Best Heater For A Shed To Keep You Warm

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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A shed heater will be useful during winters, in a cold night, or if the shed has to be warmed to a good working temperature where it may be converted to a studio, a guest room or any other room kind. All the same, it helps to warm up your uninsulated shed! There are different alternatives to choose from when looking for the best heater for a shed, including:

  • Propane heaters
  • Natural gas heater
  • Kerosene heaters
  • Fan heaters
  • Gas heaters
  • Convection heaters
  • Halogen heaters
  • Infrared heaters

Heaters come with the following heating elements, heating efficiencies and temperature range, operating and maintenance costs, and safety.

Which Is the Best Heater for a Shed?

1. Mr Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU 3 Setting Portable

Mr Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU 3 Setting Portable LP Gas...
  • Propane Tank Heater: Heat up your camping or picnic area, porch,...
  • Heat Levels: Gives off 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU per hour with...
  • Simple Usage: Single control start knob allows easy usage with a...
  • Possible Connections: Can connect to a pair of 1 lb propane tanks...
  • Possible Connections: Can connect to a pair of 1 lb propane tanks...

Mr. Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU Portable LP Gas Heater is an adjustable heater which is both portable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. There are three heat settings that include low, medium and high, while this heater has a heating capacity of 4000 to 18000 BTU which is ideal for several locations and uses. Due to its ability to connect to two tanks which increases its running time, plus buttons such as the tip and low oxygen sensors, make it very safe to use. This heater is good for those people who require a heater to use while traveling, such as in camping, in garages, patios or any emergency use indoors.

A current model utility heater that can be recommended for the flexible, portable heat with dual tank and adjustable output is the Mr. Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU Portable Heater. Although it should be used safely and only with windows open within a house, it is suitable for outdoor heating as well as emergency heating inside a house.

Pros:

  • Wide heat output range from 4,000 to 18,000 BTU
  • Features three adjustable heat settings
  • Dual tank connection for longer run times
  • Safety features include tip-over 

Cons:

  • May emit a slight propane smell.

2. De’Longhi Dragon 4 Oil-Filled Heater

Sale
De'Longhi Comfort Temp Full Room Radiant Thermostat, 3...
  • Simple Controls allow you to easily adjust power level and...
  • Up to 20% more efficient* deploy the ComfortTemp feature to...
  • Exclusive thermal slot design maximizes heat flow into the room...
  • Better Heating- delivers gentle heat minimizing dry air, creating...
  • Integrated handle and control panel allow you to easily operate...

The De’Longhi Oil Filled Radiator is a quick radiant heater, friendly for using in shed due to the enclosed heating assembly. It has self protection features such as thermal cut off. It also can weigh a large amount and has a wider base to minimize chances of getting involved in an accident.

We expected the heater to make some kind of noise. Luckily it is completely silent so it’s great for hanging out and having uninterrupted sleep. I had one of the guest rooms heated for an entire night and we slept through what was happening.

Moreover, it has up to 75-percent more surface area, so more warm air is allowed to be exchanged when warming a shed. It also helps ensure that the entire heating system runs efficiently well. The heater can be set to anti-freeze and this turns on the heater whenever the temperature goes below 44 degrees F.

Pros:

  • Thermal cut off.
  • Automatic anti-freeze setting.
  • Durable.
  • Silent.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
  • Uses only electricity.

3. Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater

Sale
Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor...
  • Indoor-safe portable propane heater for rooms up to 95 square...
  • Continuous odor-free, 45-degree heating angle. Maximum Elevation...
  • Simple on/off buttons; uses 1-pound disposable propane cylinder...
  • Low-oxygen sensor and accidental tip-over switch with auto...
  • Recommended for emergency heat, tents, campers, workshops, job...

Mr. Heater is one of the most popular propane heaters in North America and for good reasons. It has oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over shut off feature. For enclosed areas, the heater can warm an area of up to 200 square feet of the house with Mr. Heater still functioning for open area heating at job sites, porches, decks, and patio heaters.

One thing we can not help but love about this shed heater is that it is a portable heater. In addition, it has Piezo sparking mechanism thus making it easy to light the tobacco.However, we did not think that this is one of those programs that run for a very limited amount of time.

