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Using a cold bathroom is a pretty unpleasant experience, but fortunately there are a wide range of bathroom heaters that can quickly make the space warm and cozy. They range from low-cost portable models to powerful wall-mounted devices, and there are even models that offer smart control.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the various types of bathroom heaters available and the essential features that shoppers will want to consider. During our research, we checked out nearly 50 different models and consulted a number of industry experts. That information resulted in the selection of the best bathroom heaters below.
- BEST OVERALL: Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Bathroom Heater
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Honeywell VersaHeat 2-in-1 Heater and Fan
- BEST QUIET: DeLonghi Bathroom Safe 1200W Radiant Heater
- BEST PORTABLE: Lasko 1500W Bathroom Space Heater
- BEST CEILING-MOUNTED: Panasonic WhisperWarm DC Fan/Heater
- BEST WITH LIGHT: Broan-NuTone Heater Ventilation Fan With Light
- BEST FAN: Stiebel Eltron Wall-Mounted Electric Fan Heater
- BEST RECESSED: Broan-NuTone Comfort-Flo Wall Heater
- ALSO CONSIDER: Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater
How We Chose the Best Bathroom Heaters
Performing personal ablutions in a chilly space is uncomfortable, but there are solutions available, including heated bathroom floors and a heated towel rack for bathroom use (discussed in this article). But space heaters offer a way to warm the entire room, which makes them such an effective option. The choice of bathroom heaters is vast, as is the way they are fitted and their range of features. When putting together this collated article, we researched products from all the leading heater brands, plus several lesser-known manufacturers that offer innovative or unusual solutions, and while quality was nonnegotiable, we also considered price.
Heat output is obviously a key issue, and we wanted to find models for a variety of bathroom sizes. Ease of use and noise level are both important aspects, and the matter of how the bathroom heater is fitted also came under scrutiny. Safety, of course, is key with these devices, says remodeling expert Benjamin Stenson, director of operations of Norsemen, a home remodeling contractor in Louisville, Kentucky. “Safety features are paramount, so users must opt for heaters designed to withstand bathroom conditions,” says Stenson.
Our Top Picks
We put together the following list of best bathroom heaters using the criteria outlined above. We’ve given each one a different category to help shoppers quickly identify the models most likely to meet their individual needs.
Best Overall
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Bathroom Heater
With so many good models available, selecting the best bathroom heater overall was no simple task, but the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI infrared heater earns the top spot for its versatility and convenience. The headline feature is the Wi-Fi compatibility plus free phone app that allows monitoring and control from anywhere. A wealth of other features also make it an attractive choice.
The Heat Storm electric heater produces up to 1,500 watts (W) of infrared heat and has an eco mode designed to reduce power while maintaining room temperature. In addition to the app, there’s a digital touch screen with thermostat control in 1-degree steps. Among a wealth of user-friendly features is a safe-touch grill, child lock, auto dimmer, and overheating protection. The Heat Storm will remember previous settings if there’s a power outage and has a lifetime air filter to capture dust and dander. It runs at just 40 decibels, which is often called library quiet.
Product Specs
- Type: Wall-mounted
- Maximum heat output: 1,500W
- Heat control: Digital thermostat with 1-degree increments
Pros
- This versatile electric heater for bathroom or general use is Wi-Fi enabled for distance control
- Auto eco mode can reduce power use while maintaining room temperature
- Lifetime filter extracts dust and dander for cleaner, healthier air
Cons
- Complaints are rare though Wi-Fi can be flaky, and there’s no appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) safety plug
Get the Heat Storm bathroom heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Honeywell VersaHeat 2-in-1 Heater and Fan
Anyone looking for a small bathroom heater will want to check out the Honeywell VersaHeat that combines versatility with affordability. It is a compact unit at just 11 inches long by 6.1 inches wide by 5.5 inches deep, yet it produces an impressive 1,100W of power on high and 750W on low. There is also a fan-only option for cooling.
The Honeywell VersaHeat can be used either upright or lying down, so it’s easy to find space for it. The fitting of an ALCI plug makes it safe for bathroom use. A shut-off timer is included with intervals of 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours. Control is either via buttons on the unit itself or a handheld remote.
