Finding the right electric wall heater for your bathroom can make a big difference in comfort and efficiency. With so many different types and options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider when selecting an electric bathroom wall heater so you can find the best option for your needs and budget.
How Do Electric Wall Heaters Work?
Electric wall heaters work by using electric heating elements to warm the air. The heating elements are enclosed in a protective metal case with vents or openings that allow air to flow in. As the elements heat up, the air passing over them also warms up and is circulated back into the room through convection.
Most electric wall heaters have an internal thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature setting. When the interior temperature drops below the set point, the heating elements will turn on to raise the temperature. Once it reaches the desired level, the elements will cycle off again. This on-off cycling maintains your desired room temperature.
Types of Electric Bathroom Wall Heaters
There are a few main types of electric wall heaters suitable for bathrooms:
Fan-Forced: These heaters use an internal fan to pull air across the heating elements rapidly. The warmed air is then actively blown out into the room. They heat up quickly and distribute warmth efficiently.
Convection: Rely solely on natural air circulation. Cool air is drawn in through lower vents, heated, and released from upper vents. Takes longer to heat but good for humid bathrooms.
Radiant: Emit infrared radiation directly from a heated metal surface. Feel warmer than the measured air temperature. Good for drying towels or warming chilly floors.
Hydronic: Circulate heated water from a central boiler through radiators. Provide very even and comfortable warmth but require professional installation.
Key Factors to Consider
Bathroom Size
First and foremost, choose a bathroom wall heater with an appropriate heating capacity for the size of your space. Too small and it won’t be able to raise temperatures sufficiently. Too large and it will cycle on and off frequently, leading to inconsistent warmth.
As a general guideline for bathrooms:
| Bathroom Size | Recommended Heating Capacity |
|---|---|
| 25-50 sq ft | 750-1000 watts |
| 50-100 sq ft | 1000-1500 watts |
| 100-150 sq ft | 1500-2000 watts |
Measure your bathroom’s floor area and ceiling height, then choose a heater with a wattage rating within the recommended range.
Fuel Type
The main decision here is between a hardwired electric heater or plug-in portable model. Hardwired heaters provide more power and efficiency but do require professional installation and wiring. Plug-in units are easier to install DIY but have lower heat output.
Consider any wiring constraints in your bathroom and whether you want the heater to be permanently mounted or have the flexibility to move it around as needed.
Heat Settings and Thermostat
Look for a wall heater with adjustable heat settings and a built-in thermostat. Multiple heat settings allow you to control the intensity of heat. The thermostat automatically maintains the desired temperature so you don’t have to constantly adjust it manually.
More advanced digital thermostats offer added convenience and precision. You can program custom schedules and set point temperatures for greater control.
Safety Features
Proper safety features are paramount for any bathroom electric heater that will be around moisture. Key protections to look for include:
– Tip-over auto shut-off sensor
– Overheat protection
– Moisture/splash resistance rating (IP24 minimum)
– Built-in GFCI on hardwired models
– UL/ETL certification
Special Bathroom Features
Some electric wall heaters are designed with extra features ideal for bathrooms:
– Quiet fan operation
– Bathroom-specific sizing
– Fog-free mirrors
– Towel warmer racks
– Built-in lights or nightlights
– Low-profile, streamlined designs
Think about which special features would be most useful for your bathroom.
Smart Home Compatibility
If you want to control your bathroom heater remotely from your phone or integrate it with an existing smart home system, look for a model with smart WiFi connectivity. They allow for app and voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings and more.
Energy Efficiency Rating
More energy efficient models have lower operating costs but tend to cost more upfront. Consider how often you will use the heater and the long-term energy savings. Look for ENERGY STAR rated heaters for the best efficiency.
Warranty
Heaters with longer warranties will give you more peace of mind. The minimum should be 1 year, but 5-10 years is ideal for parts and labour coverage. It’s a sign of a quality product.
The Best Electric Wall Heaters for Bathrooms
Now that you know what to look for, here are some top recommendations in different categories:
Overall Best: Broan 655 Heater and Heated Fan
– Hardwired, recessed for flush fit
– 1500 watt fan-forced heating element
– Built-in adjustable fan with moisture-resistant grille
– Digital thermostat with auto humidity control
– Towel warming racks
– Night light setting
The Broan 655 is a smart choice for any medium to large bathroom. It provides comfortable radiant heat, ventilation, and towel warming all-in-one. The sleek low-profile design mounts seamlessly into your wall.
Best Smart Heater: Heat Storm HS-1500-PH WiFi Infrared
– 1500 watts of quartz infrared heating
– WiFi app control and voice activation
– Energy efficient, low 250 watt consumption
– Modern ultra-thin 1-inch depth
– Mounts on wall or ceiling
– Splashproof casing (IP55 rated)
This smart WiFi heater from Heat Storm gives you maximum control over your bathroom warmth right from your phone. It uses infrared quartz tubes to heat people directly while consuming very little energy in standby mode.
Best Portable Plug-In: Lasko 755320 Ceramic Bathroom Heater
– 1500 watt ceramic heating element
– Compact, lightweight design (only 9 lbs)
– Carrying handle for portability
– Self-regulating ceramic element
– Protective overheat safety shutoff
– ETL listed
For a portable bathroom heater, the Lasko 755320 packs a lot of heating power in a compact form. It’s affordably priced and easy to move room to room as needed. The durable ceramic heating element provides comfort and safety.
Best Hydronic: Amba Radiant Pro-5 Electric Towel Warmer
– 40 inch electric hydronic radiator
– dual heating elements (840 watts total)
– Heats up to 235 sq ft
– Smooth modern towel rack design
– Easy installation with wall brackets
– Lifetime warranty on heating system
Get spa-like comfort with this elegant electric hydronic towel warmer from Amba. It uses heated water to provide very even warmth all along the generous 40-inch towel bar surface. Dries towels and heats your bathroom at the same time!
Best Value: Brightown 750W Electric Convection Heater
– 750 watt convection heating
– Compact 12 x 10 x 3 inch size
– Adjustable digital thermostat
– Tip-over and overheat safety protection
– Plug-in operation with 5 foot cord
– 1 year warranty
– Budget-friendly price under $50
This little convection heater packs a punch with 750 watts of heating power in a compact footprint – all for an affordable price point. The thermostat, safety features, and 1 year warranty make it a great value pick.
Conclusion
When choosing the best electric wall heater for your bathroom, first determine the appropriate heating capacity and features that suit your space. Hardwired heaters provide more power, while plug-in models offer greater portability. Look for important safety protections and energy efficient operation. Smart WiFi models allow remote app control for ultimate convenience. Consider special features like fans, towel warmers and lights for a multi-functional bathroom heater. With so many options available, you can find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.