6 Best Conservatory Radiators [Buyer Guide]
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Conservatories are a great addition to any home, they can light, beauty and also another space great for dining, lounging or just general extra storage space. However, heating them can prove slightly more difficult than the rest of the house. This is because conservatories can be subject to cold weather a lot more than the other rooms in your home. As most conservatories are mainly made from glass, they can become cold and uninviting in the winter months.
Heating your home can often be more difficult than you think, and when you need to choose radiators for your conservatory, it can be hard to know where to begin. Conservatory radiators are slightly more tricky as they either need to be a standalone (sometimes requiring a lot of electricity) or they need to be connected to the central heating system of your home.
Another issue that conservatories tend to be a victim of is condensation. This is where excess moisture becomes trapped, and leaves the area feeling damp. A conservatory radiator can help with this, too. So if you find that your conservatory feels both damp and cold, a conservatory radiator might be the item for you. There are a number of different considerations that you might want to mull over before you buy. For example, the style, colour and size of the radiator might impact your choice. If the colour and style of the radiator doesn’t go with your conservatory sofa, it won’t be a welcomed addition! The size will also be something to consider if you have not got much space.
Below we review 6 of the best conservatory radiators, taking into consideration their style, colour and overall suitability. We have also included some more information at the bottom to help you make the right decision for your purchase.
Milano Aruba - Horizontal Low Profile Oval Column Designer Radiator
The Milano Aruba – Horizontal Low Profile Oval Column Designer Radiator is a small but mighty radiator which is perfect for smaller rooms or tight spaces. Made from steel and with a 20 year guarantee, this radiator is great if you are looking for a modern, simple design which does exactly what it says on the tin. It feels and look high quality, and would work in older style houses too due to its neutral colour.
Key Features:
Small, compact design
Made with durable steel
White coating
Specification:
Brand
Milano
Colour
White
Dimensions
H 400mm x W 412mm
Material
Steel
Pros
Compact design is great for smaller rooms or awkward spaces
20 year guarantee gives you piece of mind with this purchase
Cons
Size may not work in larger rooms
Milano Windsor - Traditional White 2 x 33 Column Radiator
The Milano Windsor – Traditional White Column Radiator is a traditional style radiator made from premium steel and comes with an industry leading 20 year guarantee. The carbon steel construction is thick and robust, and the design works well in larger rooms that need to be heated quickly. Overall its a reliable and sturdy radiator which should last you decades.
Key Features:
Carbon steel design
Traditional style radiator
Specification:
Brand
Milano
Colour
White
Dimensions
H 300mm x W 1505mm
Material
Steel
Pros
20 year guarantee, industry leading standard which gives you piece of mind
Design is simple and clean and would work in modern as well as traditional style homes
Cons
Length may be too big for some rooms
Milano Aruba - Horizontal Oval Column Designer Radiator
The Milano Aruba – Horizontal Oval Column Designer Radiator is a modern and sleek radiator with three horizontal bars and a small circular design at each end. The design is very avant-garde and would work in minimalistic, modern designed homes with large spaces. It’s made with carbon steel and has a 20 year guarantee, and comes in three different colours so you can mix and match throughout the home.
Key Features:
Minimalistic, avant-garde style
Three different colour options
Made from carbon steel
Specification:
Brand
Milano
Colour
White
Dimensions
H 236mm x W 1600mm
Material
Steel
Pros
Colour choices are great if you are looking to create varying colours throughout the home
Simple, modern design is sleek and works well in large spaces
Cons
Modern design would not suit traditional or old style homes
Milano Windsor - Traditional Cast Iron Horizontal Electric Radiator
The Milano Windsor – Traditional Cast Iron Horizontal Electric Radiator is a classic design using cast iron and slightly thicker tubing to create the overall design. It comes with a 20 year guarantee to give you piece of mind, and works beautifully in old style cottages and larger houses. Overall it’s a sturdy radiator which does exactly what it says it will!
Key Features:
Traditional style radiator
Steel material
Thick riveted design
Specification:
Brand
Milano
Colour
White
Dimensions
H 300mm x W 1505mm
Material
Steel
Pros
Traditional design works perfectly in older styled properties
Steel material is sturdy and comes with a 20 year guarantee
Cons
Style may be too big and chunky for some properties
Milano Capri - Horizontal Flat Panel Designer Radiator
The Milano Capri – Horizontal Flat Panel Designer Radiator is a beautiful and somewhat dainty radiator which is petite and perfect for small spaces or for rooms that don’t need a vast radiator in them. The smooth panels are made from carbon steel and there are a number of colours to choose from. Overall it’s an excellent radiator particularly for smaller properties and looks modern and stylish without compensating on quality.
