Bathroom Radiators Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Space

Looking to replace or upgrade your bathroom heating system at the start of the winter? There are countless options available to choose from, making the right choice a tough one. Should you go for a sleek, modern design or a classic and timeless look? And most importantly, how big it should be, and what about the BTU rating?  There are many things to consider before buying a bathroom radiator. 

Our bathroom radiator buying guide will provide you with all the information you need about a bathroom radiator. 

Understanding Different Radiator Types

Bathroom heating systems are differentiated from each other based on their source of power consumption. Some are connected directly to the central heating system of the house while others are powered by electricity.

Central Heating Radiators

These heated radiators are linked to the central heating system of the house and rely on that to function efficiently. As long as the heating system keeps working properly, the radiators work just as fine but if the central system shows a fault or stops working the bathroom heating will follow along. For instance, in summers if the main heating system is powered off, the bathroom heaters will also shut down, meaning no warm and cozy showers. They are a popular choice in the UK, with 92% of homes relying on central heating radiators with the boiler to heat their homes.

Electric Radiators

Nearly 9% (2.1 million) of households in the UK rely entirely on electric heating radiators. Like a standard electric room heater, electric radiators are powered by electricity and controlled using a switch or a dial. With electric radiators, you have the freedom to turn them on and off on demand, not to mention that there is no need to turn on the heating system of the entire house each time. Considering their enhanced efficacy and convenient usage, they are comparatively more expensive than other bathroom radiators. Electric radiators in the UK can be divided into various subtypes, each with its pros and cons. 

*Plug-and-play electrical bathroom radiators are perfect for temporary setups. The wall-mounted units, on the other hand, are suitable for permanent installation. For a seamless look and long-term use, consider hardwired electric radiators.

Dual Fuel Radiators

As the name suggests, dual fuel bathroom radiators rely on both the central heating system and electricity. This hybrid model can warm your bathroom using central heating in winter, and also provide warm, toasty towels in summer using electricity alone when the central heating system is turned off. This limits the risks or disadvantages associated with relying solely on either system. According to Energy Saving Trust UK, approximately 90% of UK homes use gas-powered central heating. However, recent inflation and skyrocketing energy costs have resulted in growing interest in sustainable heating options. Dual fuel radiators offer middle ground solutions, allowing you to use the radiator to meet your requirements. 

Heated Towel Rails 

Bathroom radiators often include heated towel rails, in addition to standard bathroom heaters. Nowadays, however, heated rails can effectively heat the entire bathroom, not just your towels, if placed strategically. A relatively common and fairly recent type of bathroom heating system is the heated towel radiator. But the question is: do towel radiators really heat the entire bathroom? Many people are now choosing heated towel rails over basic radiators as their primary bathroom heating source. A larger-sized heated towel radiator might ensure adequate heating for your bathroom, besides keeping the towels dry and warm. To ensure adequate heating, you might consider installing larger-sized towel rails.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Radiator

You should consider the following factors to learn how to choose a bathroom radiator in UK.

Where Should You Install a Radiator?

The first step in choosing the right bathroom radiator is determining the right spot for its fitting. Most bathrooms already have a prescribed location ( decided when the bathroom was first built). A new spot for the bathroom radiator will require reconfiguration of plumbing. However, it may not be a good idea if you are short of budget. Therefore, you should avoid it unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, choosing the right spot is also important for better heating performance. For example, installing a radiator near the shower space or a bathtub can help you deal with excessive humidity. 

Consider Your Bathroom Wall Type Before Installation

In case you are going to install a type of bathroom radiator that requires wall hanging, then you should consider the wall type too. For the masonry or brick wall, you can hang any size and weight of the radiator. However, if it is a stud partition wall, then you have some limitations on the size you can put on the wall. 

Heating System

There are two types of home heating systems that work with radiators. The central heating system is where the boiler heats the water that flows through the plumbing. Another one is an electric system that does not use water, with radiators controlled separately in each room. Your choice of bathroom radiator will most likely depend on the type of heating system you have installed in your home. However, you may want bathroom heating to have separate controls, so you don’t have to turn the home heating system on for just the bathroom. It is most likely the solution for a new bathroom or a cloakroom that will save you costs. 

BTU (British Thermal Unit) 

Choosing the correct BTU is a key consideration when buying a radiator for the bathroom. A radiator with too low BTU rating may not be enough to warm up the space. While the one with excessively high BTU can consume and waste too much energy. Therefore, it is essential to calculate the required BTU based on your room size. You can use online tools, the quality of insulation, and the presence of windows when heating up the space.

Popular Bathroom Radiator Styles and Finishes

When it comes to choosing the right bathroom radiator, it's not just about the heat output. It’s about complementing your bathroom decor. You have a variety of bathroom radiator styles and finishes available to choose from. 

Here we have a few important styles.

• Ladder-Style Radiators:   One of the most popular choices, especially when combining the functionality (towel warming) with vertical space saving. 

• Traditional Column Radiators: A classic choice that is ideal for a period-style bathroom. 

• Designer Radiators: The sleek and artistic shapes in a variety of finishes serve as a style statement piece in modern bathrooms. 

• Flat Panel Radiators: The space saving, minimalist, and slimline design that sits closer to the wall. 

• Freestanding Panel Radiators: A radiator with flexibility to move around the space is often preferred for large bathrooms. 

Cost and Energy Efficiency

Electric radiators may cost more initially, but save energy long-term if you only heat the bathroom. Dual-fuel radiators are flexible and ideal for modern homes, but may need professional installation. Also, consider how much each type costs to run monthly.

*Central heating radiators in the UK are the cheapest to run overall, but can not work as an independent unit for a bathroom. Electric radiators are costlier per hour but energy efficient when used electively. However, dual fuel radiators use gas in winter and can be switched to electricity during warmer months. 

Ending Thoughts

No doubt, a well-chosen radiator can significantly enhance your bathroom experience. Follow the information provided in this bathroom radiator buying So, looking back, you can say I am glad I invested in a new bathroom radiator. It should make a world of difference in making my morning routine comfortable. I hope this guide has provided you with all the information to answer how to choose the bathroom radiator in the UK.