If you're looking to redesign your heating system or add another radiator to your space, then you've probably found you're overwhelmed with choices. As a result, it can be difficult to know whether a panel radiator, column radiator or designer radiator is best for your space and needs.
To help you make your choice, we've taken a detailed look at column radiators.
Here, we'll look at what a column radiator is, how they're different from other types of radiators, the overall efficiency of column radiators and what styles you can get.
The Lux Heat White Column Radiator is one of our more popular sellers due to its sleek design, high heat outputs, low price & 10 year warranty. It is available in a choice of sizes to suit your heating needs.
What Is A Column Radiator?
Column radiators have been a firm favourite in the heating industry for years. This is because they add dimension, pattern and texture to spaces. Plus, their vintage style is great if you're looking to add a touch of class to your room.
Column radiators are traditionally styled radiators that are made from hollow tubes of mild steel or cast iron. No matter which of these materials you choose, your radiator will be split into sections, which are known as columns. The more columns you have, the larger your radiator will be and the more heat it will kick out.
Single-column radiators don't exist, but two, three and four-column radiators are all common. Our range of the best column radiators available includes; vertical and horizontal designs, as well as both steel and cast iron options. They're also available in a range of colours, so you'll be spoilt for choice!
Remember, your choice of heating solution can also be a distinctive design choice in your room, so take the time to consider which look and finish is right for you.
Just like other forms of central heating radiators. Hot water flows through your column radiator to heat the room. The tubes of mild steel or cast iron then heat up and subsequently heat the air around them. Column radiators have been designed to maximise the surface area, which allows them to heat a room rapidly.
So, if your radiator has several columns, the heat will diffuse through your spaces and will then spread throughout the room quickly. As the air between and around the columns is heated by the hot radiator, it then rises and is replaced by cool air. This creates a convection current that spreads heat around the room.
The Lux Heat Vertical Column Radiator has a beautiful antique brass finish & many other coloured finishes available. It comes in a wide range of sizes & has a 10-year warranty for comfort.
Are Column Radiators Efficient?
Column radiators are an efficient way of heating your room. This is because the space between each column provides the radiator with a large surface area, and means they effectively heat air from multiple angles.
With column radiators, extra parts like the fins you’ll see on panel radiators aren't required. Instead, the whole radiator acts as a form of convector fin. This means that the air is heated at a faster rate and the room is heated quicker.
Ultimately, this then means that you may not need to have the heating on for as long, so you'll save money on your heating bills. But bare in mind, it does also depend on the material of the radiator you choose.
What Are The Choice Of Materials?
When comparing radiators, it's important to take note of the materials.
Many column radiators are typically crafted with either quality cast iron or mild steel materials but you can find some in aluminium too.
The Paladin Oxford is crafted with premium cast iron to provide you with high heat outputs for hours. It is available in a huge range of size &finish options to fit your aesthetic perfectly.
Each material has its own warranty lengths and its own unique benefits, so read below to see which material would suit your heating needs and interior aesthetic the best.
Cast iron radiators can take longer to heat up, but retain that heat longer than aluminium radiators, which heat up very quickly, but cool down quickly when off. This might sound bad depending on the way you look at it. But it depends on the spaces you put these radiators in.
Cast iron radiators are brilliant in rooms that are used more often, like living rooms, hallways or bedrooms, as they heat the room, but keep that room warmer for longer. It can be highly effective in winter times.
Whereas aluminium radiators are more efficient in kitchens where you won't need the heating on for long (especially if you have the oven on) or in other rooms where you want to heat as quickly as possible.
So it's worth considering whether a designer radiator could be the most efficient way of heating your space. Although designer radiators work in the same way as column radiators, you have a choice of materials. For example, aluminium radiators are more energy efficient than steel radiators and they are ideal for larger spaces.
Column Radiators Or Panel Radiators?
The Lux Heat Vertical Radiator has a flat panel design to suit modern interiors. It is available in a single design for a slim appearance or double for higher heat outputs.
As we stated earlier, many flat panel radiators have convector fins to help move heat around the radiator and make it more efficient. This doesn't mean that panel radiators are lacking or aren't as good as columns.
In fact, panel radiators often have a higher BTU output than column radiators. Though panel radiators might not heat up as efficiently or as evenly as column radiators, they can still heat a room quickly and effortlessly.
Column radiators and panel radiators are both brilliant designs. So it mainly goes down to how you would use your radiator and the aesthetic you're looking for.
Colour Options For Column Radiators
Column radiators aren’t the typical, old-fashioned radiators you might remember. Though many can come in a vintage Victorian style, many now come with a range of colours to match modern interiors brilliantly. We have a wide selection of column radiators with special finishes or with RAL colour finishes, to make your coloured radiator pop.
If you're looking for a unique touch, then our Lux Heat column radiator is a fantastic choice. You have a choice of these bright colour options for that seamless, matching finish to go with an ornate or modern aesthetic.
Or take a look at our full range of bespoke coloured radiators to see our full range of painted radiators available.
In Conclusion...
In summary, column radiators are an energy-efficient way of heating your space. Although panel radiators remain a popular option in many rooms, steel column radiators can be more efficient because they have a larger surface area, and can heat the air around them more effectively.
However, you should be aware that which radiator is right for your space will depend on several factors. Such as how well insulated your room is, and whether you have furniture blocking the radiator.
See our range of radiators on sale if you need an effective radiator at a budget-friendly price. We have a fantastic range of column radiators, panel radiators and towel radiators available at brilliantly low prices. So shop our sale range today.
If you'd like to learn more about the best column radiators, and how they can help you heat your space efficiently. Then please do not hesitate to contact us today.
