Space Heaters · Head-to-head
Comfort Zone CZ230ER vs Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988
Best for Large Garages (Remote & Timer)
Comfort Zone CZ230ER
7.0/10
$144.97 at Amazon
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Best Plug-In 240V Portable
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988
6.4/10
$151.42 at Amazon
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The short answer
Comfort Zone CZ230ER comes out ahead overall with 7.0/10 against 6.4/10 for the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988. Comfort Zone CZ230ER is stronger on safety, heating performance, bedroom usability and value. At current verified prices, the Comfort Zone CZ230ER costs about $6.45 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-988 if: Owners of a shop that already has a NEMA 6-30R welder or compressor outlet who want 240V heat without hardwiring.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Comfort Zone CZ230ER | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise & Sleep-Friendliness | 4.5Fan-forced blower, loud like every 240V unit here. | 4.5Fan-forced blower. |
| Safety | 7.0Overheat shutoff and ceiling mounting; the ETL listing comes only from retailers (Lowe's, Bomgaars). | 6.3UL/cUL per retailers and a high-limit cutoff, but used at floor level and no confirmed tip-over switch. |
| 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. | 7.85.6kW suits up to about a two-car garage. |
| Bedroom Usability | 7.0Digital thermostat, remote and timer; no pigtail or clamp included and no memory after a power loss. | 6.5Plug-and-play with a 6-30R outlet; otherwise you need an electrician. |
| Health & Materials | 7.5No combustion; the enclosed-motor claim comes only from a retailer. | 7.5Steel body, guarded grills, no combustion. |
| Value | 9.0$145 for 7.5kW is the best output per dollar here; electrician cost possible. | 7.5About $151 for 5.6kW; adding an outlet may cost extra. |
Specifications
| Spec | Comfort Zone CZ230ER | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 |
|---|---|---|
| Heater type | Fan-forced ceiling-mount unit heater | Fan-forced portable (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 (retailer listing) |
| Thermostat type | Digital thermostat, 45–95°F | Analog dial, 37–113°F |
| 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 / 208V |
| Max wattage | 7,500 W | 5,600 W |
| Power connection | Hardwired (about 31.3A) | 6 ft cord with NEMA 6-30P plug (needs 30A 240V 6-30R outlet) |
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-988
Pros
- 5,600W output
- Plugs into a 6-30R outlet
- Thermostat 37-113°F
- Listed UL and cUL by retailers
- Finger-proof grills
Cons
- Needs a 30A 240V outlet, and testers had trouble finding one
- Floor use only per the manual
- No tip-over switch confirmed
- Fan noise
A sensible choice for shops that already have the outlet. Otherwise a mounted unit is a better fit.
Full Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 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.