Kitchen design
Heating a Kitchen: Radiators, Plinth Heaters and Underfloor
Where to fit heat in a kitchen with little free wall, and how radiators, plinth heaters and underfloor heating compare.
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Kitchens are full of units and appliances, which leaves little wall for a radiator. Cooking adds heat too, so a kitchen often needs less heating than other rooms, but it still needs to be warm on a winter morning.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Options compared
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard radiator | Cheapest; runs off the central heating | Takes wall space |
| Tall vertical radiator | Narrow walls between units or doors | Needs height; some are expensive |
| Plinth (kickspace) heater | No wall space needed: fits in the unit plinth | Fan noise; small output; needs cleaning |
| Underfloor heating | Even, invisible warmth; frees all wall space | Best fitted during a new floor; slower to warm up |
| Range cooker or heat-storage cooker | Background warmth in winter | Can overheat the room in summer |
Tips
- Do not fit units over underfloor heating pipes where possible; keep the heated area to open floor.
- Keep radiators away from the fridge, which has to work harder next to heat.
- Cast-iron radiators suit period kitchens and hold heat well.
For floor finishes that work with underfloor heating, see our kitchen flooring guide. A range cooker can warm the room too.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I put underfloor heating under kitchen units?
It is usually best not to: units block the heat and it is wasted. Lay pipes or mats only under open floor areas.
Are plinth heaters any good?
They are useful when there is no free wall, but their output is modest, so they suit small kitchens or as a top-up.
Which floors work with underfloor heating?
Stone, tile and porcelain conduct heat well. Some engineered wood and vinyl floors are suitable too; check the flooring maker's guidance.