Choosing a radiator comes down to four things: the heat output the room needs, the space you have, the style you like and how it will connect to your heating system. This guide takes you through the first three. If you would rather talk it through, call us on 01226 369631, Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 17:00, or email sales@radiators.co.uk.
1. Work out the heat output you need
Every room needs a certain amount of heat to feel comfortable. Radiator heat output is shown in BTU per hour (BTU/h) or in watts; 1 watt is about 3.412 BTU/h.
Our BTU calculator gives a quick estimate. Enter the size of the room in feet or metres, the type of room, and whether it is south-facing and double glazed. A few tips:
- The result is an estimate. For an exact figure, ask your heating engineer for a heat-loss calculation.
- In a larger room you may need more than one radiator to reach the total, for example one under each window.
- When you compare radiators, compare them at the same test condition (ΔT), so you are comparing like with like. If anything is unclear, call us before you order.
2. Choose a type of radiator
Panel radiators
Panel radiators are the everyday choice for most homes: flat steel panels, often with convector fins behind them. They come in single, double and triple panel versions, with or without fins. Adding panels and fins generally gives more heat from the same height and width, but makes the radiator deeper. Names such as K2, P+ and Type 22 describe these configurations; our Radiator Terms Explained page lists each one.
Column radiators
Column radiators have a traditional look, built from rows of vertical tubes. They come in steel and cast iron, in 2, 3, 4 and 6 column builds, and in horizontal and vertical styles to suit period and modern rooms alike. The number of columns sets the depth of the radiator.
Designer radiators
Designer radiators are for rooms where the radiator is part of the design, with flat panels, tubes and unusual shapes in a range of finishes. Heat output varies a lot between designs of a similar size, so check the output on each product page against the figure you need.
Towel radiators
Towel radiators (also called towel rails or towel warmers) warm and dry towels in bathrooms, en suites and kitchens. Towels hanging on the rail hold back some of the heat from the room, so if the towel radiator is the only heat source in a bathroom, check that its output covers the room. Towel radiators come in central heating, electric and dual fuel versions.
Shop towel radiators or see dual fuel and electric options.
Vertical radiators
Vertical radiators are tall and narrow. They make good use of wall space where there is little width to spare, such as beside a door, in an alcove or on a chimney breast. You will find vertical models among our designer and column radiators.
Electric radiators
Electric radiators run from your electricity supply rather than your central heating, so they can go where pipework does not reach, such as an extension, a conservatory or a garden room.
LST radiators
LST stands for low surface temperature. If you are buying for a nursery, school, care home or similar setting, ask your heating engineer or the building's specifier whether LST radiators are required, then call us and we will help you choose a model.
3. Measure your space
Measure in millimetres and write the figures down before you start browsing. Our product listings show each radiator's height and width in millimetres.
- Width: the wall space available. Remember that the valves stick out at each side, so the total installed width is wider than the radiator itself.
- Height: from the floor to anything above, such as a windowsill or a shelf. Allow for the gap your installer wants underneath.
- Depth: how far the radiator can stand out from the wall without getting in the way of furniture, curtains or a door.
- Obstacles: sockets, light switches, skirting boards, door swings and window openings.
Replacing an existing radiator
If you are swapping an old radiator for a new one, also measure:
- Pipe centres: the distance from the centre of one pipe to the centre of the other. A new radiator that matches your existing pipe centres can save your installer from altering the pipework.
- Where the pipes come from: up through the floor or out of the wall.
Check the connection details on the product page. If they are not listed, call us with the product name and we will check for you.
4. Pick a finish
Many ranges come in white, anthracite, chrome and other finishes. Made-to-order sizes and finishes take longer to arrive (see our Shipping policy) and cannot be returned unless faulty (see our Returns and Refunds policy), so call us to check the lead time before you order.
Need a size or colour you cannot see? Browse bespoke radiators or send us the size, colour and heat output you want through our contact form.
5. Valves, brackets and electric options
Which valves, brackets and fixings you need depends on your pipework, your walls and the radiator you choose, and electric and dual fuel models have their own requirements. Rather than guess, call us on 01226 369631 and tell us which radiator you are looking at and where your pipes come from, and we will advise. You can browse valves and parts in Radiator Accessories and radiators bundled with valves in Pack Deals.
6. Delivery, returns and booking your installer
- Delivery charges and lead times are on our Deliveries & Returns page and in our Shipping policy. Lead times vary by brand.
- Please do not book an installer until you have received your goods and checked them.
- Check everything as soon as it arrives. If anything is damaged, contact us within 14 days of receiving it.
- You have a 14-day right to cancel. Our Returns and Refunds policy explains how to return an item.
Still not sure?
Our team can help you choose. Call 01226 369631, Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 17:00, email sales@radiators.co.uk or use our contact form. It helps to have the room size, the measurements of your space and, if you are replacing a radiator, the pipe centres to hand.