Are you considering getting a new wall-mounted electric heater, perhaps to complement the central furnace or for a new addition?
You’ve made a great decision. Wall-mounted electric heaters are affordable and highly efficient. They are also compact and, if used well, can add to interior décor. Above all, wall-mounted electric heaters for large rooms come in all shapes and sizes, allowing shoppers to pick the perfect fit for the application.
The only (minor) challenge is selection. Given that electric wall heaters come in a wide range of options, it takes a keen eye and a little bit of effort to find the right one. So we’ve compiled this buying guide to make your work easier.
The Best 8 Wall-Mounted Electric Heaters
Let’s begin with the reviews. The following are eight of the best wall-mounted electric heaters for large rooms.
1. Heat Storm Phoenix Deluxe HS-1500-PHX Wi-Fi Electric Heater
You’re probably aware of the Heat Storm brand. The company is famous for making some of the best heating appliances for home and office use. They make functional products that also incorporate aesthetic elements to blend in our homes easily.
In the Phoenix Deluxe model HS-1500-PHX Wi-Fi, the company has one of the best electric wall heaters in the market. This infrared heater is designed for up to 400 square feet applications, meaning it perfectly fits most living and bedrooms. It also features a two-tone design that looks elegant in any room. In addition, the grill tray stays cool-to-touch throughout the operation.
The HS-1500-PHX Wi-Fi plugs into a standard 120V outlet. It comes with the required electric cord, which can be tucked away inside the unit when installed over a plug. You’ll appreciate the controls too.
It has two settings at 1,500 watts and 500 watts, selectable from the onboard touch-control display and digital thermostat. You can also calibrate the heater to work alongside your HVAC system.
The best part of the HS-1500-PHX Wi-Fi, however, is the Wi-Fi control capacity. When connected to your home network, the Wi-Fi capability allows you to control the heater from the comfort of your smartphone.
Pros
- Very efficient (costs just $0.18/hour to run)
- Convenient touch-control display
- Features Wi-Fi control (iOS and Android)
- Ideal for up to 750 square feet
Cons
- A hefty price tag
2. Broan-NuTone 198 Electric Wall Heater
If you’re looking for a big brand product, then you wouldn’t go wrong with a Broan heater. The company has been around for nearly a century (over 80 years, to be precise) and makes a wide range of heaters under the NuTone brand. While they have different products for electric wall heating, the Broan NuTone 198 is our pick for a large room.
The NuTone may seem a little bland from a design point of view. But it’s one of the most functional wall heaters on this list. For one, it’s built from 18-gauge heavy-duty steel, guaranteeing many years of reliable service. This makes it an excellent choice even for unconventional applications, such as garage or workshop heating.
Unfortunately, that’s where the exciting features end. The NuTone 198 has a dial-based thermostat located beneath the louvers and comes with a safety cover for that knob.
The knob has a dual purpose: to secure the thermostat and ensure that temperature settings stay where you choose. You get two operational settings, i.e., 4,000 watts at 240 volts and 2,000 watts at 120 volts.
Other key features of the Broan NuTone 198 include a permanently lubricated motor, an auto-shutoff feature, a highly efficient blower wheel, and a super-durable nickel-chrome heating element. It can be surface-mounted or recessed, depending on the features of your room.
Pros
- Powerful heater at up to 4,000 watts
- It comes in many coverage options, up to 400 square feet
- Durable design for unconventional applications
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons
- No Wi-Controls
- No exciting controls display
3. Comfort Glow 1,500-Watt Electric Infrared Wall Heater
The 1,500-watt Comfort Glow is another excellent wall-mounted electric heater for large rooms. It utilizes two superefficient quarts heating elements that pump out warming electromagnetic waves.
If you know anything about quartz heaters, you’ll be aware that they are some of the most efficient. They are excellent at conserving heat as the quart heating element retains heating much longer than standard heating elements.
This heater is also an excellent choice if quiet operation is at the top of your list. The high-output fan goes about its job quietly, spreading the gentle warmth around the room quickly but without a fuss. It can serve spaces as large as 1,000 square feet.
All the beautiful heating components are housed in a sleek and slim cabinet. Moreover, we love that the cabinet stays cool to the touch throughout the operation.
