10 best models of steel panel and tubular radiators
Steel heating radiators are light and efficient devices that are often used in heating systems of private houses. The tips in this article will help you figure out what characteristics to look for when buying these devices, and the rating of steel radiators will show specific series that have positive user feedback.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
What steel radiators are better to buy
Steel radiators are divided into two types: panel and tubular. The former are cheaper and lighter, but less durable. The second is more expensive and heavier, but withstand high blood pressure and last longer. Models differ in design and working principle. Consider these two types in more detail to understand which radiators are best for specific operating conditions.
Steel panel or tubular radiators
Panel Steel Radiators
The design is a panel filled with coolant and a corrugated metal sheet in contact with it for accelerated heat removal (a sheet of metal increases the area of heat transfer). The device works in two ways, combining them. The heat from the panel is given to the surrounding air, and its passage through the fins triggers natural convection in the room.
Sectional steel panel heating radiator.
This allows you to quickly heat the room, but contributes to a greater movement of dust. Structurally, such radiators can have one panel and one row of fins, two units of each element or three, which is indicated by type 11, 22 or 33. Other combinations of this system are found: 10, 20, 21, 30, 31 or 32. The more the number of panels with hot coolant, the better the heat transfer. An increase in finning increases the force of convection of hot air.
Panel radiator - type 11.
Panel radiator - type 22.
Panel radiator - type 33.
The advantages of steel panel-type radiators
- light weight;
- good heat dissipation;
- affordable cost.
Cons of steel panel-type radiators
- low resistance to hydraulic pressure shocks;
- low inertia (cool quickly after shutting down the boiler);
- the appearance of dust in the air from convection.
Tubular steel radiators
This category is visually similar to cast-iron batteries, but since the wall thickness here is 1.2-1.5 mm, they are much thinner and more aesthetically pleasing, unlike bulky heavy metal radiators. The design is based on the lower and upper manifold connected by vertical steel pipes. There can be two, three or four in each section, which increases the volume of the coolant and the area for heat transfer.
Steel tubular radiator.
Often the design can be expanded by adding additional sections if the current amount is not enough to heat a particular room. In panel types this cannot be done. This type of battery does not create strong convection.
Pros of Tubular Steel Radiators
- resistance to water hammer;
- long service life;
- more attractive look;
- less body depth;
- the possibility of growing or shortening.
Cons of tubular steel radiators
- higher cost;
- increased weight;
- may leak between sections.
Radiators with bottom or side connection
Lateral connection means the flow of coolant into the upper nozzle of the radiator, and the water outlet through the bottom, located on the left or right on the case. This allows faster passage of fluids through all internal channels and more efficiently during heat transfer. But with this installation, you will need more pipes to feed to the upper fitting, which can be located at a height of 300-850 mm. Still, such communications can spoil the interior, and you will have to think about how to hide them behind false panels.
Panel radiator with side connection.
The lower connection means the supply and drainage of water through the fittings at the bottom of the radiator. When the panel is located close to the floor at a distance of 50 mm, such communications are not visible at all. This helps to make hidden wiring around the room without the cost of decorative materials. But the lower connection is less effective in the rate of mixing of hot and cold coolant, so the heating efficiency is reduced by 2-7%.
Panel radiator with bottom connection.
Example of calculating the required radiator power
In order not to miscalculate the heating efficiency, it is important to calculate in advance what power the radiator should be, so that this is enough to heat a particular room.
We give the calculation formula:
P = V * B * 40 + To + Td.
Let's look at the values presented:
- P is the radiator power, which we need to determine by substituting other values.
- V is the area of the room.
- B - ceiling height in the room.
- 40 kW - the approximate heating power required for heating 1 m³.
- That is the inevitable loss of heat on the windows, where one standard opening takes about 100 watts.
- TD - similar losses occurring at the door. On one leaf, up to 150-200 watts can be lost.
Now we count. There is a bedroom with an area of 15 m², in which there is one standard window and one door. What radiator to buy for such a room?
15 m² * 2.5 m (ceiling height) * 40 + 100 + 200 = 1800 W. It is with such minimal power that you need to look for a radiator among panel or tubular options. If there is no exact value, then the choice is given in favor of more.
Why radiator certification is so important
Regardless of where you buy the product, whether it's an online store, a mall or a market, it is important to check the certificate. You can ask him from a sales assistant or read the description on the page. The presence of a certificate means that the product complies with GOST, and its declared characteristics are real.
