Best Bathroom Heaters

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 13, 2024
Getting out of a hot bath and feeling cold air on your skin is not the kind of feeling you look forward to, especially in winter. ...Read more
PROS

The model is compatible with both LED and incandescent bulbs. A white panel will ensure diffused soft light and add to the decor of your bathroom.  

CONS

The unit wiring cavity is pretty small. 

OUR VERDICT

The Broan-NuTone 765H80LB is a ceiling model that boasts triple functionality. Operating at 80 CFM, it can function as an exhaust fan for efficient bath ventilation. Besides, it serves as a heater for colder months and as an added light fixture. At 2 sones, the unit is pretty quiet and won't disturb you.

detailed parameters
Type

Fan heater 

Installation Type

Ceiling mount

Heating Area

Not specified

Maximum Power

1300 watts

Thermostat

No

Safety Features

Automatic-reset thermal protection

Size

14.25" x 8.25" x 5.75"

Warranty

1-year limited

PROS

Allowing for added controls installation, the model can be fitted with two more wall controls - 60-min timer or 15-min timer - for greater convenience and functionality.

CONS

You'll need to place it right in the center of the ceiling to achieve uniform heating.

OUR VERDICT

If you want a bathroom heater that would not attract attention and could be mounted discreetly, the Broan 157 ceiling heater is your best choice. It's a quiet and sleek fan that generates a sufficient amount of power to warm up to 160 square feet of space and needs no additional wall openings to be mounted. 

detailed parameters
Type

Fan heater

Installation Type

Ceiling mount

Heating Area

about 160 sq. ft.

Maximum Power

1250 watts

Thermostat

No

Safety Features

Overheat protection

Size

11" x 11" x 4"

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Thanks to an auto-oscillation up to 80 degrees, the airflow will evenly distribute around the whole area to be heated for maximum quick and efficient heatup. 

CONS

The handle is somewhat small and slippery. 

OUR VERDICT

The OPOLAR ceramic heater is a real find for cold-sensitive persons who seek an added wave of warmth when taking bath or shower. The model is distinguished by the IP21 waterproof design and you can place right next to the tub for directional heat. And a whole bunch of protective features makes it extremely safe. 

detailed parameters
Type

Ceramic heater

Installation Type

Free-standing 

Heating Area

about 200 sq. ft.

Maximum Power

1500 watts

Thermostat

Adjustable, 2 heat settings, Fan mode

Safety Features

Overheat protection, Tip-over protection, ALCI plug, IP21 waterproof design

Size

13.7" x 8.7" x 7.1"

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A one-hour automatic shut-off option will let you set the heater to operate for some specific time without worrying that you might forget to turn the unit off. 

CONS

No tip-over protection. 

OUR VERDICT

Distinguished by express compactness, small footprint, and self-regulating ceramic heating element, the Lasko CD08200 is a space-wise solution for smaller bathrooms limited in the area. One-touch controls make it a breeze to use. And it can easily double as a personal heater. 

detailed parameters
Type

Ceramic heater

Installation Type

Free-standing

Heating Area

about 200 sq. ft.

Maximum Power

1500 watts

Thermostat

No, 2 heat settings

Safety Features

Overheat protection, Cool-touch housing, ETL listed, ALCI safety plug

Size

7.65" x 4" x 6"

Warranty

3-year limited

PROS

The model stands out for super-fast heat-up. In less than a minute, you'll feel that the indoor air temperature rising. Besides, it features an adjustable thermostat to optimize operation and power consumption. 

CONS

The unit is a bit noisy. 

OUR VERDICT

Though the Pro Breeze certainly can not serve as the main heat source, it will come in handy anywhere you need heat boost. Safe, compact, solid, and affordable, it is a great option for creating a comfy atmosphere in the bathroom, home office, workshop, garage, or any other smaller space.

detailed parameters
Type

Ceramic heater

Installation Type

Free-standing

Heating Area

about 200 sq. ft.

