Getting ready in the winter months can be a challenge when it’s so cold. You may want to turn on the heat but don’t want to heat up your entire house if your mornings spent getting ready are only in the bathroom.
By having a bathroom space heater, you won’t have to waste money on your heating bill and you can stay warm while rushing through the morning routine. Aside from staying warm, there are some other benefits of including a heater in the bathroom.
Benefits Of Bathroom Space Heaters
A bathroom heater can help control steam accumulation on mirrors when it works in conjunction with a vent or ceiling fan. Since it helps with steam control, it also helps with moisture control. It can dry out a bathroom quicker while preventing moisture accumulation on faucets, baseboards, walls, shower curtains, rugs, and light fixtures.
Getting ready in a cold bathroom can be dangerous to health, and a bathroom heater will help improve cardiovascular circulation. The heat is a benefit for sore and achy joints and muscles.
Space heaters are great for those who are on a budget or who aren’t able to install something more permanent in the bathroom. Plus, they can be moved to different rooms in the house so you can get many benefits out of them.
What to Look For In One
Space heaters come in a variety of different styles and sizes, and there are quite a few things you need to look for to make sure the one you are buying is suited to your needs.
Heater Type: Determine what type of heater you need. There are three different types of heating technologies, which include convection, radiant, and fan forced. Convection heaters will provide whole room heating at an even temperature. Radiant heaters will deliver quick spot heating in small spaces. Fan forced heaters will use an internal fan to blow across a heating element and deliver fast and widespread heat. Since a bathroom is usually a small size, you can get away with a radiant heater.
Heating Capacity: The heating wattage rating will help you determine the heating capacity. A 10-watt heater will heat one square foot of the space. Since many bathrooms are small spaces, then a heater with lower wattage can work. While this is a guideline, some heaters do heat a little differently and it will depend on the model. The indoor environment and heating technology can allow some space heaters to cover more space. If you do choose a heater that is too small, it will never warm the bathroom and just leave you feeling cold while raising your electric bill.
Adjustable Thermostats: An adjustable thermostat will allow you to better choose the temperature that you want and make you the most comfortable.
Energy Efficiency: The point of using a space heater, instead of heating up the whole house, it to conserve energy and maintain lower energy costs. You want to make sure you are choosing an energy efficient model. Space heaters don’t currently have EER ratings like portable AC systems do. However, you can still calculate what the heating operating costs should be. Choose models with energy efficient features, such as energy saving modes, low wattage, program timers, and adjustable thermostats to help minimize the power usage and save money on energy costs.
Safety Features: Space heaters can become fire hazards and should be monitored closely. Safety should be a top priority when selecting a space heater. In order to reduce the risk of fire, many companies do manufacture their heaters with cool to touch surfaces and other advanced safety features for better operation. Some heaters will feature an internal switch that will automatically shut off if the heater is knocked over or tripped over. Some also have switches to turn off after a certain amount of time, so that they can’t accidentally get left on when someone leaves the house. Overheat protection is another important safety feature to look for, and it is included in many heaters. This switch will sense if the internal components reach an unsafe temperature and then it will automatically turn off the heater.
Noise Level: Just like with many other appliances, space heaters do emit a noise while in use. Some models will emit more noise than others, so if sound is a concern for you, then you may want to choose one with little noise. A baseboard heater is best if you want it to operate with little noise. Radiant space heaters will also work well for those wanting a quieter atmosphere.
Timers: Timers aren’t just a safety feature but can also provide more convenience. Timers can be set to kick on and off at designated times, so you can grab some coffee while you let your bathroom warm up and then come back to finish getting ready. Set the heater to kick off right before you have to leave so you never forget to turn it off.
Size: Bathrooms can be small spaces, so you want to choose a heater that will fit into the space. A smaller heater is likely not going to use as much energy either. When winter is over you will need to store your heater, and the smaller heater will allow you to easily store it and then have it ready to go for the next cold snap.
Safety Considerations
Safety considerations are an important thing to think about, as space heaters have been known to start fires in homes. There are a number of safety features that you should look for and, since many heaters have these popular safety features, you are likely to find one in your budget that will do basic things like turn off when tipped over, as well as turn off if the unit gets too hot. Many heaters also offer cool touch technology so the outside of the machine stays cool. This is especially important for anyone that has children or pets, in case they get too close to the heater to prevent burns.
