In almost every home across the country, the kitchen is the busiest room in the house. From sneaky midnight trips to the fridge, to cherished family dinners, the humble kitchen gets a lot of footfall through the day! Although we spend a lot of time in the kitchen creating heat, ironically, it’s often cold and chilly. That’s why it’s important to find an effective kitchen heating solution that really works.
These days, there’s a large variety of kitchen heating options available to us. While this might seem overwhelming at first, it doesn’t need to be. Every kitchen is different and we all have different needs at home. This handy guide covers all the bases and will help find the best kitchen heating solution for you. If there’s anything that we’ve missed, leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
What size should my kitchen radiator be?
Like us humans, radiators come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you prefer yours tall and slim or short and curvy, “The One” is out there waiting for you.
Remember that size isn’t everything so there’s no point in splashing out on a huge radiator for a tiny space. Use our BTU calculator to find out the exact amount of heat output that you need. This will largely dictate what size your radiator needs to be. You will be able to filter by BTU’s on our category pages.
If it works better for you, a small but deep radiator can be just as effective as a long one. Work with the space that you’ve got.
Traditional Kitchen Radiators
The classic radiator has had a facelift and now looks gorgeously stylish and discreet. Installing a traditional radiator is still the most popular way to heat a kitchen- it’s easy to install, cost effective and provides an impressive heat output. Lots of people also love the fact that it can even double up as a tea towel dryer!
We have a huge collection of traditional kitchen radiators waiting for you to browse them. Have a look, and find a design that you love. .
Which style is best?
There’s no wrong or right answer to this as it all comes down to personal preference. With such a wide range of styles and innovative designs on the market, there’s no need to worry about your kitchen heaters being an eyesore.
You can choose an elaborate, modern design that will be the focal point of your kitchen or go for something sleek and understated. If your wall space is limited, a vertical radiator could be the perfect, space-saving solution for heating your kitchen.
Let's take a look at a small selection of our favourite styles below.
Where is the best place to put a radiator?
So, where exactly should you put your new radiator? The answer to this question will be largely dictated by the space that’s available to you. Find a shape that fits seamlessly into your kitchen so that you can leave space for the essentials.
Of course, the first thing to consider is where your family spends the most amount of time. This will undoubtedly be the best place to put your radiator if you want it to truly serve its function!
Lots of people like to put their radiators under the window since it’s usually vacant space. However, approach with caution: this is often the root of major family arguments!
Some say that there’s no point putting a radiator underneath a window since the heat rises up and escapes. But, on the other hand, having a radiator under your window ensures that only warm air circulates around your room. In life, you win some and you lose some!
The reality is, though, that in some homes this is the only logical space available- so, make the most of it. If you have the luxury of having space to choose from, there are a number of great places where you could position your radiator.
Plinth Heaters
If icy toes are making your life a misery, central plinth heaters might be exactly what the doctor ordered.
These heaters are installed under your floor and can be turned on whenever they’re needed. For most, these are used as a secondary kitchen heating source when it’s extra cold.
Due to their discreet design, they’re the perfect space saving heating solution for your kitchen.
Underfloor Heating
These days, many people are turning to underfloor heating to keep their kitchen warm and cosy, and we don’t blame them. This is the most efficient way to keep a space warm since heat rises up and distributes itself evenly to every corner of the room.
A lot of people think that underfloor heating is an extravagant way to heat a kitchen. However, in reality, it’s not that expensive. After the initial installation, the costs to run an underfloor heater in the kitchen are often less than running a radiator since it provides maximum heat in a minimum time, and once the room is up to temperature, it turns off again.
Electric underfloor heating systems are so efficient that many people are now turning to them as the primary heating source for their home. Unlike traditional underfloor heating, installation is simple and easy, and energy consumption is low. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to cut down their heating bills without sacrificing the warmth of their home.
Take a look at some of our underfloor heating top picks below:
Trench Radiators
Love the heat of radiators but loathe the look of them? Trench radiators may be the perfect space saving solution for your kitchen. As the name suggests, trenches are dug into your floor and the radiators are discreetly placed there. This might sound scary but, trust us, the process is quick, clean and easy. A qualified professional will ensure that they leave no traces behind and that your kitchen floor will remain completely intact!
These days, lots of people are swapping out traditional radiators for trench radiators in compact spaces. For maximum warmth, these are best used in conjunction with underfloor heating. Both can be installed at once, minimising set up costs and leaving you with more budget (and space) for those fancy kitchen gadgets!
Don’t Forget to Check our BTU Calculator!
To find out exactly how much heat you need, check our BTU calculator. Pop in your room’s measurements and we’ll do the legwork for you.
Radiators with a higher BTU give off more heat and the amount of BTU you’ll need will largely depend on the characteristics and size of your room. A radiator with a higher BTU costs more to run- but you can always turn it down when you don’t need it.
Kitchen Heating - The Conclusion
So, now that you’re all clued up on the various kitchen heating systems available to you, which will you choose?
