Choosing a modern wall heater means balancing efficiency, design, and smart controls. Below is a concise comparison of five wall-mounted electric heaters and fireplace-style heaters that combine contemporary looks with practical heating. The table highlights type, heat output modes, and standout smart or design features to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Type | Heat Modes / Output | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreo Smart Wall Heater WH719S | PTC Ceramic Wall Heater | 1500W, 41–95°F control | 120° Oscillation, App + Voice |
| Dreo Wall Heater IP24 | PTC Wall-Mounted Heater | PTC heating, ECO mode | 30° Oscillation, Quiet Operation |
| Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI | Infrared Wall Heater | 1500W, Digital Thermostat | Wi‑Fi Control, Touch Screen |
| Silonn 50 Inch Smart Fireplace | Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace | Up To 5300 BTU, 62–86°F | App Control, 20 Flame Colors |
| VENDORZ 72 Inch Electric Fireplace | Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace | 750W / 1500W Modes | Ultra-Thin Frame, Multi-Color Flames |
Dreo Smart Wall Heater WH719S
The Dreo WH719S is a PTC ceramic wall heater designed for even room coverage. Its 120° vertical oscillation distributes warm air top to bottom, intended to reduce cold spots compared with fixed vents. The heater supports precise temperature control from 41°F to 95°F with 1°F increments, which helps maintain stable setpoints.
Smart features include the Dreo app and voice assistant compatibility for remote scheduling and voice commands. A 24-hour timer and remote control provide manual convenience when app access is not desired. The product emphasizes fast, steady heating with PTC elements that respond quickly to thermostat changes.
Dreo Wall Heater IP24
This Dreo model focuses on a balance of airflow, noise reduction, and precision. The PTC heating system and optimized airflow reportedly deliver a strong airflow (11.5 ft/s) while keeping noise levels down (about 28 dB), suitable for bedrooms or offices where low sound levels matter.
It offers 30° manual oscillation for directional heating, an ECO mode for energy-conscious operation, and temperature calibration through the app. Controls include a remote, app, and voice assistant compatibility. The IP24 designation suggests improved resistance for indoor wet areas, depending on installation and local codes.
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI
The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI is an infrared wall-mounted heater with Wi‑Fi connectivity, enabling temperature control from a smartphone. Infrared heating warms objects and people directly, which can feel different than forced-air warmth.
Standard safety features include a tip-over shutoff (noting this unit is wall-mounted) and overheat protection. It has a touch screen, digital thermostat, and a remote for local control. The slim wall design preserves floor space and suits locations where footprint is a concern.
Silonn 50 Inch Smart Fireplace
The Silonn 50″ combines a decorative linear fireplace with functional heating capability, rated to deliver about 5300 BTU. It offers app-based controls and remote operation, allowing pre-warming and adjustment of flame effects remotely. Temperature range and timer controls aim to match comfort preferences.
Customization options include 20 flame color modes and adjustable brightness, allowing homeowners to prioritize ambiance or use the visual effect without heat. The unit is designed for wall-mounted or recessed installation and includes safety and timer features for scheduled operation.
VENDORZ 72 Inch Electric Fireplace
This 72″ electric fireplace emphasizes a modern, ultra-thin profile (around 3.2 inches) for a sleek built-in look. It supports 750W and 1500W heat modes and offers multi-color flame and crystal-bed customization for visual impact in living spaces or open-plan rooms.
Safety features include ETL certification and overheat protection, while adjustable flame speeds and brightness offer flexible ambiance control. The design targets large wall spans and entertainment focal points where both style and supplemental heat are desired.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Modern Wall Heater
Selecting a modern wall heater requires assessing room size, heating method, installation needs, and smart features. The sections below break down each consideration with practical comparisons and installation notes to help match a heater to your space.
Heating Method And Comfort
- PTC Ceramic Heaters (like the Dreo models) use a ceramic heating element and a fan to move warm air. They heat quickly, provide steady output, and are effective for circulating heat across medium-sized rooms.
- Infrared Heaters (like Heat Storm) heat objects and people directly without relying on air movement. Infrared can feel warmer at lower air temperatures, often preferred in spaces with drafts or for spot heating.
