Designer radiators become the go-to choice when people want to ditch their musty old convector radiators for something exciting. With so much choice and so many different brands out there, it can be a bit of a minefield knowing what works best in your space. If you wish to buy designer radiators, check Radiator Outlet.
If you’ve read our article on Why You Should Buy A Designer Radiator, you may have wondered what features to look out for from a designer radiator. That’s exactly what we will be taking a look at in this short post, from why size matters to what price you should be paying for a designer radiator. Let’s start by discussing size.
Size
If you’re looking at a designer brand’s products and see that the price jumps quite sharply depending on the unit’s size, there’s a good chance you’ll be overcharged. Designer radiators are made to be extremely efficient (we’ll get to heat output next) and are built with size in mind. Depending on the designer radiator’s style and shape you’re thinking about, you’ll want to consider the size and whether it fits in your wall space. Ask yourself:
- Will the radiator I want to take up more wall space?
- Will the size intrude on other features in the room?
- Will the size mean I need to carry out pipework?
- Will the size mean a new radiator has a deeper wall projection?
You’re looking for a high-end radiator, so you want to make sure it fits in just right rather than becoming an annoyance.
Heat Output
I think this is the most critical aspect of choosing a designer radiator, especially if you’re opting for a radiator with a unique shape or minimal design. There is absolutely no point in buying a designer radiator you like if it won’t heat a room adequately. Enquire about the heat output of your ideal radiator first. If you don’t know what heat output you need, search online for a “BTU calculator,” which uses a room’s measurements to find how much heat it needs.
Colour/ Finish
Many people opt for designer radiators because they can give you a radiator in some unique colors. The most popular would be anthracite (slate grey), black, and silver. Although, I do think there is something to be said for choosing white designer radiators. They’re not as common as you’d think and work fantastically in kitchens and bathrooms.
To get a good idea of what types of finish you can choose from, I recommend looking at some designer radiators at Trade Radiators.
Brand
A bit like buying a new laptop or TV, you can all too easily get caught up comparing dozens of radiator brands you’ve never heard of before, all claiming to offer the best designer products on the market.
I recommend looking at what designer brands the big name stores have in stock and then checking out independent reviews of their products online. Even taking a half hour to read up on how reputable a brand is and what customers think of their products is important, especially considering your new radiator will be in a room and used almost every day. You wouldn’t skimp on research for a TV, so don’t do the same for radiators.
Price
Designer radiators sit in a unique position where the designer doesn’t always mean you will be paying hand over foot for a new radiator. Most people won’t know what a reasonable price is for a designer radiator or what you’re expected to pay. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend looking around these prices based on size:
- Horizontal 600mm by 600mm: £150 – £200
- Horizontal 600mm by 800mm: £180 – £220
- Vertical 800mm by 200/300mm: £200 – £250
- Towel rails under 500mm tall: £125 – £175
- Towel rails under 1000mm tall: £250 – £325
These are good indicators of where most designer brands sit, but obviously, it can vary based on the name and what the radiator is made from.
Material
Finally, it is good to know what your radiator will be made from. Most radiators are made from stainless steel as it’s a dependable material for conduction, and it is easy to shape. When a designer radiator is made from aluminum, expect it to be more expensive. This will be due to the cost of manufacturing being ever so slightly higher and the fact that aluminum is more expensive to source.
Now you know, find the right radiator.
I hope you found this short article informative and helpful. If you’re in the middle of making any renovations or redecorating at home, I recommend reading more of the interior design posts on the site, including recent articles on lighting, vintage furniture, and window blinds.