Whether you want to warm a whole bedroom or confine the heat to a specific zone, electric baseboard heaters will come in handy. It is a good solution to warm up the air coming from windows and make you feel pleasant even sitting on the floor.
There are a few brands in the market and the King 2K1205BW K Series is the best electric baseboard heater you can opt for. It combines safety options, heating capacity, and low energy consumption altogether.
But if you need to take a look at more options, check out our electric baseboard heater reviews below.
Our Picks for Best Electric Baseboard Heaters
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Best Electric Baseboard Heater Reviews
1. King 2K1205BW K Series Baseboard Heater—Best Overall
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With over sixty years’ experience, King Co. has the best electric baseboard heaters out there. All the King K-Series units are easy to install, inexpensive to run, and powerful. But this is the pick of the bunch.
With 27 inches in length and 3.13 inches in depth, this model can blend in with most living rooms. Moreover, with a heating power of 500 Watts, the unit is sure to produce enough heat for the cold areas.
Hardwired to a 120V supply, this product counts as an energy-efficient alternative. So, it not only comes at a fair price but also allows for low maintenance costs.
It uses convection heating technology to disperse even heat throughout your room. Besides, it makes zero noise and has a safety shut-off feature to ensure your peace of mind.
Covered with galvanized 22-gauge steel, the exterior surface will never get dented or scratched. This makes the heater favorable for years of damage-free use.
The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t come with a thermostat. So, you should order one to control the temperature and, thus, save energy.
Pros
- Energy-efficient.
- Inexpensive to run.
- Quiet operation.
- Easy-to-install design.
- High-temperature SureStop feature.
Cons
- No built-in thermostat.
2. Cadet 96″ Electric Baseboard Heater—Best For Bedrooms
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Our second electric baseboard heater appeals to those looking for a quiet unit for their bedroom since it doesn’t produce any noise.
The Cadet 96″ heater produces 2,000–2,500 Watts of heat at only 240 voltage. So, it can easily warm areas of up to to 300 sq. ft.
Made in the US, this heater has a lifetime warranty. So, the manufacturer will repair the unit in case of damage and cover any other costs.
The heater contains a steel-sheathed heating element, which allows for optimal heat transfer. It also ensures you’ll have the device for a more extended period.
A nice thing about this heater is the straightforward installation process. Luckily, you can mount it on the wall all by yourself.
One drawback is that this heater is a little long and requires 96 feet of space.
Pros
- Silent operation.
- High heating power.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Fast to heat up the area.
- Auto shut-off feature.
Cons
- Need to buy a separate thermostat
3. Cadet 9954 Baseboard Heater—Most Durable
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This model operates with convection technology. That means it uses the natural movement of air to transfer the heat. This allows for a more even warmth to your environment. And, it won’t make annoying sounds.
This sleek heater consists of 25-gauge steel construction and a 20-gauge junction box. It provides enough resistance for lifetime usage—a great feature that makes the unit the most durable option out of the six.
The heating power of the Cadet 9954 reaches 1,000 Watts in a matter of minutes. This means it’s capable of delivering warmth to a 150 square-foot room.
Note there’s also a lifetime warranty, which means you can fix it anytime, with no extra charge.
Bear in mind that the heater doesn’t contain pre-punctured holes to pass the wires. So, you should cut a hole in the casing and feed the wires through them.
Also, this model uses a large amount of electricity. This not only increases your bills but is also unkind to the environment.
Pros
- Extreme durability.
- Sturdy frame.
- Safe.
- Compact design.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Powerful heating ability.
Cons
- No thermostat.
- High electricity usage.
4. Cadet 2F500 Baseboard Heater—Best Budget Option
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If you’re a little bit out of pocket but need a supplemental heater to add extra warmth to your comfort, the Cadet 2F500 is a good solution. It’s one of the most inexpensive baseboard heaters you can find with such outstanding features.
With its tiny dimensions—only 30 inches long—this model can fit into most bedrooms. This, combined with its 500W capacity, means it can heat up to 75 sq. ft. rooms, including bedrooms, small halls and offices.
The product is made of stainless steel, which increases its resistance to corrosion and makes it durable. Since you can wipe the unit with a soft sponge, soap, and warm water, it won’t decay. It’ll last longer than other similar models.
As an extra benefit, there are pre-punched knock-outs at the back of the casing. This makes the unit effortless to install. It also comes with universal wiring to make installation even more accessible.
Although it’s not the quietest electric baseboard heater in the market, its capacity is great for its size. It’s also more durable than other products with a similar price tag.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Low maintenance.
- Durable.
- Compact design.
- Effortless to set up.
Cons
- Reports of making strange rattling noises.
5. Fahrenheat PLF1004 Hydronic Baseboard Heater—Most Efficient
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The Fahrenheat PLF1004 is a hydronic baseboard heater that works with a heat-transfer liquid. Unlike other convection heaters that use water, this unit’s liquid is specially formulated for very cold weather. So, it won’t freeze in sub-zero temperatures. It also allows for better heat distribution and provides optimal heat even in low-temperature mode.
Producing around 1,000 Watts of heating, this product is the most reliable source of warmth. Compared to other heaters with the same wattage, this model uses less energy without sacrificing output.
Besides, it requires as small as 240V of electricity and will lower your bills.
