A detailed guide for buying Electric baseboard heaters
With winter vacations close by and the weather taking a turn for the colder, I think that it’s high time we talk about the top ten electric baseboard heaters and their thermostats. Sometimes the inbuilt heating just isn’t enough; sometimes it’s not even there! For those unfortunate times, especially during winter, we have the wonderful and convenient invention of baseboard heaters. These nifty little gadgets slide in under your window and keep the entire room as warm as you’d like it to be.
- Electric baseboard heater as per room size
- Convection vs Oil-based (Hydronic) baseboard heaters
- Frequently asked questions
- How does an Electric baseboard heater actually work?
- Why do Electric baseboard heaters cause a fire?
- How to paint an electric baseboard heater?
- Can my baseboard heater produce carbon monoxide?
- What size electric baseboard heater do I need in my room or bathroom?
- What is a suitable location for the installation of an electric baseboard heater?
- Comparison Table for baseboard heaters
- Weight comparison
- Price Comparison
- Power Consumption Comparison
- Baseboard heaters for 200 to 400 square feet rooms
- Cadet F Series 36” Electric Baseboard Heater
- Fahrenheat Portable Electric Baseboard Heater
- Comfort Zone Low Profile Baseboard Heater
- Cadet F Series 72” Electric Baseboard Heater
- Marley 2542NW 240V Baseboard Heater
- Broan-NuTone Baseboard heater
- Conclusion
Electric baseboard heater as per room size
10 watt of electrical power is usually required to heat one square foot of room. So a 400 sq ft room requires 4000 watts of power. Similarly, a 500 sq ft room requires 5000 watts of power. Further details are given in the table below
| Room Size | Baseboard Heater Electrical Power |
| 100 sq ft room | 1000 watt |
| 150 sq ft room | 1500 watt |
| 200 sq ft room | 2000 watt |
| 250 sq ft room | 2500 watt |
| 300 sq ft room | 3000 watt |
| 350 sq ft room | 3500 watt |
| 400 sq ft room | 4000 watt |
| 450 sq ft room | 4500 watt |
| 500 sq ft room | 5000 watt |
A common bedroom in the united states is usually 168 to 192 sq feet in size. So in this article, we will only focus on baseboard heaters of this size. In the end, we will also suggest some baseboard heaters for larger spaces of 450 to 500 sq feet where almost 5000-watt power heating is required.
Convection vs Oil-based (Hydronic) baseboard heaters
In this article, we have focused on convection-based heaters as they are more popular these days.
I personally didn’t particularly like oil-based baseboard heaters because of some of their bad points. The main problem in my opinion was the oil-based heating system. Due to the inherent flaws in the product, it starts to emit a weird pungent odor whenever it gets to the hottest setting which gave me a bad headache. Our testers confirmed that it was an inherent flaw of the product so in this article we have chosen only convection-based baseboard heaters.
Frequently asked questions
Before we go further we would like to ask queries that may come to your mind regarding electric baseboard heaters.
How does an Electric baseboard heater actually work?
Electric baseboard heaters work by using low-wattage heating elements to produce radiant heat. The element is typically encased in a metal sheath that emits infrared radiation when it is heated. This radiation is then absorbed by objects in the room, which in turn emit their own infrared radiation. This secondary radiation warms up the air in the room, and voila! you have yourself some warm rooms.
One thing to note about electric baseboard heaters is that they are not very efficient when it comes to heating up a room quickly. They are best used for maintaining a consistent temperature rather than for rapidly heating up a space.
Why do Electric baseboard heaters cause a fire?
Electric baseboard heaters can cause fires if they’re not used properly. For example, if you place furniture too close to the heater, it could catch on fire. So it’s important to keep a safe distance between the furniture and the heater.
Additionally, you should never cover the electric baseboard heater with a rug or blanket, because this can also create a fire hazard. And finally, always make sure that the heater is turned off when you’re not using it.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the thermostat and make sure that the heater isn’t being overused.
How to paint an electric baseboard heater?
