As the time of the year comes to an end, warmth slowly turns from an occasional craving to a necessity. Even with the central heating turned on, there is always that one corner at home that is never fully warm — or that guest washroom that always feels unwelcoming and chilly.
Such small spaces are rarely worth the cost and hassle of remodeling your heating from scratch, but that doesn’t mean they have to stay cold and abandoned until Easter. A baseboard heater provides a simple, cost-effective alternative to warm up a small space. Although their range of action is localized, they can be surprisingly energy-efficient and provide you with significant savings on your final electricity bill, especially when compared to the cost of simply turning up the heat in the rest of the house to the max.
Easy to install and discreet, a baseboard heater can be the perfect addition to your winter comforts. They are usually available in two different voltages: 120-volts and 240-volts. Both can be connected to a 20-amp circuit, although you should check if your junction face has enough space before buying one of the heavier ones.
We’ve tested our wet socks across a variety of brands, and we have selected the top 10 baseboard heaters available online right now. To offer you the best possible quality, we have gone straight for the top brands in today’s market: Dimplex, King, Fahrenheat, Qmark, and Cadet.
We have also ensured to include something for every type of user and to tried to accommodate a variety of budgets.
Dimplex PC6025W31
This is one of this year’s top releases in the heating and climate units market. The Dimplex Wireless Heater looks small and unassuming, but it’s surprisingly powerful.
As all electric heaters, this model is very easy to install and to hide away. It is equipped with a wireless control, and a very precise electronic thermostat, which puts it on the same level as a full-blown air conditioning unit except this one will keep you warm for years.
As an integrated unit compatible with a wide array of wall mounts, this model is great for those who need to make the most of a limited floor plan.
Size: 60 x 2.4 x 6.6 inches
Voltage: 240V
Fahrenheat PLF1504
This is a sleek hydronic unit that is worth every dollar. It is equipped with several overheat protection features that prevent it from burning out whenever the intake is blocked. This is an extra advantage for anyone who wants to warm up a large space and needs to align several units together.
Thanks to its water-based heating system and a smart, proprietary design, this is also one of the most silent units available right now. You won’t hear any pops or fan belts in the background as long as it’s on.
Also, this unit provides decent humidity and dust-control options, which are further improved by the lack of a fan. Equipped with a built-in cable clamp, dual knockouts, and a very roomy wiring compartment, this unit will be easy to plug in and install.
Size: 70 x 2.9 x 8.4 inches
Voltage: 240V
Cadet 9554 Baseboard Heater
This highly-customizable model manufactured by Cadet has chosen to exchange some of the frills and extras offered by its competitors for some added flexibility.
The unit has been made to resist the effects of time and an unruly family. The casing is made from 25-gauge steel, one of the most resistant grades currently in use.
Although an electric unit, this baseboard heater has not been designed for those who just want to plug it in and forget about it. Sold with planners in mind, the unit comes without a thermostat or any holes for the wires. This will make it easier to integrate with your existing heating system as you can choose the best wiring spot and thermostat.
You may also be interested in some of the best natural gas wall heaters. Check them out.
Size: 4 x 48.3 x 7 in Voltage: 240V
King Ceramic Baseboard Heater 4CB1207BW
This is a king-sized option for those who are not quite yet ready to compromise between an electric unit’s flexibility and a hydronic one’s gentleness.
By using ceramic for this model’s main heating element, King has provided an extra layer of durability and safety to their product. This provides better, more efficient heat distribution without the excessive dryness provided by most electric models.
The ceramic plate also allows it to do away with the fan, which lowers noise levels. Faster than a water-based or oil-based unit, this ceramic baseboard heater also cools down very slowly after being turned off. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.
Size: 50 x 7.4 x 3.3 inches Voltage: 120V
Marley QMARK HBB 1254
If your budget doesn’t quite have room for a ceramic unit, and yet you aren’t ready to decide between an electric and a hydronic option, then the Marley QMARK may be the solution for your particular conundrum.
This model can provide gentle heat across an entire room when connected to your water-based heating system. However, for those precious few seconds immediately after coming home, when you can’t seem to shake the cold off your bones, the electric function will get your blood flowing in a pinch.
