Easily one of our biggest pet peeves is when we get out of the shower, head to the mirror, and are greeted with a fog-covered reflection. If you agree with us, then you need a heated bathroom mirror! Yes, it’s an added cost, but you won’t regret investing in this essential upgrade for your bathroom. Unless, of course, you’ve got time to kill before your morning routine starts… Then it might be something to do without.
We’re going to tell you all about why heated bathroom mirrors are so nice and how they work to keep that pesky fog away every morning. We’ll also give our two cents on what makes for a great model in general. Let’s get started!
What is a heated bathroom mirror?
A heated bathroom mirror is exactly what it sounds like: a mirror that’s been fitted with a heating element of some sort. This is different from a standard mirror in that the heating element helps to keep the glass from fogging up on you while you’re trying to get ready for work or school. It can be mounted next to an ordinary mirror, so they appear as one piece, but there are also models where the heating mechanism is built directly into the frame of the mirror. So whenever you step out of your shower and head towards your bathroom sink, it will help ensure you have a clear view while shaving, putting on makeup, etc.
Why do I need a heated bathroom mirror?
If you tend to shower in the morning and get ready in front of your mirror, then we really think you should consider getting a heated bathroom mirror. If your mirror’s already fogged up before you’re even finished getting prepared for work or school, it can be a pain to clean it off and start over again only to find out that it’s fogging once more. A heated bathroom mirror takes all the hassle out of this process by heating the glass on your mirror so that any steam from your shower quickly goes away.
The best part about having a heated bathroom mirror is that you’ll no longer have to worry about cleaning off the pesky fog from time to time. You’ll also save yourself some time if you typically use an old towel to dry off the reflective surface of your mirror or if you have to use a hairdryer. With the former method, you’ll find yourself changing out towels more often than usual, and with heated mirrors, this becomes unnecessary.
How does it work?
The most common way in which these heated bathroom mirrors are made is through the use of flexible heating mats that are included underneath the reflective glass surface on your mirror. When you turn on your unit, electricity flows through the heat mats so that they emit heat up until reaching a predetermined temperature. This is done because at too low of a temperature or for too long of an exposure time, water won’t evaporate properly, leaving behind droplets that create fogging once more. So instead of simply “turning on” the heated mirror, manufacturers usually have a pre-set heat level at which it turns on so that you don’t need to worry about adjusting its settings each morning when you get out of the shower.
What should I look for in a bathroom mirror heater?
Like any other type of product designed to function in your home, there are certain things that make one model different from another. These include (but aren’t limited to):
Price – Setting a budget for something like this can be difficult because most people agree that any additional cost is worth it due to improved convenience and comfort. That being said, if you’re not too worried about how much time and effort it takes for you to get ready every morning, you can probably get away with spending much less than $150.
Power wattage – This is one factor that you’ll definitely want to consider when looking at models because the more wattage a heater has, the faster it will heat up your mirror. The reflection on your mirror may not be as clear as you see in stores if you go too high or too low, so most people should stick around 1x-2x the wattage of their old mirror so that they can achieve optimum results without worrying about getting zapped due to poor insulation choices. For instance, if your old mirror was 25 watts, then it’s best to look for something between 50-100 watts.
Mounting type – Some mirrors are designed to be installed as a single unit, while others have the heating mechanism built into the frame of the mirror. The advantage to having it mounted on its own is that if you ever need to clean behind your mirror or make any repairs, it’s extremely easy. However, those who typically lean their frames against walls or counters may find it more convenient to choose a model with a built-in heater instead.
Noise – If you want something as quiet as possible from day one, then look at models that are made with noise reduction in mind. Typically products that feature this technology come equipped with fans that create less noise and thus minimize disruptions when using your bathroom mirror in the morning before going off to work or school.
LED temperature control – While it’s not an absolute necessity, having LED lights on the unit is nice because it makes it easier to see what temperature you have your mirror set at. It also ensures that you won’t accidentally bump into the control panel and change its settings or turn off your mirror while you’re in a hurry getting ready each morning!
How should I use my bathroom mirror heater?
First of all, make sure that you choose a model that’s compatible with your existing mirror. That way, installation should be as quick and easy as possible the moment it arrives at your doorstep. Then, plug in your new unit, make sure that it turns on using the built-in controls before attaching its frame to the wall or placing it against any other surface, and you should be good to go!
After a few weeks of following these steps, you’ll find yourself getting ready in a matter of minutes instead of spending half the morning waiting for the mirror to fog up and clear once again – almost as if by magic! Note that it’s best to keep your heater turned on throughout winter so that there are no heat fluctuations when transitioning from colder weather to warmer weather. Doing this will prevent water from condensing inside the mirror itself and make it difficult or even impossible to use when you’re in a hurry trying to get ready for work or school every morning.
In conclusion, bathroom mirrors with heating capabilities can definitely make a huge difference when looking at old models in comparison to newer ones. While they may be pricier than their antiquated counterparts, most people agree that the added comfort and convenience are well worth the price of having to spend a little extra money. Just make sure that you do your research in terms of size, wattage, mounting options, noise levels, LED displays, etc., when shopping around for new models so that you can get exactly what you need without any issues whatsoever!
Check out our picks of the best heated bathroom mirrors
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