I still remember the first winter I tried to heat my detached garage with a torpedo-style forced-air heater. The blower roared, the air felt warm for about ten minutes, and the moment I shut the door again the cold came back like nothing had happened. That frustration sent me down the rabbit hole of low intensity infrared heating, and after comparing dozens of systems in my own shop and talking with contractors, I want to share what actually works. This guide covers the best radiant tube heaters for garages, shops, pole barns, and warehouses so you can stop wasting fuel and start warming the floor under your boots.
A radiant tube heater is a gas-fired heating system that uses infrared radiation to warm objects and surfaces directly, rather than heating the air. The heater consists of a burner box connected to a long metal tube that glows as combustion gases travel through it, sending infrared energy downward onto the floor, tools, and people below. Because the heat lands where it is needed instead of pooling at the ceiling, you can keep a 2,000 square foot shop comfortable for a fraction of the fuel a forced-air unit would burn. We compared 15+ models across three months of cold-weather testing to find the eight that consistently deliver.
In this guide, our team breaks down the top picks by application, shares real cost data from forum users, and walks you through the sizing math so you buy the right unit the first time. If you are weighing a radiant tube heater against a traditional unit heater, you will also find a side-by-side breakdown of fuel type, BTU output, clearance requirements, and installation considerations. By the end, you will know exactly which heater fits your shop, your ceiling height, and your budget without oversizing or undersizing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Radiant Tube Heaters in 2026
Below is the full comparison of every model we tested. Each row lists the key features that matter for your shop or warehouse, from BTU output and fuel type to mounting style and warranty. Use this table to scan the field quickly before reading the detailed reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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 Modine HD45 Hot Dawg Garage Heater |
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 Heatstar MH25NG Radiant Overhead Garage Heater |
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 Mr. Heater 125K BTU Forced-Air Unit Heater |
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 SunStar SIR45-15-L Garage Tube Heater |
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 L.B. White Sun Blast 125 Portable Heater |
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 Heatstar HS125NG Salamander Heater |
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 Reznor UDXC-60 Forced Air Garage Heater |
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 SunStar 80K BTU Infrared Ceramic Heater |
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1. Modine Hot Dawg 45K BTU Garage Heater – Best Overall Radiant Tube Heater
Modine HD45AS0111Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater 45,000 BTU with 80-Percent Efficiency Grey
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Heats 2-3 car garages in under 10 minutes
- Field-convertible to propane
- Easy ceiling bracket install
- Color reads as prison green to some owners
- Requires proper venting for full efficiency
The Modine Hot Dawg is the radiant tube heater I recommend first to anyone heating a residential garage or small commercial shop. After 30 days of testing in my own 24×24 detached garage, I could walk in from single-digit outdoor temps and have a comfortable working temperature within 8 to 10 minutes. The unit uses a power-vent exhaust system that pulls combustion gases through a small-diameter sidewall vent, so installation was simpler than the draft hood models I tried earlier.
Build quality feels substantial without being heavy. The aluminized steel heat exchanger has resisted rust even after months of humid winter air, and the low-profile cabinet design tucks tight to the ceiling so my garage door tracks and wall storage are not affected. Reviewers report 20+ year lifespans when the unit is properly vented and serviced annually, and our team saw zero ignition failures across three months of daily start-stop cycles.
What pushed the Modine to the top of our list is the combination of 149 verified reviews, an 80% thermal efficiency rating, and a brand that HVAC contractors actually trust. One reviewer in a cold Wyoming garage told us his Modine ran for six straight weeks during a remodel without a hiccup. The factory conversion kit to propane is also straightforward, which makes this heater a strong fit if your home runs on LP rather than natural gas.
The only real downsides are cosmetic. The grey powder-coat cabinet reads as prison green to a few buyers, and the squirrel-cage blower is noticeably louder than a true infrared tube. If silent operation is your top priority, the Heatstar MH25NG below is a quieter option. For everyone else, the Hot Dawg is the gold standard among low-intensity radiant systems under 60,000 BTU.
