Stay Warm During Cold Days With One Of The Best Baseboard Heaters
Are you thinking of purchasing some baseboard heaters for your home? If you’re looking for zonal heating, baseboard heaters are a great option. Not only can you tuck them behind furniture, but they’ve also got high heat efficiency.
Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about baseboard heaters. We’ll talk about how they differ from convection heating, how you can go about selecting your baseboard heater, and end off with a review of some of the best baseboard heaters in the market.
What Exactly is a Baseboard Heater?
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s essential to know what a baseboard heater is. Essentially, baseboard heaters use heating elements such as aluminum blades to help distribute heat around a room. Baseboard heaters are usually installed under windows to offset the cool air from the window glass as they generate a circular motion of air movement that’s also known as convection.
There are two different types of baseboard heating systems. The first is electric baseboard heaters that are controlled by thermostats and work on a room-by-room basis. These baseboard heaters don’t require central heating or any expensive duct work. While they can be less efficient than central heating systems, they’re still able to maintain a constant heat within the room.
The second type of baseboard heating system is hot water baseboard heaters – also known as hydronic baseboard heaters. Hot water is channeled through pipes to these individual baseboard heating units, and they are an excellent heat source. They’re usually more efficient than central heating systems and are a great alternative to hydronic heating.
Baseboard Heating VS Convection Heating?
They work similarly. Both baseboard heaters and convection heaters employ a process known as convection where cooler air in the room is drawn into the bottom of the heater and warmed before rising into the room. Perhaps the only difference is that the casing and heating elements of baseboard heaters allow it to also emit radiation heat to the room on top of the convection current.
Convection heaters can also be placed anywhere in the room, but baseboard heaters are typically placed next to windows for additional efficiency. By being next to the window, baseboard heaters can immediately take in the cool air and heat it – thus preventing any cold air from radiating across the room.
Why Should I Choose a Baseboard Heater?
With numerous other heaters available on the market, you may be wondering why you should select a baseboard heater. One of the biggest benefits of baseboard heaters is its ability to heat an entire room evenly. They’re also safer to use than other heaters – such as a space heater, as they won’t burn anything and are relatively cool to the touch.
Baseboard heaters are also generally much cheaper than some of the other heaters in the market. Electric fireplaces, for example, can also heat up a room evenly, but it’s significantly more expensive than a baseboard heater.
What to Look For
When it comes to selecting a baseboard heater, the first thing you want to think about is what type of baseboard heater you’d like. If you’ve already got a central heating system, you can consider installing a hot water baseboard heater. You will, however, need to hire a professional to help you with the installation process. Alternatively, electric baseboard heaters are a lot easier to install, and you can do so on your own.
The next thing to think about is the size of the room you’d like to install your baseboard heater in. It’s vital that you consider this factor as you’d want to find a heater with the right capacity. Then, you’d also want to think about the cost. Some questions to think about include your budget when it comes to your baseboard heater, if you’re alright with spending a little more or whether you prefer sticking with something that’s a little less expensive.
The last thing to consider is your baseboard heater’s safety – especially if you have children and pets at home. Ideally, you’d want to look for a baseboard heater that comes with safety certifications to ensure that it meets the required regulations. Some models may also come with certain safety features that’ll prevent it from overheating.
Top 8 Best Baseboard Heaters
White Baseboard Hardwire Electric Zone Heater, 1500-Watt, 72-Inch
This electric baseboard heater will continuously emit heat in your room and keep it nice and toasty. It’s also made with durable 25-gauge steel along with a 20-gauge junction box that’s powder-coated. Installation is easy as the baseboard heater already comes with pre-punched knockouts and universal wiring available at either end.
Other great features of this baseboard heater include a high-temperature safety shutoff feature and solid construction that helps to maximize funnel heated air. Those who have purchased this heater appreciate the straightforward installation process and mentioned that it’s inexpensive and radiates a good heat.
Pros:
- Made with durable material
- Easy installation
- High-temperature safety shutoff feature
- Radiates a good heat
Cons:
- Some have mentioned that there is a weird clicking sound
Fahrenheat portable baseboard heater
Another great baseboard heater, this particular model comes with built-in handles for portability and a thermostat that has a power light. It also has an attractive design and is 100% energy efficient. You can use it in any part of your house, but it’s best suited for dens, basements, and bedrooms.
Those who have purchased this heater mentioned that it does a great job of keeping rooms warm. Installation is also easy as all you need to do is plug in the heater, and it’s also unobtrusive as it just sits on the floor against the wall. Individuals have also mentioned that it’s quiet and uses less power than a standard baseboard.
Pros:
- Built-in handles
- Thermostat with power light
- 100% energy-efficient
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Some have mentioned that the metal edges of the heater are sharp
Heat Wave 1,000 Watt Convector Baseboard Heater
If you’ve ever wanted a baseboard heater with two settings, this is an ideal purchase. The heater comes with both a low along with a high setting. You can also adjust the temperature with the thermostat control. Other great features of this baseboard heater include thermal cut-off protection along with a tip-over switch.
