Radiator or heaters for an apartment - how to choose? Which radiators are the best?

Gone are the days when radiators hung in the house were a deterrent with their not very original and sophisticated appearance.

Currently, the manufacturers' offer is so wide and attractive that the radiators can not only serve as heating but also become a decoration of the apartment. Nevertheless, it is worth knowing what criteria to follow when choosing them, what their types are, and what power they should have. You should decide on a specific model of radiators before installing the central heating, which affects the proper functioning and allows for an aesthetic connection.

Types of heaters  you can find:

Panel radiators - they are perfect for rooms where there is little space to hang the radiators. They can differ in the shape of the faceplate and their power depends on the size. Thanks to the low water capacity, they increase savings in energy consumption.

  • Sectional heaters - these are most often steel and cast iron heaters, consisting of individual ribs, members joined together.
  • Convector heaters - they are made of copper pipes on which aluminum sheets are placed, additionally enclosed in a housing.
  • Towel radiators (bathroom heaters) - most often used in the bathroom, as their design is perfect for drying towels or linen. They are made of horizontal tubes connected to vertical collectors.
  • Decorative radiators - these are special types of radiators, most often used in bathrooms, although they can also be found in other rooms, such as the living room or hall. They are characterized by fanciful shapes and colors.
  • Electric heaters (oil radiators) 
  • Sanitary heaters

What to pay attention to when you buy radiators?

Material of radiators

There are several types of radiators distinguished on the basis of the material from which they are made:

Steel radiators - are the most popular due to the variety of available models. Panel radiators are the most popular ones, which are characterized by small dimensions and relatively high power. The disadvantage of steel devices is, unfortunately, high susceptibility to poor-quality water. Moreover, the service life of steel radiators is shortened by the presence of oxygen in the system. Therefore, they should not be used in open installations.

Aluminum radiators - characterized by a sectional structure, low weight, and they work well with modern boilers that use temperature regulation. However, they are not as popular as steel radiators.

Cast iron radiators - currently found in older installations. Due to high corrosion resistance and low susceptibility to poor water quality, their durability is up to several dozen years. Due to thick walls, the radiator heats up for a long time, but at the same time loses heat much slower. This has its advantages and disadvantages - the furnace works economically, but the heaters themselves do not react very quickly to temperature changes.

What power should be for heaters?

This is one of the most important parameters taken into account when buying radiators. The power must be adequate to the function of the radiator (heating, drying, or only additional heating) as well as the size of the room and its intended use. One of the simplest methods, but giving results approximately to a large extent, is to assume that for 1 m2 of a living room or kitchen, you need:

  • a) 60 W, when the one-story building is very well insulated, i.e. 10 cm of polystyrene was used for a multi-layer wall
  • b) 100 W, when the single-story building has limited insulation, i.e. 5 cm of polystyrene is used
  • c) 140 W, when thermal insulation is not used in the building

It should also be remembered that the power is given for specific parameters, i.e. the temperature of water flowing into the radiators, returning water, and the temperature achieved in the room. However, before buying radiators, it is worth consulting a specialist who will take into account all the necessary information and select the appropriate power, adequate for specific rooms.

Very often, the necessary power of radiators is given in ready projects by investors or designers.

Dimension of heaters

Although the dimensions of the radiator affect its power, they should be selected correctly. The best place to connect is the wall under the window, where the greatest heat losses are recorded. Manufacturers offer a specific model of different lengths and heights so that visually similar radiators can be adapted to rooms of different dimensions.

Aesthetics

Although most people opt for traditional solutions, manufacturers add interesting structures to their offer that can add a unique character. The radiator can be arranged horizontally or vertically, have an unusual shape and color.

Bathroom heaters

A radiator installed in the bathroom can not only be used as a heating element, but also for drying purposes. In addition, it can be equipped with additional, functional elements such as hangers, mirrors, or handles.