Product Specs
- Type: Portable
- Maximum heat output: 1,100W
- Heat control: High, low, or fan only
Pros
- An affordable portable heater with ALCI safety plug for bathroom use
- Can be used horizontally or vertically to minimize impact on the space available
- Automatic shut-off timer offers 30-minute, 1-hour, and 2-hour settings
Cons
- A variety of fault reports from owners suggests inconsistent quality control
Get the Honeywell bathroom heater at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Quiet
DeLonghi Bathroom Safe 1200W Radiant Heater
Oil-filled radiators had always been a silent heating option, but as heavy, power-hungry devices, they were largely overtaken by more modern alternatives. Enter the DeLonghi, a lighter and more maneuverable model that weighs just 7.8 pounds. And, with a choice of three heat settings (1,200W on high; 700W on medium; and 500W on low), it can be more economical than its predecessors, too.
There is a manual programmable timer with a 24-hour range that looks a bit old school but usually works flawlessly. The eight-fin design increases surface area so it heats consistently but without the surface getting very hot. A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) safety plug is fitted. While the DeLonghi heater is a budget-friendly, completely silent option, it does heat up a bit slowly, though so the timer is useful for preheating the bathroom before use.
Product Specs
- Type: Oil-filled radiator
- Maximum heat output: 1,200W
- Heat control: 3-stage thermostat
Pros
- Completely silent oil-filled bathroom radiator fitted with a GFCI safety plug
- Offers 3 power settings plus 24-hour programmable manual timer
- Has built-in carry handles for portability and weighs just 7.8 pounds
Cons
- Heating is slow, so it’s a good idea to preheat the bathroom
Get the DeLonghi bathroom heater at The Home Depot.
Best Portable
Lasko 1500W Bathroom Space Heater
At just 8 inches long by 6.25 inches wide by 6.25 inches high, and weighing only 3.35 pounds, it won’t be easy to find a more compact bathroom space heater than this Lasko model. Its small size makes the maximum output of 1,500W even more impressive, and there is a lower setting as well (probably 750W, but Lasko doesn’t provide a figure).
There is a single-touch Simple Heat button that runs the Lasko for an hour to take the chill out of the bathroom on particularly cold days. An ALCI safety plug is fitted, and there’s overheating protection. The case should stay cool, but the heater grill on the front of the unit will get hot.
Product Specs
- Type: Portable
- Maximum heat output: 1,500W
- Heat control: High, low, and 1-hour Simple Heat
Pros
- A compact and lightweight model with a very competitive heat output
- 1-hour Simple Heat button to pre-warm the bathroom before use
- Safety features include an ALCI safety plug, overheating protection, and cool touch case
Cons
- Faults are not common, but durability may be an issue and housing may eventually distort
Get the Lasko bathroom heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Ceiling-Mounted
Panasonic WhisperWarm DC Fan/Heater
A ceiling-mounted bathroom heater doesn’t use up valuable floor or wall space, and when properly installed, there should be no safety issues. The Panasonic WhisperWarm goes one better by combining a bathroom vent with heater in a single low-profile unit.
As an extractor fan, it can be set to run at 50, 80 or 110 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to suit a variety of room sizes. The heater has a fixed output of 1,600W but can be connected to a thermostat, allowing full control over room warmth. The Panasonic WhisperWarm uses the brand’s own intelligent DC motor that balances performance with energy saving. The grill can be adjusted to direct warm air.
A Flex-Z Fast bracket is designed to simplify installation, and the Panasonic can be fitted to either 4-inch or 6-inch ducting. A dimmable LED is also an option (at extra cost).
Product Specs
- Type: Ceiling-mounted
- Maximum heat output: 1,600W
- Heat control: None (see product description, above)
Pros
- Combines extractor fan and bathroom heater in 1 low-profile unit
- Intelligent electronically commutated motor (ECM) uses Smartflow Technology to maximize performance while minimizing power consumption
- Adjustable grill has a built-in diffuser that disperses heat efficiently
Cons
- It’s quite expensive, and while DIY fitting is possible, some users may want professional installation, adding to the cost
Get the Panasonic bathroom heater at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
Best With Light
Broan-NuTone Heater Ventilation Fan With Light
The Broan-NuTone follows a similar principle to the Panasonic described above, but in addition to ventilation, there is also a bathroom light/heater combination. There are two light sources: a standard 100W incandescent bulb for general use and a 7W alternative as a soft-glow night-light.
