Can you use heaters in bathrooms?

You’ve turned off the hot water and the steam’s clearing, but you can’t bring yourself to step out of the shower recess into the freezing air and icy tiles beyond. No two ways about it, bathrooms in winter can be brutal.

The good news is, you can use heaters in bathrooms in Australia - as long as they are specifically designed for this purpose and professionally installed in line with safety regulations.

Bathrooms are considered high-risk electrical areas due to the moisture, steam and water outlets, so only certain types of heaters can be used in them. Plug-in heaters, for example, do not meet the safety requirements for bathroom use under Australian standards.

To be compliant, a bathroom heater must meet the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), which outlines where and how appliances can be installed depending on their IP rating (Ingress Protection). Bathroom-safe models have an IP24 rating, meaning they’re protected from light water splashes and suitable for installation outside the direct shower or bath zones, as long as they are installed by a licensed electrician.

In Australia, 3-in-1 ceiling heaters have commonly been used to heat bathrooms for several decades. These units combine a fan for air extraction, an LED light or tricolour downlight, and infrared heat lamps. They're loved by many for the instant heat they provide, as well as their cost-effective multi-functionality - tackling lighting, ventilation and heating in one go.

But they’re not the only option, and the combination of the noise they make, their look and the intensity of their heat, means they are less popular in contemporary bathrooms. If your bathroom already has downlights or you’d prefer a quieter, more ambient warmth, a wall-mounted panel heater could be a better fit.

Panel heaters are convection-style heaters, and when rated IP24 and hardwired, can provide safe and even warmth throughout the bathroom. Unlike heat lamps, they don't create sharp temperature contrasts, and their silent operation can ease you into your day or help you unwind as you sink into a relaxing evening bath. Features like digital thermostats, timers, child locks and anti-frost settings also make them well-suited to family homes.

Available in 750W, 1000W, 1500W, 2000W, 2400W

This Nobo heater has ultra-quiet, efficient operation housed in a minimalist Scandinavian design. Its slim profile and concealed vents complement the clean aesthetic of modern bathrooms, while the precise thermostat (7-30°C) maintains steady warmth with minimal fluctuations. Ideal for medium to large bathrooms, it has a child lock and lower surface temperature for added safety.

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Available in 1000W, 1500W, 2200W

Rinnai balances traditional design with reliable features like a 24-hour timer, child lock and overheat protection in its PEPH series. Its convection heating is silent and consistent, making it suitable for small to medium bathrooms. Slimline and versatile, it’s minimally intrusive when wall-mounted.

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Available in 2000W

Stiebel Eltron combines intelligent features like a 7-day timer, open window detection and adaptive start with sleek European styling in the CON 20 model. Designed for medium-sized bathrooms, it provides gentle, even warmth via natural convection and has silent operation. With a digital controller, backlit LCD and self-learning function, it’s a good choice for the tech-savvy.

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When it’s a 7°C morning and you’re stepping out of the shower, a reliable bathroom heater is more than a luxury - it’s essential. While 3-in-1 bathroom heaters can be a good option for some, IP24-rated panel heaters offer a quiet, discreet alternative for homes that already have ceiling fans or LED lighting, or simply prefer a more relaxed and ambient warmth.

Looking for heaters for other rooms? Check out 10 of the best column heaters and 5 of the best panel heaters in Australia 2025, and keep cosy at bedtime too with these oh-so-comfy electric blankets.