Those who have purchased this particular baseboard heater like how it’s silent and keeps a pleasant steady temperature. Others have mentioned that you get nice consistent heat right after you flip the switch, and even though it’s not overly large, it works well for a medium to large bedroom that’s reasonably well-insulated.
Pros:
- Comes with two settings
- Temperature can be adjusted with thermostat control
- Comes with thermal cut-off protection
- Silent
Cons:
- Won’t work for incredibly cold nights as it doesn’t have a fan or motor
Lasko 5624 Low Profile Room Space Heater
An excellent heater for your home, this particular heater will circulate heat silently throughout the room. It also comes with an adjustable thermostat with digital temperature settings to select your desired temperature. On top of that, you can even program your heater with the built-in timer. Once the timer is set, the heater will automatically shut off after the programmed time.
This heater also comes with safety features to ensure that it doesn’t overheat – even when left switched on for an extended amount of time. It also comes fully assembled, so you’ll just have to take the heater out of the box, plug it into a wall outlet, adjust the thermostat, and you’re good to go. Those who have purchased this heater mentioned that it’s a good efficient heater that operates quietly and can be hidden behind furniture.
Pros:
- Comes with an adjustable thermostat
- Has digital temperature settings
- Comes with a built-in timer
- Silent
Cons:
- Can be hot to the touch
King Electric KP1215-ECO Dual-wattage Portable Baseboard Heater
If you’re looking for a portable basehead heater, this is a fantastic option. Not only does it come with dual wattage, but it also has energy-saving features. The heater also provides excellent convection heat, is quiet, and comes with a 6-foot cord with a grounded plug. It’s also easy to carry around as the heater comes with a convenient carry handle.
It’s also an excellent baseboard heater if you’re looking to reduce energy consumption as the heater will automatically reduce its wattage once the room’s desired temperature is achieved. Those who have purchased this heater mentioned that it works well, is convenient to use and can be easily moved around the home.
Pros:
- Comes with dual wattage
- Has energy-saving features
- Easy to carry around
- Convenient to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the best heat performance and is better suited for smaller rooms
Marley HBB1254 BASEBOARD HEATERS, Navajo White
If you’ve got allergies, you may want to look at purchasing this baseboard heater. Unlike other heaters, it doesn’t use a fan or a blower to distribute air across the room; instead, it has a natural convection airflow that’ll put out steady warm air. Even after you’ve turned the thermostat off, the unit will continue to heat the room thanks to its fluid-immersed heating element.
In terms of safety, this heater is UL listed for safe operation and has a thermal-cutoff function to prevent overheating. It also comes in a few different sizes so you can select the one that suits your needs best. Either than that, those who have purchased the heater mentioned that it heats the room well, is quietly efficient, and comes with easy installation instructions.
Pros:
- The unit continues to heat the room even after the thermostat is switched off
- UL listed for safe operation
- Comes with a thermal-cutoff function
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Isn’t as quiet as some of the other baseboard heaters
1500 Watt Electric Convection Baseboard Heater with Silent Operation
Looking for a baseboard heater that requires minimal installation? If so, this is the perfect heater for you. It’s recommended for medium-sized rooms and comes with two heat settings along with an easily adjustable thermostat. It also comes with an advanced safety system – great for households that have children or pets.
Other fantastic features of this electric baseboard heater include its silent operation, dent-proof end panels, and a safety tip-over switch that will automatically cut the power off if your heater is accidentally knocked over. Those that have purchased this heater have attested to its quietness and mentioned that it also heats up a room efficiently.
Pros:
- Minimal installation required
- Comes with two heat settings
- Has an advanced safety system
- Silent operation
Cons:
- There’s a distinct smell that’s emitted from the heater
The Perfectoe Under Cabinet Electric Baseboard Heater
Finally, you’ve got this electric baseboard heater that’ll fit perfectly under a cabinet or in any areas that have limited wall space. It comes with a squirrel cage blower that helps increase airflow and will quickly heat up any area of your home.
Those that have purchased this heater have given it rave reviews and mentioned that it’s inexpensive, compact, and does the job well. Perhaps the only complaint that some customers have is how it can sometimes get a little noisy with vibrations.
Pros:
- Fits perfectly in any space
- Comes with a squirrel cage blower to increase airflow
- Inexpensive
- High-energy efficiency
Cons:
- Can be noisy with vibrations
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to heat your home zonally, baseboard heaters are a great addition. Since they can be placed in small spaces, they’re also great for homes with limited wall space. We hope that this review has helped provide you with some insight into the best baseboard heater for your home.
Just remember that when you’re selecting a heater, you should think about its safety features. At times, the casing of the baseboard heater can overheat, and you wouldn’t want your child or pet to get burned by the case.
You’ll also want to make sure that the heater you purchase can adequately warm up your entire room without blowing up your electricity bills.