Space Heaters

Broan-NuTone 198

#7 · Best Recessed In-Wall Heater for Finished Garages
6.3 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $389.00 Amazon
Our verdict
A tidy permanent install for a finished garage, but you pay a lot for the neat look.

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

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Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Review

What to know about Broan-NuTone 198

A recessed in-wall fan heater: 4,000W at 240V, convertible down to 1,500W at 208V, with a built-in thermostat with infinitely variable settings, a fan delay and manual-reset overload protection. Broan rates it for 265–400 sq ft. Bob Vila picked it as best wall-mounted heater for finished or insulated attached garages.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

Bob Vila picked it as best wall-mounted heater. Broan-NuTone lists it as UL Listed, and it has an 18-gauge steel grille with a removable faceplate for cleaning. It sits in the wall, so it takes no floor or bench space.

The fan delay clears residual heat, and the thermostat has no fixed steps.

What to know

Skip it for an unfinished garage, a large space, or a tight budget. It is rated for 265-400 sq ft, costs a lot, and is hardwired.
Performance

Score breakdown

Noise & Sleep-Friendliness

Independent noise results (CR noise score, measured dB from Bob Vila, Tom's Guide and Reviewed) count above manufacturer dB claims. Fanless designs, low-speed or ECO operation, and no harsh clicking or beeping all help.

5.5
In-wall fan with a moderate hum.
Safety

Tip-over and overheat shutoff, ETL/UL listing, hot-surface and exhaust temperatures (CR), child lock, and the brand's recall history.

8.0
UL listed per the manufacturer, manual-reset overload, recessed.
Heating Performance

How quickly and evenly the heater warms a typical 150–250 sq ft bedroom in independent tests.

6.5
4kW for 265–400 sq ft.
Bedroom Usability

Thermostat precision (digital vs. mechanical), sleep/auto-off timer, remote, display brightness, size and weight, and how easy it is to place 3 ft from bedding.

5.0
Needs a wall cut-out and a 10/2 circuit; the thermostat is unnumbered.
Health & Materials

Whether a fan stirs up dust, first-use odors, flame-retardant (V-0) housings, filters, and repairability and warranty length.

8.0
Steel grille with a removable faceplate; no combustion.
Value

Street price relative to performance, safety and warranty.

4.5
$389 for 4kW is the weakest output per dollar.
Specifications

Broan-NuTone 198 specs

Design

Heater type
Fan-forced recessed in-wall heater

Noise

Fanless (no blower)
No

Safety

Overheat protection
Yes
Safety listing (ETL/UL)
UL Listed (not cUL)

Controls

Thermostat type
Built-in disc-type thermostat, infinite settings (optional wall thermostat)
Remote control
No

Ownership

Warranty
1 years

Performance

Manufacturer-rated coverage
400 sq ft
Oscillation
No

Electrical

Voltage
240V (208V supported)
Max wattage
4000 W
Power connection
Hardwired in-wall
Shopping

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Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

RetailerPriceAvailability
AmazonLowest $389.00 In Stock View deal
Lowest verified price $389.00
30-day low $365.00
90-day average $383.05
90-day low $365.00

Based on 5 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

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