater: The powerful 10,000-watt model detects overheating and electrical overloading and shuts off when necessary.  
• Tempware Electric Garage Heater: Tempware provides dependable overheat protection in its large-area model. 

Large-area space heater safety tips

Misuse of a space heater can result in burns, injuries and fires. This is why it is vital to follow safety recommendations when operating any space heater, small or large. 

• Always keep a space heater at least three feet away from flammable objects. This includes, but isn’t limited to, walls, furniture, blankets, curtains, beds, papers, toys and plastic items. 
• Plug an electric space heater directly into an electrical outlet. Never use an extension cord. 
• Place your space heater on a level surface. This will help prevent it from tipping.
• Hire a professional. If you choose a hard-wired space heater, a certified electrician is necessary to install it safely.  
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off and unplug it when you leave home. 
• Keep kids and pets away from a space heater. They can easily knock one over or be burned by it. 
• Install a carbon monoxide detector. This will alert you of any buildup of the dangerous gas when using a fuel-powered model. It’s also crucial to keep a window or door cracked open if using a fuel-powered heater indoors. 
• Follow and save the included instructions. Each quality model will include an instruction booklet with information about setting it up, using it, contacting the manufacturer and accessing the warranty. 
• Check your space heater frequently. Make sure its components are in good shape and operating properly. 

Our expertise

As a longtime writer for BestReviews, Jennifer Manfrin has written about all types of space heaters, including those that are powerful enough to warm spacious areas. She has researched top models, analyzed our testers’ and professionals’ findings and accessed customer feedback to give readers detailed information about these useful appliances. Living in Ohio, where the winters can be frigid, she has also owned many types of space heaters over the years. Currently, she enjoys the comfortable warmth of her infrared model when wintery weather is in the air.

Copyright 2025 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.