Garage heaters

[Zach]

Howdy, just wanted to see what y'all use to keep the shop warm when the weather is not and maybe some suggestions. Up in here in Minnesota its 0 degrees F currently makes it a bit brisk to work out in the garage, and sketchy when I need to spray some paint. Currently just using a portable diesel jet heater, but it is loud and messy. Was thinking about getting a 40,000 some BTU modine hot dawg but haven't pulled the trigger yet. 3 car garage is around 600 square feet with 11ish foot walls, unfortunately only 50ish percent of the walls are insulated.

 

[Moderator73]

I bought an inexpensive Dr Infrared ceiling mount electric heater (DR-966) & am happy with it. I live in Michigan so maybe not as cold as Minnesota but close. I have a two car garage with two insulated walls and no ceiling insulation. Walls are 9 feet tall so area & volume wise less than you.

It takes this heater about an hour to warm up my garage on high, 6KW. Then I switch it to 3Kw and just let the thermostat manage it.

This works for me but I don’t keep the heat on all winter, only when I’m actively working on my mustang or painting/curing.

They make a bigger one DR-975 (7.5kw) but in my case didn’t think I needed it. After using mine the past four winters it’s done well.

 

[Zach]

I bought an inexpensive Dr Infrared ceiling mount electric heater (DR-966) & am happy with it. I live in Michigan so maybe not as cold as Minnesota but close. I have a two car garage with two insulated walls and no ceiling insulation. Walls are 9 feet tall so area & volume wise less than you.

It takes this heater about an hour to warm up my garage on high, 6KW. Then I switch it to 3Kw and just let the thermostat manage it.

This works for me but I don’t keep the heat on all winter, only when I’m actively working on my mustang or painting/curing.

They make a bigger one DR-975 (7.5kw) but in my case didn’t think I needed it. After using mine the past four winters it’s done well.

How warm does it get for you within that hour? I am aiming for at least 30 some degrees on cold days relatively quickly then my hands will at least be comfortable, I don't need a t shirt and shorts type of heater. What kind of reach does it have, never been near an infrared heater before does it throw heat far? I only work in a part of the garage so it isn't like I need the whole area heated up, if I am able to point it. This is a fraction of the price of the hot dawg I was looking at.
Thanks.