Choosing the right electric ceiling heater for a bathroom requires balancing airflow, heat output, noise, and installation. The table below summarizes five well-regarded ceiling heater and fan combinations suited for typical U.S. bathrooms, highlighting brand and key function so you can compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater | Broan-NuTone | Fan-forced heater, low profile |
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 Fan/Heater/LED Light | Broan-NuTone | 80 CFM exhaust fan, heater, dimmable LED |
| Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan | Broan-NuTone | 2-bulb infrared heater with ventilation |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Fan With Heater | Panasonic | PTC 1600W heater with selectable CFM |
| Delta Breez Radiance Fan With Heater & Thermostat | Delta Breez | Integrated 1300W heater, quiet DC motor |
Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
The Broan-NuTone 157 is a ceiling-mounted, fan-forced heater designed as a compact heating supplement for bathrooms, kitchens, and small rooms. It operates at 1250W and 120VAC, offering rapid warming via an enclosed metal sheath element.
- Low Profile Design: Slim housing intended to integrate with common ceiling assemblies.
- Enclosed Sheath Element: Metal-sheathed heating element for durability and safety in humid spaces.
- Durable Finish: Satin aluminum grille to match decor and provide long-term resistance to corrosion.
Applications: Best for users who want a straightforward ceiling heater with a compact footprint and a focus on basic, reliable heat output. It requires appropriate wiring and a switch or control compatible with its wattage and electrical characteristics.
Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 Fan Heater And LED Light
The BHFLED80 is a multi-function unit combining an 80 CFM exhaust fan, an integrated heater, and a dimmable LED light with color temperature control. Each function is independently controllable, which increases flexibility in everyday use.
- 80 CFM, 1.5 Sones: Designed to remove humidity while remaining reasonably quiet.
- Dimmable LED With CCT: Three color options—2700K, 3500K, 5000K—suitable for nightlight or task lighting needs.
- Combination Functions: Fan, light, and heater operate independently or together for tailored comfort.
Applications: Suited for small to medium bathrooms where ventilation and lighting control are priorities alongside supplemental heating. The integrated LED reduces the need for separate ceiling fixtures.
Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan
The Broan 164 combines ventilation with two infrared bulb heaters. It uses two 250-watt R40 or BR40-size bulbs (not included) to provide instant infrared warmth while the fan assists in moisture control.
- Infrared Bulb Heat: Two bulbs provide direct, fast radiant heating to the immediate area.
- 70 CFM Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation at 70 CFM with a 4.0 sones noise rating.
- Energy-Saving Option: Allows targeted heating without raising whole-house thermostat settings.
Applications: Good where targeted radiant warmth is preferred and users don’t mind bulb replacement and associated maintenance. The higher sones rating should be considered for noise-sensitive spaces.
Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Mount Heater
The Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VH1 pairs a powerful 1600W PTC heater with a whisper-quiet, energy-efficient DC/ECM motor. It features Pick-A-Flow technology allowing users to choose 50, 80, or 110 CFM to match room size.
- Adjustable Airflow: Pick-A-Flow suits different bathroom volumes and duct runs.
- Quiet Operation: Designed for low noise; marketed as “whisper quiet” for bathroom comfort.
- Install-Friendly: Flex-Z Fast Bracket for single-person mounting and options for 4″ or 6″ ducting.
Applications: Ideal for larger bathrooms or installations that benefit from variable airflow. The higher heater wattage suits colder climates or users seeking rapid warmth and strong moisture control.
Delta Breez Radiance Fan With Heater
The Delta Breez Radiance integrates an efficient 1300W heating element an energy-saving brushless DC motor, and a thermostat option. It’s specified for quiet operation and long motor life, delivering reliable ventilation and heating.
- Quiet Performance: Operates near 1.5 sones for a peaceful environment.
- Energy Efficiency: DC motor rated for long life and low power draw, delivering ~7 CFM/watt.
- Safety Features: Thermal cutoff fuse included in the heating assembly for protection.
