Best Plinth Heaters in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 25, 2024
If conventional space heaters literally ruin the design of your room, toe kick heaters are your best option. These smart-space electric hydronic appliances will help you warm your room up and you won't even notice them. Here is the shortlist of the best kickspace heaters available. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Voltage
Built-In Thermostat
Safety System
Size
Warranty
 
PROS

You get 2 long hoses with the purchase, which simplifies the process of hooking the device up to the central heating system. Great for getting to angled pipes.

CONS

The grille scratches easily.

OUR VERDICT

No longer do you have to settle for a heating device that buzzes like a fridge or takes ages to install, the Myson 3KICK500 is all about convenience. While the grille is a bit flimsy, it looks good and, with proper care, will serve you for years. 

detailed parameters
Type

Hydronic (AC connection required)

Voltage

230 V

Built-In Thermostat

No

Safety System

Overheat protection (Thermal fuse)

Size

49.6 (W) x 10.1 (H) x 30.9 (D) cm

Warranty

2 years

PROS

This heater connects to the electricity network via a built-in 3a fuse. In case the voltage drops or other electric problem occurs, the device will turn off automatically.

CONS

It is pretty loud when working on Boost speed.

OUR VERDICT

This Hydronic heater will perfectly fit those who want to keep their house warm during any weather without spending too much money on electricity bills. Plus, such a device is much more space-saving compared to average radiators.

detailed parameters
Type

Hydronic (AC connection required)

Voltage

230 V

Built-In Thermostat

No

Safety System

Overheat protection (Thermal fuse), Over-voltage protection

Size

50 (W) x 10.5 (H) x 29 (D) cm

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The thermostat precisely defines the temperature in the room, hence the device will heat the room until the temperature in it reaches the exact setting you need.

CONS

The batteries in remote control die quickly. 

OUR VERDICT

The set from Smiths includes a functional plinth heater and a thermostat. With it, you will be able to warm up rooms up to 29 cubic meters. It also offers a cooling mode that will be handy during hot seasons.

detailed parameters
Type

Electric

Voltage

230 V

Built-In Thermostat

No (external thermostat included)

Safety System

Overheat protection (Thermal fuse)

Size

50 (W) x 10 (H) x 24 (D) cm

Warranty

5 years

PROS

Comes with a free remote control that allows you to change the settings and turn the device off without having to bend down to the kickspace.

CONS

The indicator shines a bit too brightly and may get annoying.

OUR VERDICT

Sleek and stylish, the Winter-warm WWFH20 will look well in the interior of any living room. What's more, it will allow you to create optimal conditions in your home and maintain them at that level thanks to the built-in thermostat.

detailed parameters
Type

Electric

Voltage

230 V

Built-In Thermostat

Yes

Safety System

Overheat protection (Thermal fuse)

Size

41 (W) x 11 (H) x 21.5 (D) cm

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The built-in fan is rather quiet and the device won't bother you with noise even when it's set to the top heat mode.

CONS

Installation takes a while and the device requires 4 screws instead of 2 so you'll have to drill more apertures.

OUR VERDICT

An affordable heater that will be useful the whole year-round, the CDA APH01SS has several modes to choose from. You can use the cool air function in the summer or the warm/heat options for autumn and winter. Plus, it's a pretty quiet model, running at below 70 dB. A good choice for those working on a budget.

detailed parameters
Type

Electric

Voltage

230 V

Built-In Thermostat

No

Safety System

Overheat protection (Thermal fuse)

Size

50 (W) x 10 (H) x 22.5 (D) cm

Warranty

5 years (Labor: 2 years)

X

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Myson 3KICK500

Quiet Heating with No Twists

Want to keep your kitchen warm but have no room to put down a portable heater and most plinth models don’t seem to fit due to pipes running in the kickspace? Well, the Myson 3KICK500 may be just what you need!

