The Best Vertical Radiators: Sleek & Space-Efficient

Our handpicked selection of vertical radiators addresses the issue of limited wall space, presenting a stylish and practical solution.
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Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
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best vertical radiators
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Vertical radiators do more than just deliver warmth because they serve as a stylish focal point in any room where they are installed. Whether you need a compact size to fit snugly on a narrow wall or seek maximum heat output, there is plenty to choose from at your disposal.

To help you choose a vertical radiator, our hand-picked selection features top-performing models chosen through our first-hand experience installing multiple sizes and designs, testing and the latest research.

Our Top Picks At A Glance:

ELEGANT Flat Panel Vertical Radiator
Best Overall: ELEGANT Flat Panel Vertical Radiator
Read More
NRG Vertical Double Column Radiator
Best Quality: NRG Vertical Double Column Radiator
Read More
Milano Windsor Cast Iron
Best Traditional: Milano Windsor Cast Iron Raditor
Read More
ELEGANT Upright Anthracite Vertical Radiator
Best For Heat Output: ELEGANT Anthracite Vertical Radiator
Read More
VeeBath Nantes Bathroom Vertical Radiator
Best MIrror: VeeBath Nantes Bathroom Vertical Radiator
Read More
Greened House Electric Vertical Radiator
Best Electric: Greened House Electric Vertical Radiator
Read More

How The DIY Works Tests & Rates Vertical Radiators

Vertical radiators are a type that we’ve installed in many of the properties we own (rentals/Airbnbs) due to their unique ability to be installed in areas where standard radiators can’t. From living room to kitchen installations, the versatility of the vertical design has made it possible to increase the heat in any room and also be a stylish feature.

As you can see in the photos below, we have recently installed a double-panel vertical radiator between two doors to increase the warmth at the back of the kitchen.

We also installed a large vertical radiator in another property that provided excellent heat output (8,000 BTU) for a boost of heat during the winter months. Both were relatively simple to install and are now features of the room.

Best Vertical Radiator

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best vertical radiators for heat output

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

During our ongoing testing, we analyse the radiator’s construction, design, supplied hardware and heat output.

To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest vertical radiators (for this article), we are continually testing the latest offerings from top brands in the UK. This means that when we notice a brand has released a new and improved model, we will attempt to buy it and put it to the test (where applicable).

As well as our testing and experience installing multiple vertical radiators, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the radiator’s size and colour options, heat output, design, construction quality, supplied hardware, warranty and value for money.

The Best Vertical Radiators

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: ELEGANT Flat Panel Vertical Radiator

(How We Review →)

ELEGANT is a brand that offers the largest selection of vertical radiators and this flat panel design is a great option if you want an affordable yet high-quality vertical radiator. Whether you install it in your living room or kitchen, its stylish design suits the décor of any room that’s installed in and it also benefits from two installation methods (wall or floor).

This particular design has recently been improved with added stiffeners fitted in the centre. The benefit of this is that the radiator now feels more solid as the bars have minimal movement when compared to its predecessor.

Pros
  • High-quality design that's built to last with a rustproof powder coated finish
    •
  • Suitable for all plumbing systems with the choice of a wall or floor installation
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  • Over 23 different sizes to choose from as well as the option of single or double panels
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  • Modern design that'll compliment any living room or kitchen
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  • Offers great value for the money
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  • UK-based with a dedicated support team and readily available spare parts
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  • Excellent heat output (regardless of size)
Cons
  • Provided brackets and fixings could be improved but you can always purchase your own if you aren't happy

To conclude, the ELEGANT vertical radiators are stylish, well-made, provide plenty of heat, affordable and they really do tick all the boxes. The selection of sizes also means that there will be an option that best suits your requirements. As shown in the main photo and “How We Rated” section, we’ve installed this radiator and it has been exactly what was needed in the room. The only slight drawback is the quality of the supplied hardware but they can be replaced with your own if they don’t meet your standards (we used them but we understand that some people may wish to upgrade).

2. Best Quality: NRG Vertical Double Column Radiator

(How We Review →)

NRG is another reputable brand that offers a selection of vertical radiators but what makes them stand out from the crowd is the fact that every radiator comes with a 15-year manufacturer’s guarantee. The brand’s confidence in its vertical radiators is primarily because they’ve been extensively tested. For example, the brand state that they test the radiators under high hydraulic pressure as well as neutral acid salt spray testing.

In terms of the design, it features stylish oval bars and a choice of anthracite, white, black or chrome finishes.

Pros
  • Robust low carbon steel construction
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  • Extensively tested to ensure maximum durability
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  • Backed by a 15-year guarantee
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  • Over 30 different sizes and 4 colours to choose from
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  • Supplied with high-quality brackets and fittings
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  • Eye-catching oval bars that look great in any room
Cons
  • Doesn't offer as much heat output when compared to its main competitors (ELEGANT radiators)

Although the NRG vertical radiators are expensive, they are built to the highest of standards and come with an impressive 15-year guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Compared to other oval designs, we personally prefer NRG’s version of the “oval” and with multiple sizes and colours to choose from, there will be a radiator to best suit your requirements.

