Why should I buy from Feature Radiators?

Choice can be a gift and a curse, the more we have to choose from the better? Or too much to choose from and how do you differentiate?

The designer radiator market is now full of choice, many different products and many different retailers to choose from. Feature Radiators is a pioneer in this market with 19 years’ experience within the industry. We were ‘The’ original radiator retailer, only focusing on radiators, not bathrooms, not kitchens, we specialise in radiators!

Now in a diluted market we try to stand out by continuing our longstanding ethos of quality products and quality service. All of us here are self-professed radiator geeks with an eye for interior design.

For you the customer how do you possibly select the best company to go with? It would be easy enough for us to write, ‘just use us, simple’, but we think it’s best to justify that somewhat.

If Feature Radiators being the pioneer in the industry isn’t enough then consider the fact that we do evaluate literally every radiator that we sell. A strict process is undertaken when we look at a new radiator, we quite literally feel and touch the product. We obtain a sample in exactly the same way you would receive it, so we can make sure everything from packaging to labelling and how the brackets are sent are as we would expect.

Our range is second to none, just because a radiator exists doesn’t give it the privilege to adorn our website and brochures, we scrutinise quality, style, heat output, size variants, price, to name a few. What you see on our website are the best radiators, selected by people with an extensive overview of the market and in combined years, over 95 years’ experience. The people here have lived through the start of this designer radiator movement when there was literally a handful of models available to the now saturated market with copycat models and inferior models available from one pop up radiator site to the next.

We actually exist! Seems odd we need to let you know that we live and breath and we have an office, 10 humans and the UKs largest radiator showroom, in the online age this is oh so relevant, we champion those points!

Due to the fact we are humans we want to know you, not necessarily down to the knee complaint from tennis but certainly your next room décor ideas or any mood board ideas, we work with you sending emails back and forth, giving you a quick call to check the finer details, we like to communicate, we don’t disappear into the online abyss at the drop of a hat.

We’re not competitor bashers, as we are confident in what we do. That said, something we do want you to know is that a good amount of the first pagers on Google are what we deem as ‘pop up’ retailers, short life span, set up by larger e commerce companies who in the background sell anything from light bulbs to online payment systems, they are far from specialist, stacked high sold cheap. They imitate and we innovate.

www.featureradiators.co.uk

01274 567789

Contact@featureradiators.co.uk

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/FeatureRadiators

Twitter: @featureradiator

Instagram: @featureradiators

Vertical radiators – 5 key points to consider

Over the last 20 years, feature radiators have become an increasingly important consideration for those renovating a property. One popular way to maximise wall space and comfort, whilst adding an extra design element is to go for a vertical radiator. Here are 5 key points to consider when looking at a tall, modern heating solution.

Heat output

Heat output is the most important factor when buying a radiator, to ensure a comfort and efficiency. Key to maximising the heat output and efficiency of a tall radiator is down to the amount of surface area so look for ways in which the surface area can be maximised. For example:    

·         Does the radiator include as many tubes as possible? – see our Cirque design, where tubes are tightly packed together;

·         Does the radiator include as many internal fins as possible? – see our Alchemy design, which you can see is full of vertical surfaces; or

·         Does the radiator include as much “radiator” behind a front panel as possible? – for example, it may be difficult to see but, our Outline range has a tightly packed aluminium radiator body behind a sleek front panel.

Feature Radiators’ team can help you with your heat output calculations and make recommendations for the Watts or BTUs you require then make a range of radiator suggestions.

Measuring up

Tall radiators are often chosen for use where width space is restricted. Therefore measuring up the space accurately is essential to ensure you select something that maximises the heat output, whilst fitting comfortably into a tight space. As a retailer, we recommend measuring the full gap, allowing us to consider all radiator options with a range of valve positions when combined with a range of valves.

Alternatively, if your pipes are already in place, then measure the distance from the centre of one pipe to the centre of the other and we can recommend products that will fit neatly onto the existing pipework, minimising your potential plumber’s bill.