This hydronic plinth heater comes with 2 long hoses that connect it to the central heating system. While other devices of this kind require some jumping through hoops to hook them up properly in spite of all the pipes that are usually placed in the kitchen, the Myson 3KICK500 will be easy to install and get running. The hoses will be especially handy if the central piping is placed at an angle or in a tough-to-reach spot.

While the Myson 3KICK500 is out of the way and unnoticeable if you still want it to look good try not to place it near spots where you usually stand when working in the kitchen. The metallic grille scratches easily and accidentally kicking it may cause deformations. Last but not least, we want to mention that this is one of the quieter plinth heaters out there, which means you won’t notice it even if you’re standing right by the vent. That’s exactly what we look for in this kind of device, coupled with efficiency.

To sum up, if you need a heater that’s flexible when it comes to the installation and doesn’t hum loud enough to scare your pets or bother you, we recommend the Myson 3KICK500 wholeheartedly.

Review of Myson 3KICK500 Kickspace 500H Hydronic Fan Convector

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £444.16
Stock In stock
ASIN B00FW1RBTU

 

Thermix KPH-2100 Classic

Built with Safety in Mind

The Thermix KPH-2100 is a classic kitchen plinth heater that boasts great robustness and good heating performance. This 230-Volt appliance will quickly raise the temperature in your house to the optimum level.

This heater is proven to last long since the manufacturer took its safety seriously. The heater connects to the electricity network via a built-in 3a fuse, which in case of a voltage drop or any other electric problem will turn it off automatically. Plus, like most other heaters, this model features overheat protection. All this helps significantly prolong its lifespan.

As for design, this model is completed in grey, but you can also choose it in black or metallic stainless steel colour options. The heater isn't small, but it is not very big, either. Measuring 50 x 10.5 x 29 cm and with the pipe connection opening of 15 mm, it falls somewhere in between, which makes it suitable for installation virtually in any setting.

Speaking of operation, on the top part of the unit, there is a switch that allows you to select Normal (1669-Watt heat output) or Boost speed (1861-Watt heat output), depending on how quickly you want to heat the room. Take note that if you use it in the Boost mode, it's important to give it a break sometimes; otherwise, it might start to work louder.

In all, the Thermix KPH-2100 is a good option for those who want to always keep their houses warm without wasting money and household space on a radiator heater. It offers two heating modes and will surely last you long.

Review of Thermix KPH-2100 Classic Kitchen plinth heater

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £214.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FMXH6K4

 

Smiths SS2EW

Heater with an External Thermostat

If you want to stay warm during the winter season without receiving costly electricity bills, we recommend purchasing the Smiths Electric Kitchen Plinth Heater. It is not only functional but also comes at a budget-friendly price, plus it doesn't tend to eat much energy.

It's worth pointing out that this heater doesn't have a built-in thermostat, however, this hardly should be an issue for you, because there's a separate one included with the purchase. You can use it to check the temperature in the room and warm up the air precisely to the desired level.

The heating efficiency of this model is good. As we've mentioned, it doesn't seem to consume a lot of energy. The unit works on 2 kW and can effectively heat up rooms up to 29 cubic meters in a relatively short time.

To say a few words about design. The dimensions of the Smiths Electric Kitchen Plinth Heater are pretty standard - 50 x 10 x 24 cm, the colour is classic, grey. However, if this colour doesn't suit your interior as much as you like, there are more colour variations available.

To make the service life of this appliance longer, the manufacturer added overheat protection. Plus, you get a really generous 5-year manufacturer's warranty for both parts and labour so you can be sure this heater will last you a lifetime.

To sum up, the Smiths Electric Kitchen Plinth Heater is a good space-saving appliance for home use. It is adjustable and will make your house cosy in any weather.

Review of Smiths SS2EW 2kW Electric Kitchen Plinth Heater

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £234.50
Stock In stock
ASIN B002OI9J9Y

 

Winter-warm WWFH20

Keep the Heat up Remotely

Feel like radiators aren’t doing enough to keep your home warm and regular heaters are way too bulky and a tripping hazard? Don’t worry, the Winterwarm WWFH20 is a viable solution as it combines power with an integrated design. Hide this heater near your floor and enjoy the cosiness of your room without even seeing the heat source.

