Best Radiator Brands in the UK – Who makes the best radiators?

Radiators / Best Radiators Brands

Top Radiator Brands for 2024:

Our Rank	Radiator Brand	Avg. Price From	Warranty	Efficiency	Style Variety
1st 🏆	Milano	£150 +	20 years	A+	Wide range of modern and traditional styles
2nd	NRG	£100 +	5 years	A/B	Affordable with basic and modern designs
3rd	Stelrad	£200 +	10 years	A/B	Extensive selection for residential and commercial use
4th	ELEGANT	£100 +	5 years	B	Basic and value-for-money styles
5th	DuraTherm	£120 +	5 years	A/B	Budget-friendly with functional designs
6th	iBathUK	£90 +	5 years	B	Contemporary and affordable designs
7th	Terma	£250 +	10 years	A/B	Designer contemporary looks
8th	WarmeHaus	£100 +	10 years	A/B	Modern and traditional designs at great value

1. Milano – The Best Overall Radiator Brand 2024 🏆

Milano radiators are our top radiator brand for 2024, combining stylish Italian design with high performance and affordability. With over 30 years of experience in the heating industry, Milano has become a go-to brand in the UK for homeowners looking to upgrade their radiators without compromising on quality or style. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom or add a touch of elegance to your living space, Milano offers a range of options that heat efficiently, look fantastic, and are built to last.

Affordability Without Compromising Quality

Despite their luxurious appearance, Milano radiators come at an affordable price point. This makes them accessible to homeowners looking for premium design on a budget. You get all the benefits of top-tier build quality and innovative design without the hefty price tag often associated with high-end brands.

Great Customer Satisfaction and Reliability

Milano has earned its place as one of the UK’s most popular brands in the bathroom and heating market, thanks to consistently high levels of customer satisfaction.

Personally, I’ve had Milano radiators installed in my home since 2017, and they continue to perform flawlessly, offering both fast heating and unbeatable style. You won’t be disappointed by their long-term reliability!

2. NRG

NRG radiators are amongst the most reputable company when it comes to central heating radiators. Their excellent customer reviews are a testimony to the superior product build quality and stylish designs of their radiators. 

The NRG range is available in both traditional and contemporary styles, with many different finishes and colours to choose from. The NRG radiator range includes:

• Traditional Radiators – These are the classic style radiators that have been around for years. They come in various sizes and shapes, but they all share one thing in common; they look great!
• Contemporary Radiators – These modern looking radiators can be found in any home or office. They’re sleek, clean lines make them perfect for modern interiors.
• Floor Standing Radiators – These floor standing radiators are designed to sit on top of a flat surface such as a wooden floor. They’re often used in commercial settings like restaurants and hotels.

3. Stelrad

Stelrad have been around for over 80 years and have built up an enviable reputation for producing some of the finest radiators on the market today. Stelrad radiators are made using the highest quality materials and are designed to provide maximum heat output while remaining energy efficient.

You will have likely seen hundreds of Stelrad radiators without noticing, simply by walking around the homes of your friends and family or even throughout public spaces and offices – these popular panel radiators can be found nation-wide! 

4. ELEGANT

Another strong contender in this list of the best radiator makes is the one and only ELEGANT radiators. Their radiators are regularly featured in first place across our various ‘best radiator’ buying guides and their popularity is no surprise.

With over 30 years experience in the industry ELEGANT radiators are renowned for producing high quality products that last.

5. DuraTherm

DuraTherm are another brand that has been making radiators for decades. DuraTherm radiators are known for being durable and reliable, which is why they’ve become so popular. They offer a wide variety of radiators including wall mountable units, under cabinet and floor standing models.

6. iBathUK

iBathUK are a relatively new addition to the UK radiator market, however they have already achieved success due to their innovative design and high quality manufacturing processes.

iBathUK radiators are manufactured in the UK and feature a unique design that allows them to fit into almost any bathroom or wet room.

7. Terma

Terma radiators are a Polish manufacturer of intensely eccentric but stylish modern heating appliances. Their contemporary range have been featured in some of the leading blue-chip DIY retailers such as B&Q, Homebase and Screwfix, to name a few.

All radiators come with an exceptional 8 year warranty, so you can rest assured that these products are built to last. But better yet, these beautiful radiators are guaranteed to turn heads and enhance your interior.

