9 best steel heating radiators

Almost every modern house or apartment has a heating system. One of the key roles in it is played by the radiator. This heating device is responsible for the heat exchange in the premises. Today, the market offers a rich assortment of radiators, which differ in the material of manufacture, shape, efficiency and price. Steel, aluminum and bimetallic products enjoy the greatest popularity in the domestic market. Each of them has its strengths and weaknesses. To choose the most suitable steel option, you should listen to the recommendations of experts.

How to choose a steel radiator

1. Heating devices made of steel, there are two types: panel and tubular.
2. Simplicity, efficiency and affordable price stand out panel type radiators. They will suit the owners of private houses, in which the heating system does not create high pressure (up to 10 bar) and heats the coolant to a temperature above 70 ° C. Single-panel models benefit in price, but two-panel counterparts are considered more powerful. The advantages of this type include ease of installation, efficiency, elegant appearance, rich choice. There are disadvantages of panel radiators, the main of which is the low resistance of welds to hydraulic impacts. Therefore, in systems of centralized heating, such devices are used very rarely.
3. The traditional appearance have tubular radiators. They are a set of vertical sections that communicate with each other through the upper and lower headers. These devices are more expensive, but withstand pressures up to 15 atmospheres, they are able to work with a hot coolant (up to 130 ° C), have high heat transfer. Consumer important to know about some of the shortcomings. This is a low resistance to corrosion (especially when poor water treatment) and mechanical damage.
4. Having decided on the type of steel radiator, it is necessary to correctly calculate the optimal dimensions of the sections or panels. Roughly assumed that the heating of 1 square. m requires about 100 watts of thermal energy. With regard to the shape of the radiator, you should stick to a simple ratio. The length of the device should be at the level of 60-70% of the width of the window.
5. Buying a steel radiator, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the complete set. The most practical models will be equipped with a thermostat. A ball valve must be installed to quickly shut off the battery in case of leakage. And Mayevsky's faucet allows for timely removal of air from the heating system.

Our review includes 9 of the best steel radiators. All of them received approval from the expert community and Russian consumers.

What is better steel, aluminum or bimetallic radiator

Type of radiator	Virtues	disadvantages
Steel	+ affordable price + stylish design + reliability	- low resistance to water hammer - tendency to rust
Aluminum	+ light weight + high strength + modern look + profitability	- high price - requires constant care during operation
Bimetallic	+ high pressure resistance + quick warm-up + versatility	- high price - big weight

Rating of the best steel radiators

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best steel panel radiators	1	Kermi FKO 22 500 600	5 071 ₽
	2	ELSEN ERK 11 600	2 498 ₽
	3	Purmo Compact 21s 500	5 560 ₽
	4	Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 500	3 360 ₽
	5	Stelrad Novello 21 500	4 894 ₽
Top tubular steel radiators	1	Zehnder Charleston 2180 1792	1 920 ₽
	2	Purmo Delta Laserline 2180	11 104 ₽
	3	Dia Norm Delta Standart 3057	20 530 ₽
	4	Zehnder Charleston 3057 566	1 100 ₽

The best steel panel radiators

In the manufacture of panel radiators are quite simple, so their price is affordable. The steel sheet is subjected to stamping and subsequent welding. The result is a single or multi-panel design. Experts liked several modern models.

Kermi FKO 22 500 600

Rating: 4.9

A good budget solution when designing a heating system for a private house will be the use of steel batteries Kermi FKO 22 500 600. The German manufacturer managed to achieve a good energy efficiency from the steel model. The heat transfer rate is 1158 W. Therefore, one element is able to heat from 5 to 38 square meters. m square home. The device is designed for a maximum temperature of 110 ° C and operating pressure up to 13 bar. The battery capacity is 3.24 liters, it has a thickness of 100 mm. For the manufacture of the radiator used high-grade steel with a thickness of 1.25 mm. Experts gave the model first place in our rating.

Users praise German batteries for quality manufacturing, elegant appearance and ease of installation. The disadvantages of the model include the high price.

ELSEN ERK 11 600

Rating: 4.8

The excellent design of the radiator ELSEN ERK 11 600 attracts the attention of buyers. The English device is made in different countries, so the price may vary. The production has a multi-stage quality control system. All operations are performed automatically, allowing you to minimize the influence of the human factor. For the manufacture of a heating battery, quality steel with a thickness of 1.25 mm is used, the finished product withstands pressures up to 16 atm. Experts note a serious anti-corrosion preparation. It includes operations such as phosphating, priming and staining. Given the affordability, the model deserves second place in the ranking.

The forums often compare steel radiators ELSEN with the reference Kermi. But only original products deserve praise.