Sometimes the baseboard heater color doesn’t match that of your home interior decorations. They can be painted so they look better in your room. However, it is important to make sure that the paint is approved for use with electric heaters, as other paints may contain chemicals that could be dangerous when heated. In addition, it is important to wait until the heater has completely cooled before painting, as the heat can cause the paint to dry too quickly and result in a poor finish.
Additionaly, it is important to first remove the heater from its housing and then use a non-toxic primer before painting.
Can my baseboard heater produce carbon monoxide?
Yes, electric baseboard heaters can cause carbon monoxide if not properly installed, maintained, or vented. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. It’s important to have your electric baseboard heater checked by a professional to make sure it’s properly installed and functioning safely. You should also have your carbon monoxide detectors checked regularly to make sure they’re working properly.
What size electric baseboard heater do I need in my room or bathroom?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the size of an electric baseboard heater will vary depending on the size of the room it is being used in. The size of the electric baseboard heater you need depends on the size of the room that you want to heat. You can use this online calculation table given below to help you determine the size of the heater you need.
A good rule of thumb is to multiply the length of the bathroom by 2, and then add 100 watts. So for example, if you have a room that is 10 feet long, you would need a 200-watt electric baseboard heater.
But if you live in an extremely cold climate the above rule of thumb may not work. So in an extremely cold environment where there is snow as well,l the rule is a bit different. 10 watts of electrical power is usually required to heat one square foot of room. So a 400 sq ft room requires 4000 watts of power. Similarly, a 500 sq ft room requires 5000 watts of power. Further details are given in the table below.
| Room Size | Baseboard Heater Electrical Power |
| 100 sq ft room | 1000 watt |
| 150 sq ft room | 1500 watt |
| 200 sq ft room | 2000 watt |
| 250 sq ft room | 2500 watt |
| 300 sq ft room | 3000 watt |
| 350 sq ft room | 3500 watt |
| 400 sq ft room | 4000 watt |
| 450 sq ft room | 4500 watt |
| 500 sq ft room | 5000 watt |
A common bedroom in the united states is usually 168 to 192 sq feet in size. So in this article, we will only focus on baseboard heaters of this size. In the end, we will also suggest some baseboard heaters for larger spaces of 450 to 500 sq feet where almost 5000-watt power heating is required.
10 watts of electrical power is usually required to heat one square foot of room. So a 400 sq ft room requires 4000 watts of power. Similarly, a 500 sq ft room requires 5000 watts of power. Further details are given in the table below
A common bedroom in the united states is usually 168 to 192 sq feet in size. So in this article, we will only focus on baseboard heaters of this size. In the end, we will also suggest some baseboard heaters for larger spaces of 450 to 500 sq feet where almost 5000-watt power heating is required.
What is a suitable location for the installation of an electric baseboard heater?
You can install electric baseboard heaters just about anywhere in your home. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the location for your heaters. First, you’ll want to ensure that the area you’re installing them in is large enough to accommodate the number of heaters you need. Second, you’ll want to make sure that the area is well-ventilated so that the heaters don’t overheat and cause damage to your home. Thirdly, you’ll want to choose an area where the floor is level so that the heaters sit evenly and don’t tip over. Finally, you’ll need to decide where to place the heaters. Baseboard heaters should be installed along the base of walls, so they can evenly distribute heat throughout a room. With these five factors in mind, finding the perfect spot for your electric baseboard heaters should be a breeze!
