Wall heaters are more useful than ever. Brutally cold winters and chilly nights throughout the year call for an efficient heat source. There are dozens of worthy wall heaters, but only a handful of them make the top of the list—from quick heating to energy-efficiency, we’ve covered every aspect.
The best electric wall heater is the Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater. It uses 1000 watts to quickly and efficiently heat 200 sq. ft. (18.6 sq. m.), and it blows warm, clean air throughout the building as it circulates. Install the heater in less than an hour and use one knob to control everything.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following details about finding the best electric wall heater:
- Details about the top six electric wall heaters on the market
- What you should look for before you buy a new model for your home
- Comparative tables, pros, and cons
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Wall Heater
Finding a high-quality electric wall heater can be challenging since there are so many options. If you’ve gone to the hardware store, you know the competition is everywhere. Fortunately, I’ve gathered three must-have qualities you should keep an eye out for.
Here’s what you should focus on when looking for a new electric wall heater:
- Wattage and BTUs are crucial to determine the heat output and energy usage.
- Make sure your electric heater is quiet.
- The initial cost pairs with potential maintenance costs.
These three factors will make or break the deal. You don’t want to end up with a noisy, expensive, low-heat unit; it’ll be a huge waste of money. The good news is that all of the models on the list check every box. If you want to dive into the details about these essential components, read on below.
Wattage
Energy usage is often the most important factor for many buyers. If you’re a homeowner who’s tired of spending hundreds of dollars on an old school wall heater, you’ll love the savings gained with a new-age electric model. However, they’re not all as efficient as they should be (despite recent upgrades).
BTUs and watts work hand-in-hand to determine energy consumption (aka how much you’ll have to spend to run the heater) and heat output (the amount of heat that your home will use). Thermal efficiency impacts heat’s quickness and ability to regulate itself, so find this key detail on a wall heater if you can find it.
Let’s break down a table of your home’s most used electrical items and how many watts they use here:
Household Appliance | Wattage (Average) | Cost per Hour (US Average) |
Wall Heater (Electric) | 1,500 | $0.20 |
Refrigerator | 1,200 | $0.16 |
Dishwasher | 1,500 | $0.20 |
Tankless Water Heater | 18,000 | $2.41 |
Sources: Unbound Solar & Electric Choice
Keep in mind that some appliances, such as wall heaters and dishwashers, are only used for a couple of hours per day. While 20 cents per hour might seem high, it’s not too bad since you’ll only use it for a short time. There are many energy-efficient models that use significantly less energy on the list, too.
Heaters have a bad reputation for costing a lot of money. We’ll dive more into the cost later, but remember that it’s right about the same price as air conditioning. In some cases, wall heaters are much cheaper since you’re not using a whole-house heater. Those can cost up to $1.00 per hour.
BTUs are determined by the wattage, but you’ll need to know your room’s square footage to figure out your needs. Every watt equals 3.41 BTUs. I recommend using Calculator.net to find out which heater will work best for your home.
Noise Level
Noise output can be a burden caused by old wall heaters. The creaking walls, blasting fan sounds like a jet engine, and loud coils make it worse than suffering through cold weather. What’s the point of staying warm if you can’t even hold a conversation without listening to a loud wall heater?
These days, most brands focus on quiet coils, efficient heating, and other devices that reduce the overall noise output. Luckily, you don’t have to deal with absurdly loud heaters anymore. However, some of them are much quieter than others. If you want an ultra-quiet wall heater, you’ll enjoy the KING heater below.
The cage-like fan system often causes loud noise. It pulls cold air inside, heats it through the coils, and pushes it out. The whole time, the fans rattle and rumble, causing loud thumps and a roaring ambient noise.
So, how can you further reduce the sound output of a wall heater?
- Use soundproofing materials around the heater’s edges. Heavy-duty insulation and padding work wonders. Sometimes, all you need to do is drill the screws further into the wall. A loose screw rattles around with the fan.
- Have the heater cleaned and inspected annually. Right before it’s time to run it for the season, hire an inspector (or DIY the job) to check out your heater. You’d be surprised by how much noise you can remove by cleaning the fans, ducts, and other components.
- Always go electric! You’re in the right place to find the best heater since electric models are almost always quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. Gas heaters burn flames, which are typically louder than low-buzzing electricity.
As you can see, your heater comes ready to stay quiet until it gets dirty. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions, you’ll be happy with the low-noise results.
Total Cost (Maintenance Included)
It’s time to cover one of the most important parts of the process. Having a quiet electric wall heater is excellent, but it’s crucial that you can afford it. Before you buy the first heater you find, please review the following influential factors:
- The initial purchase price typically ranges between $100 to $700. Needless to say, you get what you pay for. Don’t knock a low-budget electric wall heater, though. If you need to heat a small room, they’re often more than enough to get the job done. For those who want more gadgets and customizations, you might have to spend more.
