Column
Radiators
Classic styling with versatile heat output.
BUYING GUIDE
The Radiator
The Radiator
Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing the right radiator for your home, from styles and sizes to heat output, materials and finishes.
1.
Things to check
Things to check
before buying
A quick checklist to make sure you choose the right radiator for your home.
Heat output
Sufficient BTU
for your room.
Dimensions
Will it fit your
wall space?
Pipe connections
Are the connections
compatible?
Heating system
Suitable for your
setup?
Colour and finish
Does it suit
your interior?
Installation
Will pipework
need changes?
2.
Choose your
Choose your
radiator style
Radiators come in a variety of designs, each with different benefits depending on your space and heating needs.
Column
Designer
Radiators
Stylish and modern designs for any room.
Vertical
Radiators
Ideal for narrow walls and smaller spaces.
Horizontal
Radiators
Versatile and perfect for under windows.
Towel Rails
Practical bathroom heating with space for towels.
Electric
Radiators
Independent heating for any room.
3.
Get the size
Get the size
right
The right size radiator needs to fit your available wall space and provide enough heat for your room.
Key measurements to consider
Height
Measure the available wall height.
Width
Check the width between walls, windows or furniture.
Depth
Allow room for valves and brackets.
Pipe centres
Check existing connections if replacing a radiator.
4.
Understand
Understand
BTU output
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures a radiator's heat output. The amount you need depends on your room size, insulation, glazing and exposure.
Use our BTU calculatorNot sure what you need?
Our BTU Calculator & Heating Guide helps you estimate the right heat output for your room.
5.
Materials, colours
Materials, colours
and finishes
The material, colour and finish can affect a radiator's appearance, responsiveness, durability and suitability for your heating system.
Explore colours and finishes
Aluminium
Lightweight, fast to heat up and available in modern designs.
Steel
Durable and versatile, with a wide range of styles and sizes.
Cast Iron
Classic styling with substantial heat retention.
White
Black
Anthracite
Chrome
Brass
Bronze
Matt
Gloss
6.
Heating systems
Heating systems
and valves
Choose the right heating option and valves for your installation.
Central heating
Connects to your existing wet heating system.
Electric
Independent heating for rooms without pipework.
Dual fuel
For flexibility — works with central heating and an electric element on compatible models.
Radiator valves
Choose from thermostatic, manual, angled or straight valves in a range of finishes.
Shop radiator valves
HELP & ADVICE
Frequently asked
Frequently asked
questions
A few useful answers to common questions when choosing a new radiator.
How do I know what size radiator I need?
Start by calculating the heat output required for your room in BTU/hr. Then check the available wall space, including the radiator's height, width, depth and pipe connections. A radiator needs both sufficient heat output and suitable dimensions.
What does BTU mean?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. Radiator heat output is commonly expressed in BTU per hour. The higher the output, the more heat a radiator can deliver under the specified test conditions.
What does Delta T 50°C mean?
Delta T describes the difference between the radiator's average water temperature and the room temperature. Delta T 50°C is a common reference used to compare radiator heat outputs. Lower-temperature heating systems may produce less heat than the published Delta T 50°C figure.
Are aluminium radiators better than steel?
Both have advantages. Aluminium radiators are generally lightweight and respond quickly to temperature changes. Steel radiators are durable, widely available and offered in many designs. The best choice depends on your heating system, budget, style and required heat output.
Can I replace a horizontal radiator with a vertical one?
Often, yes, provided the replacement is suitable for your heating system and supplies enough heat. The pipework may need to be repositioned because the connection locations and radiator dimensions can differ.
What radiator valves do I need?
The valve configuration depends on where your pipes emerge and the radiator's connection positions. Straight, angled and corner valves serve different installation arrangements. You can also choose between manual and thermostatic controls where appropriate.
Can I use more than one radiator in a room?
Yes. Multiple radiators can share the room's heating requirement. Compare their combined heat output with the room's estimated BTU requirement, while considering placement, system capacity and installation requirements.