Propane Vs. Kerosene Garage Heaters: Which One Is Better?

In the colder months of the year, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to work in your garage or workshop without a heat source. The frigid conditions can make it difficult to get things done when all you can think about is how cold it is.

That is why introducing a heat source is so important. Central heating can be too costly an installation, making a garage heater the more feasible option. When it comes to the debate of kerosene garage heaters versus propane garage heater, it typically comes down to cost and personal preference, with kerosene being the slightly cheaper option. This guide will break down the differences between the two in full.

When using either of these garage heaters, the most important thing to remember is that all safety considerations should be met. Make sure they are kept in a position that ensures there will be no fires and inherent danger while in use.

When used properly, kerosene and propane heaters can keep your garage space nice and warm in even the most frigid of temperatures. For those who enjoy working in their garage throughout the year, it can mean the difference between getting a project done and having to put it on the shelf for the winter.

Let’s first start with the pros and cons of kerosene garage heaters. First and foremost, kerosene heaters are meant for both indoor and outdoor use, making them a versatile choice for garage spaces.

Compared to other gas-fueled heaters, kerosene heaters are considered to be the safer choice. Moreover, they tend to be much more portable than the competition, easily moved from one place to another. Most importantly, they don’t require electricity of any kind so they can be used in a moment.

Like any machine that produces heat, it can be a potential fire hazard if kept in the wrong place. They also have the potential for carbon monoxide buildup if they are kept in garages with poor ventilation.

This type of kerosene heater makes use of a cylinder body type where heated air is forced out into the space that needs heating. It is similar to radiant heat (in the next section) in that it is directional, but the difference is that it warms the air instead of surfaces.

All of this means that the forced air heater has a larger heat spread, making it perfect for larger spaces. The only downside is that these types of heaters can get to be pretty loud since they are built with a similar design to that of a jet engine.

Radiant heaters have a circular wick that transports fuel into the burner unit, which is also known as a catalytic converter. Unlike the forced air heater, which heats the air, this heater heats up surfaces and objects that are nearby. The further away objects are, the longer they take to heat.

Radiant heaters work through the use of reflected infrared heat waves. That means they warm instantly. The only problem is that they project forward, whereas forced-air projects heat in all directions.

These tend to have a circular tower design that comes with safety grillwork since heat moves out in all directions. Convection heaters are very efficient and even start-up in a similar fashion to radiant heaters. The only difference is convection heaters have less flame when they startup.

Convection heaters are great for warming large spaces and are generally considered to be quite safe. Still, they need to be kept at least 2 feet away from the other surfaces in your garage to prevent fires.

Kerosene heaters need a certain quality of kerosene to run if you want a clean burn. Keep in mind that the better the grade, the cleaner and more efficient the burn. That saves you money over time and provides better overall heat coverage.

The problem is that kerosene prices can and will fluctuate. Maybe they were cheap last year but prices have risen this year. The cost depends on insulation, ventilation, and the number of BTU’s being used.

Propane garage heaters are very similar to the kerosene type in that they can be bought based on the type of space that requires heating. The difference is that propane heaters tend to be either fixed into place or completely portable.

Another great thing about propane heaters is that they can be hooked into existing lines of propane that are already on your property if applicable. If not, they have portable tanks that they can run off with little worry.

And much like kerosene heaters, they will generally require decent ventilation to be safe. Moreover, some propane models may not work at certain elevation levels, so check the manufacturer details first.

Similar to kerosene heaters, propane garage heaters come in different sizes and shapes. They also tend to use the same basic principles that the other fuel-powered heaters use, making them someone easy to understand in comparison.

There are certain types of propane heaters that use a fan to circulate heat and may require an electrical connection. There are others still that have thermostats built in that require an electrical hookup as well.

When it comes down to it, they are very similar in nature. Both are cost-effective and efficient for warming your garage. The real choice comes down to your specific needs and personal preference. Look at your available space and the things that will be required to run each (if your propane heater has an electrical component).

You can’t go wrong with either and neither will cost substantially more than the other. Both make for a great way to keep your garage warm during the winter.