Since the summer of 2018, certification has become mandatory for this category of products, so its absence should immediately scare away suspicious goods, albeit under a well-known brand.
When certifying radiators, it is checked:
- compliance with the declared heat transfer by power;
- thickness of steel walls (must be at least 1.2 mm);
- maintaining nominal and maximum pressure.
The best panel steel radiators
Now let's move on to the rating of steel radiators, which has gathered popular product series based on customer reviews and product characteristics. Let's start with panel radiators, which are distinguished by their affordable price and light weight.
Kermi Radiator Series FKO 22
This series of radiators is ergonomic and affordable. The design fits easily into any interior.
Characteristics of the lineup
Panel radiators of this series are made of structural steel. The length of the model varies from 400 to 3000 mm, and the height is 300-900 mm.The depth of the radiators is standard and is always 100 mm. The heating radiator is designed for heat transfer with a temperature of 110 degrees.
All products in the range are able to withstand a pressure of 10 bar. In their manufacture, Therm x2 technology was used, which increases heat transfer. The power of the radiator depends on the dimensions of a particular model. For example, 900x600 mm produces 1898 watts.
Design features:
- the design of the steel radiator is strictly rectangular with sharp edges;
- abundant perforation on the top panel is provided for starting convection;
- the front side with relief makes them more interesting;
- two-way side connection;
- center distance 250/500/850 mm;
- wall mount included
- approximate heat carrier capacity - 5 l per 0.5 m² of radiator area.
Kermi FKV 22 Radiator Series
Another series of radiators from the German brand Kermi, with more "blown forms". It stands out for its increased reliability and long service life. Radiators are available in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, blue, green and orange.
Characteristics of the lineup
A series of panel radiators is available with a height of 500 mm and a width of 400 to 1500 mm. The smallest 400x500 panel weighs 12 kg and is capable of delivering 772 watts of power. The pressure test is 13 atm, working 10 atm. The maximum permitted coolant temperature is 110 degrees. As a heat carrier, ordinary water or a glycol mixture can be used.
Design features:
- bottom connection;
- the thickness of the metal sheet of the front panel is 1.25 mm;
- possible location of the valve both on the right and on the left;
- ½ thread for connection to heating pipes.
Buderus Logatrend VK-Profi 22 Radiator Series
A series of panel radiators with increased depth of relief on the front. The manufacturer claims an average life of up to 50 years.
Characteristics of the lineup
The series is represented by radiators of various sizes. The smallest representative is a model of 300x400 mm, issuing 475 watts. This design weighs 6.7 kg and holds 1.7 l of coolant. The largest representative is a radiator measuring 2000x900 mm with a power of 5816 watts. All models are designed for an operating pressure of 8.7 bar. The radiators are powder coated and can be in six colors in RAL colors.
Design features:
- the top panel for the exit of hot air is characterized by thin jumpers that reduce resistance to flow;
- bottom and side connection;
- welded fins to both heating panels;
- adapters are provided for mounting brackets;
- center distance varies from 250 to 500 mm;
- steel thickness 1.2 mm;
- external thread for connection ¾;
- The built-in thermal valve can be on the right or on the left.
Purmo Compact C22 Radiator Series
The Purmo Compact C22 radiator series contains 80 models. The manufacturer declares a 10 year warranty.
Characteristics of the lineup
A series of panel-type radiators made of steel is available with a case height of 300-900 mm. Among small models with a height of 300 mm, the length varies from 400 to 1100 mm. Giant heating radiators have 900 mm, the length can be 400-3000 mm. Even the smallest panel delivers 507 watts of power. The weight of such a product will be 6.5 kg, which does not complicate wall mounting. A 900x3000 mm radiator will heat with a power of 9270 W and weigh 152 kg. The entire model range is capable of transferring a coolant with a temperature of up to 110 degrees at an operating pressure of 10 atm.
Design features:
- increased depth - 102 mm;
- lower type of connection;
- ½ inch external thread diameter;
- center distance 250-850 mm.
Series of radiators Lidea Compact LK22
A series of panel radiators Lidea Compact LK22 is available in Belarus.
