Recessed wall heaters add targeted warmth without taking up floor space and can be hardwired or plug-in depending on the model. Below is a quick comparison table of five relevant recessed or in-wall wall heater options that suit different room sizes, wiring needs, and aesthetic preferences.
| Product | Type | Heat Modes | Install | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone 198 High Capacity Wall Heater | Hardwired Recessed Electric | 2000/4000W (convertible) | Recessed/Wall | High wattage for large rooms |
| Broan-NuTone White Grille Heater (750/1500W) | Hardwired Recessed Electric | 750/1500W (convertible) | Recessed/Wall | Front-mounted adjustable thermostat |
| Stelpro ARWF1001TW Electric Wall Heater | Recessed Insert Fan Heater | 500/1000W | Recessed Insert | Compact fan-assist with built-in thermostat |
| Touchstone Sideline 36″ Smart Electric Fireplace | Recessed Electric Fireplace Heater | 1500W | Recessed In-Wall | Realistic flame, Alexa/Wi‑Fi enabled |
| Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Wall Heater | Wall-Mounted Infrared Heater | 1500W | Wall Mounted / Hardwired | Wi‑Fi control and infrared element |
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Broan-NuTone 198 High Capacity Wall Heater
The Broan-NuTone 198 is a high-capacity recessed wall heater designed for larger spaces or areas that require strong supplemental heat. The unit is convertible between 2000W and 4000W depending on wiring and voltage, making it adaptable to different installations.
Features listed include a heavy-duty 18-gauge steel painted grille with downflow louvers to direct heat toward the floor and an adjustable front-mounted thermostat for manual temperature control. The one-piece baked enamel finish improves durability for long-term wall installation. This heater is intended for permanent installation and hardwired circuits.
Use cases: supplemental heating in larger rooms, basements, garages or workshops where higher wattage is needed. Consider existing circuit capacity and local electrical codes before selecting this model.
Broan-NuTone Wall Heater With Adjustable Thermostat
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This Broan-NuTone model is a compact recessed wall heater offering convertible power at 750/1500W for flexible zone heating. The unit is designed with a white grille featuring downflow louvers to gently direct warm air toward the floor for efficient convection heating.
Key product features include a built-in front-mounted adjustable thermostat and a one-piece baked enamel grille for durability. The housing and cover dimensions allow for recessed installation in standard framed walls. The convertible wattage supports installation on either 120V or 240V systems when configured properly.
This model is suited to smaller rooms, baths, or as a supplement in open-plan spaces where moderate heat output and a discreet wall profile are desired. Verify required wall depth and wiring needs during planning.
Stelpro ARWF1001TW Electric Wall Insert Fan Heater
The Stelpro ARWF series is a fan-assisted recessed wall insert with a compact footprint. It offers lower wattage options (500 or 1000W) and a built-in thermostat, making it useful for small rooms or as a gentle zone heater.
Products features highlight the Pulsair fan-assisted design and a requirement for a minimum wall depth (2 3/8 inches), so planning for framed-wall insert depth is essential. As a permanently installed unit, it integrates flush with the wall and is designed for continuous use with stable temperature control.
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This heater is appropriate when a compact recessed unit with moderate, fast-distributing heat is preferred—for example, in bedrooms, bathrooms (where allowed by local code), or small offices. Confirm electrical capacity and installation clearances first.
Touchstone Sideline 36″ Smart Electric Fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline is a recessed electric fireplace that doubles as a zone heater. It is designed for in-wall mounting and includes a 1,500W heater with thermostat control, realistic flame effects, and smart connectivity (Alexa/Wi‑Fi enabled).
Notable features include multiple flame/ember settings, remote control, and log/crystal hearth options. The unit is designed to keep the sides and back cool to the touch while producing supplemental heat. Installation can be recessed into framing studs or attached in existing openings, and it offers plug-in or hardwire-ready options depending on setup.
This model is suitable for homeowners who want integrated aesthetics and moderate room heating with smart controls and decorative flame effects. Ensure required clearances above the unit and confirm compatibility with nearby electronics.