Bathroom radiators can be powered in various ways. Currently, three solutions are used:

  • Water - power supply from central heating
  • Electric - with an electric heater
  • Water-electric - bathroom heaters of this type are used more and more often due to their versatility. During the heating season, the radiator is powered by the central heating, and after the season from the electricity network.
Show more
GAIATOP® Space Heater, Energy Efficient Small Space Heater for Bedroom,PTC Ceramic Electric Space Heater for Office and Home Motorhome

0

3.2
£41.99

GAIATOP® Space Heater, Energy Efficient Small Space Heater for Bedroom,PTC Ceramic Electric Space Heater for Office and Home Motorhome

Sunhouse (Dimplex Group) SHTTH2 Tubular Heater, 80 W, Multi-Colour

0

4.4
£21.31

Sunhouse (Dimplex Group) SHTTH2 Tubular Heater, 80 W, Multi-Colour

Pro Breeze® 2500W Oil Filled Radiator, 11 Fin - Portable Electric Heater - Built-in Timer, 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Safety Cut-Off & 24 Hour Timer - White

0

4.4
£99.99

Pro Breeze® 2500W Oil Filled Radiator, 11 Fin - Portable Electric Heater - Built-in Timer, 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Safety Cut-Off & 24 Hour Timer - White

De'Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater, Quiet 1500W, Adjustable Thermostat, 3 Heat Settings, Energy Saving, Safety Features, Nice for Home with Pets/Kids, Black, Comfort Temp EW7707CB

0

4.4
£184.98

De'Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater, Quiet 1500W, Adjustable Thermostat, 3 Heat Settings, Energy Saving, Safety Features, Nice for Home with Pets/Kids, Black, Comfort Temp EW7707CB

-8%
DONYER POWER Electric Patio Heater, Ceiling Mounted, Outdoor or Indoor Use 2000W

0

4.3
£109.00£99.99

DONYER POWER Electric Patio Heater, Ceiling Mounted, Outdoor or Indoor Use 2000W

Dimplex M-011B Opti-Myst Electric Fire Heater Glass Disk Transducer

0

4.3
£43.65

Dimplex M-011B Opti-Myst Electric Fire Heater Glass Disk Transducer

De'Longhi Bend Line, Remote controlled Ceramic Fan Heater 2kw, Digital Control Panel, Anti Frost Frunction,Oscillating base, Auto-Off, 24hr timer, For Rooms up to 60m3, HFX65V20, Black and White

0

4.3
£124.98

De'Longhi Bend Line, Remote controlled Ceramic Fan Heater 2kw, Digital Control Panel, Anti Frost Frunction,Oscillating base, Auto-Off, 24hr timer, For Rooms up to 60m3, HFX65V20, Black and White

-16%
Dimplex Gosford Optimyst Stove, Black

0

4.3
£595.00£499.00

Dimplex Gosford Optimyst Stove, Black

Warmlite WL46020 Rochester Electric Fireplace Heater with Realistic Flame Effect, Remote Control Operation, Overheat Protection, 2 Heat Settings 1000-2000 W, Black

0

4.2
£138.51

Warmlite WL46020 Rochester Electric Fireplace Heater with Realistic Flame Effect, Remote Control Operation, Overheat Protection, 2 Heat Settings 1000-2000 W, Black

-14%
TAGU Frode Electric Fireplace Suite with 23inch Powerflame Electric Fire, 1500 W, 7 Day Programmable, Remote Control (Ash Grey)

0

4.6
£250.00£214.24

TAGU Frode Electric Fireplace Suite with 23inch Powerflame Electric Fire, 1500 W, 7 Day Programmable, Remote Control (Ash Grey)

Warmlite WL45011 2000W Work Fireplace Suite with Realistic LED Flame Effect and Adjustable Thermostat, Ivory with Chrome Accents

0

4.3
£179.02

Warmlite WL45011 2000W Work Fireplace Suite with Realistic LED Flame Effect and Adjustable Thermostat, Ivory with Chrome Accents

Klarstein Bergamo Electric Fireplace - Electric Fire, Electric Fire Place, 2 Heating Levels, Thermostat, Realistic Flame Illusion: Independent LED Flame Effect with Resin Logs - Granite Grey

0

4.5
£179.99

Klarstein Bergamo Electric Fireplace - Electric Fire, Electric Fire Place, 2 Heating Levels, Thermostat, Realistic Flame Illusion: Independent LED Flame Effect with Resin Logs - Granite Grey

