Radiator Buying Guide

Introduction

With so many radiator types available to heat your home, we understand it can be a difficult choice when buying radiators. With this guide, we hope to make this a bit easier for you by explaining all you need to know, guiding you through the different types to choose from and how to decide on the best radiators for each room of your home.

Types of Radiators

There are 4 different types of radiators to consider for your home. Whilst you may be familiar with electric and plumbed-in radiators, there are also dual fuel and oil-filled options to choose from. Below, you’ll find more information on each type.

radiator infographic
Electric
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Plumbed
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Dual Fuel
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Oil-Filled
Electric
An electric radiator operates independently of a central heating system, powered by its heating element when plugged or wired into the mains electricity supply. Electric radiators are convenient and can be controlled individually, providing heat to a specific area or room without the need for plumbing or connecting to your existing central heating system. These can be ideal for heating a single room when your heating is turned off, such as during the summer.
Plumbed
A plumbed-in radiator is connected to the central heating system and circulates hot water through the radiator to provide heat. This is one of the most common types of radiators used in homes across the UK and requires plumbing connections to supply and return the hot water, ensuring consistent heating throughout your home whenever you need it. These standard radiators are ideal for many different types of rooms.
Dual Fuel
A dual-fuel radiator combines both electric and plumbed heating options. It can be connected to the central heating system just like a plumbed radiator, but it also has an electric heating element. This allows the radiator to operate independently when the central heating system is not in use or to provide additional heat when required. This can be ideal as bathroom radiators or utility room radiators when wanting to heat a single room.
Oil-Filled
An oil-filled radiator is a type of electric radiator that uses heat-conductive oil to generate and distribute heat. The oil is heated by an electric element inside the radiator, and the heat is then released into the room. Oil-filled radiators can provide a steady and long-lasting heat output even after the radiator is turned off, making them ideal for helping to save on your energy costs, especially during the colder months.
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What are Convector Radiators

You may have heard of convector radiators, which are available in many types, for example Type 11, Type 21, and Type 22. These are radiators that use convection to distribute heat, with metal panels and a set of convector fins which help to increase the surface area. As the radiator heats up, the air around it rises to help it circulate warm air throughout the room.

K1
These are single-panel that have one metal panel at the front and one set of convector fins at the back. Also known as type 11 radiators.
Vita Ultra P+
P+
P+ radiators have two metal panels which are separated by a set of convector fins. Also known as double panel plus radiators or type 21 radiators.
Vita Deco K2
K2
Similar to P+, these are double-panel that have two metal panels, but instead of one, have two sets of convector fins. Also known as type 22 radiators.
diagram of a k3 radiator
K3
Similar to K2 radiators but with three metal panels and sets of convector fins instead of 2. This makes them thicker than other radiators but gives them a higher heat output. Also known as type 33 radiators.

Radiator Styles

Deciding on a radiator will mean choosing between the different styles available. Some of the best radiators you can buy come in various shapes, designs and sizes. Perhaps you want a designer radiator to provide a wow factor or a specific room radiator such as a classic towel radiator that is practical and stylish? Below, you’ll discover more about some of the most popular available.

Vita Compact K3 LR angled
Single/Flat and Double Panel Radiators
Here you will find our collection of the most common radiator types for your home, featuring single-panel, double-panel, and even triple-panel designs. These will all easily plumb into your existing central heating system, with different heat outputs depending on the size you require.
Horizontal or Vertical Radiators
With horizontal radiators providing the most common radiator shape, there are also vertical radiators to consider which can be a better fit for certain rooms. If you have a room with more vertical space that wouldn’t suit a horizontal radiator, these are great options that save space and look stylish too.
Column Radiators
The traditional column radiator is upgraded for modern homes in a range of fantastic colours and designs. If you love cast iron column radiator styles, you’ll find these along with coloured column radiators that provide the classic vertical metal tube design with a modern twist.
Towel Radiators
Where would any modern bathroom be without the latest towel radiators, efficient in heating both the room and your wet towels and clothes. Featuring the classic ladder design with chrome towel rails, to stylish coloured towel radiators, you can find the best radiators for bathrooms, utility rooms and more here.
Vita Plan Concept radiator
Designer Radiators
If your home needs stylish, contemporary radiators that push the limits of home heating design, our designer radiators will cover all options. Choose from flat front panel radiators to stunning anthracite grey radiators and much more that will turn the humble radiator into a wall feature that easily stands out.
Space-Saving Radiators
Limited space in a certain room? Look no further than space-saving radiators that are designed to work as efficiently as possible in smaller rooms. Including both vertical and horizontal radiator styles, these can be ideal as kitchen radiators or in rooms with lots of existing units or furniture.

