Are you curious about the different types of radiators available for your home?
If you’re in the market for new radiators, but don’t know what’s out there and need a better idea of your options first, you’re not alone.
Just like boilers, there’s an array of different radiators and subsections on offer – you just have to know where to look.
As an experienced heating engineer who’s installed countless radiators in over 20 years serving the Edinburgh area, I’m going to tell you more about the different types of radiators available – and provide you with some key advice.
1. White pressed steel panel radiators
These are the industry standard, suitable for all homes. In fact, 90% of my customers opt for these! The most important thing to remember with white pressed steel radiators is that we always put the height first, and the length second.
White pressed steel radiators come in the following varieties:
- Single panel
- Single panel with fins
- Double panel with one set of fins
- Double panel with two sets of fins
- Triple panel with three sets of fins
You can also get them with or without grilles and side panels. Round top radiators are another option, which can be visually quite pleasing.
TIP: To learn more, read about the pros and cons of white pressed steel panel radiators in my recent blog.
2. Column tubular radiators
When people refer to column/tubular radiators, they’re usually talking about a modern take on the old-fashioned column radiators. They’re usually manufactured with steel or aluminium. This style of radiator is most popular in white, but they can actually be specified in numerous colours.
They can be wall-hung or fitted with separately specified feet – whichever suits you.
3. Column cast iron radiators
These are heavy, indestructible radiators. They come as standard with a primer finish ready to paint. You can special order them in many different colours, too!
The biggest thing to remember about column cast iron radiators is that they usually come in sections, and have to be assembled together due to the sheer weight of them. I’d say these are best suited to older, traditional properties.
As they take longer to heat up and cool down, they still emit heat when the boiler has gone off for up to an hour. They’re great to have around an old, draughty property. They also come in many different styles and finishes.
TIP: Because of the style of these, you may want to also invest in some authentic-looking valves (like a brass or pewter finish) so that they fit right in with your new radiators.
4. Designer radiators
Designer radiators are anything that doesn’t fall into the category above. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they can look very sleek and fashionable in your home – just like an ornament or picture. In fact, they’re particularly popular at the moment, but it’s wise to bear in mind that they typically don’t give out the same heat as standard radiators.
You can check out my blog ‘Do Designer Radiators Give the Same Heat as Traditional Ones?‘ for a better idea of why you might want to think very carefully before ordering designer radiators. And if you do, be sure that you’re ordering the correct heat output for your home.
5. Heated towel rails
Although heated towel rails technically aren’t radiators, they’re functional and efficient for having in your bathroom, shower room or en suite. There are so many different types, sizes and styles of towel rails to choose from that you’d never be stuck finding something you didn’t like.
And let’s not forget their main purpose – providing you with plenty of space to hang your towels and allowing them to dry faster. They’re great for that!
Advice from an experienced engineer
Feeling unsure of what you need? Try going online to sites such as:
These sites are great for opening your eyes up to what’s out there – and there are some really fabulous choices! I particularly recommend the radiatorcompany.co.uk as there’s a vast choice if you want something a bit special. I’ve personally used all three of these companies for different radiators and specifications I’ve wanted.
I had a client in West Lothian who was an architect, and we initially quoted for standard radiators. However, he asked me how much extra it’d be for column-style. We priced it on the modern column tubular radiators; eight in white and two in graphite grey. We specifically ordered pewter type valves for the grey, which when fitted looked a lot better.
He also specifically wanted 300mm radiators with small, chunky feet on them, as the radiators were eight columns deep and were to sit in the window area. They were very nice, and he researched and specified all of this himself. He knew he had to get the sizes just right, as we didn’t want to be waiting six weeks for the wrong ones!
Conclusion
Thanks for reading. Hopefully this blog has given you a better idea of some of your options. When it comes to buying new radiators, you don’t have to be stuck with – well, anything! The choice is completely yours. Just be sure to correctly measure your home’s heat outputs, and that you leave enough space for the valves!
Do you have any questions about any of the options above? If so, feel free to drop me a comment below. I’m always around to help!
