Steel heating radiators - which are better: types and selection criteria

Expert: Anton Leonidovich Glinsky

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Almost every modern house or apartment has a heating system. The radiator plays one of the key roles in it. It is this heating device that is responsible for heat exchange in the rooms. Today, the market offers a wide range of radiators that differ in material, shape, efficiency and price. The most popular products on the domestic market are steel, aluminum and bimetallic products. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses. To choose the most suitable steel option, you should listen to the recommendations of experts.

Rating of steel radiators

To compile the review, batteries from well-known Russian and foreign brands were selected. Technical characteristics, design features, and connection specifics were studied. Feedback on steel radiators from users, as well as the opinions of heating engineers and builders were taken into account. The main attention was paid to the following parameters:

• Type – tubular and panel models are produced;
• Number of sections – influence the dimensions, thermal characteristics;
• Power – the amount of thermal energy generated;
• Complete set - the presence of a thermostat and taps simplifies installation and operation;
• Size - must correspond to the width of the window, the distance from the floor to the window sill.

Low corrosion resistance, poor quality welds, poor heat transfer - equipment with such characteristics were excluded from our rating.

The best water leak sensors

Metal radiators

As a rule, radiators are made of metals. This material has two great advantages : high thermal conductivity and mechanical strength.

It is easy to industrially give metal any shape by casting or stamping; it is durable and easy to use.

Based on their operating principle, batteries are divided into two groups:

1. Convectors. The principle of operation is heat transfer directly to the air circulating in the channels. Air currents circulate inside the convector, cold air is sucked in from below and rises, heating, upward. Such heaters are effective, but the indoor microclimate is not the most pleasant. A feature of convectors is the presence of ribs and channels to increase the air exchange area.
2. Emitters. The principle of operation is the emission of infrared rays; heating of the air from such radiators is secondary. This type is characterized by massiveness, large area of ​​front panels, and high comfort.

Most heaters use both principles , however, when designing heating in a house, it is worth taking into account the predominant type of action, skillfully managing the flow of warm air and radiant heat.

Performance characteristics of steel heating radiators

The founder of the tubular radiator is Robert Zehnder, and it is not surprising that the first company to produce such radiators was called Zehnder. Initially, a tubular radiator was not used for the heating system at all, but for cooling the motorcycle engine. After some time, such radiators found application in the industrial sector.

Among the operating parameters and characteristics of steel radiators, the following can be distinguished:

• Since high-quality metal is used for the manufacture of such heating devices, they are able to withstand fairly high operating pressure. These stainless steel heating radiators are best suited for individual buildings. In an individual heating system, pressure is not as high as in multi-storey buildings, so steel radiators can last for quite a long time. In addition, such radiators will be able to work without any interruptions.
• For the manufacture of such radiators, simple technologies are used, so their retail price is relatively low. Based on this indicator, you can choose the radiator most suitable for a particular room.

Manufacturing of steel heating radiators

• Steel radiators have fairly good resistance to hydraulic shocks. Sections of such radiators are welded without the use of various gaskets, which is why they are so highly resistant to mechanical damage.
• Appearance is the most important advantage of such radiators. Iron radiators can be painted in any color that you like best. They can be placed horizontally, at an angle or vertically. You can also add more sections to such radiators. Using steel heating radiators you can heat a room of any size.
• Steel radiators are quite versatile devices. They can be used with almost any fastening materials. Steel radiators are usually sold complete with fasteners. Thanks to this, their installation can be carried out quite accurately and quickly.

Type

They produce panel and tubular batteries made of steel. Panel models are distinguished by their low price and large heat transfer area, which is especially effective in two-layer models. Most of the series have a laconic design, which does not always suit fans of sophisticated interiors. The equipment is reliable, but is recommended for installation in private homes with heating systems with low operating pressure.

Tubular ones attract with a variety of formats, sophisticated design, and soft thermal radiation. The batteries can withstand high pressure and are often well equipped, but this is compensated by the price.

Number of sections

The greater the number of sections, the higher the heat transfer. This allows you to use fewer heating devices when heating a large room. The number of sections affects the dimensions: for panel ones the depth increases, for tubular ones the width increases. Multi-section models are material-intensive, which affects the price of products.