Daewoo Oil Filled 800W Portable Radiator with Thermostat and Temperature Control - Ideal for Home, Garage or Office - White

0

4
£34.99

Daewoo Oil Filled 800W Portable Radiator with Thermostat and Temperature Control - Ideal for Home, Garage or Office - White

Warmlite WL45037W Ealing Electric Fireplace Suite with Adjustable Thermostat Control, 2 Heat Settings, LED Flame Effect, Safety Cut-Out System, White

0

4.4
£160.65

Warmlite WL45037W Ealing Electric Fireplace Suite with Adjustable Thermostat Control, 2 Heat Settings, LED Flame Effect, Safety Cut-Out System, White

-10%
Klarstein Castillo Electric Fireplace - Black

0

4.5
£199.00£179.99

Klarstein Castillo Electric Fireplace - Black

DONYER POWER Convector Radiator Heater with Adjustable Thermostat/Adjustable 3 Heat Settings (750/1250 / 2000 W) / Turbo Fan/Electrical/Convection Heating/Oil-Free Radiator

0

3.9
£49.99

DONYER POWER Convector Radiator Heater with Adjustable Thermostat/Adjustable 3 Heat Settings (750/1250 / 2000 W) / Turbo Fan/Electrical/Convection Heating/Oil-Free Radiator

-3%
Benross Oil Filled Radiator ~ 5 Fin ~ 500w ~ 41640

0

3.9
£34.00£32.99

Benross Oil Filled Radiator ~ 5 Fin ~ 500w ~ 41640

-30%
Warmlite WL46022 Elmswell Round Contemporary Stove with Two Heat Settings, Realistic LED Flame Effect, 2000W, Black

0

4.4
£229.00£159.95

Warmlite WL46022 Elmswell Round Contemporary Stove with Two Heat Settings, Realistic LED Flame Effect, 2000W, Black

FUTURA Eco Panel Heater 24 Hour 7 Day Timer 1000W – 2000W Wall Mounted Lot 20 Low Energy Electric Heater for home Slimline Electric Radiator Efficient Convector Heater Digital thermostat (1000W)

0

3.9
£109.99

FUTURA Eco Panel Heater 24 Hour 7 Day Timer 1000W – 2000W Wall Mounted Lot 20 Low Energy Electric Heater for home Slimline Electric Radiator Efficient Convector Heater Digital thermostat (1000W)

M.C.Haus Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Low Noise, 12 Variable & Breath Colors Flame, Recessed Wall Mounted Free Standing, Glass Touch Screen & Remote Control, With Crystal and Log Set (30 inch/76.2cm)

0

4.5
£214.27

M.C.Haus Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Low Noise, 12 Variable & Breath Colors Flame, Recessed Wall Mounted Free Standing, Glass Touch Screen & Remote Control, With Crystal and Log Set (30 inch/76.2cm)

-29%
Warmlite WL45038 Glasgow Curved Glass Wall Mounted Fireplace, Remote Control Operated with 2 Heat Settings, LED Flame Effect and 6 Colour Mood Lighting, Black

0

4.4
£179.00£127.76

Warmlite WL45038 Glasgow Curved Glass Wall Mounted Fireplace, Remote Control Operated with 2 Heat Settings, LED Flame Effect and 6 Colour Mood Lighting, Black

-3%
M.C.Haus Electric Fireplace Insert Wall Mounted Freestanding Heater Metal Panel Heater Colorful Flame Remote Control with Crystal, 900W/1800W (102CM, Black)

0

4.3
£299.00£289.00

M.C.Haus Electric Fireplace Insert Wall Mounted Freestanding Heater Metal Panel Heater Colorful Flame Remote Control with Crystal, 900W/1800W (102CM, Black)

Dimplex Cassia Noir Electric Fire

0

4.6
£449.99

Dimplex Cassia Noir Electric Fire

Klarstein Copenhagen - Electric Fireplace w/Heating, Electric Fireplace, Electric Fireplace Oven, 950 or 1900 Watts, Thermostat, Switchable Heating Function, Flame Effects, Glass Front, Black

