The Best TRVs For Maintaining A Constant Temperature

Our handpicked thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) selection highlights models that combine precise control with a high-quality, stylish design.
Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
Best Thermostatic Radiator Valves
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
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In your search for thermostatic radiator valves, you’ll want to ensure you purchase the correct connection type. For example, angled valves (as shown in the image above) are the most common type but if the pipes are going straight up from the floor to the radiator, a straight TRV is required. Depending on your budget, you’ll also have several styles to choose from that range from a contemporary, elegant design to more budget-friendly standard options.

To help you choose suitable thermostatic radiator valves for your central heating system, our hand-picked selection features top-performing TRVs chosen through our first-hand experience installing and using multiple types, testing and the latest research.

Drayton 0705180 TRV Valves
Best Overall: Drayton 0705180 TRV Valves
Best Designer: Milano Windsor Chrome TRV
Best Anthracite: ECOSPA Angled Thermostatic Radiator Valves
Kartell Thermostatic Radiator Valve
Best Budget: Kartell Thermostatic Radiator Valve
Best Straight: Oslo Designer TRV Valves
WarmeHaus Designer Straight TRV
Best Straight Runner-Up: WarmeHaus Designer Straight TRV

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates The Thermostatic Radiator Valves

As we’ve carried out a number of property renovations, upgrading the radiators along with the TRV valves is a task that we have plenty of experience with. Whether it’s a standard angled TRV or a designer straight TRV, we’ve installed hundreds over the years. We’ve also installed a number of smart radiator valves and these may be another option for you to consider if you are replacing a standard TRV.

In terms of replacing a TRV, as long as you have some plumbing knowledge, it’s a DIY task that anyone can do.

Best TRV Valves

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

As well as our experience of installing and testing multiple TRV’s, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the build quality, styles available, ease of installation, temperature range, warranty and value.

With regards to the TRV’s we’ve installed, they include a wide range of styles from multiple reputable brands in the UK. From the basic white radiator valve pictured at the top of this article to the retro style of the TRV pictured below, we’ve certainly installed a lot of different radiator valves over the years.

best trv

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

The Best Thermostatic Radiator Valves

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: Drayton 0705180 TRV Valves

(How We Review →)

Drayton are a premium manufacturer of thermostatic radiator valves in the UK and the 0705180 is their most popular set of TRV’s. They are built to the highest of standards and include many intuitive features that make the valves standout.

One of these standout features include the valve’s internals that are specially designed to not stick. The TRV’s even have reverse flow capability, which allows you to install the flow or return either vertically or horizontally.

Pros
  • Angled connection with a white and chrome finish
  • Liquid-filled sensor
  • Energy efficiency rated ‘A’
  • Temperature range between 10 to 27 °C
  • Keymark approved to EN215 European Standard
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to unbranded alternatives

If you have just installed fancy radiators, these TRV’s are the best option. They look and feel high quality and are backed by a reputable British brand for complete peace of mind. Depending upon your personal preference, Drayton also offer a variety of finishes that include different heads or sizes to best suit your requirements.

2. Best Designer: Milano Windsor Chrome TRV

(How We Review →)

If you have no set budget and simply want the best looking TRV’s, the Milano brand offer a variety of styles. Their most popular valves include the square, vintage and minimalist TRV’s. As well as the choice of styles to choose from, the brand also offer a variety of finishes that includes chrome, brass, satin or white.

Pros
  • Choice of 9 different styles
  • Chrome, brass, satin or white finishes
  • Suitable for 15 mm inlets
  • Accurate temperature control
  • Easy to install to most radiators
Cons
  • Most expensive within our roundup

The choice of Milano thermostatic radiator valves is by far the best selection on the market with traditional, classic and modern styles available. Although expensive, they are high quality and they’ll easily compliment any style of radiator.

3. Best Anthracite: ECOSPA Angled Thermostatic Radiator Valves

(How We Review →)

If you are installing radiators that are finished in anthracite grey, connecting matching coloured valves can compliment the design. The ECOSPA TRV’s are the perfect solution and they are suitable for standard or towel radiators.

Pros
  • Stylish anthracite finish
  • Can be mounted vertically or horizontally
  • Built-in sensor with liquid element
  • Supplied with both the TRV and lock shield
  • Can be fitted to the flow or return pipe
  • Standard 15 mm pipe connection
  • Temperature range from -7 to 32°C
Cons
  • Only suitable for anthracite radiators (may look odd when installed to a standard white radiator)

For those with designer anthracite grey radiators, these ECOSPA valves are the best TRV’s that look great. However, before purchasing, it’s advised that you analyse the colour of your existing radiators because these valves may have a slightly darker anthracite grey finish.

4. Best Budget: Kartell Thermostatic Radiator Valve

(How We Review →)

The Kartell thermostatic radiator valve is one of the cheapest options on the market that’s actually worth buying. Although it’s a budget TRV, the brand provide a 1 year guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Pros
  • Constructed of steel
  • White valve head
  • Liquid filled sensor
  • Adjustable tailpiece
  • Supplied with a lock shield
  • Backed by a 1 year guarantee
Cons
  • Not as high quality or aesthetically pleasing when compared to the premium alternatives

Overall, the Kartell TRV’s offer excellent value for the money and they even come with blanking caps to help with the installation. Compared to other budget options, these TRV’s are also built to a much better standard.

5. Best Straight: Oslo Designer TRV Valves

(How We Review →)

The Oslo Designer TRV’s are straight thermostatic radiator valves that are made from a chrome plated solid brass. Unlike similar priced alternatives, the Oslo TRV’s have been built to a much higher standard and they even come with a 5 year guarantee for complete peace of mind. In terms of the compatibility of these radiator valves, the brand state that they are ideal for towel, panel, vertical and column radiators.

Pros
  • Variable heat settings and frost protection
  • Maximum pressure rated at 13 bar
  • 15mm 1/2″ BSP connection
  • Bi-directional water flow
  • Backed by a 5 year guarantee
  • Stylish triple layered chrome plating
Cons
  • Lockshield valve requires an Allen key for adjustment

To conclude, the Oslo Designer TRV is a high quality yet affordable straight radiator valve that ticks all the boxes. Whether its installed to a towel radiator or any other type of radiator that requires a straight TRV, it won’t disappoint.

6. Best Straight Runner-Up: WarmeHaus Designer Straight TRV

(How We Review →)

Another set of straight thermostatic radiator valves that are slightly more expensive are the WarmeHaus Designer pack. Included in the box is both a thermostatic and manual valve that have both been tested to 10 bar of pressure.

Pros
  • Reversible bi-directional body
  • 15mm inlet, 1/2″ BSP MI outlet
  • High performance liquid sensor
  • Tested to 10 bar of pressure
  • Includes a 5 year guarantee
  • Complies with BS EN 215 Regulations
  • Stylish chrome finish
Cons
  • More expensive than other straight TRV's

To conclude, these straight thermostatic radiator valves by WarmeHaus are a high quality option with a reversible bi-directional body. This makes them ideal for installing to horizontal or vertical designer radiators. For complete peace of mind, the brand also provide a 5 year guarantee with these TRV’s, which is a clear indication of its quality.

Conclusion

Upgrading your current radiator valve to a thermostatic type with a modern design can transform the look and feel the radiator. Whether you want a modern, traditional, classic or standard design, there is a huge selection of styles available.

All of our recommendations listed above are suitable for both angled or straight connectors and 15 mm pipe sizes. To avoid disappointment, we advise that you buy from a reputable brand that provide a lengthy warranty or guarantee.

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