The best baseboard heaters vary in size and installation position - some sit on the floor, others slightly higher up. Either way, the size of the room you need to heat will dictate what size baseboard heater you need. In fact, a large baseboard heater is sometimes more efficient because it can heat the room faster and therefore, not use as much energy in doing so. Depending on where you want to position your baseboard heater, consider the noise it makes too. If you need one of the best baseboard heaters for bedrooms, noise volume is going to be a lot more important than if you need a baseboard heater for basements. Since these electric heaters are going to be a part of your home’s decor, take into account the overall finish of the heater and, for ease of use, consider a baseboard heater with a thermostat or with a remote control, that way you even have to get up from your seat to change the temperature. Whatever you need, find our full reviews of the best baseboard heaters below. Looking for other ways to keep warm at home? Don’t miss these guides to the best gas furnaces (opens in new tab) and the best space heaters (opens in new tab).
1. Dimplex PC3010W31: Best baseboard heater with thermostat
We’ve rated the Dimplex PC3010W31 as the best baseboard heater with a thermostat because its sleek and compact design combined with powerful heat output makes it ideal for all rooms. Thanks to the enhanced temperature control that you’ll enjoy with this model of baseboard heater you will also see a saving on your electric consumption. This is the best baseboard heater with a thermostat built-in and you can choose between a wireless remote control or a classic wall plate that eliminates the need for external wires, so your space will always look neat and tidy. Because this model is a linear proportional convector baseboard heater, it means that one remote can control several different units throughout your home. This gives you the option for zonal heating which will allow you to save even more energy. The size and design is another huge plus point for us. It’s up to 42% smaller than other baseboard heaters so it gives you a lot more flexibility in where you place your furniture and is the perfect fit for small spaces.
Read our Dimplex PC3010W31 baseboard heater review (opens in new tab)
2. Cadet 8F2025W: Best value baseboard heater
The Cadet 8F2025W provides fast, reliable heat but it’s also very good for the bank balance. Not only does it come with a low price tag but because it uses convection heat, it is also very efficient when it comes to energy consumption. This baseboard heater is also easy to install. It has pre-punched holes and universal wiring which allows you to install at either end depending on the layout of your room. So you can forget any worries about having the heater installed in a place that doesn’t suit you. With a 96-inch width and four wattage outputs, this is one of the best baseboard heaters for basements as you can easily heat up to 350 square feet just using one heater. It also comes in a choice of white or almond white so whatever your decor, it will blend in seamlessly. The high-temperature safety shutoff feature is another one of our favorite aspects of this baseboard heater - you can relax knowing that if it gets too hot or there’s an abnormal event that affects your electricity, then the heater will shut down automatically. The Cadet 8F2025W, however, doesn’t include a thermostat so you will need to buy one separately.
Read our Cadet 8F2025W baseboard heater review (opens in new tab)
3. Fahrenheat F25426: Best baseboard heater for allergies
The type of air conditioning and heating system that you have installed in your home can make all the difference when it comes to your allergies - which is why we love the Fahrenheat F25426. It features a fan-less design which means that it will heat the air evenly without circulating dust, pet hair, pollen, or other allergens that can make your allergies worse. The Fahrenheat F25426 also has great safety features. It will automatically turn off once it registers that the airflow has become blocked and it won’t turn back on again until that blockage has been removed. It’s also UL listed so can be used on carpeted or tiled flooring which is excellent news if you’re looking for the best baseboard heating for a living space. This is one of the best baseboard electric heaters for efficiency as it converts all incoming electric straight in to direct heat meaning your room will warm up quickly and the hot air will also be distributed evenly. This unit gives you the option of linking multiple units together so if you’re looking to heat a larger area then this really is the ideal unit for you.