Size

Before purchasing batteries, it is recommended to measure the space under the window or on the wall where the gadget will be placed. There should be a space of 10-15 cm from the top edge to the window sill so as not to interfere with air exchange. The bottom of the battery should not rest on the floor. The width is chosen 10-15% less than the window size. When installed on a wall, the impact on the interior is visually assessed.

Power

Building regulations determine the required power of heating devices: 41 W per cubic meter for panel houses, 34 W per unit volume for brick buildings. Based on these recommendations, you can choose the power of the installed device. Technical characteristics are indicated in the passport. It is enough to calculate the volume of the room and compare it with the battery power. Such calculations are preliminary, especially for private housing construction. This is due to the different thermal characteristics of the materials used in construction and the presence of additional thermal insulation. It is better to entrust the calculation of power to heating engineers - this will help you save either on the purchase of heating equipment or on energy for the boiler during the heating season.

General information

Some people ask this question: what should you first pay attention to when choosing steel ones?
The range of steel heating devices today is very diverse. On the one hand, there is plenty to choose from, but on the other hand, a large selection can cause a feeling of confusion. Steel radiators, first of all, may differ by manufacturer. They may also vary in color, size, price range, size or design features. Today, steel radiators are a completely worthy replacement for cast iron radiators, which were the leader in popularity not so long ago.

A steel radiator is a heating device that is a single rectangular panel made of two steel sheets. These sheets are welded together and have channels for water.

Steel radiator design

It is not recommended to install steel heating radiators in rooms where there is a high level of humidity, so they are not suitable for a bathroom. Today, steel heating devices can be seen not only in private homes, but also in shops, offices, and country cottages. This is due to their low cost, and at the same time, beautiful and stylish design.

Before deciding on the choice of device manufacturer, you need to find out what manufacturing method was used. Proper manufacturing techniques involve manufacturing the device itself, painting it, assembling it into blocks and packaging it.

The cost of steel heating radiators primarily depends on their power ratings and size. Sometimes some steel radiators with similar parameters are more expensive than others, only because of the more popular brand. Therefore, think about whether it is worth paying the extra money. Of course, domestic devices will cost slightly less than those produced in Europe. But in terms of size and operating parameters, they may not differ or may differ, but not significantly.

Classification and sizes of steel radiators

In order to choose the most suitable radiator, you need to take into account the following nuances:

• More uniform heating of the entire room depends on how deep and low the heating device is located.
• It is necessary that the radiator be equipped with an element such as a Mayevsky valve, as this will make it possible to bleed excess air from the system. It is also advisable that the radiator be equipped with water interruption taps. Unforeseen emergency situations may arise, and such cranes will come in handy.
• If a heating radiator is installed under a window, then its width should be no less than 50-70% of the width of the window opening.
• To make the heating radiator more practical, you can choose a model that is equipped with a thermostat. Such an element can be either manual or automatic.

Requirements for installing a heating radiator

Which steel radiator is better?

The heating system is installed for 15-20 years, it must work efficiently and remain reliable. Which steel radiators are better compared to competitors? When answering this question, you need to take into account the budget, thermal characteristics of the building, and installation features. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends the following brands:

• Royal Thermo Compact C22 - for country houses with an area of ​​100-150 sq.m.;
• Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 – the choice of economical owners;
• Kermi FKO 11 – for small houses;
• Purmo Compact 22 is a good solution for a large mansion;
• Irsap Tesi2 1800 – an exquisite design solution;
• Zehnder Charleston 2056 558 – for those who prefer classics in the interior.

All the models presented in the review are worthy of the attention of developers and apartment owners, but only the most reliable and efficient were awarded the title of best in their class.

Equipment and installation methods

Panel batteries with a side connection do not require any configuration; they already have an internal thread into which a pipe or tap can be installed. But, despite this, as a rule, I sell them with plugs and a Mayevsky tap.

