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Due to its slim profile, a baseboard heater will take up very little space but generate enough heat to warm your house. Moreover, they’re extremely easy to install since you don’t have to add pipes or ductwork as is the case with central heating systems. Instead, you only need to plug the device into a wall outlet or connect it to existing wiring and you’re good to go!
But, how do you choose the best electric/ hydronic baseboard heater for your space? The baseboard heater reviews and the buyer’s guide below might help you make that decision. Check them out!
Best Electric Baseboard Heaters
1. Comfort Zone Low Profile CZ650 Digital Baseboard Heater
In addition to the compact and lightweight nature, this baseboard heater is a very budget-friendly option. But it can generate 1500 watts of heat, thus warming up your home in no time.
Another interesting thing about this baseboard heater is that it has a powerful motor, yet it delivers a silent operation. This makes it an excellent option for anyone looking for a heater that will not distract them while heating their bedroom or home office. Besides, it’s equipped with durable dent-proof end panels to help it maintain its stylish look for several years to come.
In terms of safety, this electric baseboard heater automatically switches off when it’s knocked over. On top of that, it has an overheating protection system that switches it off if it’s overheating or emitting more heat than the set temperature. Best of all, its body is crafted from a heat-resistant material to keep you and your family safe if you touch it when it’s on.
Lastly, this baseboard heating unit is easy to install and use, especially seeing that it comes fully assembled. You only need to plug it into a standard 120-v power outlet and you’re set to go. Moreover, its 3-position rotary switch allows you to choose between Off, Low (750W), and High (1500W) settings.
Benefits
- Excellent safety features
- Easy to use controls
- Available in 2 color options; black & white
- Inbuilt thermostat and digital temperature display
- Quiet operation
- Affordable
- Compact design
Drawbacks
- Uses a lot of electricity
2. Lasko 5624 Low Profile Silent Baseboard Heater
One of these features is that it doesn’t overheat, even if you leave it on for an extended duration. Alternatively, you can use its inbuilt time to program it for 1 – 8 hours to automatically shut it off after the programmed time. To do that, you simply need to press the timer button on the control panel and program the time in 1-hour intervals. In addition, the heater has a tip-over switch that automatically turns it off when it’s accidentally knocked over.
You’ll also be glad to know that you don’t have to buy a compatible wall thermostat with this baseboard heater to control its temperature output. This is because it comes with a built-in adjustable digital thermostat, allowing you to control its 1500W ceramic heating element with ease. Moreover, this thermostat allows you to set the temperature you desire, either in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Best of all, you can easily move this heater from one room to another since it only weighs 10 lbs and is less than 40” long. In addition, this stand-alone unit has carrying handles molded into the sides to increase its portability.
Benefits
- Comes fully assembled
- Uses a standard 120V power outlet
- Inbuilt time & safety features
- Includes a digital thermostat
- Sleek, low-profile design
- Silent operation
Drawbacks
- Only available in color option (black)
3. Cadet F Series Electric Baseboard Heater
Another stand-out feature about this heating unit is that it’s designed to stand the test of time. To start, it features a durable steel-sheathed heating element with channel-shaped aluminum fins. This ensures that it effectively generates heat regardless of how cold the room gets.
In addition, It’s crafted from a 20-gauge steel junction box and 25-gauge steel body, allowing it to maintain a pristine condition for several years of use. As if that’s not enough, it has a scratch- and heat-resistant powder coating that blends well into any interior decor.
Interestingly, even with all these incredible features, this heating unit is quite simple to install. Thanks to the pre-punched knock-out mounting holes at 1” intervals to make your job much easier. You can easily mount it under the window, on the wall, and put it directly on the floor. More importantly, it can be hardwired to a 240/ 208V electrical supply and comes with universal wiring at both ends. This allows you to install your preferred thermostat for baseboard heaters on any side of the unit.
As for safety, this device shuts off automatically when it reaches a certain temperature, so you don’t have to worry about fire hazards.
Benefits
- Generates 1500W of power
- Compact, space-saving design
- Durable construction with a powder-coated finish
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
- Automatic shut-off feature
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t have an inbuilt thermostat
4. King KP1210 Portable Baseboard Heater
However, this heater still has to be hardwired, but you’ll only need a single circuit for its electrical supply. In addition, you can wire it at either end, making it very easy to install.
