When it comes to choosing an electric heater for the bathroom, there are a few key factors to consider. The main requirements are safety, energy efficiency, power output, and special features. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of different types of bathroom heaters to help you find the best option for your needs.
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Safety Considerations
Safety should always be the number one priority when selecting any type of heater, but especially for damp and humid bathroom environments. Look for units that have automatic shut off features if they get knocked over or overheat. Choose a heater with guards over the heating elements to prevent direct contact. Check that the unit has tip-over protection and overheat protection. Opt for heaters that are ETL, UL, or CSA certified to ensure they meet all safety standards.
Moisture-Resistance
It’s crucial to choose a unit that can withstand moisture. Bathroom heaters should have Ingress Protection (IP) ratings of at least IP21 or IP24 to protect against dripping water. Units with an IP44 or IP65 rating are even better since they can handle splashes and jets of water from any direction.
Placement
Be sure to pick a spot for the heater at least 3 feet away from sinks, tubs, showers and other sources of water. Mount it high up on a wall or ceiling if possible. Never place a portable unit directly on the floor where it could get wet. Take note of the heater’s clearance requirements and don’t install too close to curtains, towels or other flammable items.
Power Output
Calculate the bathroom’s square footage and consider the layout, windows, insulation, and other factors to determine the appropriate wattage heater you’ll need. Here are some general power output guidelines:
- 100-250 watts – very small bathrooms up to 25 sq ft
- 250-500 watts – medium bathrooms 25-50 sq ft
- 500-1000 watts – large bathrooms 50-100 sq ft
- 1000-1500 watts – very large bathrooms 100-150 sq ft
It’s better to get a heater with a higher wattage than you need and simply use a lower setting. But don’t go overboard on wattage for a smaller space or the bathroom could get uncomfortably hot.
Cost Efficiency
Electric heating can get expensive, so energy efficiency is key. Seek out units with adjustable thermostats and timers so you can control the temperature and operating hours. This prevents the heater from running non-stop. Look for heaters with high energy efficiency ratings. Insulated housing also helps retain heat better. Programmable and smart heaters that automatically adjust output based on conditions are more cost efficient to run.
Types of Bathroom Heaters
Now let’s explore some of the most common and best types of electric heaters for bathrooms:
Ceramic Heater
A ceramic heater uses a ceramic heating element encased in a metal or plastic housing. They heat up fast, provide instant and consistent heat, and have adjustable thermostats. Smaller ceramic heaters are inexpensive and good for portable use. Drawbacks are they only provide radiant spot heat in a small area.
Fan-Forced Heater
These electric heaters use a ceramic heating element with an electric fan that blows out hot air. They heat up quickly and the fan distributes warmth faster throughout the room. Fan-forced models provide more broad, convection heating compared to radiant types. They come in portable and fixed wall-mount options.
Oil-Filled Radiator
Oil-filled heaters use electric heating elements to warm mineral oil sealed inside metal columns. The oil retains and evenly radiates heat. Pros are they provide very stable, uniform heating and most models are portable. Downsides are slower warm up time and convection heating only.
Panel Heater
Thin, wall-mounted electric panel heaters are designed to blend seamlessly into bathrooms. They provide quick radiant heat directed at people in the room, not open air. Most have adjustable thermostats and timers. Versatile for heating small zones.
Electric Towel Warmer
Towel warmers mount on walls like panel heaters but include metal bars to warm towels. Convenient for heating bathrooms and drying wet towels. However, they only provide radiant heat in a small directed zone, not throughout an entire bathroom.
Wall Heater
Hardwired electric wall heaters provide permanent heating solutions for bathrooms. Basic convection models use metal heating elements and a fan while more advanced hydronic heaters heat liquid in pipes. Wall-mount heaters evenly heat up larger areas but are pricier and harder to install.
Baseboard Heater
Baseboard heaters mount along walls near floor level. They use electric heating elements and elongated fins to transfer heat by convection. While effective for zone heating, the exposed heating elements and hot fins may pose safety concerns in damp bathrooms.
Special Features
Some other features to look for when choosing the best bathroom heater:
- Adjustable Thermostat – Lets you control heat output and temperature
- Programmable Timer – Automatically turns on and off during set times
- Tip-Over Switch – Automatically shuts off if knocked over
- Overheat Protection – Turns off if interior overheats
- Remote Control – Allows controlling and programming from a distance
- Motion Sensor – Turns on when motion detected in the room
- Quiet Operation – For noise-free use
- Extra Safety Features – Child lock, cool-touch exterior, auto shut-off
- Smart/WiFi-Enabled – Connects to smart home devices and apps
- Portability – Built-in wheels or handles for moving around
- Wall-Mount – Install permanently on walls or ceilings
Top Picks
Here are my top recommendations for the best electric heaters for bathrooms based on your preferences:
| Heater | Type | Power | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater | Panel radiant heater | 400-1500W | Slim, permanently wall-mounted, programmable, safe for bathrooms |
| Lasko 755320 Ceramic Heater | Ceramic fan heater | 1500W | Portable, oscillating, adjustable thermostat, fast heating, safety features |
| Heat Storm Wall-Mounted Infrared Heater | Infrared wall heater | 1000/1500W | Permanent wall mount, energy efficient, remote control, LED touch display, smart |
| DeLonghi TRD40615E Oil Filled Radiator | Oil-filled radiator | 1500W | Portable, provides stable and even room heating, energy efficient, safe |
| Broan 174 Wall Heater | Wall convection heater | 250-1000W | Permanent mount, suitable for small baths, durable steel housing, front dial controls |
| Heat Storm Sahara Infrared Bathroom Heater | Infrared wall heater | 1000/1500W | Mounted permanently, slim 1-inch design,WIFI/Alexa enabled, touch screen remote control. |
Conclusion
The best electric heater for your bathroom depends on the size of the space, your budget, and what features are most important to you. Smaller baths do well with plug-in portable heaters like ceramic and oil-filled radiators. Larger bathrooms benefit from permanently installed wall-mounted panel heaters, infrared heaters, or wall convection heaters. Seek out units with adjustable thermostats, timers, and safety features. The top options provide convenient heat for your bathroom while optimizing energy efficiency and peace of mind.