Radiator Materials

Ever considered what the best radiators are made from? There are 4 types of metal used:

Standard Steel Radiators

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The most common material used for radiators is steel, thanks to its strong, anti-corrosive properties. Standard steel radiators are an affordable option that provides reliable and efficient heating, suitable for various heating systems and available in a range of sizes and designs.

Stainless Steel Radiators

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Stainless steel radiators are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, with stainless steel towel radiators a popular choice. They offer a sleek and modern appearance, with excellent heat conductivity, providing long-lasting performance.

Aluminium Radiators

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Aluminium radiators are lightweight, efficient, and offer rapid heat-up times. They have high heat conductivity, allowing for efficient heat distribution. However, they will cool down faster than steel radiator options.

Cast Iron Radiators

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Cast iron radiators feature a classic design and are robust heating options. They have a high heat retention capacity, providing long-lasting warmth even after the heating is turned off, however, they do take longer to heat up and are heavy. Cast iron column radiators provide a traditional and vintage aesthetic appeal.

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Stelrad Flat Concept Radiator 02

What Size Radiator Do I Need?

If you have decided on the style of radiator, what size will you need? This is an important consideration for the room along with the BTU rating.

What is a BTU rating?

The British Thermal Unit (BTU) will help you decide which is the right size radiator for your room. You can use a radiator size calculator to determine the correct dimensions but will also need to know the BTU rating, telling you how much heat it will produce. Each radiator will have this rating, with 1 watt of energy equivalent to 3.41 BTUs, but to make this easier, you can use a BTU heat loss calculator to help.

If you want to work out the best radiators to heat a certain room in your home, the BTU rating will guide you. There are a few features of your room that will determine what the rating will be:

  • The size of the room.
  • The number of external walls.
  • The quality of the insulation the room has.
  • The number of windows and doors it has, including the size and type.

As a guide, a small room without any windows will require a radiator with a lower BTU when compared to a large, spacious room with windows, such as a living room. Considering heat loss from a room is crucial so that you can choose the right radiator every time, something our BTU calculator will help determine.

What size radiator
are you looking for?

How Many Radiators Do I Need?

It’s a good question and an important one to answer to ensure you have the correct number of radiators per room. The best way to decide this is to find out the BTU requirement the room needs, so if you are looking for the perfect bathroom radiator or hallway radiator, you’ll know which to consider and which to avoid.

If you can’t find the exact radiator with the BTU rating you need, it’s recommended to choose one with a higher rating rather than a lower one. This way, you’ll still be able to efficiently heat the room and be able to turn it down if required. If you are seeking radiators for large rooms, depending on the layout, you may want more than one to help heat the room effectively. Having one radiator with a high BTU rating may not be enough for bigger rooms, so once you know the BTU rating you need for the room, you can have multiple radiators if you need to that meet this requirement. With so many designs to choose from, you can then match your favourite radiator styles and have more than one if you want to.

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Radiator Replacement

Replacing a radiator isn’t as daunting as you might think, with a radiator replacement easy to install with its included brackets and instructions. You can fit most Stelrad radiators yourself if you’re confident to do so, but by all means, contact your local plumber if you are unsure or need some help.

Here are a few helpful tips when looking at how to replace a radiator:

How to tell if a radiator needs replacing?

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There are a few signs that indicate a radiator may need replacing, so look at for any of the following:

  • If the radiator is not heating up properly or only partially, even after bleeding and balancing, it could be a sign of internal blockages or corrosion.
  • Rusty patches or visible leaks on the radiator will also indicate there is potential damage that may require replacement sooner rather than later. It may just require a valve replacement if leaking in this area.
  • If your utility bills have increased without increased radiator usage, replacing it with a more efficient model could improve heating performance and energy efficiency, helping you save money.
  • Whilst some strange noises are perfectly normal, such as gurgling from trapped air, if this increases even after bleeding the radiator, or you hear other unusual noises, you’ll need to investigate and possibly replace it.

