Heat Up Your Kitchen With Under Cabinet Warming
As the cold weather approaches, many homeowners look for ways to add extra warmth to the kitchen without cranking up the heat for the whole house. Under cabinet heaters provide an affordable and energy efficient solution for targeted zone heating right where you need it most.
What Are Under Cabinet Heaters?
Under cabinet heaters are compact electric heaters designed to be installed under kitchen cabinets to provide focused warmth to small zones. They easily mount above the sink, stove, or anywhere you need a little extra heat.
These mini heating appliances do not require any ductwork or wiring. They simply plug into a standard 120V outlet with provided mounting brackets to install underneath cabinets in just minutes. Under cabinet heaters include features like:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Width of 11-15 inches to fit cabinets
- Built-in mounting brackets
- Thermoset heating element to retain and direct warmth
- Safety features such as auto shutoff
Under cabinet heaters differ from space heaters in their smaller size and focused heating direction. They don't take up valuable floor space and only heat the specific area where installed, not an entire room.
Localized Heat Where You Need It
One of the biggest advantages of under cabinet heaters is providing warmth exactly where you need it most. Strategically heating small zones can make kitchen tasks much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Warm up your hands while washing dishes or cooking at the stove. Prevent water lines from freezing on exterior walls. Melt ice buildup in the freezer. The soothing heat can even ease arthritis or muscle soreness while working.
Energy Efficiency
Under cabinet heaters only use energy to heat small zones instead of your entire kitchen. Many models have adjustable thermostats and timers to prevent energy waste by turning off automatically when not needed.
Just 300-600 watts provides adequate heating for most typical tasks. Focusing heat on the main work areas rather than wasted heating empty spaces makes under cabinet heaters more energy efficient and can lower energy bills.
What to Look for When Buying an Under Cabinet Heater
Keep the following features in mind when selecting an under cabinet heater for your kitchen:
Heating Capacity
Choose a heater with 300-600 watts of power for heating focused tasks like washing dishes. For warming larger areas, opt for 1000-1500 watts of capacity.
Size
Standard under cabinet widths of 11-15 inches will fit most cabinets. Measure your space to ensure proper fit. The height should leave several inches of clearance between the heater and contents of the cabinet.
Features
Convenient features to look for include:
- Adjustable thermostat for customized heating
- Built-in timer or auto shutoff for safety
- Mounting brackets for easy under cabinet installation
- Cord storage to reduce clutter
Brands
Look for trusted brands like Broan, HeatTech, Warmzone, Honeywell, or Optimus. Carefully read reviews before purchasing an under cabinet heater from any brand to ensure a safe and long-lasting product.
Installing Under Cabinet Heaters
Installing an under cabinet heater is a quick and easy process that can be completed in less than 30 minutes with common household tools.
Step 1: Choose Installation Location
Determine the optimal spot to mount your under cabinet heater. Typical locations include above the kitchen sink, stove, or any counter space needing extra warmth.
Step 2: Mark and Drill Bracket Holes
Use the included mounting brackets as a template to mark and drill pilot holes on the interior of the cabinet where you'll mount the heater.
Step 3: Attach Brackets
Use screws to securely attach the provided brackets to the inside of your cabinet.
Step 4: Mount Heater
Hang or slide the under cabinet heater onto the installed brackets following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 5: Plug In and Adjust
Simply plug your mounted under cabinet heater into a nearby 120V electrical outlet. No special wiring required! Adjust the angle and thermostat as desired to direct warmth where needed.
Using Your Under Cabinet Heater Safely
Follow these tips for efficient, safe operation of your under cabinet heater:
- Do not place flammable objects on or near the heater
- Allow adequate airflow clearance around the heater
- Use the built-in timer and thermostat to control temperature
- Always turn off the heater when not in use
- Unplug the heater overnight or when away for long periods
Some common troubleshooting issues include the heater not turning on, not heating properly, or overheating. Inspect for obstructions blocking airflow, test different outlets, or clean out dust buildup around vents as needed.
Under cabinet heaters present an easy and affordable way to supplement your kitchen's warmth right where you need it. Just a few hundred watts can make meal prep, washing up, and other tasks much more comfortable without wasting energy heating empty space.
Be sure to choose a properly sized model from a trusted brand with key features like adjustable thermostats and auto shutoff. Follow the simple installation steps to safely mount your under cabinet heater in minutes. Use the tips above to operate your heater efficiently for years of targeted, cozy heat.