Hydronic baseboard heaters come recommendable where the installation of a full central heating system to heat an individual room is uneconomical. Also, it is used as a secondary heat source to boost the HVAC system.
These units are less costly and effective when heating up fixed spaces. They are comparatively longer than other space heaters and are usually fixed onto or near a house baseboard. They use heated fluids (water or oil) to warm air in the room.
Electric Hydronic baseboard heaters are available in two different voltages: 120-volt and 240-volt designs. These styles are both to be connected to a 20-amp circuit and hard-wired directly into an electrical line. These heaters continue to produce heat for a period of time after it is turned off.
There are numerous different types of hydronic baseboard heaters in the market to choose from, in this review, we will be looking at 7 of them.
Cadet EBHN1000WLH
Design Feature
Cadet EBHN1000WLH Softheat hydronic baseboard heater is a top-rated appliance that is built out of a 22-gauge steel to ensure durability. It has a compact design of dimensions 9-1/2’’H x 3-1/4’’D x length varies. The wire connections for the heater are placed on the left side of the heater.
The standard voltage of the Cadet hydronic baseboard heaters is 240/208 volts and they require a thermostat for their operation. Installation of a Cadet wall thermostat or the EBKN model thermostat wired to either end of the heater is advised.
These baseboard heaters operate at their best when installed under a window and placed at least 12 inches from other objects such as furniture. The Cadet EBHN1000WLH is not to be installed below electrical outlets and it may be fixed on the floor or wall mounted.
The Cadet hydronic baseboard heater model has an in-built feature that cuts off electricity flowing into it when the voltage is not of the required amount. The unit uses an environmentally friendly fluid that allows for easy installation with no plumbing required. The appliance cannot be controlled by low voltage thermostat and requires those with a rating of 240-volts.
The Cadet hydronic baseboard heaters smart design aids in reducing the effect of indoor allergens. The Softheat heater provides for lowest surface temperatures available to any space making it ideal for homes that have kids and pets. It boasts a near silent operation allowing the user to sleep soundly without any disturbances and at the same time providing for a high temperature safety shutoff feature.
The heater is safe to use as it does not use any hazardous or toxic fluid in its operation and its compact design is safe for use around children. The Cadet EBHN1000WLH Softheat appliance has a 7-year limited warranty.
Pros
• Lower surface temperature
• Reduces air borne allergens
• Easy to install
• Not fan-driven
• Quiet operation
• Uses environmentally friendly fluid
• Energy and space saving design
• Certified by Energy Star
• No batteries required
• ETL listed to UL standards
Cons
• Costly purchase
• Take longer to heat up
User Critic
To complete the full operation of the Cadet EBHN1000WLH hydronic baseboard heaters, a thermostat must be also installed to work alongside the Softheat appliance which involves an extra installation aside from that of the heater.
Fahrenheat PLF1004 
Design Feature
This electric hydronic baseboard heater allows its user to save money on their energy bills whilst at the same time providing them with efficient and effective heating for workplace and home spaces. Fahrenheat PLF1004 is an oil filled electric convection heater. The oil does not freeze in winter due to its antifreeze properties giving it a low freezing point.
The operating fluid of the Fahrenheat hydronic baseboard heater is water and this ensures that you can continue to enjoy comfortable heat even after the appliance has been switched off. The heating element of this appliance is submerged into a heat transfer solution to enhance heating output by ensuring a more efficient operation of the heating element.
Fahrenheat PLF1004 has a power output of 1,000 watts for a model of 46 inches in size but also comes in a variety of other sizes that range from 500 watts at 28 inches to 2,000 watts and 94 inches allowing you to choose the best fit for your heating needs. It has its wires for external connections located on its left side.
This hydronic baseboard heater operates with a voltage rating of 208 and 240 the former allowing for the control of multiple units with just one thermostat. However, the use of this lower voltage does not provide as much heating efficiency as with a single operating unit. It operates on a connection of 8.4 amps. The appliance will require an electrician for its installation due to the high voltage rating of 240-volts.
