Table of Contents
Panel vs Tubular Radiators: Complete Engineering Comparison
Quick Verdict
The panel vs tubular decision is primarily an aesthetic choice with cost implications, as both effectively heat spaces when properly sized.
Bottom Line: Panel radiators are the practical default choice for modern heating, delivering superior heat output per wall space at significantly lower cost. Tubular radiators are the aesthetic choice for period properties, designer interiors, and applications where the radiator serves as a visual feature rather than purely functional equipment.
Many successful installations mix both types—panel radiators in utility spaces where practicality dominates, tubular radiators in living areas where appearance matters.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Feature | Panel Radiators | Tubular Radiators | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Output per Meter | 1,000-2,500 W/m | 600-1,500 W/m | Panel |
| Heat Transfer Mode | 70% convection, 30% radiation | 50% convection, 50% radiation | Tubular (comfort) |
| Cost (equivalent output) | $50-200 typical | $150-600 typical | Panel |
| Aesthetics | Functional/plain | Decorative/traditional | Tubular |
| Wall Space Required | Smaller for output | Larger for equivalent | Panel |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier | Panel |
| Cleaning | Fins collect dust | Easier surface access | Tubular |
| Period Property Suitability | Poor | Excellent | Tubular |
| Best For | Practical heating | Design statement | — |
Heat Transfer: Convection vs Radiation
Understanding how each radiator type transfers heat explains their performance differences.
Standard Reference: EN 442 specifies testing methods for radiators, rating heat output at standard conditions (water ΔT50: 75°C flow, 65°C return, 20°C room). Outputs must be corrected for actual operating temperatures.
Panel Radiator Heat Transfer
Panel radiators maximize heat output through convector fins:
- Front panel: Provides radiant heat directly into room (warm when touched)
- Convector fins: Multiple steel fins behind panel dramatically increase surface area
- Convective airflow: Cool air enters at bottom, heats on fins, rises from top
Result: approximately 70% convective heat, 30% radiant heat.
The convector fins are key to panel radiator performance—a Type 22 (double panel, double convector) has 4× the fin surface of Type 11, achieving roughly double the output from similar wall space.
Tubular Radiator Heat Transfer
Tubular radiators have exposed tube surfaces:
- Tube surfaces: Provide both radiant heat and gentle convection
- No hidden fins: All heat transfer surfaces visible and accessible
- Natural airflow: Less aggressive convection than finned panels
Result: approximately 50% convective heat, 50% radiant heat.
The higher radiant proportion creates different comfort perception—radiant heat warms occupants directly rather than warming air first, often feeling more comfortable at lower air temperatures.
Comfort Implications
| Factor | Panel Radiators | Tubular Radiators |
|---|---|---|
| Air circulation | Higher (more dust movement) | Lower (gentler) |
| Temperature stratification | More pronounced | Less pronounced |
| Radiant warmth | Less direct | More direct |
| Time to comfort | Faster (convection) | Slightly slower |
Field Tip: For allergy-sensitive occupants, tubular radiators' lower convection reduces dust circulation. Combined with regular cleaning (easier on tubular), this can improve indoor air quality compared to high-convection panel radiators with dust-collecting fins.
Verdict: Heat Transfer
Winner: Depends — Panel radiators deliver more raw output. Tubular radiators provide arguably more comfortable radiant warmth. For maximum heating capacity in limited space, panel wins. For comfort quality, tubular has advantages.
Heat Output: The Numbers
Heat output per unit size determines how much wall space radiators require.
