On your search for thermostatic radiator valves, you’ll want to ensure you purchase the correct connection type. Angled valves are the most common type but if the pipes are going straight up from the floor to the radiator, a straight TRV would be required. Depending upon your budget, you’ll also have a number of styles to choose from too.
If you require a quick answer, the best TRV is the Drayton 0705180, which is an angled TRV that features a modern white and chrome finish that’ll compliment any radiator design. However, if you require a straight TRV, the Oslo Designer Set is the best alternative that looks great and also offers excellent value for the money.
To rate the thermostatic radiator valves within this article, we based our recommendations upon our experience of installing multiple TRV’s, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the build quality, styles available, ease of installation, temperature range, warranty and value.
Table of Contents
Thermostatic Radiator Valves Comparison
Thermostatic Radiator Valves | Connection | Style |
---|---|---|
Drayton 0705180 | Angled | White/Chrome |
Milano Windsor | Angled | Multiple |
ECOSPA Home Standard | Angled | Anthracite |
Kartell Standard | Angled | White/Chrome |
Oslo Designer | Straight | Chrome |
WarmeHaus Pack | Straight | Chrome |
Thermostatic radiator valves are the preferred valve type because they are more efficient due to the fact that the heat output can be controlled to best suit your heating requirements. Many manufacturers even offer smart radiator valves that allows for further control of the radiators by using a smartphone application.
Below is a list of the best thermostatic radiator valves that are available as angled or straight connectors.
The Best Thermostatic Radiator Valves
1. Drayton 0705180 TRV Valves
Drayton are a premium manufacturer of thermostatic radiator valves in the UK and the 0705180 is their most popular set of TRV’s. They are built to the highest of standards and include many intuitive features that make the valves standout.
One of these standout features include the valve’s internals that are specially designed to not stick. The TRV’s even have reverse flow capability, which allows you to install the flow or return either vertically or horizontally.
Other features of the Drayton 0705180 include:
- Angled connection
- White and chrome finish
- 15 mm pipe size
- Liquid-filled sensor
- Energy efficiency rated ‘A’
- Temperature range between 10 to 27 °C
- Keymark approved to EN215 European Standard
If you have just installed fancy radiators, these TRV’s are the best option. They look and feel high quality and are backed by a reputable British brand for complete peace of mind. Depending upon your personal preference, Drayton also offer a variety of finishes that include different heads or sizes to best suit your requirements.
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2. Milano Windsor Chrome Designer TRV
If you have no set budget and simply want the best looking TRV’s, the Milano brand offer a variety of styles. Their most popular valves include the square, vintage and minimalist TRV’s. As well as the choice of styles to choose from, the brand also offer a variety of finishes that includes chrome, brass, satin or white.
Other features of the Milano Windsor TRV’s include:
- Choice of 9 different styles
- chrome, brass, satin or white finishes
- Suitable for 15 mm inlets
- Accurate temperature control
- Easy to install
The choice of Milano thermostatic radiator valves is by far the best selection on the market with traditional, classic and modern styles available. Although expensive, they are high quality and they’ll easily compliment any style of radiator.
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3. ECOSPA Angled Thermostatic Radiator Valves
If you are installing radiators that are finished in anthracite grey, connecting matching coloured valves can compliment the design. The ECOSPA TRV’s are the perfect solution and they are suitable for standard or towel radiators.
Other features of the ECOSPA Anthracite TRV include:
- Stylish anthracite finish
- Mounted vertically or horizontally
- Built-in sensor with liquid element
- TRV and lock shield included
- Can be fitted to the flow or return pipe
- Standard 15 mm pipe connection
- Temperature range from -7 to 32°C
For those with designer anthracite grey radiators, these ECOSPA valves are the best TRV’s that look great. However, before purchasing, it’s advised that you analyse the colour of your existing radiators because these valves may have a slightly darker anthracite grey finish.
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4. Kartell Thermostatic Radiator Valve
The Kartell thermostatic radiator valve is one of the cheapest options on the market that’s actually worth buying. Although it’s a budget TRV, the brand provide a 1 year guarantee for complete peace of mind.
Other features of the Kartell TRV’s include:
- Constructed of steel
- White valve head
- Liquid filled sensor
- Adjustable tailpiece
- 1/2″ x 15 mm
- Supplied with a lock shield
- Backed by a 1 year guarantee
Overall, the Kartell TRV’s offer excellent value for the money and they even come with blanking caps to help with the installation. Compared to other budget options, these TRV’s are also built to a much better standard.
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5. Oslo Designer TRV Valves
The Oslo Designer TRV’s are straight thermostatic radiator valves that are made from a chrome plated solid brass. Unlike similar priced alternatives, the Oslo TRV’s have been built to a much higher standard and they even come with a 5 year guarantee for complete peace of mind. In terms of the compatibility of these radiator valves, the brand state that they are ideal for towel, panel, vertical and column radiators.
Other features of the Oslo Designer TRV include:
- Variable heat settings and frost protection
- Maximum pressure rated at 13 bar
- 15mm 1/2″ BSP connection
- Bi-directional water flow
- Backed by a 5 year guarantee
- Triple layered chrome plating
To conclude, the Oslo Designer TRV is a high quality yet affordable straight radiator valve that ticks all the boxes. Whether its installed to a towel radiator or any other type of radiator that requires a straight TRV, it won’t disappoint.
6. WarmeHaus Designer Straight TRV
Another set of straight thermostatic radiator valves that are slightly more expensive are the WarmeHaus Designer pack. Included in the box is both a thermostatic and manual valve that have both been tested to 10 bar of pressure.
Other features of the WarmeHaus Designer Valves include:
- Straight connection type
- Reversible bi-directional body
- 15mm inlet, 1/2″ BSP MI outlet
- High performance liquid sensor
- Tested to 10 bar of pressure
- Includes a 5 year guarantee
- Complies with BS EN 215 Regulations
- Stylish chrome finish
To conclude, these straight thermostatic radiator valves by WarmeHaus are a high quality option with a reversible bi-directional body. This makes them ideal for installing to horizontal or vertical designer radiators. For complete peace of mind, the brand also provide a 5 year guarantee with these TRV’s, which is a clear indication of its quality.
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How We Rated The TRV’s
As we’ve carried out a number of property renovations, upgrading the radiators along with the TRV valves is a task that we have plenty of experience with.
Whether it’s a standard angled TRV or a designer straight TRV, we have installed hundreds over the years. In terms of replacing a TRV, as long as you have some plumbing knowledge, it’s a DIY task that anyone can do.
As well as our experience of installing multiple TRV’s, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the build quality, styles available, ease of installation, temperature range, warranty and value for money.

Conclusion
Upgrading your current radiator valve to a thermostatic type with a modern design can transform the look and feel the radiator. Whether you want a modern, traditional, classic or standard design, there is a huge selection of styles available.
All of our recommendations listed above are suitable for both angled or straight connectors and 15 mm pipe sizes. To avoid disappointment, we advise that you buy from a reputable brand that provide a lengthy warranty or guarantee.