Valve connections

When width space is restricted and you need to maximise the heat output in a narrow space then you may want to consider a vertical model with “underside” rather than side connections. This is often the case in kitchens where wall space is limited due to units and appliances. As standard, radiator valve connections go at the bottom of a radiator on either side (BBOE), however an increasing amount of designs come with valve connection positions on the underneath, freeing up space either side and giving a neater finish. Examples of such models are our Classic and Svelte ranges.

Designs

Vertical radiators now nearly outsell horizontal radiators, so consequently manufacturers have been proactive in bringing a huge choice of designs to market. 

The most popular designs consist of vertical columns or tubes with various profile shapes in a range of sizes, such as:

·         Round – see our modern Pentola radiator

·         Oval – see our best-selling Ellipse

·         Square – see our Cube-Tube, high output design

·         C shaped as hollow tubes help to maximise surface area – see our high output Cirque design.

Flat panel radiators such as our Dansk Odin are popular in white for their minimalism, but, alternatively, these flat designs are now available in a huge range of colours and finishes such as our Arteplano in copper and Cliff with a stone veneer face.

 

Tall “feature radiators” come in a myriad of shapes. For example,

• Spirals – see our Spiro 2 and Hot Spring designs
• Twists – see the stainless steel Twister
• Surfboards – see the iconic Blade
• X-factor – see our Papillon hand-made design  

Materials

The most popular material to make tall radiators is mild steel; this is relatively low cost yet hard-wearing and can be made into a huge range of designs.

However, the radiator market is increasingly moving towards aluminium which offers a practical alternative; aluminium is easy to recycle meaning and aluminium radiators are often made of recycled material. It also heats up quickly and is very light weight making it easier to transport and hang. It can be extruded into long finned pieces, offering good value and a high output. One of the top quality options on the market is our Swell range, which comes in a huge range of sizes and finishes.

Many customers request cast iron radiators in vertical versions, but these can only be made to a maximum of 1m high. A suitable alternative would be a steel column radiator such as our Bordo or Classic models to get the period style.

For more information on vertical radiators, contact an expert such as Feature Radiators.

www.featureradiators.co.uk Tel: 01274 567789

The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 2HL

Do I need manual or thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)?

Feature Radiators' technical expert, Jason, offers some helpful advice on choosing the best radiator valves for your particular circumstances, regarding both look and efficiency.  He explains the difference between manual and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).

For more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Feature radiators - stylish and efficient

Feature Radiators by name Feature radiators by nature! Our contemporary, traditional, electric or towel rail ranges include radiators that double up as works of art to give the ultimate wow factor to your home, whilst providing function as well as form. Style and substance are no longer mutually exclusive when it comes to designer radiators

Feature Radiators' showroom in West Yorkshire is the largest in the UK

Feature Radiators is an award-winning radiator specialist and has the UK's largest radiator showroom with over 250 display models in their premises in Bingley, West Yorkshire. Here Jason, Head of Sales and a true radiator expert, gives a tour and explains the different radiator styles, designs, materials and finishes now available.

How to turn a central heating radiator into an electric radiator

Electric radiators are an increasingly popular option. Consequently Feature Radiators offers a wide range of electric heater styles including a number of column, cast iron and traditional style radiators as we can provide a DIY electric element kit to convert some of our standard radiators into electric models.

This video shows you how to convert one of our central heating radiators into an electric version with the installation of an electric element. 

All our electric radiators can be controlled via PC, tablet or smartphone using our smart app technology and/or linked to form a centrally controlled electric heating system.  Call our expert team on 01274 567789 for more information or visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

How to choose a heated towel rail or bathroom radiator

The choice of towel radiators these days is huge.  In this video our radiator expert, Jason, offers a layperson's guide to choosing the best heated towel rail or bathroom radiator for your particular circumstances.  He shows a range of contemporary and traditional towel radiator designs and gives advice on ensuring the appropriate heat output for you bathroom, wet room or en-suite. 

For more tailored advice, please call our expert team directly on 01274 567789 or, for more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Production of our Tetro radiators - made from 100% recycled aluminium!

