When winter comes, and the temperature drops but you have to keep working on your projects, the idea of getting the best kerosene heaters for a garage becomes a hot one.
These devices convert kerosine into gas, which then transmits heat in a way defined by the heater type. As you consider getting a kerosene heater for your garage, you’ve got to keep some features in mind. This includes the maximum energy the heater can produce and the area coverage to obtain the peak device efficiency.
But that’s not all. There are some more characteristics to consider. In this review, I will carefully explain some of the most popular picks and give hints on what features to look for.
| Name | Fuel type | Tank size | Heating area | Heating capacity | Heat type | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater MH75KTRbest overall | kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil | 6/22.7 gallon/liter | 1875 sq.ft. | 75000 BTU | forced air | Review |
| Dura Heat DFA135Cmost powerful | kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, fuil oil | 10/37.8 gallon/liter | 3200 sq.ft. | 135000 BTU | forced air | Review |
| Dyna-Glo Delux KFA80DGDbudget | kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, fuil oil, JP-8 | 5/18.9 gallon/liter | 1900 sq.ft. | 80000 BTU | forced air | Review |
| Sengoku HeatMate HMN-110portable and small | kerosene | 1.2/4.5 gallon/liter | 400 sq.ft. | 10000 BTU | radiant | Review |
Best kerosene heaters for garage reviews
Forced air kerosene garage heaters
Kerosene garage heaters that rely on the forced air heating method come in various sizes, but they work in the same way. These devices use a cylinder-type body that blows air in, heats it by combusted kerosene, and then forces the heated air out into space. Thus, they warm the air rather than the objects and are more suitable for enclosed spaces like a garage.
Forced air kerosine heaters have a large heating spread and heat the air quickly. Besides, they are easy to install and use. You can regulate the direction of the heat or set the desired heating level. However, they are pretty loud, and it might take you some effort to find kerosine as it is not widely available at gas stations unlike propane.
Also, mind that forced air kerosene heaters require service every 3 or 5 years, depending on usage. Also, they emit gases and fumes, so it is recommended to ventilate the room and avoid placing the unit near flammable objects.
Mr. Heater MH75KTR – best overall
Obtain instant heat even at extremely low temperatures with the Mr. Heater MH75KTR forced air kerosine heater.
Similar to Dura Heat DFA135C, this unit supports kerosene #1 and #2, diesel #1 and #2, home heating oil, and JP-8. It heats 1,875 sq. ft. of space by emitting 75,000 BTU per hour. With a tank capacity of 6 gallons, the heater ensures 11 hours of work on a full tank while consuming .56 gal/hr.
The Mr. Heater MH75KTR heater features a convenient thermostat with a swing for easy temperature control. It comes with two cord options (angled and straight) to effortlessly plug the device into the outlet. It takes around 5-10 minutes to warm the large garage with a high ceiling, so the heating time is fast.
The minor downside of this heater is that the manual does not match what’s in the box, making the installation process a little bit cumbersome. Also, fans are noisy and might make it uncomfortable for you to work on your garage project.
This is the best kerosene heater for garage as it covers the needs of an average user by quickly heating the garage and helping maintain the optimal temperature level without failures.
Key specs
- Fuel type: kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil
- Tank size, gallon/liter: 6/22.7
- Heating area, sq.ft: 1875
- Heating capacity, BTU: 75000
- Heat type: forced air
- Weight, lbs/kg: 38.5/17.4
Pros
- Covers 1,875 sq. ft. areas by burning kerosene, diesel, home heating oil, and JP-8
- 75,000 BTU per hour to quickly heat large spaces
- 6 gallons-tank for 11 hours of work
- Convenient thermostat for regulating the temp.
Cons
- The manual is not accurate
- Slightly noisy
Dura Heat DFA135C – most powerful
Let this multi-fuel forced air heater provide efficient temporary heat for your garage or other construction.
This device is almost twice as powerful as Mr. Heater MH75KTR since it delivers around 135,000 BTU. It supports multiple fuel types (#1 and #2 diesel, 1K- kerosene, jet-A, and #2 fuel oil) and requires a 120V power source to operate.