Maximum Power

1500 watts

Thermostat

Adjustable, 2 heat settings, Fan mode

Safety Features

Overheat protection, Tip-over switch

Size

10" x 6.4" x 5"

Warranty

1 year

Triple Functionality

A bathroom is constantly exposed to moisture, hence, the risk of mold growth and bacterial build up in this area is pretty high. As a result, an exhaust fan is a piece of equipment present in pretty much any bathroom to balance humidity and avoid fungi and mold. And what if this device could have added functionality that will save you the need to buy some other units? This is what you’ll get with the Broan Nu Tone 765H80LB bathroom exhaust heater.

Straight off the reel, the model encompasses the functions of an exhaust fan, a heater, and a light fixture. A powerful fan operating at the speed of 80 CFM ensures efficient ventilation to take away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew and keep your bathroom dry, which is especially important in mornings and late evenings when all family members want to take shower or bath. Further on, at 1300 watts of power, an integrated heating element provides a powerful stream of heat that will add warmth and comfort to your bathtime and also promote moisture drying afterward. Besides, the unit comes fitted with built-in lighting capabilities and can serve as a full-scale source of light for your bathroom. Notably, it allows for using either LED or incandescent bulbs, whatever your choice.

Though the unit coverage area is not mentioned in technical specs, customers report that the unit does a great job in both larger master baths and in smaller ones. Thus, it can bring the air up to 70F degrees in the area of about 150 sq.ft in less than 10 minutes, with the ventilation staying rapid and efficient for this area too. In the meantime, at 2.0 Sones, the unit is distinguished by a fairly quiet operation. It will just produce a slight buzzing sound to let you know that the fan is on.

Sleek and Smart Design

The Broan Nu Tone 765H8 is a ceiling-mounted combo, so, obviously, installation is required. Yet, the good news is that it won’t take you much tweaking and detailed instruction will help you get the job done without a hitch even if you are quite new to this sort of works. You might just fiddle a bit with the wires, namely, trying to cram them back into the cavity, which is somewhat small. As for the rest, fitting in any 2" x 6" ceiling construction, the model is great both for the first-time installation as a new item and for replacing existing older units. On top of that, it can be safely used for Type IC insulated ceilings, and the automatic-reset thermal protection will prevent the system overheat.

To proceed, the exhaust heater housing is made of galvanized steel to withstand moisture and make the whole unit serve you for quite a while. And once installed the heater will easily become a part of your interior design. Sleek white grills with a matte light dissipator in between will nicely match any bathroom decor and look discreet on a white ceiling or wall.

In a word, specifically designed for the use in bathrooms, the Broan Nu Tone 765H8 will work like a charm for bigger and smaller bathroom areas alike and provides multiple functionalities appropriate for this space.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $90.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B086XMDSR1

A Discreet Heating Pal

If you'd like your bathroom to be evenly warmed from all sides, it's best to install a ceiling-type heating device. Having searched through a huge number of ceiling heaters, we couldn't find a better model than the Broan 157. The benefits of this heater are that it's very effective and it's very easy to mount. You can attach it to any standard 3 ½ or 4-inch round electrical box or a 4 inch octagonal one with minimum effort. For more uniform heat distribution, it's recommended to install it right in the center of the ceiling, however, you may want to avoid placing it directly above the tub since this may lead to creating a hot zone and making your bathtime less comfortable.

If you worry that installing a heater on the ceiling might spoil the interior of your bathroom, worry not as the Broan 157 has a very sleek design and extends only 2 ¾ inches from the surface. It will not attract too much attention and you'll soon forget it's there at all, even if you have rather low ceilings or a white-tiled bathroom.

Though the Broan 157 heater doesn't have any controls except for "on/off" option, the manufacturer allows you to equip it with a thermostat and a timer additionally, which makes it suited for the most demanding users.

Insights into Tech Specs

Despite being rather modestly-sized, the Broan 157 is surprisingly powerful and can deliver up to 1250 Watts of heat under 10 minutes. This brings it on par with some of the bulkier models that are designed to heat huge spaces. Still, as we've said, it's a shame that it's not possible to adjust its heat flow without having to buy a thermostat separately since the efficiency of the heater is worth the whistle.