This Fahrenheat PLF1004 hydronic baseboard heater has a compact design of dimensions; 8 x 3 x 46 inches at 16.3 pounds. The appliance uses a safety feature of a thermal cut-off to prevent overheating. With an UL listing, the heater is safe to operate on tile, carpets, and other flooring. It comes with a warranty of 1-year.
Pros
• Availability of a wide assortment of sizes and power outputs
• Operation is free of disruptive popping or pinging sounds as of other models
• Not fan-driven
• Quick and easy installation
• Overheating protection for worry-free warmth
Cons
• The connection of multiple units is less efficient than a single operating unit
• Takes a little while to heat up
User Critic
This hydronic baseboard heater could take a while to heat up, at the same time make an expansion sound when heating up or cooling down.
Fahrenheat Plf1504
Design Feature
The Fahrenheat PLF1504 hydronic baseboard heater incorporates a modern design ensuring durability in operation. The baseboard heaters heating element is treated with a special heat transfer liquid to ensure complete and even dispersion of heat.
This Fahrenheat model is a hard-wired unit, has a dimension specification of 2.9 x 2.9 x 8.4 inches. The appliance has a compact design and uses a metal casing giving it a weight of 22 pounds.
The electric hydronic baseboard heater has a 240-volt rating with a power output of 1,500 watts operating on a connection of 7.4 amps. The unit requires the field installation of a thermostat. The heater comes with a thermal shut off switch which protects against failure when the appliance is covered accidentally. The heater will resume normal operation when normal temperatures are reached and when the obstructing object is removed.
The Fahrenheat hydronic baseboard heater can be placed on flooring materials such as tiles or carpets and can be attached to the walls of the room. More than one heater can be connected to a single thermostat to allow the user to heat a larger space or two different rooms. The Fahrenheat PLF1504 comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
• Starts up and stops without the disruptive popping or pinging sound
• Cool to the touch during operation
• not fan-driven
• Quick and easy installation
• Overheat protection for safe use
• It is UL listed
Cons
• Limited warranty
• Takes a while to heat up
User Critic
Judging by consumer reviews, the Fahrenheat PLF1504 can produce a noxious smoke and oily substance when it fails. When this happens, you have to switch it off at the plug to prevent further damage. If the appliance happens to fail, if no immediate attention is given to remedy the problem, serious harm such as fires can happen.
Fahrenheat hydronic baseboard heaters run quietly without the ticking sound of most standard baseboard heaters.
Cadet Ebhn750Wlh
Design Feature
The Cadet EBHN750WLH is designed to heat up an area of 125 square feet. Its modern design allows for the reduction of airborne allergens whilst ensuring a quiet operation. The unit has a dimension specification of 47 x 3.2 x 9.5 inches and it is made of a steel body which gives it a weight of 20.4 pounds.
The Cadet EBHN750WLH hydronic baseboard heater provides a good down surface temperature. The heater uses environmentally friendly non-toxic fluid in its operation and also requires no plumbing for installation or refilling of fluid. The heater is designed for wall-mounting and has its wires located on the left-hand side of the appliance useful when connecting external appliances such as the thermostat.
The electric hydronic baseboard heater has a power rating of 750 watts at a voltage rating of 240 Volts. It also provides for an option of 563 Watts at a voltage rating of 208 Volts. The baseboard heater has a unique operating feature that allows it to retain heat to generate residual warmth even after the thermostat turns the appliance off.
The Cadet hydronic baseboard heater is safe to use as it incorporates the use of a thermostat to act as thermal control ensuring the appliance does not fail due to overheating. The baseboard heater comes with a 7year limited warranty.
