Picking the right infrared heater for your bathroom isn’t something you should just wing. I’ve seen way too many people throw a low-wattage lamp into a big room and then wonder why they’re still shivering. The unit just struggles to keep up, wasting electricity while you’re left waiting for a warmth that never quite arrives. Finding your sweet spot It really comes down to how much space you’re dealing with and how many “cold” surfaces you have. Tile and porcelain are basically heat sponges—they soak up all the energy. If you’ve got a tiny powder room (under 4m²), a 400W to 600W shortwave lamp usually does the trick. It’s great because it hits your skin instantly. You don’t have to wait for the air to warm up; you just feel it. For those bigger master baths (around 8m² to 12m²), you’ve got a choice. You can go with one heavy-hitter—something 1000W or more—or split the work between two 600W units. I usually recommend splitting them. It stops those annoying “hot spots” and means you won’t feel a sudden chill the second you step a few feet away from the heater. The electrical catch Now, more power means it heats up faster. Simple, right? Well, almost. High-power lamps pull more current. Before you install one, double-check your circuit breakers and wiring. If you plug a 1500W lamp into a circuit that’s already powering a water heater, you’re asking for a tripped breaker or a burnt-out connection. Not a great way to start your morning. Getting the most out of it Here is a pro tip: mount the lamp at a 45-degree angle. It spreads the heat much wider. And make sure you’re using shortwave infrared. It’s the only thing that actually cuts through the steam of a hot shower. If you use the wrong kind, the steam just bounces the heat right back, and you’re essentially paying for electricity that never even reaches your toes.