The 8 Best Baseboard Heaters of 2021

Best Overall: Cadet 72 in. 1,500-watt 240-Volt Electric Baseboard Heater

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This model stands out for its even heating and quiet operation, making it a popular choice for bedrooms. With a powder-coated finish and steel-sheathed heating element, it’s also very durable. For added peace of mind, this baseboard heater offers automatic overheating protection and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Like most residential baseboard heaters, this unit requires a hardwired connection to a 240-volt or 208-volt electrical supply. Installation is easy thanks to pre-punched mounting holes and universal wiring. 

Best Budget: Cadet 48 in. 1,000-Watt Electric Baseboard Heater

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If you want to stay warm without spending a lot of money, consider this budget-friendly model from Cadet. With 1,000 watts of power and a heat output of 3412 BTU, it’s not the most powerful baseboard heater on the market, but it is one of the more affordable. And thanks to its slim profile and all-white finish, it can blend in with just about any room.

This electric heater is best suited for smaller spaces up to 150 square feet; if you want to heat a larger space, you can install two (or more!) units to increase the impact.

Like most residential baseboard heaters, this model must be hardwired to a 240-volt electrical supply. It comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.

Best Electric: Cadet 96 in. 2,000/2,500-Watt 240-Volt Electric Baseboard Heater

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This 96-inch electric baseboard heater from Cadet is a popular pick among experts and consumers. With up to 2,500 watts of power, this unit can effectively circulate heat in rooms up to 350 square feet. This heater earns accolades for its easy installation, quiet operation, and rugged construction. It has automatic overheating protection and is backed by a lifetime warranty for all-around peace of mind. 

Note that this is a multi-watt unit: If it’s installed at 240 volts, you choose between 2,500 or 2,000 watts, and when installed at 208 volts, it can produce 1,875 or 1,500 watts. Because this heater can operate at a lower or higher wattage, it’s suitable for a variety of room sizes. 

Best Hydronic: Cadet SoftHeat Hydronic Electric Baseboard Heater

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Quieter and generally more energy-efficient than electric heaters, this hydronic baseboard heater is ideal for rooms up to 150 square feet in size. Even when the thermostat shuts off, the heater will continue to generate residual warmth—maintaining a room’s temperature while conserving energy. The unit will shut off automatically if normal operating temperatures are exceeded, and because the heating element is enclosed, the exterior stays cool and doesn’t pose a risk to anyone passing by.

This model must be hardwired to an electrical supply. Universal wiring allows for installation at either end of the heater. This heater supplies 1,000 watts of heat at 240 volts or 750 watts at 208 volts.

Best for Small Rooms: King K 3 ft. 120-Volt 750-Watt Baseboard Heater

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Delivering 750 watts of power, this compact 36-inch baseboard heater is an excellent choice for smaller rooms. When it comes to installation, this unit allows for greater flexibility. Although it needs to be hardwired to an electrical supply, there is a universal wiring harness at either end of the heater for easier installation. The unit relies on convection heat to provide consistent warmth throughout a room. 

This baseboard heater is highly praised for its quiet operation and durable steel construction, making it a popular choice for living areas and bedrooms. If the temperature gets too high, the heater will shut off automatically—a great safety feature for added peace of mind. Keep in mind that this heater is not programmable and it requires a thermostat, which must be purchased separately.

Best for Large Rooms: Fahrenheat PLF1504 Liquid Filled Hydronic Baseboard Heater

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This 70-inch baseboard heater from Fahrenheat has 1,500 watts of power. It releases strong heat at maximum efficiency, making it an ideal choice for larger rooms. Despite being so powerful, this model has a quiet operation. Installation is simple thanks to the wire-way along the back of the heater, which allows it to be hardwired at either end. Note that this heater requires a 240-volt connection, and not every home is wired to support it. 

As with many other options on this list, the exterior of this unit stays cool to the touch. Overheat protection prevents the unit from running if the air intake is blocked, reducing the risk of a fire.

Best Portable: Lasko Portable 1,500-Watt Baseboard Heater

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Unlike the majority of baseboard heaters, this portable model doesn’t need to be hardwired to an electrical supply. You can place it almost anywhere in your home within proximity to a standard 120-volt outlet. With 1,500 watts of heating power and 5,100 BTU, this heater can warm rooms up to 300 square feet in size. It’s available in two finishes—black and white. 

In addition to its portability, this model earns praise for its silent operation and convenient features. It includes an adjustable thermostat, timer, overheat protection, and a tip-over shutoff. Although there are some reports of breakage within a short period of time, you can add a protection plan for added peace of mind.