Pros
• Lower surface temperatures than standard models
• Reduces air borne allergens
• Energy saving operation
• Quiet operation
• Not fan-driven
• Easy installation
• Uses environmentally friendly fluid
• Energy star rated
• Generates residual warmth even after the heater is switched off
Cons
• Cannot be used with voltages less than 240 Volts
• Clicking sound during heavy operation
• Take longer to heat up
User Critic
The Cadet EBHN750WLH hydronic baseboard heater will operate to its specifications when used as a supplementary heater for two or more rooms in the house since the heat produced is not enough giving the room a low humidity with a dry feeling. During the dead of the night when all is silent, the clicking sound during operation is slightly irksome although not noticeable during the day.
Fahrenheat PLF754
Design Feature
The Fahrenheat PLF754 hydronic baseboard heater boasts a crisp clean and contemporary styling with an aesthetic white finishing. It has a product dimension of 34 x 2.9 x 8.4 inches with a metal body giving it a weight of 12.5 pounds. The unit provides for wiring on both of its sides for easier installation.
The Fahrenheat PLF754 has a power rating off 750 watts operating at a voltage of 240 volts. The entire heater has a go-anywhere design and mounts flush to any wall and any floor. The hydronic elements retention quality allows the heater to continue generating gentle heat even after the thermostat is off.
The heater incorporates the use of a heating element which is completely immersed in water in a unique heat transfer liquid. This baseboard heater has its wireway running along the bottom back of the heater. It also comes with a thermal cut-out which helps to prevent over heating in the event that the air intake is accidentally blocked ensuring the appliance does not fail during operation. After the unit’s temperature has returned to normal, the cut-out feature will automatically reactivate the appliance.
Fahrenheat PLF754 hydronic baseboard heater can be mounted directly on the floor or on carpet, tile or any flooring material. The unit comes with a limited warranty of 1-year.
Pros
• Continues to generate heat even after the thermostat switches off
• Starts up and stops without the disruptive popping or pinging sound
• Not fan-driven
• Quick and easy installation
• Protected against overheating
Cons
• Not suitable for heating large rooms
• Takes a while to warm up
User Critic
According to consumer reviews, the Fahrenheat PLF754 does give a ‘’funny’’ smell for the first few hours of operation but the smell soon clears. The units may also fail after a few years of operation and it is quite a hassle to get help to troubleshoot it.
Marley HBB504 Qmark
Design Feature
The Marley HBB504 Qmark hydronic baseboard heater has a power rating of 500 watts. The baseboard heater comes with a compound design and a dimension specification of 28 x 2.9 x 8.4 inches. Th unit has a metallic body with grates to avoid insertion of foreign objects. The unit allows for easy installation due to its good size to power ratio and its weight, 10 pounds.
Marley HBB504 Qmark operates on a 240-volt connection with an amperage capacity of 2.1A. and does not support 120-volt wiring. It, however, has to be connected with an external thermostat for its complete operation. The product uses a liquid immersed heating element in its operation providing a more uniform and even heating than electrical models.
Marley HBB504 Qmark provides for a wide range of accessories which can be used to customize the appliance to your desired application. It is fitted with a large fluid reservoir which maximizes the volume of heat storage fluid facilitating prolongation of the thermal constant of the entire heater. The appliance requires the installation of a separate external end cap thermostat. The hydronic baseboard heater comes with a limited warranty of 10 years.
Pros
• Continues to generate heat long after the thermostat is switched off
• Energy saving
• not fan-driven
• Easy to install
• Light in weight
• Saves on space
• The louvers/ grates ensure no foreign objects are stuck in
• Can operate on connections with low amperage
• Long warranty period
Cons
• Not suitable for large or mid-sized rooms
• Runs with a faint sound
• Take longer to heat up
User Critic
Judging from the consumer reviews, the unit does not heat up when the thermostat is turned up and requires troubleshooting via the customer care service. The Marley HBB504 Qmark appliance may not be successfully troubleshooted and a new one has to be sent through the product warranty.
As it has an immersed heating element, the heater continues to stay warm and keep the space warm in turn. This helps in saving on monthly utility bills as the users continue to enjoy the warmth when the appliance is not using power.