Panel Radiator Output Ranges
Panel radiators are categorized by type:
| Type | Configuration | Output at 600mm Height |
|---|---|---|
| Type 10 | Single panel, no convector | ~600 W/m |
| Type 11 | Single panel, single convector | ~1,000 W/m |
| Type 21 | Double panel, single convector | ~1,400 W/m |
| Type 22 | Double panel, double convector | ~2,000 W/m |
| Type 33 | Triple panel, triple convector | ~2,800 W/m |
Example: A room requiring 1,500W heat output could use:
- Type 11 panel: ~1,500mm long
- Type 22 panel: ~750mm long
Tubular Radiator Output Ranges
Tubular radiator output depends on column count and depth:
| Configuration | Depth | Output at 600mm Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2-column | 67mm | ~500 W/m |
| 3-column | 102mm | ~700 W/m |
| 4-column | 141mm | ~900 W/m |
| 6-column | 215mm | ~1,300 W/m |
Example: A room requiring 1,500W heat output could use:
- 4-column tubular: ~1,700mm long
- 6-column tubular: ~1,150mm long
Output Comparison
For equivalent heating capacity:
| Heat Requirement | Panel Type 22 | 4-Column Tubular | Size Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 W | 500 × 600mm | 1,100 × 600mm | 2.2× larger |
| 1,500 W | 750 × 600mm | 1,700 × 600mm | 2.3× larger |
| 2,000 W | 1,000 × 600mm | 2,200 × 600mm | 2.2× larger |
Tubular radiators need roughly twice the length for equivalent output.
Verdict: Heat Output
Winner: Panel — Panel radiators deliver 30-50% more heat per meter of wall space. Where wall space is limited or high heat output required, panel radiators are clearly superior.
Cost Analysis
Cost differences are significant between radiator types.
Material Cost Comparison
| Heat Output | Panel Type 22 | 4-Column Tubular | Price Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 W | $60-100 | $180-300 | 3× |
| 1,500 W | $80-140 | $250-400 | 3× |
| 2,000 W | $100-180 | $350-550 | 3× |
Designer panel radiators (vertical, colored, flat-front) cost 2-4× standard panel prices, approaching tubular territory.
Whole-House Cost Comparison
For a typical 3-bedroom house requiring 10kW total heating:
| Radiator Type | Total Material Cost | Installation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel (Type 22) | $800-1,200 | $400-800 | $1,200-2,000 |
| Standard tubular | $2,500-4,000 | $500-1,000 | $3,000-5,000 |
| Cast iron tubular | $4,000-7,000 | $800-1,500 | $4,800-8,500 |
The premium for tubular radiators is substantial—$2,000-6,000 more for typical house.
Value Assessment
The tubular premium buys:
- Authentic period aesthetics
- Higher radiant heat proportion
- Design feature value
- Potentially higher property appeal in suitable contexts
Whether this represents good value depends entirely on aesthetic priorities.
Verdict: Cost
Winner: Panel — Panel radiators cost 50-70% less for equivalent heating capacity. Tubular radiators are a premium aesthetic choice, not a heating performance investment.
Aesthetics: The Design Factor
Aesthetics often drives the panel vs tubular decision more than performance.
Panel Radiator Aesthetics
Standard panel radiators are:
- Functional appearance: Plain white, horizontal rectangles
- Inconspicuous: Designed to blend with walls
- Limited options: Mainly size and connection variations
- Modern neutral: Suit contemporary interiors without being featured
Designer panel options add:
- Vertical orientations (space-saving, dramatic)
- Color options (RAL colors, metallics)
- Flat-front designs (concealed grilles)
- Premium finishes and shapes
Tubular Radiator Aesthetics
Tubular radiators offer:
- Traditional styling: Evokes Victorian/Edwardian period
- Visual presence: Decorative feature rather than hidden utility
- Character: Adds architectural interest to rooms
- Design flexibility: Various column counts, heights, finishes
Cast iron tubular radiators provide ultimate authenticity for period properties, while pressed steel versions offer similar looks at lower cost and weight.
Application by Interior Style
| Interior Style | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Modern minimalist | Flat-front panel or concealed |
| Contemporary | Standard panel or designer panel |
| Industrial | Exposed column or steel panel |
| Traditional/period | Tubular column (steel or cast iron) |
| Eclectic | Mix based on room function |
Verdict: Aesthetics
Winner: Tubular — For visual impact and period authenticity, tubular radiators are clearly superior. Panel radiators are functional but rarely design features.
