We researched and reviewed the top baseboard heaters to see which ones were the easiest to install and heated the best. Our top pick, the Cadet 1500-Watt Electric Baseboard Heater, provides enough heat for most uses and is easy to install. Here are the best baseboard heaters. What do buyers say? 200+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Cadet is one of the top names in baseboard heaters and appears multiple times on our list. Not only are its heaters reliable, affordable, and well made, but it also makes choosing the right size and output easy. This 1,500-watt model (referring to the actual output) is a standard 72 inches, fitting most uses and construction. It has pre-drilled holes and universal wiring, making it one of the easiest baseboard heaters to install. It is a 240-volt baseboard heater and requires a double breaker. This Cadet can heat rooms up to 175 square feet and is ideal for small-to-medium rooms such as bedrooms. The element is covered in steel, which protects the unit and keeps the heat circulating. If temperatures exceed manufacturer-preset limits, the Cadet 1500-Watt electric baseboard heater automatically shuts off the unit. That can prevent hazardous conditions that could lead to fires. The unit also requires a dedicated thermostat (purchased separately); Cadet sells a compatible unit. Price at time of publish: $81 It has pre-drilled installation holes and universal wiring at both ends. While it needs to be hard-wired, doing so is easy. If you aren’t confident around electricity, consider hiring a pro, although that adds to the cost. The required thermostat (purchased separately) also adds to the overall cost. Price at time of publish: $66 The unit has digital controls, as well as a programmable timer. The safety shutoff turns it off when the heat exceeds safe levels, while the anti-freeze setting turns it on to keep the room temperature at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater also comes with a three-year warranty, which isn’t as long as those offered with some products, but it still offers peace of mind, because the manufacturer corrects any issues. We would prefer that the warranty were longer, considering the unit’s high price. Price at time of publish: $170 Keep in mind that it is a bit pricey for the output and requires a separately purchased thermostat. However, as Larry Campbell, a member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board notes about hydronic heaters, “One additional advantage is the oil-base heat element holds the heat longer which helps to conserve energy by warming the room even after the thermostat has shut off the unit.” Price at time of publish: $220 Installing this large baseboard heater, which is hard-wired, using a double breaker is similar to other Cadet models. Some additional elements make it easy, given its large size. The pre-drilled holes are at 1-inch intervals, so you can mount the heater where you need it. It also has universal wiring on both ends, so connecting it to power is easy. Like any hard-wired baseboard heater, it’s best to leave the electrical installation to the pros, unless you have extensive knowledge and confidence. Price at time of publish: $76 There is one smaller option from Cadet, which measures 24 inches; if you want to install the heater on a very narrow wall, these are the two best sizes, but the 30-inch model circulates the heat more and fits in just about any space. Cadet recommends placing baseboard heaters under windows to allow them to work efficiently. Price at time of publish: $49 One standout design feature is the dent-proof construction on each end. Depending on where you place this heater, it may be in the middle of the room and prone to being moved or hit. But the ends do not dent or become damaged, which protects the heating element inside, and your home from potential hazards. It also includes an overheat shutoff and tip-over shutoff. However, it only comes with a two-year warranty, although the manufacturer’s customer service does get high marks. Price at time of publish: $53 It comes in multiple sizes, from 24 inches all the way to 96 inches. Power output starts at 350 watts in the smallest size and increases until it reaches 2,000 watts in the longest baseboard heater. The best size and output for your room depend on the size of your space. Price at time of publish: $61 This model must be hard-wired to an electrical supply. Universal wiring allows for installation at either end of the heater. This heater supplies 1,000 watts of heat at 240 volts or 750 watts at 208 volts. Price at time of publish: $229 With a length of 48 inches and a heat output of 3,413 BTUs, this heater is best suited for smaller rooms. Featuring quiet operation and durable steel construction, it’s an ideal choice for bedrooms and living areas.
Wattage
To find a baseboard heater that adequately heats your space, wattage is an important factor. Wattage determines two things: how much energy a heater consumes, and how much heat it puts out. As a general rule, you can estimate each square foot needing 10 watts. For example, a 10 x 10 room (100 square feet) requires 1,000 watts of heating power. To choose the right wattage size for a baseboard heater, do the following calculations:
Length
Wattage goes hand in hand with the length of a heater, which is measured in inches. The longer the heater, the higher the wattage. Of course, there are exceptions, but here are common lengths and wattages of baseboard heaters you’ll find at big-box home improvement stores.
24-inch, 240-volt heater: 350 watts36-inch, 240-volt heater: 750 watts48-inch, 240-volt heater: 1,000 watts60-inch, 240-volt heater: 1,250 watts72-inch, 240-volt heater: 1,500 watts96-inch, 240-volt heater: 2,000 or 2,500 watts
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. When compiling this list, Katie considered ease of installation and power output as well as safety features. She also consulted with Alan Rickmint, a general contractor who has been remodeling homes for almost 30 years.
“Most people prefer convection heaters because they are cheaper,” says general contractor Alan Rickmint. “But hydronic heaters give off more even, and the actual unit doesn’t get as hot.” Keep in mind that they do continue to give off heat even after the unit is turned off.
