Radiators

Radiator size is measured in BTU - British Thermal Units, the amount of heat a radiator gives out each hour. The bigger and colder the room, the higher the BTU you need. 

As a guide, 1,000 BTU is around 293 watts. 

Ceiling height, window size and the direction a room faces all impact the size you’ll need. Our BTU calculator does the maths for you in under a minute. 

Shape matters as much as size. 

The best radiator isn’t always the largest one. Choosing a shape that works with your room layout can help you make better use of the space while still achieving the heat output you need. 

Narrow wall, or behind a door? A vertical radiator uses height rather than width, making the most of tall, narrow spaces. 

Under a window, or along a long wall? A low-level horizontal radiator sits neatly without crowding the room. 

Radiators work with one of three heating systems. The right option depends on how your home is set up and how you prefer to control the heat. 

Central heating radiators connect to your existing boiler and circulate hot water through a closed pipe network. This is the most common setup in UK homes and the usual choice for heating a whole house at once. 

Electric radiators offer room-by-room heating without pipework or boiler dependency, making them ideal for extensions, garden rooms, conservatories and homes without gas. 

Dual fuel radiators connect to your central heating but also take an electric element, so you can run them on their own when the boiler is off. Most often chosen for towel rails and bathrooms. 

Not sure which fits? Most homes rely on central heating throughout, with electric radiators added in the rooms that sit outside the main system. 

Panel radiators are the most common type in UK homes. The number of panels and convector fins decides how much heat you get from the same width of wall. 

Single panel (Type 11) - one panel with one set of convector fins. Slim and space-efficient, making it well suited to smaller rooms or as a secondary heat source. 

Double panel plus (Type 21) - two panels with one set of fins between them. Greater heat output than a Type 11, while keeping a slimmer profile than a Type 22. 

Double panel (Type 22) - two panels with two sets of fins. A popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms. 

Triple panel (Type 33) - three panels and three sets of fins. The most heat available from the wall space, for large or hard-to-heat rooms. 

Beyond panel radiators, you’ll also find designer, column, vertical, horizontal and traditional styles. Each offers something different depending on your space - explore the style tiles above to find your fit. 

The material a radiator is made from affects how quickly it warms up, how long it holds heat once the system is off, and how much it weighs. 

Mild steel - Favoured for its design flexibility and performance, this core material and the basis of most panel, designer and column collections in the BestHeating range. 

Aluminium - heats up faster than steel and weighs considerably less, making it particularly suitable for plasterboard walls. Naturally resistant to corrosion. 

Cast iron - slower to warm up, but exceptional at retaining heat once the heating system has been switched off. Heavy, characterful and built for longevity. 

Cast iron style - delivers the appearance of a traditional cast iron radiator using lighter steel or aluminium construction, making wall mounting much more practical. 

Over 50 finishes are available, from Pearl White and Anthracite Grey through to Brushed Brass, Deep-Sea Blue and Sage Leaf Green. It’s easier to find a radiator that feels considered within the room, rather than simply added to it. Browse by colour and finish