Comparison Table for baseboard heaters
| Cadet F Series 36 in | Fahrenheat FBE15002 | Comfort Zone® Baseboard CZ650 | Cadet F Series 72 in | Marley 2542NW 240V 2′ Baseboard Heater | Broan-NuTone Baseboard heater | |
| Color | White | White | white/black | white | white | white |
| Size | 4 x 36.3 x 7 inches | 45 x 6 x 7.5 inches | 10.83 x 6.1 x 35.75 inches | 4 x 72.3 x 7 inches | 30 x 2.94 x 8.38 inches | 4.25 x 16.38 x 20.25 inches |
| Power | (750/563) Watts and 240/208 Volts | 1500 Watt, 120 Volt | 750/1500 watts | 240/208 Volt, 1500/1125 Watt, | 240 Volts, 750 watts | 4000/2000 Watt 240 VAC |
| Rating | 4.6 (321 sales) | 4.1 (824 sales) | 4.2 (548 sales) | 4.5 (304 sales) | 4.2 (17) | 4.4 (391 sales) |
| Price | 41 | 105 | 61 | 80 | 300 | 328 |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs | 9 lbs | 4 lbs | 12 lbs | 12 lbs | 21 lbs |
Weight comparison
The heaviest baseboard heater on our list is Broan-nutone with a weight of 21 lbs. Not only it is the heaviest baseboard heater but also it is the most costly one as well (328 dollars). We have observed a correlation between the weight of the baseboard heater and its price. Those heaters that weigh less also are cheaper. For example, Cadet baseboard heaters are the cheapest on our list and they are the most lightweight as well (6.3 lbs)
Price Comparison
Broan-NuTone and Marley baseboard heaters are the most expensive with a price tag of almost 300 dollars. Cadet and Zone baseboard heaters are considered the cheapest with a price tag of 40 to 60 dollars.
Power Consumption Comparison
Those baseboard heaters that consume more power usually heat up the room more quickly. The heater that consumes the most power is Broan-NuTone which either consumes 2000 or 4000 watts. If you have a smaller room you can install a baseboard heater that consumes less power. Cadet F Series 36 is an example as it just consumes 563 watts of electricity and thus helps in the reduction of your electricity bills.
Baseboard heaters for 200 to 400 square feet rooms
Cadet F Series 36” Electric Baseboard Heater
Cadet is a renowned company famous for its heaters and warming solutions. Their F Series electric baseboard heaters are one of the best you can find anywhere on the market. This particular product is a 36” long and sleek baseboard heater that comes in a classy white color. This really helps it to blend into any kind of decor have for your house so clashing styles aren’t a problem. Cadet products are very reliable and this one also comes with a lifetime warranty that allows the customer to enjoy it without any fear and be at ease in case of any malfunctions.
These kinds of heaters work best when placed under a window or outlet because that’s where they show the best results. They look good, they work well and they keep your entire room warm. The Cadet F series also has universal wiring available at either of its ends which leads to an easier installation process.
While it does take a bit of time to install, the process is relatively simple and can be done in a few easy steps that are included in the instruction manual given alongside the product. As part of its security features, it also has a high-temperature safety shut-off that makes sure that you don’t have to worry about starting a fire due to overheating from this unit.
It operates on both 750 watts and 563 watts, so if you have a room as large as 100 sq ft, this will serve the purpose. In case you have a smaller room like 50 or 70 sq feet you can operate this baseboard heater at 563 watts and it will decrease your electricity bill as well.
Fahrenheat Portable Electric Baseboard Heater
Fahrenheat is another well-known company in the realm of heaters and its name is an amusing little pun that got a chuckle out of me the first time I saw the spelling. Their portable electric model has a low-profile design that keeps it out of sight and out of the mind of the house owners and guests alike. It has cutting-edge convection heating technology that makes it so that it gives cleaner heat i.e. no allergens, dust, or detritus blowing in your house.
The best thing about the Fahrenheat baseboard heater is its powerful strong heating capacity with only 1500 watts of electrical power consumption. This baseboard heater is also suitable for 150 to 200 sq ft room. This means that if you are in Europe or America, this heater is enough for you.
Comfort Zone Low Profile Baseboard Heater
True to its name, the Comfort zone low-profile baseboard heater does its best to provide the user with a comfortable and worry-free experience. This one even comes with its own thermostat that turns the heater on and off automatically whenever needed which helps to reduce heating costs. It keeps the room you’re in warm and lowers the heat in other areas. Like most other heaters on the list, this one also has a few safety features. I’ve heard too many horror stories about asphyxiation and fires starting because of careless users leading to the loss of valuable property and sometimes even lives.
Because of how dangerous it can be, I really like the fact that the Comfort zone baseboard heater comes with not one, but two separate and equally useful safety features. It has an overheat protection system to ensure the unit stops if it starts to heat up too much and it also has a safety tip-over cutoff switch that immediately cuts off the power to the heater if it accidentally trips and falls over ensuring the safety of you, your loved ones and your house. This really cements its place as one of the top ten electric baseboard heaters and their thermostats in my books.
