Best Way To Heat A Workshop
The best way to heat a workshop depends on the size of the space, how quickly you need it to warm up, the level of insulation and how often the workshop is used.
For many smaller workshops, garages and outbuildings, a portable electric fan heater can provide a convenient way to produce heat quickly. For larger workshops or spaces that need substantially more heat output, an industrial gas heater can be a more suitable option.
Elixir Garden Supplies offers a range of Fan Heaters designed for applications including workshops, garages, warehouses and other suitable spaces, alongside higher-output industrial gas heaters.
The important thing is not simply choosing the biggest heater available. You need to match the heating method and output to the space and the way you use it.
The Quick Answer
For most small to medium-sized workshops, an electric fan heater is a practical option because it can provide heat quickly and is easy to move between areas.
As a general guide:
- 2kW electric fan heaters – suitable for smaller workshops, garages and enclosed spaces
- 3kW electric fan heaters – useful where greater heat output is required
- 10kW industrial gas heaters – designed for substantially higher heat output
- 15kW industrial gas heaters – suitable for medium to large spaces
- 30kW industrial gas heaters – designed for larger workshops and other substantial spaces
You can view the full range of Fan Heaters to compare the available heating options.
What Is The Best Way To Heat A Workshop?
There is no single heater that is best for every workshop.
Before choosing a heater, consider:
- The size of the workshop
- Ceiling height
- Insulation
- How quickly you need the space to warm up
- How long the heater will normally operate
- Whether you need occasional or regular heating
- Whether electricity or gas is more practical for your setup
- Whether you need portable heating
- Whether you need temperature control
A small, reasonably insulated workshop may only require a portable Fan Heater.
A larger workshop with significant heat loss may require considerably more heating output.
Electric Fan Heaters For Workshops
Electric fan heaters are one of the simplest options for heating smaller workshops.
They combine a heating element with a fan to distribute warm air around the space. This makes them useful when you want to raise the temperature relatively quickly rather than relying on slow background heating.
Elixir’s range includes several 2kW and 3kW electric fan heaters suitable for workshops, garages, outbuildings and other appropriate spaces.
Many of these models include features such as adjustable thermostats and overheat protection, although specifications vary between individual heaters.
2kW Electric Fan Heaters
Elixir currently offers several 2kW electric fan-heater options.
BH-20R1 Electric Fan Heater | 2kW
The BH-20R1 Electric Fan Heater | 2kW is a freestanding, portable electric fan heater designed to provide rapid heating in suitable enclosed spaces.
It includes an adjustable thermostat and overheat protection, making it a practical option for workshops, garages and similar working areas.
Best For
Smaller workshops, garages and outbuildings where portable 2kW heating is required.
Why Choose This Product
Its compact, portable design makes it easy to move around the workshop, while the adjustable thermostat provides additional control over the desired temperature.
Recommended When
Choose the BH-20R1 when you need a straightforward 2kW electric heater for a smaller workshop or enclosed working space.
BH-20R3 Electric Fan Heater | 2kW
The BH-20R3 Electric Fan Heater | 2kW is another portable 2kW option for workshops, garages and other suitable spaces.
It provides 2kW heating, together with fan-only operation, an adjustable thermostat and overheat protection.
Best For
Workshops and garages where a compact 2kW heater is required.
Why Choose This Product
The BH-20R3 combines 2kW heating with a portable design and the flexibility of fan-only operation.
Recommended When
Choose this model when you want portable 2kW heating with the option to use the fan without heat during warmer weather.
TSE-20A Electric Fan Heater | 2kW
The TSE-20A Electric Fan Heater | 2kW provides 2kW of heating power and is designed for suitable spaces including small workshops, outbuildings, garages and warehouses.
It has a compact design, adjustable thermostat and overheat protection.
Best For
Small workshops and garages where a portable 2kW heater is required.
Why Choose This Product
The TSE-20A is designed to quickly heat suitable indoor spaces and can also provide fan-only operation.
Recommended When
Choose the TSE-20A when you want a compact 2kW workshop heater with thermostat control and fan-only operation.
Elixir 3kW Electric Fan Heaters
 BH-30R1 Electric Fan Heater | 3kW
The BH-30R1 Electric Fan Heater | 3kW provides up to 3kW of heating power and is designed for quickly heating suitable indoor spaces including workshops, warehouses and outbuildings.
Best For
Small to medium workshops that need more heating output than a 2kW heater can provide.
Why Choose This Product
The 3kW output provides greater maximum heating power, while the portable design, adjustable thermostat and overheat protection make it practical for workshop use.
Recommended When
Choose the BH-30R1 when your workshop requires higher electric heating output or takes longer to warm using a 2kW heater.
TSE-30FB Electric Fan Heater | 3kW
The TSE-30FB Electric Fan Heater | 3kW is a portable 3kW electric fan heater designed for suitable indoor spaces including workshops and warehouses.
Best For
Workshops and other enclosed spaces where 3kW electric heating is required.
Why Choose This Product
The 3kW output provides more heating power than a 2kW model, while its portable design makes it easy to move between suitable areas.
