A Guide to Electric Radiators

Electric heating covers electric radiators, electric heated towel rails, infrared panels, and underfloor systems. This guide explains the main types, how to size and choose them, the most popular colours and finishes, trusted brands, bathroom use, accessories, FAQs, and running costs—so you can pick the right option for every room.

PART 1 — BUYING GUIDE

Start by learning the types available and what suits each space. Then size correctly (BTU/W), choose a style/finish, and add the right controls and accessories.

The different types of electric heating

Electric radiators

Our most popular electric heat emitters, now available in a wide range of designs:

• Electric column radiators: The classic column profile blends traditional looks with modern performance; 2–4 columns increase output without increasing footprint.
• Electric designer radiators: Contemporary statement styles in the designer range make heating part of your room’s aesthetic.
• Electric cast iron radiators: Ideal for period properties without wet systems—see electric cast iron for ornate, heritage looks.
• Electric vertical radiators: Use upward wall space (e.g., beside windows) with vertical electric radiators when horizontal room is tight.

Electric heated towel rails

Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and utilities to warm towels, dry laundry, and add supplementary heat—without new pipework. Quick for a professional electrician to install.

Further reading: The Complete Guide to Heated Towel Rails

Infrared heating

Infrared panels heat objects/surfaces directly (not just air), need minimal maintenance, and often take less space than radiators. With every watt turned into heat, they’re an efficient, low‑profile option where a fused spur is available.

Further reading: Infrared Heating Range

Electric underfloor heating

Luxurious underfoot comfort—especially with tile, stone, or wood. Foil, mat, and wire kits fit shallow build‑ups with minimal disruption; no combustion, no gas, and no boiler maintenance. Every watt is converted into heat for excellent system efficiency.

Further reading: Electric Underfloor Heating

Electric radiator / heated towel rail sizes

Match size and output to room volume, insulation, and desired temperature. Radiators generally emit more heat than similarly sized towel rails due to larger surface area.

Heating calculator

Use the Heating Calculator to enter room measurements and get the output required (BTU and Watts). Pick products whose dimensions and outputs meet or exceed the result.

Popular sizes

Best‑selling sizes can provide a useful benchmark, but always size for your specific room. When wall width is limited, go vertical or pick chunkier multi‑column models to increase output within small footprints.

Most Popular Electric Heating Sizes

Horizontal vs vertical

If a horizontal radiator can’t fit or heat adequately, a vertical radiator leverages height for higher outputs. For electric column or cast iron, also check depth (projection): extra rows add output without widening the radiator.

All Electric Vertical Radiators

Popular colours and finishes

Choosing a colour

Make heating part of your design plan with finishes that complement your scheme:

• Black: Bold monochrome contrast; pairs well with stone and slate. Black electric radiators.
• White: Crisp, versatile, and timeless. White electric radiators.
• Anthracite: Charcoal with a subtle metallic flake; modern and popular. Anthracite electric radiators.
• Silver: Universal appeal, especially in bathrooms/kitchens. Silver towel rails.

Choosing a finish

Select a finish that matches handles, taps, and appliances:

• Chrome: Bright, reflective, and widely compatible. Chrome electric heaters.
• Polished: Stainless steel sheen; buff for extra lustre. Polished finishes.
• Satin (brushed): Muted and hand‑finished; pairs with brushed appliances. Satin finishes.

All Colours & Finishes

Electric radiator / towel rail brands

Trusted brands with wide choice and guarantees:

Trade Direct: Our exclusive brand—designer looks at economical prices. All Trade Direct

Lazzarini: Italian style for bathrooms/kitchens; 50+ options. All Lazzarini

Pisa: Simple, high‑quality towel rails. All Pisa

Paladin: Electric cast iron for ornate, heritage interiors. All Paladin

Towelrads: Infrared glass panels—hang like a mirror, free floor space. All Towelrads

Yandiya: Infrared in aluminium or mirrored styles. All Yandiya

DQ Heating: UK designer aluminium radiators (horizontal/vertical). All DQ

Best Electric Heating Brands

Electric heating for bathrooms

Adding an electric towel rail is a quick way to warm towels and add local heat without new pipework—especially in smaller bathrooms.

Electric heating accessories

Enhance control and finish:

• Electric elements: Single‑temperature or variable control. See elements.
• Smart heating controls: Schedule per‑room; optimise comfort and cost.
• Dual fuel conversion kit: Add mains electric to a wet towel rail to run independently in summer.
• Rail hangers/hooks: Increase usable drying space neatly.

All Electric Heating Accessories

Electric heating at Trade Radiators

Order easily with top‑rated service and fast delivery.

• Wide choice
• Trusted brands
• Comprehensive guarantees
• Free & fast delivery
• Finance options available
• Competitive prices

PART 2 — FAQs & Advice

How does electric heating work?

Electric radiators and towel rails connect to the mains and use an internal element to heat their fluid or tubes—unlike gas boiler systems that circulate hot water through copper pipes. Infrared and underfloor variants use different mechanisms but share simple electrical installation.

Electric boilers

Great for small/medium homes without gas, but limited hot‑water flow versus combis:

• Direct acting: Element heats water on demand; compact and simple (no storage).
• Storage: Includes a tank to store hot water; needs more space and budget.
• CPSU: Large commercial‑style storage; high capacity, rarely domestic.
• Dry storage: Heats bricks on cheaper night tariffs; transfers heat to water later.

Calculating running costs

Check your tariff (cost per kWh). UK averages hover around £0.14/kWh, but contracts vary.

• Full‑power example: 1.0 kW radiator × £0.14/kWh ≈ £0.14 per hour.
• Thermostat cycling: Radiators modulate; duty cycle reduces average hourly cost.

Illustration with duty cycle: if your room’s heat loss averages ~200 W and setpoint is 20 °C, a 1.0 kW radiator may run ~12 minutes per hour to maintain temperature.

£0.14 ÷ 60 × 12 ≈ £0.028 (2.8p) per hour

Actual costs depend on:

• Insulation: Cavity/loft insulation and double glazing reduce loss.
• Room size/windows: Larger rooms and more glazing need more energy.
• Temperature preference: Warmer setpoints cost more.
• Property exposure: Detached/exposed homes need higher inputs than sheltered terraces.

Changing from gas to electric central heating

Full conversion from a working gas system is uncommon—removal is disruptive and costly. Electric is best for properties without gas or for adding local heaters (radiators/towel rails) where pipework doesn’t exist.

Is electric heating more efficient?

Installation is simpler (no pipework) and avoids boiler maintenance. Materials matter: aluminium conducts heat rapidly for quick warm‑up; smart controls let you schedule and micromanage room‑by‑room for efficiency.

Is electric heating bad for you?

Electric heaters don’t burn fuel and don’t produce carbon monoxide. Follow common‑sense safety: don’t leave on permanently; keep clear of furniture/curtains; use child safety; rely on built‑in cut‑outs and proper fused spurs/sockets.

Get advice & order online

Need guidance? Contact us and our team will help you size and choose the right products.

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