When using a space heater in the bathroom, it’s important to keep it away from water sources. This can be hard when there are a number of water sources in the bathroom. Space heaters should have ACLI plugs that make them safe for use in bathrooms. ACLI plugs can’t totally prevent electric shock, so it’s still important that you exercise caution while using them. In order to avoid water, even with a heater safe to use in the bathroom, choose a spot for it in a far corner. Keep it way from showers, tub edges, and sinks. Don’t place it too close to towels or other objects that can obstruct the airflow. Don’t place them too close to water sources where they could get splashed with water.
Space heaters should be plugged directly into an electrical outlet that has enough power capacity. If you plug the unit into an extension cord, it can increase the risk of overheating fires and electrical shock. If the last resort is to use an extension cord, then use an extension cord that is properly rated and sized for the space heater. Just like with an appliance, you should also occasionally inspect the heater in order to make sure it is working safely. Wipe it down to also reduce the allergens and dust that could be dispersed in the space, and if you find your heater isn’t working properly, don’t use it. When leaving the room, turn off the heater and be sure to unplug it from the outlet. You can also use the timer, if your heater has this feature, to turn it off when you are getting ready to leave.
Our Favorites: Portable Bathroom Space Heater Reviews
If you are shopping for the best heater for your bathroom, there are some top models to consider so you don’t have to do the research.
1. Lasko CD08200 Bathroom Heater
This small heater has a space saving design, which makes it a great choice for the bathroom. Not only will it fit nicely in a bathroom, but it also comes equipped with an ALCI safety plug specially designed for bathroom use.
The attractive design will blend into the existing décor, so it’s not an eye sore in the bathroom. It can quickly heat an area up to 225 square feet. This heat provides the maximum heat at 1500 watts with fan-powered delivery. Safety features include automatic overheat protection and a one-hour shutoff control.
There are push button controls for easy use as well. The ceramic element is self-regulating for enhanced safety. Another safety feature includes the automatic overheat protection. The exterior stays cool to the touch, so it’s perfect to have around pets and children.
The heater is easy to use and provides a simple heat button, which can provide one hour of high heat, which is just enough to warm up the bathroom on a chilly morning with just one easy tap. There are two other steady on settings, low heat and high heat, in addition to the one hour timer. This provides a number of different heating options to make anyone comfortable.
No matter what setting is chosen, the settings are quiet (it’s a great quiet bathroom space heater), so you don’t have to worry about it competing with other noises, such as music, when you are getting ready. The heater comes fully assembled with a 3-year limited warranty. It is E.T.L listed, so it meets required safety standards.
2. OPolar 1500 W Bathroom Space Heater
This is a first for the brand and it takes special consideration for this heater to be suited for bathrooms. The heater comes equipped with IP21 waterproof protection to help prevent wet conditions, and an ALCI plug, which is needed for operation in the bathroom. The plug will cut the power source if it detects any danger.
The unit also comes with waterproof plastics, and the swing switch and control knobs are isolated from water. Water can’t easily get into the heater due to the slope covers in the rear and front. There are three heating settings provided at 750W, 1500W, and fan mode with no heat to make everyone comfortable, and you can also set a desired temperature with thermostat control.
The fast heating elements will quickly heat up to your desired temperature and keep it. The oscillating design helps spread warmth quickly and keeps you especially comfortable on chilly mornings. While it’s designed for bathroom use, you can also use it in other areas that need some consistent heating. With the overheating protection, the heater will shut off if the internal temperature becomes too high and will turn back on once it gets to a safe temperature.
The heater only weights 4.4 pounds and comes with a built-in handle, so it is easy to carry from one room to the next if you need it to heat some additional areas, as well as in your bathroom. There is a five-year warranty on this heater.
3. Lasko 754200 Ceramic Portable Space Heater with Adjustable Thermostat
This heater has three quiet settings that include low heat, high heat, and fan only, making this a good choice for achieving any comfort level in the bathroom. There is an adjustable thermostat that allows you to adjust the 1500-watt ceramic heating element to 11 different temperature settings. This way, you are sure to find a setting that works for you.
