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One of the things that you may not know about electrical baseboard heating is that the energy-efficient baseboard heaters are more efficient than a standard furnace. They use less power which lowers your monthly bills and their placement is also more discreet.
So whether you are looking to make your home that more cozy this year or need something to keep you warm, the best electric baseboard heaters are a great addition to your home’s heating installation for this coming winter.
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5 Best Electric Baseboard Heaters Reviews
Just like most heating solutions though, there are so many different options to choose from. That’s where we come in. To help you find the best baseboard heaters for your home this year we’ve reviewed the top 5 for you.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here are our 3 favorites:
Scroll down for the best selection of different types of electrical heaters. Each one is a different design so you can find the one that blends into your home interior for the best fit.
1. KING 6K1215BW Electric K Series
Best Overall
| Watts | 1500 |
| Volts | 120 |
| Color | Bright white and almond |
| Dimensions | 72 x 3 x 7 inches |
| Thermostat Included? | No |
When buying American-made products, you can be sure that it has gone through all sorts of quality control. KING has over 60 years of experience in home appliances so this is one of the most trustworthy brands.
There are several design elements that make the KING K Series stand out from other brands. It is durable, low maintenance and easy to install in any home.
One of the contributing features to this baseboard heating is the crush-proof ribbon aluminum finning that ensures maximum heat transfer with lasting durability. The second quality feature is the steel construction which is rugged and low-maintenance.
This model has an automatic shut-off called SureStop which prevents overheating and fire hazards. This gives you peace of mind, no matter what room you are installing it in.
Pros
- Powerful and durable design
- Automatic shut-off
- Quiet operation
Cons
- High wattage
- Thermostat not included
- Pricier than other models
2. Lasko 5624 Low Profile Black Convention Heat
Most Modern Design
| Watts | 1500 |
| Volts | 120 |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 40 x 5.5 x 9 inches |
| Thermostat Included? | Yes |
The Lasko 5624 is the most technologically advanced model on this list and you can tell just by looking at the design. It is a portable design in a cool black color with a digital thermostat already fitted on the heater.
Besides its modern look, this electric zonal heater comes with lots of great features. It has a built-in timer that you can program for 1-hour intervals with a maximum of 8 hours.
The digital thermostat shows the exact temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius which you can adjust with a simple click of the buttons which also puts it up there as one of the most energy efficient baseboard heaters. It also includes overheating protection and automatically shuts off when tipped over for extra safety.
This is the easiest electric heater to install because it comes fully assembled and does not require any additional wiring. Simply uncover it from the box and plug it into a regular wall outlet.
Pros
- Fitted with technologically advanced digital thermostat
- Customizable timer for programming
- Cool modern design
- Portable and easy installation
Cons
- Sometimes faulty room temperature reading
- Does not mount on the wall
- Cannot replace the thermostat
3. Cadet Manufacturing 05534 Electric Zone Heater
Most Discreet
| Wattage | 1000 |
| Voltage | 120 |
| Color | Almond or white |
| Dimensions | 48 x 6 x 14 inches |
| Thermostat Included? | No |
The Cadet baseboard heaters/baseboard radiators are discreet with a design that easily blends into a room with a white skirting board. The style lines are sleek and it runs quietly.
The model comes in a variety of sizes and voltages so make sure you get the right dimensions and power for the room. The maximum room size that it can heat is 10 x 20 feet.
The Cadet series is simple to install but the package is not complete. You will need to buy a thermostat separately.
This is a durable design as long as you install it in the correct place i.e 12 inches away from any objects or furniture and not below any electrical outlets. The finishing is a powder-coating that protects the device from common dents and scratches.
Pros
- Subtle design
- Quiet
- Easy installation
Cons
- Thermostat not included
- Not powerful enough for rooms with many openings
4. Fahrenheat PLF 1004 Hydronic Baseboard Heater
Safest Design
| Watts | 1000 |
| Volts | 240 |
| Color | Navajo white |
| Dimensions | 46 x 3 x 8 inches |
| Thermostat Included? | No |
The Fahrenheat PLF1004 uses hydronic technology which makes this one of the safest options for a household with small children or pets. The surface of hydronic electric baseboard heaters does not get as hot as a regular electric type model so you have less chance of accidental burns.
Another great safety feature is the automatic shutoff when there is even the slightest air blockage. This prevents overheating but also reduces the risk of a fire hazard.
This model also runs very efficiently and quietly. It has good temperature control which makes it easier to keep the room at a steady temperature without having to continuously turn the heater on and off definitely on the list of best electric baseboard heaters for us.
The PLF1004 is also a convenient purchase. It comes in a pack of 1 up to 5 which means you can get one for every room in the house, all at once.