Extraction is provided at 110 CFM, which Broan-NuTone rates as sufficient for rooms up to 100 square feet. The heater runs at 1,500W and is intended to be connected to an in-line thermostat for room temperature control. A wall-mounted switch is included, giving separate control of each of the four functions (4-inch ducting is required).
Product Specs
- Type: Ceiling-mounted
- Maximum heat output: 1,500W
- Heat control: None (see description)
Pros
- Offers 110 CFM extraction fan plus 1,500W heater in a single unit
- Provides 100W lighting for general use and 7W soft-glow night-light
- Intended for easy DIY installation and includes 4-function wall switch
Cons
- Given the price, we find it annoying that bulbs are not included
Get the Broan-NuTone bathroom heater with light at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Fan
Stiebel Eltron Wall-Mounted Electric Fan Heater
The main purpose of a bathroom heater with a fan is to spread the heat as rapidly as possible around the room. The downside is often extra noise. The Stiebel Eltron wall heater is different in that it delivers warmth quickly while running at just 49 decibels, about the level of a modern refrigerator.
Maximum output is 1,500W, which Stiebel Eltron rates as sufficient for rooms up to 150 square feet. A built-in thermostat regulates performance, and there is a 60-minute boost timer with the unit automatically reverting to its previous setting at the end of the period. There is also a frost protection setting and an on/off switch that shuts down the whole unit to prevent accidental use.
Product Specs
- Type: Wall-mounted
- Maximum heat output: 1,500W
- Heat control: Manual thermostat
Pros
- Downdraft fan designed to spread heat rapidly through the bathroom
- 60-minute boost timer with auto return to previous setting
- Fan runs at a relatively quiet 49 decibels (comparable to a modern refrigerator)
Cons
- There are a few reports of faulty thermostats that frequently cycle on and off
Get the Stiebel Eltron bathroom heater at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Recessed
Broan-NuTone Comfort-Flo Wall Heater
Wall heaters can save valuable floor space but they can also butt into the room, providing a frustrating obstacle. The Broan-NuTone Comfort-Flo is a recessed or in-wall bathroom heater that provides a low-profile solution. Louvers direct the heat flow downwards helping to spread warmth evenly, and a front-mounted knob controls the built-in thermostat.
The Broan-NuTone Comfort-Flo is factory wired at 1,500W and 120 volts. It can be converted to 750W at 120 volts or 1,500W at 240 volts, which may suit some installations. Note that choice of watts is final; it does not offer two output levels. Installation is fairly straightforward, but those with limited DIY experience may wish to hire a contractor.
Product Specs
- Type: Wall-mounted
- Maximum heat output: 1,500W
- Heat control: Manual thermostat
Pros
- Fits discreetly into the wall so it doesn’t butt into valuable bathroom space
- Louvers direct warm air downwards so heat spreads evenly throughout the room
- Durable steel construction with hard-wearing, wipe-clean white enamel finish
Cons
- Single output level only, and some may prefer professional installation, which will add cost
Get the Broan-NuTone Comfort-Flo bathroom heater at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Also Consider
Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater
Another ceramic space heater worth a look is the Dreo Solaris Slim H3. At just 4.63 pounds and with a built-in carry handle, it’s designed to be portable. While it could be used in any room, it has an ALCI safety plug, making it suitable for bathrooms.
Maximum output is 1,500W with a digital thermostat that provides temperatures between 41 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a 70 degree oscillation to spread the warmth effectively and five modes including eco and fan only. There is a 1- to 12-hour timer plus overheating and tip-over protection. It runs at just 40 decibels, which is often called library quiet.
Product Specs
- Type: Portable
- Maximum heat output: 1,500W
- Heat control: Digital thermostat with 1-degree increments
Pros
- Feature-rich heater with 70 degree oscillation to spread consistent warmth throughout the space
- Offers 5 modes, 1- to 12-hour timer, and runs at just 40 decibels
- Fitted with ALCI safety plug plus overheating and tip-over protection
Cons
- While most buyers seem happy, some find the thermostat inconsistent, and a few have reported that the unit overheated
Get the Dreo bathroom heater at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Heater
While the appearance of a bathroom heater will always have an impact on choice, there are a number of physical and technical aspects to consider. The information below will help shoppers home in on the most appropriate type of bathroom heater for their needs.
