How to pick the right heater for your bathroom
Picking the right wattage for an infrared heater isn’t about guessing. It’s really just about making sure you have enough heat to keep you warm without turning your bathroom into a sauna.
Getting the power right
Here is the thing about infrared: it doesn’t actually heat the air. It heats you. If you’re dealing with a tiny powder room—something under 4m²—you don’t need a monster of a machine. A small 400W to 600W lamp does the trick. Because the space is so tight, the heat hits you almost instantly. If you throw a 1200W unit in there, you’ll end up with a “hot spot” that feels way too intense. Not a great way to start your morning. For the bigger bathrooms (around 6m² to 12m²), you’ll want to jump up to 800W or 1200W. More space means more walls and vents for the heat to leak out of. **Pro tip:**Instead of one giant 1200W lamp, try two 600W lamps. It spreads the warmth around the room much better, so you aren’t freezing the second you step two feet away from the heater.
The boring (but important) electrical stuff
More power means more draw on your electricity. A 1200W lamp is a bit heavier on the circuit. Just double-check that your wiring and switches can handle the load. You don’t want your breakers tripping right when you’re mid-shower. And since we’re talking about bathrooms, water is the enemy. Look for an IP44 rating or higher. You need that heating element sealed tight against steam and splashes. We use quartz glass to keep the filament safe, but a solid housing is what really keeps the moisture away from the electrics.
A quick cheat sheet
If the room is small, stick with 400W-600W. If it’s larger, go for 800W-1200W. Oh, and one last thing—check your ceilings. If they’re extra high, you’ll need a bit more wattage. The heat has further to travel before it reaches you, so you need that extra punch to make sure you actually feel it.