Heaters are a luxury in homes in the winter, providing warmth and comfort. However, some rooms may not get as warm as the other rooms in your house, and the only way to fix this problem is to add a form of supplemental heat.
Some people opt for small space heaters. However, these are not always ideal options. They may have a cheaper cost up front, but they can run up your utility bill costing you more money over time.
In this article, we will talk about the best electric toe-kick heaters and if a toe-kick heater is right for you so you can ensure your whole house stays warm during the frigid winter months.
What Toe Kick Heaters Are
Toe kick heaters offer efficient heat dispersion as you would get with a space heater but are much more energy efficient. They also take up less room than space heaters.
You can install them at floor level beneath your kitchen cabinetry, stairwells, and bathroom cabinets r along the bottom of bathroom vanities. This allows you to supplement your heat using your main HVAC system, your primary type of power supply.
Don’t confuse toe-kick heaters with baseboard heaters, however. Baseboard heaters are a lot bulkier. Even though they are easy to install and energy efficient, they require much more maintenance than toe kick heaters, making them a less cost-effective option in the long run.
Types Of Toe Kick Heaters
Now that you are familiar with toe-kick heaters and what they are let’s discuss the types of toe-kick heaters and why the electric toe-kick heater is likely the best type of toe-kick heater.
There are only two types of toe kick heaters usually: Electric and Hydronic. Both heaters draw in cool air and heat it using coils. However, hydronic heaters use water from your hot water heater to heat the coils before returning the captured air to the room, while electric heaters solely rely on electricity to heat the coils.
The installation process is much easier with electric toe kick heaters because it is only one complete unit. This, along with saving additional money by not having to use water, makes the electric toe-kick heater the best option in most situations!
6 Best Electric Toe Kick Heaters
Now, you may be wondering which toe kick heaters are the best. Well, we have you covered! In this article, we list the best six electric toe kick heaters and what makes them the best!
1. Marley Qmark Electric Toe-kick space Heater
The Marley Qmark Electric Toe-Kick heater utilizes a specialized tangential blower instead of a fan to make it ultra-quiet. This heater is also compact, making it perfect for small spaces.
Because it is sleek and quiet, you can install it in places you don’t want extra noise, such as your bedroom.
Another feature that makes this toe kick heater one of the best is its thermostat option, which gives you complete temperature control. To prevent overheating, the Marley Qmark is equipped with special thermal cutout technology with a pilot light and dual overheat protection to ensure the system shuts down completely when it gets too hot.
It only has three pieces, making installation a breeze. Even though it is one of the pricier options for toe kick heaters, it has a 5-year warranty and is extremely durable.
2. Dimplex RKHA2OD31MC
The Dimplex To Kick Heater Is perfect for under your cabinets and has a convenient, low-profile design, which makes it great for even the smallest spaces. The pricing of the Dimplex is very similar to the mark and is known for its high level of durability.
The Dimplex doesn’t include a built-in thermostat, but you can purchase one separately if you would like.
Installation is relatively easy, although you will need a wall thermostat kit to install it. Once you have the kit, you will be able to install the Dimplex quickly and easily so you can heat your space in no time!
3. Cadet UC101W Perfectoe
The Cadet 1000-Watt 120V Electric Toe-kick Heater is slightly cheaper than the Qmark; it has many similar features.
It is super stylish yet super powerful! You can rely on the single-pole-built in thermostat to adjust the temperature to your heating needs. Also similar to the Qmark, the cadet also provides over-temperature protection, so your heater doesn’t pose a fire hazard.
One downside to this model is that it collects dirt and dust on its louvers easier than other models, so you will need to make sure you dust it often, especially if you are prone to allergies.
If you are looking for a less expensive toe kick heater that has a built-in thermostat and doesn’t make a lot of noise like other toe kick heaters, the cadet uc101w perfection is a fantastic option
4. Broan 114 Kickspace Heater
The Broan 114 Broan 114 wall heater without a built-in thermostat is one of the most economical options when it comes to electric kick-toe heaters, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t as good. It is a perfect fit for those that want a high-quality heating option on a budget!
It has a white enamel finish that matches almost any interior, and its size makes it perfect for fitting underneath bathroom vanities.
Even though it is technically considered a low-end heater, it offers a lot of versatility. It has vertical louvers to disperse heat evenly, and its moderate power output makes it energy efficient. It also uses a plate-finned heating element.
The only real downside is the lack of a built-in thermostat. However, it has an optional line voltage thermostat for you to have more control over the temperature.
Another downside of the Broan 114 Kickspace heater is that some people have noted that the instructions are not as clear as they should be, making installation a bit more complicated.
5. King KT2415-MW-W Multi-Watt Kickspace Heater
The King Electric toe kick heater includes various wattage options, so you can set the heater to the correct wattage for your heating needs. It also has a quick heat transfer due to its NiChrome open coil element, meaning it will heat your room very fast compared to other heaters.
The king also has smart limit protection, so your space doesn’t overheat, and it shuts off automatically when the temperature is at a dangerous level.
It is relatively easy to install and comes with a 1-year warranty. You can also opt for a retrofit grill if you are replacing an older toe-kick heater. However, some people feel this model couldn’t produce more heat, so it is probably only a good option if you have a very small space to heat.
6. TPI TSH20J Series
If you need to heat larger spaces, you may want to consider the TPI TSH20J series. This heater is ultra-powerful with a 200-watt output; that’s significantly more than most other toe-kick heaters allow. Because of its higher wattage, It can heat up to 200 sq feet!
Since it heats a bigger space, it is not as quiet as some of the other models mentioned, but it still isn’t as noisy as some high-wattage toe kick heaters are due to its squirrel cage fan, which allows it to move large quantities of air quietly and evenly.
Another option the TPI TSH20J series offers is the versatility to mount it either horizontally or vertically. This makes it great if you need it to be installed somewhere other than underneath your cabinets.
It doesn’t have a built-in thermostat, which may be a dealbreaker for some. However, it is compatible with already existing wall-line thermostats, so you will still be able to have control over the temperature.
Lastly, this heater is actually on the lower side when it comes to costs, so this is your best option if you need to heat a bigger room!
Conclusion
There are quite a few options for toe kick heaters, but the ones we listed in this article are the best out there due to their high quality and durability. Only you know which model is right for you and your heater needs.
Make sure you follow the instructions manual when installing a toe kick heater, and always practice safety when dealing with electricity!
We hope you found this article helpful! If you have any questions or concerns, let us know in the comments below! We love to hear from our readers!