Heaters Product Database

Broan-NuTone 157

The Broan-NuTone 157 is one of the simplest and most reliable bathroom heaters you can install. 

This low-profile ceiling unit is hardwired and controlled by a standard wall switch, so using it truly doesn't get any easier: flip it on, flip it off, and you're done.

The Broan-NuTone 157 is a fan-assisted infrared heater, so you get instant radiant warmth with a small boost of airflow that pushes heat downward into the room.

I've seen some complaints online about this model being loud, but in my experience, this almost always comes down to installation. If the housing isn't fully flush with the ceiling, it can rattle. Installed properly, it performs exactly as it should.

One thing I really like about this Broan model is that you can actually see the heating element glowing a bright orange-red when it's on, which makes it obvious at a glance whether the unit is running. 

At around 1250 watts and typically under $100, it's an extremely affordable solution that still feels solid and built to last.

I've replaced plenty of 15- to 20-year-old Broan units with this model, which tells you everything you need to know about the brand's longevity.

Just keep in mind that this type of ceiling heater and fan combo does not replace a bathroom exhaust fan. 

You'll still need proper ventilation to handle humidity; the heater is simply there to keep you warm while you're getting ready.

GiveBest PWM320EW

The GiveBest PWM320EW is a great pick if you want a safe, budget-friendly bathroom heater with a surprisingly modern feature set. 

Unlike the hardwired Broan-NuTone model, which stays permanently installed and controlled by a wall switch, this one simply plugs in and uses an ALCI safety plug (the same type found on hair dryers), making it bathroom-ready right out of the box.

The GiveBest is a forced-air heater with five heat options (800W, 1100W, 1500W, Eco Mode, and Fan Only). 

While the brand lists it as suitable for up to 200 square feet, I wouldn't expect it to fully heat a room that size. 

For bathrooms, though, it performs well and warms up the space quickly.

Where this heater really stands out is in its smart features. You can control it via the remote, the app, or Alexa and Google Home, giving you total peace of mind.

If you've ever left home wondering, "Did I turn off the heater?" this solves that completely. You can check the status and shut it off from anywhere.

At around $75, the GiveBest is a solid, safe bathroom option that doesn't require any hardwiring and still gives you features you usually only see on more expensive models.

Dreo WH517S

The Dreo WH517S is another strong wall-mounted option, and it's a clear step up from the GiveBest in terms of build quality, noise levels, and overall refinement.

With an IP24 waterproof rating, it's designed to handle splashes and humidity, making it well-suited for bathroom environments.

The Dreo is a forced-air oscillating heater with five settings (900W, 1300W, 1500W, Eco Mode, and Fan Only). 

The oscillation has to be adjusted manually, but it's still a great way to direct heat exactly where you need it. 

The large LED display on the front of the Dreo heater makes it easy to see your current setting at a glance, and the unit stays under $100, which is impressive considering everything it offers.

You also get full WiFi app control, along with Alexa support, so it integrates seamlessly into a smart home setup. 

I have this Dreo model in my home bathroom, and the thermostat is responsive and accurate. I feel the overall interface is more polished than those of other wall-mounted units in this price range.

One standout feature is the noise level. The Dreo runs at just 28 dB on low, much quieter than the GiveBest, which typically operates in the 38-40 dB range.

On cold mornings when the house is quiet, this kind of difference is noticeable.

It's rated for up to 150 square feet, which fits most standard bathrooms, and it includes all the built-in safety protections you'd expect. 

I've found Dreo's heaters to be consistently reliable over the years, and this one continues that trend with a smart, quiet, and bathroom-ready design.

Related article: Top-rated electric wall heaters for home use

Dr Infrared Heater DR-268

The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-268 isn't your typical bathroom heater, but if you want strong, focused infrared heat, this one stands out. I especially like it for colder bathrooms like those in basements.

Designed as an indoor and outdoor infrared heater with an IPX5 water-resistance rating, the Dr. Infrared is fully suitable for damp bathroom environments and holds up well against steam and splashes.

This model can be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted, giving you flexibility depending on your layout. 

The Dr. Infrared offers two heat levels (1000 watts and 1500 watts), and because it's pure infrared, the warmth is instant and feels similar to standing under a heat lamp. 

Infrared heaters warm surfaces and people directly, making them ideal for spaces where the air feels persistently cold, like bathrooms with tile floors.

It's rated for 150 to 200 square feet, though like all infrared models, it feels best when you're right in its line of sight.

Another perk of the Dr. Infrared is that if you keep plants in your bathroom, infrared heat won't dry out the air, making this a good choice for moisture-sensitive greenery. I have even installed a few of these in greenhouses for this reason.

It includes a digital thermostat and a remote control, and is both UL-listed and ETL-certified for peace of mind.

Compared to the Broan-NuTone 157, a simple ceiling-mounted heater controlled by a wall switch, the DR-268 has a much larger panel, ideal for bathrooms that never seem warm enough, even with a standard heater running.

The version with the built-in thermostat usually retails for around $165, but if you only plan to run it while you're in the bathroom, you can save about $50 by choosing the model without the thermostat.

Related article: Top-rated heaters I recommend for garage use

Broan-NuTone 174

The Broan-NuTone 174 is the most premium model on the list and stands out as a dedicated wall-heater designed for bathrooms.

It's a forced-air wall-mounted unit available in either 750W/1500W or 500W/1000W configurations, depending on how it's wired and which version you buy. 

The Broan-NuTone 174 has the look of a standard wall vent, which means it blends in cleanly with most bathroom interiors rather than sticking out like appliance hardware.

If you don't like the recessed look, you can mount it against the wall, too, but it does need to be hardwired. 

This model is best installed by an electrician, especially if you're converting voltage or wiring in a new circuit. 

The cost (about $200) is higher than the other models on my list, but you're getting a durable steel construction, louvers to direct heat downward, and a simple front-dial thermostat (no smart apps or WiFi, just straightforward control).

Compared to options like the Dreo wall heater, which brings smart features and quiet operation, the Broan-NuTone 174 relies on its premium build and clean integration rather than tech bells and whistles. 

If you prefer reliable simplicity over connected features, this one hits the right note.

The Broan-NuTone wall heater is rated for a coverage area of roughly 100-150 square feet (depending on wiring and wattage) and is ideal for a long-lasting, built-in bathroom heater that disappears into the wall. 

If aesthetics, durability, and minimal controls are your priority, the 174 is a strong choice.

Can a bathroom heater run while I'm showering?

Yes, as long as the heater is rated for bathroom use (IP rating, ALCI plug, or hardwired). Keep it mounted away from direct water spray for safe operation.

Do bathroom heaters increase the humidity in the room?

No. Heaters add warmth but do not create moisture. You'll still need a working exhaust fan to remove humidity.

Are ceiling-mounted heaters more efficient than wall-mounted ones?

Ceiling units distribute heat evenly and stay out of splash zones, but wall-mounted heaters may feel warmer at body level. Both can be efficient when sized correctly for the bathroom.

Will a bathroom heater warm up my towels or help reduce fog on the mirror?

Indirectly, yes. Warming the room can lessen condensation and help towels dry faster. For direct results, you'd still want a towel warmer or anti-fog mirror.