Buying a radiator is a big decision, so you want to ensure that you choose the right one for your space. There are several considerations when selecting the perfect radiator according to your heating needs and design style. With tons of options available, we’ve narrowed down some of the best radiator brands in the UK that are reputable, trustworthy and make excellent products.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Radiator
Heating Requirements
Before choosing a radiator, it’s extremely important to determine your heating requirements. In order to figure out how much heat you need, you will need to consider room size, insulation and heating preferences.
If you work from home, it’s likely that you turn off radiators in rooms you don’t use and instead need more heat in the room that you work in. So it would make sense for you to choose a high heat output radiator to satisfy your heating needs.
Style and Design
Previously, radiators have been seen purely as a functional part of a home needed to simply provide heating. But modern radiators are designed to suit your specific interior decor and add to the aesthetic appeal of your home.
There are various styles and types of radiators that accommodate both your heating needs and design preferences. From vertical radiators and horizontal radiators to traditional and contemporary radiators, you’re able to select the perfect designer radiator for your home.
Efficiency and Heat Output
Energy efficiency refers to how much energy a radiator uses to produce heat, while heat output refers to the amount of heat a radiator can produce. Both are important to consider when choosing a radiator brand as a more energy efficient radiator will use less energy to heat your home thereby saving you money on heating bills.
BTU (British Thermal Unit) or watts are units of heat used to measure the heating output of radiators in the UK and will give you a good indication of their efficiency and heat output.
Material and Build Quality
Radiator materials range from steel and aluminium to cast iron – all of which have their own pros and cons. Steel is a popular material for radiators as it’s strong, durable and relatively inexpensive. Aluminium is lightweight and corrosion resistant while cast iron is also durable and can efficiently distribute heat throughout a room.
When evaluating a radiator, it’s essential to consider the build quality, including thickness, welds and corrosion resistance, because a well-built radiator will last you much longer.
Overview of the Best Radiator Brands in the UK
Brand 1: The Radiator Centre
The Radiator Centre has been supplying high-quality radiators since 1999 and has become a leading supplier of a wide range of radiators. But the brand has also developed its own range of exclusive products including Column Radiators that come in stunning designs and colours.
The Spartan range consists of high quality cast iron radiators manufactured in Europe to achieve higher quality casting. With integral legs and in a variety of heights and lengths, the Spartan offers the opportunity to put cast iron radiators in previously narrow or tight areas of a room or corridor.
Another product offering is the Innovate radiator, an exclusive designer radiator that makes a bold and contemporary design statement in any space.
Brand 2: Livingstone
The Livingstone brand consists of exquisitely designed radiators that offer a minimalistic, sleek and modern look. Livingstone radiators are constructed from reconstituted marble powder, a by-product of the marble cutting process and these patented radiators offer some of the most innovative designs out there. And they are designed to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Each Livingstone radiator is hand-made using a ‘cold process’ throughout the time in production; from the combining of the powders to the 4/5 day drying process. This leads to lower energy consumption and a lower CO2 emission in the environment. As a result, at the end of its lifespan, the radiator can be crushed and recycled.
All Livingstone electric radiators and hybrid products have a control thermostat to ensure your home remains at a comfortable temperature and to avoid energy wastage.
Brand 3: Cordivari
As an Italian manufacturer established in 1972, Cordivari prides itself on adapting to market evolutions and embracing the philosophy of total quality from the selection of raw materials used up to processing and finishing. This way, Cordivari offers consistently high quality products that are both unique and functional.
The Cordivari radiators are designed to bring style and comfort to every room of your home. By combining technology and aesthetics, the brand offers a wide range of stylish radiators that can be seen as dramatic statement pieces. Cordivari offers premier designer and towel rails with cutting edge designs and innovative concepts. You will be able to choose from a stunning selection of horizontal and vertical radiators that will add a beautiful decorative element to your space.
Brand 4: Vasco
Vasco is an award-winning Belgium-based brand known as a market leader in bathroom radiators and a top manufacturer of designer radiators in Europe. Vasco believes that ‘design is the search for authenticity’ and this way of thinking has resulted in a sophisticated range of radiators with character and integrity.
Vasco prides itself on designing radiators that are contemporary yet maintain a timeless appeal. You will discover the most elaborate designs for any living space in a wide assortment of colours and heat delivery systems.
With modern technology and well thought-out, contemporary design, Vasco creates innovative radiators that can be integrated seamlessly into every interior. From bathrooms and living rooms to kitchens and office spaces, Vasco radiators can fit in anywhere, thanks to their sleek and natural design.
Brand 5: Jaga
Established in Belgium in 1962, Jaga has been at the forefront of energy efficient heating for many years. Jaga products include LST (low surface temperature) and are specially designed for use with heat pumps, fan-assisted dynamic heating and ventilation systems. The Jaga range is ideal for a number of spaces and industries from domestic use to offices, hotels, hospitals, public buildings and educational institutions.
Jaga radiators heat a room much faster than other radiators, maintain the temperature more precisely and as a result, reduces energy consumption.
Get expert advice on choosing the right radiator
With such a wide variety of radiator brands in the UK, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your central heating system. By considering factors such as your heating requirements and style and design preferences, you can get a better sense of what type of radiator you require. Visit our online store to shop by brand and explore some of the best radiator brands mentioned above.
Chat with us about your heating needs, and we’ll give you expert advice on the best radiator brands for you. You may also like to visit one of our radiator showrooms (Bristol, Leamington Spa, Clapham, Islington, Brighton, St Albans) to browse the best radiators we have to offer.