Top 3 Picks
The Best Bathroom Heating Options
1 - Radiant Infloor Heating
Overview
Experience the ultimate bathroom luxury with Radiant Infloor Heating. Bid farewell to freezing floors and welcome a warmth that wraps you in comfort.
Electrical underfloor heating uses electrical heating elements (mats or cables) installed beneath your bathroom floor, turning the entire surface into a radiator.
In addition to heating, it’s praised for its space-saving design, keeping your walls clutter-free without the need for bulky radiators or heaters.
Its subtle, consistent heat output improves overall energy efficiency, potentially lowering heating bills when integrated into a well-insulated home.
This system is particularly suited for new constructions or major renovations where it can be installed directly into the flooring structure, although retrofit options are available for existing spaces.
Pros & Cons
- Offers a luxurious, even heat distribution that eliminates cold spots.
- Preserves wall space for design flexibility and décor.
- Enhances energy efficiency, reducing overall heating costs.
- Low maintenance requirements post-installation.
- Compatible with a wide range of floor finishes, offering versatile design options.
- Lifespan of 30+ years.
- Higher upfront cost due to the complexity of installation.
- Requires professional installation, which may add to overall expenses.
- Structural considerations may limit installation options in some existing homes.
Rating
Price
50 sq ft Bathroom Kit – starting at $1,414.06
75 sq ft Bathroom Kit – starting at $1,606.46
2 - Mirror Radiant Heating Panel
Overview
This Mirror Radiant Heating Panel redefines bathroom heating by combining the practical utility of a full-length mirror with the advanced technology of radiant heating.
This innovative solution not only serves as a critical element in daily grooming routines but also emits a comforting warmth, enriching the bathroom experience.
They have an average running cost of $1.20 per day making them a good choice for long-term heating needs.
As with infloor heating, this dual functionality makes it an ideal choice for those looking to maximize space and elevate the style of their bathrooms.
The Inspire Comfort Mirror Radiant Panel is available in a range of sizes from 250W (heating area up to 52 sq ft) to 1250W (heating area up to 312 sq ft).
Pros & Cons
- Space-saving design.
- Provides rapid, evenly distributed warmth.
- Elevates bathroom aesthetics with its sleek, modern appearance.
- Straightforward installation process, making it accessible for various bathroom configurations.
- Operates silently and efficiently, contributing to lower energy consumption.
- Initial cost might be higher than basic heating options.
- Requires professional installation.
Rating
Price
$529.00 – $1,399.00
3 - Column Radiators
Overview
The Traditional Radiator continues to stand strong as a reliable choice for heating bathrooms, providing a simple and dependable way to keep the space warm.
Available in a variety of designs, from vintage cast iron to modern steel, these radiators easily integrate with any bathroom décor.
Traditional radiators connect directly to your home’s central heating system, ensuring a reliable heat source during the colder months.
Recent innovations have led to more compact and efficient models, allowing for installation in even the smallest bathrooms without sacrificing performance.
The traditional radiator is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance of performance, reliability, and aesthetic versatility.
Pros & Cons
- Wide range of styles to complement any bathroom design.
- Reliable heating performance with a direct connection to central heating.
- Recent models offer improved efficiency and compact designs for space-saving installations.
- Can be bulky and potentially challenging to fit in smaller spaces.
- Exterior surfaces can become hot, requiring caution to prevent burns.
- May not be as energy-efficient as more modern heating solutions in larger spaces.
Rating
Price
$300.00-$1,900.00
4 - Panel Radiators
Overview
Panel Radiators showcase the evolution of bathroom heating, presenting a modern and sleek solution that harmonizes style and functionality.
These radiators feature a flat-panel design, embodying the minimalist aesthetic preferred in modern bathroom interiors.
Their low-profile build allows them to be mounted virtually anywhere, saving precious floor and wall space while providing ample heat output.
Available in both horizontal and vertical configurations, they can be tailored to fit the dimensions of any bathroom.
The versatility of panel radiators extends to their finish, with a wide palette of colors available to match or accent your bathroom’s color scheme.
Pros & Cons
- Modern design enhancing bathroom aesthetics.
- Efficient heat distribution capable of warming bathrooms of various sizes.
- Customizable in size and color to fit specific design needs.
- May require additional units to adequately heat larger, open-plan bathrooms.
- Can take longer to reach the target temperature.
Rating
Price
$200.00 – $1,500.00
5 - Radiant Space Panel Heater
Overview
The Radiant Space Panel Heater represents the cutting edge in bathroom heating technology, offering a targeted approach to warmth.
This innovative device is designed to focus the heat where it’s most needed, allowing for efficient and rapid warming of specific areas within the bathroom. It can be mounted on both the ceiling and walls, allowing for total bathroom coverage.
Its sleek design blends seamlessly into any bathroom setting, providing warmth without compromising style.
The Radiant Space Panel Heater is particularly well-suited for larger bathrooms where targeted heat can create zones of comfort without the need to heat the entire space continuously.