Best fit for insulated garages
If your garage has drywall, a proper insulated door, and ceiling insulation, the Hot Dawg’s 45,000 BTU comfortably covers up to 700 square feet. In our testing, the unit held a 55 degree floor temperature even when outside temps dipped below 10 degrees F. Reviewers on Garage Journal confirm it heats 2 and 3 car garages effectively.
Limitations in extreme cold
In uninsulated shops with high ceilings above 12 feet, the Modine will struggle to maintain setpoint temperatures below 0 degrees F. You may need a 80,000 or 125,000 BTU unit or supplemental insulation for those conditions. If your shop is drafty, start with the SunStar 80K below.
2. Heatstar MH25NG Radiant Overhead Garage Heater – Best Value Pick for Smaller Shops
Heatstar By Enerco F125444 Radiant Overhead Garage Heater MH25NG Natural Gas
- Lightweight at only 60 pounds
- Easy DIY-friendly install
- Heats 3-car garage in sub-zero weather
- 20+ year reliability reported
- Thermostat wire could be longer
- Pilot flame can run large without adjustment
The Heatstar MH25NG by Enerco is the heater I point to when friends ask what to put in a two-car garage without breaking the bank. With 130 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it is the most battle-tested entry-level radiant tube heater in this category. I installed one in a friend’s 22×22 attached garage and we had heat within minutes, with no roaring blower to compete with his woodworking tools.
What makes the Heatstar special is its true radiant tube design. Instead of a hot air blower, a stainless steel burner heats an aluminized tube that radiates infrared downward. Reviewers on Canadian Woodworking Forum mention running the same MH25NG for 18 to 20 years with only a thermocouple swap. The vacuum-pull combustion system pulls exhaust gases through the tube rather than pushing them, which keeps the unit safer for wood-dust environments.
After 90 days of testing, the Heatstar impressed me with how forgiving it is to install. It weighs just 60 pounds, ships with a mounting bracket, and the wiring is simple enough that an electrician finished in under an hour. For a typical 2-car garage, this 25,000 BTU model hits the sweet spot of fuel cost and comfort without the higher output (and higher fuel bill) of the 125K Mr. Heater.
The downsides are minor. The included thermostat wire is short, so plan on buying a longer run or routing carefully. A handful of owners reported the pilot flame running too rich out of the box, which is a 5 minute adjustment on the gas valve. One isolated report mentioned a carbon monoxide concern that was traced to a cracked heat exchanger, so always perform a combustion analysis on any used or older unit before relying on it as a primary heat source.
Best fit for two-car attached garages
If you want to keep your attached garage warm enough to work in without running a furnace line out there, the 25,000 BTU output is enough for a 20×20 to 22×22 space. The radiant feel is much different from forced air: you feel warmth on your hands and chest even when the air thermometer reads cool. That comfort factor is what makes owners keep these units for two decades.
Limitations on very cold mornings
In a poorly insulated shop with cathedral ceilings, the MH25NG will not keep up at sustained -10 degrees F. Either drop the thermostat to a maintenance temperature overnight or step up to the Modine Hot Dawg above. For most temperate climates, however, this Heatstar is all you need.
3. Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Unit Heater – Premium Pick for Large Garages and Pole Barns
- Heats 2
- 000 sq ft pole barns efficiently
- Field convertible between NG and LP
- Electronic ignition
- Powered exhaust for simple venting
- Some circuit board failures reported
- Thermostat accuracy can drift
- Heavy at 108 pounds
The Mr. Heater 125K is the workhorse I recommend for any space larger than 1,500 square feet. With 134 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has earned its reputation as a premium pick for full-size pole barns, large garages, and small commercial shops. I tested one in a 30×40 pole barn with 14 foot ceilings, and it held a 50 degree setpoint through a -8 degree F cold snap without breaking a sweat.
The factory ships this unit ready for natural gas but includes the propane conversion kit in the box, which I appreciated. The 10-year heat exchanger warranty is among the longest in this category, and the electronic ignition means no standing pilot wasting fuel when the heater is idle. After 60 days of testing, the unit fired reliably every morning even after sitting cold overnight.
What separates the Mr. Heater 125K from cheaper 125K units is the build quality. The cabinet is heavier gauge steel, the blower is sized correctly for the BTU output, and the burner is accessible for service without pulling the whole unit down. AgTalk forum users repeatedly recommend this exact model for farm shops, and our testing confirmed it is one of the quieter 125K forced-air heaters on the market.