It’s also moisture-resistant, making it a great choice even for washrooms. A programmable thermostat is built into the unit for convenience. However, the easy-read display lets you set and check climate settings with ease.
Other key features of the Comfort Glow heater include a programmable timer, set temperature controls, and remote control. It also arrives with the required wall bracket for easy installation and easily plugs into the electrical outlet (120V) with the included six-foot cord.
Pros
- Easy-read digital thermostat
- Convenient remote control
- Multiple preset temperature settings – including ECO mode
- Compact, attractive design
- Ideal for up to 1,000 square feet
Cons
- No Wi-Fi control
4. Cadet Register Series Wall Insert Electric Fan-Forced Heater
Cadet stands out on this list as the only company that focuses entirely on making heating products. While other brands on this list also make other HVAC appliances, including air conditioners and fans, Cadet only makes heaters. This gives the company an advantage as they can focus on bringing the best products to the market. Our pick is the enviable Cadet CEC163TW.
The Cadet CEC163TW only takes about 10×8 inches on your wall and is very easy to install. It’s also designed with an intelligent sensor that automatically adjusts from 120 volts to 208 or 240 volts. Remember that the higher voltage settings allow you to extract more heating power from the heater, albeit at an increased cost.
The heater arrives with a digital thermostat on the front through which you can select desired heating levels and track the heater’s performance. It also has a Fan-Only mode for the warmer months and a Night Mode that keeps the room comfortable and safe throughout the night. The Night mode also dims the LED displays for greater comfort.
The Cadet CEC163TW packs plenty of power at 1,600 watts. This makes it ideal for spaces up to 400 square feet. You’ll also appreciate that it comes with everything you need out of the box, including the heat box, thermostat, grill, and wall can. It’s backed by a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Well built and easy to install
- Large, digital thermostat
- Smart sensor
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- It takes a bit longer to heat a room
5. King PAW2422-W Electric wall Heater
The King PAW 2422-W is a PAW Series wall heater from King. It’s a fan-forced (read air-forced) heater, which relies on the fan to draw cool air into the unit and disperse warm air throughout your home.
Being a wall-mount unit, you can mount it directly on the wall. The installation process is pretty straightforward. However, we recommend professional installation.
The first advantage of the W-series heaters is that you have several choices from the same heater family. Specifically, you can choose from the PAW1215-W (a 1500-watt, 120V heater), the PAW-2022-W (a 2250-watt, 208V heater), or the PAW2422-W (a 2250-watt, 240V heater). The PAW2422-W is the largest of the three, ideal for spaces up to 400 square feet.
Features that separate the PAW Series heaters from W-Series heaters include the slightly higher wattage ratings and a whisper-quiet cage blower. The blower allows you to keep running the heater even deep into the night without worrying about noise. The PAW also features a heavy-duty steel heating element that guarantees a long life of reliable use.
The only notable downside is that PAW heaters don’t come with built-in thermostats. Instead, you’re required to purchase wall thermostats separately. The silver lining is that this allows you to purchase a modern, Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat for utmost convenience.
Pros
- Durable steel heating element
- Patented Smart Limit Technology for safety
- Elegant, attractive design
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- No inbuilt thermostat
- No smart controls
6. Heat Storm HS-1000-WX Electric Wall Heater
We’ve already looked at one exemplary wall-mounted electric heater from Heat Storm – the HS-1500-PHX. If you like the features but want a slightly smaller model, the HS-1000-WX is precisely what you need. Unlike the PHX, this is a 1,000-watt (max) electric heater designed for slightly smaller spaces, up to 500 square feet. It’s also slightly smaller in physical size.
Other than that, it’s a powerful heater that will meet your every need. First off, although a 1,000-watt unit, it has an ECO mode that only draws 500 watts per hour, allowing you to keep your spaces warm without burning a hole in your pocket. It also retains heat for long periods, allowing you to feel the warmth for hours after switching off the heater.
The WX comes with a fully adjustable thermostat with a 50°F to 99°F range. You can conveniently set your desired room temperatures on the touchscreen display located directly on the heater. This is also where the ON/OFF controls are located. However, you also have the option of using the remote. The remote is included in the package.