As an added bonus, it also has digital controls that tell you everything you need to know. Temperature, potential problems, timers, and power usage are all displayed on its top. It also has buttons to allow easy adjustment of the heat.
A great thing about this baseboard heater is that it operates on both 750 and 1500 watts. That means that this heater is sufficient for a room as big as 200 square feet.
Cadet F Series 72” Electric Baseboard Heater
The F series Cadet strikes again, this time with a slightly pricier product that takes up a whopping 72 inches. However all that length is not just for show, it really is that much better. Higher heating, more efficient electricity usage, and maximum funneled heated air, all make this product a superior version of the previous one. Of course, the price is a factor too in deciding what product to buy and this one is a bit on the heavier side of things. Like the previous Cadet product, this one also comes with universal wiring and a high-temperature emergency shut-off feature that once again reminds us that safety should always be the number one priority.
This product has a practical and modern design that looks good no matter where you put it. It comes with a powder-coated finish that makes sure it can survive plenty of scratches and bruises yet still come out looking brand new. Durability and reliability are never an issue with these cadet products, whether they be budget or high-end. The main downside to most cadet products is that you have to buy a thermostat for them separately, which is exactly why we have five thermostats on our list alongside these baseboard heaters.
One unique thing about this particular F series product is its ease of installation. This is because of the pre-punched knockouts at every 1-inch interval on the body of the baseboard which makes it much more easy and convenient to make its installation a DIY project instead of having to call a professional and pay them as much as it cost to buy the baseboard itself just to get it installed. Its premium design and long-lasting materials really bring it to the next level and make it one of the top ten electric baseboard heaters and their thermostats.
This baseboard heater has two variants, one that operates on 1500 watts and the other that operates on 2500 watts. If your bedroom is as big as 150 square feet or near you should opt for the 1500-watt variant ur room is 250 to 300 square feet in size then you should opt for 2500 watt variant.
Marley 2542NW 240V Baseboard Heater
Marley is another cleverly named company that has made its name in, you guessed it, home heating systems and portable heaters. Their baseboard heater is one of the top ten electric baseboard heaters and their thermostats. This heater comes with two basic heat settings; high and low. It also has an adjustable thermostat to suit your particular needs. This one is only recommended as a supplementary heat source, especially for people living in regularly cold conditions.
A special feature common in all Marley baseboard heaters is that they make very less sound and you can have a peaceful sleep. It does not blow hot air which causes dry skin issues. Instead, it relies on convection-based heating which works slowly but is the perfect option for heating rooms.
It has a tip-over switch to prevent any major damage from accidents and a thermal cut-off protection feature so you don’t have to worry even if you think you left it on before going to bed. Its heating effect is sufficient for rooms up to 400 square feet but in practice having something a bit smaller than that is ideal. In fact, a 200 square feet room can be heated perfectly with it. It does get quite hot when in use so keeping combustible items such as clothes, blankets, pillows, etc. just a little bit away from it would be advisable, necessary even. While definitely not the greatest baseboard heater on the market, it is surely one of the top ten electric baseboard heaters and their thermostats.
Broan-NuTone Baseboard heater
As I promised earlier that I will suggest to you the best option to heat a room as big as 400 sq feet, so the answer is a Broan-NuTone baseboard wall fitted heater. The great thing is that it operates on both 2000 and 4000 watts. If your room is as big as 400 to 450 square feet, you should operate it at 4000 watts. However, for smaller rooms, it works perfectly as well. The Amazon reviews as 5 stars and it is also declared Amazon Choice for the Year 2022 for good user feedback.
This option is a must-opt if you have to heat a large room or if you live in a country or state where there is a lot of snow and temperature drops to minus.
Another plus point is the built-in thermostat that is fixed on the face and very easy to change room temperature.
Conclusion
All in all, there were many options to choose from all over the internet but I tried my best to guide you in order to find the top ten electric baseboard heaters. The products on this list went through a lot of scrutiny and judgment before I let them on here, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible ones you can.