The most admired feature of the Fahrenheat PLF1004 is its safety. Other baseboard heaters sometimes catch on fire when covered with an obstacle. This heater, though, has overheat protection. So, it will cut the heater’s power whenever the airflow is obstructed. After that, it will start running once the obstacle is gone.
With its fanless operation, this hydronic heater makes zero sounds while working. It also doesn’t blow the dust and allergens around the room.
Thanks to its unique design, you can mount the heater both in the floor tile and on the carpet.
Pros
- Liquid-element technology.
- Low electricity usage.
- High efficiency.
- Thermal cut-off feature.
Cons
- Pricier than comparative models.
- Vulnerable wiring.
6. Cadet 05532 electric Baseboard Heater—Best for Small Rooms
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Cadet Manufacturing provides the safest electric baseboard heaters, and this model is no different.
The Cadet 05532 series come in different sizes and wattages. They’re anywhere between 2 feet to 6 feet long, and their capacity options range from 350 to 1,500 Watts.
This one, though, transfers 1,000 Watts of power. And it uses convection heating to ensure you’ll have constant warmth in your house.
It’s a compact yet powerful unit with the power to produce a toasty stream of air in small rooms. Also, with its whisper-quiet operation, it won’t disturb you while studying or sleeping.
The components are made of 25-gauge steel and a powder coat finish. This makes the appliance durable, dent-resistant and immune against marks and scratches.
Thanks to the auto shut-off technology, this heater has earned high ratings for its safety. It also boasts a lifetime-limited warranty and great brand authenticity.
Adding to the reliability of this model, the Cadet 05532 is a UL-listed product. So you can install it on the floor, tile or carpet.
Pros
- DIY installation.
- No disturbance.
- Durable construction.
- Safe and reliable.
Cons
- No thermostat.
Picking Out the Right Electric Baseboard Heaters
Choosing the best electric baseboard heaters requires good technical information, as well as a lot of research.
To take the burden off your shoulders, we’ve listed four important factors to consider when buying an electric baseboard heater.
Cost
Be it the operation cost or the initial money you pay for the heater, financial aspects should be a priority.
The cost of operation usually depends on wattage usage. But the initial outlay depends on features like the size, material and safety options.
Find a balance between the quality and your budget and not to burn a hole in your pocket. There are affordable options out there that don’t compromise on safety and power.
Design
Unless you want to install the heater behind your furniture, the aesthetic features of your baseboard heater matter.
You’d never want a bulky device in your tiny bathroom or a brown, unmatched heater in your white-shaded living room.
So, look for a favorable color and design to suit your home.
Safety
Safety considerations are critical, especially for those with pets and children. Electric heaters for home are prone to electric shocks and fires. So, you should always choose a UL-compliant product that has overheat protection technology.
The Cadet 05532, No products found., Fahrenheat PLF1004, and Cadet 9954 are all UL-listed, safe options—they can stand up against any potential hazards.
Heating Capacity
Heating power differs from one device to another. Also, as you might have noticed, not all of them are capable of heating your surroundings.
Look at the product specification to find the wattage. Then, check if it’s enough to take the chill off your environment. Before doing so, measure the square feet of the room and compare it with the recommended footage.
For example, if you want to heat up a 150 sq. ft. room, consider buying the Cadet 9954, but if your room is smaller than 75 sq. ft., the Cadet 2F500 is a better bet.
Necessary Precautions for Using It
Do Not Block the Airflow
Most electric baseboard heaters work with a fan-based or convection technology.
So, to keep their function, they need open space to breathe and circulate the air. This not only enhances the heating capacity but also prevents any unwanted fires.
Keep Hazardous Furniture Away From the Unit
Flammable substances and electrical cords shouldn’t be in the vicinity of heaters. They can cause serious consequences, such as electrical shocks and fires.
Vacuum the Heater Once in a While
Vacuum inside the heater from time to time to enhance its durability.
No matter how well you clean the surface of the device, dust, debris and small particles of food will always find their way into the heater duct. This not only reduces the heating performance but can also block the airflow. And, they can cause damage to the heating element.
Call a Licensed Technician
Some electric baseboard heaters, such as the Cadet 2F500, come with pre-punched holes. If you see these holes at the back of the device, you can install them yourself. Otherwise, you should call a professional technician to avoid potential hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Electric Baseboard Heaters Cause Fires?
Electric baseboard heaters can cause fires if not properly maintained. It can happen even if they’re UL-compliant and contain strict safety options. To avoid such accidents, never put an obstacle in front of the vent or use them as a tool to dry your clothes.
How Often Should Electric Baseboard Heaters Be Replaced?
Electric baseboard heaters should be replaced only once in two decades. Most of them offer a lifetime warranty and are made of high-quality, strong materials. So, unless they catch fire, you have plenty of time before worrying about a replacement.
Is Electric Baseboard Heat Expensive?
Baseboard electric heaters are NOT expensive. In fact, they count as very cost-efficient options.
Conclusion
For those who aren’t happy with their central heating system, electric baseboard heaters come in handy. But with so many brands in the market, it’s hard to identify the winner.
In our review of the best electric baseboard heaters, the King 2K1205BW K Series is the top product. It has high energy-efficiency and a safety shut-off feature.
Besides, if you compare it to other powerful products—such as the Cadet 96″—this heater is much more durable.
The runner-up position goes to the No products found.. It’s not only UL-listed but also pretty powerful, quick and super quiet.
As for cost and design, the Cadet 2F500 and Cadet 9954 models are the most aesthetic and are budget-friendly options.
