Durability and reliability are the main reference points when choosing steel batteries. This type of heating system appeared in Russia several years ago, so most people look at it disapprovingly. Because there are cast iron ones that cope with their task 100% and have been in operation for a dozen years. However, utility, simple assembly and easy assembly are the privilege of the steel type. Therefore, old and new masters recommend buying this particular option. And to make it easier to navigate the store, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best steel radiators for 2020.
Content
What is it and design features
The radiator is a compact product made of metallic materials. The casing can be sectional or one-piece; a thermal element (water, steam, etc.) circulates through it, which is supplied from the general system. The efficiency of the entire device depends on both the material and the design option, which affects the power and heat transfer. For this reason, in terms of price and quality, steel type radiators benefit.
Some models have a simple design and are standard vertical tubes designed for high-quality water flow. Another option is equipped with special heating panels, in which there is a convector designed to create a swirl. Depending on the type of radiator, it can be either one panel or three built in parallel. However, this option is only available in expensive steel batteries where durable materials are used in production.
Today there are at least three designs:
- Panel. Rectangular device with solid blocks, behind which there is a steel pipe with a circulating heat carrier. A big advantage of this type is easy selection for a specific room or room, since it is produced in different widths, heights and depths.
- Tubular. This type represents a monolithic block, which is connected by a common parallel collector. It is 2-3 times more expensive, but it warms up the apartment faster and better. Due to the release in different colors, the user will match the device to their design.
- Sectional. The main advantage of such models is the ability to extend sections in length, which increases the heat output by 2-4 times.
The basic principle of operation of heating systems has not changed for decades, but every year manufacturers offer new models of radiators. The best type is considered to be tubular devices, where the docking elements are invisible to others. This version is produced by foreign companies, the main difference is high efficiency and unique design.
Steel panel batteries
Products of this type are widely used in Russia and the CIS due to their cost, reliability and service life. There are ventilation holes at the top and bottom, which provide high-quality convection. Such a device transfers about 50% of the heat through the side surface and the same amount is due to convection.To enhance heat transfer, some models have special U-shaped fins, which are made of sheet steel.
The principle of operation of panel radiators is the same as that of standard batteries. The metal begins to heat up under the influence of hot water, which leads to the release of thermal energy and the room begins to heat up.
For 2020, 7 models of steel devices are produced, each differing in the number of internal panels:
- Type 10. This option is used in cheap devices. Represents a flat panel, where there is no convection system, and the air is heated in a standard way.
- Type 11. This option is similar to the previous one both in price and quality, only here there is a minimal effect of convection. There is no upper grill.
- Type 20. Double row device with full heat exchange. The heated air comes out through the upper ventilation hole where the grill is installed.
- Type 21. The device has a casing and convector fins, which are located on one panel.
- Type 22. There are two convectors and a casing.
- Type 30. Three-row model without convector, with grill.
- Type 33. An expensive device equipped with three convectors, due to which it has a high efficiency.
How to use panel radiators correctly?
People living in the private sector often prefer this option. This is due to the fact that, due to the thin steel in the structure of the device, there is a rapid heating, transfer of thermal energy and prolonged cooling. Also, devices are available in any specialized store at a price of 900 rubles.
Such equipment has a disadvantage that every battery has: there is no rust protection system. Even in spite of the fact that the technical data sheet of the device indicates that stainless steel with a protective coating was used in the manufacture. However, this only works in the initial stages; over time, the risk of rust formation in the pipes increases.
Neither domestic nor foreign manufacturers have yet managed to come up with a perfect system against corrosion and calcium scale inside the pipe. The only thing that is possible is to produce a large power of the coolant.
To reduce the risk of scale and rust formation inside the steel pipe, the installation guidelines must be followed. There it is indicated on which horizontal the device should be located (measured by the level) and on which vertical (in this case, a plumb line will help).
Advantages and disadvantages of steel batteries
Each model and type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the main advantages include:
- Universal design, which is painted with enamel resistant to high temperatures, which allows the radiator to be used in any design;
- Batteries cool slowly and give off more heat than cast iron;
- Compactness, due to which the user can install the equipment in any convenient place;
- Profitability due to the cost and functionality of a thermoregulated device;
- Weight. Thanks to him, a person will place the device even on the wall;
- Variety of connection to the system. There are also universal models that fit any connection;
- The equipment has a complete set up to a temperature controller;
- The efficiency reaches 85% or more;
- At a cost of less than 1000 rubles. a person receives a device that will work for at least 10 years;
- Easy installation or replacement.
Also, the device has several disadvantages, including:
- Do not operate in a centralized heating system where there is high pressure and water hammer tests are carried out;
- If the constant temperature of the coolant is high, then there is a chance of scale and corrosion formation;
- The block cannot be increased, so the power will remain the same;
- The service life of cheap devices is 10 years.
When a person chooses steel batteries, he must calculate everything correctly. Otherwise, the heating season will be under a blanket or with an oil radiator on.
How to choose steel radiators?
Batteries of this type are in great demand in the world market and successfully compete with various equipment. Their demand is due to their successful design and cost. There are dozens of models from the best companies in supermarkets and online stores. The price depends on 8 factors:
- What material was used in the manufacture (in the production of expensive devices, high-carbon alloy steel is used);
- What type does it belong to;
- The presence or absence of convection and the number of rows;
- From which company or country;
- Dimensions;
- Where is sold;
- Technical specifications.
