Painted Radiators vs Chrome Radiators - Which Is Right For You?

Introduction

If you are looking to update your existing radiators, you may be considering both painted and chrome finishes. But which of these is right for you? At present, around 95% of radiators in UK homes are white, but this is rapidly changing. More and more, our customers are choosing radiators that compliment their home and can even be a statement piece in the room.

In the last ten years, chromium or chrome finish radiators have been particularly popular thanks to their sleek design and finish. However, there has been an increasing move away from chrome, as a result of claims that chrome radiators emit less heat. But, there is not only a difference in heat emission between finishes but even between colours too. In this post, we explain the differences between radiator finishes and colours and how this might affect your personal choice in practice.

Does The Colour Of Your Radiators Matter?

In some ways, yes it does. There are many colours and options to choose from including - white, black, anthracite or even bespoke colours to match your colour scheme. However, some colours give off less heat than others.

What Is A British Thermal Unit (BTU)?

A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the unit used to measure heat output from radiators. There are many factors which might affect the BTU you will require to adequately heat your room, including; the size of the room, what the room is used for and the number and size of windows and doors the room has. Where the room has a higher BTU, you might need multiple or larger radiators to heat the room.

What Colour Of Radiator Gives Off The Most Heat?

We offer a broad range of colours and finishes, but the specific colour of your radiator can have an impact on the heat it radiates. No matter your colour or finish preference, we can assess the BTU needs of your room and help you find the perfect solution that meets your needs and matches your style.

White, Black & Grey Radiators

White Radiators

For maximum heat output, you will want to choose standard white radiators made with pressed steel panels. However, even classic white radiators can look stylish. This Reina Neva Vertical Designer Radiator looks sleek and modern.

Anthracite Grey Radiators

Anthracite grey radiators and or towel rails generally give off about 5% less heat than classic white radiators. In practicality, this difference can be negligible. However, in larger or difficult to heat homes, 5% can make all the difference. However, this negligible difference might be worth it for the stunning design element an anthracite radiator can bring to your space. This Reina Casina Vertical Aluminium Designer Radiator in anthracite will not only heat your home but fit in seamlessly with your decor.

Black Radiators

Black radiators give off 10% less heat than classic white radiators. The reason for this is that black tends to absorb heat rather than reflect it outwards. This heat difference can feel substantial, but it really depends on your space and your style preferences. For example, in newer, well-insulated, homes you might not even notice the difference with matte black radiators. But, it is a matter we always advise our customers on and one you should consider when choosing your radiators. This stunning Eskimo Outline Blackboard Horizontal Electric Aluminium Radiator is a real statement piece. Perfect for family homes with little ones that might enjoy scribbling their favourite characters, words and phrases in a sleek corner of your home. Practical, fun and contemporary.

Bespoke Colour Radiators

Bespoke colour radiators can really make a statement in your home. However, there may be a slight difference in heat output depending on the colour you choose. Darker colours emit less heat, with lighter colours there is less of a difference compared to a classic white radiator. Just Radiators offers custom powder coated or painted radiators in a broad range of RAL and unique finishes. Most of our radiator designs can be custom finished, meaning that you can create the perfect fit for your home decor or personal style.

Our customers often ask us whether the colour or finish of the radiator will make a difference to the heat of their home, our honest answer is that the difference in most cases is not enough to make it a serious consideration in the buying process. What can make a difference however is the finish of the radiator

Which Is Better – Painted Radiators Or Chrome Radiators?

The most significant factor that can make a difference to the heat radiated is the reflectiveness of the finish. The shinier a radiator is, the less heat it will radiate. Chrome and highly polished radiators in stainless steel have a lesser output than their painted counterparts. Generally, they generate 20-25% less heat. Now, this can make a significant difference to the temperature you experience in your home. However, you can offset this radiation reduction by correctly sizing your radiators for your room. We can properly advise you on the right radiators for every space.

Why Do Chrome Radiators Give Off Less Heat?

The first reason is “surface emissivity”. The emissivity value of chrome is low, meaning that it traps heat rather than emitting or radiating heat. The radiator itself will be hot, but the heat radiated into the room will be slightly lower than that of painted counterparts. However, this heat-trapping quality of chrome makes it perfect as a towel rail.

The second reason is that the chrome on radiators is a coating applied to a different type of metal, meaning that the heat has two layers of metal to penetrate.

Also, chrome is reflective inside as well as outside, which means that it can reflect back on itself, reducing the heat it can radiate.

Bespoke Painted Radiators For You

We are always happy to find the perfect radiators for your home, so if you have any questions or would like to view samples, please contact our team today by calling us now or completing our enquiry form, and we will get back to you.