8. WarmeHaus

WarmeHaus are another strong contender, with their own unique style and personality. WarmeHaus radiators are available in a huge array of styles and sizes, from traditional cast iron radiators to sleek stainless steel and glass designs.

WarmeHaus radiators also boast a 10 year guarantee, so if you’re looking for a product that’s not only beautiful but also long lasting then look no further than WarmeHaus.

How to Choose the Best Radiator for Your Home

Heating Efficiency (BTU Ratings and Energy Classes)

When it comes to radiators, energy efficiency is key. The most efficient radiators in the UK are rated A+ or A—means you’ll be getting the most out of your heating system while keeping energy consumption (and your bills) lower. The more efficient the radiator, the less energy it uses to produce the same level of warmth, which is great news for your wallet and the environment.

One of the most important factors to consider when measuring a radiator’s efficiency is the BTU rating. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is the standard measure of heat output. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat a radiator can produce. This is crucial because if your radiator’s BTU output is too low for the room size, it won’t be able to heat the space effectively, leaving you chilly no matter how high you crank up the thermostat. On the flip side, a radiator with a BTU rating that’s too high will waste energy. So getting the balance right is essential!

Room Size and Heat Output Requirements

Not all radiators are created equal, and one size certainly doesn’t fit all! The size of your room will directly impact the type and size of radiator you need. A small radiator in a large room will struggle to provide enough heat, while an oversized radiator in a small space could leave you overheating and wasting energy.

To help you out, we recommend using a BTU calculator. It’s simple—just measure your room’s dimensions (height, width, and length) and plug them into the calculator along with some details about your insulation and windows. This will give you a good estimate of the BTU output your room requires.

Using the right BTU-rated radiator will not only keep your space warm and cosy but also ensure you’re heating efficiently.

Best Materials and Build Quality

The material of a radiator affects everything from its heat output to its lifespan, so it’s important to choose the best radiator material one for your needs. Most radiators are made from steel, aluminium, or cast iron, and each has its pros and cons.

• Steel Radiators: The most common type of radiator, steel heats up quickly and cools down just as fast. It’s a cost-effective choice and is perfect for everyday use, especially in homes where you need to control the temperature frequently. However, because steel doesn’t retain heat for long, it may not be the best option for rooms where you want consistent warmth even after the heating is turned off.
• Aluminium Radiators: Known for being lightweight and incredibly efficient, aluminium radiators heat up and cool down faster than other materials. This makes them ideal for rooms where you need quick bursts of heat. However, they cool down quickly too, so they may not maintain heat as well as cast iron.
• Cast Iron Radiators: If you’re after long-lasting heat, cast iron radiators are the way to go. They take longer to warm up, but once they’re hot, they retain heat for much longer. This makes them ideal for larger rooms or spaces that need steady warmth throughout the day. The downside? Cast iron radiators are heavier, often pricier, and may not suit modern décor as well as sleeker steel or aluminium options.

Each material has its place, and your choice will depend on what you value more—quick heating, heat retention, or affordability.

Style and Design Options

Gone are the days when radiators were simply functional, bulky white boxes! Today’s radiators come in a wide range of styles to suit every type of home, from traditional Victorian properties to sleek, modern apartments.

For those who want their radiators to blend seamlessly into a room’s décor, designer radiators are becoming increasingly popular. Brands like Terma and Milano lead the way in creating radiators that are as much about style as they are about heat. Whether you want a statement piece or something discreet, there’s something for everyone.

• Vertical Radiators: These are perfect for saving space, especially in narrow rooms or hallways. Vertical radiators offer a modern look and are available in a variety of finishes, from polished chrome to matte anthracite.
• Bathroom Towel Rails: Ideal for bathrooms, towel radiators not only keep your towels warm and dry but also provide an extra source of heat in the room. They come in various styles, from simple chrome rails to more decorative designs.
• Column Radiators: If you’re looking for something that makes a statement, traditional column radiators are the way to go. Available in a range of bold colours, unique shapes, and artistic designs, these radiators double as a piece of interior art, making them perfect for living rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms.

Choosing the right style is all about finding the balance between functionality and aesthetics. Whether you want something to blend into the background or stand out as a feature, there’s a radiator out there to match your personal taste and heating needs!

Top Radiator Brand FAQs: