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In this review, we look into the Kensa Shoebox’s price, specs, features, and pros and cons so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for your home.
The Kensa Shoebox range of ground source heat pumps is produced in the UK. They are among the quietest and most compact ground source heat pumps on the market, providing both heating and hot water for domestic use.
As the name implies, the Shoebox is designed to fit into the tightest of spaces, making it ideal for smaller homes and flats. But is the power output enough, and does the price match the size of the unit? Read on to find out.
The Kensa Shoebox fits easily inside a cabinet or airing cupboard, generating hot water temperatures of up to 65°C. It uses a climate-friendly, non-flammable refrigerant called R32 for added safety, and operates really quietly around 47-52 decibels.
There are 2 models available in the Kensa Shoebox range: a single compressor model of 3kW and a twin compressor model of 6kW. The Shoebox is small enough to fit under a kitchen sink or inside an airing cupboard, making it a perfect solution for people living in flats.
The size of the Kensa Shoebox makes it incredibly easy to install and service. Fewer boreholes need to be dug, which makes installation much quicker than other ground source heat pumps.
The Kensa Shoebox packs a pretty good punch for its diminutive size, producing hot water up to 65°C. It can also be configured to deliver passive cooling in warmer months.
The heat pump comes with 22mm valve connections on the top of the indoor unit, with flexible pipes for easy installation inside a kitchen or airing cupboard. There is an in-built water pump for the ground side of the Shoebox unit.
A fixed speed compressor compresses the ground’s low-grade heat in a highly efficient manner, and weather compression adjusts the heat pump’s temperature depending on the the outdoor temperature.
The Kensa Shoebox is one of the most affordable ground source heat pumps available in the UK today, but it is also one of the least powerful. It starts at £4,625 for the 3kW model and at £6,200 for the 6kW one. Kensa is very transparent about its prices, which is a bonus for budget-conscious households.
As of September 2025, Kensa is rated 4.9 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot, but it’s worth noting this is only from 90 reviews. That said, customers are praising Kensa support agents for their support and professionalism, as well as the reliability of Kensa heat pumps.
“Brilliant customer service from Tom M. Phoned up seeking advice about my “inherited” heat pump having moved into a new home. Tom was able to quickly identify the specific unit, provide information about the unit and then provide very clearly explained and helpful advice on using the unit for Domestic Hot Water. A real pleasure to deal with a company and contact who provides such exemplary customer support.”
“Tom was knowledgeable, understood how to lead me through the maze of the Evo and whilst we are not convinced we have found the problem we are on a path to resolution. I have full confidence that should the current part not solve the issue I know I can call back and get logical assistance to the desired performance that I’ve experienced from my heat pump this past 8 years.”
“Being an installer, Kensa’s support is invaluable to us, always there if needed and excellent when commissioning a new system. Compared to other manufacturers, Kensa are head and shoulders above when it comes to support and diagnosing. Tom and the others I have dealt with have always been spot on.”
The Kensa Shoebox is small but mighty, offering low running costs, simple and fast installation and minimal maintenance across its lifespan.
Its size and efficiency make the Kensa Shoebox the perfect ground source heat pump for new builds, small flats or first-time homeowners who want to slash their heating bills. The company has a trusted network of contractors that can be relied upon for a number of installation projects. Customers are full of praise for Kensa’s customer service agents, too.
While it’s not suitable for a larger home, the Shoebox the perfect solution for homeowners with limited space and budget.
We considered several factors when reviewing the Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pump, including the following weighted criteria: design (20 per cent), durability (20 per cent), efficiency (25 per cent), performance (25 per cent), and guarantee options (10 per cent). We also compared the Kensa Shoebox with some of the best outdoor heating systems and ground source heat pumps in the UK in terms of both performance and price.