0

4.5
£159.99

Klarstein Copenhagen - Electric Fireplace w/Heating, Electric Fireplace, Electric Fireplace Oven, 950 or 1900 Watts, Thermostat, Switchable Heating Function, Flame Effects, Glass Front, Black

Warmlite WL45033N Hingham Wall Mounted Fireplace with Two Heat Settings and Adjustable Flame Brightness, 2000W, White

0

4.1
£450.34

Warmlite WL45033N Hingham Wall Mounted Fireplace with Two Heat Settings and Adjustable Flame Brightness, 2000W, White

Warmlite WL46027 Carlisle Electric Fireplace, Adjustable Thermostat with , LED Flame Effect with Panoramic Viewing Window, Black

0

4.5
£197.91

Warmlite WL46027 Carlisle Electric Fireplace, Adjustable Thermostat with , LED Flame Effect with Panoramic Viewing Window, Black

-2%
DIMPLEX CHEVALIER CHV20 WHITE ELECTRIC STOVE OPTIFLAME

0

4
£436.00£425.22

DIMPLEX CHEVALIER CHV20 WHITE ELECTRIC STOVE OPTIFLAME

Helios&Hestia Electric Wood Stove Fireplace with Flame Effect, Freestanding Portable Indoor Space Heater with Remote, 61cm Tall

0

3.9
£149.99

Helios&Hestia Electric Wood Stove Fireplace with Flame Effect, Freestanding Portable Indoor Space Heater with Remote, 61cm Tall

Klarstein Curved Copper L & F - Electric Fireplace w/Switchable Heating, 1000/2000 W, Flame Effect, Curved Glass Panel, Timer, Remote Control, Copper-Coloured

0

4.2
£149.99

Klarstein Curved Copper L & F - Electric Fireplace w/Switchable Heating, 1000/2000 W, Flame Effect, Curved Glass Panel, Timer, Remote Control, Copper-Coloured

FLAME&SHADE Insert Electric Fireplace, 71cm Wide, Freestanding Portable Room Heater with Timer, Digital Thermostat and Remote

0

4.3
£209.99

FLAME&SHADE Insert Electric Fireplace, 71cm Wide, Freestanding Portable Room Heater with Timer, Digital Thermostat and Remote

-24%
C-Hopetree Electric Fireplace, Wall Mounted or Freestanding Portable Room Heater with Remote and Thermostat, 55cm Wide

0

3.9
£139.00£104.99

C-Hopetree Electric Fireplace, Wall Mounted or Freestanding Portable Room Heater with Remote and Thermostat, 55cm Wide

Klarstein Innsbruck Electric Fireplace with Flame Effect - Electric Fireplace, 1000/2000 W, Up to 30 m², Thermostat, Heating Function, Continuously Dimmable and Heatable, PanoramaView, White

0

3.9
£159.99

Klarstein Innsbruck Electric Fireplace with Flame Effect - Electric Fireplace, 1000/2000 W, Up to 30 m², Thermostat, Heating Function, Continuously Dimmable and Heatable, PanoramaView, White

Electric Inset Fire Modern LED Flame Brushed Steel Insert Fireplace Remote Control Coals Pebbles 2kW

0

4.7
£185.99

Electric Inset Fire Modern LED Flame Brushed Steel Insert Fireplace Remote Control Coals Pebbles 2kW

Thermix KPH-1800 Classic - Kitchen Plinth Heater - Central Heating - Hydronic - 1.8Kw (White)

0

4.7
£176.95

Thermix KPH-1800 Classic - Kitchen Plinth Heater - Central Heating - Hydronic - 1.8Kw (White)

thermix
Global Traditional Victorian Style Heated Towel Rails for Bathroom with Column Radiator for Central Heating, Floor Mounted Towel Warmer Rack White & Chrome Finished 8 Section 952 x 686 MM

0

4.4
£195.97

Global Traditional Victorian Style Heated Towel Rails for Bathroom with Column Radiator for Central Heating, Floor Mounted Towel Warmer Rack White & Chrome Finished 8 Section 952 x 686 MM

Dimplex Atherton Inset Electric Fire, Steel, 2000W

0

3.7
£399.00

Dimplex Atherton Inset Electric Fire, Steel, 2000W