Application-Specific Recommendations
When to Choose Panel Radiators
Use panel radiators when:
- Maximum heat output per wall space is needed
- Budget is primary consideration
- Modern/contemporary interior design
- Radiators should be inconspicuous
- High heat loss rooms (extensions, conservatories)
- Utility spaces (kitchens, utility rooms, garages)
- Heat pump systems requiring oversized radiators
Typical Applications:
- New-build residential and commercial
- Practical/utility spaces in any property
- Budget-conscious whole-house heating
- Rooms with limited wall space
When to Choose Tubular Radiators
Use tubular radiators when:
- Period property authenticity required
- Radiator is intended as design feature
- Budget allows premium pricing
- Radiant heat quality valued over maximum output
- Living spaces where appearance matters
- Bathroom towel rail combinations
- Design-focused renovations
Typical Applications:
- Victorian/Edwardian property restoration
- Living rooms and bedrooms in character properties
- Designer/luxury interiors
- Bathrooms combining heating and towel warming
Installation Considerations
Panel Radiator Installation
- Weight: Relatively light (15-40kg for typical sizes)
- Wall fixings: Standard brackets, most walls adequate
- Connections: Bottom or side, 15mm standard
- Clearances: 100mm floor, 50mm sides minimum
Panel radiators are straightforward to install with standard skills and fixings.
Tubular Radiator Installation
- Weight: Significantly heavier (30-100kg for typical sizes)
- Wall fixings: Heavy-duty brackets, may need reinforcement
- Connections: Various positions, often require specific valves
- Clearances: May need more floor clearance for taller units
Cast iron radiators require particular attention—wall reinforcement often needed, and two-person handling is essential.
Installation Note: Cast iron tubular radiators can weigh 50-150kg. Ensure wall structure can support the load. Plasterboard on timber studs may need noggins and through-bolts. Solid masonry is generally adequate with appropriate fixings.
Maintenance Comparison
Panel Radiator Maintenance
Challenges:
- Convector fins collect dust (impossible to fully clean without removal)
- Dust reduces efficiency and can cause odors when heating starts
- Internal fin corrosion not visible until failure
Routine Care:
- Vacuum grille openings regularly
- Wipe front panel
- Bleed annually
- Check TRV operation
Tubular Radiator Maintenance
Advantages:
- All surfaces visible and accessible for cleaning
- No hidden dust traps
- Corrosion visible before failure
Routine Care:
- Dust between tubes (brush or vacuum)
- Wipe tube surfaces
- Bleed annually
- Check connections for weeps
Verdict: Maintenance
Winner: Tubular — Easier to clean thoroughly with no hidden fin dust traps. All surfaces visible for inspection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Impact | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Undersizing tubular for output | Insufficient heat, cold room | Account for lower W/m output vs panel |
| Ignoring weight of tubular | Wall damage, falling radiator | Verify wall capacity, use appropriate fixings |
| Panel fins in allergenic spaces | Dust circulation issues | Consider tubular or flat-front panel |
| Mixing styles inappropriately | Aesthetic clash | Consistent approach per room function |
| Not correcting for low temps | Undersized at heat pump temps | Use ΔT30 ratings, oversize appropriately |
| Cheap tubular with premium expectation | Disappointment with thin steel | Budget appropriately or choose quality panel |
Related Tools
Use these calculators to select your radiators:
- Radiator Selection Calculator - Size panel or tubular radiators for your rooms
- Heat Loss Calculator - Determine required heat output
- Circulation Pump Calculator - Size pumps for your radiator system
Key Takeaways
- Heat output: Panel radiators deliver 30-50% more W/m than tubular
- Cost: Panel radiators cost 50-70% less for equivalent heating
- When to choose panel: Practical heating, limited space, budget priority
- When to choose tubular: Period properties, design features, aesthetic priority
- Mix options: Common and effective to use both types in appropriate spaces
Further Reading
- Understanding Radiator Selection - Detailed sizing methodology
- Radiator vs Underfloor Heating - Distribution system comparison
- Understanding Heat Loss - Foundation for radiator sizing
References & Standards
- EN 442: Radiators and convectors — Technical specifications and requirements
- BS EN 442-2: Radiators and convectors — Test methods and rating
- CIBSE Guide B1: Heating
- BSRIA Guide BG 29: Heat emitter selection
Disclaimer: This comparison provides general technical guidance. Radiator selection should account for specific room heat loss, system operating temperatures, and aesthetic requirements. Consult manufacturers' data for accurate sizing at your operating conditions.