Did you know that every single one of our Tetro radiators is made from 100% recycled aluminium? Boasting good looks and eco-credentials, our elegant Tetro combines all the benefits of modern radiators with beautiful retro styling. It’s profile and filigree pattern reflect the cast iron radiators of old but being made from aluminium, the Tetro is slim, light and energy efficient. And it looks gorgeous too!


For more information on this product call 01274 567789 or visit our website, www.featureradiators.co.uk

Do I need straight, angled or corner radiator valves?

You have bought your radiator, but the question of radiator valves has now come up.  So which type do you need?

Radiator valves for a long time just came in "straight" versions, for use on towel rails with underside connections, if pipes came from the floor. or "angled" versions for use on any "standard" radiator or when pipes came from the floor. 

However with an increasing range of radiator styles available and with an increased customer demand for the smartest and most stylish options, valve manufacturers have sought to increase the choice available not just in style, but also in format, to ensure the neatest finish.  As they say, the devil's in the detail!

A radiator expert, such as Feature Radiators, can identify which valve format you need for your situation depending on the style of radiator you choose, the position of the valve connections and the position of your pipework. 

So watch this video for more information or just give us a call directly for some tailored advice on 01274 567789 or, for more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

How efficient are electric radiators?

Feature Radiators are a leading expert in electric radiators and electric heating systems and electric heating is becoming more common in homes in the UK.  So here our expert, Jason, provides a beginners guide to electric radiators, how to judge the efficiency and what choice in electric radiators are now available. 


Feature Radiators offers a huge range of models, sizes and finishes of electric radiators including traditional and contemporary radiators.  We also offer a range of different levels of controls for electric radiators including smart controls to enable radiators to be controlled via PC, tablet or smartphone.


For expert advice on electric radiators, please call our team on 01274 567789 or visit www.featureradiators.co.uk

Bleeding a radiator is an efficient way to get rid of cold spots. The process enables you to remove air, vent or purge a radiator and it is done by opening the air vent at the top of the radiator. 


Here our expert, Jason, provides a step by step guide to the easiest and most effective way to bleed a radiator.


For more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Feature Radiators receives a business award

In 2005, Feature Radiators received an HSBC Business Award.  We were officially recognised as one of HSBC's Business Start-Up Stars and received the award at the Savoy, London.

Feature Radiators is an award-winning radiator specialist that offers expert advice and the UK's largest radiator showroom.  Our collection is made up of the best contemporary, designer radiators, traditional cast iron radiators, electric radiators and heated towel rails on the market in terms of quality, design and value for money.

This video features our old showroom, but we have now moved to much bigger and better premises.  We still pride ourselves on offering expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery.  We are widely recognized as the UK''s leading radiator specialist. 

For more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Aluminium radiators

As the UK’s leading radiator specialist offering an array of aluminium radiators, Feature Radiators’ experts are often asked the following questions:

• What are the benefits of aluminium radiators?
• What is the difference between aluminium and steel or cast iron radiators?
• Is there anything I need to be aware of when buying aluminium radiators?

The benefits of using aluminium to make radiators

Aluminium’s physical properties make it a perfect material to construct a radiator from.  It offers the following positive characteristics:

• Recyclable – as aluminium can easily be re-worked, recycled aluminium is widely used in every day products including radiators;
• Inexpensive – using recycled aluminium keeps production costs down;
• Light-weight - this makes transportation and installation easier and, consequently, cheaper;
• Long guarantee periods – aluminium radiators come with guarantees of up to 10 years as this material has a protective film of surface oxide making it naturally resistant to corrosion, although, other inputs can cause a risk of corrosion.  See below for more information*;
• Quick to react or “thermally conductive” – aluminium ensures rapid heat transfer from the water within the radiator to the air in the room.  In practical terms this means that the radiators only need to be switched on just before the room is needed.  On the flip side, aluminium cools down equally quickly unlike cast iron which retains heat for hours.
• Variety of shapes and styles - aluminium is relatively soft, yet durable and has a high “ductile strength” meaning it can be stretched or “extruded” into long strips.  Therefore aluminium is often used in vertical radiator models and is commonly used for contemporary style “feature radiators”; and
• “Sectional” options - the “extrusion” process means that uniformly shaped sections can be formed and radiators can be of “sectional” construction.  A sectional aluminium radiator is assembled by joining any number of sections together to create the desired width; this allows for a vast selection of widths and means that radiators can be easily sized to fit onto existing pipework.  The same sectional construction method is used for cast iron and some steel radiators.  Scope for large radiators means that huge heat outputs can be achieved. 