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Wall Heater
The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI is an infrared wall-mounted heater that features Wi‑Fi control for remote temperature management. Infrared heat warms objects and occupants directly rather than primarily heating air, which can feel efficient in certain spaces.
Key features include Wi‑Fi connectivity for smartphone control, a touch screen with a digital thermostat, remote control, tip-over safety shutoff (for wall-mounted models the safety features vary), and a space-saving profile that preserves floor area. The unit is designed for bedrooms, kitchens, offices, and other living spaces.
Consider infrared performance characteristics when comparing to convective recessed heaters: infrared can provide fast localized warmth and may be preferable when occupants need direct radiant heat rather than whole-room air warming.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Recessed Wall Heater
Selecting a recessed wall heater requires matching heater capacity, installation type, controls, and safety to your space and electrical setup. The following considerations and comparison perspectives will help you evaluate options objectively.
1. Heating Method And Performance
- Convective Heaters: Use natural or fan-assisted airflow to heat room air. Good for general room warming; examples include Broan-NuTone models and Stelpro fan inserts.
- Radiant/Infrared: Heat objects and people directly. Faster perceived warmth in a zone; example is Heat Storm infrared wall heater.
- Electric Fireplace Heaters: Combine decorative flame effects with forced-air heat (e.g., Touchstone). They provide ambiance plus supplemental heat.
2. Wattage, Room Size, And Heat Load
- Estimate needed wattage: smaller rooms often require 500–1500W; larger rooms or poorly insulated spaces may need 2000–4000W.
- Match a heater’s output rating to the square footage and insulation level. High-capacity units like Broan-NuTone 198 suit larger spaces; lower-watt models suit bedrooms and bathrooms.
3. Installation Type And Wall Depth
- Recessed In-Wall: Requires framed wall depth and often hardwiring; yields a flush, integrated look.
- Recessed Insert: Smaller depth inserts fit within standard framing but require planned wall depth (e.g., Stelpro).
- Wall-Mounted/Surface: Easier to install but protrudes from the wall; may plug into an outlet or hardwire.
4. Controls, Connectivity, And Thermostats
- Front-mounted thermostats provide easy manual control.
- Smart/Wi‑Fi connectivity enables remote scheduling and integration with home automation (e.g., Heat Storm, Touchstone Sideline).
- Consider programmable timers and accurate thermostats to save energy.
5. Safety And Local Codes
- Confirm compatibility with bathroom or damp locations and any required ground-fault protection.
- Check clearance requirements around recessed units and recommended distances from combustible materials.
- Hardwired installations should meet local electrical codes and be performed by qualified electricians.
6. Aesthetics And Additional Features
- Grille finishes and low-profile designs affect visual integration; painted or enamel grilles blend with wall colors.
- Electric fireplaces offer aesthetic flame effects and décor options if ambiance is a priority.
- Fan-assisted units distribute heat faster; quiet operation may matter in bedrooms.
7. Energy Efficiency And Operating Costs
- Electric resistance heat is nearly 100% efficient at point of use, but operating cost depends on wattage and local electricity rates.
- Use thermostats, lower-power modes (when available), or timers to reduce run time and energy consumption.
- Infrared heaters can feel warmer at lower air temperatures, possibly reducing runtime in targeted zones.
8. Comparison Perspectives
- Performance vs. Aesthetics: High-capacity convective units prioritize heat output, while electric fireplaces balance heat with visual appeal.
- Installation Complexity vs. Integration: Hardwired recessed options require more labor but provide a flush, permanent look. Surface or plug-in options reduce installation time.
- Controls vs. Simplicity: Smart-enabled heaters add remote convenience and scheduling; simple thermostats may be preferable for straightforward use.
When choosing a recessed wall heater, document room size, available electrical circuits, preferred control features, and desired visual style. Consult a licensed electrician for hardwired installations and confirm local codes for recessed or bathroom installations. Matching these factors will help you select a unit that delivers appropriate heat, safety, and long-term performance.
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