When choosing steel batteries, it is important for a person to know:
- Heat output for the room. It is calculated taking into account the size of the room, the type of building and windows and the number of external walls;
- Next, find out the working pressure. So, steel equipment works properly at 6-8.7 atmospheres;
- Thermoregulator type (it can be automatic and manual);
- Working and test pressure value;
- What type of heating is used specifically for this house;
- Pipe size;
- Radiator dimensions.
Considering these criteria, a person will select a high-quality steel radiator, while spending a minimum of effort and money.
Steel battery rating
Kermi FKO 22 500
The model is suitable for installation in a private sector or a country house with an autonomous heating system. Sold only in white, painted with a protective enamel that is resistant to wear. Type - panel (quantity - 2), connection method - lateral.
The placement of the structure is wall. Manufactured from stainless steel in compliance with technical requirements. The center distance is 446 mm. Works at a maximum operating temperature of up to 110 degrees Celsius. The working pressure should not exceed 10 bar, then the device will last over 10 years. The dimensions of the device (height and thickness) are 500 and 100 mm, respectively.
The average cost is 2300 rubles.
Advantages:
- German reliability;
- If used correctly, the device will last for a long period;
- External design;
- Easy installation;
- Quality;
- Cost;
- It gives off heat well.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Logatrend K-Profil 22 500
A quality radiator from Buderus, which will last at least 5 years in a country house. The battery has special adapters for quick installation. The product can be installed by either side. Therefore, if, over time, the product received a minor blow that damaged the paint, then the person can change sides. The aesthetic appearance will be preserved, and the guests will not notice the substitution. Also, for easy cleaning of the battery from dirt, the manufacturer installed a removable grill.
During production, the product undergoes a four-stage anti-corrosion treatment. At the beginning, the elements are completely degreased, after which they are phosphated and primed, and ends with a thorough powder spraying. Thanks to these operations, the battery becomes resistant to scratches and light (not punctured) shocks.
In order to prevent damage during installation, the product can be mounted together with the packaging, but the temperature of the coolant should not exceed 60 degrees.
The device is manufactured in accordance with GOST 31311-2005.
The center distance is 450 mm. The product can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees, with a maximum operating pressure of 10 bar. Made of stainless steel. Dimensions - 500x100 mm.
The average cost is 4900 rubles.
Advantages:
- 5-year warranty;
- Quality;
- Complies with those. requirements;
- Scratch resistant;
- Easy installation.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Axis Classic 22 500 1200
A popular model from a Russian manufacturer. Suitable for use in a country house or private sector, the main thing is to comply with technical requirements. The first thing a person should pay attention to when choosing this product is an unobtrusive design that combines lightness and simplicity.
The cost of 4,400 rubles became available due to the fact that during the manufacture they used cold-formed carbon steel (grade 08U). Its thickness is 1.27 mm.Due to the fact that the production of the radiator is carried out in Russia, there are no problems with delivery and availability for users. The product is always available in specialized stores at a branded price.
After the completion of the production part, the finished product is subjected to tests, where the appearance, conformity of geometric dimensions and correct assembly are checked. The reliability of the seams is checked under a pressure that is 1.5 times the permissible norm of 9 bar. Only at the end of this test, the radiator enters the last stage.
After carrying out multi-stage control, the device goes to anti-corrosion treatment, where the device is covered with a heat-resistant and shock-resistant material.
Dimensions - 500x1200 mm, with a weight of 33 kg. Manufacturer's warranty - 10 years.
The average cost is 4400 rubles.
Advantages:
- Build quality;
- Guarantee - 10 years;
- Cost;
- Careful control;
- The risk of leakage is minimal;
- Mounting.
Disadvantages:
- The maximum pressure is 9 bar.
Stelrad Novello 33 500 1000
A panel battery from a Dutch manufacturer appreciated by quality lovers. The heating area reaches 23.7 sq. m., which will allow to warm up the whole hall. The product has a bottom connection. Installation method - wall-mounted. The radiator has a capacity of 8.1 liters. At the request of a person, a thermostat is installed on the battery. The maximum power is 2620 watts. Made from cold rolled steel.
To extend the service life, it is important to use the device where the working pressure does not exceed 10 bar. Otherwise, the steel radiator will fail in a couple of years. The heat carrier is water. Manufacturer's warranty - 10 years.
Average cost - 11 076 rubles.
Advantages:
- The quality of the product is at a high level;
- High heating area;
- Installation will take 10-20 minutes;
- Suitable for use in public buildings.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Zehnder Charleston 2056 558
A tubular device that impresses with German quality and professional assembly. The radiator is made using a laser welding method. At each stage of production, the equipment is monitored. Thanks to him, the risk of marriage is reduced to almost 1-2%. The finished product is covered with a special powder white enamel and fired.
This type can be used both in small private houses and in tall buildings. The working pressure should not exceed 10 bar, and the temperature is up to 120 degrees.
This option is intended for heating small rooms, since the area is about 5 sq. m. Suitable for residential buildings and public places. The manufacturer's warranty is 5 years. Dimensions - 558x460 mm.
The average cost is 17,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- High quality equipment;
- Reliable coverage;
- No risk of leakage;
- Standard parameters;
- Continuous production control.
Disadvantages:
- Cost;
- Heating area.
Finally
The given top will allow you to choose the best equipment for installation in the house. The article also contains a brief recommendation for choosing a device and describes the principle of operation of the product. If you have experience in using steel radiators described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments, and we will add it to our list.
