Buying an Under Cabinet Kitchen TV

Under cabinet TV sets mount to the bottom of a wall cabinet, and are usually located in kitchens over the countertop. Although I use a regular five-inch portable TV in my kitchen because it is less expensive, there are some benefits to installing an under cabinet television there. It frees up kitchen counter space which would otherwise be occupied, and prevents the TV from getting wet. This is especially beneficial for homes which have limited counter space in the kitchen.

Most under cabinet TV models range from about 7-10 inches in size. Many feature an AM/FM radio receiver as well, sometimes with additional bands (like the GPX KCL8806DTSIL; receives the weather information band, available on eBay.com). Just about all have a color display, and most under cabinet televisions have a thin LCD screen. Locating a CRT under cabinet TV is much more difficult than other types; try searching for RCA Spacesaver models online if you want one of these. Some models have a built-in DVD player, such as the TrueTech KLV3170 (available at Target stores). Other features to consider looking for include a digital cooking timer, audio and/or video output jacks, radio presets, or a large easy-to-read clock.

Kitchen TVs with under cabinet mounting are made by a variety of brand names, including Sony, GPX, Philips, Audiovox, Insignia, Coby, and others. They can be purchased new from Target, Best Buy, eBay.com, and others. Be aware that the transition to digital television in early 2009 will require a converter box to be added to analog TVs (including older models and some units being sold at present) if they are to be used for the reception of over-the-air broadcasts (but not for cable or satellite).

There are some alternatives to buying an under cabinet TV; mounts are available for putting an existing television on the wall, ceiling, or cabinet, and televisions with swivel stands on the base allow easy viewing from different parts of the kitchen while keeping the base of the TV dry (such as the Sony KV-9PT50 nine inch). Under cabinet clock radios (some of which have a television sound band) and CD players are also available as a less expensive option for the kitchen.

After you have selected and purchased an under cabinet TV for the kitchen, you will have to decide where to install it. If possible, it should be placed away from areas where it would be exposed to frequent heat or steam. Locating it where it can most easily be connected to cable, satellite, or outdoor antenna wires is also helpful if any of these are to be used. If the kitchen is also a dining room, placing the TV where it can be viewed from the table will make it more useful.