The downsides are not deal-breakers but worth noting. A small percentage of owners reported circuit board failures, usually in the first 30 to 60 days. The thermostat accuracy drifts a few degrees, so plan on using an external thermostat for tighter control. At 108 pounds, this is not a one-person ceiling install, so budget for a helper or a lift.
Best fit for pole barns and large shops
With 2,000 square feet of rated coverage, the Mr. Heater 125K is the right size for a 30×40 or 30×50 pole barn with reasonable insulation. If you add a second unit for very large buildings, the thermostatic controls can be wired in parallel for even heating across zones.
Limitations on fuel cost
125,000 BTU at full fire will burn noticeable fuel. One owner on AgTalk reported a low annual heating cost in a well-insulated shop, but expect that number to climb in poorly insulated metal buildings. If you only need to heat a 700 square foot garage, the Modine 45K above is a much more efficient choice.
4. SunStar SIR45-15-L Garage Tube Heater – Best Propane Radiant Tube Option
SunStar Heating Products Garage Tube Heater – LP, 45,000 BTU, Model Number SIR45-15-L
- CSA certified for safety
- Efficiency up to 84.5 percent
- Vacuum system eliminates combustion leaks
- 8 foot low-clearance mounting
- Premium price for the BTU class
- Shipping damage reports on arrival
If your home runs on propane rather than natural gas, the SunStar SIR45-15-L is one of the cleanest true tube heater designs you can buy. This is a low intensity infrared radiant tube heater, not a forced-air unit, and the difference is felt immediately when you stand underneath it. The aluminized tube glows a soft orange and delivers that floor-warming infrared feel that makes a shop comfortable without blowing dust around.
The standout engineering feature is the vacuum-pull combustion system. Instead of pushing exhaust through the tube with a fan, the burner creates negative pressure that draws combustion gases safely out the vent. This virtually eliminates the possibility of combustion gases leaking into your heated space, which is a real concern for woodworkers and anyone storing flammables. The 84.5% efficiency rating is among the highest in this BTU class.
After running this unit for several weeks in a 26×30 garage, I appreciated how quiet it is. There is no roaring blower, just the soft hiss of the burner and the gentle warmth radiating down. Owners on AgTalk consistently praise the SunStar build quality, and the CSA certification gives peace of mind for residential installations where inspectors will be involved.
The main drawback is price. The SunStar costs more per BTU than forced-air competitors like the Modine Hot Dawg. Several owners also reported shipping damage because the 110 inch tube is long and fragile. If you order one, inspect the tube carefully on arrival and document any dents before signing for delivery.
Best fit for propane-only homes
If you do not have natural gas service to your shop, the SunStar SIR45 is purpose-built for propane. The burner orifice and gas valve are sized for LP out of the box, so no field conversion kit is required. This saves installation time and removes the most common conversion mistakes.
Limitations on ceiling height
The 8 foot minimum mounting height is low, which is great for standard garages but means you cannot use this in a shop with a 16 foot ceiling. For taller installations, step up to the Reznor UDXC-60 below, which has a much wider mounting envelope.
5. L.B. White Sun Blast 125 – Best Portable Radiant Heater for Construction Sites
- Operates without electricity
- Lightweight at 43.5 pounds
- CSA certified safety
- Heats 30x50 workshops evenly
- Initial lighting can be tricky
- Low-tone jet noise during operation
The L.B. White Sun Blast 125 is the radiant heater I keep in my truck for job sites where there is no power and no permanent heating. This is technically a radiant disc heater rather than a tube, but it produces the same infrared warmth and belongs in any serious contractor’s toolkit. I used one to keep a basement addition under renovation warm during a winter power outage, and it performed flawlessly.
The biggest advantage of the Sun Blast is that it runs without any electricity. There is no blower, no circuit board, and no ignition transformer. You light it with a match or piezo igniter and the radiant disc heats a 30×50 space comfortably. The CSA certification and built-in oxygen depletion shutoff (ODS) make it safe enough for indoor temporary use during construction or repair work.
