How to actually pick the right infrared heater for your bathroom
Most people think that when it comes to heating, more power equals more comfort. But if you just grab the highest wattage lamp on the shelf, you’re probably going to end up with a bathroom that feels like a sauna in one corner and a freezer in the other. It’s all about the balance between the heat and the size of your room. Getting the size right If you’re dealing with a tiny powder room—you know, those small spaces under 4m²—keep it simple. A 400W to 600W lamp is plenty. Anything more and you’ll end up with those annoying “hotspots” that make the room feel stifling instead of cozy. For your average bathroom (around 5-8m²), you’re looking at 800W to 1200W. Now, if you have a massive master bath or a wet room over 10m², you might want to go with a few 1200W units or one big array. One thing to keep in mind: look up. Infrared heat travels in a straight line. If you have high ceilings, that heat has further to travel before it hits your skin, so you’ll need a bit more punch to keep things feeling warm at floor level. The trade-offs Here’s the thing about high wattage. Sure, a 1500W lamp gets the room warm fast. But it also puts a lot of stress on your wiring. If your water heater is on the same circuit, you might find yourself tripping the breaker right in the middle of a shower. Not exactly the vibe you’re going for. I usually suggest short-wave infrared. It’s almost instant. You flip the switch and you feel it immediately. Just make sure you angle the lamp correctly. If it’s pointing the wrong way, you’re basically paying to heat the wall. Saving a bit of cash on the electric bill You don’t need to overdo it. To keep your energy bill down, try adding a timer or a motion sensor. That way, the heat cuts off the second you leave the room. And a pro tip? Instead of one giant, powerful heater, try a few smaller lamps wired in parallel. It spreads the heat around much better. No more “cold corners”—just a steady, comfortable warmth everywhere you step.