radiators aluminium v stainless steel v steel

starving_artist

Any thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages? I need one for a bathroom and one for a kitchen. I'm worried about putting mild steel in a bathroom from the point of view of corrosion (it will be a near a basin and likely to get splashed) but they are the cheapest. Aluminium radiators seem to kick out a lot of heat for size.

nofoollikeold

1. All radiators of a given size give out the same amount of heat at any particular water temperature.
2. Aluminium radiators get hot to the touch more quickly than steel, but equally they cool more quickly.
3. Stainless steel radiators are much more expensive than steel ones of the same size.
4. Aluminium won't rust, and provided you are prepared to pay the premium, is a good choice. If fitting them yourself, be aware that some have left hand threaded fittings on one end. Not an issue, just something to be careful of.
5. If fitting a towel rail type to the bathroom, you won't get much space heating out of it once covered in towels. Perhaps be prepared to over-size it.