Grey Radiator Valves

Match the valve type to the direction of your pipework. Angled valves suit side-inlet radiators when pipework comes up from the floor or bottom-inlet radiators with pipework in the wall. Corner valves work where side inlet pipework comes from the wall or where bottom inlet pipework runs along the wall. Straight valves are for side inlet radiators with pipework running along the wall or bottom inlet pipework coming up from the floor. Picking the correct type avoids awkward bends and gives a neater finish.

Thermostatic valves let you control room temperature automatically and are widely available in the range, so they are a good choice if you want energy-saving room-level control. Manual valves are simpler and cheaper, suitable if you already control temperature centrally or prefer fixed flow. For a bathroom towel rail you might opt for a thermostatic or a dual-fuel thermostatic option to regulate heat when the central heating is off. If you value convenience and efficiency, thermostatic tends to be the better long-term choice.

Most valves in this collection use a 15mm connection, with 22 items described as 15mm and only a couple at 50mm. Check your radiator and pipe diameter before ordering; if your radiator tails and copper pipe are standard domestic size, 15mm will usually be correct. Ordering the right size avoids the need for adaptors and gives a proper seal. If you have large commercial pipework, then the 50mm options are available.

About half the range comes with a lockshield included and the rest does not, so decide based on whether your radiator already has a lockshield or you prefer buying a matched pair. A lockshield is used to balance radiators and is normally fitted on the opposite side to the control valve, so buying a valve with lockshield is convenient for a full replacement. many Solaro and Towelrads packs include a thermostatic valve and a lockshield for a neat, colour-matched finish.

Choose the finish to suit your décor: matt anthracite is prominent across Solaro and DuraTherm lines for a modern, industrial feel, while Terma offers a sparkling grey with integrated pipe masking for a more designer look. If your scheme already uses grey fittings or a modern towel radiator, matt anthracite will blend in smoothly; if you want a subtle highlight around pipework, the integrated Terma sets mask pipes for a cleaner appearance. There are also a few traditional-style grey options if you prefer classic cross-head looks rather than contemporary shapes.