Underfloor Heating in the Kitchen – What You Should Know?

Every kitchen, regardless of its size, always seems too small. The number of furniture and appliances that need to fit in this room often leaves little space for a radiator. In such situations, underfloor heating in the kitchen is the solution. When is underfloor heating in the kitchen a good idea? What type of underfloor heating will be the optimal choice for the kitchen? How to heat the kitchen with underfloor heating? Check our tips!

How to Heat the Kitchen?

Are you wondering what heating will be the best choice for the kitchen? In older buildings, radiators dominate, while in newer ones underfloor heating is more common. Why? The system of so-called underfloor heating was not known in the past. Just a few decades ago, some kitchens were heated exclusively by tile stoves or kitchen stoves fueled by coal and wood. Nowadays, underfloor heating is most commonly used in kitchens.

The installation of underfloor heating is relatively simple and inexpensive, which is why it is replacing traditional radiators. Often, in single-family homes, a mixed heating system is used, for example, underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathroom, and radiators in the other rooms. Such a mixed heating system, if you choose water underfloor heating, requires the use of special pumps and a mixing system, as well as appropriate design and execution. The situation is different with electric underfloor heating, which can be an independent source of heat, separate from the central heating installation. You can install heating mats, for example, in the bathroom and control the heating of that room through an electric panel.

Underfloor Heating in the Kitchen – Which Type to Choose?

Now that you know you want to heat the kitchen with underfloor heating, it’s time to choose the optimal type of underfloor heating for the kitchen. The basic division of underfloor heating distinguishes between electric and water systems. The former involves laying electric heating mats in the internal layer of the floor. They are lighter and easier to install than water underfloor heating. For this reason, this solution is primarily recommended for apartments. Why? They do not burden the ceiling and do not require very serious renovation work. Additionally, if someone has a knack for renovation work, they can install such heating in their own home or apartment themselves.

In single-family homes, a more economical water underfloor heating system is often chosen. However, its installation should be considered already at the construction stage. It is also best to hire professionals for the installation. They will know how to properly connect the elements of the underfloor heating installation in the kitchen to the main heat source in the house, such as a gas or solid fuel boiler. Underfloor heating with warm water allows you to enjoy warmth distributed over the entire covered floor area without high costs. As a result, a kitchen with water or electric underfloor heating feels warmer than one with radiators mounted on the walls.

Underfloor Heating in the Kitchen – Pros and Cons

A warm floor in the kitchen is a dream for most people. However, some believe that underfloor heating in the kitchen has several disadvantages. What is the reality? Underfloor heating has both pros and cons. Before you decide to install this heating system in your home, check what benefits and issues it may generate. Among the advantages of underfloor heating in the kitchen, energy savings and thus lower bills are primarily mentioned. The heat emitted by the floor surface gives the impression that the room is warmer, so the temperature in the installation can be lower (up to 55°C). Another benefit is the maximum utilization of space for kitchen cabinets and appliances. Underfloor heating is also appreciated by allergy sufferers, as it does not raise dust and pollen into the air, unlike radiators.

What are the disadvantages of underfloor heating in the kitchen? Many people consider the thermal inertia of underfloor heating in the kitchen to be a significant drawback. Simply put, this means that this system heats up much more slowly than traditional radiators. However, it is important to remember that it also cools down much more slowly after the heat source is turned off. A downside of underfloor heating in the kitchen for some may be the necessity to design the kitchen already at the planning stage of the installation. Why? The coils of water underfloor heating or electric heating mats should not be located under appliances and cabinets. Another disadvantage of underfloor heating in the kitchen is the higher cost of installation compared to traditional radiator heating.

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