Is It ‘Back To The Future’ With Radiator Choices?

2 minutes ago

4 min read

In a time when the range and choice of radiators available in the marketplace has never been wider, it’s perhaps surprising that there has been a surge in interest in radiator designs from the past. An upturn in interest that has seen manufacturers such as Stelrad step up their ranges of more traditional radiators to meet customer demand.

Gray radiator on pink floral wallpaper beside a small table with diffuser and vase, creating a cozy pastel room.

In recent months, this trend has taken off with increased levels of interest from across the range of radiator specifiers and buyers in both cast iron radiators that had their heyday back in the 1920s and 30s and the radiators many of us can remember from our childhood – the traditional column radiators that heated most homes, and most schools and public buildings as well.

The modern versions of these two radiator types benefit from far better quality materials, much improved manufacturing methods and techniques, more refined design and a wealth of colour options that their predecessors couldn’t match. So whilst delving back to the past, these new products are very much a new offering with all the benefits you would expect from modern radiators and the requirements that we all have from radiators and modern heating systems.

Stelrad has expanded its cast iron radiator offering with two new products, in addition to the existing cast iron product that has been well received, giving customers more choice within this growing part of the market. The new additions have an impressive warranty of 25 years. The delivery process remains the same, with the same 15‑working day lead time.

This update strengthens Stelrad’s position in the cast iron category and gives installers and specifiers more flexibility when discussing premium heating solutions with merchants and installers. This new range now offers more than 500 radiators in a wide range of sizes, formats and designs and offers heat outputs from 358 Btus at Delta T 50 for an Artisan 460mmm high by 205mm wide rad with 3 sections, up to 9554 Btu’s for a 950mm high by 998mm wide Hattersley version with sixteen sections. The ability to select exactly the right size radiator for any room is in the range.

The radiators are available with a selection of accessories including shrouds and base plates, wall stays, and manual and TRV valves and in a wide range of finishes including chrome, natural brass, natural pewter, satin nickel and unlacquered brass.

Modern black radiator against a white wall, with a green plant in the corner.

The new Stelrad Cast Iron Column radiator range adds undoubted charisma to any modern or period home with its distinctive, ageless look and its range of quality finishes. The classic, clean lines suggest a genuine piece from yesteryear whilst offering the very best in quality and craftsmanship to enhance the very latest in heating technology as it slips effortlessly into the superior elegance of today’s most fashionable of décor. These radiators are floor standing with inbuilt feet for extra stability as they are significantly heavier than their steel counterparts.

When it comes to upgrading and re-introducing the column radiator range to the UK, Stelrad has introduced an Italian -designed new look, improved range of its popular Column radiators – in both its vertical and horizontal column radiator ranges. The most obvious changes are to the design of the radiators that now feature a new rounded column design. The streamlined model range features 54 horizontal radiators and four vertical options with heights between 300mm and 2000mm and lengths from 348mm to 1866mm. They feature an increased warranty – significantly extended from the previous five years to fifteen years.

The new radiators operate up to a maximum pressure of 10 bar, but tested to 13 bar, and come in eco-friendly biodegradable packaging. The radiators feature ‘automotive grade’ paint finishes for superior corrosion resistance and offer proven heat output and performance consistency. All other core specifications remain consistent including colours – available in Traffic White and Anthracite Grey from stock, steel thickness, certifications and stock availability.

Bright entryway with beige walls, round mirror, radiator and small table; woman with black tote steps out through open white door.

In 2025, Stelrad introduced a new quicker turnaround service for the supply of some of its radiators in colour. Initially this new rapid turnaround service applied to the popular Column and Concord ranges, and to the Classic Towel Rail, Caliente and Concord towel rail products when ordered in one of the now 55 standard RAL colours and finishes within the huge range of radiators. The lead time had been reduced from the previous standard eight weeks down to just fourteen days.

Earlier in 2026, Stelrad announced phase 2 of the rollout of the same rapid turnaround for coloured radiators from a wider range of its options to include models in its Compact with Style, Planar, Vita Silhouette, Vita Deco, Vita Plan, Vita Vertical, Softline Silhouette, Softline Deco, Softline Plan, Softline Vertical, Henrad Silhouette, Henrad Everest Line, Henrad Plan, Henrad Vertical, Henrad Arno Towel Rail and Henrad Verona Towel Rail products.

For more information on this new service and the full range of radiators available from Stelrad head for https://www.stelradprofessional.com. You can call for brochures and information or email sales@stelrad.com. Alternatively, you can also see regular updates from Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad and Facebook @StelradRadiators.