Best Heaters for Kitchens with Drafty Back Doors

Best Wall Mounted

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Wall Heater

Best for: Kitchens with drafty back doors needing space-saving heat

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI uses infrared technology to provide efficient heat directly to objects and people, not just the air, making it effective in drafty kitchens. Its wall-mounted design frees up floor space and keeps the unit cool to the touch, which is safer in busy kitchen environments. The built-in Wi-Fi and digital thermostat allow precise temperature control from a phone or remote, ideal for adjusting heat on demand.

• Voltage110 Volts
• Power1500 Watts
• SafetyTip-over shut off, cool to touch
• ControlTouch screen thermostat, remote, Wi-Fi
• InstallationWall mount only, cord hidden if over outlet

Pros

• Wall mounted to save floor space
• Wi-Fi enabled for remote control
• Safe to touch grill and cool wall surface
• Digital thermostat and remote included
• Tip-over safety shut off

Cons

• No feet included, must be wall mounted
• Heats objects, so less effective for rapid room warming

Skip it if: Skip if you need a portable heater or very fast heat for short bursts.

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Kitchens can be challenging to heat, especially when dealing with drafty back doors. The constant influx of cold air can make cooking uncomfortable and lead to higher energy costs.

Selecting the right heater is crucial for maintaining a warm kitchen. This review focuses on the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI, which is designed to meet these challenges effectively.

Key Specifications

What the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Does Well

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI is a top choice for heating kitchens with drafty back doors. Its wall-mounted design saves valuable floor space, which is often limited in kitchens. This keeps the heater out of the way of foot traffic and kitchen activities.

This model uses infrared heating combined with PTC ceramic elements. It provides steady, efficient warmth that penetrates objects and people directly, making it effective against cold drafts. Unlike fan heaters, it operates quietly, so it won’t interfere with conversations or cooking.

A key feature is its Wi-Fi capability. You can control the heater remotely with a smartphone app, adjusting temperature and scheduling without interrupting kitchen work. This smart control helps maintain a comfortable kitchen climate, especially near drafty doors.

Safety is critical in kitchens, and the HS-1500-PHX-WIFI meets this need with tip-over and overheat protection. The surface stays safe to the touch, reducing risks for children and pets. It carries UL certification, assuring compliance with electrical safety standards.

Limitations and Trade-offs

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI is not portable. Its wall-mounted setup means you cannot move it between rooms like a traditional space heater. This requires planning where you want to install it for consistent kitchen warmth.

Installation demands a suitable wall outlet and some effort to mount securely. You may need tools and basic electrical knowledge or help from a professional to ensure proper placement and wiring.

This heater warms gradually rather than instantly. Infrared and PTC ceramic elements take time to raise room temperature compared to fan heaters that blow hot air immediately. If you want quick bursts of heat, this model may not fit that need.

Running Costs and Sizing for Your Kitchen

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI operates at 1,500 watts, which is standard for plug-in electric heaters and efficient for its heat output. It balances power with reasonable energy use, making it a cost-effective option for kitchens up to 150 square feet. Kitchens are active spaces, so noise matters: this model runs quietly enough not to interfere with cooking or conversation.

Infrared heaters like this one warm objects and people directly, rather than just heating the air. This means it can feel warm quickly, usually within 10 to 15 minutes for a kitchen-sized area. However, drafty back doors can reduce heating efficiency, so placing the heater near the draft helps maintain comfort.

To optimize running costs, use the heater’s programmable thermostat and Wi-Fi controls to heat only when the kitchen is in use. Avoid running it continuously in an unoccupied space, especially with drafts pulling heat away. This targeted heating reduces wasted energy and keeps bills manageable.

Balancing heater noise with kitchen activity means using a quiet model like this instead of fan-forced heaters that can be louder. The quiet operation supports a comfortable kitchen environment without adding distraction. For larger kitchens or open layouts, consider supplemental heat sources or draft-proofing to improve overall efficiency.

If your kitchen exceeds 150 square feet or has severe drafts, a higher output heater or a combination of heaters might be necessary. Otherwise, the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI’s 1,500-watt output is well suited for typical kitchen sizes and keeps electricity costs reasonable.

Safety Features for Kitchen Environments

Kitchen heaters must have reliable safety features since kitchens involve moisture, spills, and frequent movement. The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI includes tip-over protection and an overheat shut-off to prevent accidents. These features cut power immediately if the heater falls or gets too hot.

The cool-touch grill is another key safety feature. It prevents burns if someone accidentally touches the heater, which is especially important around children or pets. Unlike exposed heating elements, this design reduces injury risk in busy kitchen spaces.

Wi-Fi controls add a layer of safety by letting you monitor and adjust the heater remotely. You can turn the heater off if you forget or check its status without returning to the kitchen. This helps avoid unattended operation and supports safer heating practices.

Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from water sources, cooking appliances, and combustible materials. Even with safety features, placement matters. Never plug the heater into an extension cord or power strip, as that can overload circuits.

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI’s combination of tip-over protection, overheat shut-off, cool-touch surfaces, and smart controls make it a safe choice for kitchens. Follow installation and use instructions carefully to maintain safety and performance.

For more on kitchen heater safety and recommended precautions, see Best Heaters for a Cold Kitchen: Efficient Warming Tips.

Comparison with Alternatives

Oil-filled radiators are silent and provide steady, residual heat that lasts after they switch off. However, they are not ideal for kitchens due to moisture from cooking and spills, which can cause rust or damage over time. The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI heats up quickly and maintains consistent warmth without these risks.

Infrared heaters deliver direct heat to objects and people rather than warming the air. This works well for spot heating but can struggle in drafty kitchens where warm air escapes quickly. Unlike ceramic heaters, infrared models do not warm the air as effectively in these conditions, so they may feel less comfortable near drafty back doors.

Fan heaters force warm air into the room faster than radiant heaters. This can provide rapid heat for short periods, but the airflow can create noise and uneven temperature zones. The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI uses convection and radiant heat, which is quieter and offers more even warmth, especially important when cooking or moving around the kitchen.

Who Should Skip the Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI is wall-mounted and not portable. Anyone needing a heater they can move between rooms or store away should consider a portable model like the Heat Storm Portable Electric Space Heater.

If you need immediate heat for very short periods, a fan heater is more suitable. Fan heaters deliver warm air quickly, ideal for brief use but at the cost of noise and less even heating.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If You Need More Heat

Heat Storm 1500 Watt Electric Kick Space Heater Wi-Fi

Best for: Larger kitchens or rooms needing adjustable heat levels

This heater offers dual power settings and Wi-Fi control for customizable heating schedules. It includes child lock and adjustable screen brightness, making it safer and more convenient for kitchens with children or varying lighting.

Pros

• Dual power settings: 1500W and 750W
• Child lock to prevent unwanted changes

Cons

• Requires floor space; not wall mounted

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If You Need Portability

Heat Storm Portable 1500W Infrared Quartz Heater

Best for: Users needing a lightweight heater to move between rooms

This portable infrared heater heats up to 1000 sq ft with 5200 BTU output and includes a washable filter for cleaner air. Its energy-efficient mode reduces power use, and the remote control makes adjusting temperature easy from anywhere in the kitchen or home.

Pros

• Lightweight at 10 lbs for portability
• Energy efficient mode reduces wattage

Cons

• Not wall mounted, takes floor space

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Frequently Asked Questions