Keep Your Kitchen Cozy: How to Add Baseboard Heaters Under Cabinets
The kitchen is often the coldest room in the house. With so much traffic going in and out of the space, it can be tricky keeping floors warm. This is especially true in older homes with little insulation.
Cold floors in the kitchen are more than just uncomfortable. They can make cooking and cleaning a miserable chore on chilly days. Fortunately, there are solutions for adding extra warmth right where you need it most.
Benefits of Adding Baseboard Heat Under Kitchen Cabinets
One of the best options for keeping your kitchen floors toasty is installing electric baseboard heaters under the cabinets. This targeted heating solution offers several advantages over trying to heat the entire kitchen.
Baseboard heaters mounted along the kitchen wall provide warmth exactly where you spend the most time - at the countertops preparing food. They can be positioned at problem spots, like near the sink or stove where it always feels drafty.

Spot Heating More Efficient
Unlike heating the entire kitchen, baseboard heaters use less energy by only warming the small zone around your feet and legs. This focused heat feels cozier than trying to raise the temperature of the whole room.
Baseboard cabinet heaters take up no storage space like under-cabinet kickspace heaters. They mount discretely to the wall beneath the cabinets. There's no need to sacrifice those precious extra inches in your cabinets.
Lower Cost Than In-Floor Heating
Installing electric baseboard heaters is also far less expensive than a full in-floor hydronic radiant heating system. While radiant floor heat provides luxurious warmth, the upfront cost is quite steep.
Baseboard heaters provide similar spot heating at just a fraction of the price. For targeted warmth right where you need it, baseboard cabinet heaters are an affordable solution.
Key Considerations for Installation
While installing under cabinet baseboard heaters is relatively straightforward, there are some important factors to consider during setup.
Proper Clearances
Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for proper clearances around the heater. There needs to be adequate space between the heater and any cabinets overhead.
You also want to maintain clearance from the bottom and sides of the heater to the floor and wall. This prevents any fire hazards or melted finishes.
Avoid Water Sources
When determining placement, think about avoiding areas where water could drip onto the heater. Mounting under the kitchen sink or too close to the dishwasher is asking for trouble.
Also keep baseboard heat away from the refrigerator water line hookup. Choose a protected position to prevent potential water damage to the heater.
Thermostat for Control
Installing a thermostat allows better control over the heat output. The thermostat turns the heater off once the desired temperature is reached. This prevents energy waste from overheating.
Sufficient Electrical Capacity
Be sure to verify your electrical system has adequate amperage for the wattage of the baseboard heater. Check the heater nameplate for its power requirements.
Adding a new dedicated circuit may be necessary for larger heaters. Pay attention to this key step during planning.
Installation Steps
Once you've selected the ideal mounting location based on your kitchen layout, use the following steps for proper installation:
Mounting the Baseboard Heater
Attach the provided mounting brackets securely to the wall underneath the cabinets. Double check for level and proper spacing between brackets.
Carefully set the heater onto the brackets and secure in place. Avoid putting any strain on the electrical connections when handling the heater.
Electrical Connections
Run cable from the nearby outlet box to the heater location. Follow wiring directions to securely connect the heater.
Restore power and test operation. The heater should quickly get warm to confirm all wiring is correct.
Finishing Touches
Once mounted, caulk any openings for a clean finished look. For a decorative touch, consider adding trim pieces around the heater to frame it in.
Double check minimum clearances are maintained from overhead cabinets. Now enjoy cozy floors while cooking and cleaning!
To get the best performance from your new baseboard cabinet heaters:
- Optimal placement is under the sink and near the refrigerator or stove where you stand most.
- Look for a higher BTU rating to produce more heat output.
- Carefully follow manufacturer clearance recommendations to prevent fires.
- Keep the area in front of the heater vacuumed to avoid dust buildup.
With the right safety precautions during installation, baseboard heaters under cabinets are an easy and affordable way to warm up those chilly kitchen floors.
While baseboard heaters are a great option, you can also explore under cabinet kickspace heaters for more discreet heating. Just be prepared to sacrifice some storage space in exchange for the hidden design.
Regardless of your approach, adding supplemental heat under your kitchen cabinets can make spending time cooking and cleaning much more comfortable.