Choosing the best electric ceiling heater for your bathroom means balancing heating power, ventilation, noise, and installation needs. The table below summarizes five top ceiling-mounted bathroom heaters and combos selected for reliability, heating performance, and common features homeowners value.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater | Fan-Forced Heater | 1250W Enclosed Sheath Element, Low Profile |
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat Combo | Fan + Heater + LED Light | 80 CFM, Dimmable LED, Independent Functions |
| Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater & Fan | Infrared Bulb Heater + Vent | Two 250W Infrared Bulbs, 70 CFM Vent |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Fan With Heater | Exhaust Fan With 1600W PTC Heater | Pick-A-Flow 50/80/110 CFM, Energy Star |
| Delta Breez Radiance Bathroom Fan With Heater | Exhaust Fan + Heater + Thermostat | 80 CFM, 1300W Heating Element, Quiet Operation |
Content Navigation
- Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
- Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan
- Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Mount Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater
- Delta Breez Radiance Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A Ceiling Heater For Your Bathroom
Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
The Broan-NuTone 157 is a ceiling-mounted fan-forced heater designed as a compact supplement to home heating systems. It operates at 1250W and 120VAC, using an enclosed metal sheath element to deliver rapid heating. The low-profile housing is intended to integrate with typical ceiling cavities and provide a discreet appearance.
Key attributes include a durable aluminum grille with a satin finish and a robust metal-sheath heating element. This design emphasizes straightforward function and a reduced profile for installations where space above the ceiling is limited. It is suited for bathrooms, kitchens, or similar small spaces that need targeted warming.
Broan-NuTone BHFLED80 PowerHeat Bathroom Exhaust Fan
The BHFLED80 PowerHeat combines an exhaust fan, LED light, and heater into a single ceiling fixture. The fan offers 80 CFM airflow at about 1.5 sones, aiming to remove moisture while the heater provides localized warmth. The light module is dimmable and offers selectable color temperatures.
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This product allows the three functions to operate independently, which supports flexible usage: ventilation after showers, lighting for tasks, and targeted heating during cold mornings. The white grille and modern styling are meant to blend with common bathroom decor. The integrated LED with CCT control adds convenience for varied lighting preferences.
Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan
The Broan 164 is a combined infrared bulb heater and ventilation fan. It uses two 250W R40 or BR40 infrared bulbs to produce immediate radiant warmth while the fan offers 70 CFM4.0 sones. Infrared bulb heaters provide rapid, directional heat suitable for short-term use.
This model is aimed at users who prefer bulb-style infrared heating rather than element- or PTC-based heaters. The combo supports saving central heating energy by warming the occupied bathroom area directly. Note that bulbs are not included, and noise from the fan is higher than lower-sones models.
Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Mount Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater
The Panasonic WhisperWarm pairs an exhaust fan with a high-capacity 1600W PTC heater and offers selectable airflow settings: 50, 80, or 110 CFM with Pick-A-Flow technology. It uses a DC/ECM motor for quieter operation and is Energy Star-certified for efficiency.
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Flex-Z Fast Bracket simplifies installation by allowing positioning without attic access and supports both 4″ and 6″ ducts. The PTC heater provides stable, self-regulating heat output, and the selectable airflow options make it adaptable for different bathroom sizes and ventilation needs.
Delta Breez Radiance Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater
The Delta Breez Radiance is an integrated exhaust fan with a built-in 1300W heating element80 CFM1.5 sones, it is designed for routine bathroom ventilation and supplemental heating.
This model emphasizes energy efficiency through a brushless DC motor designed for long life and low electrical consumption. The thermal cutoff fuse in the heater adds a layer of safety for overheat protection. It is positioned for homeowners who want quiet operation with a reliable heating element and integrated controls.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Ceiling Heater For Your Bathroom
Selecting the right electric ceiling heater for a bathroom depends on several technical and practical variables. Below are primary considerations and comparison perspectives to guide a decision.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
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Heating Type And Performance
- Fan-Forced Element (Sheath/PTC): Provides steady, distributed heat. Examples: Broan 157 and Delta Breez. Typically good for general warming and continuous operation.
- PTC Ceramic: Self-regulating, safer for extended use and efficient at converting electrical energy to heat. Panasonic uses PTC at higher wattage for rapid warmth.
- Infrared Bulb: Offers instant, directional heat ideal for short durations. Broan 164 uses infrared bulbs; bulbs may need replacement over time.
Airflow, Ventilation, And Multi-Function Units
- CFM Rating: Matches bathroom size. Typical guidelines: 50–80 CFM for small bathrooms, 80–110+ CFM for larger ones. Panasonic’s Pick-A-Flow is flexible for different room sizes.
- Combined Functions: Units that combine fan, heater, and light reduce ceiling fixtures but require coordinated wiring and control options. Broan BHFLED80 integrates all three with independent controls.
- Noise (Sones): Lower sones indicate quieter fans; choose 1.5 sones or lower for minimal sound, important for bedrooms or attached baths.
Installation And Ducting
- Ceiling Space: Low-profile units fit where attic depth is limited. Confirm housing dimensions and clearance before purchase.
- Duct Size: Check whether the fan supports 4″ or 6″ ducting. Proper ducting is critical to exhaust performance.
- Mounting Options: Features like Panasonic’s Flex-Z Fast Bracket ease retrofit installs without attic access.
Safety And Durability
- Overheat Protection: Thermal cutoff fuses or automatic disconnects provide safety against prolonged overheating; noted in Delta Breez and some compatible replacements.
- Material And Grille Finish: Aluminum or stainless grilles resist corrosion in humid environments. Choose finishes that match bathroom decor and resist discoloration.
- Certifications: Look for Energy Star, UL or ETL listings for wet or damp locations depending on installation proximity to shower spray.
Controls, Lighting, And User Convenience
- Independent Controls: Units that allow separate control of fan, heater, and light improve flexibility in daily use.
- Dimmable/Color-Adjustable Lighting: Integrated LED modules with CCT options (warm/cool/daylight) add versatility for task or ambient lighting.
- Remote Or Thermostat: Thermostat or remote control options allow precise temperature control and energy-saving operation.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Bathroom, Limited Ceiling Depth: Low-profile fan-forced units like Broan 157 offer compact installations and simple heating.
- Need For High-Output Heating: Panasonic WhisperWarm with 1600W PTC provides stronger, rapid heat and selectable airflow for larger bathrooms.
- Integrated Lighting And Convenience: Broan BHFLED80 targets users who want combined lighting, ventilation, and heating in one fixture.
- Quick, Directional Warmth: Infrared-bulb models such as Broan 164 suit brief use cases like pre-shower warming, but consider bulb replacement and noise levels.
- Quiet Continuous Ventilation Plus Heat: Delta Breez balances quiet fan performance with a 1300W heating element and added thermostat safety.
Final Purchase Checklist
- Verify wattage and whether it meets your heating needs without overloading circuit capacity.
- Match CFM to room size and confirm duct compatibility.
- Confirm noise level (sones) if quiet operation is important.
- Choose the heating type (PTC, sheath, or infrared) based on intended use patterns.
- Ensure required electrical wiring and controls are available and compatible with your switch locations.
- Look for safety features like thermal cutoffs and appropriate wet/damp ratings.