During the winter, your bathroom can get completely cold and you may be tempted to turn up the central heating just to keep you warm in a single room such as your basement. Rather than wasting electricity and energy to heat up the whole house, you can buy a small heater that will just heat your bathroom effectively.
But when you are looking for a heater for a small space like that, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this article, we will look at the different types of bathroom heaters available as well as the factors you should consider when selecting a bathroom heater.
Read on to learn about different types of heaters and get more reviews.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Space Heaters For Bathroom
- OUR TOP PICK: Stiebel Eltron CK 15E
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Lasko Bathroom Heater CD08200
- Broan-NuTone 174 Wall Heater
Comparison of the Best Bathroom Heaters
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What to Look for in a Bathroom Heater
When making a decision on what kind of bathroom heater to purchase we should keep the following factors in mind:
Portability
In case you are planning to move the heater from place to place it’s a good idea to purchase a small heater that runs on electricity. This will allow you to easily shift the location as and when needed.
Durability
If you plan to keep using the heater for a few years then go for a heater that is strongly constructed and will not require much maintenance. The more-durable models will have fewer moving parts and will be constructed from stronger materials.
Versatility
Versatile heaters can be multipurpose. They can be used in bathrooms or in other rooms if needed. They can also perform more than one function such as removing humidity from the room or heating the water as well as the air.
Quiet
It might be a good idea to purcpermanently lubricateds silently especially because the bathroom is a small enclosed space. This will make you more comfortable especially early in the morning or late at night.
Heats up Fast
Because we usually spend only a few minutes in the bathroom it is important to have a heater that heats the room effectively and quickly.
Safety
The bathroom is both wet and humid. The chances of short circuits and other electrical interference are high in this environment so the heater should take into account all kinds of safety hazards.
Review of the Best Bathroom Heaters
As discussed earlier, there are various types of bathroom heaters, and selecting one can have its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the best available.
Best Bathroom Wall Heater
Stiebel Eltron CK 15E
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 215
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 4.81 x 13.19 x 18.13 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
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Review
This heater contains a nichrome heating element and is constructed from galvanized steel and plastic. It is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and any location where quick heat is needed. Installation is easy and quick thanks to the surface-mount design, and it can be installed over existing outdated heaters.
The features also include quiet operation, built-in thermostat, and quality construction.
Pros
Not overly loud when running
Mounts on the wall to save floor space
Heats a decent-sized bathroom quickly
Automatic thermostat maintains steady temperature
Cons
Cannot plug into an outlet, must be hardwired
Poor wiring design does not allow wires to be hidden
May need professional installation since it is hardwired
Best for the Money
Lasko Bathroom Heater CD08200
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 7.65 inches
Weight: 3.8 pounds
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Review
Lakso’s small bathroom heater combines a compact design with a quick-heating ceramic technology. The maximum heat it provides is 1500 watts and comes with Automatic overheat protection, 1 hour shut off and the ceramic element is self-regulating for enhanced safety. The push button controls make it a cinch to use. It comes fully assembled with a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
Heats room quickly
Auto shut-off feature
TIp-over safety feature
Large button is easy to operate
Cons
Vibrates and may move during operation
Device starts on high and you have to press 3x to get to low
Plug gets very hot and needs to be in a properly grounded outlet
Broan-NuTone 174 Wall Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 150
Power (watts): 1500
Dimensions: 15 x 11.06 x 6.06 inches
Weight: 5.97 pounds
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Review
This heater from Broan can be easily converted to 750w at 120 volt AC or 1500w at 240 volts AC. Its default configuration is 1500 W at 120V.
An adjustable front-mounted thermostat allows you to control the temperature. The heater warms up rapidly due to the efficient alloy heating element that is used inside. The permanently lubricated motor, high-efficiency blower wheel, and Nickel-chrome alloy heating element ensure that the heater will work reliably for years without additional maintenance. A manual reset thermal overload protector is provided for additional safety.
Pros
Not too loud when operating
Does not take up floor space
Great for taking the chill out without getting too warm
Cons
Rewiring is required for optimal results
Temperature sensor gets hot too fast and shuts the unit off
Best Bathroom Ceiling Heater
Broan-NuTone 157 Ceiling Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A
Power (watts): 1250
Dimensions: 11″ x 11″ x 4″ inches
Weight: # pounds
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Review
This ceiling-mounted fan heater disperses the heat evenly throughout the bathroom. The aluminum grille and low-profile housing make it suitable for any decor.
The power of the heating element is 1250 W. For additional safety, the heater comes with automatic overheat protection. Thanks to the permanently lubricated motor, you can expect years of maintenance-free operation and durability.
Pros
Doesn’t take up floor space
Not as loud as other products
Puts out a good amount of heat
Cons
Materials are not high-quality
No heat shield to protect your ceiling
Best Infrared Bathroom Heater
Heat Storm Deluxe
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 200
Power (watts): 1000
Dimensions: 13 x 3.63 x 16.5
Weight: 7.48 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent surveys regarding the use of this product have suggested that people absolutely love that it can be mounted on a wall as this helps decrease clutter in small rooms. Also, its adjustable thermostat and elegant design are worth spending money on. Easy-to-clean and replaceable filters are another plus point for many buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This sleek piece of machinery has only a 1000-watt power requirement, which prevents problems with poor wiring. Moreover, it uses safe-to-touch materials, thus preventing burning accidents. Its LED display helps to keep track of the ambient temperature.
Bottom Line
Summing up, the Heat Storm Deluxe is a powerful heater for its size. It is safe and easy to operate. Heating its surroundings using an infrared heating system makes it energy-efficient because the room remains warm long after it has been turned off.
