Cast Iron Radiators

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.

Our History With Traditional Cast Iron Radiators

For over two decades, Feature Radiators has been a leading provider of cast iron radiators, originally specializing in salvaging and restoring vintage pieces. Founder Phil Jackson's immersion in West Yorkshire's historic sites led to the reclamation of substantial cast iron chunks. While initially adopting a labour-intensive process of sandblasting, testing, and painting each radiator, a pivotal discovery shifted the approach. Phil found European foundries still producing new cast iron radiators, prompting a strategic shift to embrace newly cast models with extended warranties and a diverse range of styles.
 
With over 20 years of industry expertise, Feature Radiators now exclusively offers products meeting stringent quality standards. Sourcing from reliable factories in Europe and China ensures our radiators are crafted to the highest standards, maintaining our commitment to excellence in both design and durability.

Do cast iron radiators take longer to heat up?

Cast iron radiators generally have a slower heat-up time compared to modern alternatives like steel or aluminium due to their lower thermal conductivity. The dense and heavy nature of cast iron contributes to this characteristic, allowing the radiators to retain heat well and emit warmth even after the heating system is turned off.

While it may take more time for cast iron radiators to reach their optimal operating temperature, their classic appearance, durability, and sustained warmth make them a preferred choice for many despite the longer heat-up time. The choice of radiator material often depends on individual preferences, desired aesthetics, 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.