Read our Fahrenheat F25426 baseboard heater review (opens in new tab)
4. Stelpro ABA0302W: Best stylish baseboard heater
When it comes to baseboard heaters we know that they’re not exactly the most fashionable item that you can have in your home. However, the design of the Stelpro ABA0302W is sophisticated and sleek. Not only does it look super stylish with its extruded aluminum front cover, but it’s also solid and rust-resistant which will keep it looking good for a long time. Of course, it’s all very well looking good but if it doesn’t perform well then there’s no point. Thankfully we are pleased to report that not only does it heat the room well (and quickly), but it is also extremely energy efficient so you may even see your bank balance looking a lot better too. We were a little disappointed that there was no built-in thermostat, especially as every other aspect of this baseboard heater is high end but they do offer a wide range of external thermostats that will compliment this unit and keep it high up on our best baseboard heaters list.
Read our Stelpro ABA0302W baseboard heater review (opens in new tab)
5. King 3K2407BW: Best baseboard heater for basements
We know that some basements can be dark, cold, and damp so the ideal way to solve that problem is to install a baseboard heater, especially if you’re faced with an area that doesn’t already have heating installed. Which is why we think that the King 3K2407BW is one of the best baseboard heaters for basements. If you’re lacking wall space then you will love this heater, it measures 3 feet long and provides 570 or 750 watts of electric heat depending on if you install in at 208 or 240 volts. It doesn’t have an inbuilt thermostat but you can easily purchase a compatible remote including a wireless option so you can heat that basement up before you brave going down there. The SureStop safety feature is ideal and it will shut the power off to the unit if it gets too hot so that it doesn’t overheat - an ideal feature for using in the basement where you may not be present at all times whilst the heater is in operation. Another feature that impressed us was how quiet this baseboard heater is whilst it’s running. It’s so quiet in fact that it would also be great for use in bedrooms, living spaces, or your home office.
Read our King 3K2407BW baseboard heater review (opens in new tab)
What to consider when looking for the best baseboard heater
Price Baseboard heaters can range in price from $30 to over $300 so it’s important to know what you want from your baseboard heater before you make your decision. You also need to think about any added extras you may need such as an external thermostat or electrician fees so you can make sure that you stay within budget. Flooring type What flooring you have down can make a huge difference in how warm or cold your room is. Because of the added insulation that comes with them, carpets are going to be warmer than tiles for example. So if you have a room with hardwood, linoleum, or tiles then a baseboard heater can definitely help to warm up the area. But you also have to consider whether your chosen baseboard heater can be used with carpet so make sure to do your research before you buy. Home design and space Baseboard heaters generally work better when placed under a window because windows often have drafts that cause extra cold air to enter. The baseboard heater will take that cold air and convert it in to warm air pushing it into the center of the room. It’s also important that you consider the size and shape of your rooms. There may be some rooms that you don’t use very often so you can use a baseboard heater to heat them when in use and save on your central heating costs. Or perhaps you have a large room that has plenty of draughts and a baseboard heater can provide additional warmth and make it more comfortable. Built-in thermostat You need to have a thermostat in order for a baseboard heater to work. But not all of them have built-in options. There are usually single and double pole options when it comes to thermostats. A single-pole thermostat doesn’t have an off switch so can only be turned down. A double pole thermostat does have an off switch so you can turn it off completely. Electric v eclectic hydronic We’ve rounded up the best baseboard electric heaters in this buying guide. That means that they rely on electric resistance to generate the heat needed. They draw in the cold air from the room and heat it before pushing it out through the top. An electronic hydronic baseboard heater is also powered by electricity but instead of it directly heating the air, it heats up a reservoir of water inside the heater. The water then moves through the tubes to generate heat for the room. Both have their plus points but generally, electric baseboard heaters will warm up the rooms quickly. Wattage The heat output in electric baseboard heaters is measured via watts. It’s a general rule of thumb that you need around 10 watts to heat up one square meter of room space. It’s always a good plan to think about buying a baseboard heater that has more watts than you actually need so you can guarantee a warm and cozy space.
What’s the difference between a baseboard heater and a wall heater?
When it comes to heaters there are two types: baseboard heaters and wall heaters. Both heaters work by passing electricity though an element which generates resistance to the current which then creates heat. So what’s the difference? A wall heater is mounted inside on the walls where as a baseboard heater is mounted just above the floor. Baseboard heaters generally run quieter but do tend to be larger than wall heaters. Also, a baseboard heater uses convection heating to radiate heat where as wall heaters use fans to disperse heat.
