Bimetallic radiators are a type of battery that is made of different metals: internal channels are made of stainless steel, the external heat exchange body is made of aluminum. Stainless steel is resistant to aggressive coolant environments. Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity and heats up quickly. There are sectional and monolithic structures. Used in central and autonomous heating systems.
When studying the huge range of batteries for heating rooms offered on the Russian heating engineering market, the consumer often has the question of which bimetallic heating radiator is best to choose for an apartment or private house.
The choice of bimetallic radiators is becoming increasingly important today. This happens because in one design of a heating device, the positive qualities of two metals - steel and aluminum - are used to the maximum.
This combination provides a number of advantages compared to devices made from the same material. The frame made of steel water pipes in an aluminum alloy shell is a bimetallic radiator, comparable in thermal power to aluminum and steel heating devices, and in reliability to cast iron radiators.
Which bimetallic heating radiators are best suited for each specific case must be determined individually. A suitable model is selected based on a number of criteria such as the type of bimetal, steel thickness, and thermal power.
The type of model and the calculated pressure are also important. In addition to technical characteristics, the choice of a particular device design is influenced by its cost and attractiveness of design.
Types and comparison of designs of bimetallic radiators
Based on the method of forming radiator housings, they are divided into two types - monolithic and sectional devices.
DO NOT BUY Radiators Until You See THIS!!!
Monolithic
Monolithic or panel bimetallic batteries are reliable and high-quality heating devices made from steel tubes welded together, covered with an aluminum alloy shell on top.
Non-collapsible panels have a pleasant appearance that harmonizes with any interior. The devices are produced in a wide range of sizes. The range allows you to choose the dimensions of the panels to suit any heating area. The only drawback of monolithic models is that they cannot be disassembled. If they fail, such batteries cannot be repaired.
Sectional
Batteries of this class are prefabricated structures consisting of several vertical hollow flow-through vessels (sections) connected by fittings (nipples) with external threads. Their number can be any and is determined by thermal engineering calculations. A single panel is assembled with a special socket wrench, screwing the nipples into the horizontal manifold holes of the sections.
Based on operating conditions, the number of sections in sectional devices is increased or, conversely, reduced, which is a definite plus.
Unlike monolithic products, batteries are repaired by replacing damaged elements with new vertical elements.
Bottom line
If you have doubts about which heating battery is best when buying, reviews from users who have already purchased this or that model will help you decide much better than recommendations from consultants or advertising characteristics of manufacturers.
Focusing on buyers from all over Russia and the specific situations they used when choosing a radiator, we will help you choose a Russian or foreign model that will look good in the interior of a private home and provide warmth in the cold winter.
What do we pay attention to when choosing
First of all, you need to be interested in the certification of the product, the rating of the device on the network, and the authority of the manufacturer in the heating engineering market.
The service life, the ability to wash and replace damaged sections of heating devices are important. It is necessary to pay attention to the following list of characteristics, according to which you can choose the best model of bimetallic heating radiators. Below we will look at them in more detail.
Maximum pressure
A very important parameter. If there is a sudden increase in hot water pressure in the heating system, the radiator can simply burst. Centralized heating systems suffer from this disadvantage. When choosing bimetallic batteries, this point must be taken into account.
In private homes, as a rule, balanced water heating systems are installed, in which the pressure is maintained at a safe level. On average, bimetallic models can withstand operating pressure within 25 bar, and water hammer is not dangerous up to 35 bar.
Center distance
The center-to-center distance is the distance between the centers of the holes of the inlet and outlet manifolds (horizontal steel tubes). The dimensions of the device, and therefore the size of the heat transfer area, depend on this size.
The greater the center distance, the better the heating battery works. The standard sizes for this parameter are 500 mm, 350 mm and 200 mm. Along with this, there are models on sale with different center distances.
Heat dissipation
When determining the best bimetallic batteries, such a characteristic as heat dissipation plays an important role. In the accompanying documentation of its products, the manufacturer usually indicates what heating area the panel or one section of the radiator is designed for.
Below is an example of calculating the heat transfer of bimetallic radiators.
