Best Radiant Ceiling Heater for Bathroom

Choosing the right radiant ceiling heater for a bathroom requires balancing heat output, installation type, ventilation, and safety features. The table below summarizes five top options that include dedicated ceiling heaters and combo fan/heater units suitable for bathroom installation.

Product	Type	Key Feature
Delta Breez Radiance 80 CFM	Exhaust Fan + Heater + Light	1300W heater, brushless DC motor, 1.5 sones
Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Heater	Ceiling-Mounted Fan-Forced Heater	1250W enclosed sheath element, low-profile
Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater & Fan	Infrared Bulb Heater + Fan	Uses two 250W infrared bulbs, 70 CFM fan
Femotic 157 Bathroom Ceiling Heater	Replacement 157-Style Heater	1250W PTC ceramic heating, overheat protection
Xmnbl 157 Replacement Ceiling Heater	Replacement 157-Style Heater	1250W PTC heating, built-in mounting hooks

Delta Breez Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Light, Heater & Thermostat

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The Delta Breez Radiance combines an exhaust fan, LED light, and an integrated 1300-watt heating element with a thermostat function. Designed for bathrooms needing both ventilation and supplemental heat, it operates at 80 CFM and runs quietly at 1.5 sones.

Key features listed include a long-life brushless DC motor rated for 70,000 hours and an energy efficiency of approximately 7 CFM/watt. The heater has a thermal cutoff fuse for safety and provides rapid localized warming on chilly mornings. The integrated fan helps control moisture while the light adds general illumination.

Installation requires a standard ceiling electrical and duct connection; the unit is intended to replace typical bathroom fan housings. Consider room size and duct routing to ensure the 80 CFM rating and 1300W heater meet your heating and ventilation needs.

Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Fan-Forced Ceiling Heater

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The Broan-NuTone 157 is a low-profile ceiling-mounted fan-forced heater designed as a heating supplement for bathrooms and kitchens. It operates at 1250W, 120VAC and uses an enclosed metal sheath heating element to deliver forced warm air directly downward into the room.

Its compact housing allows installation in standard ceiling cavities and the satin aluminum grille offers a durable, non-intrusive finish. The enclosed element design provides protection compared to exposed-bulb fixtures and is suitable where a reliable, instantaneous heating boost is desired.

Because it is fan-forced rather than pure radiant IR, heat distribution depends on fan placement and airflow. Evaluate ceiling depth and wiring access before purchase. The unit is frequently used as a replacement or direct install in bathrooms requiring rapid localized heat.

Broan-NuTone 164 Bulb Heater And Fan

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The Broan-NuTone 164 uses infrared bulb heating (two R40/BR40 bulbs) combined with a ventilation fan. Infrared bulbs provide near-instant radiant warmth that is felt directly, making them a classic option for bathroom ceiling heating.

Listed features indicate compatibility with two 250-watt bulbs and a fan rated at 70 CFM, 4.0 sones. The fan aids moisture control while the bulbs deliver targeted radiant heat. Because bulbs are user-replaceable, this option allows flexible wattage and replacement choices.

Consider the higher noise rating (4.0 sones) and bulb replacement maintenance when comparing to enclosed-element or PTC options. The 164 can be an effective choice where strong, immediate radiant heat is prioritized over low noise.

157 Bathroom Heater Ceiling By Femotic

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The Femotic 157-style ceiling heater replicates the 1250W rapid heating profile of standard 157 units, using PTC ceramic technology and an aluminum grille. The product emphasizes overheat protection and a quieter operation for comfortable bathing.

Features include an advanced automatic disconnect for overheat events, PTC ceramic heating for efficient warm-up, and a thin shell design to fit modern ceilings. The product is marketed as suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and small rooms where supplemental heat is needed.

When selecting a replacement-style unit like Femotic, verify cutout dimensions and mounting compatibility with existing housings. The PTC element offers stable heating behavior and may provide energy benefits versus older resistive elements.

