PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2026 30 Radiators& Towel Warmers


Does the customer always get what they pay for?


Does paying more for a radiator or towel warmer mean you get a better product? Marcus Pearson, head of design at Old London, argues that a premium model can refl ect better engineering and materials, but good specifi cation is about understanding when additional investment is justifi ed.


T


o me, specifi cation starts with the requirements of the project rather than the price bracket. Heat output and the heating system establish


what the radiator needs to deliver, while material, construction, fi nish and longevity all infl uence the suitability and value of the product. From there, products can be compared on their actual


specifi cation, rather than assuming a higher price means a better option. Heat output is the obvious starting


point. Two radiators with a similar footprint can have very diff erent outputs depending on their construction and material, so I’d always assess the manufacturer’s stated output at the relevant fl ow and return temperatures against the room’s requirement.


Marcus Pearson Head of design at Old London


 Constructed from durable steel with a chrome white fi nish, the Brampton Chrome vertical towel rail from Old London off ers a great solution when space is limited


Other drivers The heating system also needs to drive the specifi cation. Central heating, electric and dual-fuel towel warmers have diff erent requirements around output, wattage, elements and controls. Likewise, pipe centres, connections and fi xing arrangements can have a signifi cant impact on installation, particularly when working with existing pipework. A product that integrates properly with the


 The Old London chrome 762 x 685mm horizontal heated towel rail adds a refi ned fi nishing touch to the bathroom and is backed by a fi ve-year guarantee


installation can off er much better value than its purchase price alone suggests. Material is another important


consideration. Mild steel off ers a strong combination of strength, thermal performance and value. Stainless steel brings excellent corrosion resistance, making it particularly useful where the product will be exposed to high levels of moisture or where the material itself forms part of the design. Aluminium off ers low weight, low water content and rapid response. None is inherently better; the right choice depends on the application and what the material needs to deliver.


Durability and quality Construction and fi nish are where a premium product can start to justify its price. The standard of welds and joints, material consistency, tolerances and surface preparation all contribute to durability and the quality of the fi nished product. The same applies to painted and metallic fi nishes – a wider colour choice is only valuable if the coating or plating is consistent and durable enough for the bathroom environment. As with all products, there’s also the question of


longevity. A radiator or towel warmer is expected to stay put for many years, so paying more can be justifi ed where it delivers better corrosion resistance, a more durable fi nish, stronger construction or higher-quality components.


When it’s worth it In my opinion, an expensive model is worth specifying when the premium delivers something the project genuinely needs - whether that’s a specialist material, better performance, a more robust fi nish or higher manufacturing quality. Ultimately, I do think you can get what you pay for


with radiators and towel warmers. But if a competitively priced product meets the required output, works with the system and off ers the necessary durability and fi nish, there’s little reason to spend more. The skill is recognising when the additional investment genuinely delivers a better product – and when it doesn’t. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/926/60


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