- Maintenance costs include ductwork, padding, fan cleaning, screw replacements, and other minor repairs. Most services cost under $50, and it’s rare to have to do anything more than a cleaning session for the first several years. If you can do it yourself, you’ll save plenty of money.
- Don’t forget the price of running the wall heater. You read above that it can cost about 20 cents per hour. If you’re running it for two to three hours per day, that’s still less than $30 per month. Some models are even more efficient, costing less than $20 per month. Your room’s square footage and the unit’s wattage will impact the energy bill.
Cleaning your electric wall heater will save money by reducing the chances of overheating, clogging, and rusting. Turn off the power breakers, unscrew the cover, wipe down the blades and ducts, then replace everything. This simple method will save your heater from early repairs and loud fans.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater
- Best High-Tech Model: Heat Storm Wall-Mounted WIFI Heater
- Best for Big Rooms: Fahrenheat High-Capacity Wall Heater
- Best for Low Noise Output: KING PAW2422-W Electric Wall Heater
- Best User-Friendly Design: KING W2415-W W Series Wall Heater
- Best for Quick Heating: Broan-NuTone Grille Heater
Best Overall: Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater
If you want the best of the best, the list stops here. The Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater has everything you need and nothing you don’t. The simple interface uses a single knob to adjust the heater and fan. Switch it around whenever you want with a quick-setting temperature range.
This compact electric wall heater heats up to 200 square feet (18.6 square meters), which is quite impressive considering how small it is. If you purchase this unit, it’s only 5.25 x 14 x 9.5 inches (13.3 x 35.6 x 24 cm). The three-piece kit includes a wall mount, fan, and outer cover to protect everything. You can install it yourself in under an hour or hire a professional.
While this model is only 1,000 watts, they also sell 1500, 2000, 3000, and 4000-watt wall heaters. Choose your preferred size and enjoy long-lasting, quiet heating throughout the day. With a dual-coil system, it’s ultra-quiet compared to old school wall heaters.
Bottom Line: The Cadet Com-Pak Heater continues to impress its customers. You don’t need to be an HVAC technician to install, maintain, and operate this useful compact wall heater. Switch the knob to your liking and relax while it heats the room.
Specs
Square Footage | 200 sq. ft. (18.6 sq. m.) |
Dimensions | 5.25 x 14 x 9.5 inches (13.3 x 35.6 x 24 cm) |
Wattage | 1,000 watts |
BTU | 3,410 BTUs |
Pros
- It can heat a mid-sized room relatively quickly. It’s rated to handle up to 200 square feet (18.6 square meters), which is about the size of the average bedroom or living room.
- You can install it quickly. This three-piece kit makes it as easy as possible to DIY install the job or hire an expert.
- You can choose between several sizes. If you need more than 200 square feet (18.6 square meters) and 1,000 watts, they sell plenty of options for everyone.
- Its compact size is hard to beat. It’s flush with the wall rather than sticking out as you’ll find in many old school bulky wall heaters.
- The coils keep it quiet. Rather than dealing with a loud roar every time it runs, you can relax without noticing anything more than a whisper.
Cons
- The simple design might be frustrating for some customers. You can’t use digital displays or futuristic technology.
- Some users claimed the thermostat model doesn’t adjust quickly enough. It’s a personal preference that’s irrelevant if you get the described base kit.
- The outer cover isn’t very durable. It’s tough enough to handle bumps and drops, but make sure it’s not slammed too often.
Best High-Tech Model: Heat Storm Wall-Mounted WIFI Infrared Heater
If you’re looking for the most modern design, you’ll enjoy the Heat Storm Wall-Mounted WIFI Infrared Heater. It comes with all the bells and whistles to impress anyone who uses it. The namesake WiFi receiver lets you control the heater from your favorite smart devices to turn it up, down, on, or off.
Pumping out 3,400 BTUs, this compact futuristic heater works for rooms up to 200 square feet (18.6 square meters). It comes with a durable, protective shell that reduces surface overheating. The company boasts that you can use it near children and pets, too. If you have an active household, this heater is a top-notch option.
If you prefer simple installation, the Heat Storm WiFi Heater is worthwhile. You don’t need to make holes in the wall or find existing wall heaters. A handful of screws drill into the wall, then slide the cover over the top. You can slide it off whenever you need to inspect or repair the heater.
Bottom Line: It’s hard to find a better modernized wall heater than this one. Connect with WiFi, enjoy durable construction, and don’t worry about overheated grills. The quiet design pulls air through the sides and pushes warm air out of the bottom.