There is a convenient carry handle so you can easily move the heater around the bathroom or in other places throughout the home. There are plenty of built-in safety features, which include overheat protection to makes sure the heater doesn’t overheat, even if it is left on for an extended period of time.
The heater also includes a cool touch exterior that will allow it to stay cool even when it is on the highest heat setting. This makes it useful to have around children, pets, and in small spaces where you could accidentally bump into it.
There are two convenient knobs located on top of the heater that make it easy to set the adjustable thermostat and choose from the quiet settings. The heater comes fully assembled as well, so you can take it out of the box and have it working in minutes. All you have to do is plug it in, choose the desired setting, and enjoy the warmth.
4. COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater
The new COSTWAY Oil Filled Radiator Heater allows you to get relief from the cold temperatures in the bathroom with its powerful performance. It comes with permanently sealed oil to help heat the room efficiently. This means no more refilling, so you can get the space warm in a shorter amount of time.
You can get relief from the cold, but also be assured that the heater is safe. When it overheats, it will shut off immediately and automatically. There is a built-in handle and the compact design makes it easier to have this heater just about anywhere in the home.
The quiet operation won’t bother you at all, so you can work or even sleep without added noise. If the heater gets knocked offer accidentally and can detect that it is lopsided, it will also shut off in order to keep family members safe. There are different heights you can choose from in order to make sure the heater will fit in the space you have planned.
5. Tangkula Electric Heater 1500W
This heater comes equipped with 1500 watts of heating power, allowing it to heat up your bathroom or other space quickly. There are two heat settings, low and high, as well as an adjustable thermostat to set temperature for different needs.
The compact design is convenient to store just about anywhere. The heater’s exterior doesn’t get warm, which helps to reduce the risk of burns and can be safe for the entire family.
The heater is energy efficient and uses less power to create the same amount of heat as traditional heaters. It also comes equipped with a safety tip over switch and an overheat auto off switch, in order to ensure that the heat will turn off if it gets too hot or if someone accidentally knocks it over.
These important safety features are necessary for preventing fires from a space heater. The space heater is incredibly quiet and won’t bother you while doing any other activities, and it is like reading in a quiet library.
6. Tangkula Electric Oil Heater 1500W
This heater has seven oil-filled thermal slots with 4.1 pounds of oil, making it an energy efficient heating choice for medium or large rooms that need constant heat. There are three different heat settings consisting off 600W, 900W, and 1500W, as well as an adjustable thermostat to allow you to customize the temperature to your heating needs.
The oil never needs to be refilled, enabling the heater to provide constant heat. It provides almost silent operation, making it perfect for any room. The heater has four heavy-duty caster wheels, which help provide easy movement if you need to move the heater from room to room, or within a larger space.
When the cold season has passed, you can remove the base and wrap the cord in front of the heater to help make storage easier. The heater comes equipped with safety features that will make sure it turns off if it overheats or gets turned over.
The thermal slots maintain a low surface temperature so that you don’t have to worry about getting burned if you get too close to it. There is a light that is turned on while the heating element is working, in order for you to see that it is on and working just fine.
7. Optimus H-1322 2-Speed Fan Heater
With this heater, you will find two heat settings, with 750W and 1500W heating options and a thermostat. There are four position function switches for Off, Fan, Low, and High, and there is an automatic thermostat control to make sure that you are comfortable with a number of different heating options.
There is a power indicator light in order for you to know that the heater is working. There are safety features as well, which include a safety switch for overheating and a safety switch in case the unit tips over, so you don’t have to worry about this heater causing any safety problems.
The fan-only setting is great for reducing some of the moisture in the bathroom and allows you to have some additional benefits other than just heat. This user friendly design is small, portable and compact, so it can fit the heater into even the tiniest bathrooms, but it still provides enough heat to stay comfortable.
Summary: Top Bathroom Space Heaters Recommended
For a quick comparison, check out the table below of our top picks right now.
Updated: 2024-09-07 at 19:33 / Affiliate disclosure / Images by Amazon Product Advertising API
Keep in mind that plenty of models are available, so you can shop around for something else if these don’t meet your needs.
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