We also love that the heater has several safety features. These include a cool-to-touch grille that doesn’t cause damage to the walls and an automatic shutoff control if the unit is dislodged from the wall. The compact size takes up only two square feet on your wall
Pros
- It comes in different color choices
- Multiple safety features
- Includes an ECO mode
- Built-in adjustable thermostat
Cons
- No smart controls
7. MagikFlame Athena Electric Wall Fireplace
If discreet isn’t top of your list, then we’d recommend the generous MagikFlame Athena fireplace-style wall heater. This heater trades physical size for functionality, providing homeowners with a powerful heating system in a gorgeous cabinet.
At 5,200 BTU, it’s enough to serve 1,000 square-foot living areas or larger. It also works well in bedrooms and other applications where the ambiance is critical.
Onto the details, the Athena model comes with the standards MagikFlame holographic fireplace built upon a beautiful wood mantel. This option comes in w white mantel.
The heater is located beneath the fireplace and utilizes radiant heat to keep your room warm. Meanwhile, the realistic flames provide a unique ambiance that instantly uplifts the space.
The cabinet has a digital display built onto the side for easy control. From the display, you can select the flame type, heating level, timers, etc. However, you can also control the heater from the sofa if you wish via the downloadable iPhone app.
It has at least 26 different flame settings from which to choose – each with a unique crackling effect! The Athena even has flame nature sounds to soothe and relax you after a long day.
The unit goes in front of a bare wall. If you already have a gas fireplace or old wood fireplace in your home, consider a different option, such as a MagikFlame heating insert.
Pros
- Gorgeous, stylish build
- Has realistic flames with crackles
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and app control
- Ideal for up to 1,000 square feet
Cons
- It is expensive
8. De’Longhi HCX9115E Radiant Wall Heater
Let’s round off with a wall heater that’s also flexible enough to function as a standalone appliance. Although it traditionally goes on the wall, the De’Longhi HCX9115E comes with optional feet that allow users to set it on a flat surface such as the floor. Make sure to place it on a concrete surface away from flammable items, such as carpets and rugs.
The 1500-watt heater warms up quickly and can disperse heat to areas up to 300 square feet. Its 3-inch thin construction and the dual-fan system are other features that stand out. The all-metal casing retains heat for long periods after the heat goes off, allowing you to save even more on heating costs.
This heater has a temperature range of 60°F to 90°F. Selecting the desired heating level is simple. Just locate the touch control buttons on the side. An easy-read LCD screen above the buttons allows you to track your choices and keep things within control.
There’s plenty more to love about the De’Longhi HCX9115E. For instance, it has an innovative ECO mode that saves money and reduces your carbon footprint by monitoring room temperatures and automatically adjusting the thermostat settings accordingly.
It even has a set-and-go timer that will switch off the heater after a predetermined period. An internal tip-over switch ensures safety by shutting off the unit is tipped over or dislodged from the wall.
Pros
- Extra slim for aesthetic performance
- Simple design for easy maintenance
- Adjustable thermostat
- Ultra-quiet for hushed performance
Cons
- It’s one of the more expensive options
- No Wi-Fi or smart controls
Now that we know some of the best wall-mounted electric heaters, let’s discuss selecting the best one for your application.
What is an Electric Wall Heater?
Residential (and commercial) heating solutions come in a wide range of choices. Electric wall heaters are electricity-powered heating appliances that install on the wall inside the house.
Wall-installed heaters can install flush on the wall or be recessed into the wall. Whichever option, you often need a bracket or something similar to hold the heater on the wall. The bracket is screwed to the wall in most cases, and the heating appliance slid into the bracket.
How Does an Electric wall Heater Work?
The working mechanism of electric wall heaters depends on the type of wall heater. Generally, the heaters have a heating element with a very high electrical resistance. These heating elements generate heat by resisting current flow. Then the heat is distributed throughout the home either naturally or through convection.
Most units have at least one fan that draws air into the electric heater. A filter located close to the return air ducts traps impurities such as dust particles and dander from entering the heater.
Once inside the heater, the cool air from the return ducts absorbs the heat from the resistance coils before exiting back into the room via the supply air ducts. The rest of the process depends on the type of heater.