Pros
Available in two colors, black and white
ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories) safety certified
Takes less space as it can be mounted on the wall
Remote control technology provides ease of control
An effective infrared heating system that heats not only the air but also the objects in a room
Cons
Not suitable for big rooms
Has a whistling sound that is unacceptable for some people
Types of Bathroom Heaters
There are multiple types of bathroom heaters available, and each type has their pros and cons. Let’s take a look the various types.
Portable Heaters
Portable heaters require that the unit be small and easy to carry around. They are well-suited for people who need to heat the bathroom only during the cold season. They can be removed from the bathroom and used in other rooms if needed. Because many are electrically powered and have a heating element inside, they have to use a fan to force the hot air around the room.
Pros: Portable, easy to move, effective for small rooms.
Cons: Fan can be noisy and need maintenance and cleaning.
Ceiling Heater
A ceiling heater is ideal for people who already have a ceiling box ready to place the heater in. It minimizes the electrical configuration cost and also lasts a long time. More ceiling heaters are portable enough to be moved and reinstalled elsewhere.
Pros: Small, reliable, portable in case it needs to be moved.
Cons: Long lasting, cheaper than installing wall heaters
Wall Heater
Wall heaters come in different designs including some that can be attached to the wall on a hook or attached via permanent screws. They can effectively heat small bathrooms and are quite durable as well as being inexpensive.
Pros: Inexpensive, efficient at heating small spaces
Cons: Need more electrical wiring and setup.
Baseboard
A baseboard heater is installed along the floor like other baseboard heating elements in a house. These heaters can provide a lot of heat in a short amount of time making them well-suited for the purpose.
However, a wall heater or ceiling heater can be a much better option for the bathroom.
Pros: Heats up the room quickly
Cons: Needs more installation and higher setup costs
Heater and Exhaust Fan
A heater with an exhaust fan eliminates both steam and humidity while keeping your bathroom toasty. They combine the exhaust fan function with a heating feature.
This unwanted humidity can affect your wall and appliances and result in mildew or fungal growth. In summer you can turn off the heating feature and just use it as an exhaust.
Pros: Keeps out humidity and clamminess
Cons: More expensive
Combination Heater
Combination heaters make use of heat pump systems to provide heat very efficiently. At the same time they can heat water or provide cooling to the house.
This technology can result in energy conservation of up to 10%. While expensive, combination heaters are a great option for an integrated system that both heats water and provides heating in the bathroom.
Pros: Energy efficient, long-term cost savings
Cons: Initially expensive, extensive installation needed
Can Any Space Heater Be Used in a Bathroom?
Not all space heaters are suitable to be used in bathrooms. While buying one for the bathroom, some things should be kept in mind.
Firstly, its waterproofness should be considered. While finding a 100% guaranteed waterproof heater may be difficult, condensation-proof heaters are easily available on the market. These, too, can prove to be reliable.
Secondly, there should be proper space for the heater at a safe distance from any water source to avoid accidents such as electrical shocks.
Over-heat protection is an additional feature that should be considered while purchasing a space heater for your bathroom.
Safety with Bathroom Heaters
Due to the high humidity and presence of water in the bathroom, heaters present multiple hazards. If water comes into contact with any exposed wiring, it can lead to electrocution or short circuits. Electrocution can lead to death or serious injury.
So it is vital that the manufacturer has complied with all national safety regulations. Another possibility is that someone can slip and fall on the heater, hurting themselves if it is hot to touch.
Some countermeasures for these hazards include protection switches. An overheat protection switch will ensure that the heater will turn itself off when it becomes too hot. Another safety feature is an anti-tip switch, which turns off the heater if it is knocked over or is off balance.
Conclusion
Bathroom heaters are an essential appliance if you want to stay comfortable in the cooler months while using the bathroom. The more versatile ones can be moved to other rooms when not in use, and can even serve dual purposes. Keep in mind the factors of durability, safety, and your own budget as well!
People Also Ask
One of the places where people require heat the most is the bathroom. You don’t want to get chilly, especially in the morning, when you take a shower. Here are a few FAQs that you can look into to get an insight into bathroom heaters and their uses.
The basic reason to keep a heater in the bathroom is that you have a low body temperature when you wake up in the morning, and you don’t want to get chilly when you enter in the washroom. It also removes unwanted smells and moisture from the air and keeps the toiletries dry and germ-free.
Any wise person would know that electricity and water make the worst combination, and they should be kept several feet apart from each other. However, if it is properly installed and taken good care of, then yes, they can also prove to be effective for regulating the temperature.
Convection heaters are like fan heaters and use an internal heating component to radiate warmth in the room. They are not the most recommended heaters for bathrooms; however, they would be ideal for any other room around the house.
While space heaters can come in all sorts of sizes, it is usually better to use small-sized ones in bathrooms. This is because the smaller the size of the heater is, the easier it will be to handle it and place it in a safe place, and lesser will be the chances of any unpleasant accidents.
Electricity requirements of a space heater depending upon the model. Some wall panel space heaters can use as low as 400 Watts. However, they may not be that efficient. Some infrared heaters that use 1000 Watts are deemed quite efficient as well as considered low on power while other space heaters require about 1500 Watts on average.
An electric space heater bought for bathroom use should possess some protection features that should never be compromised upon. It should be water-proof or condensation-proof. It should be equipped with overheat protection and tip-over protection. A protective plug should also be present.
Wall-mounted heaters are usually a good choice for bathroom use.
