The Ultimate Guide to Radiators

Finding a heating solution for a small kitchen can be a tough task. The biggest challenge is likely to be finding an appropriate space for a radiator to go amongst a variety of cupboards, fixtures, appliances and worktops.

Kitchen Magic confirm that the average US kitchen is between 240 to 360 square feet. With that considered, most homes will allow plenty of space to be experimental with potential kitchen heating solutions.

But those living in apartments or properties of similar stature obviously won’t have nearly as much room to play with. Imagine about a quarter of that space, and having to fit in a cooker, fridge/freezer, kettle and other appliances. There isn’t going to be much space remaining for a designer radiator or heated towel rack.

Luckily, there is an impressive selection of compact heating models available to enhance the look and the warmth of any tight kitchen space. When previously a radiator could be viewed as a no-frills, functional home addition, that really isn’t the case any longer. Instead, a designer radiator or towel warmer can provide a standout kitchen feature that surrounding decor can be tailored towards.

It’s to be expected that large kitchen areas will necessitate a radiator with a far greater heat output. However, the design properties of modern designer radiators negate the need for a bulky, oversized heating solution.

Plenty of newer radiator models intelligently fuze style and functionality in the form of more minimalist radiators. As such, you’ll be able to identify an ideal radiator no matter what the layout and decor of your kitchen.

Regardless of size, kitchens are always an anomaly in terms of heating. Basically, because radiators won’t always be required as a sole heat source.

For instance, if you are cooking with the oven on, you’d probably create a sweltering environment by switching the radiator on as well. So think about how much cooking you do before whittling down your radiator choice.

If you do cook a lot, it is sensible to opt for a radiator with a lower heat output.

But if you’re ‘anti-cooking’ and don’t know how to switch the oven on, let alone use it, a more powerful radiator or towel warmer is a better bet.

Perhaps you’re in the middle of the spectrum in terms of cooking? Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) being attached to a radiator could prove your best option if so. There’s plenty more information in our Buyer’s Guide to Radiator Valves but in short…

TRVs gauge the temperature of surrounding air, regulating the flow of water through the radiator they are attached to accordingly. They can be set to your preferred temperature limit, so they never exceed that specified level of heat. Ideal both for keen cooks and those with an oven phobia.

For most people, the living room is the space we spend most time in. Hours in front of the TV, immersed in gaming or just curled up on the sofa chilling out. All favored pastimes occurring in the lounge or living room.

And since we spend so much time there, we want to create a room we can really enjoy, right?

The addition of the right radiator can deliver designer style and expert functionality to the space all in one.

The Delta Black Horizontal Double Slim-Panel Designer Radiator is a prime example. The glossy black finish will match up with any living room decor, enhancing the overall look no-end. Meanwhile the radiator’s steel construction ensures it will provide a premium quality performance for several years to come.

Of course, you’ll want to keep towels toasty warm, dry and reasy for use in the bathroom. So a radiator or heated towel warmer is near essential. Usually, you’ll hope to identify a model to match up with your existing fixtures and fittings. But if you really want to make a standout style statement, you can deviate from that plan and go for a completely different design.

What might be the best option for you is to select a designer radiator, and go for an accompanying towel rail from our radiator accessories range.

This Hudson Reed Wall Mounted Towel Rail will do the trick. It’s available in several sizes too, so there’s a component to enhance the look and functionality of any of our radiators.

Similarly to other areas, the size of your bathroom will largely influence which sort of radiator or towel warmer you select. There are other elements to account for as well, though.

If quite a few people make use of a relatively small bathroom in your family household, a heated towel rack might be the best option. Plenty of people will require dry towels, often within a short space of each other. So opting for a towel warmer and some thermostatic valves is a sensible strategy.

Should you have a large family bathroom to play around with, there are less restrictions as to what sort of radiator or towel warmer you can select.

The likes of robe hooks and towel rails are accessories well worth considering for radiators in larger bathrooms too. They’ll assist in delivering adequate heat to the room whilst ensuring the bathroom can remain clutter-free.

Electric radiators are a superb option for specific rooms within a home. Namely, areas that aren’t reliant on a gas central heating system. The likes of extensions, conservatories and even garages are usually prime candidates in this regard.

There are plenty of benefits associated with the purchase of electric radiators. They can help lower energy bills while still delivering a touch of designer class to any property.

The fact that such a wide range of designer electric radiators and electric towel warmers are now available can only be seen as another positive too.

An electric radiator will convert all their usable energy into heat. They also operate more efficiently than gas-powered versions, proving quicker to heat.

You can also make significant savings on installation. Electric radiators or towel warmers don’t require the floorboards to be torn out to accommodate new pipework. You simply need to identify what size component you require and where it will be positioned.