Radiator price difference - what am I missing?

Swasterix

Good evening all,

We’re currently looking to replace the radiator in our living room with an anthracite tall/vertical radiator (original, I know). I’ve been wasting a slow evening at work looking around online.

I’ve pretty much settled on a 1800mm x 472mm double panel rad in anthracite. They seem to be a fairly standard size, and widely available with all of the usual suspects. I have found the below priced at £230. 

https://www.radiatoroutlet.co.uk/1780-x-472mm-anthracite-double-oval-tube-vertical-radiator

This appears to be the same rad sold on best heating, and numerous other websites at ~£350-£400

https://www.bestheating.com/milano-aruba-anthracite-vertical-designer-radiator-various-sizes-and-valve-options-88291

Anybody in the know out there who can account for the variance in price? From what I’ve seen I’m working on the assumption that they all come from the same supplier, branded for each different seller? Am I wrong?

Specs all seem the same; size, weight, material, thickness, etc. The BTU value on the cheaper rad is a lot higher, but I don’t believe it, surely that can’t be possible for such a similar product (10092 vs 7093)

I’m more than happy to pay extra if I’m receiving a better quality product, but I’d be happier to save >£100 if my suspicions are correct. 

Would really appreciate any radiator experts out there who could call me an idiot, and tell me why I’m wrong. Or alternatively save me £100!

Thanks for reading!

FreeBear

Swasterix said: Specs all seem the same; size, weight, material, thickness, etc. The BTU value on the cheaper rad is a lot higher, but I don’t believe it, surely that can’t be possible for such a similar product (10092 vs 7093)

When comparing the heat output, you also need to know what Delta T is being used. Most radiator specifications use a delta T of 50 - This delta T is the (nominal) difference between room temperature (20°C) and the CH water temperature (70°C) - Use a delta T of 65, and you can claim a much higher output than a delta T of 50.

coffeehound

One is £230 the other £260 -- not a massive difference?

TadleyBaggie

coffeehound said:

One is £230 the other £260 -- not a massive difference?

I think you saw the price of a single, OP is after a double.

coffeehound

Ah apologies - hadn't selected a width for the Milano - that does indeed take it up to £396

Swasterix

FreeBear said:

Swasterix said: Specs all seem the same; size, weight, material, thickness, etc. The BTU value on the cheaper rad is a lot higher, but I don’t believe it, surely that can’t be possible for such a similar product (10092 vs 7093)

When comparing the heat output, you also need to know what Delta T is being used. Most radiator specifications use a delta T of 50 - This delta T is the (nominal) difference between room temperature (20°C) and the CH water temperature (70°C) - Use a delta T of 65, and you can claim a much higher output than a delta T of 50.

Makes sense, thanks for the reply. 

Given then that these radiators are rather simple in their design (basically just a large pipe), and they’re the same material, colour, etc. it’s probably safe to assume that the heat output would be more or less the same in the real world?

I guess then that the only real difference could be the quality of construction; brackets/welds/paint finish/etc?

After a few hours of investigation (it was a looooong, boring night shift) I have managed to find the cheaper company’s listing on Amazon. The cheaper rad comes well reviewed. Think I will take a punt on the cheaper one. I’ll report back if/when a weld fails and it empties my central heating system all over the living room. 

Thanks again. 

Jeepers_Creepers

I bought a couple of doubles from eBay. I'll get back to you for the actual company (need to search) but can report they are superb quality, beautifully finished, very heavy, and very reasonably priced.
I cannot see any reason for paying the extra.

Might have been these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232659775622?var=532121246968&hash=item362b9a7086:g:bA8AAOSwG7JhEP95

Swasterix

Jeepers_Creepers said:

I bought a couple of doubles from eBay. I'll get back to you for the actual company (need to search) but can report they are superb quality, beautifully finished, very heavy, and very reasonably priced.
I cannot see any reason for paying the extra.

Might have been these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232659775622?var=532121246968&hash=item362b9a7086:g:bA8AAOSwG7JhEP95

Thanks JC! That is the answer I’ve been hoping for!

Jeepers_Creepers

You're welcome, and I can now confirm I got them from that company.

The moment they arrived - really well packed in strong boxes - I knew they weren't 'cheapies'. The quality of them simply doesn't leave anything to be desired. 

casper_gutman

Jeepers_Creepers said:

You're welcome, and I can now confirm I got them from that company.

The moment they arrived - really well packed in strong boxes - I knew they weren't 'cheapies'. The quality of them simply doesn't leave anything to be desired. 

Good feedback. The value of good packaging shouldn't be underestimated!

The Acova ones sold from Screwfix or B&Q come shockingly poorly packed, and one we bought was damaged when delivered. Reviews online suggest this is a common problem.

They swapped it without fuss, but the delay is inconvenient when you've a plumber standing there ready to fit the thing!