3. Best Traditional: Milano Windsor Cast Iron Raditor

(How We Review →)

If you want a traditional style vertical radiator that’ll compliment your home décor, look no further than the Milano Windsor. Constructed of cast iron, it’s a high-quality radiator that’s available in multiple sizes that all offer excellent heat output. It’s also available in a standard white or a more eye-catching black too.

Pros
  • Built to a high standard by a reputable brand
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  • Timeless traditional design
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  • Hard-wearing powder coated finish that's available in white or black
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  • Supplied with high-quality wall fixings and other hardware
    •
  • Multiple sizes to choose from
Cons
  • Most expensive vertical radiators within our roundup

Overall, the Milano Windsor vertical radiator is a great option to consider if you want to give your living room or kitchen a timeless look and feel. Although expensive, its build quality makes it worth the added expense and it certainly won’t disappoint. If you do opt for this vertical radiator, we highly recommend investing in matching thermostatic radiator valves to complement its design.

4. Best For Heat Output: ELEGANT Anthracite Vertical Radiator

(How We Review →)

By far one of the most popular vertical radiators within our roundup is another option by the ELEGANT brand. The main reason for its popularity is because it offers the best heat output when compared to the alternatives with the 1800 x 480 double panel providing up to 8,000 BTU. However, the brand offers a selection of sizes that all provide plenty of warmth.

Pros
  • Built to a high standard with a low carbon steel construction
    •
  • Triple layered powder coated finish that's available in anthracite, white or black
    •
  • Over 30 different sizes to choose from as well as the choice of single or double panels
    •
  • The oval bars (8 of them) look stylish and are easy to keep clean
    •
  • Suitable for all UK central heating systems
    •
  • UK-based with a dedicated support team and readily available spare parts
Cons
  • Provided brackets and fixings could be improved but you can always purchase your own if you aren't happy

If you want to maximise the warmth in a room with a vertical radiator, this ELEGANT oval radiator is the best option. It offers the best heat output regardless of the size you choose and it’s available in a variety of sizes and colours to best suit your requirements. Its popularity is also a clear indication of its quality and it certainly won’t disappoint.

5. Best MIrror: VeeBath Nantes Bathroom Vertical Radiator

(How We Review →)

For many people that have the dilemma of choosing between a radiator and a mirror, VeeBath has the perfect solution. This is because their vertical radiator features a stylish mirror in the centre of the radiator. We installed one of these in one of our Airbnb’s and many guests comment on the design and how brilliant it is.

Pros
  • Eye-catching design
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  • Available in white or anthracite
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  • Single or double panel options
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  • Constructed of mild steel and supplied with all the fixing brackets
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  • Backed by a 15 year warranty
Cons
  • Inclusion of a mirror reduces heat output (i.e. single panel construction only outputs 1951 BTU)

To conclude, the VeeBath vertical radiator is a stylish option that has the added benefit of featuring a mirror. Although the mirror reduces its heat output, this may not be an issue and the heat that it does produce is more than enough to take the “chill” out of the room. As mentioned above, we’ve installed this radiator and it exceeded our expectations.

6. Best Electric: Greened House Electric Vertical Radiator

(How We Review →)

If you are unable to install central heating vertical radiators, an electric alternative such as this oval column radiator by Greened House is a great option to consider. With a working temperature of 60 degrees and a 3-period programmable timer with a built-in thermostat, you can easily control the heating to best suit your requirements.

When compared to the brand’s previous version of this electric vertical radiator, it has recently been updated to use the latest PTC heating element. According to the brand, this reduces the power needed to maintain the radiator’s temperature by up to 30%, which is great for keeping your energy bills down.

Pros
  • Desirable anthracite finish
    •
  • Backed by a 5 year guarantee (2 years on the element)
    •
  • Supplied with all of the hardware to install the radiator to the wall
    •
  • Easy to use timer that enables you to control the heating
    •
  • Robust steel construction
    •
  • Filled with a rust inhibitor solution for an increased service life
Cons
  • Relatively expensive considering its size
    •
  • Only available in one size (1800 H x 420 W)

As with the brand’s highly-rated towel radiators, their electric vertical radiators follow that great reputation with a quality construction and matching performance. Apart from the premium price tag and lack of sizes, it ticks all the boxes and it’s the perfect solution if you want to heat a room without connecting the radiator to your central heating system.

Conclusion

Vertical radiators can be a great addition to any room that needs a boost of heat and with the wide range of sizes and colours available, there is certain to be an option to best suit your requirements.

All of our recommendations listed within our roundup cater for every budget as well as colour and size requirements. However, if your budget can stretch, we highly recommend opting for a double-panel vertical radiator as the added heat output they provide is certainly worth the added investment.

If you require further information regarding our vertical radiator recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

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