Black radiators: finishes and models

A matt black radiator stands out on a light wall or blends into a dark interior. The choice comes down to three points: the model and its heat output, the extra cost of black versus white, and matching parts. This guide covers every black radiator in our range, with real figures.

Last updated: October 2026. Prices recorded in the shop on 06/10/2026, incl. VAT.

Which black radiators do we stock?

Ten central heating models, all vertical, in three families: type 22 flat matt black, type 20 flat matt black and double-sided radiators (matt black oval and black square). We have no horizontal black panel radiator.

* The flat models do not show their output in the product title. We use the output from Stelrad’s documentation for the Vertex Plan of the same type and size (EN 442, water at 75/65 °C, room at 20 °C). The double-sided radiators show their output in the title. Four more sizes of type 20 matt black (1600 x 500, 1600 x 600, 2000 x 400 and 2000 x 500 mm) are listed, with no stock when prices were recorded.

Type 20, type 22 or double-sided: which one?

The heat output you need decides. At the same size, a type 22 gives 46% more heat than a type 20: 1,845 W against 1,266 W in 1800 x 500 mm. It is also thicker, 102 mm against 79 mm according to Stelrad.

• Type 22 matt black: the most powerful, from 1,845 W to 2,376 W. For a living room or a large room.
• Type 20 matt black: slimmer, from 1,266 W to 1,649 W. For a bedroom, office or hallway.
• Double-sided: both faces are decorative, from 1,640 W to 2,164 W. The cheapest in black, from €239.12.

Sizes and connections of vertical models are covered in our article on the vertical radiator.

How much more does black cost than the same model in white?

Between 0 and 43% more, depending on the model. Here is the extra cost for every black radiator that also exists in white in the same size:

On the oval double-sided radiators, matt black costs the same as white. On type 22 flat, it adds €32 to €61 depending on size. The gap is largest on type 20 flat: €124 to €129 more. A black type 22 of 1800 x 500 mm (1,845 W, €482.21) can then cost only slightly more than a black type 20 of 2000 x 600 mm (1,649 W, €468.38).

What about electric?

We stock two black 2,000 W electric radiators. The vertical Belrad with Wi-Fi and programming costs €358.61. The horizontal Atlantic of 119 x 56.5 cm with programming costs €895.75. It is the only horizontal black radiator we offer. If dark grey suits you, a 2,000 W Stelrad in anthracite grey costs €426.55.

For bathrooms, towel radiators also come in black: they will get a separate guide.

What finish does a black radiator have?

A baked powder coating. According to Stelrad, its radiators are degreased, phosphated, given a cataphoretic primer and then powder coated. The standard white is RAL 9016.

Stelrad’s colour range includes several blacks: Black (SN170), metallic Graphite black (ML170), Soft black (NT180) and Jet black RAL 9005. RAL colours come in two gloss levels, 70% or 30%. In our shop, the black on offer is the matt black of the models listed above.

How do you clean a black radiator?

With warm water and nothing else. For its panel radiators, Stelrad advises turning off the heating and letting it cool, vacuuming the dust from top to bottom, brushing the fins, then washing the surface with warm water and drying it with a soft cloth.

Which black parts go with it?

For centrally connected radiators, two black M30 x 16/2 kits complete the look, one straight and one angled:

The black kits cost €8.91 more than the white or chrome versions. To set the temperature, see our guide to the thermostatic radiator valve.

Frequently asked questions about black radiators

Does a black radiator heat better than a white one?

Stelrad’s documentation gives a single output per type and size, with no distinction by colour. Compare type and dimensions, not colour.

What is the cheapest black radiator?

In our range, the matt black oval double-sided radiator of 1800 x 472 mm: 1,640 W for €239.12 incl. VAT, the same price as in white.

Are there horizontal black radiators?

Not for central heating in our shop: all our black central heating radiators are vertical. In electric, the black 2,000 W Atlantic measures 119 x 56.5 cm.

What warranty does a black radiator have?

According to our product pages, 10 years on type 20 and 22 flat, 5 years on the double-sided models and 2 years on electric radiators.

How do you clean a matt black radiator?

With the heating off and the radiator cold, vacuum the dust, then wash with warm water and no product and dry with a soft cloth, as Stelrad recommends.

See the black radiators

The models mentioned are online with their sizes: type 20 matt black radiators, type 22 flat radiators (white and black), black double-sided radiators and electric radiators. Collection is at our shop in Schaerbeek.

Sources: Bati-Mat Shop range (prices incl. VAT recorded on 06/10/2026) · Stelrad, technical documentation “STR-TD-NL” (Vertex Plan: output per metre to EN 442, depths; coating process and colour range) · Stelrad, “Cleaning a Stelrad Elite radiator” sheet.