However, we are quite happy with how the Broan 157 is built and one of our favorite features is the lubricated motor which keeps the fan running smoothly. This, along with the automatic overheat protection, makes this heater safe to use and guarantees no damage or fire hazards. So even if you leave it running for the whole day, you will not have to worry.

Of course, the Broan 157 isn't totally flawless and seems to be missing some of the important functions, however, it's still one of the few models we'd suggest you buy, especially if you want something small and quiet. Moreover, you can fit it with both a thermostat and a timer additionally at any time when you decide that you need it.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0001ZLR0G

A Choice for Cold-sensitive Users

If you are reluctant to take a bath in winter because you shiver each time you get in and out of the warm tub, forget it. With the ceramic space heater from OPOLAR, your bathtime in the winter season will be as pleasing, soothing, and relaxing as on warmer days.

The unit is not a built-in model and needs no installation saving you the need to fiddle with drilling holes, screwing in bolts, and balancing on the ladder. At the same time though, unlike many other freestanding compact heaters, this one comes packed in an IP21 waterproof casing, which means its body is securely sealed not to let a single droplet in, making it a perfect fit for bathroom spaces.

Despite a fairly compact design, at 1500 watts, the device is a heating beast that will make your bathroom a toasty and welcoming spot in mere minutes. And an 80-degree oscillation function ensuring even and quick heat distribution around the area will further improve the heating performance. Fitted with an adjustable thermostat and two heat settings, it will let you customize the air warmth with maximum precision. More than that, thanks to a waterproof body, you can safely put the heater right next to the tub and direct warm airflow as you need without worrying that water spills and splashes from the tub can damage the unit. It will also come in handy in any damp areas exposed to condensation where added heat is needed to dry the air.

As mighty and functional as it is, the OPOLAR heater has a nice modern design that will add a high-tech twist to your bathroom and easily blend with any interior style if you decide to use the heater in a living area.

Safety Is out of Concern

When placing electric equipment in a wet environment or water-related areas, safety is always a concern, especially if it’s a fan heater. Yet, it won’t be the case with the OPOLAR. Apart from a waterproof design, the model has a whole bunch of safety features that make it one of the safest small ceramic heaters out there.

Thus, though a ceramic heating element is safe and reliable by itself, the unit boasts solid overheat protection you can fully trust. While the responsive thermostat will keep the heater running smoothly at the set temperature without turning it off every now and then, if overheat occurs, it will switch off immediately averting any slightest possibility of fire. On top of that, tip-over protection will shut down the heat if you knock the unit off by accident and the ALCI plug will prevent electric shock by cutting the power if it detects danger.

All things considered, the OPOLAR is a powerful and maximum safe bathroom heater that will cover the need of cold-sensitive users for directional heat and will keep your bathroom nicely toasty and dry at any season.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $67.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07FZR4KCJ

Power Packing Little Champ

What sets ceramic heaters apart from other models is that they pack a heat punch while staying small and warm up pretty large areas really fast. The Lasko CD08200 is not an exception. So, if you need a compact heater with solid and impressive heating performance, you can’t go wrong with this little champ.

At 7.65" x 4" x 6" dimensions, this freestanding heater from Lasko is one of the most compact models out there. It will fit in your bathroom even if it is on the smaller side and you have little to no free area to place it. Eating up minimum space, it can be put on the floor as well as somewhere atop and, as such, it will make a helpful addition not only to the bathroom but also to a bedroom, playroom, nursery, and can easily serve as a personal heater in your den home office, or at your work desk. In the meantime, the unit looks neat in a white body combined with a silver metal grill. Thus, it will match any interior style and won’t stick out like a sore thumb.

When it comes to the heating performance, don’t let the tiny size fool you. Packing 1500 watts of power, the unit is a mighty pal that can efficiently heat up the area of about 200 sq.ft. With that, it will make the air in your bathroom toasty almost in a blink of an eye. Regardless of the power, the Lasko CD08200 is really safe to use, which is essential for bathroom heaters. It features an ALCI safety plug that keeps short circuits at bay and has secure overheat protection along with a self-regulating ceramic heating element and an exterior that stays cool to the touch during the heater operation.

