Skip to content

Paint just got cheaper! Including offers on Dulux, Lick & GoodHome. Shop now >>

Radiator buying guide

In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about radiators, from the different types, to fuel sources.

Jump to:

Radiator types

There’s a wide variety of radiator types to choose from, ranging from classic panel designs to modern designer models and sleek stainless steel options.

White single panel radiator with white and chrome angled radiator valves.White single panel radiator with white and chrome angled radiator valves.White single panel radiator with white and chrome angled radiator valves.White single panel radiator with white and chrome angled radiator valves.

Single panel radiators

Panel radiators use corrugated panels (convectors) to radiate heat into the room.

Single panel radiators, also known as type 11 radiators, are some of the most popular radiators available. Their slim design makes them ideal for smaller spaces such as hallways or home offices.

White double panel radiator with chrome angled radiator valves.White double panel radiator with chrome angled radiator valves.White double panel radiator with chrome angled radiator valves.White double panel radiator with chrome angled radiator valves.

Double panel radiators

Double panel radiators, also known as type 22 radiators, have two panels and two sets of convector fins. This allows them to produce higher heat outputs when compared with many single panel radiators of the same size.

Double panel radiators are ideal for larger rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms, but they will protrude more into the room than a single panel radiator.

Black vertical radiator mounted on white brick wall in grey kitchen.Black vertical radiator mounted on white brick wall in grey kitchen.Black vertical radiator mounted on white brick wall in grey kitchen.Black vertical radiator mounted on white brick wall in grey kitchen.

Vertical radiators

Vertical radiators are available in an array of sizes, which fit conveniently into thin wall spaces and make a creative alternative to more traditional styles. If you have a smaller room, these take up less horizontal space, leaving room for more furnishings.

White column towel radiator with chrome pipework on both sides.White column towel radiator with chrome pipework on both sides.White column towel radiator with chrome pipework on both sides.White column towel radiator with chrome pipework on both sides.

Towel radiators

Dry your towels and add some extra warmth to your bathroom with a towel radiator.

We have a variety of heights and widths available to suit all layouts.

Small black column radiator mounted on white wall with chrome valves.Small black column radiator mounted on white wall with chrome valves.Small black column radiator mounted on white wall with chrome valves.Small black column radiator mounted on white wall with chrome valves.

Column radiators

If you’re looking to add or retain period charm in your home, why not consider a column radiator?

Similar in style to the cast-iron radiators that originated in the Victorian era, modern column radiators keep the look while providing greater heat efficiency than their predecessors.

Black radiator comprised of 6 horizontal tubes joined at each end.Black radiator comprised of 6 horizontal tubes joined at each end.Black radiator comprised of 6 horizontal tubes joined at each end.Black radiator comprised of 6 horizontal tubes joined at each end.

Designer radiators

Designer radiators can bring a range of benefits to your home – from space-saving technologies to dual-purpose products that can act as mirrors, memo boards and more. They’re an ideal way to lend a modern, contemporary feel to a room and can create stylish, attractive features that you won’t want to disguise.

Black cast iron column radiator sitting on grey floor in front of white brick wall. Radiator has an intricate pattern on the front.Black cast iron column radiator sitting on grey floor in front of white brick wall. Radiator has an intricate pattern on the front.Black cast iron column radiator sitting on grey floor in front of white brick wall. Radiator has an intricate pattern on the front.Black cast iron column radiator sitting on grey floor in front of white brick wall. Radiator has an intricate pattern on the front.

Cast iron radiators

Cast Iron radiators take longer to heat up and cool down, so they’ll stay warm long after you turn your heating off. These features make cast iron radiators a great choice for rooms with high ceilings.

Cast iron radiators will look great in a period home, or when added as a contrasting feature in a modern space.

White flat panel radiator with flat front divided into 3 sections. Radiator is hung on white wall inside room with grey floor and modern wood furniture.White flat panel radiator with flat front divided into 3 sections. Radiator is hung on white wall inside room with grey floor and modern wood furniture.White flat panel radiator with flat front divided into 3 sections. Radiator is hung on white wall inside room with grey floor and modern wood furniture.White flat panel radiator with flat front divided into 3 sections. Radiator is hung on white wall inside room with grey floor and modern wood furniture.

Flat panel radiators

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to change your radiators, look no further than our flat panel options. These are designed to be compact and can fit into any home without taking up too much space.

Stainless steel finish vertical radiator with 6 protruding horizontal bars at the top for hanging towels.Stainless steel finish vertical radiator with 6 protruding horizontal bars at the top for hanging towels.Stainless steel finish vertical radiator with 6 protruding horizontal bars at the top for hanging towels.Stainless steel finish vertical radiator with 6 protruding horizontal bars at the top for hanging towels.

Stainless steel radiators

Stainless steel radiators are designed to be the stunning focal point of any room. Our stainless steel collection includes a great range of beautiful finishes, which are easy to clean and maintain.

Stainless steel radiators won’t corrode or rust like some metals, so will be long-lasting.