Comparing aluminium to steel and cast iron

There is not one material that is better than the other; there are pros and cons for each.  Your choice will depend on your particular circumstances and specification.

• Price – there is a common misconception that the cost of a radiator is entirely dependent on the material it is made from but there are so many other factors at play. 
• Weight - Aluminium is light-weight whereas cast iron is heavy and steel sits somewhere between the two.
• Guarantee periods – aluminium radiators usually come with 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee but so do cast iron radiators.  Steel tend to come with less at 5 years as steel is more prone to corrosion, though if the radiator is installed and maintained properly, this should not be a problem. 
• Speed of reaction - aluminium heats up quickly, but then cools down quickly whereas cast iron takes longer to heat up, and retains the heat for longer after switch off.  Steel sits somewhere in the middle.
• Shapes and sizes - aluminium is relatively more ductile and malleable than steel and cast iron.   

*Prevention against corrosion

In order to comply with your radiator guarantee, your radiator must be installed in accordance with BS5449, section five commissioning, which is a process your installer should be fully aware of.  This means on completion of installation, the system should be properly flushed and filled to remove debris and minimize the presence of solid particles and chemical residue that may cause corrosion and damage within the system. 

Any radiator (except those on a secondary hot water system) must be used in conjunction with a suitable corrosion inhibitor. 

Corrosion inhibitor should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations and should take into account the particular metals within the system.  Corrosion inhibitors are available from most plumbers’ merchants and DIY stores.

For more information on aluminium radiators, contact a radiator specialist such as Feature Radiators.  You can view over 250 models and receive expert advice at their showroom in Bingley, West Yorkshire or contact their sales team on 01274 567789 or through their website www.featureradiators.co.uk

Radiator Valves – angled, straight or corner - which ones do I need?

Feature Radiators, a radiator expert, has provided below some helpful advice on which valves they would recommend for different radiator set-ups, enabling you to make an informed decision when buying radiator valves.

 

1. Are your pipes already installed? 

You may be starting from scratch without any pipes installed; in this instance, you can probably choose where you want your pipes to come from (wall or floor).  This means you have freedom when it comes to choosing your radiator and valves.

However, as is often the case, you may already have your pipework installed.  You may be able to have this moved but, if not, this may narrow down your radiator and valve choices. 

2. “Wall-mounted” or “floor-mounted”?

A question we are often asked is whether a particular type of radiator can be “wall-mounted” or “floor-mounted”.  

• “Wall-mounted” means that the radiator is hung from the wall on brackets (without feet).  However there is a common misconception among homeowners that “wall-mounted” means that the pipes come out of the wall. 
• “Floor-mounted” means that the radiators are sat on the floor, usually on “feet”.  Again however customers often think that this means that the pipes come from the floor. 

Whether the radiator is hung from a wall or sat on feet, the pipes can come from wherever you need them to; out of the wall, out of the floor, along the skirting board, etc.  This position of your pipes does not affect your choice of radiator, but it does affect your choice of valve.

3. Position of valve connections?

In order to choose the best valves, you firstly need to know if your radiator has “side connections” or “underside connections”.

 

Side connections

The connections for the valves (holes) are situated at the bottom of the radiator on either side.  This is the norm for standard corrugated panel radiators and traditional style cast iron radiators.  This type of connection is also known as BBOE or Bottom Bottom Opposite Ends.

