Comfort Zone CZ230ER vs Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966
Comfort Zone CZ230ER
The short answer
Comfort Zone CZ230ER and Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 finish almost level in our scoring (7.0 vs 7.0 out of 10), so the right pick depends on what you value most. Comfort Zone CZ230ER is stronger on bedroom usability and value. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 is stronger on safety and health & materials. At current verified prices, the Comfort Zone CZ230ER costs about $31.02 less.
- Choose the Comfort Zone CZ230ER if: Owners of a two- to three-car or drafty garage with a 240V/40A hardwired circuit who want the most output and remote/timer control for the money.
- Choose the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 if: Owners of a one- to two-car garage or woodshop who can run a hardwired 240V circuit and want sturdy, well-documented whole-space heat.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Comfort Zone CZ230ER | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise & Sleep-Friendliness | 4.5Fan-forced blower, loud like every 240V unit here. | 4.5Fan-forced unit heater, so the blower is audible at the bench. |
| Safety | 7.0Overheat shutoff and ceiling mounting; the ETL listing comes only from retailers (Lowe's, Bomgaars). | 8.2Manufacturer-confirmed UL/cUL listing, thermally protected enclosed motor, mounted off the floor away from vapors. |
| Heating Performance | 8.57.5kW is the top output in the pool; Bob Vila reports it put out plenty of heat but gives no measured data. | 8.36kW suits a typical two-car garage; the thermostat has no numbered settings (Bob Vila, Popular Science). |
| Bedroom Usability | 7.0Digital thermostat, remote and timer; no pigtail or clamp included and no memory after a power loss. | 6.0Analog dial, no remote; hardwired, so you likely need an electrician. |
| Health & Materials | 7.5No combustion; the enclosed-motor claim comes only from a retailer. | 8.0Steel housing, sealed motor for dust, no combustion, no recall found. |
| Value | 9.0$145 for 7.5kW is the best output per dollar here; electrician cost possible. | 8.0$176 for 6kW, sold by Amazon; 1-year warranty. |
Specifications
| Spec | Comfort Zone CZ230ER | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 |
|---|---|---|
| Heater type | Fan-forced ceiling-mount unit heater | Fan-forced wall/ceiling-mount unit heater (marketed as infrared) |
| Fanless (no blower) | No | No |
| Overheat protection | Yes | Yes |
| Safety listing (ETL/UL) | ETL per retailers (Lowe's, Bomgaars); not confirmed on manufacturer site | UL and cUL listed (manufacturer) |
| Thermostat type | Digital thermostat, 45–95°F | Analog thermostat, 37–104°F, High/Low |
| Max timer | 12 hours | — |
| Remote control | Yes | No |
| Warranty | — | 1 years |
| Weight | 21.4 lb | — |
| Manufacturer-rated coverage | 1,250 sq ft | 600 sq ft |
| Oscillation | — | No |
| Voltage | 208/240V single phase | 240V single phase |
| Max wattage | 7,500 W | 6,000 W |
| Power connection | Hardwired (about 31.3A) | Hardwired (cord not included) |
Comfort Zone CZ230ER
Pros
- Highest output here, about 7,500W
- Digital thermostat, 12-hour timer and remote
- Lowest cost per watt
- Overheat shutoff
- Sold and shipped by Amazon at a mid-range price
Cons
- Draws about 31A and needs a 40A circuit
- Wire and clamp not included
- No memory after a power loss
- Some retailers list it as discontinued
A strong pick for big, cold garages where output and remote control matter more than a manufacturer-confirmed listing. Confirm the wiring plan before you buy.
Full Comfort Zone CZ230ER review →Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966
Pros
- UL and cUL listing from the manufacturer
- Three independent recommendations
- Enclosed motor suited to shop dust
- 3,000W and 6,000W settings
- Tilting louvers to aim heat
Cons
- Thermostat has no numbered settings and testers found it finicky
- No remote
- Hardwired, so most buyers need an electrician
- Fan-forced, so it is not quiet
The best choice for most garage and shop owners who can get 240V. It is well built, listed and widely recommended, and the main costs are the electrician and some thermostat fiddling.
Full Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Electric Garage & Workshop Heaters (120V/240V) of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.