Whether you are simply updating your existing space or going for a complete overhaul, you’ll find our guide to selecting the perfect radiator for your space an invaluable resource.

1. Assess your current heating system

What type of heating system do you have?

Does your space currently have plumbed heating or is it electric? The most common type of heating system comprises plumbed radiators that are heated internally by hot water from the boiler, i.e. central heating. A downside to this however, is that when your heating is off during the warmer months, so too is your bathroom radiator. If you prefer to have warm towels on hand when you step out of the shower all year long, an independently heated electric towel rail could be the solution.

Alternatively, if you want even greater flexibility in the operation of your heating, opt for a dual fuel heating system. In a dual fuel heating system the radiators can work both independently from and as part of your central heating system as you need. Ultimately this gives you greater control of individual zones that you may still require to be heated in the summer but as the temperatures drop, they can all work in unison with your central heating system.

Above: Reina ‘Capo’ Electric Towel Radiator in Black and Eucotherm ‘Mars Trium’ in White

2. Assess your heating requirements

What size of radiator do you need?

When you look through our site, you’ll note that many of our radiators are available in a variety of sizes. Generally speaking, the larger the radiator or towel rail the larger the heat output.

If you are calculating this yourself instead of using a professional, it may seem like a tedious task but without the correct BTU calculation you risk choosing the wrong product. An insufficiently powerful radiator for your space will mean that it never quite reaches the optimal temperature and equally, a radiator with a much higher BTU than required could lead to a higher spend on those already pricey heating bills!

You can find the BTU information for all of our radiators in the product information either in the size drop down menu or under technical information.

3. Consider materials

Which material is best?

Alright, so at this point you may be ready to jump ahead and start looking at the radiator or towel rail designs that are out there in the size you need and for the heating system that you have. However, just before you do that, you might want to consider the difference between the materials that the radiators are made from.

Stainless Steel

When heated towel rails first became a feature of the UK bathroom, the vast majority of them looked like a ladder and were fabricated from stainless steel. Although due to their popularity there are now many, many more options available, stainless steel is still abundant for good reason – its anti-corrosive properties. Not only do stainless steel radiators not rust, but they retain heat for longer too, providing a heating solution that is not only low maintenance but provides great functionality.

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Steel

Steel radiators (also known as mild steel radiators) do not have the same anti-corrosive properties as stainless steel, nor do they retain their heat for as long. Without the same resistance to corrosion, you might select a steel radiator for a powder room, hallway or living room over a bathroom where they could become susceptible to the damp environment. Nevertheless, many manufactures offer a good guarantee on their product so if you have found a steel radiator in a design that you love, go for it!

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Aluminium

Although the initial purchase price for an aluminium radiator can be greater, they can actually save you money in the long run. This is because Aluminium radiators are lightweight and heat up faster than the other materials, making them a more energy efficient option to run. A further benefit to aluminium weighing less is that radiators of this construction are a good choice for stud partition walls.

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4. Choose a radiator for both form and function

With all of the above practicalities in mind, the time has come to choose your radiator - and then you are suddenly overwhelmed by choice! It’s true that there are many more manufacturers and products available than ever before but with a little consideration of budget, function and style you’ll soon find your match made in heating.

Function

If your radiator is purely functional in terms of providing heat to your space, it might be best to prioritize heat output – especially if you’re heating a larger room or live in a colder climate. However, if you want more from your new radiator – for example, to heat towels or dry clothing in a utility space, then a towel radiator is an ideal solution and is a commonplace design with lots of options to choose from. Here are just three of our picks across a range of budgets.

Above – ‘Aliano’ and ‘Ottone’ Designer Radiators by Reina (other colour ways available).

Are you trying to save floor space in your room? Bathrooms – particularly the standard sized British bathroom – are not known for their generous proportions and therefore you might be looking for something more compact. A wall mounted radiator with a narrow projection will be much more suitable than a beautiful but bulky cast-iron radiator. If you also need a full-length mirror, you can find radiators with these integrated for maximum space-saving functionality too! Try Eucotherm’s Nova Mirror Single Tube Radiator (shown here in ‘Textured Matte Anthracite’) or the more budget friendly Aqua Moda Vertical Steel Radiator with Mirror in White by Frontline.

Style

Gone are the days of the boxy, plain white radiator with the only choice being which size to pick! There is an abundance of radiator options on the market now, and here at Bath & More we have a vast selection for all tastes and budgets.

A simple place to start could be choosing a specific colour to complement your brassware – chrome, stainless steel, white, matt black, brushed brass and even coloured radiators are all available on our site.

Above – Make a statement in a radiator colour that deviates from the usual chrome, black, and white with one of these stunning radiators from our site. (Carisa Baro in Satin Polished Stainless Steel, Redroom’s TT Lux Towel Warming Radiators in Pacific Blue and Blush Pink).

Below – Earthy tones radiate warmth even when they’re not on! Try one of these colours from our site (Zehnder Subway Radiator in Terracotta Quartz and Redroom’s Omnia Radiator in Quartz Beige).

Or maybe your style will be influenced by the character of the property. Do you live in a quaint cottage or modern penthouse? If you live in a period property have you decorated your home in accordance with this or do you enjoy being playful, perhaps adding modern accents to a traditional space? In general, what is your style preference? Are you drawn to modern design in your everyday life or do you enjoy a traditional or eclectic aesthetic? Have a browse through our extensive range of radiators paying attention to any room-scapes the radiators have been photographed in and whether your taste is reflected in the image as a whole.

Do you want your radiator to blend in seamlessly or are you going to use it to make a statement? Embrace bold colours, unusual shapes, or artistic designs - there are so many exciting concepts to choose from that your radiator could easily double as a piece of art!

Budget

If your budget is there to be blown there are many designer radiators available to choose from, but that’s not to say you can’t find a beautiful radiator for a bargain! At Bath & More we always price competitively so here are some of our top picks for less than their RRP.

Below: Reina Luna Radiator – Available in a whopping 12 sizes and starting from just £122.30 (RRP £218.40).

Lazzarini Egadi Straight Towel Radiator in Brushed Brass £253.00 (RRP £432.88)

Carisa Unico Aluminium Towel Radiator in Textured White £360.00 (RRP £576.00)

Eucotherm’s Corus Vertical Tube Corner Radiator £367.50 (RRP £503.80).Prices correct at time of publication. For further information on any of our featured products or to shop our full range of radiators and heating products including underfloor heating, please visit www.bathandmore.co.uk

Why Bath & More?

Here at Bath & More we have over 20 years of experience working in home improvement. Our dedicated team is here to help you find the perfect radiator for your renovations, at a price you can afford. With a range that is always expanding, your dream bathroom is just a click away.

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