Head to head · 2026
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 Garage Heater vs Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50 Natural Gas Unit 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
50,000 BTU of natural-gas heat — roughly three times what a 240V electric unit makes, at a fraction of the running cost — for garages that are big, uninsulated, or both.
$452.79on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.
Our verdict
Electric versus gas, and the answer is mostly about the building. The DR-966's 6,000W (~20,000 BTU) is right for an insulated two-car garage and installs with one 240V circuit. The Big Maxx's 50,000 BTU is for large, tall, or uninsulated spaces, and it needs a gas line, a vent, and usually a pro — but it runs for roughly a third the cost per BTU. Small insulated garage, occasional use: electric. Big or uninsulated, frequent use: gas.
Pick the Dr Infrared Heater if…
- ✓Insulated one- or two-car garage
- ✓You have or can add a 240V / 30A circuit and no gas line
- ✓Simpler install, no venting, no permit in many areas
Pick the Mr. Heater if…
- ✓Three-car, high-ceiling, or uninsulated space
- ✓You heat the shop often and running cost matters
- ✓Natural gas (or propane) is available and you're budgeting for a pro install
Spec by spec
| Spec | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 Garage Heater | Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50 Natural Gas Unit Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.9 / 10 | 8.8 / 10 |
| Heat output | 6,000W high / 3,000W low (~20,500 BTU max) | 50,000 BTU/hr input |
| Voltage | 240V, hardwired (dedicated 30A circuit) | — |
| Heater type | Fan-forced electric unit heater, wall/ceiling mount | Forced-air, power-vented unit heater |
| Modes | High, Low + thermostat | — |
| Thermostat | Built-in adjustable dial (~45–95°F) | 24V wall thermostat (sold separately) |
| Mounting | Wall/ceiling bracket included; 8 adjustable louvers | Ceiling, angle brackets included; 8 ft minimum height |
| Room coverage | ~500–600 sq ft insulated garage (≈10 W/sq ft rule) | Up to ~1,250 sq ft (manufacturer; insulation-dependent) |
| Safety | Overheat protection, steel housing, ETL | Flame sensor, high-limit switch; requires CO alarm and code-compliant venting |
| Noise | Loud shop-fan level | — |
| Size / weight | Compact cube, ~19 lb | ~26 × 28 × 16 in / ~60+ lb |
| Wiring | Hardwired by an electrician; no plug | — |
| Warranty | 1 year | Limited (check current terms) |
| Fuel | — | Natural gas; propane conversion kit included |
| Venting | — | Horizontal or vertical (vent kit required, sold separately) |
| Electrical | — | 115V outlet for fan and ignition |
| Ignition | — | Electronic spark |
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.
$452.79on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 12:31 AM ET — subject to change.