Characteristics of the lineup
The closed panel radiator is available with a removable top cover. As a coolant, you can use water or antifreeze. The model range has a standard height of 500 mm, and the length varies from 1100 to 1800 mm. Depending on the size, the power of the radiator ranges from 2375 to 3886 watts. Moreover, they can be filled with coolant in a volume of 7 to 12 liters.
The pressure testing pressure of the radiators is 15 bar, and the working pressure is 10 atm. The manufacturer permits a coolant temperature of 120 degrees, at which time the outer panel of the radiator heats up to 90 degrees. Product color is available only one - white.
Design features:
- increased depth 109 mm;
- center distance 44 cm;
- wall mounting;
- built-in Mayevsky crane;
- ½ inch internal thread;
- water supply lateral left or right.
The best tubular steel radiators
Arbonia 2180 Radiator Series
The elegant series of tubular steel heating radiators from the German brand, suitable for rooms with high ceilings.
Characteristics of the lineup
A series of tubular steel radiators is available in 6, 8 or 10 sections. Side or bottom eyeliner available. By color, the manufacturer offers two options: white or metallic. Construction height 1800 mm. Section length 45 mm. A 6-section model delivers 990 watts of power, weighs 16 kg. The largest radiator battery for 10 sections works with a capacity of 1650 watts and has a mass of 26 kg. All radiators of the series withstand a working pressure of 10 atm with a pressure test of 15 atm. The maximum fluid temperature is allowed up to 120 degrees. The manufacturer gives a warranty on the product for 3 years.
Design Features
- the main feature of the lineup is strictly vertical;
- radiators have a two-pipe configuration;
- bottom or side eyeliner is possible;
- external thread for connection ¾ inch;
- construction depth 65 mm;
- center distance 1730 mm.
Purmo LaserLine 2180 Radiator Series
Beautiful two-tube steel radiators from the Finnish brand. The series is represented by 8 models and can be painted in one of 9 colors, including black, blue, gray or red.
Characteristics of the lineup
A series of tubular radiators contains models with 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 sections. The width of the most compact is 200 mm. She has heating power at 668 watts. The weight of this model is 11 kg. At the largest radiator, the width reaches 700 mm, and the heating power is 2338 watts. But such a radiator will weigh 39 kg. The manufacturer gives a 10 year warranty on all products. During the tests, a pressure test of 18 bar is used, which permits the use of a working one at a level of 12 atm. Liquid temperature is allowed up to 120 degrees.
Design Features
- the shape of the radiators is vertical, but the edges are rounded, so the model gives more comfort to the room and fits into any interior;
- lateral type of connection (left and right);
- distance between unions 1735 mm;
- section depth 63 mm;
- the height of all models is standard and is 1800 mm.
Arbonia 2057 Radiator Series
Not high steel German radiators for installation under windows. They stand out by small depth, therefore they do not stick out from under the window sills.
Characteristics of the lineup
A series of tubular radiators is presented in more than 20 versions, where the buyer can purchase models from 3 to 30 sections. The company even produces separate sections, so the radiator can be grown if necessary. The heating power of each section is 67 watts. The section weighs 500 g and has dimensions of 570x45x65 mm. The pressure test reaches 15 atm, so in normal use a constant load of 12 atm is allowed. The manufacturer gives a 10-year product warranty. It is allowed to use a coolant with an acidity of pH 7.5 and a temperature of no higher than 120 degrees.
Design Features
- the series is notable for narrow tubes, which helped to reduce the depth of the case to 65 mm;
- both lower and lateral eyeliner are possible;
- the distance between the fittings is 500 mm;
- ½ inch connection thread diameter.
Zehnder Charleston 2056 Radiator Series
Radiators of this series consist of two vertical steel pipes made in the form of a rectangular profile. This gives them elegance and sets them apart from most competitors' products.
Characteristics of the lineup
This series of steel radiators is available in 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 sections.The maximum figure reaches 32 units. The parameters of each section are 48x56 mm with a depth of 62 mm. The structure is made of mild steel and weighs 890 g. The surface of the radiator is painted with RAL powder paints, where 9 color options are available. The pressure test is 16 bar. The working indicator is at 12 atm. The manufacturer allows a coolant temperature of 120 degrees.
Design Features
- the increased distance between the sections facilitates the free passage of air and the accelerated distribution of heat in the room;
- bottom or side connection to choose from;
- center distance 500 mm;
- wall mounting;
- с inch thread.
