Broan-NuTone 198 vs Comfort Zone CZ230ER
Broan-NuTone 198
Comfort Zone CZ230ER
The short answer
Comfort Zone CZ230ER comes out ahead overall with 7.0/10 against 6.3/10 for the Broan-NuTone 198. Broan-NuTone 198 is stronger on noise & sleep-friendliness, safety and health & materials. Comfort Zone CZ230ER is stronger on heating performance, bedroom usability and value. At current verified prices, the Comfort Zone CZ230ER costs about $244.03 less.
- Choose the Broan-NuTone 198 if: Owners of a finished or insulated attached garage who want a flush, permanent wall heater.
- Choose the Comfort Zone CZ230ER if: Owners of a two- to three-car or drafty garage with a 240V/40A hardwired circuit who want the most output and remote/timer control for the money.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Broan-NuTone 198 | Comfort Zone CZ230ER |
|---|---|---|
| Noise & Sleep-Friendliness | 5.5In-wall fan with a moderate hum. | 4.5Fan-forced blower, loud like every 240V unit here. |
| Safety | 8.0UL listed per the manufacturer, manual-reset overload, recessed. | 7.0Overheat shutoff and ceiling mounting; the ETL listing comes only from retailers (Lowe's, Bomgaars). |
| Heating Performance | 6.54kW for 265–400 sq ft. | 8.57.5kW is the top output in the pool; Bob Vila reports it put out plenty of heat but gives no measured data. |
| Bedroom Usability | 5.0Needs a wall cut-out and a 10/2 circuit; the thermostat is unnumbered. | 7.0Digital thermostat, remote and timer; no pigtail or clamp included and no memory after a power loss. |
| Health & Materials | 8.0Steel grille with a removable faceplate; no combustion. | 7.5No combustion; the enclosed-motor claim comes only from a retailer. |
| Value | 4.5$389 for 4kW is the weakest output per dollar. | 9.0$145 for 7.5kW is the best output per dollar here; electrician cost possible. |
Specifications
| Spec | Broan-NuTone 198 | Comfort Zone CZ230ER |
|---|---|---|
| Heater type | Fan-forced recessed in-wall heater | Fan-forced ceiling-mount unit heater |
| Fanless (no blower) | No | No |
| Overheat protection | Yes | Yes |
| Safety listing (ETL/UL) | UL Listed (not cUL) | ETL per retailers (Lowe's, Bomgaars); not confirmed on manufacturer site |
| Thermostat type | Built-in disc-type thermostat, infinite settings (optional wall thermostat) | Digital thermostat, 45–95°F |
| Max timer | — | 12 hours |
| Remote control | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 years | — |
| Weight | — | 21.4 lb |
| Manufacturer-rated coverage | 400 sq ft | 1,250 sq ft |
| Oscillation | No | — |
| Voltage | 240V (208V supported) | 208/240V single phase |
| Max wattage | 4,000 W | 7,500 W |
| Power connection | Hardwired in-wall | Hardwired (about 31.3A) |
Broan-NuTone 198
Pros
- Recessed, takes no floor space
- UL Listed with manual-reset overload protection
- Steel grille, easy to clean
- Variable thermostat with fan delay
Cons
- Expensive
- Rated for 265-400 sq ft
- Needs hardwiring, possibly an electrician
- Works best mounted high on the wall
A tidy permanent install for a finished garage, but you pay a lot for the neat look.
Full Broan-NuTone 198 review →Comfort Zone CZ230ER
Pros
- Highest output here, about 7,500W
- Digital thermostat, 12-hour timer and remote
- Lowest cost per watt
- Overheat shutoff
- Sold and shipped by Amazon at a mid-range price
Cons
- Draws about 31A and needs a 40A circuit
- Wire and clamp not included
- No memory after a power loss
- Some retailers list it as discontinued
A strong pick for big, cold garages where output and remote control matter more than a manufacturer-confirmed listing. Confirm the wiring plan before you buy.
Full Comfort Zone CZ230ER review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Electric Garage & Workshop Heaters (120V/240V) of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.