A well-chosen radiator is essential for maintaining a cozy and comfortable home environment. The size and type of radiator you select must be matched to your room dimensions and heating requirements. This expert guide breaks down the features of single and double panel radiators to help you make an informed choice quickly and easily.
Quick Navigation
- Panel Radiator Definitions
- Do Double Radiators Cost More to Run?
- Can I Replace a Single Radiator with a Double?
- Which Radiator is Best for Heating?
- What Radiator Do I Need?
- Shop Radiators
Panel Radiator Definitions
The type of panel radiator you choose—ranging from a single panel to a double panel—directly impacts the unit’s heat output, energy consumption, and overall system performance.
When making your selection, consider your total home heating needs, factoring in the property size, insulation quality, and the number of inhabitants.
Let’s clarify the distinguishing characteristics of these common radiator types:
Single Panel (Type 11)
A single panel convector radiator emits less heat than its double panel counterpart.
- Structure: It features one main heating panel that sits flush against the wall and is typically backed by one layer of convector fins.
- Heat Output: Lower, due to a reduced surface area for heat emission.
- Best For: Smaller rooms (e.g., utility rooms, small bathrooms, hallways) that do not require a high heat output, or spaces where limited depth/wall space is a concern.
- Alternative Name: Often referred to as a Type 11 radiator (1 panel, 1 set of fins).
Double Panel (Type 22)
Double panel radiators are engineered to generate significantly more heat than a single panel unit of the same dimensions.
- Structure: They incorporate a second heating panel and two sets of convector fins (the zigzag metal strips) encased between the panels.
- Heat Output: Substantially higher. The addition of the second panel and the extra set of fins drastically increases the overall surface area, maximizing heat output and generating convection currents that circulate warm air.
- Best For: Medium to large-sized rooms, open-plan spaces, or older properties with poor insulation where a high British Thermal Unit (BTU) requirement is necessary to heat the space quickly and effectively.
- Alternative Name: Most commonly known as a Type 22 radiator (2 panels, 2 sets of fins).
Note on Type 21: Type 21 convector radiators are also available. These are a hybrid, featuring two panels that enclose only one layer of convector fins. They offer a medium heat output, falling between the slim Type 11 and the high-output Type 22.
Designer Radiators
You can purchase designer radiators in both single and double panel variations. While standard double panel units may be the most cost-efficient in terms of raw heat output, they are not always the most aesthetically pleasing. Designer radiators continue to gain popularity because they successfully combine high efficiency with attractive design. They may also offer practical benefits such as vertical, space-saving designs, integrated mirrors, or towel-warming capabilities.
Do Double Radiators Cost More to Run?
This question involves balancing initial cost and long-term efficiency:
- Running Cost: A double panel radiator contains a greater volume of water, meaning it initially costs slightly more to heat up than a single panel model.
- Efficiency in Context: For large rooms, poorly insulated spaces, or rooms with significant heat loss (e.g., large windows), a double convector radiator is ultimately more efficient. Its higher output (BTU) means it can reach the desired room temperature faster and maintain it more consistently, reducing the overall time the central heating system needs to run.
- The Wrong Size: Conversely, installing a single panel radiator that is too small for a large space will force your heating system to work harder and run for longer periods, leading to an inefficient and often more costly overall heating solution.
The choice depends entirely on your room’s thermal requirements. For greater heat output in a larger property, a double panel is the better, more economical long-term investment. For smaller spaces where economy and wall space are primary concerns, a single panel may be the best option.
Can I Replace a Single Radiator with a Double?
Yes, replacing a single panel radiator with a double panel model of the same height and width is usually possible.
- Pipework Alignment: Replacing a single unit with a double of the exact same width and height means the pipe connections should line up, minimizing plumbing adjustments. However, you will need to replace the old mounting brackets with new brackets designed for the greater depth and weight of the double radiator.
- System Impact: A larger convector radiator, even one with the same width/height, will have a significantly higher BTU output and will place a higher demand on your central heating boiler. You must confirm that your boiler has the capacity to handle this increased hot water demand without compromising performance across the rest of the house.
Call on a Heating Engineer: If you are upgrading from a single to a double panel radiator, it is highly recommended to consult or hire a qualified heating engineer. They can confirm your boiler’s capacity, handle the necessary pipework checks, safely drain the system, and ensure the new, heavier radiator is installed correctly.
Which Radiator is Best for Heating?
The “best” radiator is the one that provides the correct BTU output for the specific room it is heating.
- Single Panels: These are best suited for smaller rooms where high heat output is not necessary and where wall space is at a premium. Single panel units with added convection fins are available for increased efficiency, but their resulting depth may not be suitable for narrow spaces.
- Double Panels: These are superior for heating medium-to-large rooms quickly and effectively. The dual panels and two sets of convector fins greatly increase the surface area, maximizing the convection currents that circulate warm air for faster room temperature stabilization.
Both types are panel convector radiator units, but the double panel design allows the heat to generate and circulate much more rapidly due to the increased surface area provided by the fins and the second panel.
What Radiator Do I Need?
The most crucial elements when determining your heating needs are the size of your rooms and the available wall space. Calculating your room’s BTU requirement is the most reliable method for making this decision.
- Large, Spacious Areas: Double panel radiators (Type 22) are your best option, as they can generate heat quickly and effectively to cover a large volume of air.
- Limited Space: A single panel radiator (Type 11) is ideal. It is a more compact unit, freeing up space, and will be the more economical choice for a small area.
The main difference: Remember that the larger the area, the more likely you are to need a double panel radiator; for a smaller space, a single panel radiator will almost certainly suffice.
Further Heating Advice
If you need help selecting the optimal radiator for your home, check out all the helpful articles in our advice section, including our comprehensive radiators buying guide. Whether you need a mix of single and double panels or just one type, we can help you with every aspect of the process, from swapping radiator valves to calculating your BTU requirements.
We also offer plenty of inspiration. Explore our heating ideas, including beautiful column radiators, the top designer radiator styles, and the best Edwardian radiators for your home.
Shop Radiators
Whether you require a single or a double radiator, you will find a comprehensive range at affordable prices at Bathroom Mountain. Browse our fabulous selection of contemporary and traditional designs today.