Reliability
The manufacturer provides in the instructions the maximum pressure values in the heating network for bimetallic radiators. In residential premises with unstable pressure in the central heating network and the risk of water hammer, it is not recommended to use devices of this type.
When deciding to connect bimetallic batteries to an autonomous heating system, sales consultants at construction hypermarkets can advise which models of bimetallic heating radiators are more reliable. Below we will cover this point in more detail and consider the Top best models of each type, most of which can last about 40 years.
Design
The appearance of room heating devices plays a big role when choosing a particular model of bimetallic radiator. The beautiful shape of monolithic panels and sections with their aluminum converter curls create an attractive image of the products.
The choice is also influenced by the color of the batteries. Light gray tones suit many interiors. For lovers of extravagant styles, you can purchase modern heating devices painted in radically bright colors.
The best premium aluminum radiators
The high price of these batteries is justified by the excellent build quality and materials. They are manufactured by trusted manufacturers and have a long service life.
Royal Thermo Revolution 500
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
Aluminum radiators from Royal Thermo have a unique design with wave-shaped sections and additional side fins on the manifold. This ensures increased heat transfer and effective natural air convection.
The batteries are made of an aluminum alloy with a high content of titanium and silicon, which protects the material from corrosion.
The design uses anti-corrosion nano-polymer membranes on plugs, ensuring tightness. The radiators underwent two-stage painting.
Advantages:
- High-tech design;
- Additional ribs;
- Wave-shaped sections;
- Polymer membrane;
- Two-stage staining.
Flaws:
- No thermostat.
Royal Thermo Revolution 500 radiators can withstand high pressure in the system and are able to work with water and antifreeze.
Stout Bravo 500
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
91%
buyers recommend this product
High-quality aluminum radiators are made by casting. They consist of sections, which are a solid monolith of two collectors and fins connecting them. Inside the structure there is a vertical channel with an oval cross-section.
This design ensures low hydraulic resistance and high heat transfer rates. Radiators quickly heat up any room.
The equipment has high-quality nipple connections that ensure complete tightness.
The units are suitable for connection to heating systems with water and antifreeze. The surface is painted with durable powder enamel, not subject to fading and corrosion.
Advantages:
- Unique design;
- High heat dissipation;
- Maximum tightness;
- Resistant enamel;
- Quick installation.
Flaws:
- There is no built-in thermostat.
High-quality radiators Stout Bravo 500 can be connected to centralized and individual heating.
Halsen 500/96
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
Radiators from Halsen have an enlarged collector, which allows fluid with sand and mechanical inclusions to pass through without problems. They also received enhanced internal corrosion protection.
The units are capable of working with aggressive liquids used in heating systems that can withstand sub-zero temperatures. The surface is painted with high quality white enamel.
Advantages:
- Enlarged manifold;
- Increased corrosion protection;
- Resistance to aggressive liquids;
- High-quality coloring;
- Versatility of use.
Flaws:
- For side connection only.
Radiators HALSEN 500/96 are suitable for any premises, including industrial and office spaces.
Top bimetallic radiators
On the Russian heating engineering market, many well-known reputable manufacturers of bimetallic radiators offer their products, such as:
- Pianoforte;
- Bilux;
- ATM;
- Vittoria;
- ROYAL;
- Indigo;
- RIFAR;
- GLOBAL;
- Halsen;
- Biliner;
- FONDITAL;
- RIFAL;
- Revolution;
- ROMMER;
- TIANRUN;
- SIRA;
- BR1;
- Oasis;
- RS BIMETAL;
- Gladiator;
- Alfa Bimetal;
- Base;
- Alp;
- MONOLIT;
- SUPREMO.
On the Internet you can always find current ratings representing the top best bimetallic heating radiators among models of a certain design, connection diagram and center distance.
Below we will consider the best bimetallic models presented on the Russian heating engineering market, selected by our specialists based on the above criteria.
Sectional
Among the popular sectional bimetallic models, we have compiled a current rating of the best models.
Bimetallic heating radiators. Which ones to choose? Comparison. Basic and designer models. #3
Revolution Bimetal
The devices are available in two versions with bottom and side connections. Technical and design features are increased convection, beautiful design, working pressure - 30 atm., average heat transfer of 1 section - 150 W.