Checking radiator pipework

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When inspecting radiator pipework, it is essential to look for signs of leaks, such as water stains or dampness around connections and valves. Examine the pipework for any signs of corrosion, such as rust or discoloured patches. Ensure that all valves, including the radiator valve and lockshield valve, are functioning properly and not leaking. If there are any signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks, you’ll need to address this before installing a new radiator.

If there are issues with the pipework, it may require repair or replacement by a qualified plumber or heating engineer to ensure the radiator operates effectively and safely. Depending on the style or size of the radiator, you may not be replacing like-for-like, so the pipework needs to fit. Pipes running along the wall will be easier to adjust compared to pipes under the floor, which will be a bigger job.

What to do before replacing a radiator

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Before replacing a radiator, it is essential to do the following:

  • Check the type of wall you want to install the radiator on as this will impact how you mount the radiator. For a stud wall, you’ll need to ensure the radiator is mounted to the wooden studs and not just the plasterboard which is weaker.
  • Depending on the type of wall, whether brick, stud work or masonry, you’ll want to ensure there are no existing issues and the weight of the radiator can be held.
  • Ensure you have calculated the BTU requirement for the room so that you can choose new radiators that are the correct size and have efficient heat output.

How long does it take to replace a radiator?

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This will depend on a number of things, including whether you have experienced replacing a radiator before or not. It may take a few hours to half a day or even longer, and this can be influenced by:

  • The complexity of the installation.
  • Accessibility of the pipework.
  • The need for any additional adjustments or repairs.
  • Draining and refilling the heating system.
  • Removing the old radiator and installing the new one.
  • Ensuring the necessary connections are all in place.

If you are unsure or not confident installing a radiator yourself, it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber or heating engineer for radiator replacement to ensure proper installation and to minimise any potential issues.

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Radiator Valves

What You Need To Know

a manual radiator valve

Manual Radiator Valves

Manual radiator valves are standard valves that allow manual control of the flow of hot water into a radiator. They typically have a simple on/off function, allowing you to manually adjust the heat output by opening or closing the valve.
White angle Valve

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

Thermostatic radiator valves, or TRVs, are equipped with a built-in temperature-sensitive sensor. Whilst also turned manually, they automatically regulate the flow of hot water into the radiator based on the desired room temperature. A TRV valve helps maintain a consistent temperature and allows you to control each radiator separately per room.
a smart radiator valve

Smart Radiator Valves

Smart radiator valves are connected devices that enable remote control and automation of your radiators. They can be controlled via smartphone apps or integrated into smart home systems using Wi-Fi. Smart valves provide convenience, allowing users to adjust heating schedules, monitor energy usage, and create personalised heating zones.
Chrome angle Valve

Lockshield Radiator Valves

Lockshield radiator valves are used to balance the flow of hot water between radiators on the same system. They are typically found on the opposite side of the radiator from the thermostatic valve. By adjusting the lockshield valve, the flow of water can be balanced to ensure even heat distribution across multiple radiators and multiple rooms.

Angled or Straight Radiator Valves?

You can choose both angled and straight radiator valves depending on the types of radiators you want to install. Knowing how the valve will be connected, whether wanting to install a TRV valve or a standard valve, is crucial. This will be determined by where the valve inlet is positioned on the radiator.

Side Connection – if your radiator has a side connection, the valves will enter it on both sides, usually close to the bottom.

Underside Connection – if it has an underside connection, you’ll find the valves will either enter from underneath, in the middle, or even at each end depending on its design.

Once you’ve established if your new radiators will have a side or underside connection, you can then easily work out whether you require straight or angled radiator valves to attach to your existing pipework. The difference between these is that angled radiator valves have a 90-degree angled design compared to straight valves, which can be more useful when installing.

  • If your radiator has side connections, it will require angled radiator valves, whether your existing pipes are coming up from the floor or coming out of the wall. It will also require these if it has an underside connection with the pipes coming out of the wall.
  • If your radiator has an underside connection with the existing pipes coming up from the floor, it’s best to use straight valves.

If you are unsure at all which is best to choose, check the radiator type you want to install and contact us for more advice. If you hire a plumber to install your radiator, they will know which valves are best to use for your particular installation.

Radiator Maintenance

Regular radiator maintenance will ensure your home heating will remain efficient. Although most of the time you can let them work without issue, sometimes you’ll need to check a few things and arrange a service to keep their smooth running consistent, just like with a car or boiler.