Pros
- Automatic shut-off
- Good temperature control
- Surface cool to touch
Cons
- Only one color available
- Thermostat not included
- Poor packaging can cause item damage
5. Heat Wave Convection Baseboard Heater in Black
Best for Apartments
| Watts | 500 – 1000 |
| Volts | 120 |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 25 x 5 x 9 inches |
| Thermostat Included? | Yes |
The most interesting feature of this Heat Wave model is that it has two power settings, 500 watts, and 1000 watts, so you can adjust it according to your room size. The lower power setting is rare with these heaters but this option proves very useful for smaller rooms and people living in an apartment.
Installation is super simple since there is no mounting or wiring needed. Just place this compact black convection heater under a window and plug it into a wall outlet, that’s it.
This model has two of the most important safety precautions; an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating and an automatic shut-off for when it tips over. This reduces the chances of a fire hazard which is important for any heating element in the home.
The temperature control is actually a dial, right next to the on/off dial that also lets you adjust between 500 watts and 1000 watts. This saves you the money you would otherwise have to spend on a separate thermostat.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Thermostat part of the design
- Adjustable power setting
Cons
- Only suitable for smaller rooms
- No temperature display
Electric Baseboard Heating Buying Guide
If you do a bit of research and carefully calculate the heater requirements, this should be a purchase that keeps you warm for many years.
Look for a model that is made of high-quality materials, has the basic safety features and runs reliably. These are the aspects that you need to pay attention to when choosing a zone heater for your home.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type
There are two main types of baseboard heating; the basic electric convection type and the hydronic type. Each has its own advantages and the better choice for you largely depends on the room.
Electric Convection Heater
An electric convection heater has electric coils on the inside that heat up. Many models are made of a good heat conductor like steel so that the warmth spreads naturally through the air without needing a fan.
Advantages
- More affordable
- Heats up quick and cools down fast
- No chance of leaking and all the risks related to leaking
- Silent operation
Disadvantages
- Casing gets very hot so not the safest option
- Less efficient heat management
Hydronic Heater
A hydronic heater is filled with a liquid, either water or oil, which becomes hot when the heating element inside it receives a current. Since the heat conductor is a liquid, the warmth lingers for longer, even when the device is turned off.
Advantages
- Good heat retention makes it more energy-efficient
- Many models are not hot to touch so safer for kids and pets
- Better temperature control
Disadvantages
- Usually more expensive
- Takes longer to heat up
Then there are benefits that apply to both types. One of the benefits of installing electric baseboard heating instead of a furnace is that they are easy enough to install with some models even being a plug-and-go design.
Another plus point is that they give you better control over the heat distribution inside the house. You can set each one at a different temperature so that only the most used rooms are the warmest.
They are also safe heat sources with most models having an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. In general, they are an affordable and easily installed solution to heat up your home in an energy-efficient way.
Size and Capability
How do you know what size electric baseboard heater to get for each room in the house? To answer this question, you need to know the size of the room and the heating capabilities of the specific model.
Most manufacturers bring out a series of different sizes to suit different room sizes. Whenever possible, find in the manual or product description what the recommended room size is.
If you cannot find this information, there is an alternative measure that is less precise but should give you a good enough general idea. For a general idea, multiply the square footage of the room by 10 to get an estimate of how many watts the heater should have.
The dimensions of the model can be an indication of how powerful it is but a larger appliance does not necessarily correlate to being more powerful. Don’t assume that the largest model is also the most suitable for the largest room, check the product information instead.
How Noisy Are They?
Electric baseboard heaters are not noisy home appliances. You might hear a gurgle or pop with certain models but in general, they run pretty quietly.
If you want a completely silent one then getting the basic electric convection type is your best bet. With the hydronic type, you might hear some soft sounds as the liquid is heating up.
Some users also get alarmed when they hear rattling while moving a portable plug-and-go zone heater. For many models, this is not an indication of damage but simply has to do with the internal structure.
Remember the Thermostat
Always check whether your favorite option has a thermostat included in the package or not. Many kinds are either not fitted with a thermostat or the compatible thermostat is sold separately.
The more modern designs, especially the portable types, are already fitted with a thermostat. These are also the easiest versions to install in your home.
Always check before you make your purchase and make sure that you get a high-quality and reliable compatible thermostat if it is not already included.
The Best Placement
These energy efficient baseboard heaters are easy to install but pick their location carefully to get the most efficient use out of them. The best spot is underneath a window because windows are one of the big sources of heat loss in a building.
For safety reasons and better heat distribution, it is important to keep some distance between the heater and any objects or furniture. This also includes the flooring and carpet underneath because there should be a clear flow of air around the device.
Don’t block the hot air with curtains or other flammable materials, either. This not only prevents warmth from spreading throughout the room but can also pose a fire hazard.
Another thing to remember is keeping all the windows and doors in the room closed while the machine is running. Electric heaters don’t have the highest capacity so keeping doors or windows open makes you lose heat instead of having it spread throughout the house.
If you want other parts of the house to stay warm as well then you will need to invest in several heaters.
In conclusion, These heaters are a great source of warmth in the winter without breaking the bank on monthly bills. They are discreet, simple to install, affordable and energy-efficient.
This is a great solution for homes that don’t have suitable furnaces.