Underside connections

The connections for the valves (holes) are situated underneath the radiator, at either end or centrally at 50mm apart.  This is the norm for ladder style towel radiators and is common on many modern vertical radiators, which are designed to take up a minimum amount of wall space. 

 

4. Position of pipes?

Choose your particular set-up from the list below:

 

• Pipes coming up from the floor on a radiator with side connections = you need “angled” valves

The head of the valves would sit upright, either side of the radiator. 

 

• Pipes coming up from the floor on a radiator with underside connections = you need “straight” valves

The valves would sit underneath the radiator and the head of the valves can be twisted so they are in-line with the bottom of the radiator and do not protrude into the room.

• Pipes coming out of the wall on a radiator with side connections = you can choose from “angled” or “corner” valves

Traditionally installers would use angled valves, but this means that the valves would lie flat either side of the radiator and the valve heads would stick forward into the room usually beyond the front of the radiator.  A neater alternative is to use corner valves, which means that the valves would be either side of the radiator but the heads of the valves would sit upright, rather than protruding into the room.

• Pipes coming out of the wall on a radiator with underside connections = you can choose from “angled” or “corner” valves

Traditionally installers would use angled valves, but this means that the valves would sit underneath the radiator and the valve heads would stick forward into the room usually beyond the front of the radiator.  A neater alternative is to use corner valves, which means that the valves would sit underneath the radiator and the heads of the valves would sit horizontally, rather than protruding into the room.

 

Manual or thermostatic?

 

Remember, you also need to decide whether you need thermostatic or manual valves.  Please see our article regarding the differences via the link below.

http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/Articles/Radiator%20valves%20thermostatic%20or%20manual.htm

Choosing radiators

Although Feature Radiators’ team is often complimented on our comprehensive range of products, we are sometimes asked by our customers why we don’t offer certain other radiators that are available from other retailers.  

Feature Radiators’ aim is to ease the decision-making process for our customers; one of the ways we do this is by using our expert knowledge to eliminate products that don’t add anything new to our range. 

There are 3 key reasons why we may choose not to sell a particular product:

1. We want to ensure that all our products meet our strict quality standards, regarding both the product and the service attached, as some radiators do not;
2. We want to avoid overwhelming our customers - There is now a huge range of “feature radiators” available, so if we didn’t limit our range, we would be offering literally 1000s of different models including numerous duplicate offerings; and
3. We want to ensure that our products offer good value for money.

To ensure quality, our business is ISO 9001 accredited; this is an internationally recognised quality accreditation and means that we have strict processes regarding what we sell and how we sell it.  To ensure that we offer the best quality, we have a step-by-step process in place for introducing new products. 

Identify a new product

1. We identify a potential new product.
   1. Either radiator manufacturers approach us with new products; or
   2. Our team seeks out a product to fill a specific gap in the market.
2. Is the supplier on our “Approved Suppliers” list? 
   1. Yes – great.  They have been scrutinised and passed our “Approved Supplier Process”; this checks things like quality and service standards, company ethos and financial health. 
   2. No – then they would need to pass the “Approved Supplier Process”.
3. We request product information and images from the manufacturer.

Scrutinise the product’s specification

1. We do this by completing a New Product form which ensures that we have considered all relevant factors when introducing a new product.  These include:

• Heat output – Does the radiator produce a good output, particularly in relation to its dimensions?
• Quality of the product – Do we feel that the quality stands up against the price?  Have the smaller details e.g. brackets been considered?
• Does this radiator add something new or different to the market? – We don’t want to duplicate products that we already sell.  
• Range of sizes
• Range of finishes
• Availability and lead times
• Delivery service   

1. Once the New Product Form has been completed it is passed to the sales, technical and marketing team and the Directors who then submit their feedback. 
2. A decision is made at this point as to whether to proceed with further inspections or not. 

Inspect a sample of the product

1. A sample is ordered. 
2. We assess the radiator and its delivery service from a customer’s perspective.
3. Negative comments are fed back to the supplier so minor issues can be resolved.  For instance, we may flag up that the packaging is not adequate.
4. Our conclusions are passed to the directors to make the final decision.