Bleed Radiators Periodically

It’s a good idea to check whether your radiators need bleeding to free any trapped air that can naturally occur. Doing so at least once a year should keep all of your radiators working normally, as the trapped air can stop them from heating efficiently. It’s simple to bleed a radiator too, meaning minimal effort if you notice any cold parts of the radiator or gurgling noises.

Arrange a Heating Service

Getting a professional to check your central heating system is always advisable as they can ensure your boiler is working properly and the system is working as it should. They can identify any problems before they get worse too. A Gas Safe Registered engineer visiting once a year is recommended.

Consider Power Flushing

This can be carried out less frequently than bleeding the radiators but is extremely effective at removing any sludge that builds up in your radiators and pipes over time. Power flushing can be done by a qualified plumber, and it’s recommended at intervals of 5 to 6 years.

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7 Considerations

What to Consider When Buying New Radiators

Buying radiators isn’t something you’ll do every day, so choosing wisely is important. Considering the different features and radiator styles is one thing, but choosing the best radiators for the room you need is just as crucial for ensuring you make a smart purchase.

Here are some of the key things to consider:

Aesthetics

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Consider the aesthetics and style of the radiator and choose a design that complements the room’s décor and meets your personal preferences. After all, buying radiators is an investment so if you decide to choose a radiator colour or design you’re not 100% happy with, you’ll more than likely have them for several years unless you replace them again, which can be expensive to do.

Also consider that trending styles and designs will come and go, so you may want to choose radiators that are more neutral – there’s a reason why classic white radiators are still so popular!

Location

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When it comes to the positioning of your new radiators, you’ll want to assess the available space, including the wall dimensions and floor clearance, to ensure the radiator fits properly. This is important if going for a different orientation, such as a vertical column radiator. Consider installing in the coldest part of the room which traditionally would be by a window. However, the efficiency of modern windows means this isn’t always correct.

You’ll also want to consider if it is an internal or outside wall too, as outer walls will be colder and heat will be absorbed, plus the type of wall it is. Outer walls tend to be brick or masonry which are solid and strong enough to hold a radiator, whereas internal walls may be stud work so will need brackets to be positioned properly by the wooden studs. If the room has lots of furniture, you’ll want to install the radiator where it can work best without being blocked.

Heat Output

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Calculate the required heat output for the room. This needs to be based on its size, insulation, and room features so that you choose the correct BTU rating on your new radiators. The easiest way to do this is by using a heat loss calculator that will do the hard work for you. All you have to do is enter the details of the room, and it will recommend the BTU rating best for that room, making it much easier for you to select the best radiators for the job. Choosing a radiator that doesn’t have the right BTU can lead to inefficient performance and higher energy bills.

Heating Elements

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You can choose to add an electric heating element to a plumbed radiator so that you have the option to turn it on without having to turn on your central heating system. This will turn it into a dual-fuel radiator that gives you both options. This can be a good choice for some types of radiators in rooms you don’t use as much as others, for example, a classic towel radiator.

You can usually choose from 4 different heating elements depending on what you require. These are:

  • Fixed temperature – controlled via a wall switch, they stay at a consistent fixed temperature when turned on.
  • Thermostatic – a thermostatic element that provides flexible heating that adjusts to the temperature of the room.
  • Low surface temperature – if you need the surface of your radiator to not get too hot, a low surface temperature element can be a safer option if you have children, ideal at home or in environments that require safety radiators.
  • Smart element – adding a modern twist to heating elements, a smart element can be controlled through your tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

Radiator Balancing

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Crucial for optimal heating performance, ensuring the radiators in the system are properly balanced will help to distribute heat evenly throughout the home. Consider the compatibility of the new radiator with the existing heating system and the ease of balancing, so that you can ensure continued, even use. If your radiators were already balanced but you are now adding an additional radiator to the system, such as in an extension, you’ll need to adjust again. You can do this yourself by checking each radiator, but you can arrange for a plumber to do this for you for peace of mind.

Energy Efficiency

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How energy efficient your radiator is should always be considered, as you’ll want to ensure you choose a radiator that won’t cause your bills to increase unnecessarily. Look for energy-efficient models that will also match your room’s BTU requirements, and have features that make it simple to adjust the temperature. This can also be helped by choosing TRV valves on all of your new radiators.

Budget

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Lastly, your budget requirements are important as some radiator styles will be more budget-friendly than others. You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive radiator to benefit from efficient heating performance and stunning design. Decide on your budget that also considers how many radiators you need, and stick to this so that you don’t spend more than you are willing to.

