Buying a radiator online can be daunting.
There are a lot of things to consider before purchasing a new radiator for your home.
The size, shape and heat output are all important factors in selecting the best radiator to purchase.
And, on top of that, there’s the style, material and finish to think about too.
So, buying a new radiator isn’t something to take lightly.
To help, we’ve created this updated guide on how to buy a radiator to help you make the BestHeating choice for your home.
How to buy your new radiator
In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying a radiator online.
Follow the steps below to help you on your way to purchasing a new radiator.
Step 1 – Determine the size of radiator you need
The first step on your journey to a new radiator, is to understand the size of radiator you need.
Your radiator’s size depends on the size and type of room you will be heating.
A larger room will obviously need a larger radiator (or perhaps more than one), while a smaller room is going to require a smaller radiator.
The process of determining your radiator size involves measuring the height, width and length of your chosen room.
Those figures, alongside other factors like the type of walls you have, and what is above and below the room, can all impact the size of the radiator you need.
When you have all the information, make use of our online BTU Calculator to help you find the required heat output for that space.
For extra help on understanding the required BTUs for your new radiator or towel rail –
check out our ultimate guide to calculating heat output for your home
Step 2 – Choose the type of radiator
There are several types of radiator to choose from to heat the different rooms of your home.
The type of radiator you choose will depend on your heating needs and your personal preference.
To help you to buy the perfect radiator, check out the different radiator types below.
Panel radiators
Panel radiators are probably the most common type of domestic radiator.
They are available in single, double and double-panel-plus varieties – each of which offer a little more in terms of heat output than the next.
The numbers on the graphics above indicate the number of panels and the number of convector fins that the radiators feature.
Though they may look very similar, the radiators below are very different.
The first – a Type 11 convector – offers around 3,000 BTUs, while the third – a Type 22 – offers almost twice the heat output, at 5,500.
Milano Compact – Type 11 Single Panel Radiator – 400mm x 1000mm
Milano Compact – Type 21 Double Panel Plus Radiator – 400mm x 1000mm
Milano Compact – Type 22 Double Panel Radiator – 400mm x 1000mm
Panel radiators are relatively inexpensive, reliable and consistent in their heat output.
If you’re looking for a functional, affordable radiator, you won’t go far wrong with one of these.
For more insight into the different types of panel radiators –
pay a visit to our convector radiator guide.
Column radiators
Column radiators are usually more traditional in their design.
They consist of a series of vertical tubes instead of a panel.
You can find both traditional and contemporary column radiators at BestHeating.
For more modern column radiators, you should browse our designer radiators category.
These modern radiators are great for contemporary living spaces, like loft apartments.
Conversely, period-style traditional column radiators are ideal for restoration projects and more vintage look properties.
Learn all about column radiator efficiency in our column radiator guide
Towel radiators
Towel radiators are typically used in bathrooms and contain rails to hang towels on.
Not entirely the same as a heated towel rail – which is specifically designed to hold towels – towel radiators look just like other radiators in your home, but come equipped with a rail for your towel to sit on.
Step 3 – Select the perfect radiator material
“They’re made of metal!” I hear you say.
Well, yes, radiators are usually made of metal.
But, there are different types of metals that a radiator can be made from – each with varying advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some common radiator materials and their key benefits.
Steel radiators
Steel is the most common radiator material in the UK and definitely the most affordable.
At BestHeating, unless otherwise stated on the product pages, all our standard radiator designs are made from mild steel.
Steel is durable, easy to maintain, and great at emitting heat, making it one of the best all round materials for radiators and towel rails.
Aluminium radiators
Aluminium radiators are lightweight and offer excellent heat conductivity.
They heat up quickly and are very energy efficient, but they are also more expensive than steel radiator designs.
You can learn more about the heating properties of aluminum radiators in our aluminum radiator guide.
Cast iron radiators
Probably the most durable and enduring radiator material, cast iron radiator will last for many years.
The heaviest of the radiator materials you can choose from, cast iron takes a while to reach its top temperature, but will retain heat much longer than steel and aluminum.
Discover how cast iron radiator designs can make an impression in your home, by visiting our guide to modern cast iron radiators.
Step 4 – Consider the style of your radiator
Radiators come in many different styles, from modern to traditional.
Choosing a radiator that fits the style of your home can help to enhance its overall appearance.
Modern radiators are often sleek and minimalist in design, while traditional radiators can be more ornate and decorative.
Modern
Traditional
Which style radiator you choose to buy is down to your own tastes and needs.
If you have a modern home, there is nothing stopping you from opting for a more traditional design should you want it.
While adding a modern radiator to a period property can also help to enhance the space in ways you may not have previously thought.
Step 5 – Choose your radiator’s colour
You may already have a color in mind for your new radiator, and that’s great!
But, have you considered changing things up a bit and making your heating “cooler”?
At BestHeating, we have a broad collection of coloured designer radiators that can help you to add a touch of glamour to any space.
From white to black and everything in between, you are no longer tied to basic radiator colours.
You can mix and match, contrast with wall colours and get really creative in whatever way you like.
But, if you do want a white radiator for a classic style, we have plenty of white radiators to choose from too!
Not sure if a coloured radiator is for you?
Take our colour personality test to find out which radiator color suits you best!
Step 6 – Remember energy-efficient features
When choosing a radiator, it is important to look for energy-efficient features, such as thermostatic radiator valves and heat output controls.
These features can help to reduce your energy bills and ensure that your radiator is operating at peak efficiency.
For more info on how to optimise your home’s heating, check out our guide on radiator efficiency and performance.
Step 7 – Be sure to buy from a reputable supplier
We are not the only online radiator supplier.
However, you will benefit from expert advice, industry-leading product guarantees and award-winning customer service.
So, although you may have heard about other radiator outlets, why go anywhere else for your radiator fix, when we have it all at BestHeating?
A quick recap about how to buy a radiator
So let’s have a quick recap on how to buy a radiator –
- Calculate your BTU output needs
- Choose the type of radiator you want (panel, column, towel, etc)
- Select the material you want your radiator to be made of (steel, aluminium, cast iron)
- Decide on your radaitor style (modern or traditional?)
- Mix and match your radiator colour
- Check for energy saving extras
- Buy it from BestHeating!
Now you know how to buy a radiator, all that’s left to do is go and choose the one you want!
We call it – “heating made cooler” – and so should you!
Additional radiator buying resources
For extra help in buying your new radiator, click on the links below.
The BestHeating radiator buying guide – our super in-depth guide on every radiator type and how to buy them at BestHeating (think of it as an extension to this guide you’re reading now!).
The top 5 vertical central heating radiators – an article exploring our favorite five vertical central heating radiators from the BestHeating collection.
Why purchase a bench radiator – join us as we explore this practical and stylish, alternative heating solution.
Vertical or horizontal radiators – Which is right for you? – our take on whether you should choose a vertical or a horizontal radiator for your chosen room.