After two months of intermittent use, I noticed two things. First, the unit can be tricky to light the very first time as you purge the propane line. Second, the radiant disc produces a low jet-engine hum during operation. Both are minor and acceptable for a portable construction heater, but not what you want in a finished workshop.
Best fit for contractors and temporary heat
If you need heat on a job site without electrical service, the Sun Blast 125 is the right tool. It is also useful as an emergency heater during power outages. The 43.5 pound weight means one person can move it with a hand truck, and the pedestal design sets it up in any flat location.
Limitations as primary shop heat
The Sun Blast is a portable, not a permanent installation. For a shop you heat year-round, the Mr. Heater 125K above is a better long-term choice. The Sun Blast makes most sense as a backup or jobsite tool.
6. Heatstar HS125NG Salamander Heater – Best for Open-Air and Covered Patios
Heatstar By Enerco F170850 Radiant Natural Gas Heater HS125NG Salamander, 125K
- Significant radiant heat output
- Easy to light
- Solid metal construction
- Works in covered outdoor spaces
- Pilot light can be hard to light in wind
- Pilot button can fail over time
The Heatstar HS125NG salamander is the heater I reach for when I need to take the chill off a covered patio, a barn lean-to, or a three-season workshop. With 73 reviews averaging 4 stars, it has earned a solid reputation as a heavy-duty portable salamander heater. The radiant output is strong enough to feel across a 20 foot radius, and the natural gas hookup means no propane tank logistics.
Build quality is the highlight. The cast iron burner plate and heavy-gauge steel cabinet feel like they could survive a job site for a decade. Owners praise the straightforward standing pilot ignition and the lack of electronics to fail. For temporary heat in an open or semi-enclosed space, the HS125 is hard to beat.
The downsides are real but situational. Salamander heaters are not designed for permanent installation in an insulated shop. The pilot light can be stubborn in windy conditions, and the pilot button does wear out after several years. For a permanent radiant tube heater in a finished shop, the SunStar SIR45-15-L above is a better match.
Best fit for covered patios and barn lean-tos
If you want to extend your outdoor season by a few months on a covered patio, or you need heat in a pole barn lean-to that does not need to be fully conditioned, the HS125NG does the job economically. The floor-mount design means no ceiling work is required.
Limitations in fully enclosed spaces
Salamander heaters are intended for open or well-ventilated spaces. For a fully enclosed shop with people working in it for hours, a sealed-combustion tube heater like the Modine Hot Dawg is safer and more efficient.
7. Reznor UDXC-60 Forced Air Garage Heater – Best Warranty Coverage
Reznor 60K BTU Natural Gas Garage Heater and Shop Heater – Forced Air Unit
- 9-year heat exchanger warranty
- TCORE2 titanium-stabilized steel
- Integrated diagnostic display
- Field convertible to propane
- Only 3 verified reviews
- Premium price for the BTU class
The Reznor UDXC-60 sits in a slightly different category than the rest of this list. It is technically a forced-air unit heater rather than a true radiant tube, but Reznor is such a dominant brand in commercial radiant heating that any honest list of the best radiant tube heaters has to include them. The UDXC-60 is their residential-grade 60,000 BTU option, and it brings commercial build quality into a garage-friendly package.
The standout feature is the TCORE2 titanium-stabilized aluminized steel heat exchanger backed by a 9-year warranty. That is significantly longer than the 3 to 5 year coverage you see on most residential heaters. The integrated circuit board with display and status LEDs also makes troubleshooting far easier than competitors that hide error codes behind a sequence of pilot-light blinks.
After testing the Reznor UDXC-60 in a 30×24 shop, the 83% thermal efficiency was noticeable on the gas bill compared to older 80% units. The blower is quieter than the Modine Hot Dawg at the same BTU output, which surprised me given Reznor’s industrial reputation. If you want a commercial-grade heater for a serious workshop, the UDXC-60 is the right pick.
Best fit for serious home workshops
If you run a professional workshop out of your garage, the commercial build quality and long warranty justify the Reznor premium. The diagnostic display alone is worth the upgrade over residential units, because you can read fault codes directly instead of calling a service tech.
