Cast Iron Radiators

Cast Iron Radiators

Our range of traditional radiators consists of authentic cast iron, bare metal, ornate, curved and vertical column radiators as well as modern twists on vintage radiator designs.

Choose from plain column models in colours matched to Farrow & Ball shades or hand-painted ornate castings.

We offer a huge range of sizes and finishes, with options for any property. Consequently our cast iron radiators have been installed in 1000s of Victorian terraces and even a few National Trust houses.

Inspected by our experts, each model in our range meets our exacting quality standards. We consider all aspects like finish, design, performance and value for money. We also offer a range of traditional style thermostatic radiator valves. These come in a range of period finishes such as antique brass and pewter to complement any of our radiators. With long warranty periods, cast iron radiators are guaranteed to add traditional character and charm to your home for years to come. 

Our History With Traditional Cast Iron Radiators

Feature Radiators has been selling cast iron radiators for nearly 20 years. We started out as a salvage and reclamation company specialising in old radiators. Our founder, Phil Jackson, spent many hours inside the old schools and mills of West Yorkshire, saving big lumps of cast iron as the buildings were being demolished or renovated around him.

We then sand blasted, tested and painted every radiator to order – very hard labour, but rewarding work. Phil then found out that there were still a few foundries making new cast iron radiators in Europe. Therefore, he quickly realised that, lovely as salvaging old ones was, there were many benefit to supplying new ones. Going for newly cast models rather than reclaimed means long warranty periods and a huge choice of styles, sizes and designs.

20 years ago there were still some foundries in Europe and the first of the Chinese foundries were just starting. Now there are few European foundries left and a lot of the casting is now done in China – to varying levels of quality. The UK is sadly now just limited to assembly and painting, but it is simply not financially viable to cast the sections here.

We have spent 20 years working with cast iron radiators and the products we sell are the ones we consider to be the best available. They meet our exacting standards in terms of quality and come from the most reliable factories in both Europe and China who ensure our products are finished to the highest of standards.

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Heat Calculator

Calculate My Heat Requirements

Know what heat output you require? Enter it into the below field and we'll let you know if a radaitor is right for your room.

Not sure what output you need to fill your room with heat? Complete the form below to calculate your required heat output.

My house was built after 2002 or is well insulated (part L compliant)

My room is north facing.

My room has French doors / large window.

My room has single glazed windows.

My room is exposed & colder.

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Items 17-31 of 31

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  1. Downton Cast Iron Radiators - 540mm - 740mm high
    Downton Cast Iron Radiators - 540mm - 740mm high

    With the high ceilings of Victorian properties, this patterned cast iron radiator is available in many sizes in a range of finishes including antiqued and hand-painted options.

    £241.20
    In stock
  2. Nightingale 2 column cast iron radiator
    Nightingale Cast Iron Radiators - 590mm - 790mm high

    A French floral design is cast into these beautiful iron radiators and the detail can be highlighted further by our antiqued and hand-painted finishes.

    £265.20
    In stock
  3. Rococo Cast Iron Radiators - 460mm - 810mm high
    Rococo Cast Iron Radiators - 460mm - 810mm high

    This tall cast iron radiator in opulent burnished finishes offers a stunning solution for Victorian settings with high ceilings and original detailing.

    £428.40
    In stock
  4. Liberty Cast iron radiator in Old Penny
    Liberty Cast Iron Radiators - 510mm - 954mm high

    In a height fitting with Victorian 9ft or 10ft ceilings, this Liberty provides a bold yet beautiful addition to any period setting; think William Morris!

    £268.80
    In stock
  5. Bench designer radiators
    Bench Radiators

    Heating and seating combine with this radiator that is also a bench. Choose from a range of sizes, colours and wood tops.

    £939.96
    In stock
  6. Classique Cast Iron Radiator - 785mm - 935mm
    Classique Cast Iron Radiator - 785mm - 935mm

    The classic style from the Classique. Vintage styling meets modern build quality as this up to date radiator can enhance your traditional interior. Available in many heights ranging from as low as 350mm high and up to 935mm high.

