Head to head · 2026
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 Garage Heater vs Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling-Mount Garage Heater
Contender A
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 Garage Heater
Best OverallA 3,000 / 6,000W hardwired 240V shop heater with a built-in thermostat and wall/ceiling bracket — the most heat you can get from a standard 30A circuit.
$175.70on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.
Contender B
5,000W of hardwired 240V fan-forced heat on a ceiling bracket for about a hundred dollars — the cheapest way to heat a garage permanently.
$107.94on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.
Our verdict
Both are hardwired 240V fan-forced unit heaters that mount to the ceiling or wall on a 30A circuit. The DR-966 gives you 6,000W on high (a thousand more than the CZ220), a 3,000W low setting, heavier steel, and a better thermostat for a moderate premium. The CZ220 is the cheapest credible permanent garage heater and does the job in an insulated two-car garage. Frequent use or a cold climate: DR-966. Occasional weekends: CZ220.
Pick the Dr Infrared Heater if…
- ✓You want 6,000W of headroom for cold mornings
- ✓A low setting to hold overnight temperature cheaply
- ✓Heavier build for a shop you'll use every week
Pick the Comfort Zone if…
- ✓Lowest price for a permanent ceiling-mount install
- ✓Insulated two-car garage, evenings and weekends
- ✓5,000W is enough for your square footage
Spec by spec
| Spec | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 Garage Heater | Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling-Mount Garage Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.9 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Heat output | 6,000W high / 3,000W low (~20,500 BTU max) | 5,000W (~17,000 BTU) |
| Voltage | 240V, hardwired (dedicated 30A circuit) | 240V, hardwired (dedicated 30A circuit) |
| Heater type | Fan-forced electric unit heater, wall/ceiling mount | Fan-forced electric unit heater, ceiling mount |
| Modes | High, Low + thermostat | — |
| Thermostat | Built-in adjustable dial (~45–95°F) | Built-in adjustable dial |
| Mounting | Wall/ceiling bracket included; 8 adjustable louvers | Ceiling bracket included; adjustable louvers |
| Room coverage | ~500–600 sq ft insulated garage (≈10 W/sq ft rule) | ~500 sq ft insulated garage |
| Safety | Overheat protection, steel housing, ETL | Overheat protection, ETL |
| Noise | Loud shop-fan level | Loud fan |
| Size / weight | Compact cube, ~19 lb | ~14 × 12 × 14 in / ~15 lb |
| Wiring | Hardwired by an electrician; no plug | Hardwired by an electrician; no plug |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Still deciding?
Read the full reviews for the complete story, or check both current prices — sale pricing swings this class of decision all the time.
$175.70on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.
$107.94on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.