Despite British Summer Time spanning most of the year - we have seven months of it versus five of standard GMT - the climate on our island nation is usually on the tepid to the cold side.
This means we’re more likely to have radiators installed in our homes than air conditioning units. A report by Britain's Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy found that just 5 per cent of British homes have aircon.
While rising temperatures and increasing heatwaves might change this in the future, for now, a radiator remains a must-have fixture in British homes.
How do radiators work?
In a traditional central heating system, you have a boiler and a set of metal radiators dotted around the house, all connected by pipes. The boiler heats water to your set temperature and then channels it through those pipes.
As the hot water reaches the metal radiator, it heats it and warms the air around it. Since hot air rises, this heating coaxes cold air in, heating it up too in a process known as convection heating. When the water inside the radiator cools, it returns to the boiler for heating again before it's channelled back out.
Are electric radiators better than central heating?
Each has its plus points but by switching to electric, households will benefit from 100 per cent efficiency, lower cost (central heating systems use gas to heat water) and less maintenance.
Electric is also a better choice if you're generating your own power from renewable sources like solar power, ticking the sustainability box. And they're more efficient as electric radiators only heat the room they're in, which is useful if you live in a big house with many unused rooms. Just switch it on and away you go.
Is swapping radiators a straightforward job?
If you're simply replacing a radiator with an identical one, anyone with basic DIY skills can manage the swap. However, if you're looking to upgrade to a bigger, smaller or thinner radiator you'll need to adjust the pipe size and locations. In most cases, a professional tradesperson is key.
Installing an electric radiator is easy; you just need to connect it to the mains electricity. However, swapping from CE to electric radiators is more complex. Best to seek the services of a qualified heating engineer for such a changeover.
If you’re in the market for a new radiator but unsure where to start, we’ve rounded up the best specialists and brands to call on.
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Best electric radiators
Duux Edge 1000 Gen 2 Smart Convector Electric Heater, White
Generous heat and smaller bills; what's not to like with Duux's smart heater?
The device uses 1000W to push out heat, using convection methods to draw in cool air and flood out the warmth. It works best in spaces measuring 15sqm; ideal for smaller rooms. As well as three heat modes and a timer to stop you from worrying that you've left it on after you've gone to bed, this digital heater comes with a childproof lock to stop inquisitive fingers from messing with the controls.
The control panel lights can be dimmed making this a viable option for the bedroom, while IP24 waterproofability means it's one to warm up chilly bathrooms too.
Buy now £135.00, John Lewis
Airmaster Smart Panel Glass Heater Black 2000W
Gone are the days of nothing but white heaters; chic black options are there for the taking, especially for those who want to go down the electric route. Fitted with a digital control panel, it's easy to set the temperature to your ideal degree, but if you're sitting cosy with a cuppa, you won't need to get up thanks to the fact that this heater is WiFi enabled. It means you can control your heat source from a few taps on your mobile phone.
With a 2000W output, there's little chance of feeling the cold, especially with an adjustable thermostat making sure things stay stable. This panel heater is IP24-rated too, making bathroom heating a possibility.
Buy now £114.99, Tool Station
MYLEK Panel Space Heater
From Mylek comes this panel heater, which uses convection to heat up cold spaces with a 1500W output. The WiFi-enabled gadget turns your phone into a remote, allowing you to operate it through an app while also keeping an eye on your energy usage.
It's stuffed to the gills with useful features, including a waterproof IP24 rating, various modes and timers and an open window detection tool, which cuts power if the temperature plummets from a window that's been left ajar.
The electric nature means you can use it in the home, outbuildings and even caravans - as long as you have mains power to draw from.
Buy now £119.99, Amazon
Devola Wifi Enabled Smart Electric Glass Panel Heater
Available in both black and white colour options, this tempered glass panel heater runs on 1000W to raise the temperature in chilly rooms. The energy-efficient design is fitted with an integral precision thermostat which constantly monitors the temperature and adjusts to ensure it remains steady and a 24-hour weekly timer too.
There's also WiFi control so you can tweak the metaphorical mercury from your handset, choosing from three heating modes if you don't want to get up and use the touch control display. The digital heater is IP24-rated, making it bathroom-safe - but will require professional installation. It comes complete with its own wall mounting kit but you can also use it as a free-standing device if you like. Comes with a 12-month warranty.
Buy now £99.95, Amazon
Best traditional CE radiators
Radiators
It can't get any more to the point can it? Radiators.co.uk is in one business and one business only. The range is sizeable, with everything from aluminium, column, and old-school cast iron radiators in the mix. For those who want to make a statement out of the standard home fixture, there are trendy designer radiators on offer too.
The company offers UK-wide delivery with a £9.99 standard charge and there's online customer service through the working week if you need to talk through your options.
Buy now, Radiators
Apollo Radiators
Based in Gloucester, Apollo makes and distributes high-quality radiators for central heating systems. There are tall aluminium options to fit in a narrow space - behind a door, say - as well as bathroom-safe, low-level and freestanding radiators with feet.
Buy now, Trade Radiators
Quinn Radiators
Favoured by many tradespeople, Quinn Radiators has more than 40 years of experience under its belt. The brand offers both modern flat panel designs and period-style radiators including options for tricky spaces, like curved bay windows.
Buy now, Radiator Factory
The Cast Iron Radiator Company
Love the period look? Whether you want to retain the aesthetics in your period property or want to add quirky charm to a newer house, The Cast Iron Radiator Company has options to make a feature our of your heating. The British-made designs are guaranteed for 10 years offering peace of mind, and you can shop valves and accessories on its site too.
Buy now, The Cast Iron Radiator Company