Vertical mirrored radiator with a larger flat mirrored panel in the center and two smaller mirrored panels either side.Vertical mirrored radiator with a larger flat mirrored panel in the center and two smaller mirrored panels either side.Vertical mirrored radiator with a larger flat mirrored panel in the center and two smaller mirrored panels either side.Vertical mirrored radiator with a larger flat mirrored panel in the center and two smaller mirrored panels either side.

Mirror radiators

Our mirror radiators are a great choice for hallways, bedrooms or bathrooms because they give the perception of a bigger space.

They double up as a stylish addition to the room whilst giving you heat and depth.

Radiator fuel sources

If you’re looking to replace or add more radiators, you’ll probably want to use the system you already have. There are 3 main radiator fuel sources:

  • Central heating radiators
  • Electric radiators
  • Dual fuel radiators

Central heating radiators

Central heating radiators are the most common radiator type. They work by circulating hot water from your boiler to each radiator to distribute heat throughout your home. Central heating radiators are efficient and cost-effective when run alongside the rest of your central heating system.

Central heating radiators will take longer to heat up than other radiator types. As they require your whole central heating system to be switched on, they’re also not as flexible as electric radiators, which can be used independently.

Freestanding black electric radiator with wheels connected to mains socket.Freestanding black electric radiator with wheels connected to mains socket.Freestanding black electric radiator with wheels connected to mains socket.Freestanding black electric radiator with wheels connected to mains socket.

Electric radiators

Electric radiators can be fitted independently without needing to be connected to a central heating system, which makes them an ideal choice for loft conversions and other rooms without existing pipework.

The temperature of electric radiators can be controlled accurately using an inbuilt thermostat, which gives you precise control of the temperature of individual rooms. Some models are ‘plug and go’ and can be plugged into a conventional plug socket, while other models will need to be installed by an electrician.

Close up of a chrome electric heating element installed on a radiator.Close up of a chrome electric heating element installed on a radiator.Close up of a chrome electric heating element installed on a radiator.Close up of a chrome electric heating element installed on a radiator.

Dual fuel radiators

Dual fuel radiators offer the best of both central heating and electric radiators in one convenient solution. By adding a thermostatic heating element to a standard central heating radiator, you can convert it to dual fuel. The heating element allows your central heating radiator to be powered by electricity, giving you the option to heat it independently from the rest of your system. The key advantage is that you can heat a single radiator, like a bathroom towel rail, without needing to turn on the entire heating system, saving both energy and cost.

Finding the correct radiator size

To find the correct size radiator for a room, you’ll need to calculate the heat output required to keep it warm. All radiators are assigned a BTU rating, telling you how many BTUs they produce. It’s a quick and easy way of letting you know how much heat your radiator will generate. If you’re struggling to match the exact BTU rating you need with a radiator, choose one with a slightly higher output to ensure your room is warm enough.

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which represents how much energy it takes to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Calculating the correct BTU

Our simple BTU calculator will help you work out what heat output you need. All you need to know is the dimensions of your room and the type of windows you have.

Radiator location considerations

Before you choose a radiator, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure the location where you want to install the radiator is suitable.

Wall type

Solid masonry
If the wall is constructed from solid masonry, brickwork or blockwork you'll have the biggest choice of radiators. With the right fixings, larger radiators can be hung from strong solid walls.

Plasterboard walls
If the wall is constructed from plasterboard with hollow space behind, you’ll need to identify the location of the wood studs with a stud finder. The studs are the strongest part of your wall, so your radiator will need to be hung from these.

Existing pipework

If your pipework runs along the wall, you won’t need to take up your flooring to make any alterations. This makes the process of changing the size of your radiator much simpler than if the pipework runs under the floor.

Location of furniture

Avoid installing your radiator behind big pieces of furniture, as this will prevent heat from travelling around the room.

Close up of a chrome radiator valve. Valve is a thermostatic radiator valve with numbers indicating the temperature setting of the radiator.Close up of a chrome radiator valve. Valve is a thermostatic radiator valve with numbers indicating the temperature setting of the radiator.Close up of a chrome radiator valve. Valve is a thermostatic radiator valve with numbers indicating the temperature setting of the radiator.Close up of a chrome radiator valve. Valve is a thermostatic radiator valve with numbers indicating the temperature setting of the radiator.

Radiator valves

Radiator valves control the heat output of radiators, so you’ll need a pair for every central heating radiator in your home. Radiator valves need to be bought separately from radiators.

Before you purchase your radiator valves, check the sizes of the pipes in your home. 15 mm and 22 mm are the most common pipe sizes.

Mustard coloured traditional radiator cabinet with vent holes in the middle. Cabinet is installed in home entrance hallway.Mustard coloured traditional radiator cabinet with vent holes in the middle. Cabinet is installed in home entrance hallway.Mustard coloured traditional radiator cabinet with vent holes in the middle. Cabinet is installed in home entrance hallway.Mustard coloured traditional radiator cabinet with vent holes in the middle. Cabinet is installed in home entrance hallway.

Radiator covers & cabinets

A radiator cabinet will safely and stylishly box in your radiators. These cabinets are ideal if you want to hide a radiator or decorate the cabinet so the radiator blends in with the style of your home.