With a Timer Function

Very simple and straightforward, the Lasko CD08200 still offers some degree of customization. You’ll have two heat settings to toggle between to adjust the heating temperature to your liking. And though the model has no integrated thermostat, these settings are sufficient for most heating scenarios. For larger areas, you can start with high heat and switch to a low setting as soon as the air is warmed up to the desired temperature. And for smaller areas, low heat is good enough to quickly achieve nice warmth. On top of that, the model boasts a timer function that will let you set the heater to operate for one hour and turn it off automatically afterward. So, there will be no risk that you forget to do it. Besides, this function is really great for bedrooms when you want to fall asleep in a warm bed and worry not about the need to switch off the heater.

One more plus of this model is its extreme convenience of use since all the adjustments can be made at a single tap of the button located on the top of the unit.

To resume, the Lasko CD08200 is a functional mini heater ideal for smaller areas and directional heat. It is simple, heats air fast, and is safe to use in moist environments.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $35.78
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01NAQO4F1

Optimal Heat for Your Buck

With a mini space heater priced below $20, you often get units with overrated quality and performance that tend to wear out quickly and can even pose a fire hazard. So, you end up throwing them away and buying new ones. Yet, with a little bit of extra cost, you can have a more reliable and functional heater that will still fit your budget. And the Pro Breeze space heater is just the one on point.

Just like other mini heaters of this type, the Pro Breeze is designed for spot and directional heat. And though it is certainly not the model to be used as the main heating source, it will become an excellent heat booster where you need some added flow of warm air. Efficiently covering areas up to 200 sq.ft, the model will fit for warming up a garage or a home workshop when outdoor temperatures drop close to freezing as well as for taking the chill out of a bedroom before bedtime. You can also use it as a personal heater and put under your desk at work to keep your feet warm. Moreover, the Pro Breeze heater is good for bathrooms provided that you won’t place it next to the tub and it won’t be exposed to water. In the meantime, overheat protection will prevent any failures due to the heating element malfunction and a tip-over switch eliminates the risk of fire in case the heater is accidentally knocked off.

At 1500 watts, a powerful ceramic heating element paired with an advanced fan technology produces a forceful stream of hot air. Hence, the unit will heat up space super quickly. In practice, you’ll feel that the air temperature in the room starts rising in less than a minute. And, though, it has no oscillation option, you can further improve the heating performance by putting the heater onto some stand, there is free air circulation around the unit.

An Energy Saver

Commonly, the more power the heater packs, the higher output it delivers, which, in turn, implies higher energy consumption. This is why while being highly effective, powerful electric heaters usually add to your energy bills pretty much. Yet, it won’t be the problem with the Pro Breeze. Powerful enough, this model is energy-wise at the same time. Mostly, it’s thanks to a built-in thermostat and adjustable power settings it comes with. Thus, high and low heat settings standing for 1500 watts and 750 watts accordingly allow customizing the heat output to optimize the energy consumption and still maintain a comfortably warm atmosphere. Besides, the thermostat will enable you to precisely adjust the heating temperature and will further maintain it in an energy-saving manner. More than that, you are free to use the unit in a fan-only mode to get a blast of cool air on a hotter day without the need to turn on the air-con.

Summing up, the Pro Breeze is a reasonably priced quality heater that offers adjustable operation to boost the space heat without boosting your electricity bills.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $28.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07FFZRRB2

What Is a Bathroom Heater?

While winter is coming to an end, the chill might still keep hanging in the air for quite a long while, making it difficult to walk out of the hot shower in the mornings. However, you can make your life a bit easier by setting a small bathroom heater. A bathroom heater is a simple appliance that can maintain a comfortable temperature while keeping cold drafts at bay. What differs bathroom heaters from residential heaters is that the former ones are allowed to be used in places with high humidity levels due to their water-resistant design. In all other respects, they look and work in the same way. For this review, we've picked some of the best heaters that you can use in your bathroom to keep the room warm and prolong the enjoyment of your bathing experience. Read and compare their advantages to get the one that will totally meet your demands.