Bottom-connected radiators have two pipes and a socket in their design, so no additional equipment is needed for their installation

As for standard devices with basic installation, when purchasing them it is important to check that the box contains floor mounting, a manual air vent and a plug. Regardless of the type of radiator, when connecting it you cannot do without ball valves and special control valves

Thanks to these parts, the flow is adjusted.

When installing batteries with bottom connections, multiflexes or separate locking units are also used.

Multipleflexes can be either angular or straight. They are directly connected to the radiator and pipeline made of various materials. Thanks to these accessories, the device can be removed while leaving the station in working order. As for installation methods, they are determined individually, taking into account the material of the pipes. Ball valves are well suited for polypropylene pipes, and fastening is carried out by welding. If the pipeline is made of metal-plastic, then you need to take into account that it may contain press or fitting pipes.

The first type is simply twisted with nuts, and the second is squeezed with special pliers. In addition, the radiator can also be connected using valves with a Euro cone. Usually the installation process does not take much time. First, the tap is disassembled, then the fitting with the union nut is screwed into the battery and joined. To get the job done efficiently, you need to have a special key for an American on hand. Upon completion of installation, all threaded connections must be sealed with a gasket.

The best panel models in terms of price and quality ratio

They are a rectangular shaped device. Several sheets of steel are welded together.

Recesses are stamped on the sheets, which form channels for the circulation of the coolant.

Stay up to date! The advantages of such models include:

1. Excellent heat dissipation. Steel itself heats up quickly, and in combination with convectors this process intensifies.
2. Practicality and efficiency. trong> The cost is low, in addition, the coolant consumption is not high.
3. Aesthetically attractive appearance. Suitable for any interior.

Disadvantages of panel radiators:

1. The occurrence of corrosion. Occurs when the inside of the device comes into contact with air. It is recommended not to drain the water after the heating season.
2. Low operating pressure. Varies from 6 to 10 atmospheres. It is not recommended for use in multi-storey buildings with a common heating system.
3. Dust. As a result of convection, dust rises into the environment. Not recommended for use in children's rooms or medical facilities.

Let's consider several popular panel models.

Rating of the TOP 4 best panel models in terms of price and quality ratio.

Kermi FKO 22 500 1600

A radiator that occupies a leading position throughout the world.

A model with two heating panels and a pair of convection elements installed between the panels.

This type of device increases the heat transfer of the radiator. 4 half-inch holes, 2 on each end, allow you to connect the device.

Specifications:

• radiator type – panel;
• connection type – side;
• heat transfer – 2892.8 W;
• installation – wall;
• maximum pressure – 10 bar;
• volume – 8.64 l;
• maximum temperature – 110 °C;
• dimensions – 50/10/160 cm.

Advantages

• easy to install;
• German quality;
• pleasant appearance;
• good heat dissipation;
• acceptable cost.

Flaws

• if installation conditions are not met, it may leak after a few years;
• susceptibility to corrosion;
• blows up dust.

Axis Classic 22 500 700

A radiator with a record burst pressure among panel models - 20 atmospheres.

The model consists of thermal panels, in addition to which there are additional convective surfaces.

The upper decorative grille and side covers are removed.

The maximum pressure is achieved due to the increased thickness of the steel sheet of the battery.

The low inertia of the product allows it to quickly respond to ambient temperature. Automatic control mode makes operation easier.

Specifications:

• radiator type – panel;
• connection type – side;
• heat output – 1519 W;
• installation – wall;
• maximum pressure – 13.5 bar;
• volume – 3.94 l;
• maximum temperature – 120 °C;
• dimensions – 50/11/70 cm.

Advantages

• high quality product;
• compact size;
• good heat dissipation;
• low cost;
• nice appearance.

Flaws

• scratches easily;
• susceptibility to corrosion;
• compressors disperse dust.

Kermi FKO 22 200 1000

Perfect installation with no possibility of damage - right in the package.

The heat transfer properties of the radiator are improved thanks to two heating panels and a pair of convection elements.

Once installation is complete, you can easily remove the packaging material.

The compact size allows you to save free space in the room. Pleasant appearance allows you to install the battery in any room.