QMARK has also designed a wide range of compatible accessories that will help you customize and make the most of its Marley.
For small rooms, be sure to invest in some of the top portable heaters from our list.
Size: 58 x 2.94 x 8.38 in
Voltage: 240V
Fahrenheat PLF1004 Hydronic Baseboard Heater
When the time comes to collect the first electric bill of the year, we all tend to become a bit more green-friendly and learn to care more about our own carbon footprint — the hard way.
Those of us who would rather keep the good intentions throughout the season, or would rather not wait until we see the bill to cut back on costs, will find an efficient ally in Fahrenheat’s energy-saving option.
This may not be the fastest unit available, but it has been equipped with extra heat-transfer capabilities that will ensure it emits heat with as little input as possible. Also, its thermal shut off system will not only protect your home and family from a potential fire but also give you an extra layer of savings should you forget to turn it off. Thanks to this safety feature, the unit can be mounted over tiles and carpets alike. It’s available in two colors: almond and cream.
Size: 8 x 3 x 46 in Voltage: 240V
Cadet 2F500 Electric Baseboard Heater
This is a very budget-friendly option that nevertheless manages to provide a more than respectable amount of supplementary heat. It’s easy enough to install on your own if you already know the basics of wiring and electricity. It’s silent and discreet. It’s best to keep this model away from carpets or curtains though.
Cadet offers a Lifetime limited warranty on this product, so it would be a good idea to read all instructions carefully to make the most of your investment. It doesn’t come with its own thermostat, but it supports most major models currently on the market.
If you are looking for some versatile products, be sure to browse our list of the top-rated portable air conditioner heater combos.
Size: 2.5 x 30 x 6.8 inches Voltage: 120V
Dimplex LC6025 Baseboard Heater
This is a sturdy and durable heater for those who are dealing with a large space that doesn’t get as much heat. Think of a family room or a game room that just needs to up its warmth after Thanksgiving.
It provides a quick heat flow that spreads throughout a large room in less than half an hour and keeps the temperature consistent throughout the day. It can be easily wired into a wall unit thermostat, or you can choose to attach one on either end.
Despite being relatively small (it is 42 inches, shorter than the average unit), it still manages to be potent enough for all. Dimplex achieved this thanks to its green-friendly materials, which facilitate energy transfer without rusting, overheating, or creating abrasions.
Meant to be a lasting investment, the unit itself comes with a 1-year warranty, while the elements are certified for ten years. If only it came with a remote control, this would have been the top electric baseboard unit on the list!
Size: 60 x 2.4 x 6.6 inches Voltage: 240V
King 4K Baseboard Heater
King knew it would have a hard time trying to top its ceramic baseboard heater, but they decided to try anyway, as the great brands always do.
Safe and resilient, this model has a crushproof element that will make it easier to place around your floor plan, even if you are wary of what might fall on top of it. It will also provide a chimney-type flow that will help transfer hear with less energy. Its baked enamel finish keeps it from being too hot to the touch, therefore helping you keep your family safe.
Meanwhile, its rugged steel construction will offer a steady source of heat for hallways, living areas, bedrooms, or any room under 175 square feet. No matter which part of your house feels left out by your central heating system, the King 4K will be able to pick up the slack.
Finally, this unit has a superb high-temperature shut-off system. Place it near a window for more efficient heating, and don’t worry about your curtains.
Size: 48 x 3.13 x 6.75 in Voltage: 120V
QMARK 2545W Electric Heater
If you only need supplemental heat for a relatively small room, the chances are that you don’t need a huge unit that comes with a costly installation fee. This small and aerodynamic option by QMARK will provide you with the exact amount of power that you need, without wasting any electricity.
Its chimney fin is more than a style choice. It improves its air circulation and makes the fan more efficient, reducing noise levels and heating its environment quickly. The extra ventilation, however, also adds to its safety standard, making it possible for this model to be mounted on top of a carpet without risking the entire home.
As usual, QMARK offers many accessories that will help you customize the unit, but leaves the choice up to you. Get what you need when you decide you need it and not a minute before.
Size: 60 x 2.5 x 6.8 inches Voltage: 240V