The UK's bestThermostatic Radiator Valves2022 Review

Once you’ve forked out for a decent radiator, there’s nothing less satisfying than having to bookend it with unattractive valves. Fortunately, this West Radiators Thermostatic Radiator Valve Set provides high-quality, chrome-plated valves that pair nicely with even designer radiators.

They have a standard 15 mm (1/2”) coupling that will fit the majority of UK radiators and are easy to fit. They might not be the cheapest option on the market, but there are many ways in which their cost can be justified.

Primarily, the build quality is high, with the valves feeling heavy and well finished. The nuts have been rounded off, to give more of a polished appearance, and the thermostatic valve is neatly designed.

They’re made from brass and finished in chrome, to make them versatile to use with a range of different radiators. When fitted, the valves sit flush, and don’t stick out in front of the radiator as can often happen. As a result, they don’t encroach on the space, and in bathrooms with limited floor area, this can be particularly beneficial.

Care does need to be taken when fitting the valves, so as not to damage or scratch the casings – due to the rounded-off nuts, a spanner can slip if it isn’t properly secured.

All in all, whether you’ve got a new designer radiator or are just looking to improve the appearance of your existing model, these are some of the best thermostatic radiator valves – giving a polished, quality finish. They may be more on the expensive side, but they still offer value for money.

With a good reputation for durability and performance, the Drayton TRV4 Thermostatic Radiator Valve is well regarded amongst both plumbers and consumers.

It comes with both a TRV and lockshield valve, and they can be positioned either on the flow or return of the radiator making them easy to install – even for a DIY novice. The instructions are also simple to follow, making the process straightforward.

Whilst their white-plastic caps may not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic sensibilities, the quality of the valves themselves is hard to fault. They have a typical 15 mm (1/2”) coupling to fit standard UK radiators, a tight seal, and are rated in ‘class 1’ for efficiency by the European Valve Manufacturers Association.

Drayton has a good reputation as a company, so there is also reassurance in buying their valves as they have proven themselves to be reliable over the years. These are some of the best thermostatic radiator valves on the market if you’re after quality – they offer good value for money and won’t see you needing to replace them for a long time.

The thermostatic valve also works well to control the temperature and help save on energy consumption in the house.

If you have a radiator with an anthracite coating, or any black radiator for that matter, these HB Signature TRV Anthracite Radiator Valves will neatly finish off the look.

Instead of plumping for contrasting chrome or white plastic valves, using matching black units can help create a better sense of cohesion.

The TRV and lockshield come with standard 15 mm (1/2”) couplings that will fit on the majority of UK radiators. They combine both chrome and anthracite to create a contemporary-looking valve set.

Underneath the chrome covering, the valves have a body constructed from brass to create a solid base. They have a good weight to them, and look the part alongside anthracite radiators. However, it is worth noting that there is still quite a lot of chrome on show, which may suit some décor better than others.

Also, unlike some of the valves on this list, it is important to make sure that the flow and return are connected to the correct sides when fitting these valves. Therefore, installation may take a little more thought than with other bidirectional models.

Nevertheless, these are some of the best thermostatic radiator valves to go for if you have an anthracite, graphite, or black-tone radiator – they blend in well, and help create a modern, cohesive look that stylishly finishes off the radiator.

Buying expensive radiator valves can add up, especially if you need several for different rooms in the house. Fortunately, these iBathUK White Thermostatic Towel Radiator Valves are a relatively inexpensive option – they offer reasonable quality without breaking the bank.

Suitable for fitting onto most standard UK radiators, they have a 15 mm (1/2”) coupling and are easy to fit. Whilst they describe themselves as “towel radiator” valves, there’s no reason they can’t be installed on standard radiators as well.

They’re streamlined and modern in appearance, with a clean gloss-white finish. The core is made from solid brass, with a chrome coating on top to complement the white components.

As a result, they blend in with most white and chrome radiators without looking old fashioned or chunky.

When connected to a towel rail, the thermostatic valve makes it easy to heat the radiator when towels need to dry, without wasting money unnecessarily by having it on the maximum temperature all the time.

Although the plastic element makes these slightly lower quality than some of the entirely-metal valves, they are still some of the best thermostatic radiator valves to buy on a budget. Plus, if you have white radiators, they will blend in well.

For anyone who already has a Myson radiator, this Myson Standard Thermostatic Radiator Valve Replacement Head offers a like-for-like replacement if something has stopped working.

It’s not unusual for thermostatic valves to get knocked and break, and if this is the case, this replacement head can be attached without having to undo any of the valve’s body. This is a good value option if you don’t need to buy and fit an entirely new valve – it’s a useful way to save both time and money.

Unfortunately, valve head fittings aren’t universal, so you shouldn’t expect to be able to install this head if the valve on your radiator is a different brand. There are some cases where it might fit, but there is also a lot of variation between different models – so nothing is guaranteed.

Installation is very straightforward, and can be done in a matter of minutes with minimal tools required. Also, due to the design of the head it’s easy to turn and adjust – it has an ergonomic shape that is easy to grip, and none of it is covered by a casing (which is how some other models are designed).

As a result, it is easy to see all of the settings at any time, and change to the most appropriate one.