A large capacity fuel tank will allow the unit to run for about 9-10 hours by covering 3,200 sq. ft. Features like front and rear lift handles, LED digital temperature indicator and diagnostics, and flat-free tires make the heater easy to use and transport. A built-in thermostat allows regulating the temperature, while the RSG starting lets you effortlessly start the unit in just one touch.
The Dura Heat DFA135C puts out the heat well, but it burns a little bit rich and emits many fumes and a strong unburned kerosene smell. The thermostat could have been a little bit more responsive as well.
This kerosene heater for a garage is a powerful unit that works great even for four-car garages and other large constructions.
Key specs
- Fuel type: kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, fuil oil
- Tank size, gallon/liter: 10/37.8
- Heating area, sq.ft: 3200
- Heating capacity, BTU: 135000
- Heat type: forced air
- Weight, lbs/kg: 58.8/26.6
Pros
- 135,000 BTU for heating 3,200 sq. ft. spaces
- A multi-fuel device that supports diesel, kerosene, jet-A, and fuel oil
- Ensures around 9-10 hours of operation from the outlet
- RSG starting system for easy operation.
Cons
- Emits a lot of fumes and kerosene smell
- The thermostat is not always responsive.
Dyna-Glo Delux KFA80DGD – budget
The Dyna-Glo Delux KFA80DGD is a compact, portable, and budget-friendly heater that would rapidly warm up the garage or other areas you need.
This kerosene forced air heater runs for about 9 hours with a full 5-gallon tank. It covers an area of 1,900 sq. ft. by producing 80,000 BTU. The unit operates on 1K- kerosene, #1 and #2 diesel, #1 and #2 fuel oil, Jet-A, and JP-8.
Like Mr. Heater MH75KTR, you’ve got to plug this unit in to operate. The runtime fuel gauge shows how much time is left before you need to refuel it, while the thermostat will let you set the comfortable temperature level. There is a dual-port cord that enables you to charge secondary items when the heater works.
In my case, this heater worked flawlessly around 6 times and then started acting out. There were constant errors, and it just started to shut down automatically. Also, the smell this device emits is overwhelming. It gets into your clothes, hair, skin and disturbs you even at night.
This is a great budget-friendly kerosene heater. It does its job and heats the garage really well without causing you to spend a fortune on a heater.
Key specs
- Fuel type: kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, fuil oil, JP-8
- Tank size, gallon/liter: 5/18.9
- Heating area, sq.ft: 1900
- Heating capacity, BTU: 80000
- Heat type: forced air
- Weight, lbs/kg: 26.9/12.2
Pros
- 80,000 BTU for delivering the desired peak temperatures
- A multi-fuel device with kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, and JP-8 support
- Works 9 hours with a full 5-gallon tank
- A dual-port cord for charging secondary items.
Cons
- Can malfunction after a series of uses
- Produces strong smell.
Radiant
Radiant kerosene garage heaters serve the same mission – to keep you warm in the garage or any other construction, but they work in a different way. Unlike the forced air heater that soaks up the air around the unit and heats it, these heaters use the reflection of infrared heat waves to warm the objects. Radiant heaters direct the infrared heat outward, meaning that they heat the objects directly in front of them.
Because these devices provide steady warmth without blowing air, they eliminate duct losses. They are also a great choice for allergic people as they don’t distribute allergens. You will also enjoy that the radiant heaters are quieter than forced air ones. Thus, you won’t be disturbed by an annoying sound as you work on your project in the garage.
Mr. Heater MH70KFR
This Mr. Heater MH70KFR radiant kerosene heater will bring heat to your garage or any other premise.
By supporting kerosene, JP8, #1 and #2 diesel, #1 and #2 fuel oil, this device provides 70,000 BTU to meet your household and industrial needs. Thanks to the 2.75 gallons tank capacity, this heater will deliver up to 5 hours of operation. Unlike the Sengoku HeatMate HMN-110 that works effectively for small rooms (400 sq. ft.), this device will cover the area of 1,750 sq. ft.
You will always know how much fuel is left before the heater turns off with a fuel level indicator. The thermostat allows you to adjust the temp level, while the quiet burner technology will ensure the noise doesn’t disturb you as you work. Besides, it emits very low to no odors as it operates, so it’s clean and safe.
