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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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Central heating vs electric radiators - what’s the best option for your home?

Central heating

Electric

Installation Higher Installation costs - Boiler or heat pump required. Requires pipes, vents, and ducts, which can limit building design. Low Installation Costs - Easy to install, simply plug into a wall socket or hard-wire to a spur.
Cost Cost effective and cheaper to run in the long-term with gas prices often lower than electricity. Built-in thermostat for precise temperature control in individual rooms. Save money by heating single rooms and not the whole house.
Efficiency Gas boilers are less efficient than electric radiators, and typically operate at around 90% efficiency. Convert almost all of the energy they use into heat.
Compatible with heat pumps - For future-proof, environmentally friendly and cost-effective heating. Potential for higher energy bills if not used efficiently, this can be avoided by creating different heating zones throughout the property.
Maintenance Central heating systems require servicing and repairs. Very little maintenance aside from the occasional dusting or wipe down.

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 Watts

Aluminium Radiators vs Steel Radiators

Aluminium Radiators

Steel Radiators

Heat Efficiency Heats up and cools down quickly, ideal for rooms needing rapid temperature changes. Best for well-insulated homes where rapid response to temperature changes is beneficial. Retains heat longer, keeping rooms warm even after the heating is turned off. Ideal for poorly insulated homes to maintain warmth for longer periods.
Weight Lightweight and easy to install, ideal for DIY and tight spaces. Heavier, which may require more support during installation.
Corrosion Resistance Naturally resistant to corrosion, leading to lower maintenance. Prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Eco-Friendliness More sustainable, requires less energy to produce and is highly recyclable. Less eco-friendly compared to aluminium.
Water Circulation Requires less water to operate, improving energy efficiency. Uses more water, which may lead to higher energy consumption.
Cost Higher initial cost but lower long-term maintenance expenses. More affordable upfront, but potential for higher maintenance costs due to rust.
Design & Aesthetics Modern and stylish, popular in contemporary home designs. Available in a wider variety of styles and sizes to match different interiors.

Replacing a radiator like-for-like

Measuring radiators

How to measure a radiator

You'll need to measure your existing radiator to find the perfect replacement. Take all measurements in millimetres.

 

  • Measure the height of the radiator -
    Measure from the lowest point of the radiator (including feet or brackets) to the highest. This is essential for fitting within the available wall space.

  • Measure the width of the radiator -
    Measure across the radiator from one end to the other. If the radiator has end caps or valves attached, measure just the panel itself.

  • Measure the pipe centres -
    This is the distance from the centre of the left pipe to the centre of the right pipe. It’s crucial if you’re replacing a radiator without altering the pipework.

  • Measure the wall projection -
    Measure from the wall to the centre of the pipes. This helps determine how far the radiator will stick out from the wall.

 

Replacing a radiator is a task many capable DIYers can handle, especially when swapping like-for-like with no changes to the existing pipework. However, if the job involves moving pipes, it’s best to leave it to a qualified plumber.

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