9 best steel radiators

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Almost every modern house or apartment has a heating system. The radiator plays a key role in it. It is this heater that is responsible for heat exchange in the premises. Today on the market there is a rich assortment of radiators that differ in material of manufacture, shape, efficiency and price. The most popular in the domestic market are steel, aluminum and bimetallic products. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. To choose the most suitable steel option, you should heed the recommendations of specialists.

How to choose a steel radiator

1. Heating devices made of steel are of two types: panel and tubular.
2. Panel-type radiators stand out for their simplicity, efficiency and affordable price. They are suitable for 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 gain in price, but two-panel counterparts are considered more powerful. The advantages of this type include ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, elegant appearance, and a wide choice. Panel radiators also have disadvantages, the main of which is the low resistance of welded seams to water hammer. Therefore, such devices are rarely used in district heating systems.
3. Tubular radiators have a traditional appearance. They are a set of vertical sections that communicate with each other through upper and lower manifolds. These devices are more expensive, but they can withstand pressure up to 15 atmospheres, they are capable of working with a hot coolant (up to 130 ° C), and have high heat transfer. It is important for the consumer to know about some of the disadvantages. This is a low resistance to corrosion (especially with poor water treatment) and mechanical damage.
4. Having decided on the type of steel radiator, you should correctly calculate the optimal dimensions of sections or panels. It is roughly assumed that heating 1 sq. m requires about 100 watts of thermal energy. As for the shape of the radiator, a simple relationship should be followed. The length of the device should be at the level of 60-70% of the window width.
5. When buying a steel radiator, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the equipment. The most practical will be models equipped with a thermostat. To quickly shut off the battery in the event of a leak, a ball valve must be installed. And the Mayevsky crane allows to remove air from the heating system in a timely manner.

Our review includes 9 of the best steel radiators. All of them were approved by the expert community and Russian consumers.

Which is better steel, aluminum or bimetallic radiator

Radiator type	Advantages	disadvantages
Steel	+ affordable price + stylish design + reliability	– low resistance to water hammer – tendency to rust
Aluminum	+ low weight + high strength + modern look + economy	– high price – constant care is required during operation
Bimetallic	+ resistance to high pressure + quick warm-up + versatility	– high price – heavy weight

Rating of the best steel radiators

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Steel Panel Radiators	1	Kermi FKO 22 500 600	RUB 5 071
	2	ELSEN ERK 11 600	RUB 2,498
	3	Purmo Compact 21s 500	RUB 5,560
	4	Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 500	3 360 rub.
	5	Stelrad Novell o 21 500	RUB 4,894
Best tubular steel radiators	1	Zehnder Charleston 2180 1792	RUB 1,920
	2	Purmo Delta Laserline 2180	RUB 11,104
	3	Dia Norm Delta Standart 3057	RUB 20,530
	4	Zehnder Charleston 3057 566	RUB 1,100

Best Steel Panel Radiators

In production, panel radiators are quite simple, therefore their price is also affordable. The steel sheet is stamped and then welded. The result is a single or multi-panel design. The 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 would be the use of steel batteries Kermi FKO 22 500 600. The German manufacturer managed to achieve good energy efficiency from the steel model. The heat transfer indicator is declared at 1158 W. Therefore, one element is capable of heating from 5 to 38 sq. m of the house area. The device is designed for a maximum temperature of 110 ° C and an operating pressure of up to 13 bar. The battery capacity is 3.24L and is 100mm thick. For the manufacture of the radiator, high quality steel with a thickness of 1.25 mm is used. The experts gave the model the first place in our rating.

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

Advantages

• German quality;
• good technical performance;
• energy efficiency;
• stylish design.

disadvantages

• high price.

ELSEN ERK 11 600

Rating: 4.8

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

On the forums, ELSEN steel radiators are often compared with the reference Kermi. But only original products are commendable.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• reliable protection against corrosion;
• tight control;
• great design.

disadvantages

• the technology is not followed at branches.

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 with a pressure of 13 atmospheres. Experts note a high heat transfer rate, which reaches 3468 W. The largest modification of the device contains 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 the adjustable holders.

The battery took third place in our rating, because in many reviews, users report insufficiently reliable anti-corrosion protection. Over time, the paint peels off and leaks appear.

Advantages

• acceptable price;
• two-panel construction;
• beautiful appearance;
• good heat dissipation.

disadvantages

• poor corrosion protection.

Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 500

Rating: 4.7

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

Users are controversial about corrosion resistance. Some homeowners have no problems with good water treatment, while others complain about forced wear and tear.

Advantages

• high temperature of the coolant;
• two-panel construction;
• decent heat dissipation;
• bottom connection.

disadvantages

• large volume;
• short-lived anti-corrosion treatment.

Stelrad Novell o 21 500

Rating: 4.6

Another steel radiator with bottom connection made it to our rating. The model from the Netherlands Stelrad Novell o 21,500 boasts a heat dissipation of 3459 W. The product is designed for a heating medium temperature of 110 ° C, the pressure test must not exceed 13 bar. The capacity of one radiator is 16.89 liters. The battery has a dual panel design and is 77mm thick. The appliance is equipped with a control valve, which makes it easy to set the heat output. On the rear wall of the battery there are fastening lugs with which the installation is carried out.

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

Advantages

• elegant appearance;
• small thickness;
• bottom connection;
• power adjustment.

disadvantages

• high price;
• large volume.

Best tubular steel radiators

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

Zehnder Charleston 2180 1792

Rating: 4.9

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

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

Advantages

• German quality;
• deep historical roots;
• classic style;
• safe anti-corrosion coating.

disadvantages

• high price.

Purmo Delta Laserline 2180

Rating: 4.8

The Finnish manufacturer offers its customers a choice of colors. Tubular steel radiator Purmo Delta Laserline 218 is completed with a mounting kit with 4 attachment points. Heaters are supplied for sale with both bottom and side connection options. Experts note the possibility of installing a radiator with both the front and the back. Laser welding results in perfect smoothness and evenness of the seams. Seen from the side, the shape of the outer tubes resembles the letter D, which is reflected in the designation of the series. This configuration was not chosen for aesthetic reasons. Heating of the room is faster.

Both experts and users alike note the high quality of Finnish instruments. If they are inferior in some way to the leader of the rating, then only in a higher price.

Advantages

• high-quality welding seam;
• front and back installation possible;
• individual approach to the client;
• stylish design.

disadvantages

• high price.

Dia Norm Delta Standart 3057

Rating: 4.7

In a wide power range, the user can choose a Dia Norm Delta Standart 3057 radiator. Devices are supplied to the retail network in a variety of designs, with bottom or side connections. For example, the 8-section version with side strapping has a power of 512 W, while the 30-section counterpart has this figure reaching 2820 W. In modern manufacturing, the radiator is not inferior to the leaders of the rating. The battery is made of 1.25mm steel. The 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 by users in the reviews. Difficulties arise only with an independent connection. The model takes 3rd place in the rating.

Advantages

• modern manufacturing technology;
• high-quality assembly;
• wide range of modifications;
• nice appearance.

disadvantages

• difficulties of self-installation.

Zehnder Charleston 3057 566

Rating: 4.7

Another representative of the glorious German family came to the attention of the expert community. The Zehnder Charleston 3057 566 has a tubular section and is welded to the manifold. With a radiator height of 570 mm, the width of the 10-section structure is 460 mm. The manufacturer was especially careful in protecting the steel product from corrosion. The five-step technology includes cleaning, priming, electrostatic powder painting, drying and antistatic treatment.

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

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• operational safety;
• reliable anti-corrosion protection;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• more modest specifications.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.