The 8 Best Baseboard Heaters of 2020

Best Overall: Dimplex 60" Wireless Heater

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For efficient heating throughout your room, the Dimplex Linear Proportional Baseboard Heater is a solid performer. This 5-foot long baseboard heater delivers 2,500 watts of power when wired to a 240-volt panel. It also has a sleek, compact design that hugs the wall, so it looks good while it keeps you warm. 

A built-in electronic thermostat eliminates the need to purchase a temperature regulator separately (which is necessary with other baseboard heaters) and it improves the energy efficiency of the heater. In addition, the hot air flowing out of the unit is discharged towards the ceiling, helping to circulate the warmth towards the center of the room.

Users really like the fact that this unit operates quietly, thanks to the proportional control feature—which means it doesn't cycle between on and off modes to regulate temperature. Instead, it operates continuously at low power near the preset temperature, so your room stays at a more consistent temperature throughout the day.

Best Budget: Cadet 36-in 240-Volt 750-Watt Standard Electric Baseboard Heater

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Keep warm without burning up your cash by purchasing a budget baseboard heater. The Cadet 09952 Baseboard Heater has 750 watts of heating power to keep you warm and toasty. Measuring 36-inches long, this baseboard heater is a good option for zone heating—and happens to be one of the most affordable models on the market.

But affordability isn’t the only claim to fame for the Cadet 09952. Reviewers say that this budget baseboard heater is also easy to clean and operates quietly. While 750 watts isn’t as powerful as some other baseboard heaters on the list, it’s plenty of power to heat up small rooms or take off a light chill.

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

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Baseboard heaters are commonly used in small spaces that need a warm-up quickly. The King K-Series 3-foot Baseboard Heater is an affordably priced and efficient model that does the job well and earns high marks for reliability.

While the K-Series is available in multiple sizes, the 3-foot model is compact enough to fit even on short walls in small rooms that require a baseboard heater, like a bathroom or mudroom. Adding to the flexibility of this design is the fact that the K-Series can be wired at either end, giving you installation options depending on where the wiring is located. 

Reviewers often comment on how sturdy the fins are of this baseboard heater and how quiet it operates. It works well—as long as you place it in an appropriately sized room.

Best Plug-In: King Portable 2-Stage Baseboard, Model KP1215-ECO

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While most baseboard heaters require hardwire installation, the King 2-Stage Eco Baseboard Heater gives you the flexibility to plug it into any standard 120V electrical outlet. This plug-in baseboard heater measures 5-feet long and offers up to 1500 watts of power. It’s a great option if you lack the ability or expertise to hardwire a conventional baseboard heater.

The King 2-Stage Eco Baseboard Heater has a built-in EcoStat thermostat that uses the full 1500 watts of power to bring the room up to your desired temperature. Once it's achieved, the heater lowers the thermostat to 750 watts of power to maintain the temperature without burning extra energy. 

While some users found that the thermostat was tricky to adjust to the proper setting, most people are very satisfied with the unit’s performance once they’ve found the right adjustments to make on the dial. This plug-in baseboard heater has a 6-foot cord and features a tip-over switch for safety in case the heater falls forward.

Best Hydronic: Fahrenheat Liquid Filled Electric Hydronic Baseboard Heater

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Hydronic baseboard heaters like the Fahrenheat PLF1004 use a liquid heating element that keeps the surface of the unit cooler compared to conventional baseboard heaters.

Measuring 46 inches long with 1,000 watts of power, this baseboard heater is a reliable heat source. It utilizes convection heat, which users like because it eliminates the popping and pinging noises that sometimes occur with coil element baseboard heaters. However, some people report expansion and contraction noise, similar to a radiator. With a fan-less operation, you also won’t need to worry about the unit blowing dander and allergens around the room. These features make it one of the best baseboard heaters for households with kids and pets.

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

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For max heating power, shop for a large baseboard heater, like this 8-foot long model from Cadet. Measuring an impressive and virtually unmatched 96 inches from end to end, it delivers toasty temps, courtesy of its 2,500 watts of power (when it's installed to a 240-volt panel). 

This supersized baseboard heater can handle heating a room up to 350 square feet in size. It’s a perfect fit for living rooms, dens, finished basements, master bedrooms, and other rooms where you need abundant heat. Reviewers also appreciate that these baseboard heaters to have a nice finish—which is important with an extra-large heater that takes up so much space in your room!

You should know that this is a multi-watt baseboard heater, so you have the option to select between 2,500-watt and 2,000-watt settings (when connected to a 240-volt panel). It also offers 1875 or 1500-watt settings if you have a 208-volt panel. No matter which wattage you chose, the convection heating element means quieter operation without pings and pops, according to reviewers.

Best Portable: New Air Premium Portable 31.5 in. 1500-Watt Low-Profile Baseboard Heater with Silent and Evergy Efficient Cover

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Make sure any room in your home or office stays warm with a portable baseboard heater. Instead of requiring hardwiring and a fixed location, this portable model can be easily set up in any space and moved as needed.

The NewAir features sturdy feet that support the 31.5-inch long unit. It offers up to 1,500 watts of power and has a manual temperature control with a timer for up to 7.5 hours of continuous operation. This portable baseboard heater is best suited for personal heating needs rather than raising the temperature of large rooms, but it's quieter than a personal space heater. The manufacturer recommends it for spaces up to 150 square feet.