Purmo Compact 21s 500

Rating: 4.7

Finnish steel radiators Purmo Compact 21s 500 are designed for different types of heating systems. Both metal and polymer pipelines can be connected to them. The model is designed for a maximum temperature of 110 ° C, it is tested at a pressure of 13 atmospheres. Experts note a high heat transfer rate, which reaches 3468 watts. The largest modification of the device holds 16.5 liters of coolant, which can be water or antifreeze. The radiator has a side connection; it is convenient to mount the device on the wall thanks to adjustable holders.

The battery ranked third in our rating, because in many reviews, users report a lack of reliable anti-corrosion protection. Over time, the paint peels off and leaks appear.

Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 500

Rating: 4.7

A worthy competitor to the leaders of the rating is a steel radiator with a bottom connection Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 500. The affordable price of the heater is successfully combined with high heat emission (up to 5478 W). This allows you to heat rooms of 54.6 square meters. m. Experts distinguish resistance to high temperature coolant (up to 120 ° C), in this component it has no equal. Structurally, the battery has two panels, the total thickness is 100 mm. In this case, one radiator will have to pour 18.9 liters of water or antifreeze, this is not the most economical option.

Users are ambiguous about corrosion resistance. Some homeowners with good water treatment have no problems, others complain of forced wear.

Stelrad Novello 21 500

Rating: 4.6

Another steel radiator with a bottom connection fell into our rating. The model from the Netherlands Stelrad Novello 21 500 boasts a heat output of 3459 watts. The product is designed for a coolant temperature of 110 ° C, the pressing pressure should not exceed 13 bar. The capacity of one radiator is 16.89 liters. The battery has a two-pane design, while its thickness is 77 mm. The device is equipped with a control valve that simplifies the setting of thermal power. On the back of the battery there are mounting lugs with which installation is carried out.

In general, the model is made with high quality, it looks stylish, but there are a number of drawbacks. The disadvantages include high price, large radiator volume, installation difficulties.

Top tubular steel radiators

Tubular steel radiators are a system of several vertical sections. They are connected to each other at the top and bottom of the contact point. Tubular batteries are characterized by high heat dissipation and high cost. Experts have identified a few decent devices.

Zehnder Charleston 2180 1792

Rating: 4.9

For many manufacturers, Zehnder Charleston 2180 1792 tubular radiators are the benchmark. Therefore, in the domestic market you can find many copies that are cheaper, but in many ways worse than the sample. The German manufacturer boasts a glorious history, the first tubular steel radiator was patented in 1930 by the company's founder, Jacob Zeender. Continuous development allows the brand to remain in the lead. The device has a domestic certificate of hygiene, obtained in the Novosibirsk Scientific Research Institute. Anti-corrosion coating will not emit harmful compounds, therefore, the radiator is recommended for use in children's institutions.

Installers and users in reviews praise the German battery for excellent quality and unique style. Only the high price becomes a deterrent to purchase.

Purmo Delta Laserline 2180

Rating: 4.8

Finnish manufacturer offers its customers the opportunity to choose the color. The tubular steel radiator of Purmo Delta Laserline 218 is completed with an assembly set with 4 points of fastening. Heating devices are supplied for sale, both with the lower and with the side connection option. Experts note the possibility of installing a radiator and the front and rear. Laser welding affects the perfect smoothness and flatness of the seams. When viewed from the side, the shape of the outer tubes resembles the letter D, which is reflected in the designation of the series. This configuration is not chosen for aesthetic reasons. Heating is faster.

Both experts and users note the high quality of Finnish appliances. If they are inferior in something to the leader of the rating, it is only in a higher price.

Dia Norm Delta Standart 3057

Rating: 4.7

In a wide power range, the user can choose the Dia Norm Delta Standart 3057 radiator. The devices are supplied to the distribution network in a variety of versions, with a bottom or side connection. For example, the 8-sectional version with side trim has a power of 512 W, while for a 30-section counterpart this figure reaches 2820 W. In modern manufacturing radiator is not inferior to the leaders of the rating. The battery is made of steel with a thickness of 1.25 mm. Elements are welded using laser equipment, and the coating is applied by electrostatic spraying.

The quality of German products is at a high level, this is confirmed in the reviews by users. Difficulties arise only with independent connection. The model takes the 3rd place in the rating.

Zehnder Charleston 3057 566

Rating: 4.7

Another representative of the glorious German family came to the attention of the expert community. Sections of the model Zehnder Charleston 3057 566 have a tubular shape, connecting in the collector part by welding. With a radiator height of 570 mm, the width of the 10-sectional structure is 460 mm. Especially carefully the manufacturer approached the protection of steel products from corrosion. The five-stage technology includes cleaning, priming, electrostatics powder coating, drying and antistatic treatment.

The model is inferior to the leaders of the rating in such technical parameters as heat transfer (3420 W). In this case, the radiator looks more attractive in terms of cost.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.