FOCUS ON work surfaces

Top tip

MATERIAL MATTERS Steel radiators are often the most economical choice, and come in a huge range of designs. Stainless steel is pricier, but should prove very durable, especially for a kitchen or bathroom. Aluminium will cost more than steel, but is light, heats up fast and has optimum heat output for the size. Cast iron is heavier and takes longer to heat up but retains warmth well; as the original radiator material, it is possible to pick up a reclaimed bargain.

How to bleed your radiators to improve efficiency before winter

Oni radiator in Melon Yellow, from £899.50, Vasco

QHow are radiators fuelled?

ARadiators can operate in conjunction with a gas boiler or a heat pump, or be powered by electricity either through hardwiring or by plugging in. Some electric radiators contain water which is heated by an element. Towel rail radiators are available in dual fuel designs, which allows them to be run from the central heating in the colder months, and be heated with an element to dry towels in summer when the heating isn’t switched on.

QWhich type of radiator is cheapest to run?

AThe costs of running a radiator depend on its efficiency. ‘Radiators that have less water in them require less energy to heat up and, as a result, should be cheaper to run,’ explains Nick Duggan, director at The Radiator Centre. ‘There are a wide range of “efficiency” radiators designed to work in this way, with some having only 10 per cent of the water of a similar-sized conventional radiator.

‘The material the radiator is made from will also make a difference,’ he says. ‘Aluminium designs generally have a lower water content and faster heatup time than steel radiators.’

Inka radiator, £1,656, Real Stone, Tile & Bathroom

Quality radiators delivered quickly

By making its own products, Radiator Outlet can offer a speedy and affordable service

Radiator Outlet is dedicated to its mission statement ‘to provide high quality radiators at affordable prices,’ supplying them to thousands of customers throughout the country.

In the five years the Lancashirebased company has been operating, it has built a healthy reputation, with more than 14,000 online reviews and a dedicated social media following.

Radiator Outlet makes its own products, ensuring high quality home heating with no corners cut when it comes to materials used or the manufacturing process.

Equally as impressive is the speed at which the radiators, valves and accessories are sent out; with priority delivery as standard, a fast turnaround can be expected by any customer on a tight deadline or in need of a radiator quickly. All the stock is stored in large warehouses ready for immediate dispatch, transported by Radiator Outlet’s own enthusiastic delivery drivers, ensuring a tracked, helpful, and safe service every time.

Finally, should customers have any problems down the line, the hassle-free 10-year warranty is with Radiator Outlet directly, so there is no lengthy process of chasing down a radiator manufacturer – the company will resolve any issues.

To see more of Radiator Outlet’s wide choice of radiators and to get details of its swift service, go to radiatoroutlet.co.uk

Left and above White threecolumn traditional horizontal radiator, £289.99; black flat panel horizontal radiator, £249.99

Right and below White oval panel vertical radiator, £249.99; raw metal three-column traditional vertical radiator, £279.99

FOCUS ON Work surfaces

Whether you’re cooking a meal, baking a cake or sorting the weekly shop, you want your kitchen worktop to be as attractive as it is practical

▼ Best for seamless style Corian is a man-made composite that’ll give a streamlined finish to your kitchen, as it can be heated and bent into a specific shape through thermoforming, to create rounded edges and corners. It looks even more seamless when paired with a Corian sink. Non porous and easy to maintain, it’s also hygienic. This versatile material comes in a variety of colours and finishes, and is inspired by natural surfaces, such as marble. It can chip but is repairable, and can be refabricated if you alter your kitchen and want to keep the surface. Corian Solid Surface in Artista Canvas, starting from £705 per square metre excl. VAT, CDUK

Best for recycling

Introduce character to your kitchen by giving a new lease of life to an old work surface. Reclaimed wood worktops, such as this from The Main Company, are environmentally friendly, look unique and add warmth and texture. The wood can be sanded back if stained, and will produce a soft, tactile material that looks particularly effective when paired with contrasting surfaces. The Main Company engineers the wood to stop it twisting, shrinking or splitting. Reclaimed wood worktop. £450 per square metre plus VAT, The Main Company

Best for an industrial edge

Choosing a ceramic clay worktop in a mineral shade creates the industrial look of concrete, but with less mess. SapienStone worktops are made from heat and stainresistant ceramic. This dark grey surface gives a contemporary edge. SapienStone Ceramic in Urban Anthracite, from £210 per square metre, Cullifords

ALISON JONES FEATURE

ECO CHOICE