Introduce the new product to our range

1. A name is chosen based on the product’s appearance and characteristics; it may highlight a key selling point. 
2. A pricelist is completed and added to our website; this will include images and all relevant information for a customer, not just prices and heat outputs, but also useful details such as “Wall to front face measurement”.  
3. A display model is hung in our showroom for members of the public to view. 

For more information on choosing radiators, speak to an expert such as Feature Radiators.

 

Their large showroom in West Yorkshire has over 200 radiators on display and expert advice on hand.

 

Feature Radiators, The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2HL

www.featureradiators.co.uk  Twitter: @featureradiator  contact@featureradiators.co.uk

Tel: 01274 567789  Fax: 01274 561183

 

Differences between flat panel radiators

Dansk flat panel radiator

 

There are a wealth of minimalistic flat panel radiators on the market, available at a wide range of prices, but how can you tell which offer good value for money?  This article provides a clear guide on what to look for when buying a flat panel central heating radiator. 

Flat panel radiators in white are a popular option as they provide a simple inoffensive design that sits close to the wall.  This type of radiator provides a discreet “designer” option as an alternative to a bolder “feature radiator”.

A customer asked me the other day, “What’s the difference between these flat panel radiators as one is much more expensive than the other?”  So I answered the question, justifying the price difference and realised that this is a common enquiry and something worth addressing properly.

“Designer radiators” are becoming increasingly the norm in homes with a high quality finish and consumers often demand more than the “bog-standard” pressed steel, corrugated panel radiators that we are used to seeing in so many British homes.  As a consequence, the market for more stylish heating products has grown rapidly to include a wealth of flat fronted radiators but with significant variations in quality and price.  Architects, especially, are looking for radiators that optimise the space they are developing, so want high quality, slimline minimalist radiators, which take up as little living space as possible but provide a great heat output.

However, although price is often an issue, opting for the “cheapest” option in heating is rarely a worthwhile investment in the long term and customers find that they get what they pay for.

So how do flat panel radiators vary?  What differences should you be looking out for? 

Below we have detailed the various points to consider when purchasing flat-fronted or flat panel radiators. 

General

·         Guarantee period: A relatively short guarantee period may indicate lesser quality welding or thin steel.  You should be looking for a radiator with a minimum guarantee period of 5 years.

·         Independent testing: Are the radiators tested to EN442, the official European Standard?  This certificate guarantees that a radiator meets the minimum standards on various aspects including heat output, product labelling and safety. 

·         Heat output confirmation: Has an independent laboratory tested the heat output of the radiator? A BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) certificate or similar will confirm that the heat output stated has been confirmed by an independent expert. 

·         Awards and accreditations: Independent recognition helps to ensure that the radiator is of a good quality design.  Look for signs that recognise the quality of the radiators and materials used such as the “RAL Steel Radiator Quality Mark”.

·         Country of manufacture: The country of manufacture does not always dictate the quality of the product but you may want to consider it alongside other factors.  Flat panel radiators are usually made in Europe, mostly in Denmark, Germany and Turkey but there are increasingly more models being manufactured in Asia.  Some bespoke models are made in Great Britain. 

Design

·         There are 2 types of flat panel radiators:

1.       Specifically designed flat-fronted radiators: These have been designed for the architects market, offering clean lines and a high quality finish.  They consist of a neat, simple design that sits close to the wall and often have a plain flat top rather than a grille top. 

2.       Standard-style corrugated steel radiators with flat panels fitted to the front: These have been designed to try and replicate the same look as those specially designed flat panel radiators, but these are usually the less expensive option as behind the flat panel is usually a mass produced, commodity product.  The nature of this construction makes them often deeper in design, causing them to protrude more into a room, and the top of these radiators may be covered with a grille. 

·        Sizes available: Increasing popularity of this type of radiator has led to an increased range of sizes available.  For instance, flat panel radiators are now available in both horizontal and vertical designs, with widths from 200mm to 3000mm and heights from 300mm to 2000mm.

