Space Heaters

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988

#6 · Best Plug-In 240V Portable
6.4 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $151.42 Amazon
Our verdict
A sensible choice for shops that already have the outlet. Otherwise a mounted unit is a better fit.

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

Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

View best price at Amazon
Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Review

What to know about Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988

A compact portable 240V shop heater (5,600W at 240V or 4,800W at 208V, about 19,110 BTU) that plugs into a 30A NEMA 6-30R outlet instead of being hardwired. It has a 37–113°F dial thermostat and a fan with On and Auto modes. Bob Vila picked it twice: best infrared and also-consider. It is the pick for people who want 240V heat without hardwiring.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

Bob Vila named it best infrared in its best-garage-heater guide. At 5,600W it heats far more than any 120V unit, and retailers list it as UL and cUL listed. The plug-in design means no hardwiring if your shop has a welder or compressor outlet.

It has an analog dial thermostat and an On/Auto fan.

What to know

Skip it if you lack a 30A 240V 6-30R outlet or want to avoid floor-level heat near solvent vapors. The manual says floor use only, so follow it on mounting, and no tip-over switch is confirmed.
Performance

Score breakdown

Noise & Sleep-Friendliness

Independent noise results (CR noise score, measured dB from Bob Vila, Tom's Guide and Reviewed) count above manufacturer dB claims. Fanless designs, low-speed or ECO operation, and no harsh clicking or beeping all help.

4.5
Fan-forced blower.
Safety

Tip-over and overheat shutoff, ETL/UL listing, hot-surface and exhaust temperatures (CR), child lock, and the brand's recall history.

6.3
UL/cUL per retailers and a high-limit cutoff, but used at floor level and no confirmed tip-over switch.
Heating Performance

How quickly and evenly the heater warms a typical 150–250 sq ft bedroom in independent tests.

7.8
5.6kW suits up to about a two-car garage.
Bedroom Usability

Thermostat precision (digital vs. mechanical), sleep/auto-off timer, remote, display brightness, size and weight, and how easy it is to place 3 ft from bedding.

6.5
Plug-and-play with a 6-30R outlet; otherwise you need an electrician.
Health & Materials

Whether a fan stirs up dust, first-use odors, flame-retardant (V-0) housings, filters, and repairability and warranty length.

7.5
Steel body, guarded grills, no combustion.
Value

Street price relative to performance, safety and warranty.

7.5
About $151 for 5.6kW; adding an outlet may cost extra.
Specifications

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 specs

Design

Heater type
Fan-forced portable (marketed as infrared)

Noise

Fanless (no blower)
No

Safety

Overheat protection
Yes
Safety listing (ETL/UL)
UL and cUL listed (retailer listing)

Controls

Thermostat type
Analog dial, 37–113°F
Remote control
No

Ownership

Warranty
1 years

Performance

Manufacturer-rated coverage
600 sq ft
Oscillation
No

Electrical

Voltage
240V / 208V
Max wattage
5600 W
Power connection
6 ft cord with NEMA 6-30P plug (needs 30A 240V 6-30R outlet)
Shopping

Compare prices

Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

RetailerPriceAvailability
Walmart $129.99
Last known price — verified Oct 31, 2026; may have changed
Check at retailer Check at retailer
AmazonLowest $151.42 $169.99 In Stock View deal
Target Check price at retailer Check at retailer Check at retailer
Lowest verified price $151.42
30-day low $129.99
90-day average $144.28
90-day low $129.99

Based on 3 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

More coverage

Guides featuring Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988

Head-to-head

Compare the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988 with