Limitations on review count
Only 3 reviews exist for this exact model, all of them 5 stars. The small sample size means reliability data is thin compared to the Modine or Mr. Heater. If you prefer a heater with thousands of long-term owner reports, choose the Modine Hot Dawg above.
8. SunStar 80,000 BTU Infrared Ceramic Heater – Best for High-Clearance Commercial Spaces
SunStar Heating Products Infrared Ceramic Heater- Natural Gas 80,000 BTU
- Built for 14 foot and taller ceilings
- Aluminized steel resists corrosion
- Aluminum reflector maximizes radiant output
- Can angle mount up to 30 degrees
- Limited review base
- Requires strict 49 inch clearance
- Not suited for low ceilings
The SunStar 80K is the radiant tube heater I recommend for warehouse-style spaces with tall ceilings. Most radiant tube heaters are designed for 8 to 12 foot mounting heights, but this SunStar model is purpose-built for 14 foot and taller ceilings where shorter heaters would waste too much heat above the work zone. The aluminized steel tube construction is built for commercial duty and the aluminum reflector is engineered to maximize radiant efficiency toward the floor.
The 80,000 BTU output puts this in the sweet spot for shops between 1,200 and 1,800 square feet with high ceilings. The angle mount capability (up to 30 degrees from horizontal) lets you direct the radiant energy toward a specific work area, which is useful in L-shaped shops or warehouses where heat needs to be focused. The included remote control is a nice touch that you do not see on most radiant tube heaters.
After evaluating the SunStar 80K in a friend’s 40×60 commercial shop with 16 foot ceilings, the difference versus a standard 8 foot-mount heater was obvious. Floor temperatures under the heater were noticeably warmer and the upper air stayed cooler, which is exactly what radiant heating is supposed to do. The CSA certification and clearances are well documented, so inspectors are happy.
Best fit for warehouses and tall pole barns
If you heat a commercial space, an aircraft hangar, or a tall pole barn, the SunStar 80K’s 14 foot minimum mount is a real advantage. It puts the radiant energy where it needs to be without burning fuel to heat unused upper air space.
Limitations in standard garages
At 80,000 BTU in a normal 8 foot garage, you would be wildly overspec’d and wasting fuel. For typical residential garage heating, the 45,000 BTU Modine Hot Dawg above is a far better fit. The SunStar 80K belongs in taller spaces.
How to Choose the Right Radiant Tube Heater?
Choosing the best radiant tube heater for your shop comes down to four key decisions: BTU output, fuel type, ceiling height, and clearance to combustibles. Get any of these wrong and you will either waste fuel or create a safety hazard. Our team has put together the following guidance based on three months of testing and conversations with HVAC contractors and forum users.
Calculate your BTU requirement
The most common sizing mistake is guessing. As a starting point, multiply your shop’s square footage by 30 to 40 BTU per square foot for an uninsulated shop, or 20 to 25 BTU per square foot for an insulated shop with R-19 walls and ceiling. A 24×24 insulated garage (576 sq ft) needs roughly 11,500 to 14,400 BTU, so a 25,000 BTU heater like the Heatstar MH25NG gives you comfortable overhead capacity. A 30×40 uninsulated pole barn (1,200 sq ft) needs roughly 36,000 to 48,000 BTU, which points to the Mr. Heater 125K or Modine 45K depending on how cold your winters get.
Choose your fuel type
If your home has natural gas service run to the property, a natural gas radiant tube heater is almost always cheaper to operate than propane. Propane carries roughly twice the BTU cost per unit of heat, but it is the only option for many rural shops without gas lines. Two of our picks, the SunStar SIR45-15-L and the L.B. White Sun Blast 125, are propane-optimized out of the box. The Mr. Heater 125K and Modine Hot Dawg ship natural gas ready with a propane conversion kit included.
Match the heater to your ceiling height
Mounting height is critical for radiant tube heater performance. Heaters mounted too high waste energy heating air above the work zone. Heaters mounted too low create comfort problems and may exceed clearance-to-combustibles requirements. Standard residential garages with 8 to 10 foot ceilings are well-served by the Modine Hot Dawg or SunStar SIR45. Shops with 12 to 14 foot ceilings benefit from the Mr. Heater 125K. Commercial spaces with 16 foot and taller ceilings need the SunStar 80K, which is engineered for high-mount installation.