You can also add some heat to your living room by installing an electric fireplace. These classy-looking devices will not only keep you warm but also embellish your place bringing functionality and style to its decor. And if you'd like to maintain your house warm while keeping electricity bills sensible, you should definitely look towards buying a thermostat.

What Features to Compare

Type

When selecting a bathroom heater, you'll need to choose between two types: those that use convection technology and those that come with fans. However, let's not dive into the technical details and just say that your choice will depend on what type of heat or warmth you prefer. Fan (or radiant) heaters are best for concentrated warmth aimed at a single spot while convection models are used primarily for filling rooms with sustained heat. Thus, fans will work better if what you want is to keep your bathroom warm only for a short period of time while soaking in a bath, for example, while convection models will suit those who'd like to maintain the warmth longer.

Placement

Most people think of heating devices as of these small boxes that you put on the floor and then try hard to not trip over. However, many models can actually be placed on a wall or even mounted on the ceiling. This allows you to free up some space as well as makes the device less of an eyesore, and, if you prefer bathroom ceiling heaters, also helps distribute the airflow more evenly around the room. Of course, a wall-mounted model is more difficult to service and clean but the convenience might be just worth it.

Heating Area

With this parameter, you have to take into account just how spacious your bathroom is. If you have a tiny room with a shower and a sink, you don’t really need a heater that can cover an area equal to a football field. However, a bigger room requires a more powerful appliance. Plus, don’t forget about the possibility of warm air leaking out through windows, vents, and doors. Account for that and make sure that your heater's maximum coverage area is a bit larger than your bathroom.

Maximum Power

It’s pretty self-explanatory: the more powerful your heater is, the faster it works. If you have an average-sized bathroom, you need a mid-range power capacity, anything around a 1000 W is acceptable. Of course, a weaker device can heat this space as well but it’s going to take longer and, in the end, cost more.

Thermostat

This may seem like a no-brainer: the more temperature settings you have the better, right? Well, in reality, you’re likely to use only a couple of them with the rest only gouging the price. We recommend getting a model with a thermostat that has a reasonable temperature range. You won’t have any use for 110°F unless you want your bathroom to feel like a desert. Conversely, anything below 35°F is just not practical. A range of 35-85°F will be more than enough.

Safety Features

Any electrical appliance should be safe to use but that goes double for heaters as a bit of faulty wiring can become a serious fire hazard in a device of this kind. Whether it’s an overheat protection mode or an automatic shutoff or even a special waterproof casing, any feature of this kind is a bonus and should be weighed as you consider the purchase.

Size

Last but not least, make sure that your floor-standing heating device isn’t too big so you won’t trip on it or, if it’s a bathroom wall heater, that it doesn’t take up half the room. Don’t be fooled into thinking that bigger means better, even a smaller model can work efficiently and provide warmth to a spacious room.

Did you know?

So you’re laying back, enjoying the warmth coming from your space heater and loving life. But have you wondered when that luxury became available to people? Surely, a convenience as basic as a warm home should have emerged a while ago. Well, let’s take a little dip into the history of heating.

The Early Luxuries of Heat

The standard of living in Ancient Greece might not have been too swanky but scientists have discovered central hearths and, upon further study, dated them around 2500 B.C. They are considered to be one of the first forms of home heating, succeeded by basic ovens in Turkey in 1300 B.C. Of course, these appliances bear little resemblance to the modern systems though they were relatively efficient, especially considering how long ago they appeared.

Fireplaces began to pop up in the more well-off household around 800 A.D., spreading steadily all over the world. By the time the 13th century rolled around, castles and homes of the rich all had fireplaces with crude chimneys built. They stopped being a luxury and turned into a mundane convenience, though the poor and the peasants certainly had a different view still relying on the most basic means of keeping their houses warm. Most of them had to huddle in front of brick stoves, though the old models were so large that you could probably hold a family gathering around them.

Warmth Is in the Air

Of course, we are more familiar with heating homes by using air, whether via your AC unit or a fan heater or some other appliances. This method was first recorded around 200 A.D. but the evidence is inconclusive, especially as the system seems to show little progress between that date and the later reappearance of the air-heating devices.

