How to pick the right infrared heater for your bathroom
Nobody likes stepping out of a hot shower into a freezing bathroom. It’s the worst part of the morning. If you’re looking at infrared heaters to fix this, the first thing you need to get right is the wattage. Here is the secret: these heaters don’t actually warm up the air in the room. Instead, they beam heat directly onto your skin and the walls. It feels more like standing in a patch of sunlight. Finding your fit You don’t want to overdo it. If you put a massive heater in a tiny room, you’ll be sweating in seconds. For a small powder room (under 4m²), a 400W to 600W lamp is plenty. If you’ve got a medium-sized bathroom (5-10m²), you’re looking at 800W to 1200W. For those huge master baths or open wet rooms (12m²+), go for a 1500W unit. Or, better yet, a few smaller heaters spread out so you don’t end up with one scorching corner and one freezing corner. A quick warning on your wiring High wattage means instant heat, but it also puts a lot of pressure on your electricity. Before you go buying a 2000W beast, check your circuit breaker and the thickness of your wires. You really don’t want to trip the power halfway through a shower. A pro tip? Get a dimmer or a controller. That way, you can blast the heat when you first walk in, then dial it back once the room feels cozy. Where to put it (and why it matters) You’ll see “IP55” on the box. All that really means is that the heater can handle a few splashes and some steam without shorting out. It’s a must for bathrooms. But placement is where most people mess up. Mount your heater on the ceiling or high up on the wall. Since infrared waves travel in straight lines, putting the lamp too low creates “hot spots.” You’ll have toasted toes while your shoulders are still shivering. One last thing—keep an eye on the “wave length.” Shortwave heat hits fast and deep, which can feel a bit intense for some. Longwave is softer and gentler. Pick the one that fits how you like to feel when you’re getting ready for the day.