Now more than ever, kitchens are viewed as somewhat of a hub in a modern home.
They can be the main room in which we cook, eat and entertain guests to name but a few functions.
But although they are often one of the main focal points within our home, we can often struggle to select the right heating solutions for our kitchens.
Plenty of wall and floor space is typically accommodated by the likes of worktops, units and a range of appliances, which can make it a difficult task to find a radiator or towel warmer to suit. Though for some of the better options to consider, take a look at our Buyer’s Guide to Towel Warmers.
Our buyer’s guide will point you in the direction of some of the finest heating options to consider for your kitchen, and help you to weigh up which assets and features are most desirable for your perfect kitchen heating solution.
These helpful tips will help to ensure your kitchen is kept toasty warm and inviting.
Classic Kitchen Radiators
As obvious as it may be to say, a radiator is the most commonly found source of comfort and warmth for any room in the home.
Underfloor heating rates a fair second, and will be discussed in further detail later in this article, but first let’s explore the massive choice of kitchen radiator options on the market.
Amidst ever-evolving technology and vast improvements in design, there is a better looking, better quality variety of radiators available than ever before, and therefore plenty of different ways to approach using a radiator as your kitchen’s main heat source.
Radiators are supplied in all variations of sizes, shapes, materials and colors, and therefore it is easier than it perhaps would have been previously to install your radiator into the tight, awkward spaces you can tend to find in kitchens – where space is often at a premium.
If you do have more adequate room to play with in your kitchen area however, you have the potential to make a real statement with your home heating in the form of a stunning designer radiator.
Modern radiator fittings offer standout aesthetics in comparison with more traditional style cast iron radiators, so why not utilize them as a prominent kitchen feature?
Our very own Revive designer radiator range includes several options that will add a touch of contemporary class to a kitchen space – each model can enhance the appearance of the area and provide an adequate heat output to heat the room to a comfortable temperature.
The likes of the Revive anthracite vertical double-panel radiator is perfect for kitchen and dining areas for example, offering a lovely finish that is sure to mesh well with any kind of surrounding decor and fixtures. The double-panel design also ensures the room can be rapidly transformed into a warm and inviting area.
Of course, vertical radiators work well as a standout feature in large kitchens, but can also suit more compact, galley-style kitchens where space is at a premium, too. In fact, for smaller kitchen areas, you can actually base the aesthetics of the room on your radiator’s appearance in some instances. A slimline vertical radiator is the best candidate for limited wall spaces, perhaps in between a tall unit and a kitchen worktop, for example. For such a layout, this type of radiator will also make sure your floor space is maximized, which can be imperative for galley-style kitchens especially.
Positioning your Kitchen Radiator
In addition to which style, color and shape of radiator to opt for, where to position it within the kitchen is another important decision to make, and one that it is essential to get correct to provide a comfortable, even distribution of warmth.
A popular installation location for radiators tends to be underneath windows, whereby currents of convection are created, enabling heat to emanate from the radiator and circulate throughout the room.
If you do have a window in your kitchen, it is probable that it is positioned right above your worktop, and so it may be impossible to install a radiator in this area, particularly if cupboards or large drawers are situated beneath it. Or, your kitchen sink might be positioned by the window, so this and any kitchen faucets would make for awkward positioning. If you want a further insight into all things kitchen faucets by the way, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Faucets!
However, if there is available space under your kitchen window, positioning your radiator there can provide you with a great chance to create a beautiful breakfast bar or a cool dining area. This, and the simple addition of a few stools can really modernize your space, making for a striking but practical family kitchen centerpiece.
Outside of offering a stylish and convenient area for enjoying meals at, your breakfast bar can prove a useful spot at which the kids can do their homework (and ask for your help while you cook!), and provide you with invaluable added storage space, which even the largest kitchen areas will appreciate.
When selecting a brand new kitchen radiator, you obviously want your choice to catch the eye whilst performing to full capacity in terms of heating the space, so positioning it in the perfect place is essential.
But you should be wary of some of the definite ‘no-no’ locations for installing a radiator, even if you’ve earmarked what might at first glance appear to be the ideal position.
Avoid placing your radiator next to a fridge or freezer, for instance, as the latter appliances will discard residual heat via the condenser at the back.
If you do position your radiator nearby a fridge, the fridge will need to work harder, and thus expend more energy at a higher cost to ensure it is kept cool.
Logically speaking – a radiator should be hot and a fridge or freezer should be cold, so keep them apart to make sure they can both operate to full effect.
