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Radiator buying guide

Radiator Buying Guide

How to choose the perfect radiator for your home

Choosing the right radiators plays a big role in keeping your home warm and energy-efficient.

This guide breaks down everything you need to consider, from selecting the perfect size to understanding BTU output.

The right radiator doesn’t just warm your home—it can lower energy bills and even double as a stylish design feature.

Radiator types

Horizontal Radiators.

Horizontal Radiators

Horizontal radiators are wider than they are tall so they're perfect for installing under windows, installing radiators under windows helps to combat heat loss.

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Vertical Radiators.

Vertical Radiators

Vertical radiators are taller than they are wide, which makes them perfect for installing in areas where you have limited space. Vertical radiators can also be an attractive centrepiece or striking design feature in your home.

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Single Panel Radiators.

Single Panel / Column

Single panel radiators are designed to be slimline and make the most of a room's available space.

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Double Panel Radiators.

Double Panel / Column

A double panel radiator is basically just two single panels stacked together. They offer approximately twice the amount of heat output of a single panel of the same size.

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Traditional Radiators.

Traditional / Column

Classic cast-iron style designs that are a timeless addition to any interior. Available in both horizontal and vertical.

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Designer Radiators.

Modern / Designer

Modern radiators with flat, oval or square bars. A practical, space-saving style statement available in a variety of colours to match any interior.

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Towel Radiators.

Towel Radiators

Also known as ladder radiators, they're a practical addition to any bathroom, cloakroom or laundry room. Choose an electric or dual fuel radiator if you want to dry your towels without turning on your central heating.

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Mirror Radiators.

Mirror

Modern radiators with built-in mirrors. Dual purpose and space-saving, they also enhance natural light.

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Choosing the right radiators

Measuring tape showing room dimensions for radiator sizing

How big is your room?

This is the best place to start. Knowing your room size tells you how much wall space you actually have for a radiator.

Plus, larger rooms naturally need more heating power (often measured in BTUs) to stay comfortably warm, especially in colder months. Smaller rooms need less.

As a rough guide: Big rooms often feel warmest with 2 or 3 well-placed radiators. A small room might only need 1 or 2 smaller radiators.

Calculator showing BTU calculation for radiators

How many radiators do I need, and what power?

Once you know the total heating power (BTU) your room needs, you can figure out the specifics for each radiator.

First, work out the total BTUs required for the room (we have a handy BTU calculator for you below). Then, decide how many radiators you want or need based on:

  • ➧ How much usable wall space you have.
  • ➧ Your budget.
  • ➧ Where your existing heating pipes are located.

Finally, divide the room's total BTU requirement by the number of radiators you plan to install. This gives you a target BTU power for each radiator, helping you choose the right models. There's no real harm in having over the required BTU, as you can run them at lower temperatures using TRV valves.

What size radiator do I need?

A guide to heat output

Choosing the right radiator size might feel overwhelming, but our BTU calculator makes it a breeze. Simply enter your room’s dimensions and tell us about your insulation.

The calculator will give you the recommended BTU (British Thermal Units) or kW (kilowatt) rating for efficient heating in your space.

You might need choose two or more radiators to provide your total BTU requirements. For larger spaces, you might want to look at models with double or triple panels which have a higher output or consider installing multiple radiators - This ensures your room stays warm and cosy, no matter the season.

Select your desired room

Select the correct measurement type, and input the height, width and length.

Are there any of the following in the room:

Total: 0 BTUs
Total: 0 kW

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