This heater directs a stream of heat forward, but mind that it gets extremely hot within 1 to 4 feet. Sometimes, it gets dangerous, so keep the heater away from combustible objects. It is also slightly sluggish if you start it on diesel or heating oil when the temperature is below 40°F.
The Mr. Heater MH70KFR is one of the cleanest burning kerosene heaters that is almost odorless, yet provides a powerful stream of heat to warm up your garage.
Key specs
- Fuel type: kerosene, diesel, fuil oil, JP-8
- Tank size, gallon/liter: 2.75/10.4
- Heating area, sq.ft: 1750
- Heating capacity, BTU: 70000
- Heat type: radiant
- Weight, lbs/kg: 44/19.9
Pros
- Quiet and almost odorless
- Ensures 5 hours of operation on a full 2,75 gallon tank
- Comes with safety and other handy features.
Cons
- Sluggish operation on diesel and fuel oil
- Gets too hot and might be dangerous.
Sengoku HeatMate HMN-110 – portable and small
Is portability the main feature you look for in the kerosene garage heater? Then the Sengoku HeatMate HMN-110 entry is a great match for you.
Unlike Mr. Heater MH70KFR, this unit can flawlessly operate on a battery without connecting to the outlet. So, you can use it on-site or as an emergency solution.
With a fuel capacity of 1,2 gallons, this unit can provide heat for around 14 hours in a 400 sq. ft. room. There is a push-start button that allows you to start the device quickly. It boasts an EZ flame adjuster and an auto shut-off feature for added safety.
Due to a comparatively small heat coverage area, you may want to use this product as an additional heat source. If placed in the middle of the garage, it will cover only the middle area of the space. Besides, the original wick leaves much to be desired, and it lasted only several burns.
Nevertheless, because of the compact size and ability to work on a battery, the Sengoku HeatMate HMN-110 kerosene portable heater is a worthy choice for your household.
Key specs
- Fuel type: kerosene
- Tank size, gallon/liter: 1.2/4.5
- Heating area, sq.ft: 400
- Heating capacity, BTU: 10000
- Heat type: radiant
- Weight, lbs/kg: 22.5/9.9
Pros
- Works without electricity
- Small, compact, and lightweight, making it easy to move around
- Ensures 14 hours of work on a full 1,2-gallon tank
- Auto shut-off and EZ flame adjusting features.
Cons
- Doesn’t cover large spaces
- The original wick is of poor quality.
Kerosene garage heaters buying guide
How many BTU do I need for my garage?
To make certain the heater is capable of warming up the desired garage area, you’ve got to know the unit’s heating capacity. This characteristic is measured in British Thermal Units, BTU, and defines how much thermal energy the heater can release per hour.
To give you a better idea of what BTU is optimal for your needs, you’ve got to consider that an average heater should deliver about 25,000 BTU per 1,000 sq. ft. The industrial heaters emit more than 75,000 BTU and cover 2,000 sq. ft. and more.
Mind that if you have a one-car garage, getting a device with a large BTU rating is not a good idea. Higher BTU means more carbon monoxide, which might be dangerous in small unventilated spaces.
Safety features
Even though kerosene heater manufacturers emphasize sticking to safety measures, they have simplified this by equipping the units with some safety features. These features vary from one item to another, but, all in all, they are meant to ensure you use the heater safely.
Most devices come with the overheat protection feature. The heater shuts off automatically if it detects too much heat.
Another useful feature of the kerosene garage heaters is a flame-out sensor that detects flame-out conditions and turns off fuel valves.
If you have kids or pets, you’ll appreciate the anti-tip over switches that prevent accidents as the heater gets knocked down.
But no matter how many safety features your device has, it’s your responsibility to use it wisely.
Additional features
As you are choosing a great radiant kerosene heater, mind the fuel tank capacity. It will determine the operation time. Usually, the heaters provide around 9-13 hours of work on a full tank.
The fuel rate is another characteristic that should be in your sight. If the fuel consumption is too high, you’ll be making frequent visits to a kerosene fuel dealer. And because kerosene is not cheap, you might not be thrilled about those meetings.
Most kerosene heater models for a garage have an in-built thermostat that enables you to regulate the level of heat. Besides, some devices can work from batteries without an outlet, which might be handy if you want to get a portable heater.
