There are plenty of excellent reasons to keep your garage warm, especially during colder months. Not only is an ice-cold garage unpleasant to enter, but a freezing garage can also harm your vehicles and equipment. With so many options, choosing the ideal heater for your particular space can be challenging. Here’s what experts say are five of the best garage heaters that cost less than $200

5 best garage heaters under $200 from CNET

Consumer products pros at CNET compiled expert opinions and consumer reviews to determine the best garage heaters in several categories, including affordability, portability, fuel, and garage size. Retail prices noted in the CNET lineup were obtained at Walmart, Amazon, Ace Hardware, and eBay, and may vary in your area.

Mr. Heater MH60QFAV Portable Propane Forced-Air Heater $170

Two Mr. Heater products made the grade on the CNET best-of list. This one takes the top under-$200 spot for the best propane-powered garage heater overall. Proprietary Quiet Burner Technology is 50% quieter than most other propane heaters, making it ideal for garages that double as workshops or study spaces.

Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater $130

Top-ranked in two categories, CNET says the Dr. Heater Infrared is the number one garage heater for small spaces and the best heater for insulated garages. This attractive, 19-pound space heater uses PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic technology and quartz infrared elements to deliver energy-efficient warmth with virtually no loss via heat transfer.

Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Propane Radiant Heater $100

Ranked tops for portability, this Mr. Heater propane-powered radiant heater takes the chill off via disposable or refillable 1-lb propane cylinders. Great for heating garages, this affordable space heater can also keep camping tents toasty warm.

If the heater tips over or runs low on oxygen, it automatically shuts itself off. The small fuel cylinder may not be ideal for everyday use, but an optional 20-lb filter and hose connectors are available. As with any propane heater, be sure to operate only in well-ventilated spaces.

Remington REM-16-TTC-O Portable Propane Tank Top Heater $61

At a pocket-protecting price, this easy-to-carry Remington ranks highest as the most affordable garage heater. When connected to a full 1-lb propane cylinder, it can deliver high heat for more than 24 hours, making it an ideal addition to your emergency prep storage. For safety’s sake, limit the use of propane space heaters to well-ventilated areas only.

Sengoku KeroHeat Indoor/Outdoor Portable Convection Kerosene Heater $152

Ranked as the best kerosene garage heater, the KeroHeat is an economical, easy-to-use alternative to electric and propane heaters. Simply fill the 1.9-gal reservoir with liquid kerosene and push the automatic ignition button to enjoy 12 hours of adjustable warmth. A convenient siphon pump is included, along with batteries and a fuel gauge. As with all natural gas heaters, kerosene garage heaters must be used with adequate ventilation.

To heat or not to heat

Without some heating, a garage is as cold as the outside air. If you wish to pursue a project at your workbench, shivering hands and extra layers of clothing are not good. Even if you don’t hang out in your garage much, your stuff does. When a garage freezes, bad things can happen to metal car parts, vehicle batteries, appliances, and anything else stored in the garage, says Garage Door Opener Lab.

A heated garage makes it easier to regulate your home’s temperature

Cold air inside an unheated garage doesn’t stay there, so a heated garage, especially if it’s insulated, can keep utility costs down. No matter which garage heater you use, be sure to read and follow safety instructions.