Choosing the right radiator for your space involves understanding different types, their heating performance, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. This guide helps you navigate the main radiator categories and provides an easy BTU calculator for UK homes to size your heating needs correctly.
Radiator Types Explained
- Electric Radiators: Efficient and versatile heating units with precise temperature control. Includes convection, oil-filled, and ceramic core electric radiators suitable for a wide range of room sizes.
- Infrared Heaters: Radiate heat directly to people and objects, providing rapid warmth and reduced air movement — ideal for bathrooms, offices, or supplementary heating.
- Heat Retention Radiators: These combine thermal cores such as ceramic or stone to retain heat longer, offering sustained warmth even after being switched off, suitable for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Designer Radiators: Stylish radiators with modern and classic finishes, available in vertical and horizontal designs to complement any interior while delivering effective heating.
- Panel Heaters: Slim, quick-heating heaters perfect for guest rooms, offices, or areas needing fast, occasional warmth. Many models are wall-mountable to save space.
- Towel Rails: Designed primarily for bathrooms and kitchens, warming towels and providing supplementary room heating. Includes traditional ladder and contemporary styles available in electric or dual-fuel options.
- Traditional Radiators: Classic cast iron or steel radiators perfect for period properties and traditional interiors, delivering reliable, steady heat.
- LED Infrared Mirror Heaters: Innovative infrared radiant heaters combined with illuminated mirrors — ideal for stylish, functional heating in bathrooms and dressing areas.
How to Choose Your Radiator
- Room use: Bedrooms and living rooms benefit from heat retention or designer radiators for comfort and style. Bathrooms are ideal for towel radiators or splash-proof infrared heaters. Offices and occasional-use rooms suit panel heaters or slim electric radiators.
- Heating speed: Panel and infrared heaters provide rapid warmth, while heat retention radiators offer longer-lasting, steady heat.
- Space & interior design: Vertical and slimline radiators save space; designer and LED mirror radiators double as décor features.
- Smart controls: Many modern radiators feature programmable thermostats, timers, and app controls for energy efficiency.
BTU & Watt Calculator
Want to know how many BTUs or watts you need? Try our BTU & Watt Calculator for quick and accurate results.
For reference, our simple manual calculation: Volume (m³) × 50 (for average insulation) = Watts, then Watts × 3.412 = BTUs. Adjust based on factors above.
| Room Size (m²) | Height (m) | Watts Needed | BTUs Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 | 2.4 | 1,000–1,200 | 3,400–4,100 |
| 12–15 | 2.4 | 1,400–1,800 | 4,785–6,140 |
| 16–20 | 2.4 | 2,000–2,500 | 6,825–8,530 |
| 25–30 | 2.4 | 3,000–3,600 | 10,230–12,280 |
Add 15–20% for open-plan or poorly insulated rooms. For new builds, use a lower factor (35–45 W/m³).
Manual BTU & Watt Calculator
- Calculate your room volume:
Length × Width × Height = Volume (m³) - For average insulation in the UK, multiply volume by 50:
Required Watts = Volume (m³) × 50 - Convert to BTU:
1 Watt = 3.412 BTU(multiply your watts by 3.412)
Example: A 4m × 4m × 2.4m room = 38.4m³
38.4 × 50 = 1,920 Watts
1,920 × 3.412 = 6,563 BTUs
| Room Size (m²) | Height (m) | Watts Needed | BTUs Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 | 2.4 | 1,000–1,200 | 3,400–4,100 |
| 12–15 | 2.4 | 1,400–1,800 | 4,785–6,140 |
| 16–20 | 2.4 | 2,000–2,500 | 6,825–8,530 |
| 25–30 | 2.4 | 3,000–3,600 | 10,230–12,280 |
Add 15–20% for open-plan or poorly insulated rooms. For new builds, you may use a lower factor (35–45 W/m³).
Need More Help?
If you require personalised guidance to select the perfect radiator type and size for your home or project, please contact our expert team. We’ll help you find the best heating solution tailored to your needs.
