Tired of stepping out of a warm shower into a freezing bathroom? These bathroom heaters keep you toasty during those frosty winter months.
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Buying a Bathroom Heater
Getting out of bed is hard enough when it’s cold out, and the idea of venturing into a frigid bathroom makes it even harder. The best bathroom heaters remedy that by warming up the space quickly and easily. They’re available in various types and sizes; one is probably right for you.
Consider these factors when choosing a bathroom heater:
Safety
- For plug-in heaters, make sure it has an Appliance Leakage Current Interrupter (ALCI) plug. This ensures it will shut off if it falls into a sink of water, and greatly reduces any chance of electrical shock. Most portable space heaters do NOT have an ALCI plug, which is why you shouldn’t use just any heater in your bathroom.
- If you have pets or small children, consider a wall- or ceiling-mounted unit so it’s out of reach. Some heaters become hot to the touch, and potentially dangerous for curious fingers and paws.
- Always plug your corded bathroom heater into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Identified by their “test” and “reset” buttons, these shut off the circuit if electrical flow turns irregular. GFCIs have been mandatory in bathrooms since 1975, but if you live in an older home, double-check your outlets.
Installation
- Will you be installing your heater yourself? Carefully review the installation requirements and instructions for your heater. If it requires more electrical work than you’re comfortable with, leave it to an electrician.
- If you go with a pro, factor that cost into the total price of your heater.
Heat output
- Depending on the size of your bathroom, you might require a more powerful heater than you think. Generally, ceiling- and wall-mounted units pump more heat than smaller portable units.
- Determine the square footage of your bathroom so you know the heater you choose is properly sized. Here’s how:
- Add the length of each wall.
- Multiply that number by the height of the room from floor to ceiling. This number is the square footage of the room.
Best Hard-Wired Ceiling-Mounted Bathroom Heater
Hard-wired heaters require some expertise or the help of a professional to install, but their lack of power cords is a plus. The Broan-NuTone 157 features an encased heating element that provides 1,250 watts of warming power with the flip of a switch. Automatic shutoff and overheat protection reduce the chances of safety issues.
Best Hard-Wired Wall-Mount Bathroom Heater
Wall-mounted hard-wired heaters are significantly easier to install than ceiling-mounted models. Plus, you can access wall-mounted heater controls on the unit itself, without a separate control switch.
This low-profile Stiebel Eltron model sits just 4.81 inches off the wall and features a built-in thermostat, so you can dial in the temperature that’s just right for you. It also offers frost protection, so the lowest temperature setting will stay above freezing if the heater is properly sized for the room.
Best Portable Bathroom Heater
Though portable bathroom heaters take up valuable floor space, they’re still a great choice for those who want to use the heater elsewhere in their home. Portable heaters are also convenient for those hoping to avoid an installation or wiring project.
This Lasko model emphasizes safety with an ALCI plug, overheat protection and an exterior that stays cool to the touch. It’s also easy to use — just plug it in and press the oversized power button on top. The one-hour timer means you won’t have to remember to shut it off.
Best Wall-Mounted Plug-In Bathroom Heater
Wall-mounted heaters like this one can be easily installed with just a screwdriver. Installation typically causes only minimal damage to the wall, and these heaters simply plug into a wall outlet.
This low-profile (two-inch thick) Envi high-efficiency heater features a sleek, white finish that works well in most bathrooms. A safety sensor automatically cuts off the power if the unit is removed from the wall. And regardless of how long it’s been running, the exterior won’t exceed 90 F.
Best Bathroom Heater, With Light
Combining light and fan components with your heater reduces the clutter and mounting hardware on your ceiling. These heater combos cost more than standard models, though they made sense if you were considering replacing the light anyway.
This Delta Electronics heater takes an LED light instead of a CFL bulb, so it lasts significantly longer. Bonus: It’s dimmable.
Best Low-Budget Bathroom Heater
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a warm bathroom. Lower-budget heaters can still produce enough heat to warm up smaller rooms, and they’re typically smaller and take up less room than more expensive options.
The rotating wall plug with this plug-in model from Minetom lets you orient it in any direction. And the automatic shutoff means you won’t sacrificing safety for affordability.
Best Compact Portable Bathroom Heater
Compact portable heaters are convenient because they don’t take up much space and are easier to position and angle the way you like.
This Optimus portable heater is just five inches wide. It also features a digital thermostat with two heat settings and a timer function. A sturdy base reduces the chances of someone accidentally knocking it over. And if that does happen, a tip-over switch shuts it off.
Best Recessed Wall Bathroom Heater
Unlike models mounted on the wall itself, recessed heaters are actually set inside the wall, with just the grill or face-plate protruding into the bathroom. That makes installation more complicated.
This Broan-NuTone 174 can warm up to 150 square feet of space. It comes with a built-in thermostat, and its louvered grill directs the warm air downward to heat the room from the floor up.
Best Low-Profile Ceiling Bathroom Heater
Low-profile, compact ceiling heaters blend in with your bathroom to create a sleek, modern look. The Broan-NuTone 9093WH extends just three inches from the ceiling, and the 100-watt light bulb also can act as a seven-watt nightlight.
An exhaust fan helps distribute heat evenly around the room. Combined with the 1,500-watt heating element, it should warm up your bathroom quickly and efficiently.
Note: Make sure you already have the necessary four-inch duct work in place. If not, you or a pro will need to install it.
Still looking for ways to keep your bathroom warm? Learn more aboutbathroom fireplaces, bathroom heat lamps, and radiant heat installation.