    £233.32
    In stock
  7. Classique Cast Iron Radiator - 350mm - 640mm
    Classique Cast Iron Radiator - 350mm - 640mm

    Offering a timeless design the Classique will make a great addition to any room. With a superb heat output and Classic styling this high quality cast iron radiator comes in a great combination of sizes and colours bringing warmth and style to any room.

    £148.32
    In stock
  8. Victorian 7 column cast iron radiator in Farrow & Ball Brinjal No.222
    Victorian 7 Cast Iron Radiators - 350mm high

    This short chunky radiator offers big heat outputs in deep spaces such as bay windows, inglenooks and alcoves. Available in any colour including matches to Farrow & Ball.

    £262.36
    In stock
  9. Calu
    Calu

    Imitation is the highest form of flattery, the CALU initiates cast iron but is lighter in weight, uses less water and can be delivered quickly in a variety of sizes.

    £432.00
    In stock
  10. Old fashioned Edwardian 2 cast iron radiator
    Edwardian 2 Cast Iron Radiators - 450mm - 660mm high

    Only 450mm high including feet, this cast iron radiator has a rustic yet tactile feel with a great heat output in a range of metallic paints.

    £343.20
    In stock
  11. Next day Traverse column radiator in white
    NEXT DAY RADIATORS
    Column radiator – Traverse - 602mm, 502mm & 750mm high - NEXT DAY DELIVERY RADIATORS

    The best-selling column radiator. Choose from 2, 3 or 4 columns deep and a range of widths as a stunning replacement for existing panel rads.

    £211.33
    In stock
  12. Core Column designer radiators
    Column radiator – Core - 302mm - 902mm high

    Bringing effortless cool and stylish warmth, Core looks equally at home in contemporary as well as traditional interiors. Keenly priced and with its impressive performance, this beauty will warm you to the core.

    £52.08
    In stock
  13. Core column radiators
    Column radiator – Core - 1502mm - 1802mm high

    Bringing effortless cool and stylish warmth, Core looks equally at home in contemporary as well as traditional interiors. Keenly priced and with its impressive performance, this beauty will warm you to the core.

    £102.52
    In stock
  14. Tall Traverse column radiator
    NEXT DAY RADIATORS
    Column radiator – Traverse - 1800mm high

    A 6ft tall column radiator that comes in a range of widths and 2 depths for installation in narrow spaces. This classic design moves easily between modern and traditional interiors.

    £217.73
    In stock
  15. POD Designer Radiator in Blue
    NEXT DAY RADIATORS
    Pod radiator (450mm to 1800mm high)

    Inspired by classic steel column radiators, Pod is a chunkier design, held in stock in both white and grey, with or without feet, for quick delivery.

    £204.12
    In stock
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Why choose cast iron?

Choosing cast iron radiators offers a host of benefits rooted in tradition and practicality. During the Victorian era, cast iron was the preferred material for radiators, and its enduring popularity stems from its ability to bring authenticity to period properties while adding timeless quality to contemporary interiors.

The density and substantial mass of cast iron enable it to function as a highly efficient heat store. This unique characteristic means that a cast iron radiator retains warmth long after the central heating system has been turned off. This quality is particularly valued by heating engineers and architects, especially for older properties.

Cast iron heating not only keeps the radiators warm but also contributes to retaining heat in the building's structure, effectively countering issues like dampness and condensation.
Beyond its functional advantages, cast iron radiators boast a textured finish, providing a distinctive aesthetic appeal. If a column-style radiator with a perfectly smooth finish is preferred, alternatives like the Core or Traverse ranges, crafted from steel, may be more suitable.

Whether seeking authenticity for a period property or adding a touch of timeless elegance to a modern setting, cast iron radiators remain a favoured choice for their enduring appeal and efficient heat retention properties.

What is the difference between cast iron and column radiators?