Applications: Appropriate for users prioritizing energy efficiency and long-term motor reliability, with integrated heating for morning comfort and quick warm-up on cool days.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Electric Ceiling Heater For Bathroom
Selecting the correct electric ceiling heater for a bathroom depends on several objective criteria. Below are the key considerations and comparison perspectives to evaluate before making a purchase.
1. Heat Type And Output
There are two common heat delivery methods: fan-forced (resistive/PTC) and infrared/bulb. Fan-forced units (e.g., Broan 157, Panasonic WhisperWarm) provide consistent air heating and faster spread. Infrared bulb units (Broan 164) deliver radiant heat focused on occupants and warm surfaces quickly. Check wattage (e.g., 1250W, 1300W, 1600W) to estimate heat capacity; higher wattage increases potential warmth but requires compatible circuit capacity.
2. Ventilation Capacity (CFM) And Room Size
CFM determines how effectively the unit removes moisture. Typical recommendations:
- Small bathrooms (up to ~50 sq ft): 50–80 CFM
- Medium bathrooms (50–100 sq ft): 80–110 CFM
- Large bathrooms: 110+ CFM or multiple vents
Panasonic’s Pick-A-Flow (50/80/110) and Broan BHFLED80 (80 CFM) allow matching airflow to room size and usage.
3. Noise Level (Sones) And Comfort
Sones quantify audible noise. Lower sones (≤1.5) are preferable for quiet bathrooms. Infrared bulb units can be louder depending on fan speed. If ambient noise matters, choose models marketed as whisper-quiet or with DC motors for reduced sound (Panasonic, Delta Breez).
4. Controls And Features
Consider independent controls for fan, heater, and light. Dimmable LEDs and selectable color temps offer flexible lighting. Thermostatic control or thermal cutoffs enhance safety and efficiency. Choose units with function independence if you want to run only ventilation, only heating, or combined modes.
5. Installation And Ducting
Check installation requirements: ceiling joist spacing, access to attic, and required duct size (4″ vs 6″). Panasonic’s Flex-Z bracket simplifies mounting without attic access. Verify electrical requirements—most heaters need dedicated 120V/20A circuits or meet local code for bathroom heaters. Ensure compliance with local building codes and GFCI or disconnect requirements where applicable.
6. Safety And Durability
Look for protective features: enclosed heating elements, overheat protection, thermal cutoff fuses, and durable grilles for humid environments. Aluminum or stainless finishes resist corrosion. For bulb-style heaters, ensure bulbs specified are rated for enclosed fixtures if applicable.
7. Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost
Compare wattage and the presence of energy-efficient motors. DC/ECM motors reduce fan power use and often extend motor life. Infrared bulbs can be efficient for short-duration use but require replacement over time. If you require frequent heating, choose a unit with efficient PTC elements and low-draw motors to reduce operating costs.
8. Maintenance And Parts
Consider availability of replacement parts like bulbs, grilles, and fans. Units with removable grilles simplify cleaning. Models from established brands often have broader parts availability and documented installation guides.
9. Noise Versus Performance Trade-Offs
Higher CFM and stronger heaters often mean higher fan noise. Decide whether maximum ventilation or minimal sound is the priority. Panasonic and Delta Breez prioritize quiet, while bulb heaters may produce more fan noise at comparable ventilation levels.
10. Comparison Summary
| Priority | Recommended Product Type |
|---|---|
| Quiet Operation | Panasonic WhisperWarm, Delta Breez (DC motor) |
| Adjustable Airflow | Panasonic Pick-A-Flow |
| Integrated Lighting | Broan BHFLED80 (dimmable LED) |
| Direct Radiant Heat | Broan 164 Bulb Heater |
| Compact Footprint | Broan 157 Low-Profile |
When evaluating models, cross-check room size, electrical capacity, and desired balance of noise versus heating power. For many homeowners, units that combine ventilation with controllable heating and low noise represent the best compromise between comfort, code compliance, and energy use.