Pros & Cons
- Precise, targeted heating.
- Energy-efficient operation minimizes unnecessary heating costs.
- Unobtrusive design integrates well with modern bathroom aesthetics.
- Higher price point may be a consideration for those on a tight budget.
- Best suited for smaller to sized bathrooms if used as the primary source of heat.
Rating
Price
$799.00 – $849.00
Bathroom Heating Product Comparison Table
| Product | Summary | Pros | Cons | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiant Infloor Heating | Turns entire bathroom floor into a warm surface, enhancing energy efficiency. | Even heating; preserves wall space; energy efficient; low maintenance; versatile design options; 30+ years lifespan. | Higher upfront cost; requires professional installation; limitations in some homes. | 5/5 | $1,414.06 - $1,606.46 |
| Mirror Radiant Heating Panel | Combines full-length mirrors with the comfort of radiant heating, elevating bathroom aesthetics. | Space-saving; rapid, even warmth; elevates aesthetics; straightforward installation; silent operation. | Higher initial cost; requires professional installation. | 4.8/5 | $529.00 - $1,399.00 |
| Traditional Radiator | Reliable heating with a range of styles, connecting directly to the home's central heating system. | Wide style range; reliable; efficient and compact; improves with recent models. | Bulkiness in some models; hot exterior surfaces; less efficient in larger spaces. | 4.5/5 | $300.00 - $1,900.00 |
| Panel Radiators | Sleek, flat-panel design for a contemporary look while saving space. | Modern design; efficient heat distribution; customizable in size and color. | May need more units for larger spaces; slower to heat. | 4.3/5 | $200.00 - $1,500.00 |
| Radiant Space Panel Heater | Focuses heat where it's most needed, offering efficient and rapid warming in a sleek design. | Precise, targeted heating; energy-efficient; unobtrusive design. | Higher price point; best for smaller to medium-sized bathrooms. | 4.5/5 | $799.00 - $849.00 |
The Worst Bathroom Heating Options - Ones To Avoid
1 - Heated Towel Rails
The chances are that if you use popular search engines to research the best options for heating a bathroom, at least 80-90% of the top results will include heated towel rails as one of the top choices.
Do not listen to them.
Why? The clue is in the name. A heated towel rail will warm up your towel but it will not heat your bathroom.
We have yet to meet a heated towel rail that could even come close to sufficiently heating a bathroom all on its own. If you want to have a nice warm, snuggly towel, great. For ensuring you have a warm, comfy bathroom, look elsewhere.
2 - Electric Fan Heaters
Fan heaters are also put forward as good bathroom heaters when they really shouldn’t be.
Not only are most fan heaters insufficient to provide adequate heat to even smaller bathrooms, but they are noisy and generate uncomfortable, stuffy heat.
And that’s the last thing anybody wants when they have just stepped out of the bath or shower.
They are cheap, but they are cheap for a reason. They really aren’t worth the time of day.
FAQs
What is the best type of bathroom heating?
The best type of bathroom heating depends on your needs and the specific layout of your bathroom.
However, Radiant Underfloor Heating (UFH) is generally considered the best overall option for most bathrooms due to its even heat distribution, energy efficiency, and the luxurious feel it adds to the space.
How can I heat my bathroom cheaply?
To heat your bathroom cheaply, consider energy-efficient solutions like Radiant Space Panel Heaters or Radiant Heating Panels, which offer targeted warmth and lower operating costs.
Additionally, improving your bathroom’s energy efficiency in other ways is also a large factor in reducing the costs of heating your bathroom. Upgrading your insulation can help retain heat more effectively, reducing the need for constant heating.
What type of heater is allowed in a bathroom?
Heaters used in bathrooms must be specifically designed for wet environments, adhering to safety standards and IP ratings to ensure they are waterproof and safe to use.
Options like Radiant Underfloor Heating, Traditional or Panel Radiators, and Radiant Space Panel Heaters are all suitable and safe for bathroom use.
What is the best heating source for a small bathroom?
For small bathrooms, Mirror Radiant Heating Panels and Radiant Space Panel Heaters are excellent choices.
They offer efficient heating without taking up much space, and their sleek designs can complement the aesthetics of a small bathroom.
The Best Bathroom Heating Options
When choosing the right bathroom heating option, it’s essential to balance comfort, efficiency, and style.
Radiant Underfloor Heating stands out for its even warmth and energy savings, while Mirror Radiant Heating Panels offer a stylish, space-saving solution.
Traditional and Panel Radiators provide reliable heat with aesthetic versatility, and Radiant Space Panel Heaters focus warmth precisely where needed.
Avoid less effective options like heated towel rails and electric fan heaters. Consider your space, budget, and design preferences to ensure a cozy, inviting bathroom year-round.
If you would like assistance in choosing the right bathroom heating option for your home, do not hesitate to get in touch today.
