A gas unit heater hangs from the ceiling, burns natural gas or propane and vents its exhaust outdoors, either with a fan through a wall or roof (power vented) or through a sealed pipe that also brings in outside air for combustion (direct vent). They put out far more heat than an electric heater and cost less to run in a big or cold garage, but need a gas line, a vent and usually a professional install. Most need a wall thermostat bought separately.
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 13
- Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80#1 of 13Full review
A good value gas heater for a big garage or a small shop. Add a thermostat and the vent kit to the budget.
Amazon $545.19$545.1964,000 BTU/h2,667 sq ftNo - Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU125#2 of 13Full review
One of the two biggest heaters here at a fair price, for a large shop or pole barn.
Amazon $934.23$934.23100,000 BTU/h4,167 sq ftNo - Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50#3 of 13Full review
The low cost way into vented gas heat for a two car garage. Budget for a thermostat and venting kit.
Amazon $452.79$452.7940,000 BTU/h1,667 sq ftNo - Reznor UDXC 75#4 of 13Full review
The value pick of the Reznor line for a three or four car garage, with a 5 year parts warranty.
Amazon $1,520$1,52062,250 BTU/h-No - Reznor UDXC 60#5 of 13Full review
A three car garage heater with Reznor’s long warranty, ready for propane out of the box.
Amazon $1,504$1,50449,800 BTU/h-No - Modine Hot Dawg HD125#6 of 13Full review
A large shop heater from a commercial maker. The Mr. Heater Big Maxx 125 gives similar heat for less.
Amazon $1,552$1,552102,500 BTU/h-No - Reznor UDXC 45#7 of 13Full review
A two car garage heater for buyers who value the longest parts warranty here.
Amazon $1,389$1,38937,350 BTU/h-No - Modine Hot Dawg HD75#8 of 13Full review
A large garage heater from Modine. Reznor’s UDXC 75 costs about the same with a longer parts warranty.
Amazon $1,371$1,37162,250 BTU/h-No - Modine Hot Dawg HD60#9 of 13Full review
A three car garage heater from a commercial maker, for buyers who want Modine’s dealer support.
Amazon $1,324 HVACDirect $1,204$1,20449,800 BTU/h-No - Modine Hot Dawg HD45#10 of 13Full review
A proven two car garage heater from a commercial heating maker. Cheaper options give similar heat.
Amazon $963$96337,350 BTU/h-No - Modine Hot Dawg HDS45#11 of 13Full review
The two car garage heater for a shop with sawdust or fumes in the air, where the burner should not use indoor air.
Amazon $1,670.35 HVACDirect $1,327.80$1,327.8037,350 BTU/h-No - Modine Hot Dawg HD30#12 of 13Full review
Vented gas heat for a one car garage from a long running commercial heater maker. You pay a lot per BTU at this size.
Amazon $998.99$998.9924,900 BTU/h-No - Modine Hot Dawg HDS30#13 of 13Full review
A sealed combustion heater for a small woodshop or a garage with fumes or dust in the air. Pay the premium only if you need that.
Amazon $1,199.99$1,199.9924,900 BTU/h-No