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Radiator Accessories – Do You Need Them?

Now that you have your new radiators, is there anything else you might need?
Fortunately, there are many useful radiator accessories that can help improve both their function and aesthetics.

Vita Ultra Blue with Bar LR angled
Additional Towel Rails
Additional towel rails are radiator accessories that can be attached to your existing radiators, providing extra space to hang towels or other items you may need to dry or store. They are commonly used in bathrooms or kitchens to help maximise the functionality of the radiator, whilst adding an aesthetic change you may prefer.
Side Panels
Radiator side panels are attachments that cover the sides of a radiator. They enhance the appearance by concealing the pipework and brackets, giving the radiator a neater and more finished look that you may prefer, boosting the overall aesthetic of the radiator.
Top Grilles
As decorative covers are placed on the top of a radiator, top grilles can be the ideal finishing touch. A radiator grille is designed to enhance the aesthetics of the radiator while protecting against accidental contact with hot surfaces. When used alongside side panels, they can square off your radiator which may look neater on the wall.
A radiator with a wooden cover in a bedroom
Radiator Covers
Radiator covers are full enclosures that are designed to fit over the radiator,. They can enhance the appearance of the radiator, provide additional surface area for display, and help direct heat flow into the room rather than towards the wall.
Radiator Paint
Radiator paint is a type of heat-resistant paint specifically formulated for radiators. It allows you to refresh or change the colour of your radiators, providing a fresh and updated look while maintaining heat efficiency. However, we recommend you choose a coloured radiator so that you won’t have to resort to painting it.
Top Tips

Radiator Buying Tips

How to Measure a Radiator

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It’s a crucial part of the radiator buying process, so knowing the exact measurements you need is one of the first considerations you’ll need to make. If you are simply wanting to replace a radiator like for like that is the same size and orientation, you need to:

  • Measure your existing radiator in millimetres (mm).
  • Measure the height, from the floor to the top.
  • Measure the width, from one end to the other.
  • Measure the distance between the left and right pipe, from the centre of each.
  • Measure the distance between the wall to the centre of the pipe.

Removing a Radiator

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Before removing a radiator from the wall, turn off the central heating system and allow the radiator to cool first. If need be, ask someone to help you as the radiator may be heavier than it looks.

  • Place towels or a bucket beneath the valves to catch any water that may drain out.
  • Close the radiator valve and lockshield valve.
  • Use an adjustable wrench/spanner or radiator key to loosen the connections, starting with the lockshield valve.
  • Once disconnected, carefully lift the radiator off the brackets or wall brackets.
  • Be prepared for any remaining water in the radiator to spill, so have towels or a bucket ready.

How to Clean a Radiator

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To clean a radiator, start by turning off the central heating system and allowing the radiator to cool completely. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove dust and debris from the radiator’s surface and fins.

For stubborn dirt or grime, mix a mild detergent with warm water and gently wipe the radiator using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the radiator’s finish. Finally, wipe the radiator dry with a clean cloth to prevent watermarks or corrosion.

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FAQs

Information About Our Products

What type of radiator gives out the most heat?

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The type of radiator that gives out the most heat is a triple panel, triple convector radiator, commonly known as a type 33 radiator. It has three panels and three sets of fins or convectors, allowing for increased heat output when compared to single-panel radiators.

What type of radiator is the safest?

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The safest type of radiator is typically a low-temperature radiator, often referred to as a low surface temperature (LST) radiator. These radiators are designed with a safe to touch cover which doesn’t exceed 43 degrees whilst  providing sufficient heat output. We have a whole range of energy-efficient radiators you can browse as well as LST radiators.

What is the difference between type 21 and type 22 radiators?

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There are differences between type 21 and type 22 radiators, and this relates to their construction and heat output capabilities. A type 21 radiator consists of a single panel and a single set of fins or convectors, whilst a type 22 radiator has two panels and two sets of fins or convectors. This means you’ll find type 22 radiators have a higher heat output than type 21 radiators, making them more beneficial for larger rooms.

Do you need a plumber to change a radiator?

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Your new radiators will come complete with an installation guide making them simple to fit without the need to hire a plumber. This includes the brackets to attach to your wall. We also have some helpful video guides showing you how to install on our YouTube channel. Of course, if you do not feel confident with installation, you can arrange for a plumber to help you do this.

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