Installing the Winterwarm heater won’t be an issue as it’s quite compact at 41 x 11 x 21.5 cm and can be built into a wall, a kitchen cabinet or under cupboard. The device plugs into the electric mains and the one thing we aren’t too thrilled about is its 2 KW power consumption. While heaters tend to eat up quite a lot of energy, we hoped a smart device like this would offer a budget setting of sorts. However, between the 2 options of low heat and boost mode, the difference is only in the amount of warmth expelled. The wattage stays the same regardless of the temperature you set on the thermostat.

What we do like a lot is the remote control, which lets you change the heat level without getting out of bed, a valuable tool for chilly mornings when you just want to hide under the covers.

So while we’d like this electric kickspace heater to be a bit more economical, we admire the design, the convenience, and, of course, the warm air keeping your home cosy. The Winterwarm WWFH20 is a solid choice as long as you don’t mind a little bump to your electricity bill.

Review of Winter-warm WWFH20 2 kW Kick Board Base Unit Heater

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £72.24
Stock In stock
ASIN B009GXADB8

 

CDA APH01SS

Reliable Heater For Years

Tired of appliances giving out on you and the lack of a sufficiently long warranty leaving you stranded? We feel the same and that's precisely why we can recommend the CDA APH01SS, an electric plinth heater. It has a 5-year warranty that will protect you from any unforeseen circumstances and provide you with replacement parts should something in the heater get worn out.

This model operates below 70 dB, not completely silent but much quieter than many other models. You can hold a conversation while standing right next to the heater and you’ll neither see it nor hear it. With that said, you will, however, most definitely feel the flow of warmth coming out of the front grille as this device puts out 2 KW of energy, a good choice for spacious apartments. Of course, that may raise your electricity bill somewhat but we’d say the heat is worth it. Besides, you can choose between “warm” and “hot” settings to decide how much energy will be used and how high the temperature will get. By the way, the CDA APH01SS also offers a cool air option, which will certainly come in handy in the sweltering months of summer.

The two things that we’re not too keen on are the lack of a remote control that would remove the need to bend down to regulate the heat output, and the lengthy installation process during which you’ll have to either wire the heater directly or connect it to a plug, which you’d have to buy separately.

Other than that, though, the CDA APH01SS is a smart, affordable choice. With overheat protection and a 5-year warranty, a shrewd buyer will find it tough to pass this one up.

Review of CDA APH01SS 2kW Electric Kitchen Plinth Space Heater
Last updated price £74.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B004U5EFU2

 

Infographics

Comparison of Plinth Heaters

What Is a Toe Kick Heater?

Toe kick heaters, also known as kickspace or toe space heaters, are a popular type of domestic heating systems. They are installed close to the floor, thus taking nearly no space, and that is their main advantage. Being an excellent alternative to baseboard units, they are less expensive to maintain and easier to install. Baseboards are bulky, so kick space heaters fit in where baseboards don't. There are various types of toe space heaters and the purpose of this review is to help you choose the heater suitable personally for you.

A heated house is good but a heated house with a fireplace is way better, isn't it? Check out our best electric fireplaces review! Kick space heaters have one problem: they are installed into the walls, ladders, and toe spaces, so they are not portable at all. If you are looking for a portable appliance, pay attention to our best gas heaters shortlist! You will obviously need the tools to install your kickspace heater, so here's the review of cordless drills that will help you choose the one you need.

What Features to Compare

Type

First of all, you have to decide whether you need a hydronic kickspace heater or an electric one. Both of them have pros and cons but the choice usually depends on a customer's situation at home. If you have a water boiler, you will surely prefer using hydronic heaters because they are cheaper. Actually, they also require electricity to power the fan, so they can be called electric hydronic heaters.