Type
The three general types of heaters for bathrooms include portable, wall-mounted, and ceiling-mounted heaters.
Portable
The term “portable” can refer to a variety of bathroom heaters, including plug-ins, space heaters, and oil-filled radiators. These are usually among the most affordable bathroom heaters. The main point is that they are not permanently fitted to the bathroom wall or ceiling so they can be used in other rooms. Some are very light and easy to move. Space heaters often have carry handles. Although oil-filled radiators are heavier, they can still be moved if necessary. All of these might be good options for bathrooms not in regular use, such as in a guest accommodation.
Wall-Mounted
The main advantage of wall-mounted bathroom heaters is that they don’t take up valuable floor space. They can also be very discreet. Wall-mounted exhaust fans are sometimes combined with heater elements, though these generally have more modest output.
Ceiling-Mounted
Much like wall-mounted models, a ceiling-mounted bathroom heater can be both powerful and discreet. Its position also keeps it well away from small children and pets. Many are combined with an exhaust fan, which is a benefit but can complicate installation.
Size and Heat Output
Physical size will have an impact on choice, especially in smaller bathrooms. Plug-ins and small space heaters can be an effective option, though recessed wall- and ceiling-models have no space penalty at all once installed.
Actual heat output can be difficult to assess. Most bathroom heaters are rated in watts. Opinions vary, but many experts quote 5 to 10 watts per square feet as the optimum for comfortable warmth. Manufacturer figures may disagree with this generalization and are perhaps a better guide. Models described as providing “supplemental” heat might also fall below this standard, but it does depend on bathroom size. Bathroom heaters that provide thermostats or two output settings offer greater control over personal comfort.
Safety
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, with a risk of serious electrical shock. The descriptive materials for any heater intended for use in the bathroom should clearly state that it is for bathroom use, but there are no official guidelines that we could find. Wall- and ceiling-mounted bathroom heaters present little risk when installed correctly because there are no exposed heater elements or plugs.
Other units may be at risk of water splashes, so thought should be given to positioning. In addition, there is some risk at wall outlets. The usual solution is to fit either an ALCI or GFCI safety plug. Both will cut power in a fraction of a second and prevent harm. Many manufacturers provide these, but they can also be retrofitted.
Additional Features
- The amount of temperature control varies considerably. Ceiling fans may simply be on/off devices, though thermostatic control is common. Thermostats may offer only two or three settings, or they may be fully variable. They may also be combined with separate heat settings. Comparing different types of bathroom heaters can be difficult, so shoppers will want to pay attention to exactly how much flexibility and control is provided.
- Noise level is another key area. While bathroom heaters aren’t particularly noisy, fans may have an impact at high settings. Decibel ratings may be provided, though suh descriptions as “low noise” and “whisper quiet” are used more often.
- Handheld remote controls are a popular extra. Functionality varies, so it’s another area worth checking. Smart control via Wi-Fi and telephone app is widely available for space heaters, allowing remote control and scheduling. These options are also available on a few wall heaters.
- Timers are sometimes offered and may be manual or digital.
- Ceiling-mounted bathroom fans may include lighting.
FAQs
There’s a lot of detailed information in the article above, and we hope it will have answered the majority of questions that often crop up regarding choosing the best bathroom heater. While doing our research, we came across some queries of a more general nature, and we have addressed those here.
Q. What is the best way to heat a small bathroom?
The best way to heat a small bathroom is often with either a portable heater, a fan-less wall panel, or a towel rail. These provide sufficient heat but are either very quiet or completely silent. A small bathroom is no place for excess noise.
Q. Are bathroom heaters worth it?
Bathroom heaters are absolutely worth it, as anyone who has had to bathe in a cold bathroom will attest. What’s more, many are very affordable as well as economical to run, so users can have a little luxury without a big bill.
Q. What types of heaters are allowed in bathrooms?
Many different types of heaters are allowed in bathrooms, ranging from low-cost portable models to a variety of wall- and ceiling-mounted options. Our collection of top bathroom heaters listed above underlines the wide choice available.
Q. Are bathroom heaters safe to use?
Bathroom heaters are perfectly safe to use when installed and operated following the manufacturers recommendations. Sometimes it’s as simple as having an ALCI safety plug fitted. With others, the wiring is hidden and out of harm’s way.
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