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When the evenings draw in, a cold room or a damp towel is the first sign that your heating needs some attention. Replacing an old radiator is one of the simplest home upgrades you can make. A new one can give out more heat, take up less wall space and look far better than the dented panel that came with the house.
Elegant Showers, the UK bathroom and home retailer, sells a wide range of central heating radiators and heated towel rails. We have picked six popular designs, from a period-style column radiator to a mirror radiator, and compared their heat output, size and price so you can choose the right one for each room. Prices are taken from elegantshowers.co.uk at the time of writing and may change.
Shop Radiators at Elegant Showers
In this guide
- First, Work Out How Much Heat You Need
- Six Radiators and Towel Rails Compared
- Traditional 3 Column Radiator: The Most Heat
- Vertical Flat Panel Radiator: Heat Without the Wall Space
- Vertical Oval Panel Radiator: A Designer Look in Grey
- Mirror Radiator: Two Jobs in One
- Heated Towel Rails: Warm, Dry Towels Every Day
- Tips Before You Buy
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
First, Work Out How Much Heat You Need
Every radiator has a BTU rating. BTU stands for British Thermal Units, and it tells you how much heat the radiator gives out. Elegant Showers explains that the BTU you need depends on the width, length and height of your room and the type of windows, such as single or double glazing. You can reach the total with one large radiator or split it between two smaller ones. The retailer has a free BTU calculator on its website, and every listing shows the output measured at Delta 50, the standard test condition.
Six Radiators and Towel Rails Compared
| Model | Size (H x W) | Heat output | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional 3 Column, white | 600 x 1177mm | 7,189 BTU | Living rooms, period homes | £223.99 (was £337.99) |
| Vertical Flat Panel, white | 1800 x 452mm | 3,254 BTU | Narrow walls, hallways | £120.50 (was £151.19) |
| Vertical Oval Panel, anthracite | 1800 x 480mm | 3,948 BTU | Modern living spaces | £118.99 (was £158.72) |
| Vertical Oval Mirror Radiator, white | 1800 x 500mm | 2,745 BTU | Bedrooms, hallways | £142.99 (was £180.99) |
| Straight Chrome Heated Towel Rail | 1800 x 500mm | About 1,600 BTU | Family bathrooms | £90.99 (was £124.95) |
| Flat Panel Chrome Towel Rail | 800 x 400mm | 854 BTU | Small bathrooms, en-suites | £83.99 (was £110.99) |
Traditional 3 Column Radiator: The Most Heat
If you want serious warmth in a large room, the traditional 3 column radiator is the strongest option here. The 600 x 1177mm white model is rated at 7,189 BTU, more than double any of the vertical designs. Its cast iron style looks right at home in Victorian and Edwardian houses, but it is made for modern central heating systems. Elegant Showers also sells it in anthracite grey and in other widths, including a 600 x 1484mm version.
Vertical Flat Panel Radiator: Heat Without the Wall Space
Tall vertical radiators are a clever choice when you have little free wall space at floor level, for example beside a door or in a narrow hallway. The white 1800 x 452mm flat panel radiator has six flat bars and gives out 3,254 BTU. Its clean, smooth front is easy to dust and suits minimalist rooms. See the vertical flat panel radiator.
Vertical Oval Panel Radiator: A Designer Look in Grey
For a more striking look, the anthracite oval panel radiator has eight rounded bars and a dark grey finish that works well against light or bold walls. At 1800 x 480mm it is a similar size to the flat panel model but gives out more heat, at 3,948 BTU. It is also one of the best-value designer radiators in the range at £118.99.
Mirror Radiator: Two Jobs in One
In a bedroom or hallway, the white oval mirror radiator does two jobs at once. A full-length mirror runs down the centre with oval panels on each side, so you can check your outfit and warm the room from the same spot. It is rated at 2,745 BTU at 1800 x 500mm, so it suits small to medium rooms or works as a second radiator in a larger space.
Heated Towel Rails: Warm, Dry Towels Every Day
A heated towel rail keeps towels dry and fresh, and helps cut condensation in the bathroom. The straight chrome towel rail at 1800 x 500mm is a tall, practical choice for family bathrooms, with plenty of space for several towels. Its listing gives an output of around 1,600 BTU at Delta 50, and it costs £90.99.
For a small bathroom or en-suite, the 800 x 400mm flat panel chrome towel rail is compact and stylish, with flat bars instead of round ones. It gives out 854 BTU and costs £83.99. Browse heated towel rails at Elegant Showers.
Tips Before You Buy
- Measure the wall space and check the pipe centres in the listing against your existing pipework.
- Remember that valves are usually sold separately. Elegant Showers sells thermostatic radiator valves from £30.99.
- Choose a slightly higher BTU than you need for rooms with large windows or external walls.
- If you are not confident with plumbing, ask a qualified heating engineer to fit your new radiator.
Conclusion
For the most heat, the traditional 3 column radiator is the clear winner. The vertical flat panel and oval radiators are ideal where wall space is tight, the mirror radiator is a smart choice for bedrooms, and the two chrome towel rails will make every bathroom feel more comfortable this winter. Find your new radiator at Elegant Showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Delta 50 mean?
It is the standard test condition used to measure radiator output, so you can compare BTU figures fairly between models.
Do Elegant Showers radiators come with valves?
Valves are generally listed as a separate purchase, so check each product page and add a matching valve set to your order.
Can a heated towel rail heat a whole bathroom?
A large towel rail can warm a small bathroom, but in bigger rooms it is best used alongside a radiator.