Fahrenheat PLF504
Design Feature
The Fahrenheat PLF504 is an effective hydronic baseboard heater which comes with a modern design that ensures to deliver safety and efficiency in its operation. The unit has a dimension specification of 2.9 x 2.9 x 8.4 inches with a weight of 10 pounds. The product is designed for direct floor mounting and on any flooring material.
The Fahrenheat hydronic baseboard heater incorporates the use of a unique heat transfer liquid which the heating element is dipped ensuring that the heat is well dispersed across the entire room or space. The working fluid has a low freezing point due to its antifreeze properties and remains liquid during winter.
The electric hydronic baseboard heater has a thermal shut off switch which is designed to prevent overheating, especially in the event where the air intake is accidentally blocked. This mechanism aims to ensure that the appliance does not fail during operation. After the heaters temperature has returned to normal the cut-out feature will automatically reactivate the appliance.
The Fahrenheat PLF504 is a hard-wired unit with a voltage rating of 240-volts and a power rating of 500 watts operating with an amperage of 4.2 amps. The appliance requires a filed installed thermostat for its complete operation.
This Fahrenheat hydronic baseboard heater appears on the UL listing. The unit is self-contained without the need of end caps and thus safe for use around children and pets. The electric hydronic baseboard heater has a limited warranty of 1 year.
Pros
• Continues to generate heat even after the thermostat switches off
• Starts up and stops without the disruptive popping or pinging sound
• not fan-driven
• The louvers/ grates ensure no foreign objects are stuck in
• Quick and easy installation
• Overheating protection for worry-free warmth
Cons
• Not suitable for heating large rooms
• Takes a while to warm up
• Operates at lower efficiencies when multiple units are linked together
User Critic
The baseboard heater is prone to rusting after a few years when used in the bathroom. The cut-off feature is prone to failure if the air intake is blocked repeatedly and chances are it will no longer function after it fails. The appliance does not function well in areas with temperatures under freezing and is not able to bring room temperatures above freezing.
| Specification | Cadet EBHN1000WLH | Fahrenheat PLF1004 | Fahrenheat PLF1504 | Cadet EBHN750WLH | Fahrenheat PLF754 | Marley HBB504 Qmark | Fahrenheat PLF504 |
| Dimensions – inches | 59 x 3.2 x 9.5 | 8 x 3 x 46 | 2.9 x 2.9 x 8.4 | 47 x 3.2 x 9.5 | 34 x 2.9 x 8.4 | 28 x 2.9 x 8.4 | 2.9 x 2.9 x 8.4 |
| Weight – pounds | 25.3 | 16.3 | 22 | 20.4 | 12.5 | 10 | 10 |
| Wattage – watts | 1000 | 1,000 | 1500 | 750 / 563 | 750 | 500 | 500 |
| Voltage – Volts | 240 | 240 | 240 | 240 / 208 | 240 | 240 | 240 |
| Heating Capacity – BTU | 3,410 | 3,410 | 5115 | 2,558 / 1921 | 2,558 | 1,705 | 1,705 |
| Safety | Thermal cut-off | Thermal cut-off | Thermal cut-off | Thermal cut-off | Thermal cut-off | Thermal cut-off | Thermal cut-off |
| Warranty | 7-year | 1-year | 1-year | 7-year | 1-year | 10-year | 1-year |
Best One Overall 
Based on the reviews, the best one overall among the electric hydronic baseboard heaters should be the Cadet EBHN1000WLH heater due to its heating capacity with regards to its size and power rating. This unit can easily adapt to any home, room and space. With its power rating of 1,000 watts it can be used in large to mid-sized rooms.
Best One for Money 
According to the reviews, the best for the money among the electric hydronic baseboard heaters should be the Marley HBB504 Qmark heater. The unit is quite affordable and offers a good power rating and effective heating capacity. It also has the highest warranty, which is not common with hydronic baseboard heaters. Moreover, Marley HBB504 Qmark is light in weight; its small size allows for space saving.