Solid records are available from the eleventh century when a European city hall used furnaces emitting heat into the air to stay warm. They connected each furnace to a chamber using ducts with covers so the flow of heat was easy to adjust.

Over the next few centuries, the air-heating systems persisted and even achieved some progress, though it was stalled by stove-makers trying to keep their profits high and expenses low. In fact, proper advancements consisted mostly of recycling cool air or finding new ways to improve the funnels that guided the heat into rooms. Eventually, water-heating took hold, further impeding the progress in this industry. While fans appeared and space heaters were invented eventually, one can’t help but wonder how much faster we would have had the luxury of this personal heating if the progress wasn’t halted by unfortunate turns of events.

Back to the Present

Nowadays, of course, we have convection and radiate heaters, circulating air and warming our homes in addition to the basic heating systems. However, even with all this convenience on hand, many still find that the best way to stay warm is to cuddle with someone you love, be it a spouse or a pet. We hope our heater review helps you find the best device to keep your bathroom cozy and that you’ll always have someone helping you get warm on cold winter days!

FAQ:

Q: Let’s say I’ve accidentally splashed some water on my heating device, what should I do? Is it completely ruined or will it be fine? Perhaps my model has waterproofing?

A: First, it is of the utmost importance that you turn the appliance off as soon as possible. Shut the power off and see if there’s any smoke coming out of the heater or try to hear whether there are any unusual noises coming from the device. Then, if you have a portable model, pick it up, flip it with the grill side down and see if you can get rid of the water that might have gotten inside. After any moisture leaks out, place the device in a dry place and leave it off for a day or two. If your appliance is wall- or ceiling-mounted, you can simply wait or contact a specialist to check for moisture-induced damage. Either way, when you next start the device, stop and make sure that it’s running properly and isn’t reacting to the water damage in any hazardous ways. Leaving a broken heater on is a fire hazard and even slight water leaks should be taken seriously. Always remember the rules of fire safety.

Q: Is there any way to push the maximum temperature of my heater beyond the factory-set limit? I want to get the room even warmer and the current heating level is simply not enough.

A: We strongly advise against trying to fiddle with the tech, especially one that’s as intricate and potentially dangerous as a space heater. Sure, you might get a couple of extra degrees after modifying some parts of the device but are they worth the risk of fire? Breaking even one component could lead to serious damage to the appliance and, as a result, to your home. Unless your model has some “Boost” setting that maximizes the temperature above the standard level, you get only that level that's specified on the box.

Q: Could I potentially run this all day long? I want to keep the room warm so I won’t have to wait before going to take a shower.

A: It’s certainly possible but that would eat up a lot of power and put considerable strain on the device. If you have a model that’s powerful enough, it would simply be more efficient to run it a couple of minutes before you go run a bath. That way the air will be warmed a bit and you won’t be faced with an insanely high electricity bill. Plus, running heating appliances for too long tends to dry out the air, which could damage your skin, especially after a hot shower. All in all, we definitely recommend turning the heater on only when necessary.

Q: Where should I place my floor-model heater for maximum efficiency? Can I just tuck it away into a corner?

A: If you want the device to spread the heat around the entire room, you need to place it closer to the wall. However, we advise against tucking it into the corner as this can pose a fire hazard if you run the device for a while. And, of course, don’t just place it in the middle of the bathroom as tripping on it wouldn’t be pleasant, especially if you damage the appliance in the process. An optimal spot is somewhere at the back of the room without getting too close to the wall, especially if you have little space to work with.

Sources:

1. Portable Heaters, Department of Energy.

2. Propane Heater Safety - Information That Could Save Your Life! Air&Water.

3. How your heater can kill you, Health24. April 1, 2015.

4. Laurent Belsie Electric heater: Five safety tips for when you turn it on, CSMonitor. December 15, 2010.

5. Jeff Rossen and Anneke Foster How to use a space heater safely, TODAY. December 2, 2017.

6. Chris Barnes Home heating guide, Choice. December 20, 2017.

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