Radiator Types Explained

Radiators have moved on from being purely functional white rectangular boxes that keep your home warm. While retaining their functionality, the available styles, designs, types, and colours continue to grow and develop. Radiators can and do play an important part in your room's décor and can often become the centrepiece of the room they inhabit.

With various types of heating elements to choose from, this guide will take you through the most popular to help you make the right choice when upgrading your home heating.

Fuel Types

Central Heating Radiators

Central heating radiators are the most commonly used home heat source in UK homes to distribute warmth. They work by circulating hot water from the boiler through a sealed pipe system, with the radiators acting as heat exchangers that warm the surrounding air. Most are made from steel, aluminium, or cast iron and come in a variety of sizes and styles.

Electric Radiators

Electric radiators run solely on electricity and do not rely on a central heating system or boiler. Common in UK homes without gas access or as supplementary heating, they are an excellent choice when you need to install heating in a location without the need to run new or amend existing pipework.

Dual Fuel

Dual fuel radiators are heating systems that combine the benefits of central heating and electric heating in a single unit. They are connected to your home’s central heating system and also fitted with an electric heating element. This allows the radiator to operate using hot water from the boiler in winter, and electricity in warmer months when the full heating system isn't needed.

Popular Radiator Types

Column Radiators

Inspired by traditional Victorian school-house designs, column radiators offer an alternative to the sleek look of modern designer radiators, helping to add that classic finish you’ve been looking for. From 2 to 6 column configurations, there is a wide range of designs, styles, and materials available to choose from. Enduring design and dependable, powerful performance make column radiators a great addition to any period property or traditional interior. Column Radiators

Designer Radiators

A modern designer radiator can make a fantastic addition to any room in your home, offering style, warmth, and opulence. We never compromise quality or functionality for appearance; our radiators are made using the finest materials that offer great output and efficiency, while also maintaining practicality with a wide range of sizes across vertical and horizontal options. Designer Radiators

Traditional Radiators

Traditional radiators lead with a style that stands the test of time, designed to keep your home warm and comfortable, while adding character. Vintage in style but created to the latest modern standards, so there never has to be a trade-off between style and functionality. Traditional Radiators

Heated Towel Rails

We love being met with a warm, dry towel when stepping out of the bath or shower, and we're sure you do too. A heated towel rail doesn't just have to serve a purpose, it can look good whilst doing so.​Our range of heated towel rail radiators starts with the standard designs we all know and love, available in both Central Heating and Dual Fuel. Heated Towel Rails

Vertical Radiators

Vertical radiators are tall, narrow and designed to be mounted vertically on a wall, rather than the traditional horizontal layout. They are ideal for rooms with limited wall space or awkward layouts, such as kitchens, hallways, or small bedrooms. Their main benefit is efficient use of limited space - by using vertical wall area, they free up horizontal space for furniture or decor. Despite their slim profile, modern vertical radiators can deliver high heat outputs, making them both practical and stylish. Vertical Radiators

Horiziontal Radiators

Horizontal radiators are the most common type of radiator found in UK homes. As the name suggests, they are wider than they are tall and are typically mounted along the lower portion of a wall, often beneath windows. This placement helps counteract cold draughts and efficiently circulates warm air throughout the room.

Being the most popular radiator orientation means there is a wide selection to choose from. Horizontal Radiators