There’s more in-depth tips and advice to be found in our guide on where to position a radiator.
Installing Underfloor Heating in your Kitchen
Out of any of the rooms in your home, it is probably most important that you get the interior design of your kitchen right.
The fittings and fixtures within your kitchen will go a long way towards defining the theme and style of the space, but no matter which kind of cooker, washer and units you decide on, an efficient and effective heating system is a priority addition to any kitchen area.
If you’re considering a full kitchen refurbishment, and planning to strip your space back to the very basics, you might just have the perfect chance to consider an underfloor heating installation.
Whilst we love designer radiators, it is difficult to argue that underfloor heating (UFH) offers one of the simplest and most effective means to deliver comfort and warmth to any kitchen.
Especially if you are starting from scratch, you need to understand the convenience of UFH with regards to maximizing space in your home, and enabling you to make the very most of your room.
Prior to committing to the purchase of any radiator or underfloor heating though, you will have to measure the heat loss of your kitchen, and make sure that any flooring you select, along with the underfloor heating system, is able to reach the necessary temperature.
No matter if you are opting for wood, tiles, or some form of laminate, it is advisable to check with the supplier that the flooring is compatible with UFH as certain types, namely those with a thickness of more than 0.7 inches, struggle to adequately distribute heat throughout the area.
A Variety of Heating Options for the Kitchen
Ok, so we’ve outlined our love for designer radiators and alluded to a liking for underfloor heating too, but there’s also a variety of other attractive heating options for the kitchen.
Below, we’ve scrutinized some of the better alternatives to consider for your kitchen if you’re not as big of a fan of radiators or UFH as we are.
A Feature Fireplace
In addition to offering an ideal extra heat source, a wood-burning stove can represent a beautiful kitchen focal point, and suit traditional and contemporary spaces equally as well.
You need to make sure your room is properly ventilated if you do opt for a wood burner however, as they can potentially increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning – as such, they probably aren’t exactly the best choice for family homes with small children. Should you still be keen on the idea, check out your dedicated external air supply, or DEAS, and seek the advice of a professional if necessary.
A Range Cooker
The installation of a range cooker is another means to deliver heat to your kitchen, and brings with it a whole host of obvious extra practicality too.
Especially helpful in providing constant heat over the colder winter months, range cookers tend to prove a less economical solution than the likes of radiators and stoves, given that they are constantly on and supplying heat.
But whilst they can counter the cold on freezing days, you need to consider the climate of the area where you live, and how many bitter temperatures you’re ever likely to encounter – especially so because range cookers can actually make your kitchen uncomfortably warm on hot summer days.
Realistically, if a range cooker is your preferred primary kitchen heating option, it is likely that you’ll require a contemporary model with advanced technological features – that way it won’t have to operate non-stop. Be warned though, modern cooker designs with this sort of functionality can be VERY expensive!
Plinth Heating
Easy to install and maintain, plinth heaters are typically positioned beneath cupboards or other kitchen units, and emit heat from a grill close to the floor.
The location of this type of heating, and any other sort for that matter, is ideal in allowing the heat to rise up and effectively warm the space.
They’re also perfect for kicking on first thing in the morning when you come downstairs, leading them to be known as ‘kickspace’ heaters in some circles on the continent.
Planning for a Kitchen Heating Upgrade
Don’t be hasty in upgrading your kitchen heating – you need to understand the specific needs of your kitchen space before ripping out your old radiators and units.
If a full kitchen refurbishment is to be completed, ensure that you consider where appliances are likely to be placed before deciding where to position your radiators.
And you might want to think about what sort of other additions to make to your kitchen in addition to heating elements. This guide on how to shop for the best kitchen table can point you in the right direction.
Your radiator probably won’t have any bearing on your kitchen’s “work triangle”, but you should factor in every possibility prior to installation. It would be an almighty inconvenience to have to tear everything down and start from scratch.
Kitchen Heating & Design: What to Know
To get the absolute utmost from your kitchen heating renovation project, you should first make a note of what you want to achieve with your space.
How will it be used?
What needs to fit in it?
What do you like and dislike about your current space?
Think about any special features you’d like your new kitchen to possess, and develop an understanding of how you want it to be heated before beginning any work.
There is such an extensive selection of kitchen heating designs available in a variety of finishes, sizes and styles, so it is best to at least have an idea of what you want to achieve before splashing out on a radiator or alternative heating solution.
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