Pros:

  • Portable.
  • It can be used outdoors.
  • Shuts off when tipped over.

Cons:

  • Runs for a short period of time.

4. Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared

Sale
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor...
  • INDOOR and OUTDOOR HEATER - Heater is IP55 approved for both...
  • CLEAN and INSTANT HEAT - Clean, instant and odorless Infrared...
  • PLUG and GO - uses standard 120V, remote controlled
  • WALL and CEILING MOUNTED - Included wall and Ceiling mounting...
  • EFFICIENT - High level Mirror aluminum reflector with 90%...

The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater is perfect as a patio, shed, restaurants, garages, and backyards. This kind of carbon infrared heater directly heats objects and people, not merely the environment as in the case of open or freely circulating air currents. Accepting four heat options which include 900W, 1200W, and 1500W it gives users the convenient of choosing intensity depending on weather and other conditions.

Furthermore, the DR-238 has a responsive aluminum die-cast design and carries an IP55 rating, making it even resistant to water and dust which makes it suitable to use in different outdoor conditions.

The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 is a good recommendation for the households who want outdoor heating solutions because it possesses energy efficiency, weather resistance and flexible installation capabilities. While it may not heat large areas, it does this well in intermediate-sized outside spaces.

Pros:

  • Offers efficient heating
  • IP55 rating ensures durability against dust and water.
  • Adjustable heat settings

Cons:

  • No Stand Included

5. Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant heater

Sale
Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant heater, 18,000 BTU Warm...
  • Built-in Safety Features Our propane radiant heater is equipped...
  • Cut Down Your Electricity Bills With Gasland Portable Cabinet...
  • Mobile & Space Save Design The Gasland portable propane radiant...
  • 3 Heating Modes Freely customize the heating mode...
  • Quiet & Multifunctional Use Ultra quiet propane radiant heater...

The key features of Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater are it is a professional, portable heater designed to warm up to 450 sq ft, perfect for a garage, workshop, construction site etc. This unit offers an output of 18000 BTU to give fast heating with a portable and easy to use design.

This radiant heater offers low noise, which means it will not interfere with operations in working places. It has a propane LP regulator and hose; therefore, it means it can be easily setup and placed many places without having to worry about electricity connections like the regular sized generators.

The Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater is dependable for fast warm up of garages and workspace due to its high BTU output and lower noise level. However, relative to its heating efficacy and the flexibility of use, users should also bear in mind the venting concerns and propane need for longer periods of time.

Pros:

  • Comes with a portable design
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Suitable for medium-sized workspaces

Cons:

  • No built-in thermostat for temperature control

Factors and Specifications to Consider Before Buying a Shed Heater

1. Floor Space

T

Besides, if the space is small it is easier to heat the shed and the energy bills will be more reasonable.

2. Size of the Heater

  The small heaters are portable because of their design and they can be placed in different position within a room or even be installed on the walls.

3. Shed Insulation

Uninsulated sheds

Therefore, before installing a heater, a shed has to be insulated in order to make a shed heater effective energy-wise, and to make the best use of the heat output.

4. Storage Space

5. Remote Control

Remote control makes it convenient for you as a user.

6. Sealed Heating Elements

Heating elements produce heat. If left unsealed,

7. Thermal Cut Off

8. Anti-Freeze Features

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of heater is best for a shed?

The best heater for a shed is the Mr. Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU Portable LP Gas Heater because it is

2. How do I keep my shed warm?

You can keep your shed warm by using heaters. The cheapest options for a heated shed are electric radiators that are oil-filled, free-standing, and water-filled.

3. How can I heat my shed without electricity?

The first obvious option would be use of non-electric sources of heat sources including kerosene heaters, propane heaters, wood stoves, pellet stoves and natural gas heaters.

Others include building of a solar heater and hot water pipes and to ensure you have insulated the space provided for the animals (by insulating the floor, ceiling, windows and door of the shed).

4. What heater size do I need for my shed?

You’ll need about 10 watts per square foot. 

5. What is the cheapest way to heat a shed?

Electricity may also be affordable if you

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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