The best radiators for keeping your home warm and cosy this winter

Choosing the best radiators for your home might seem like a pretty straightforward process, yet there are actually quite a few factors to take into consideration if you want to make sure you are happy with your final choice.

It is easy to getting swept up with the appearance of radiators, seeking out models that will do justice to your overall design scheme and while this is certainly important, there's more to new radiators than just good looks.

In order for your new radiators to heat your home effectively and efficiently, it is important to familiarise yourself with the different types of radiator available – what is right for one home might not be best for yours.

One of the main things you'll need to look at is heat output to ensure you get a model best suited to your room of choice. You'll also want to ensure you aren't buying the wrong size or shape for the space you are working with.

Whether you are self building and choosing radiators as part of your new heating system; renovating an old property with out-of-date heat sources; or you just fancy swapping your current models for something that will better suit your interior scheme, we're here to help.

We've collated the very best radiators available right now so you can ensure you are choosing the right product at the best possible price.

The Quick List

Short on time to search for best radiators for your home? Don't worry – we've put together a handy overview of all the radiators on this list, along with useful quick links that allow to you skip down the page to get right into a more detailed review of the particular product that you like the look of.

Best classic style

Part of the Windsor range of classic-style radiators from Milano, the horizontal model is perfect for anyone looking to replicate the look of a traditional cast iron radiator without the weight or price tag usually associated with column radiators.

The 1.5mm thick premium quality steel construction means heat is efficiently distributed through the columns and into your room, while the white powder coated finish will fit in with both traditional and classic contemporary interior schemes alike.

Another bonus of this radiator is that it can be combined with other models from the range for a nice cohesive look – including the tall vertical design, which would work well in awkward spaces.

Best contemporary radiator

This stylish radiator from NRG boasts a contemporary style which enables it to fit with modern and minimalist home designs.

Not only is it eye-catching, but it's efficient too. Made from 1.5mm premium mild steel and featuring a high quality white finish, it's extremely durable. It's no surprise therefore that this model comes with a 15-year manufacturer's guarantee.

Given its 1800 x 354mm size (multiple size options are available), you certainly get bang for your buck, and it makes for a suitable option if you're planning a renovation or conversion on a budget. Brackets and fixings are included, but valves are not.

Best small radiator

The Milano Aruba comes in a variety of sizes, but we particularly love the 400 x 415mm radiator, which is smart, compact and has an impressive heat output.

Despite its dinky dimensions it generates an impressive heat output of 1638, making it ideal for small spaces, awkwardly-shaped rooms or for sneaking in underneath window cills.

Whilst it might cost a little more than some of the other compact radiators, it also offers a smart, contemporary appearance which makes up for the extra cost.

Made from extra thick low carbon steel, the manufacturers are so confident of its durability that they offer a 20-year guarantee.

Best designer radiator

As the name suggests, this vertical radiator really is an elegant way to heat a room.

It's an ideal radiator for awkward spaces, which would look particularly stylish in a kitchen or hallway, both rooms in which wall space is often at a premium. It comes in single or double formats.

This is another radiator with a really high BTU; it's very efficient. Do ensure you get help lifting this one though as it's a little heavier than some in the line up, and its height and width could make it tricky to carry for one person.

It comes with wall brackets, a plug and a vent, but valves need to be bought separately.

Best budget friendly radiator

While this compact radiator from Milano might not be shortlisted for its eye-catching good looks, it actually has quite a lot going for it. In fact, many people will be drawn to its ability to simply sit, unnoticed within an interior scheme.

This is a great compact radiator for small spaces as it takes up very little room. It is lightweight too, meaning even fairly non-substantial walls will hold it easily – plus it has an impressive heat output.

In short, this is the ideal radiator for anyone on a budget, whether replacing old radiators as part of a heating system upgrade or building from scratch.