Specifications:

• radiator type – panel;
• connection type – side;
• heat output – 732 W;
• installation – wall;
• maximum pressure – 15 bar;
• volume – 2.58 l;
• maximum temperature – 110 °C;
• dimensions – 20/10/100 cm.

Advantages

• high quality product;
• compact size;
• warms the air well;
• reasonable cost;
• nice appearance.

Flaws

• inconvenient to wash inside;
• very critical of water quality;
• Not suitable for central heating systems.

Axis Ventil 22 500 1200

Long service life and high operating efficiency of the model.

Suitable for use in various rooms. Features high security and performance.

Fine and quick adjustment of the room temperature is achieved thanks to the compact dimensions and small volume of the product.

Easy to handle and quickly heats the environment. The built-in valve allows you to regulate the volume of coolant.

Specifications:

• radiator type – panel;
• connection type – bottom;
• heat dissipation – 2635 W;
• installation – wall;
• maximum pressure – 13.5 bar;
• volume – 6.76 l;
• maximum temperature – 120 °C;
• dimensions – 50/11/120 cm.

Advantages

• ideal price-quality ratio;
• high-quality assembly;
• warms the air well;
• reasonable cost;
• aesthetic appearance.

Flaws

• inconvenient to rinse from the inside;
• scratches easily;
• susceptible to corrosion when exposed to air.

Customer Reviews

Eli Welbeck

Axis Classic 22

An ordinary radiator, connected diagonally, heats up in 30 seconds. Overall, everything is great, reliable and easy to install. Heavy, high quality and good heat dissipation (I chose the product based on this criterion) There is only one drawback and it is not significant. There are paint scratches on the front side. It is possible that this happened during transportation, but the fact itself is not pleasant. The packaging is very simple and cheap. This is what causes the scratches.

Sergey

Arbonia 2180

For me, it’s just a radiator, an interior radiator... Due to its shortcomings, it gives off heat worse than its relatives, we bought this company before, of a different model. there the heat transfer is approximately 95%. in this model I think 85% no more (. There is no need to write about the price, since it is always high in this segment of the product... We took it for the interior of the room, perhaps knowing that the heat transfer would be worse, I would have looked at another model... There is a built-in thermostat .but according to the description it is not always convenient to use, so we can do without it.

Sofia Gromova

Irsap Tesi2 1800

Fits very well into the interior, it is heated throughout its entire height. At first there were doubts, since there were no obligations between the seller and the buyer. There was contact with the consultant at any time, which is good news. The prices are decent, the lowest we found. Delivery within the specified time. One hour before arrival you will be notified of departure. The product arrived intact. Promptly and efficiently. I liked everything very much.

Vyacheslav Podlesnov

Purmo Compact 22

The radiator itself is excellent, no complaints. Disadvantages: Such a product should be packaged from cardboard. It could have been easier. I took it through the “Beru” service, they sent it for delivery through Dpd, they, in turn, were two days late, they scratched the paint on the top of the radiator, plus the courier refused to deliver to the door and did not even help remove the goods from the car, delivery to the door was registered in I ordered on the Dpd website, the radiator weight is 36 kg, I specially went out to help lift it.

Dmitriy

Royal Thermo Compact C22

Easy to attach. Looks stylish. It warms well. The price corresponds to the quality, no worse than average imported products. Fast delivery, good packaging. Installed in the heating system of a private house, of different sizes and two types 21 and 22, no problems in two winters, they work as expected. Very neat appearance. Please indicate in the product description that nothing except the radiator is included in the kit. I had to drive all over the city and look for brackets

David O.

Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22

Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 radiators were installed not so long ago, this fall. Our house is compact with its own autonomous boiler room. The coolant is purified water, so I am not afraid that the radiators will suffer from corrosion over time. The whole family enjoys the cozy atmosphere, because any room is pleasantly warm. Heat begins to flow quickly from the radiators, literally 10 minutes after turning on the heating. Of course, this is also facilitated by the fact that our system has a circulation pump. It accelerates hot water, and radiators quickly respond to this and transfer heat to the surrounding space. On top of that, the radiators have a nice, very modern design. It is noticeable that they are well painted. We are pleased with these products.