·        Heat output performance: A critical aspect when choosing any radiator, no matter what type, is the heat output.  A well designed flat panel radiator will have fins or “convectors” hidden behind the front panel to maximise the heat output.  Without these fins, heat output will be significantly less, so don’t be fooled by a cheap, ultra skinny flat panel radiator; it could give you the same amount of heat out as a couple of light bulbs!

·         Finishing of the top and sides: Flat panel radiators can have open or closed sides; this does not affect the performance of the radiator and is purely cosmetic.  They can also have an open or grille top; the effect on the heat output of the radiator is negligible when adding or removing a grille.  A grille is usually added for practical reasons (mostly to stop small children putting toy cars down the back!).

·        Valve connection positions: These types of radiators come with either “side connections”, like standard pressed steel radiators, where the valves are installed at the bottom of the radiator on either side, or “underside connections”, where the valves are situated underneath the radiator, either centrally or at either end.  Underside connections are a popular choice especially on vertical radiators as they mean that the valves sit directly underneath the radiator meaning you don’t need to allow any more space to fit the valves in.  There may also be other valve connection options available should you require them.  Whichever valve positions you require, it is essential that you check with your radiator specialist that the radiator you are considering will be suitable.  

·        Design of brackets: To maximise space, look at radiators with cleverly designed brackets that keep the radiator as close to the wall as possible.    Look for the “wall to front face measurement” to confirm how far into the room a radiator will protrude, not just the depth measurement, as this may not include space for the bracket.  

Materials

·         Grades of steel – Pressed steel radiators in white are a popular product but the quality of steel can vary between models.  A thick grade of steel, such as 1.20mm or 1.25mm internal construction will help ensure a long life.   Front panels should be a minimum 1.1mm thick steel; top quality flat panel radiators may even be 2mm thick steel. 

·         Pressure-testing – Flat panel radiators should be tested to a minimum of 10 bar. 

·         Paint quality: Flat-fronted radiators in white or coloured paint finishes are “powder coated” and should have a smooth, semi-gloss surface, similar to those seen on home appliances.  Poorly finished radiators may have a “orange peel” effect due to little paint being used. 

·         Quality of brackets: Brackets can give an immediate indication of the quality of the manufacturing, as a poor quality bracket may well reflect a poor quality radiator.

·         Packaging: Make sure the product you are purchasing is adequately packaged as transit damage could cause delays to your project.  Ask your retailer how the radiator is packaged. 

Service

Always bear in mind the service provided when you purchase heating products.  Follow the guide below to ensure you get the best service possible and minimise the chance of encountering problems. 

·         Choose a reputable supplier.  Look for reviews or feedback online, or ask friends and family whom they used when buying a radiator.   

·         Look for awards and accreditations.  Independent recognition of the supplier will help back-up their reputation, and will indicate that they have a brand they care about and wish to protect.

·         Use a radiator specialist.  Even kitchen, bathroom or bedroom retailers may have limited knowledge on heating.  By using a true specialist, you can get any technical and installation questions answered quickly and accurately.

·         Ask how long they have been selling radiators for.  Although the “designer” radiator industry is relatively young, a reputable supplier should have a number of years of successful trading behind them. 

·         Avoid online only sellers and “Add to basket” shopping.  If a radiator is chosen without expert advice, it can often lead to the wrong products being ordered, causing problems for all parties involved. 

·         Find out if they have a showroom.  High quality premises can indicate a long-term outlook for the business. 

·         Ask about after-sales service.  For instance, does the supplier have technical specialists and a helpline?  Some retailers have been known to fob off customers with the phone number of the warehouse, when they report a faulty product.

It’s clear from the above that choosing a flat panel radiator may not be the most straightforward decision, but by following the guidance detailed above, your radiator won’t be a false economy. 

For more information on buying good quality flat panel radiators with a reasonable price tag, then speak to a specialist such as Feature Radiators.  Their expert team will help you to choose the best radiator for your specific circumstances, so contact them on 01274 567789, visit them at their showroom in Bingley, West Yorkshire or see http://www.featureradiators.co.uk