Recommended When
Choose the TSE-30FB when you need portable 3kW heating for a workshop or similar enclosed working space.
When Should You Use An Industrial Gas Heater?
Electric fan heaters are useful for smaller workshops, but larger spaces may require substantially more heating output.
This is where an industrial gas heater can become a more suitable option.
Elixir’s range includes 10kW, 15kW and 30kW industrial gas heaters, providing considerably greater heat output than the 2kW and 3kW electric models.
These heaters are designed for suitable applications including workshops, warehouses, construction sites and other larger spaces.
However, gas heaters require good ventilation and must always be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
10kW Industrial Gas Heater
The 10kW Industrial Gas Heater provides substantially greater heat output than a domestic-sized electric fan heater.
It includes temperature control features designed to help regulate the operating temperature.
Best For
Larger workshops and other spaces where a 2kW or 3kW electric heater may not provide enough heating output.
Why Choose This Product
The 10kW output provides considerably more heat than the smaller electric models, making it suitable for applications requiring higher-output heating.
Recommended When
Choose the 10kW model when you need substantially more heating power for a larger workshop and suitable ventilation is available.
15kW Industrial Gas Heater
The 15kW Industrial Gas Heater is designed for medium to large spaces where higher heating output is required.
Best For
Medium to large workshops requiring substantially higher heating output.
Why Choose This Product
Its 15kW output provides considerably more heat than electric 2kW and 3kW models, while its portable design makes it practical for suitable applications.
Recommended When
Choose the 15kW model when a larger workshop requires rapid, high-output heating and appropriate ventilation is available.
30kW Industrial Gas Heater
For larger workshops and substantial working spaces, the 30kW Industrial Gas Heater provides the highest output in Elixir’s current fan-heater range.
Best For
Large workshops, warehouses and other substantial spaces requiring very high heat output.
Why Choose This Product
The 30kW output provides significantly greater heating capacity than the electric models.
Recommended When
Choose the 30kW model when you need very high-output heating for a large space and the installation environment provides the ventilation required for a gas heater.
Electric vs Gas Workshop Heaters
The choice between electric and gas heating largely comes down to the size and requirements of the workshop.
| Requirement | Electric Fan Heater | Industrial Gas Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Small workshop | Excellent | Usually unnecessary |
| Medium workshop | Suitable | Suitable |
| Large workshop | May require higher-output solutions | Often more suitable |
| Portable heating | Yes | Yes |
| Rapid heating | Yes | Yes |
| 2–3kW output | Yes | No |
| 10–30kW output | No | Yes |
| Temperature control | Available on some models | Available on some models |
| Ventilation | Follow product instructions | Good ventilation required |
For smaller spaces, start by looking at the electric fan heater range. For larger spaces requiring substantially more heat, consider the appropriate industrial gas-heater option.
How To Choose The Right Workshop Heater
1. Measure The Space
Start by considering the approximate size of the workshop.
A small garage workshop and a large commercial workshop have very different heating requirements.
Do not select a heater purely from the floor area. Ceiling height, insulation, draughts and outside temperatures will also affect how quickly heat is lost.
2. Consider Insulation
A poorly insulated workshop can lose heat quickly.
Before increasing heater output, look at whether you can reduce unnecessary heat loss through:
- Doors
- Windows
- Roof areas
- Gaps and draughts
- Poorly insulated walls
Elixir also supplies bubble insulation and other winter insulation products, although these are primarily designed for greenhouse applications rather than conventional workshop insulation.
3. Think About How Quickly You Need Heat
If you only need to take the chill off while working, a smaller heater may be sufficient.
If you want to rapidly raise the temperature of a cold workshop at the beginning of the day, greater heating output may be preferable.
This is where a fan heater can be particularly useful because warm air is actively circulated around the space.
4. Consider How Long The Heater Will Run
A heater that operates occasionally has different requirements from one that runs for several hours every day.
Electric heaters use electricity according to their rated power and operating time.
For example:
- 2kW heater = up to 2kWh per hour at full rated output
- 3kW heater = up to 3kWh per hour at full rated output
Actual consumption can be lower where the heater cycles on and off under thermostat control.
Best Workshop Heater For Your Situation
A simple way to approach the decision is:
Small Workshop
Consider a 2kW electric fan heater such as the BH-20R1, BH-20R3 or TSE-20A.
Small To Medium Workshop
Consider a 3kW electric fan heater such as the BH-30R1 or TSE-30FB.
Larger Workshop
Consider a 10kW industrial gas heater where appropriate ventilation and operating conditions are available.
Medium To Large Workshop
The 15kW industrial gas heater provides substantially greater heat output for suitable spaces.
Large Workshop
For larger spaces requiring very high heat output, the 30kW industrial gas heater offers the highest output in Elixir’s current range.
Can A Thermostat Help Control Workshop Heating?
Temperature control can be useful where compatible heating equipment needs to maintain a particular temperature.
Elixir supplies plug-in thermostats in both analogue and digital versions.
For example, the TH-926T Analogue Plug-In Thermostat provides straightforward temperature control.
