Short Intro: This guide compares five ceiling-mounted bathroom heaters focused on heating performance, installation type, and safety features. The selections emphasize ceiling heaters only or primary heating function in a ceiling-mount form factor to match the search intent for standalone ceiling heaters.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Broan‑NuTone 157 Low‑Profile Heater | Ceiling Sheath Element Heater | 1250W Low Profile, Enclosed Metal Sheath |
| Femotic 157 Compatible Ceiling Heater | Replacement/Compatible Ceiling Heater | 1250W PTC Ceramic, Overheat Protection |
| Xmnbl 157 Replacement Ceiling Heater | Replacement/Compatible Ceiling Heater | 1250W PTC Ceramic, Easy Installation Hooks |
| Broan‑NuTone 164 Infrared Bulb Heater | Ceiling Infrared Bulb Heater + Fan | Two 250W Infrared Bulbs (R40/BR40) |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Heater | Exhaust Fan With Powerful PTC Heater | 1600W PTC Heater, Pick‑A‑Flow Airflow Options |
Broan‑NuTone 157 Low‑Profile Fan‑Forced Ceiling Heater
The Broan‑NuTone 157 is a classic ceiling‑mounted heater designed as a low profile, fan‑forced heating supplement. It operates at 1250W and 120VAC and uses an enclosed metal sheath element for reliable heat delivery. The housing is designed to be compact for tight ceiling spaces, and the grille is satin aluminum for a neutral finish.
Feature Notes: low profile housing, enclosed metal sheath heating element for durability, and fan‑forced distribution. Suitable as a supplemental bathroom heat source rather than a primary home heater. Requires standard wiring and ceiling mounting; compatibility with existing Broan 157 cutouts is typical.
157 Bathroom Heater Ceiling (Femotic) Compatible With 157
The Femotic 157 compatible ceiling heater mirrors the Broan 157 form factor and emphasizes PTC ceramic heating technology at 1250W. The listed features highlight rapid heating and a thin shell design with a durable aluminum grille to match decor.
Safety and performance details include an advanced overheat protection system that disconnects power in overheating events. The unit is described as quiet and suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other small rooms as a supplemental heater. Installation requires ceiling wiring and mounting to the fixture opening.
Bathroom Ceiling Heater Replacement For Broan‑NuTone 157 (Xmnbl)
The Xmnbl 157 replacement unit focuses on safety and ease of installation. It uses PTC ceramic technology at 1250W for rapid warmth and includes a listed automatic overheat protection system to disconnect power if temperatures rise excessively.
Installation enhancements noted are built‑in mounting hooks for simpler ceiling attachment, plus a mounting plate to secure the fixture prior to wiring. The product description recommends this as a supplemental bathroom heat source and includes installation instructions with the unit. Quiet operation is emphasized for comfort during use.
Broan‑Nutone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan
The Broan‑NuTone 164 is a ceiling heater that uses infrared bulb heat rather than a sheath or PTC element. It accepts two 250W R40 or BR40 infrared bulbs (bulbs not included) and pairs heating with a ventilation fan operating at 70 CFM and 4.0 sones.
Key characteristics: instant infrared warmth from bulbs, energy‑efficient when used for short periods, and built‑in ventilation for humidity control. Because the heat source is bulb‑based, replacement bulb selection affects performance and runtime costs. The 164 is often chosen where quick radiant heat is preferred and where the combined fan adds moisture removal.
Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Mount Heater (FV‑0511VH1)
The Panasonic WhisperWarm combines a high‑output 1600W PTC heater with an efficient exhaust fan system. It features Panasonic’s Pick‑A‑Flow option with selectable airflow at 50, 80, or 110 CFM to match room size and ventilation needs. The unit is Energy Star‑certified and uses a DC/ECM motor for quiet operation.
Installation is simplified with the Flex‑Z Fast Bracket that enables one‑person mounting without attic access. The higher wattage heater makes this unit more capable of warming larger bathrooms quickly, and the integrated fan helps control humidity while heating. This is a hybrid approach where heating and ventilation are paired in one ceiling fixture.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Bathroom Ceiling Heater
Selection depends on room size, ducting needs, installation access, and desired heat type. Below are the major considerations to evaluate before purchase.
Heating Type
- Sheath/Element Heaters (PTC or Metal Sheath): Provide steady forced‑air heat and are common in low‑profile ceiling units. Good for continuous supplemental heat.
- Infrared Bulb Heaters: Provide instant radiant warmth and are effective for short bursts (e.g., while dressing). Bulb replacements affect long‑term operating cost.
- High‑Wattage PTC Units: Offer rapid room warm‑up and built‑in overheat protection. Higher wattage raises circuit and breaker considerations.
Power And Coverage
- Match the heater wattage to bathroom size. Typical ceiling supplemental heaters range from 1250W to 1600W. Larger rooms may require higher wattage or a dedicated HVAC solution.
- Consider whether the unit will be the primary heat source (not recommended long term) or a short‑term comfort heater.
Ventilation Integration
- Ceiling heaters with integrated fans remove moisture and help prevent mold. If you already have adequate ventilation, a heater‑only unit may suffice.
- Hybrid units (heater + exhaust) require ducting and may provide better long‑term humidity control.
Noise And Fan Performance
- Check the sones rating for fans. Lower sones indicate quieter operation; values like 1.5–4.0 sones indicate moderate to noticeable sound levels.
- Infrared bulb heaters may pair with fans that have separate noise levels; consider this if you prefer a quiet bathroom environment.
Safety Features
- Overheat Protection: Automatic shutoff or thermal cutoff prevents fire risk if the heater is left on or obstructed.
- Enclosed Elements: Metal sheath or enclosed elements protect against exposure to moisture and accidental contact.
- Verify UL/ETL listings and compliance with local electrical codes for bathroom installations.
Installation And Compatibility
- Confirm ceiling cutout dimensions and support structure match the unit. Replacement units typically fit standard 157 housings, but check measurements.
- Electrical requirements: many units need a dedicated 120VAC circuit and may require a specific breaker size. Higher wattage models can approach 13–14 amps—ensure circuit capacity.
- Some units include easier mounting features (e.g., built‑in hooks or Flex‑Z brackets) to reduce installation complexity.
Controls And Lighting
- Decide whether you want separate switches for heat and fan or integrated multi‑function controls. Some models offer dimmable lighting or color temperature options when combined with lights.
- Remote control features are available on some modern ceiling heaters but verify compatibility and battery requirements.
Energy Use And Operating Costs
- Infrared bulbs provide strong short‑term heat but require bulb replacements and may use similar wattage as element heaters.
- PTC and fan‑forced heaters deliver consistent output; consider run time and frequency when estimating energy use.
Comparison Perspectives
- Best For Compact Spaces: Low‑profile sheath element heaters (Broan‑NuTone 157 and compatible replacements) fit tight ceilings and offer steady supplemental warmth.
- Best For Quick Radiant Warmth: Infrared bulb heaters (Broan‑NuTone 164) provide immediate radiant heat for short stays.
- Best For Combined Ventilation And Heating: Larger PTC units with fans (Panasonic WhisperWarm) handle both humidity control and stronger heating capacity for bigger bathrooms.
- Best For Easy Replacement: Direct 157 replacements (Femotic, Xmnbl) emphasize compatibility, added safety features, and simplified mounting for retrofits.
Consider the specific layout of your bathroom, existing ventilation, and electrical capacity when choosing. Match the heater type to typical bathroom usage—short bursts for radiant bulbs or longer supplemental heating for PTC/sheath‑element units—and prioritize models with listed safety features and clear installation guidance.