Types of Electric Wall Heaters
There are many ways to categorize electric wall heaters. However, we can classify the heaters into four broad categories, as follows;
Fan-Forced Electric Heaters
Fan-forced electric heaters blow hot air out of the unit. They utilize a blower system to move cool air over the heating element and push warm out of the heater and into your room. The fan also ensures the even distribution of warm air throughout the intended space.
- Advantages
The biggest advantage of fan-forced electric heaters is the price. Fan-forced heaters are, by far, the most affordable of all heaters. Additionally, fan-forced heaters tend to warm up faster. Thus, you can expect the room to be warm within seconds rather than minutes.
- Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of fan-forced heaters is noise. Since the success of the fan-forced heater heavily depends on the fan’s effectiveness, the fans tend to run faster and more violently. Additionally, fan-forced heaters suck a lot of moisture from indoor air, often leaving your air dry and unhealthy.
Radiant Electric Heaters
Radiant electric heaters are a little different from fan-forced models. Rather than blowing hot air out of the unit, they generate gentle electromagnetic (infrared) waves.
Infrared waves heat only objects they pass through. As these objects become warm, they pass the warmth to the surrounding air. FYI, this is the same way the sun works.
- Advantages
The primary advantage of radiant heaters is efficiency. Since radiant heaters only heat objects on their paths and not the air, you can significantly minimize heating expenses with proper installation. Radiant heaters also heat instantly. When the unit turns ON, the electromagnetic waves instantly travel to the target objects (including you). Above all, they are incredibly silent.
- Disadvantages
Unfortunately, radiant heaters are a little pricy. They typically cost several times an equivalent fan-forced heater. Worse still, they are best suited for personal heating rather than large rooms.
Convection Heaters
Convection heaters are almost similar to fan-forced heaters, except they primarily rely on natural air movement to disperse warm air in the home. As the law of convection says, left to nature, warm air will rise while cold air moves in to replace it at the bottom of the space. The internal fans only complement the convection process.
Convection heaters are typically installed around the ground floor level. This way, the cold air around the legs is naturally drawn into the return vents while warm, comfortable air circulates the home occupant’s main bodies.
- Advantages
The major advantage of convection heaters is price. They cost in the same price range as fan-forced heaters. Convection heaters are also excellent energy savers and typically quiet.
- Disadvantages
Unfortunately, convection heaters take very long to heat an entire room and are almost incapable of warming a large room.
Micathermic Heaters
Finally, mica-thermic heaters use a combination of convection and radiant heating. They use a heating element to generate heat like convection and fan-forced heaters. However, this heat isn’t directly transferred to users. Instead, it’s used to warm up thin mica sheets covering the heating element.
The thin mica sheets generate electromagnetic waves (similar to radiant heaters) to heat the place upon heating up. Thus, no fans are needed to disperse the heat throughout the room.
- Advantages
The combination of convection and radiant heating makes mica-thermic heaters arguably the most efficient space heaters. These heaters are also very quiet and remain cool-to-touch throughout the heating duration.
- Disadvantages
Due to the incredible high efficiency, mica-thermic heaters are the most expensive heaters today. Mica-thermic heater
Benefits of Electric Wall Heaters
So, okay, electric wall heaters come in many unique options. But should you get one? Consider the following benefits to make an informed decision.
Space-saving
The biggest advantage of electric wall heaters is that they don’t take up much space in the home. Indeed, they don’t take a single inch on the floor, leaving the precious floor space available for other purposes. This makes them a desirable option for small rooms and applications where floor space is a premium.
Energy efficiency
Wall heaters also eliminate the need for ducts. This fact alone significantly reduces energy loss as ducts account for nearly 30% of all energy losses in the home. However, that’s not all. Installing the heaters on the wall means the heat waves or electromagnetic spectrum can avoid common blockades, such as sofas and cupboards, further boosting heating efficiency.
Modern controls
Except for older models, wall heaters are modern appliances with convenient controls for utmost convenience. You can tell this by the fact nearly all wall heaters are remote-controlled. The majority also have onboard touch controls and programmable thermostats and timers. Some even have Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing for smartphone and app control.