Best electric radiator

Proving that electric radiators are anything but boring, the Wärme Wifi Enabled Smart Electric Glass Panel Heater will definitely make a statement in your home – it can even be used in bathrooms thanks to its IP24 rating.

As well as looking pretty space age, its ability to heat the house is not to be sniffed at either. One heater can heat a 22 square metre room, whilst built-in heat sensors avoid overheating.

It is also a smart heater, meaning it is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control it from wherever you are from your smart phone. It can be controlled using Alexa and allows to you control the heat in different zones of your home as well to set weekly schedules based on your activity.

Another benefit of this one is how easy it is to install – it is simply mounted on the wall brackets that are included and plugged in. You will need to ensure there is an electrical socket within reach and ensure there is a minimum of 30cm clearance space above and below the unit.

Best flat panel model

Crisp and modern in form and available in a huge range of sizes and configurations, this smart flat panel radiator comes with all the brackets and fittings needed for installation and has a pleasing matt grey finish.

On the downside, the radiators are rather on the heavy side compared to some of the other models here, despite being made from 1.5mm premium mild steel, although this will obviously depend on the size you opt for – something to consider if you are planning on a DIY installation job.

Best kitchen radiator

Perfect for those looking to minimise the amount of wall space taken up by their radiator or working with awkward spaces – kitchens and bathrooms would really benefit from this design.

Super sleek and contemporary in its form, the matt anthracite finish shown here would make a really modern statement at the same time as being subtle enough to blend in with a range of interior styles.

The radiator is made from low carbon steel and is praised for its ease of installation.

On the downside, it is perhaps not one for those trying to stick to a tight budget.

Best oil-filled radiator

Oil-filled radiators have increased in popularity in the last couple of years, with more of us working from home, keen not to turn on our central heating when just one room needs warming up as opposed to the whole house.

Oil-filled radiators work by using electricity to heat oil with an element inside a reservoir. When this element heats up, warmth is transferred to the liquid which then circulates through the appliance, warming its metallic panels.

The De'Longhi TRNS0505M Oil Filled Radiator is a great model to consider and is easy to move around the house to wherever it is needed thanks to the fact that it has large, sturdy handles and is lightweight. It's light modern white finish and subtle design makes it one of the better-looking offerings on the market and it has an impressive heat output – plus it heats up really fast.

This model is capable of heating a space of up to 15 cubic meters and has been praised for being quieter than other oil-filled radiators on the market.

FAQs

What is a BTU?

Design and budget are foremost factors, but in order to choose the best radiator for your room, you will need to determine the heat requirements of the space.

Room sizes, window dimensions and even the materials used in the walls will all be used to calculate the required outputs of the radiators you will need to heat the room properly.

You will notice that radiators have a 'BTU rating'. BTUs are ‘British Thermal Units’ and this is the unit in which radiator efficiency is measured.

A heating engineer or plumber should be able to work this out for you, or you could use an online BTU calculator.

Our handy guide to to help you find a plumber for your project is a must-read.

Electric vs plumbed-in radiators: Which is best?

Before you begin your search, decide whether you will need electric radiators or those that are plumbed in.

Electric radiators use mains electricity. Some are designed to be plugged into a socket, while others will need to be fitted by an electrician. You might also see infrared electric radiators for sale. These are good for small spaces as they have a high heat output with a slim profile.

Plumbed-in radiators are connected to your boiler and use hot water as their heat source. They’re controlled as part of the central heating system.

How we test the best radiators

Here at Homebuilding.co.uk we like to get our hands dirty and trial as many products as possible, but in the instances where we aren’t able to, such as with the best radiators, we leave no stone unturned to provide you with the crucial information you need to know before buying. Our team is passionate about DIY and home improvement (which probably won’t be a surprise) so we already have knowledge about the brands that make these radiators. Moreover, we have taken into account user reviews when compiling this buying guide. There's a lot to consider to ensure you buy the best radiator, and we’ve scanned the pros and cons of each model in this buying guide to ensure you feel confident in choosing the right product for your home.