Radiator Types
Choosing the right radiator type for your room might seem like a complicated task. With so many radiator types to choose from, it can be hard to know what the best heating option is for you. In this guide we cover the different types of radiators available, equipping you with the knowledge to purchase the best new radiator for your property.
Intro
When it comes to buying a radiator, you need to consider the size of the room you want to heat, the style of radiator you want, the BTU required, and the best heating type suited to your home. This guide focuses on the different kinds of wall radiators available.
What is a central heating radiator?
A central heating radiator is directly connected to your central heating system and uses hot water to heat up. This type of heating is suited to heating whole properties. If you want to learn more about central heating read Boiler Central’s ‘How Does Central heating Work?’ article.
How does a central heating radiator work?
Central heating radiators work as hot water (heated by a boiler) runs through pipes inside them. The hot water heats up the radiator which then heats up the air and room around it. If you are adding an extra plumbed radiator to your central heating system, bear in mind any impacts this might have on your boiler.
A convector radiator is a common type of radiator used in central heating systems. This radiator type has convection fins to increase its surface area. This increased surface area gives more space for the radiator’s heat to transfer to the air around it, heating the room quickly. See below to find out more about convector radiators.
What is an electric radiator?
An electric radiator is a type of heater that uses mains electricity instead of a boiler to heat the fluid inside it. This means electric radiators can be installed in areas where there are no plumbed connections to a central heating system. This is useful for heating extensions or heating rooms separately. You can save money on your energy bills by only heating the one room that you’re using, instead of the entire house. An electric radiator heater should only be installed by a fully qualified electrician.
How do electric radiators work?
Electric radiators have a fluid that is heated up by an electric element. The heat from the fluid then heats the metal panels of the radiator, transferring the heat to the air and room around it. An oil radiator, or oil filled radiator, is a common type of backup heater. These are filled with oil that is heated up by an electric element. Here the oil is the heated fluid and not used as a fuel. An oil filled radiator heater can usually be powered by plugging it into a plug socket.
What is a dual-fuel radiator?
A dual-fuel radiator can be heated using a central heating system and electricity. This gives you greater control of when and how much it is heated. Bathroom radiators are commonly dual fuel.
How does a dual-fuel radiator work?
A dual-fuel radiator works in the same way as a plumbed or electric radiator. The fluid inside it is heated and this heats the radiator's metal surface which then heats up the air around it, and therefore the room.
What are the different radiator types?
Whilst there are electric and dual fuel radiators, the most regular kind found in domestic properties is the convector radiator. Type 11, Type 21 and Type 22 are the most common.
What is a type 11 radiator?
A Type 11 radiator is also called a single panel radiator. They are made up of one metal front panel with one row of convection fins on the back. These radiators are suitable for small rooms and are ideal for hallways due to their slim design. Flat panel radiators of all kinds are also suitable for narrow spaces.
What is a type 21 radiator?
A Type 21 radiator, also known as a double panel plus radiator, is made up of a front and back metal panel, with a single row of convector fins in between them. This type of radiator gives off more heat than Type 11, making it a more efficient choice for heating medium-sized rooms. This is a common bedroom radiator choice.
What is a type 22 radiator?
A Type 22 radiator, or double panel radiator, has a front and back metal panel with two rows of convection fins in between them. This radiator gives off more heat output than Type 21 radiators, making them the best radiators for bigger rooms. These radiators are sometimes also referred to as double radiators.
What is a type 33 radiator?
A Type 33 radiator is also an option, but these can be more expensive than other convector types. This radiator has three metal panels with three rows of convector fins in between them. As this radiator has three rows of convector fins it is highly efficient at heating rooms but has a thicker profile, making it great for heating large spaces but unsuitable for narrow hallways.
There are also Type 10 radiators which have a single metal panel without a convector, and Type 20 radiators which contain two metal panels and no convector between them. Type 10 radiators have an extremely compact design, making them great for installation in small rooms and hallways.
What is the best radiator for a bathroom?
Towel radiators are a common type of bathroom radiator. A towel rail radiator is an excellent choice for heating bathrooms and can be used to dry damp towels. They also usually have heated bars which are great for towel storage. Towel radiators are usually upright radiators. The anthracite radiator is a popular choice for modern homes, and many bathroom radiators come in this finish. A black towel radiator can provide a striking contrast to a white bathroom, making them an attractive feature.
What is a designer radiator?
Aside from the classic glossy white radiators that we’re used to, there is a wide range of styles available within the designer radiator market.
Vertical radiators are not only visually attractive but are great for areas with little horizontal wall space. These tall radiators come in a range of sizes, so you’re guaranteed to find one to fit your wall space. The vertical radiator may even be a convenient choice for kitchen radiators as many kitchens have limited wall space.
A cast iron radiator can be decorated with many elaborate designs, providing an older and more decadent finish. Column radiators can also produce this more traditional aesthetic. Traditional radiators can create an interesting focal point in any room!
Some trendy designer radiators are crafted to look like modern art and can provide a beautiful focal point in a contemporary-style room. However, these modern radiators have a much higher price point. Grey radiators can also provide a modern look.
To learn more about heating, check out our handy Underfloor Heating Guide.