Space Heaters · Head-to-head
Broan-NuTone 198 vs Comfort Zone CZQTV5M
Best Recessed In-Wall Heater for Finished Garages
Broan-NuTone 198
6.3/10
$389.00 at Amazon
Check price at Amazon
The short answer
Comfort Zone CZQTV5M comes out ahead overall with 6.7/10 against 6.3/10 for the Broan-NuTone 198. Broan-NuTone 198 is stronger on safety, heating performance and health & materials. Comfort Zone CZQTV5M is stronger on noise & sleep-friendliness, bedroom usability and value. At current verified prices, the Comfort Zone CZQTV5M costs about $329.75 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 CZQTV5M if: Anyone who wants silent overhead heat on a workbench or garage-gym spot for under $60 on a standard 120V circuit; it is not a whole-garage heater.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Broan-NuTone 198 | Comfort Zone CZQTV5M |
|---|---|---|
| Noise & Sleep-Friendliness | 5.5In-wall fan with a moderate hum. | 9.3No blower; Bob Vila calls the heat silent. |
| Safety | 8.0UL listed per the manufacturer, manual-reset overload, recessed. | 6.3Metal grille, overheat cutoff and mounted overhead, but no UL/ETL listing confirmed and weak screws. |
| Heating Performance | 6.54kW for 265–400 sq ft. | 3.51.5kW radiant spot heat only (about 150 sq ft). |
| Bedroom Usability | 5.0Needs a wall cut-out and a 10/2 circuit; the thermostat is unnumbered. | 6.0Pull-string with two settings, no thermostat or remote; easy 120V install. |
| Health & Materials | 8.0Steel grille with a removable faceplate; no combustion. | 7.5No fan stirring dust, no combustion; listing unverified. |
| Value | 4.5$389 for 4kW is the weakest output per dollar. | 7.5About $59, the cheapest pick, but limited capability. |
Specifications
| Spec | Broan-NuTone 198 | Comfort Zone CZQTV5M |
|---|---|---|
| Heater type | Fan-forced recessed in-wall heater | Quartz radiant ceiling-mount |
| Fanless (no blower) | No | Yes |
| Overheat protection | Yes | Yes |
| Safety listing (ETL/UL) | UL Listed (not cUL) | — |
| Thermostat type | Built-in disc-type thermostat, infinite settings (optional wall thermostat) | None (pull-string 2 heat settings) |
| Remote control | No | — |
| Warranty | 1 years | 1 years |
| Manufacturer-rated coverage | 400 sq ft | 150 sq ft |
| Heating element / medium | — | Dual quartz tubes |
| Oscillation | No | No |
| Voltage | 240V (208V supported) | 120V |
| Max wattage | 4,000 W | 1,500 W |
| Power connection | Hardwired in-wall | — |
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 CZQTV5M
Pros
- Silent, no blower or dust stirring
- Budget price
- Tilting head and built-in light
- Plugs into a standard 120V outlet
Cons
- No thermostat, two heat settings only
- Heats a small area
- Safety listing not confirmed
- Weak bracket screws
A cheap, quiet way to add warmth over one spot. Treat it as a supplement, not a garage heater.
Full Comfort Zone CZQTV5M 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.