Best Bathroom Radiators Buying Guide
It’s not a case of one type fits all when it comes to bathroom radiators as there a choice of designs and styles, that can also include a towel rail section. Or you can opt for a stand-alone towel rail. Whichever way you choose, here are the main types of radiator designs:
Horizontal Radiators
These radiators are designed to sit horizontally along a wall and are a good choice as they can also be located under windows and so are versatile enough to work with most bathroom designs. They also work well with pipework that comes through the floor and some models can include an integrated towel rail for double convenience.
Vertical Radiators
Ideal for making the most out of your bathroom space, vertical radiators are a modern choice and come in a range of contemporary styles, including built-in towel rails. Vertical radiators also work well in smaller bathrooms where you need to maximise on the available space.
Floor Standing Radiators
Available as either horizontal or vertical, this type of radiator comes complete with a floor stand, making them a good option if the walls in your bathroom are weak or you have stud walling. They are free-standing and many come in lovely traditional styles.
Single and Double Radiators
Bathroom radiators can also come in single or double options. Single radiators offer a single row of heating panels, meaning they are slimline and are good for more limited bathroom spaces that don’t need excessive heating. As the name suggests, double radiators have two rows of heating panels to give out double the amount of heat so are ideal for larger rooms that need a little extra when it comes to warmth.
Before you buy, you need to take the following into account to ensure you are getting the best bathroom radiators for your needs.
Your home’s heating system
Some radiators can be powered by electricity while others can be hooked into your home’s central heating system. You can also get dual fuel bathroom radiators which can be powered by both. You will need to choose the bathroom heater that works best with your home heating set up.
The size of your bathroom
Radiators come in a wide range of sizes so it is important to ensure your new radiator or towel rail will fit within the available space in your bathroom, without cluttering or getting in the way of other appliances or bathroom furniture. The heat output of the radiator also needs to be sufficient to heat the whole of your bathroom.
Your bathroom walls
As radiators come in different sizes as well as weights, you need to ensure that your chosen model is appropriate to the type of walls in your bathroom. If you have brick or concrete walls, there should be no problem fitting a larger radiator as the walls can withstand the weight. But for weaker walls or partitions, you will need to opt for a lightweight radiator or choose a floor-standing design.
Bathroom layout
When choosing a radiator, consider how your bathroom is laid out, how many walls and windows there are and where’s the best available space. All of these considerations will also help you decide the heat output you will require.
Radiator material
When it comes to deciding on the appropriate size and weight of radiator for your bathroom, you also need to consider the material it is made from. Bathroom radiators are typically made from aluminium, stainless steel and steel, giving you options for lightweight designs or the more substantial and heavier.
Pipework
The radiator valves will also need to work with your bathroom’s pipework so check your pipes before buying! If your pipes run across or along the walls you will need a radiator with straight valves; for pipework coming out of the floor, you will need angled radiator valves.
Preferred style
And finally, you need to like the aesthetics of your new bathroom radiator! Many radiators come in a choice of colours and finishes, from gloss white or modern chrome to matt raw metal so opt for a design and colour that works well with your bathroom’s décor.