Cast Iron Radiators

Traditional cast iron column radiators in 4 and 6 column profiles, supplied in a grey primer finish so you can paint them in whatever colour the room needs. Cast iron behaves completely differently to a modern steel or aluminium panel: it takes a long time to warm up, then holds that heat for hours after the boiler stops.

That thermal mass is the reason people still specify cast iron in period properties. It gives a steady radiant warmth rather than the quick blast of a panel radiator, and it keeps giving heat out long after the system has shut down for the night. Bear in mind the weight — a filled cast iron radiator needs a solid wall or floor mounting on feet.

What to know about cast iron

• Supplied in grey primer — finish it in any colour, or leave the primer for an industrial look.
• Very heavy when filled: plan for floor feet or a solid masonry wall, never plasterboard.
• Slow to heat and slow to cool, which suits a system left on for long periods.
• Column radiator feet are available separately if you are floor mounting.
• Give the system a proper flush before connecting old-style radiators into new pipework.

Also in this range: all radiators, column radiators and radiator feet and accessories.

Frequently asked questions

Do cast iron radiators come painted?

These are supplied in a grey primer, which is the normal way cast iron is sold. You can top coat them in any radiator-suitable paint, or leave the primer as the finish if the raw look suits the room.

Are cast iron radiators too heavy for a normal wall?

Filled with water they are considerably heavier than a steel panel, so they should be floor mounted on feet or fixed to solid masonry. Do not hang one on plasterboard.

Are cast iron radiators worth it on a modern boiler?

They work, but the slow response suits a system that runs for long steady periods rather than short bursts. If your heating comes on for an hour at a time, a faster aluminium or steel radiator will suit you better.