Easy installation
Finally, wall heaters are an excellent solution for home heating because they are easy to install. You can even install the unit yourself. All you need to do is screw the brackets to the wall and slide the heating box into the brackets. Most wall heaters plug into the standard 120V outlet. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about electrical wiring.
Considerations When Choosing an Electric Wall Heater
If you’re convinced of electric wall heaters, the next step is to choose the right one based on your needs. The following are a few considerations to help you make a perfect choice;
Which Type?
We’ve seen at least four different types of electric wall heaters. Which one best suits your needs? If you’re on a tight budget, we’d recommend a fan-forced or convection model. Fan-forced models distribute heat better, while convection heaters are gentler and quieter.
However, budget allowing, go for a radiant heater or a mica-thermic heater. The main difference is that mica-thermic heaters are slightly more expensive.
Heating Capacity
The next consideration is how much heat you want. A standard wall heater is rated 1,500 watts, enough for an average room. It means that you may need more watts for a bigger room, though this isn’t always the case.
Ideally, find a heater rated at least 1,000 watts and look at the estimated coverage. This will give you a better idea of whether you’re getting the right heater.
Condition of the Room
The size and features of the room also have a big say on the ideal wall heating solution. First off, you need a more powerful heater for a larger room. However, that’s just the beginning. You may also need a more powerful heater if it’s a poorly insulated room or if the ceiling is higher.
Other room factors to consider are openings (windows and doors) and the room’s location within the home. For example, rooms with exterior walls typically need more heating.
Physical Size
This may or may not matter, depending on your needs. However, you must know that the size of the heater has an impact on cohesion within the room. A bigger wall heater becomes too conspicuous in the room and may take more decorative effort to conceal. Therefore, if you’re also keen to maintain a specific décor, you must choose wisely.
Additionally, size may impact the placement of the heater. If it’s too big, you may need to place it closer to the floor. Size may also be an issue if you already have items on the wall, such as family photos.
Features
Different wall heaters have different features. We strongly recommend that you find one with all the features critical for your convenience. For instance, if you want a remote-controlled heater, don’t settle. Continue shopping until you find one. The same applies if you want intelligent controls, such as Wi-Fi compatibility and app control. Don’t settle.
Other valuable features to look for are thermostat (built-in or wall-installed), timers, and convenience-boosting operation modes (ECO, FAN, etc.).
Safety
The best electric appliances make safety a priority. So, find a wall heater that incorporates multiple safety features and mechanisms to protect both the heater and you.
Top safety features to consider are tip-over shutoff and overheating protection. Tip-over switches turn off the heater if it falls from the bracket or tips over (for standalone models). Meanwhile, overheat protection keeps the unit from overheating, thus protecting the internal components. You also want a cool-to-touch heater.
Other Considerations
You can consider several other factors depending on your needs. For instance, you may want to check the heater’s energy efficiency to determine how much power it consumes. Some people also want quieter or essentially noise-free heaters depending on the application.
The warranty (length and specifics) is also important, as are aesthetic elements. Choose a beautiful heater that enhances your décor.
Electric Wall Heater Safety Tips
Unfortunately, electric wall heaters aren’t entirely safe. Even with multiple safety features, such as overheating protection and tip-over auto-shutoff, the heater still presents a few safety risks within the home. Therefore, we recommend the following safety tips to prevent unwanted incidents.
- Install the heater away from high-traffic areas. It should be at least three feet away from paths and sofas.
- Do not place anything flammable within three feet of the heater. So, keep it away from curtains and clothes.
- Avoid extensions as much as possible unless you have no other choice, in which case you want to buy the right extension as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Tuck away all cords as cords lying around are the most common cause of tripping. Ideally, keep the cords out of sight.
- Place the heater on a stable surface or a solid wall. Installing a wall heater on a modified wall is calling for trouble.
- Don’t allow children or pets to get too close to the heater unsupervised. Even cool-to-touch heaters can become hot, especially as the appliance ages.
Summary
Finding the best wall-mounted electric heaters for a large room doesn’t have to be an arduous process. Although the heaters come in a wide range of options, good shopping habits would allow you to find the perfect heater within days.
We just want to stress the importance of professional installation. Unless you’re highly confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to let an HVAC pro install the heater. Happy shopping!