Bathroom Ceiling Heater Replacement By Xmnbl

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The Xmnbl 157-style ceiling heater is another 1250W PTC ceramic replacement option with built-in mounting hooks to simplify installation. Safety features include automatic overheat protection to cut power in excessive temperature events.

Its rapid heating capability and ergonomic mounting aim to reduce installation complexity for homeowners and contractors upgrading an older 157 fixture. The product notes suitability for bathrooms and small spaces for quick supplemental warmth.

Confirm electrical connections match local codes and existing wiring. Replacement units can be cost-effective and convenient if they match the original footprint and mounting points.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Radiant Ceiling Heater For Your Bathroom

Selecting the right bathroom ceiling heater involves several technical and practical factors. Below are the main considerations and comparative viewpoints to guide a safe, effective purchase.

Heating Type And User Experience

• Infrared Bulb Heaters (example: Broan 164) provide immediate perceived warmth via radiant heat and are effective for short-term use. They require bulb replacements and tend to be louder.
• Fan-Forced Enclosed Elements (example: Broan 157) blow heated air downward and distribute warmth more evenly but rely on fan airflow for comfort.
• PTC Ceramic Heaters (Femotic, Xmnbl) offer stable temperature regulation and often include overheat protection; they can be quieter and more energy-consistent than resistive elements.

Power Rating And Room Size

• Common ceiling heater ratings are 1250W–1800W. Higher wattage heats faster or larger spaces but increases circuit load.
• Estimate required capacity by bathroom square footage and ceiling height. Small bathrooms often work well with 1250W; larger or poorly insulated rooms may need higher output or supplemental heating.

Ventilation Integration And Multifunction Units

• Combo units (fan + heater + light) like Delta Breez provide both moisture control and heat in a single fixture—useful for compact installations.
• Ensure the exhaust fan’s CFM rating suits room size for effective moisture removal. Standard targets: 1 CFM per square foot or use local building code guidance.

Noise Levels And Comfort

• Noise is measured in sones. Units at 1–1.5 sones are very quiet; values around 4 sones are noticeably louder. Choose lower sone ratings for bedrooms or frequent nighttime use.

Safety Features And Code Compliance

• Always choose heaters with thermal cutoff or overheat protection. Look for enclosed elements or PTC technology for added safety.
• Confirm the fixture’s IC or non-IC rating based on attic insulation contact. Use GFCI-protected circuits where local code requires.
• Ensure installation follows local electrical and building codes; professional installation is recommended for permanent wiring changes.

Installation And Replacement Considerations

• Measure ceiling cutout, housing depth, and grille size before purchasing replacement-style units (157 footprint is common).
• Built-in mounting hooks and prewired connectors simplify DIY installs, but confirm wire type, breaker capacity, and existing ducting compatibility.

Energy Use And Long-Term Costs

• Higher wattage means higher instantaneous energy usage. For frequent use, consider thermostatic control or timer functions to limit run time.
• Brushless DC motors (in fans) and PTC elements may offer improved efficiency and longevity, lowering lifecycle cost.

Lighting Options And Additional Features

• Integrated LED lights and dimmable color temperature controls (as with some models) add functionality and may reduce the need for separate fixtures.
• Remote controls, multiple heating levels, and drying functions can improve usability in multi-function bathrooms.

Comparison Perspectives

• Choose a combo fan/heater/light when you need ventilation and instant supplemental heat in one install (good for remodels or limited ceiling space).
• Select a dedicated ceiling heater (157 or PTC) for quieter operation and focused heating, especially if ventilation is already handled by a separate exhaust system.
• For maximum radiant sensation, infrared bulb heaters are effective but require maintenance and can be louder; for balance of safety and efficiency, PTC or enclosed-sheath elements are preferable.

Review product specifications against your bathroom size, existing wiring and ductwork, noise sensitivity, and safety needs. For code compliance and safe operation, consult a licensed electrician if unsure about capacity or replacement compatibility.