Specs
Square Footage | 200 sq. ft. (18.6 sq. m.) |
Dimensions | 18.5 x 15.2 x 6 inches (47 x 38.6 x 15.4 cm) |
Wattage | 1,000 watts |
BTU | 3,410 BTUs |
Pros
- You can use your smartphone or tablet to adjust the temperature. It responds instantly to change the settings for the desired results.
- The grill doesn’t overheat or cause burns upon contact. You don’t have to worry if you have children, pets, or guests.
- It’s quite energy-efficient. This wall heater only uses 1,000 watts to produce enough heat for a 200-square-foot (18.6-square-meter) room.
- The easy installation process takes less than five minutes. If you can use a power drill, you can mount this electric wall heater.
- It’s ETL safety certified. The rigorous safety tests passed this high-quality heater without a problem.
Cons
- The bulky design can be in the way. It sticks out by six inches (15.2 cm), so you need to make sure nobody bumps into it. Fortunately, you can place it wherever you like.
- It’s not big enough to heat the whole house. It’s designed for 200 square feet (18.6 square meters), so it’s ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and small apartments.
- This heater takes a few minutes to send warm air through the area. It’s not as quick as others, but it catches up to the competition once it gets going.
Best for Big Rooms: Fahrenheat High-Capacity Wall Heater
If you have a massive living room or you want to heat a whole apartment, the Fahrenheat High-Capacity Wall Heater is worth reviewing. It uses 4,000 watts to blast warm air instantly. You don’t have to wait a couple of hours as you would with most whole-house heaters, either.
Much like the Cadet wall heater at the top of the list, this one uses one knob to adjust the temperature range. It goes from 40 to 90 °F (4.4 to 32.2 °C) whenever you change the direction. The flush design holds against any wall, so don’t stress about bumping into it.
The numerous safety features include a shut-off switch that turns off the heater if anything blocks it. Never put couches, chairs, desks, or other furniture in front of any wall heater. Thankfully, this one has your back. It also has a self-protecting heat element that slowly cools the heater rather than burning the surface.
Bottom Line: This massive electric wall heater gets the job done for those who need more power. It uses a strong and top-quality fan to circulate warm air throughout the room. Despite the previously mentioned features, it’s not too much bigger than most wall heaters.
Specs
Square Footage | 800 sq. ft. (74.3 sq. m.) |
Dimensions | 15.75 x 4 x 19.1 inches (40 x 10.2 x 48.5 cm) |
Wattage | 4,000 watts |
BTU | 13,640 BTUs |
Pros
- It can heat large spaces, which is difficult for most electric wall heaters. This unit proves that electricity stands against any gas-operated heater.
- The safety features protect you and your family. It shuts off if anything goes wrong and prevents overheating.
- This self-preserving electric wall heater saves you from too much maintenance. It regulates temperature adjustments to stop warping.
- You can adjust everything with the front button. Switch it around between 40 to 90 °F (4.4 to 32.2 °C) instantly.
- The fan is close to the grill, which moves air quicker. It’s not sunk into the unit so that you can feel warm air right at the front.
Cons
- The slight delay can be frustrating. It’s a safety feature, though, so it helps you save money in the long run.
- It’s a bit louder than most wall heaters, but that’s expected since it’s much bigger.
- This heater isn’t quite as energy-efficient as the rest of the list. At 4,000 watts per hour, it can consume up to 50 cents.
Best for Low Noise Output: KING PAW2422-U–W Electric Wall Heater
Are you tired of noisy wall heaters? From vibrating covers to shaky screws, it’s no secret that many people steer clear. However, the KING PAW2422-U-W Electric Wall Heater is significantly less noisy than most units. It uses unique coils to warm the air without rumbling the wall when it’s running.
You can pair this heater with a wall-mounted switch, such as the Honeywell Home CT410B Manual Premium Thermostat. Use the knob to adjust the setting immediately for quick results. Thanks to the squirrel cage fan, you’ll notice quick, quiet airflow, regardless of how old the heater is.
Bottom Line: The KING PAW2422-W Heater is a top contender because it relies on new-age technology to reduce its noise without making a confusing interface. Anyone who appreciates simplicity and efficiency will understand why hundreds of customers prefer this model over others.
Specs
Square Footage | 400 sq. ft. (37.2 sq. m.) |
Dimensions | 13.5 x 7.5 x 4 inches (34.3 x 19 x 10.2 cm) |
Wattage | 2,250 watts |
BTU | 7,672.5 BTUs |
Pros
- It’s the ideal size for living rooms. Small wall heaters won’t cut it for great rooms (living room and kitchen combos), but this model will.
- You can enjoy whisper-quiet heating around the clock. There’s no need to stay with loud wall units anymore.