If the room where you are going to install this heater is quite far from the boiler and you don't want to draw pipes to it, it may be better to use an electric heater. Moreover, keep in mind that hydronic heaters require some time before they start warming the room, while the electric ones will leave you in the cold if the power outage happens.

Heating Area

The second issue to consider is the area of the room where you plan to install the toe-kick heater. Various appliances have a different heating capacity and the heating efficiency will totally depend on how powerful the chosen heater is.

Extras

Of course, you don't expect much from an ordinary heater, but there are several useful extra functions that make heaters unique. A built-in thermostat is one of them. This superb feature will allow you to set the desired heat level and the heater will maintain it. Many heaters have safety systems which prevent fire accidents; it's particularly important for electric appliances.

Heater Dimensions

Remember, the size of a kick space heater matters. It affects not only the place where you will be able to use a heater but also its technical specs. The larger the heater is, the more heat capacity it usually has. Make sure to have enough kick space for the heater of the required capacity.

FAQ:

Q: What’s the difference between an electric and a hot water coil toe-kick heater?

A: An electric toe-kick heater, as its very name indicates, is powered from the electrical circuit. It’s a complete unit usually installed under a cabinet and plugged into a power outlet. Such heating appliances can be connected to the main heating system in a house or work independently. A hot water coil toe-kick heater (also called hydronic), in its turn, is plumbed in with a boiler system in a house. Thus, hot water circulates the coil and warms it up. Yet, even a hydronic toe-kick heater needs to be connected to the electrical circuit for powering the fan. Both types of appliances have a temperature sensing relay for fan control.

Q: My toe-kick heater doesn’t turn on. What should I do?

A: First of all, check whether your appliance is connected to the electricity grid and powered. If everything is OK, check the thermostat setting and switch it to a higher temperature. Next, if your heater has a manual reset button, push it and turn the appliance on once again. Finally, if your toe-kick heater isn’t new, check if the fan it clogged with dust or some debris.

Q: Can I install an electric toe-kick heating appliance near a dishwasher?

A: All safety precautions and requirements are mentioned in the manual to any heating appliance. As usual, it isn’t recommended to install an electric toe-kick heater near a dishwasher (a sink, etc.). Also, you should avoid installing this heating appliance on a carpeted surface as the unit will get clogged too fast, which might be dangerous.

Q: What if my toe-kick heater makes too much noise?

A: If your appliance is too noisy, it might be mounted improperly. Check all the fasteners and make sure they are tightly fixed. Also, check whether it’s clogged inside; in this case, the noise may come from the fan.

Q: Is it possible to use the fan only without turning the heat on?

A: No, any toe-kick heater is designed to provide heat, so it’s impossible to turn just the fan.

Q: What if my kickspace heater is too hot?

A: It might happen if the airflow inside the appliance is blocked by dust, debris, etc. Remove the front panel and check whether the inner part of your heater is clog-free. Next, the overheating might be caused by the wrong voltage. Use a multimeter to check the voltage your kickstand heater receives and consult the manual to find out what voltage is recommended by the manufacturer.

Q: Which type of toe-kick heaters is more efficient?

A: Hydronic kickspace heaters are more efficient as water has a higher thermal conductivity than metal. However, hydronic kickspace heaters are more difficult to install than their electric counterparts.

Sources:

1. How to Repair Toe Kick Heater Problems, DoItYourself.com.

2. Bob Formisano Types of Electric Heaters for the Home, About. February 28, 2016.

3. Troubleshooting Toe Kick Heater Problems, DoItYourself.com.

4. Electric vs Hydronic Toe Kick Heater, DoItYourself.com.

5. 7 Ways to Warm Up a Cold Room, The Family Handyman.

6. Staying warm with electric heat, Yellow Pages.

7. Electric Heating, Wikipedia. November 15, 2016‎.

8. Heating, NFPA

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Publish Date: 2018-05-04 12:36:37