Moving on, this baseboard heater is entirely made of aluminum and features a bright white finish. Even better, it’s equipped with an inbuilt thermostat and has a safety tip-over switch. Like with other modern baseboard heaters, this switch automatically switches off the heater if it accidentally falls or overheats.
The only issue with this unit is that it may start generating a low humming noise after some time of use. Other than that, it uses relatively low energy, making it a great option for those looking for a low energy consumption supplemental heating device. Moreover, it’s 4-foot long and a perfect option for smaller rooms, living areas, and bedrooms.
Benefits
- All aluminum design
- Durable construction
- Easy to install
- Automatic overheating protection
- Low energy consumption
- Inbuilt thermostat for temperature control
- Comes with a 6-ft cord for portability
Drawbacks
- Starts producing a low humming noise over time
Best Hydronic Baseboard Heater
5. Fahrenheat PLF1005 Hydronic baseboard heater
Unlike its electric counterparts, this heater uses liquid-filled hydronic technology to remain cool to the touch regardless of its heat output. At the same time, it contains a sheathed heating element that is immersed in a liquid-filled copper tube. This allows it to radiate constant warmth for a long period.
For that, you can safely install it in various areas around your house without presenting a risk to kids or pets. Also, this makes it ideal for installation on various surfaces including tiles, wood, and carpet. Not to forget that this enables it to operate quietly without circulating dust in the room.
To add to its safety, this hydronic baseboard heater automatically turns off if it overheats, gets knocked over, or senses a blockage. On top of that, it has steel louvered grilles to block foreign objects from getting into the device. Moreover, these grilles optimize their performance by directing heat toward the room.
Regarding the construction, the body of this heating unit is crafted from scratch- and rust-resistant high-impact steel. This extends its durability, making the heater last for a long time.
Benefits
- Unique safety feature
- Durable construction
- Easy installation
- Quiet operation
- Energy efficient
- Stays cool to the touch
Drawbacks
- You’ve to buy a thermostat separately
Things to consider when buying the best baseboard heater (Buyer’s Guide)
When buying a baseboard heater to supplement your home’s HVAC system, there are some essential attributes you need to pay close attention to. Some of these factors are;
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Type of baseboard heater; electric or hydronic
As you know, there are 2 main types of baseboard heaters; hydronic and electric heaters. But which is the best type of baseboard heater to install in your home?
Electric baseboard heaters depend on electric resistance to produce the heat needed. As a result, they heat up faster but lose heat quickly when you turn them off.
On the other hand, hydronic heaters heat fluid in an enclosed pipe that runs through the heater. This makes them more efficient than electric heaters since the heated fluid retains its warmth longer. Therefore, they’ll continue to emit heat even after the thermostats switch them off. On the downside, hydronic models take longer to warm up compared to their electric counterparts.
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Power rating/wattage
Wattage is a key factor to consider when buying a baseboard heater as it determines whether the unit will adequately heat your space. Also, it measures how much electricity the heater will consume.
That said, baseboard heating units consume about 400 – 1500 watts of power. As you would have guessed, a heater that uses more power will put out a greater amount of heat.
To estimate the ideal baseboard heater wattage for your house, check the size of the room you intend to install them in. In general, 10 watts of electric heat can sufficiently warm up a space of about 1 sq ft. Therefore, a 100 sq ft room will need about 1000 watts of heating power.
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Safety
The best baseboard heating unit should be equipped with inbuilt safety features to prevent them from overheating or causing a fire hazard. For instance, the heater should have a safety switch that automatically shuts it off if it’s knocked over or when it overheats. In addition, its metal casing should be made from heat-resistant material to avoid burning anyone that accidentally touches the device.
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Inbuilt thermostat
Lastly, look for a baseboard heater that comes with a built-in thermostat controller. This will allow you to adjust the room temperature with ease without having to buy a thermostat separately. However, if your unit doesn’t come with a temperature controller, you can simply look for a baseboard heater thermostat as there are many options on the market.
Final Word
Overall, if your central heating system isn’t providing adequate heat for your home, you should consider investing in a baseboard heater. They take up less space in your home, yet they’re equipped with several features that will ensure your rooms stay at a comfortable temperature. Moreover, they’re quite easy to install and highly energy efficient. As a result, they’ll adequately heat your room without causing a significant increase in your electricity bills!