- This wall heater is compatible with most manual buttons, knobs, and switches. 5-minute wiring keeps it quick and straightforward.
- It’s flush with the wall. Much like a few other wall heaters on the list, it rests inside the wall rather than over it.
Cons
- It’s not as energy-efficient as a few competitors. However, it’s nowhere near the energy consumption of the average old school wall heater.
- Although it’s quiet, it has a constant hum. This sound is much less noisy than other wall heaters, but it’s worth mentioning.
Best User-Friendly Design: KING W2415-W W Series Wall Heater
The KING W2415-W W Series Wall Heater uses many features of the previous KING wall heater. It cuts back on noise, energy usage, and many other unwanted side effects of heating a room. Fortunately, this version is even smaller than its predecessor. What makes it slightly better for some people is that it’s quite user-friendly.
A small knob can adjust the thermostat for instant results. Why wait around for slow fans or dragging temperature increases if you don’t have to? Although it’s simple, this heater is far from ineffective. In fact, many users claim it’s much better than a high-end heater that costs twice as much.
Bottom Line: KING outdid itself again by creating a budget-minded, user-friendly interface that almost anyone could use. If you’re tired of dealing with countless switches and other settings, this wall heater will be a breath of fresh air. Speaking of which, it also removes dust particles from the air!
Specs
Square Footage | 200 sq. ft. (18.6 sq. m.) |
Dimensions | 10 x 4 x 13.5 inches (25.4 x 10.2 x 34.3 cm) |
Wattage | 1,500 watts |
BTU | 5,115 BTUs |
Pros
- It’s easy to install. All you need is a small spot on the wall, a drill, and a jigsaw to cut out a hole. If you already have a wall heater, this one can replace it.
- It’s the perfect middle-ground between large and small wall heaters. At 5,115 BTUs, it’ll heat a 200-square-foot (18.6-square-meter) room much quicker than the 1,000-watt models.
- This heater is relatively inexpensive. It’s proof that you don’t have to break the bank to get a worthwhile heater.
- The patented smart limit protection prevents overheating. Whether you’re solo or with a family, this feature is invaluable.
Cons
- It’s a bit loud compared to other heaters. It’s close to the other KING model, but it’s not as quiet as it should be, considering the 750-watt reduction.
- The faceplate can bend outward. If you drill the screws too tight, they’ll warp the cover immediately.
Best for Quick Heating: Broan-NuTone 9815WH Grille Heater
If you want to cut to the chase, the Broan-NuTone Grille Heater has alloy elements to warm the room instantly. You’ll be surprised how quickly it activates the second you turn it on. The knob rests on the upper-right side of the faceplate, providing elevated switches that are within reach.
This UL-listed electric wall heater is ultra-quiet, whispering around the sound of the previously mentioned KING PAW2422 model. Combining low noise output with nearly instant heating is hard to beat, but it gets even better. This heater has separate input and output airflow vents for efficient, cost-effective energy consumption.
Bottom Line: The Broan-NuTone Grille Heater skips the unnecessary gadgets and heats your room as it should. It’s the epitome of a high-end heater without the price tag. There’s a reason hundreds of people prefer it over the vast majority of wall heaters.
Specs
Square Footage | 200 sq. ft. (18.6 sq. m.) |
Dimensions | 10.5 x 3.38 x 12.5 inches (26.7 x 8.6 x 31.8 cm) |
Wattage | 1,500 watts |
BTU | 5,115 BTUs |
Pros
- It’s relatively compact compared to most wall heaters. You need less than a 12 x 12-inch (30.5 x 30.5-cm) square to install it.
- This energy-efficient electric wall heater is quiet. You don’t have to deal with loud rumbling anymore.
- The simple design puts the control in your hands from the start. Use the upper-right knob for quick adjustments.
Cons
- The lack of a digital display is problematic for some consumers. You don’t know the exact degree, which might be frustrating (though this issue is based on personal preference).
- The plastic-based faceplate isn’t very durable. As long as you keep sharp objects away, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Conclusion
The Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater is a top contender for any home. If you prize energy-efficiency, low noise output, and quick heating, there’s no question about it. However, you might find the other units useful under the following circumstances:
- For the latest tech upgrades, try the Heat Storm Wall-Mounted WIFI Heater.
- If you have a big room, get the Fahrenheat High-Capacity Wall Heater.
- To cut back on noise output, I suggest the KING PAW2422-U–W Electric Wall Heater.
- For simplicity’s sake, pick the KING W2415-W W Series Wall Heater.
- To maximize quick heating, try the Broan-NuTone Grille Heater.
Vincent is a freelance writer based in Santa Ana, California. When he isn’t writing articles for Temperature Master, he can be found biking or hanging out with his cat, Shelly.