For situations where the sensing position needs to be away from the socket, the TH-926TE Analogue Plug-In Thermostat with External Probe includes a 2m external temperature probe.
The TH-928T Digital Plug-In Thermostat provides digital controls and hot/cold functionality.
Always check that the thermostat is electrically compatible with the heater before use.
How To Make A Workshop Easier To Heat
Choosing a more powerful heater isn’t always the only solution.
Reduce Draughts
Cold air entering through doors and gaps can make a workshop harder to heat.
Improve Insulation
Insulating suitable parts of the workshop can help reduce heat loss and improve comfort.
Keep Doors Closed
If a workshop door is repeatedly left open, heated air can escape quickly.
Use A Thermostat Where Appropriate
A compatible thermostat can help control heating equipment according to the temperature rather than requiring continuous manual adjustment.
Heat The Working Area
If you do not need the entire workshop at the same temperature, consider whether heating can be focused around the area where you actually work.
Workshop Heating Safety
Workshop heating requires particular care because workshops can contain combustible materials, dust, tools, chemicals and other equipment.
Always:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions before use
- Follow the required clearances
- Keep heaters away from combustible materials
- Do not cover heaters
- Do not obstruct air intake or outlets
- Keep heaters stable while operating
- Do not leave heaters unattended for extended periods
- Use appropriate ventilation
- Check electrical requirements before connecting an electric heater
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for gas supply and operation
For gas heaters in particular, good ventilation is essential. Never use a gas heater in an unsuitable enclosed space.
Summary
The best way to heat a workshop depends on the size of the space, the level of insulation and how quickly you need it to warm up.
For smaller workshops and garages, a portable 2kW electric fan heater can provide a straightforward heating solution.
If you need more output, a 3kW electric fan heater can provide 50% more maximum rated heating power.
For substantially larger workshops, Elixir’s industrial gas heaters provide much higher heat output and can be considered where the space and ventilation requirements are suitable.
The key is to choose a heater that matches the workshop rather than simply choosing the most powerful model available.
Improving insulation, reducing draughts and using temperature control where appropriate can also make your heating setup more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best heater for a small workshop?
A 2kW electric fan heater can be a practical option for a small workshop, garage or outbuilding.
Is a 2kW heater enough for a workshop?
It depends on the size, insulation and temperature of the workshop. A well-insulated smaller workshop may be suitable for 2kW heating, while a larger or poorly insulated space may require more output.
Is a 3kW heater better than a 2kW heater?
A 3kW heater provides 50% more maximum rated heating output than a 2kW heater. However, that doesn’t necessarily make it better for every workshop.
What is the best heater for a large workshop?
Larger workshops may require substantially more heat output than a 2kW or 3kW electric heater can provide. Elixir’s 10kW, 15kW and 30kW industrial gas heaters are designed for suitable larger spaces.
Are gas heaters suitable for workshops?
Industrial gas heaters can be suitable for appropriate workshops, but they require good ventilation and must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are fan heaters good for workshops?
Yes. Fan heaters can be useful for workshops because they circulate warm air and can raise the temperature relatively quickly.
How much does it cost to run a 2kW workshop heater?
A 2kW heater operating continuously at full rated output uses up to 2kWh of electricity per hour. Your actual cost depends on your electricity tariff and how long the heater operates.
Can I use a thermostat with a workshop heater?
Some heaters have built-in thermostatic control, while separate thermostats can be used with compatible heating equipment. Always check compatibility and electrical ratings before connecting equipment.
Follow the Instructions
Every gardening product is designed to be used in a specific way. Always read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Correct preparation, application and timing help ensure the best possible results while promoting safe and responsible use.
Wear Appropriate PPE
Some products may require suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) during handling or application. Depending on the product, this may include gloves, eye protection or protective clothing. Always check the product label to determine the recommended safety precautions before use.
Application Rates
Using more product than recommended will not usually improve performance and may lead to unnecessary waste or undesirable results. Measure accurately, apply evenly and follow the recommended application rates and guidance provided on the product label.
Rhys Nield
As one of our resident product experts, Rhys has spent the last 2 years helping keen gardeners and growers from within our customer services department. Remember to save this page, or visit the Advice Centre, for the latest tips, articles, and expert knowledge, to help you make your garden the best it can be.
TSE-30FB Electric Fan Heater | 3kW
Original price was: £43.55£36.29.£36.04£30.03Current price is: £36.04£30.03. incl. VATex. VAT
Digital Plug-In Thermostat (TH-928T)
£16.58 £136.24Price range: £19.89£16.58 through £163.49£136.24 incl. VATex. VAT
BH-20R1 Electric Fan Heater | 2kW
£26.49£22.08 incl. VATex. VAT
Analogue Plug-In Thermostat (TH-926T)
£14.08 £131.88Price range: £16.89£14.08 through £158.25£131.88 incl. VATex. VAT
30kW Industrial Gas Heater
Original price was: £136.99£114.16.£95.89£79.91Current price is: £95.89£79.91. incl. VATex. VAT
About Elixir Gardens Supplies
For over 35 years Elixir Garden Supplies have been providing gardeners with all the essentials they need to achieve growing.
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