The material a radiator is made from affects how quickly it heats up, how it looks, how it is looked after and what it needs from your heating system. This guide compares the three materials you will see most often in designer radiators: steel, aluminium and stainless steel.
Steel radiators
Steel is the most widely used material for radiators. It is available in many forms, from flat panels to tubular and column designs, and in a wide range of finishes. Steel radiators are normally painted or powder coated for protection and appearance.
- Strengths: a very wide choice of shapes and sizes, and good all-round performance in conventional wet heating systems.
- Things to keep in mind: the finish protects the steel, so avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage it.
Aluminium radiators
Aluminium conducts heat very well and is light compared with other metals. Aluminium radiators tend to warm up and cool down quickly, so they respond fast when you change the heating. Many aluminium designs are slim and sculptural.
- Strengths: quick response, a lightweight body that is easier to handle and hang, and distinctive shapes.
- Things to keep in mind: aluminium reacts to certain water conditions. Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can cause corrosion and gas build-up. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on water quality and inhibitors, and ask your installer about this if your system contains other metals.
Browse aluminium radiators and aluminium towel rails.
Stainless steel radiators
Stainless steel is chosen for its resistance to corrosion and for its clean, durable surface. It is popular for towel rails and for radiators in humid rooms such as bathrooms.
- Strengths: resilient, easy to clean and well suited to damp spaces.
- Things to keep in mind: stainless steel conducts heat less readily than aluminium, so the design of the radiator matters. Compare published outputs rather than assuming from the material.
Browse stainless steel radiators and stainless steel towel rails.
Side-by-side summary
| Steel | Aluminium | Stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier | Light | Medium to heavy |
| Response time | Moderate | Quick | Moderate |
| Suits damp rooms | With a suitable finish | With the right water conditions | Very well |
| Water quality needs | Standard system care | Follow the manufacturer's guidance closely | Standard system care |
| Range of styles | Very wide | Slim and sculptural designs | Clean, polished or brushed looks |
These are general characteristics. Always check the specification of the model you are considering, including its output, finish and any guidance on use with your heating system.
What about the finish?
The finish changes the look rather than the heat output. White, black, anthracite and chrome are the most common choices. For the best look in a given room, choose a finish that matches the room's metalwork, such as taps, door handles and light fittings.
Match the material to your system
- Conventional boiler system: all three materials are widely used.
- Heat pump or low temperature system: the radiator output at lower flow temperatures matters more than the material. See our radiator size guide.
- Mixed-metal systems: if your pipework or boiler contains different metals, ask your installer about inhibitors and water treatment.
Where to go next
For the rest of the checklist, read our radiator buying guide. For help choosing, call us on +44 7729 799515 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00) or email info@poshrads.co.uk.