- Electric Fireplace Heaters add visual ambiance with flame effects and typically provide supplemental heat. They often have selectable wattage (e.g., 750W/1500W) to balance warmth and energy use.
Room Size And Heat Output
Match heater capacity to the space. 1500W units are common and suit small to medium rooms (roughly up to 300–400 sq ft in many supplemental heating scenarios), while larger open areas may need higher BTU ratings or multiple units. Electric fireplaces list BTU or wattage and sometimes provide coverage estimates; use those as a general guide, not an absolute guarantee.
Installation And Location
- Wall-Mounted Fixed Units require secure fastening to studs or suitable anchors and appropriate clearances from combustible materials. Follow manufacturer installation guides and local building codes.
- Recessed vs Surface Mount: Recessed installs offer a flush, integrated appearance but need wall cavity depth and possibly professional installation. Surface-mounted or slim-frame units are easier to install on drywall.
- Moisture-Rated Options: For bathrooms or locations with potential moisture, look for IP ratings (e.g., IP24) or manufacturer guidance on allowed installation sites.
Controls, Connectivity, And Scheduling
Modern units offer a range of controls: manual buttons, remote control, touch screens, mobile apps, and voice assistants. Choose based on how you plan to operate the heater. App and Wi‑Fi connectivity enables remote scheduling and pre-warming, while local controls and remotes are useful if smart connectivity is not desired.
Consider whether the unit supports precise thermostat control. 1°F accuracy offers fine-grained adjustments for stable comfort, while simpler thermostats may follow broader setpoints.
Noise And Airflow
Fan-forced PTC heaters generate airflow and some sound. Look for noise ratings or manufacturer claims (e.g., ~28 dB for quiet models). If noise is a priority—bedrooms or study rooms—a quiet blower or infrared option can be preferable.
Energy Efficiency And Modes
- ECO Modes and thermostatic control limit runtime and reduce electrical use by maintaining set temperatures rather than running at full output continuously.
- Variable wattage (e.g., 750W/1500W) provides flexibility to balance comfort and energy draw.
- Consider the cost-to-comfort ratio of high BTU or high-wattage units for continuous operation versus targeted zone heating.
Safety Features
Check for overheat protection, tip-over shutoff (where applicable), ETL/UL certification, and recommended clearances. Electric fireplaces often include auto-shutoff timers and certified electrical safety ratings. Follow installation and operation manuals to maintain safety compliance.
Design And Aesthetics
Modern wall heaters range from discreet vents to decorative linear fireplaces. Choose a style that aligns with your room’s visual goals:
- Minimal Slim Profiles offer subtle heating without disrupting wall lines.
- Linear Fireplaces double as focal points with customizable flame colors and crystal beds for ambiance.
- Consider finish, frame color, and whether you want recessed installation for a flush look.
Maintenance And Longevity
PTC elements and blower motors need minimal maintenance but may benefit from occasional dusting and filter checks if applicable. Electric fireplace LED systems are low-maintenance but verify manufacturer-recommended care, especially for recessed installs where clearance and ventilation affect long-term operation.
Comparing Smart Features And Ecosystem
When evaluating smart capabilities, think about ecosystem fit. If you already use Alexa or Google Home, verify compatibility. App ecosystems differ in features like scheduling, temperature calibration, and remote diagnostics. Some brands permit firmware updates that can extend feature sets or improve performance over time.
Multiple Perspectives For Decision Making
- Performance-First: Prioritize units with precise thermostats, strong airflow, and consistent reported output for consistent comfort.
- Ambiance-First: Choose fireplace-style units that emphasize flame customization and mood lighting in addition to heat modes.
- Quiet/Bedroom Use: Prefer low-noise PTC units or infrared heaters that minimize blower sound.
- Smart/Home Integration: Select models with stable app ecosystems and voice assistant compatibility if remote scheduling and automation are essential.
Use the considerations above to narrow down models based on room size, installation constraints, desired heating type, and control preferences. Always consult the manufacturer’s installation instructions and local codes before mounting a wall heater or recessing a fireplace unit.