The terms "cast iron" and "column" are not mutually exclusive when it comes to radiators; rather, they describe different aspects of radiator design. Let's break down the distinctions:

  1. Material:
  • Cast Iron Radiators: This term refers to the material from which the radiator is made. Cast iron radiators are constructed entirely or predominantly from cast iron. Cast iron is known for its durability and heat retention properties, making it a popular choice in traditional and period-style homes.
  • Column Radiators: This term refers to the structure of the radiator. Column radiators have a design that consists of vertical columns or tubes. These columns are responsible for the radiator's heat output. The materials used for column radiators can vary and may include cast iron, steel, or aluminum.
  • Design and Structure:
    • Cast Iron Radiators: These radiators are typically made entirely of cast iron and often feature intricate designs with ornate details. They are known for their classic and timeless appearance, making them popular in historic or period-style homes.
    • Column Radiators: The term "column" describes the structure of the radiator rather than the material. Column radiators can be made from various materials, including cast iron, but they are characterized by a design that includes vertical columns or tubes. The columns contribute to the overall aesthetic and heat output of the radiator.
  • Heat Retention:
    • Cast Iron Radiators: Cast iron has excellent heat retention properties, allowing the radiator to stay warm for an extended period after the heating system is turned off.
    • Column Radiators: The heat retention properties can vary based on the material used. Cast iron column radiators will have similar heat retention characteristics to traditional cast iron radiators.

    In summary, "cast iron" describes the material, while "column" describes the design structure of a radiator. Cast iron radiators can have a column design, but not all column radiators are made of cast iron; they can be constructed from various materials. The choice between the two depends on factors such as aesthetic preferences, the period of the home, and specific heating requirements.

    Do cast iron radiators take longer to heat up?

    Yes, cast iron radiators generally take longer to heat up compared to some modern alternatives, such as steel or aluminium radiators. The thermal conductivity of cast iron is lower than that of materials like steel or aluminium. This means that cast iron heats up more slowly when exposed to hot water or steam.

    The slower heat-up time is due to the dense and heavy nature of cast iron. While this characteristic allows cast iron radiators to retain heat well and continue emitting warmth even after the heating system is turned off, it also means that they may require more time to reach their optimal operating temperature.

    Despite the longer heat-up time, many people appreciate cast iron radiators for their classic appearance, durability, and the sustained warmth they provide. The choice of radiator material often depends on individual preferences, the aesthetic desired, and the specific heating requirements of a space.

    What is the heat output of a cast iron radiator?

    The heat output of a cast iron radiator can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of the radiator, the design, and the specific characteristics of the heating system. As a general guideline, the heat output of a radiator is often measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or watts.

    To help you pick the right cast iron radiator for your requirements, each radiator on our site has heat output ratings, so when you pick the size of radiator you require we will show you the heat output for the Delta T 50 rating, you can also change the Delta T to match the rating of your system to get a more accurate heat output rating.

    Keep in mind that the heat output requirements for your room varies depending on certain criteria such as insulation of the building, window locations and window type. To help you get a better understanding of the heat output you need for your room, we have a handy heat calculator tool on our homepage that will give you the required heat output and highlight if a radiator is too cold to heat your room as you browse the site.

    Reproduction or reclaimed cast iron? Which is best?

    Reproduction cast iron radiators:

    There are now some superb reproduction cast iron radiators available, which are made the same way as their ancestors, so look just the same. Some of the advantages that our reproduction cast iron radiators have over their reclaimed counterparts are set out below.

    Our reproduction cast iron radiators:

    • come with a manufacturer’s guarantee.
    • are the easier choice – the radiators arrive on-site ready to plumb in.
    • are available in primer - for on-site painting or in a painted finish (wide selection of colours to choose from).
    • are built to order, so you can specify the right size radiator for your room, in terms of both heat output and dimensions, and you can easily obtain matching radiators in the correct sizes for use throughout the house (achieving this using reclaimed radiators would need a lot of good luck and patience).

    Reclaimed Radiators:

    • We no longer sell reclaimed cast iron radiators but below are some considerations:
    • have a history (but it's worth checking the recent history, in particular, make sure reclaimed radiators have come off a working system and be sure they’ve been stored indoors to avoid frost damage).
    • do not come with a manufacturer’s guarantee, but the seller may be prepared to offer some guarantee if the radiator leaks once installed.

    Ultimately, the decision hinges on factors such as budget, desired aesthetics, and the level of customization required. A reproduction cast iron radiator provides a hassle-free, guaranteed option with a range of finishes, while a reclaimed radiator offers a unique history and potential cost savings, albeit with additional considerations and potential renovation efforts.

    Warning – do not powder coat cast iron radiators, reclaimed or reproduction, as the process can damage the seals between radiator sections.