Stay Warm in Your Kitchen With a Discreet Under Cabinet Heater

As the weather turns chilly, it can be frustrating when your kitchen feels drafty and cold. You may crank up the thermostat, but that wastes energy heating unused rooms. A better solution is installing an under cabinet heater to provide extra warmth right where you need it most.

Under cabinet heaters are compact electric units that mount out of sight below your cabinets. They focus heat in narrow zones like sink areas or islands, so you can stay cozy without blasting heat everywhere. Read on to learn all about under cabinet heaters, key features to look for, ideal placement spots, costs, and tips to make the most of these convenient kitchen appliances.

What is an Under Cabinet Heater?

An under cabinet heater is a small, electric heating unit designed to be installed underneath kitchen or bathroom cabinets. It provides extra, focused warmth to supplement the main HVAC system. Under cabinet heaters are ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, offices, garages - anywhere you need a little extra heat.

Here's how they work: The heater is hardwired directly to the electrical system and plugged into an outlet under the cabinet. Power runs through heating coils that warm up when the heater is turned on. A fan helps circulate the rising warm air out through vented grilles. Under cabinet heaters operate at between 750 to 1500 watts, with most models in the $50 to $200 dollar range.

Benefits of Under Cabinet Heaters in Kitchens

There are several key reasons an under cabinet heater can be a practical addition for kitchen comfort:

• Provide extra warmth where you need it most, like at the sink for washing dishes.
• Mounted under cabinets, they don't take up space on counters or floors.
• More affordable solution compared to renovating with in-floor radiant heating.
• Easy to install as a DIY project under many existing cabinets.
• Safer than portable space heaters that can tip over.
• Ideal for quickly warming up kitchens in older homes.
• Help take the chill off when cooking or doing kitchen chores.

Under cabinet heaters offer a convenient way to heat small zones without running the central furnace. They can make time spent washing dishes, cooking at the stovetop, or sitting at an island more comfortable on chilly days.

Important Features to Consider

There are several key factors to evaluate when selecting an under cabinet heater for your kitchen:

Size and Dimensions

Under cabinet heaters come in set dimensions designed to fit standard cabinet sizes. Measure the open area under your cabinets beforehand to ensure you get a heater that fits. The most common widths are 10, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30 and 36 inches. Heights range from just 6 inches for more compact models to 24 inches for larger capacity heaters.

Make sure to account for any pipes or wires running through the space when sizing an under cabinet heater. Also check that cabinets are high enough off the floor for sufficient clearance.

Mounting Options: Freestanding vs. Built-In

Some under cabinet heater models are freestanding units that you simply slide into place under the cabinet. They can be easily moved as needed. Other models are built-in and hardwired directly to the home's electrical system during installation.

Built-in heaters provide more power, but freestanding plug-in models offer greater flexibility. Make sure there is enough clearance to slide a freestanding heater in and out without having to disconnect it each time.

Wattage and Voltage

Selecting the right wattage heater comes down to the size of the space you want to heat and the electrical supply available. Low-wattage models from 300W to 600W work well for small areas like under a sink. For heating across larger kitchen expanses or islands, opt for 1000W to 1500W units.

Likewise, under cabinet heaters come in either 120V or 240V configurations to match standard outlet voltages. 120V models just plug into any kitchen outlet, while 240V heaters require special wiring but offer more power.

Adjustable Thermostats vs. Fixed Temperature

Higher end under cabinet heaters have built-in adjustable thermostats, allowing you to set your desired temp and maintain an optimal warmth zone. More affordable blower-style models without thermostats operate at one continuous temperature.

Adjustable thermostats give you greater ability to control the heat and set an ideal temp for comfort. They help prevent wasting excess energy overheating an area.

Safety Features

Under cabinet heaters are designed with several safety features to prevent hazards:

• Housings stay cool to the touch to avoid burns.
• Automatic shutoff will power off the heater if tipped over.
• High-temperature limiters prevent overheating.
• Tip switches power the unit off if installed at an improper angle.

Be sure to buy a reputable brand under cabinet heater that includes adequate built-in safety mechanisms for peace of mind. Also check your homeowner's insurance policy before installing one.

Top Placement Spots in Kitchens

Take advantage of an under cabinet heater's radiant warmth by mounting it in key kitchen areas that see the most use, such as:

Under the Kitchen Sink

Position a compact heater directly under the sink cabinet for instant warmth while washing dishes. Point the vented side toward where you stand at the basin. Just make sure there is enough clearance between the bottom cabinet shelf and sink pipes before installing.

By the Stovetop

Mount a slightly larger heater under cabinets by your stove to keep your cooking space cozy on chilly days. But be sure to keep a safe distance from potential ignition sources.

Near an Island/Peninsula Seating Area

Give your eat-in island or peninsula seating a boost of warmth by installing a mid-sized heater below an overhang or lip. Just be sure to avoid locating it right where legs will hit it.

Inside Pantry Entrances

Consider adding a small heater on the interior wall of your pantry near the door to provide warmth when retrieving ingredients. Just be mindful of proximity to any shelving.

Under Bathroom Vanities

Add supplemental warmth and comfort to your morning routine by placing a compact heater under the bathroom vanity. Just be sure to use a GFCI outlet and waterproof model.

Use Tips Once Installed

Once you have your under cabinet heater installed, keep these usage tips in mind:

• Set the adjustable thermostat to your desired temperature for ideal comfort.
• Allow proper ventilation around the heater for optimal air flow.
• Keep the area clutter-free and avoid blocking the heater grille.
• Periodically dust the rear grille to prevent dirt buildup from impeding airflow.
• Keep an eye out for excessive noise or rattling that may indicate an issue.
• Never leave flammable items like dishtowels directly touching the heater.

Properly using your under cabinet heater ensures you maximize efficiency and safety. Adjust it seasonally as your kitchen heating needs change.

Costs of Under Cabinet Heaters

Under cabinet heaters range widely in price depending on size, features, and type:

• Basic 120V fan heaters start around $50.
• Mid-range models with adjustable thermostats run $75 to $150.
• Larger 240V built-in heaters typically cost $200 to $400.

Also factor in about $100 to $250 for professional installation if not doing it yourself. And consider multi-unit discounts if heating multiple small zones.

Overall, under cabinet heaters provide an affordable way to supplement heating compared to more complex renovations. And they can help you lower energy bills by only heating rooms when occupied.

Adding an under cabinet heater is an easy way to get comfortable, focused warmth right where you need it most in your kitchen. Key benefits include:

• Heating small zones instead of the full room
• Freestanding or built-in installation under many cabinets
• Compact, out of sight design
• Affordable supplemental warmth
• DIY-friendly installation

Just be sure to measure carefully, account for clearance, and choose an adequately powered model before installing your under cabinet heater. With strategic placement in busy areas like the sink or stove, you can enjoy reliable comfort on demand.

Under cabinet heaters deliver convenient, energy-efficient heating for kitchens of all sizes. With the right model mounted in the perfect spot, you can savor cozy warmth for all your culinary endeavors.