How to tell a 'quality' radiator before purchase?

ChasingtheWelshdream

Evening All,

A strange question I admit and may well be subjective. I'm replacing a couple of radiators and exploring 'nicer' options. When browsing various DIY/plumbing forums I've seen a fair few threads asking for help with leaks and uneven heating, and often the responses are along the lines of "bet you didn't buy decent quality stuff". Particularly around column radiators and valves. 

As this is MSE, I would always look at budget options where I can but with such great variations in price, I'm unsure about where compromises can and shouldn't be made. Material? Finish? Construction? Valves? What constitutes value for money vs cheap, nasty and potential PITA?  Any recommendations for brands to look at or avoid for both quality or customer service?

I know the sizes/BTUs etc I need, I'd just like something more aesthetically pleasing if I can. I fear I'm in danger of choosing style over substance if I'm not careful.....

Any and all opinions welcome. I may well end up with the same generic one from the local outfit that seems to work. But as it's lockdown on a Friday night I have itchy fingers. and evidently too much time on my hands.... .

[Deleted User]

First preferences   
Radiators from Stelrad (or their subsidiary's) 
Radiator valves from PeglerYorkshire.
Thermostatic radiator valves from Honeywell.
All 3 above have budget to premium products all good known products 

FreeBear

I've had no complaints about the Kudox premium radiators from Screwfix. But the "free" Drayton valves.... Some of the tails are poor quality in my opinion, and a right pig to get them to seal.

Grenage

I had a nightmare getting a radiator from screwfix, they kept arriving dented.  I ended up buying one from bestheating.com; the price was better and it turned up without a mark.

Jeepers_Creepers

CWD, what styles are you after?

I bought a couple of anthracite-finish column rads from eBay and they were superb quality - and a great price.

For conventional rads, Kudox rads from SF are a safe bet.

FreeBear

Grenage said: I had a nightmare getting a radiator from screwfix, they kept arriving dented.

I had one that had a ding in the end panel. Local store swapped the dinged part out without any problem. Very helpful staff in my local store.

ChasingtheWelshdream

Thanks all. :-)

Murmansk

I read a forum where there was a very well respected plumber who recommended Stelrad and I got some and they seemed very good

Ajmason42

Another vote for stelrad. 

Leethos

Stelrad/Henrad are great options for compact style radiators with the grilles and side panels. If you are looking at the more decorative style radiators then if you look for products from manufacturers with an affiliation of MARC which is the trade body designed to uphold quality standards then you won’t go far wrong.

ChasingtheWelshdream

Thank you. I have found a Stelrad column style within budget.

 Just before I order, does anyone have experience with Arlberg? Toolfix have some that are £40-50 cheaper then Stelrad. The reviews seem to be around courier issues rather than the radiator itself. 

I only ask as I live near the local branch, so figure any customer service problems could easily be sorted, if there’s a genuine saving to be had.

They advertise 5 year guarantee, but as a DIYer it’s more any fitting/sealing issues I’m thinking about.

I am only buying one at the moment but will probably swap another 3 if all goes well, so if Toolfix are any good it would be a substantial saving!