Basil

Arbonia 2180

Of those available at the time of purchase, it is the most original in design. Loten would have to wait 8 weeks Disadvantages: Look carefully at prices online. Too often the prices are the same. Some sellers “seem to give a discount for paying in cash.” There is a suspicion that the manufacturer regulates retail prices. Is this allowed on the territory of the Russian Federation? All components - connections, plugs and fasteners must be purchased separately. If the radiators are white, there are no problems. And I took it in black. I had to look.

Denis Alexandrov

ELSEN ERK 11

Subjectively, there is a feeling that the heat transfer is overestimated by the manufacturer, that is, it heats better but not significantly, although according to the numbers the difference should have been an order of magnitude greater. Its sound conductivity is clearly high, the audibility of neighbors has increased significantly, sometimes you even get the feeling that the neighbors are very close... in the radiator) I have a side connection, so not all sections warm up equally. The temperature difference between the outer sections is about 10 degrees. Overall the impression is good, not a bad radiator for the money. I recommend hanging it on a larger number of fasteners (3-4 pieces) than the manufacturer advises. The radiator is useful. I can’t say anything about reliability - it takes more time.

Gregory

Kermi FKO 11

They dissipate heat well, look great, 3/4 connection. This is the second one I have at home. Previously there were inexpensive aluminum batteries. The difference is huge in terms of heat transfer and workmanship. I bought the first one in the store, the second one in the Yandex market. After delivery by courier and unpacking, there were three minor damages under the cardboard on the outer sections. Not significantly, but still not pleasant. A question arises for the seller - don’t you have 50 rubles for a double layer of bubble wrap? Well, add them to the price of the battery, otherwise how are you going to work for a long time? Well, I can’t advise my acquaintances and friends to buy a battery, and anyone on the Yandex market for this reason. Or are they initially shipped from the warehouse in poor condition, with problematic radiators that were not delivered to stores due to problems? Disadvantages - there is no packaging to protect the radiator during transportation. Two layers of regular film and thin cardboard on the outer sections is not serious. The Chinese buy cheap goods with delivery from China, and it’s better to pack them several times over. But here the radiator costs money. There is another radiator on the way, I took it because of the discount, and it was interesting to compare.

Anfisa

Axis Classic 22

I live in an old-style apartment (Khrushchev), and all my neighbors have a real problem with radiators. Everyone changes them every now and then, suffers and changes again. Last year, I also couldn’t stand it and decided to replace the conventional sectional ones with innovative bimetallic ones. I liked the Akhis advertisement, so I ordered from them. Managers recommended the Classic 22 model. Visually, I liked it. And then, when the delivery arrived and the installation was done, I liked the way it did its job. The battery is good, there were no problems with it during the winter. I don't know how long it will last, but so far so good.

Edik G.

Royal Thermo Compact C22

On its own merits it is worth the money. I found no defects. Heat dissipation is superb, especially in contrast to the old radiator, which was almost always half cold. I’m not ready to recommend it with 100% confidence yet, because I’ve only been using it for 2 heating seasons, but so far I’m happy with everything. Next in line is the bedroom (I’ll be doing renovations there too), I think I’ll order a couple more radiators. By the way, the design of the radiator is excellent - it fits easily into any interior. Very neat, nothing superfluous, looks elegant.

Makarov D.

Kermi FKO 22

For 5 years now, 3 batteries of 8 sections of Kermi FKO 22 have been installed in the apartment. I decided to write a review with the new heating season and anniversary date, so to speak. At the time I purchased them, there were somehow mixed opinions about kermi, but I relied on common sense and the advice of not the last people in this field, who have been in the subject for 10-15 years already. They made it clear that competition is such a thing... some respect their colleagues in the shop, so to speak, and others not so much. Batteries. The batteries perform their function - they heat the entire apartment and do it very well. Neat, outwardly attractive and silent, which is also important. Nothing has happened to the coating (paint) in 5 years, and in general they look like new. No children have been noticed, I check every heating season. So I can advise. The only thing is that they were probably more expensive then (5 years ago), but I think it’s better to overpay and not think about them for a long time.