Radiator versus cast iron baseboard in kitchen

Allison_2

We gutted the kitchen of our 1906 house and made the mistake of getting rid of the old radiator -- it was in a bad location and we thought we would prefer baseboard heat -- Now the kitchen is finished (floor is finished so we can't do radiant heat under the floor!)and we are trying to decide whether to add cast iron baseboards or buy (through a reputable plumbing co.) a refurbished old radiator (like the one we threw away!). The radiator will take more room, but we can put it in the hall leading off of the kitchen. It's somewhat of a design versus function and cost issue. Any comments are appreciated!

Allison at
www.renovatorsplace.com (I usually give advice, but not in the heating and cooling area!)

antman

Burnham Classic

Allison, Burnham makes a nice radiator that would probably fit your decor, It would take up less space than cast iron baseboard provided that your kitchen layout accomodates either installation. It is a little costly but at least you know your getting brand new, and you can size it properly rather than relying on an old one you may purchase elsewhere.
Here is a link.

Hope this helps, Ant

http://www.burnham.com/radiator/58320.cfm

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Boilerpro

Radiant floor not out of the running, if...

there is access under the floor. I understand the majority of new radiant floor systems are installed under the wood subfloor, not in concrete or a poured floor on top of a wood subfloor. Just in case you didn't know..... BTW cast iron radiant baseboard can be very nice heating (even better than your old radiators), so if you have enough wall space, this is also an option. There are many manufacturers of the cast iron baseboard, Burnham to name one. You can also mix if necessary to get adequete heating.

Boilerpro

Boilerpro

Steve Ebels

I'd be cautious

About using something as high mass as a CI radiator in a kitchen. Those things give off heat a long time after they've shut off because of their high mass. In a kitchen where cooking and washing dishes can raise the temp, you maybe want something that can shut down a little quicker. A steel panel radiator or something like that comes to mind. would this rad/baseboard be on its own circuit or own control??

Big Ed

The Classic

Is'ant she purdee !

John@Reliable

Allison, have you checked with

local supply houses? Around here in ma some of the local supply houses buy old ones,you might find the same one to match the others there.Most of the raditors around you came from the same dealer way back when. I know one dealer who usually has 30 different types in stock that he buys from scrap dealers on the way to junk yard.Call around you might be surprised!