Lux Heat Classic 4 Column Cast Iron Horizontal Radiator In An Anthracite Grey With Traditional Valves

The Lux Heat Classic is a sleek cast iron radiator that has a range of finishes to suit your aesthetic. It also has many sizes options to heat your room effectively.

As such a blast from the past, are cast iron radiators still the go-to heating unit for modern properties?

Cast iron radiators have been around since the birth of the modern radiator. With that in mind, they are tried and tested as a reliable model for people throughout the ages to buy. But how does the cast iron radiator fare against the more recent and innovative models which are now on the designer radiator market? It’s all well and good having a classic design but making sure that it is efficient and up to scratch with today’s modern heating systems is vital for a happy property.

History Of Cast Iron

Cast iron has been used as far back as the iron age, and 5 BC, meaning that there has been plenty of time to develop the metal in a variety of ways. As cast iron bridges began to become popular in the 17th century, the metal grew in popularity through the Victorian era leading to its use in various homeware products including the basis for what we now see as a modern radiator. The cast iron radiator was the first one to use steam-based heating systems, using water which travels throughout the radiator's columns and heats up each column, radiating through the iron radiator.

Pros Of A Cast Iron Radiator

There is a range of reasons why buying a cast iron radiator would be a good idea, and making sure that you have made the right choice and investing for the right reasons is the key to satisfaction. A radiator is there for life, so making sure that you make the right purchase is very important. These pros are all the same for their modern counterparts - electric cast iron radiators that is, which are powered by electricity rather than through your central heating system.

DQ Bronte Cast Iron Radiator In A Brass Coloured Finish

The DQ Bronte Cast Iron Radiator features a gorgeous range of finish options and has a wide selection of sizes. It comes with a 25-year guarantee.

Heat Distribution

One of the great things about the cast iron radiator is how evenly it distributes heat. These radiators are often made from columns, evenly spaced with air between them. This means that unlike panel radiators, which have a lot of surface area for the water to travel through, there are rigid channels through which the water must travel through. Good cast iron radiators have these channels equal in shape and size for both practical and aesthetic purposes, therefore making your radiator's heat evenly spread out.

Heat Retention & Longevity

Cast iron radiators are some of the best on the market for heat retention and durability. This means that even though they can take a while to heat up, once they are heated, they will provide your space with warmth for many hours once switched off. This makes cast iron radiators fantastic for rooms which struggle to stay warm, rather than having to constantly put the heating back on, cast iron radiators instead provide long-lasting and steady heating.

At Designer Radiators Direct we offer some of the longest warranties on our cast iron radiators, ranging from 10-30 years and even lifetime warranties on some cast irons. Compared to other materials like aluminium radiators which typically come with a 5-10 year warranty. If you would like to learn more about our warranties please see our blog which goes into detail about the warranties we offer.

Style

DQ Herbie 3 Column Cast Iron Radiator In A Bright Yellow Finish

The DQ Herbie Cast Iron Radiator is the perfect addition to modern interiors. It features smooth edges & comes in a range of finishes with 25 years warranty. 

And on that note, the equal nature of each of the columns on a cast iron radiator means that there’s a style factor playing on your purchase. Cast iron radiators give that traditional radiator style and rustic look and are available in a range of colours. These will allow you the versatility to find exactly the right model for you. These radiators often look good in a traditionally unfurnished home and, depending on the finish, an industrial-inspired one. They are also suited to a more rustic setting due to their vintage nature, making these some of the most versatile radiators out there.

Easy To Clean Radiators

The cast iron radiator is a radiator which is very easy to clean indeed. The fact that the columns are so spaced out not only means that there is no insulation against heat, but that you can reach most of the nooks and crannies between and behind columns with very little hassle at all. With just a duster or a damp cloth, you can eliminate all the dust and dirt that can and does build up around a radiator. This will in turn keep your radiator in great condition and working smoothly. Check out our full range of column radiators if you love the column design.

Negatives Of The Cast Iron Radiator

Before you invest, there are a few hindrances you should watch out for with your cast iron radiator. Below are a few problems people encounter with them.

Cast Iron Radiation

Carron Chelsea Cast Iron Radiator With Floral Detailing In A Metallic Finish Placed In A Rustic Interior.

The Carron Chelsea features gorgeous floral detailing to boost the look of any interior. It has a massive lifetime warranty and comes in a range of stunning finish options.

Cast iron radiators are made from very ductile iron. This means that the metal itself takes a while to heat up, making it unsuitable for a quick burst of heat. Instead, cast iron radiators are there for the long haul when it comes to heating up. They are durable and strong in their heat output but you will have to wait. This also means that the radiator is slow on the cool down, which is an upside for the more impatient among us.

Iron Is Incredibly Heavy

The cast iron radiator is also a real effort to install. These radiators are very heavy so if you want to avoid a broken toe or foot, make sure that you have help when installing yours. These are not the kind of radiator you can simply carry out of the shop, you’ll have to plan your installation meticulously. We also recommend installing a wall stay if you do opt for a cast iron radiator. These wall stays can reduce the risk of free-standing cast iron radiators tipping and causing damage or injury.

Is It The Right Style For You?

Cast iron radiators are not for every interior. Their traditional look may clash with more modern properties and their bulky nature can lead to them taking up a lot of space in smaller rooms.

If you think a modern radiator would be more suited for you then see our full range of designer radiators.

At the end of the day, it is up to you to weigh up the pros and cons of a cast iron radiator and work out if they are truly right for your property.

Cast Iron Radiators With Designer Radiators Direct

Here at Designer Radiators Direct, we have a huge selection of cast iron radiators on offer. Furthermore, we have a quality range of small cast iron radiators for those smaller spaces.

Make sure you check out our radiator sale for a huge selection of discounted designer radiators.

If you have any questions regarding any of our products or services, please don't hesitate to contact us right away!