Ekos Aluminium Designer Radiator in Black

Which radiator type heats up quickly?

Written by
Nick Duggan

As winter approaches, it’s essential that your home is well-equipped for cold weather. And that means having a radiator that will keep your rooms warm and toasty. One of the major deciding factors when choosing the right radiator is how quickly and efficiently it heats your space.

Factors affecting heating speed

What factors influence how quickly radiators heat up?

Size of the radiator: The size of a radiator might impact the speed at which it heats up. Larger radiators might contain a lot of water which will take longer to heat up. However, the larger the radiator, the greater the likelihood that it has a lot more surface area, which allows for it to release heat quicker into a space.
Material used in construction: Some materials, such as aluminium, are better conductors of heat than others. Aluminium is an excellent thermal conductor and has the ability to heat up very quickly. Cast iron might be considered the opposite, being denser and with greater thermal mass. Cast iron radiators will take longer to get hot, but will retain the heat longer than conventional steel radiators.
Design and shape: Radiator design and shape can also affect the speed a room might heat up. For example, the more fins and ribs a radiator has the the more surface area cooler air can be drawn passed in order to be heated. Some energy efficient radiators have a mass of hidden fins or convectors designed to achieve just that.
Heating technology: Convection radiators primarily rely on heating the air around them, which then ‘convects’ around the room. Alternatively, ‘radiant radiators’ use infra-red to heat objects directly, rather than the air. So when sitting in front of a radiant panel you might get warm very quickly, but move to the side away from the infra-red rays and it might start to feel cold. without heating the air in between.

Versatile Flat Panel Designer Horizontal Steel Panel Radiator in RAL 9016

Radiator types that heat up quickly

Convection radiators

How do convection radiators work?

With a convection or ‘convector’ radiator, the hot water is circulated through tubes or panels which are surrounded by small fins to increase the surfaces that will also heat up. Cooler air is drawn up through the bottom of the radiator, passing by the convectors and warming as it goes. This air will continue to rise and circulate around the room until it cools sufficiently to, once again, repeat the process.

Pros and cons of convection radiators

Pros

Can be considered more energy efficient than some other styles
Quicker (especially if made from aluminium) to get the room up to temperature
Limited residual heat
Can be cheap to buy

Cons

Can be consider quite boring when compared to some designer radiator style.
Might need to be very large if installed on a heat pump.
Can accumulate dust

Essential towel rail in RAL6005 dark green shown in bathroom against pale green tiles and pink wall

Traditional steel horizontal radiator in white shown against yellow paintwork

Jaga Strada Efficiency Radiator in standard white under window by gold table lamp

Vasco Niva E-Panel Electric Panel Radiator in RAL 9016

Radiant radiators

How do radiant radiators work?

Radiant radiators generate heat internally which is transmitted as waves of infra-red heat. Surfaces in the path of the waves, such as furniture and walls, will start to feel warm. A similar effect is felt sitting when in front of an open fire. Over time, the radiant energy is absorbed by objects in the room and reflected on to other surfaces, in theory, heating up the whole space.

Pros and cons of radiant radiators

Pros

Doesn’t distribute allergens e.g. dust
Focuses the heat on specific areas first, before heating up the rest of a space.
Unlike normal radiators, some infra-red heaters can be fitted to the ceiling so freeing up lots of wall space.

Cons

Purchase costs might be high.
Difficult to judge how effective they might be
Limited to certain spaces

Best radiators for heat output

So which radiators actually have will heat up the quickest?

Aluminium radiators are considered some of the best radiators for rapidly producing a lot of heat from a relatively small size. Consider the vertical Bryce or the Dubal for fast heat up times.

Steel radiators will take slightly longer, but will come in a larger variety of interesting styles and finishes, so consider these if you are after something different. Our range of vertical designer radiators provide a wide range of options.

Stainless steel radiators are also good heat conductors and heat up relatively quickly – definitely a lot faster than cast iron radiators. And they can also retain heat quite well.

Traditional cast iron radiators will take longer to heat up so if using them in bedrooms be prepared to have your heating come on earlier so all your rooms are ready when you get up.

Its important to check the stated heat output for the radiator meets the rooms requirements by using our heat calculator.

Tips for choosing the right radiator

Consider the specific heating needs of your space – use our Heat Calculator to estimate how much heat your room needs.
Evaluate the size and design of the radiator – choose a radiator that will complement the size of your room as well as the décor of your home.
Consider energy efficiency heating – investing in an energy-efficient radiator might save you money on gas bills.

Use proper installation – radiators should be installed by a qualified professional to ensure safety and proper installation.

Cordivari Cream Arianna Vertical radiator in bedroom

Bronze traditional radiator shown with cosy chair in period home

White traditional radiator shown in tranquil bedroom with period features.

Find the best radiators for heat output

As the weather gets colder, you’ll want to invest in your central heating. Luckily, we stock some of the UK’s best radiators and efficient heating solutions for a cosy home.

Browse our selection of radiators or get in touch with us for more advice on selecting the perfect radiator.

View our radiator styles