Taking Control - A guide to buying or upgrading central heating controls(view report contents)

Danfoss Randall RAS-D £12
Remote control version £30. Manufacturer plans model with darker markings.

Impaired dexterity
Some found the control too stiff.

Impaired vision
The colour of markings stood out. Many people preferred this mounted horizontally.

Drayton ET30 £15
Remote control version £23.

Impaired dexterity
Many found the control too stiff. It was the first choice of more than a quarter of our testers.

Impaired vision
A few people wanted larger numbers. Colour contrast was good.

Drayton ET40 £15
Remote control version £23.

Impaired dexterity
Scored highly; few comments made.

Impaired vision
Markings too small. It was difficult to read the markings standing up when the TRV was mounted vertically.

Drayton TRV4 £23
Remote control version £34.

Impaired dexterity
Many said the control was too slippery to grip easily.

Impaired vision
Difficult to see the markings when standing if the TRV was mounted vertically. Each setting clicked.

Honeywell VT117E £13
Remote control version £60.

Impaired dexterity
Easiest to grip and turn of all TRVs tested, particularly in the horizontal position.

Impaired vision
Light grey on white markings were fairly difficult to read and were too small. If the TRV was mounted vertically the numbers were upside down. It was difficult to read the markings when standing up no matter which way the TRV was mounted. This TRV had a raised ‘button’ to indicate the most economical setting - this can be used as a minimum setting to ensure that a temperature remained at an adequate level.

Myson 2way £14
Remote control version available.

Impaired dexterity
Although some people found the control too stiff.

Impaired vision
The colour of markings stood out. It was the first choice for half of our users.

Pegler Terrier II £9
Remote control available in different range – £68

Impaired dexterity
Some found it too stiff particularly when turning it off.

Impaired vision
Markings were fairly difficult to read, white letters contrasted poorly with some of the background colours used. It was difficult to read the settings when sitting or standing up no matter which way the TRV was mounted. The control clicked as it was turned.

Siemens £11
Remote control version available.

Impaired dexterity
A few of our users found the control too stiff and the serrated edge uncomfortable to hold.

Impaired vision
Some people found the black on ivory numbers too faint and small to see easily.