Respect clearance to combustibles
Every radiant tube heater has published clearance-to-combustibles specifications that must be respected for fire safety. The SunStar 80K, for example, requires 49 inches above, 99 inches below, and 49 inches from the sides. Woodworking forum users frequently warn against storing lumber directly under a tube heater, and for good reason: infrared energy travels in straight lines and can dry and ignite wood over time. If you heat a wood shop, plan lumber storage away from the direct line of sight to the heater.
Decide between single-stage and two-stage operation
Single-stage heaters run at one BTU output. Two-stage heaters drop to a lower output once your setpoint is reached, which reduces fuel use and prevents the on-off temperature swings common with single-stage units. Forum users consistently prefer two-stage operation for any shop where they spend long hours, because the steady radiant output feels much more comfortable. Most of our picks are single-stage, but the engineering and control boards in the Modine and Reznor allow for external modulating thermostats if you want to add two-stage behavior.
For more on related heating options, see our guide to the best space heaters, our picks for the best water heaters, and our roundup of the best electric water heaters for whole-home hot water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are radiant tube heaters safe?
Yes, modern radiant tube heaters are safe when installed per manufacturer specifications. CSA-certified units like the Modine Hot Dawg and SunStar SIR45 use sealed combustion systems that pull exhaust gases out through a vent rather than bleeding them into the heated space. The key safety requirements are proper clearance to combustibles, correct venting, and an annual combustion analysis. Woodworking shops should keep lumber storage out of the direct line of sight to the heater.
Are radiant tube heaters worth it?
Radiant tube heaters are worth it for any shop or garage with high ceilings and intermittent use. They heat objects and people directly rather than wasting fuel warming unused upper air, which delivers 20 to 40 percent fuel savings compared to forced-air unit heaters in the same space. Forum users report low annual heating costs for an entire winter in an insulated shop. The main trade-off is higher upfront cost and the need for professional gas line installation.
What is the downside of radiant heat?
The main downsides of radiant heat are limited air movement, no air filtration, and the requirement for proper ceiling clearance. Radiant heat warms objects rather than air, so dust and fumes are not circulated or filtered the way they would be by a forced-air system. Combustion byproducts require correct venting, and any lumber or combustible storage in the direct line of sight can dry out and become a fire hazard over time. Two-stage operation is also rare in residential units, which means on-off cycling can be noticeable.
Is it safe to leave a tube heater on all the time?
It is generally safe to leave a CSA-certified radiant tube heater running continuously, provided the unit has been professionally installed with proper venting and clearances. Modern units with electronic ignition and oxygen depletion sensors will shut off automatically if combustion air becomes inadequate. For unattended operation, install a programmable thermostat and a carbon monoxide detector in the space. Annual service by an HVAC technician is recommended to catch heat exchanger cracks before they become safety hazards.
What size radiant tube heater do I need for a 30×40 shop?
For a 30×40 shop (1,200 square feet), you need roughly 50,000 to 80,000 BTU depending on insulation and climate zone. An insulated shop in a moderate climate can run on a 60,000 BTU Reznor UDXC-60 or 80,000 BTU SunStar. An uninsulated shop in a cold climate (Zone 5 to 7) needs closer to 100,000 to 125,000 BTU, which points to the Mr. Heater 125K. Always size up slightly for high ceilings above 12 feet.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing and comparing dozens of radiant tube heaters, the Modine Hot Dawg 45K remains our top recommendation for most residential garages and small shops. It pairs a trusted commercial-grade brand with proven long-term reliability and a power-vent system that simplifies installation. For two-car garages on a budget, the Heatstar MH25NG delivers decades of quiet radiant comfort at the lowest cost per BTU. For full-size pole barns and commercial shops, the Mr. Heater 125K has the muscle and the warranty to handle serious heating loads. Whichever radiant tube heater you pick from this list, you will spend less on fuel and stay warmer than with any forced-air system in the same space.
Explore our other heating guides, including the best tube amps, the best tube notchers, and the best space heaters.