Plinth heaters are heaters that fit in small spaces to provide heat to a living space, like a kitchen or bath. They are typically made to fit in the “kick space” (next to the floor) of your kitchen or bathroom since this space is typically not used. The heaters can generate heat either electrically or via hot water.

Plinth means a base of something, often supporting a column or other element. Plinth heaters are so named since they are typically installed at the bottom of a counter or cabinet where nothing exists but a kick space. Plinth heaters provide heat for some room like a kitchen or bath where a small amount of heat over a period of time can “take the chill off” the room.

Hydronic Plinth Heaters

Hydronic plinth heaters are typically fan-forced air heaters, where the hot water circulates through a coil and a fan blows air from this heat exchanger, and out into the room. The hot water either comes from a hot water boiler, or from a central heating system. If the hot water comes from a boiler, a thermostat in the plinth heater is needed to control the unit. The settings on the thermostat can be controlled electronically via a blue tooth control and a smart phone application. If the hot water comes from a central heating system, the plinth heater senses the heat in connected pipes and produces heat for the room via the heat exchanger. Therefore, in the latter instance, the plinth heater uses the thermostat of the central heating system as a controller.

Electrical Plinth Heaters

An electrical plinth heater can be set up to run when the central air heating system runs, using the thermostat controlling the central heating system. The plinth heater is 220 volts and heats the air locally, taking in cold air, heating it via wire coils, then blowing the heated air out into the room. If the plinth heater does have its own thermostat, the thermostat setting can be controlled electronically through a blue tooth control and a smartphone application.

In General

A dual or “duo” plinth heater is a combination of both hydronic and electrical heating element such that the electrical component can kick in and supply heated air when the hydronic element is not supplying enough heat. This heater needs its own thermostat which is controlled via blue tooth and a smart phone application..

Most of the plinth heaters sold have a height of 125 mm which is a little less than 5 inches. A common size of a plinth heater for kitchen use is 480 mm (width) X 220 mm (depth) X 125 mm (height). They are designed to fit in the kick space of a kitchen or bath, under some of the cabinets. Some plinth heaters are available in 80 mm height which is a little over 3 inches. These fit smaller kick spaces.

The size of plinth heaters needed takes into consideration the ideal temperature for the room, the heat loss for the room, and the room’s size. It is the same calculation you would use if you were installing a radiator in the room.