Key Features:
Compact, modern design
Smooth paneling with a matte look finish
Specification:
Brand
Milano
Colour
Anthracite
Dimensions
H 635mm x W 420mm
Material
Steel
Pros
Small and mighty design works perfectly for properties or rooms which don't have much space
Modern style looks beautiful and elegant in any room
Cons
Style may not work in traditional or old properties
Milano Aruba Electric- Vertical Oval Column Designer Radiator
The Milano Aruba Electric- Vertical Oval Column Designer Radiator is a a modern and practical design which works perfectly in slim spaces or smaller rooms. Its height and small width work well in nooks or corners of the home, and the steel infrastructure is sturdy and robust. Overall it’s a cleverly designed radiator which is efficient and stylish.
Key Features:
Steel infrastructure is sturdy and robust
Slimline, modern design
20 years guarantee
Specification:
Brand
Milano
Colour
White
Dimensions
H 1600mm x W 236mm
Material
Steel
Pros
This design is perfect for smaller spaces and for properties that have a modern, avant-garde design
Sturdy and robust, and fits like a traditional radiator
Cons
Style may not be to everyone's taste
Summary
Picking a radiator can be really difficult, particularly if it’s for a new space like a conservatory, as you have to think about other important furnishings such as flooring, lighting and conservatory corner sofas (or a conservatory chairs if you want it as a dining area). A radiator is something we’d define as a ‘permanent’ furnishing due to its lifespan as well as its importance in a room, so it’s crucial to make the right decision. We have discussed a few things to consider when buying a radiator – and we hope it helps!
Style
Modern, thin, fat, bold, traditional or small – there are so many different styles available that it can feel overwhelming when you need to make a choice. We recommend basing your style of radiator on the other permanent furnishings in your home, such as doors, windows, and built in kitchen and bathroom items. Think of a style that you’ll like in 20 years time, not just one that’s ‘in trend’, too.
Colour
The benefit of so much choice on the market is the freedom to pick a variety of colours. We recommend going for neutral tones throughout, as a bold, bright pink radiator may look good in the bathroom, but out of place in the bedroom. The style of your home will dictate the colours you choose.
Size
Big doesn’t mean better, and often an oversized radiator can swallow the whole room and look clunky and awkward. Think about slick, stylish and manageable sizing when picking a radiator.
FAQ
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory with a radiator?
For DIY conservatories or for conservatories built by professionals, there will be certain sizes that will require planning permission. With radiators, however, it may be subject to building regulations if the heating is part of the central house. To avoid this you could get a plug in radiator/heater however this will cost you a lot more in electricity bills. There are some circumstances whereby you wouldn’t need planning permission, but you’d have to look at the size of your property and what your allowance would be without having to contact authorities for permission.
Can I fit a radiator in my conservatory?
Yes, of course you can. Depending on the size of your conservatory, there are a number of sizes available on the market which fit different styles and designs. Just like conservatory blinds, there are multiple options out there which will fit perfectly with your individual conservatory.
What size radiator do I need for my conservatory?
It completely depends on how big your conservatory is and how often you think you’ll need to heat it. For example, if you have a strong central heating system in your kitchen, you may not need a radiator for your conservatory. Or, you may need a really small one as a top up during the colder months. Remember, to keep your space feeling cosy you can also invest in conservatory rugs so you can feel warm in the winter.
What else can I buy if I can’t afford a large radiator?
In some cases, you may only have the budget for a smaller radiator for your conservatory, which is fine – there are a ton of other ways to keep yourself warm in the colder months. Firstly, invest in some rugs and blankets. Then, look at cushions for conservatory furniture for extra comfort and warmth. And finally, insulate! You can buy draught excluders even on the smallest budget which will keep cold wind out and your conservatory warm.
How can I install a radiator in a conservatory?
We’ve linked a video here explaining everything you need to know.
Further Reading
If you’d like to learn a bit more about conservatory radiators and how to disguise them, click here.