How to pick the right infrared lamp for your bathroom
When you’re picking out an infrared heater, your first instinct might be to just grab the most powerful lamp on the shelf. But here’s the thing: more power isn’t always better. It’s really about finding that sweet spot where the heat feels just right without torching your electricity bill. Getting the wattage right If you’re dealing with a tiny powder room—you know, those little spaces under 4m²—you don’t need much. A single 250W to 400W lamp does the trick. It gives you a nice, cozy hit of warmth without turning the room into a sauna. For a mid-sized bathroom (somewhere between 4m² and 8m²), you’ll want to aim for 600W to 800W. My advice? Go with two lamps. It spreads the warmth around much better than one single source. Then you’ve got the big master baths, anything over 8m². Those need 1000W or more to actually feel the difference. Just a heads-up: don’t put a 1000W beast in a tiny stall. You’ll likely burn out the element way too fast, and you’re basically paying for heat you can’t even use. The secret to the “feel” Infrared is different from a standard space heater. Instead of warming up the air, it warms you. It hits your skin or your towels directly. Because of that, where you put the lamp is everything. Put them right where you actually spend your time. One thing to keep in mind: high-wattage lamps create a very intense, narrow beam. It’s fast, sure, but it creates those annoying “hot spots” where one shoulder is roasting while your toes are still freezing. If you want a soft, even glow of heat, stick with a few lower-wattage lamps instead of one massive one. A quick word on the wiring Before you start installing a bunch of lamps, take a look at your breakers. More wattage means more pull on your electrical system. If you try to run a 1200W setup on thin, old wiring, you might run into voltage drops or—worse—overheating the housing. It’s a boring detail, but definitely check your amp ratings before you flip the switch. Better safe than sorry.