When we reconfigured some of the cabinetry in our kitchen last year, we hit a bump in the road: a floor vent supplying heat to the kitchen was right where one of the base cabinets was supposed to be installed. We were really set on the cabinet layout, and we certainly didn't want to re-route a bunch of ductwork. So, the cabinetmaker helped us out by making an opening in the toe kick for a heat register, and we changed the floor grill to a toe kick grill:
This was an awesome accidental improvement, as a floor grill in the kitchen is a terrible crumb collector. Just reorienting the grill vertically in the toe kick took care of that problem.
But here's what makes it my kitchen treat: When I'm working at the counter on cold winter days, the heat coming from the toe kick keeps my feet warm and toasty. This simple adjustment makes a day of winter baking or a morning of reading the paper at the counter a delightful treat!
Related: My Kitchen Treat: An Admittedly Dorky Canning Funnel
(Image: Regina Yunghans)
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You had a great contractor! (...and the original builder -- floor vent in a kitchen? Not so good.)
my parents' kitchen has one of these! it is my favorite spot in their house. it's probably why i grew up to like cooking so much! i was always trying to find an excuse to be standing right next to that heat register, so my parents put me to work as a sous chef
I have a floor vent in my kitchen. It's not near cabinets, thank goodness, but floor vents are common.
We, too, have a toe kick head register in our kitchen ... it's lovely and toasty on the toes, especially on winter mornings. Only problem is, our cat has also discovered it and can often be found in front of it doing an imitation of a throw rug! Makes food prep in that area of the kitchen a challenge ...
I would love one of these, so would my cat!
We have one of these in our bathroom. It is wonderful in the morning to brush your teeth while the heat warms your feet. I'll bet it would be nice in the kitchen too for the same reason.
I have one of these right in front of my sink. I do admit that I delay washing dishes until the heat kicks on and I can enjoy the pleasure of warm water on my hands and warm air on my feet.
I lived in a condo in Montana that had a toe-kick register in front of each sink (kitchen and bathrooms.) I thought it was absolutely brilliant but I have never seen them anywhere else.
Same situation here--kitchen re-do, cabinet had to go there. Another added bonus: A/C in the summer.....
I have toe kick vents in the kitchen and love them! 25 yr ago, original builder installed.
I have the same thing...I find my son hanging out there on cold days!
Our cat lives in front of the register under our sink cabinet!
Mm, yeah, my parents have one of these under the sink, and it is pretty rare that there isn't a pug camped out in front of it.