A kick plate, also referred to as a kick tube or toe box, is a small recessed area at the bottom of most floor-mount kitchen cabinets. In the United Kingdom, kick plates are sometimes called “heating ducts” (also known as “field boxes”). They serve as pathways for heated air to travel through. They are usually made out of copper, cast iron or steel and have an open shelf on one side for easy access to electrical outlets.
To vent cooking oil, gas, or smoke from a kitchen to its vent system, a venting fan is installed in kitchen cabinets. Heating ducts can be incorporated into existing vent systems using copper tubing filled with insulation. This type of venting can improve air quality, since the entire ventilation system will be sealed and prevent gases, vapors, and dust from blowing into the room. The downside is that it is more difficult to install because it requires cutting through walls.
A ceiling-mounted, duct-less heating duct system can provide conditioned air flow to kitchen cabinets through a single ceiling duct. In addition to better air flow, this system provides better insulation than a typical duct system. However, installation of this type of system can be complicated and expensive.
A kitchen cabinet recirculating water cooling is a specialized solution to hot water problems. In this case, the water flow from the cabinetry is provided by either a vented or unvented expansion tank. Either option provides excellent temperature control for kitchen cabinets, especially in summer. A downside to this type of system is that it requires the installation of a second vent fan. It also requires careful configuration of the water flow and humidity to keep the water cool enough.
If your kitchen has an existing heating duct system, you should consider installing a floor heating duct under kitchen cabinets instead of installing a new one. This is because the existing duct system will provide adequate air flow to keep the cabinets at a comfortable temperature even in the hottest part of the day. Ducts under kitchen cabinets are easier to install because there is less required expansion or contraction in the space.
Although most people have heard of air conditioners or steam humidifiers, many people are unaware that they can also help keep kitchen cabinets from becoming too hot. They do so by circulating warm air throughout the entire area. One simple way of using a humidifier is to place it next to an air conditioning or steam machine. Another option is to set up a duct system by placing the ducts under the cabinets where they make contact with the moisture in the air. Air conditioners or steam humidifiers are also available to use in the same room if you don’t want to invest in a dedicated, duct-less unit.