Indigo Super
Increased heating surface. The complex convective design of the aluminum section casing effectively cuts off the cold air flow penetrating through the window sill. Maximum pressure – 30 atm. The heat output of 1 section is 175 W.
Revolution Bimetall V
The device has high energy efficiency. Possibility of installing a vertical insert with the connection of an automatic temperature controller M30x1.5.
Vittoria
The complex openwork configuration of convection aluminum petals, giving the radiator an original beautiful appearance, enhances heat exchange. The design of the device harmonizes with any interior style.
According to the manufacturer, all internal steel pipelines are subject to mandatory additional anti-corrosion treatment. The manufacturer provides a 15-year warranty on all Vittoria brand products.
Monolithic
In terms of technical characteristics, monolithic water heaters are in no way inferior to their sectional “colleagues”. The production of devices is based on a special technology, when the steel case is cast under pressure, and then a layer of aluminum alloy is applied on top using extrusion. The service life of panel devices reaches 50 years. Based on the results of the review of this year's ratings, we will consider the best monolithic radiators.
Rifar Monolit 500
The model is suitable for any central heating systems. Unlike its analogues, Rifar Monolit 500 can withstand maximum pressure loads of up to 100 atm. and provides effective heat transfer with minimal heat loss. Sections with stainless steel channels are welded together using a unique technology into a monolithic, non-separable structure. The inner surface of the cavities can withstand any coolant, be it antifreeze, oil or steam. The warranty period is 25 years.
Royal Thermo BiLiner 500
The model is made in an original design. The internal air cavities of the battery with upper outlets provide comprehensive heat exchange of air in the room. Because of this design feature, the radiator is placed under a wide window sill. The battery can withstand any type of coolant and is resistant to water hammer.
With side connection
In one of the latest ratings, a test of side-connected heating radiators identified the best bimetallic batteries in this regard.
Halsen BS 500/100
The reason for the Halsen BS 500/100 radiator to be included in the top list of the best heating devices with side connection is that according to user reviews, the models of this line have not yet been subject to a single warranty claim for their entire service life.
Powerful steel reinforcement can withstand pressures of more than 50 atm. Effective heat transfer, ease of installation and a 20-year warranty are all undeniable advantages of this model.
Oasis BM 500/80
Attractive design, the shallow depth of the batteries allows you to install them under windows on a flat wall without a technical niche. The batteries fit harmoniously into the interior of any room. Collectors made of high-quality steel are resistant to coolants with high alkalinity. The guarantee against leaks is provided by the technology of pressing components under a pressure of 35 bar.
SIRA Ali Metal 500
Radiators with increased operating pressure from the Italian manufacturer of the same name SIRA work perfectly in domestic centralized heating networks. A special feature of the models is the increased diameters of vertical steel tubes.
At a radiator surface temperature of 700 C, one section with a power of 185 W heats 1.5 m2 of room area. The curved blades of the aluminum shell promote intense convection of warm air masses.
With bottom connection
When laying hot water pipes at floor level or under the floor covering, install bimetallic radiators with a bottom connection. At the bottom of the battery there are inlet and outlet pipes. The best heating radiators include the following models.
Rifar Base Ventil 350
Wall-mounted sectional bimetallic radiators have a beautiful appearance. Sections with high heat transfer can withstand heating temperatures of the coolant up to 135 degrees. The permissible operating pressure is 20 atm. allows the installation of radiators in apartment buildings with central heating and in cottages with autonomous heating systems.
KZTO Elegant 1250
The products of the Korostenets Heating Equipment Plant are bimetallic heating batteries Elegant 1250 with bottom connection. With small dimensions of 500 - 2000 x 250 x 110 mm and an interaxial distance of 350 mm, the radiators can withstand heating of the coolant up to 135 degrees with a high heat transfer of 1 section of 285 W. Today this is one of the best bimetallic heating devices of domestic production.
With a center distance of 35 cm
BM heating batteries with an interaxial distance of 350 mm are distinguished by their good heat transfer despite their small size. In the Russian heating engineering markets, the following models are considered the best devices of this type based on the results of this year’s ratings.
ROYAL Thermo Revolution Bimetall 350
Due to the special shape of the fins of the convection aluminum shell, the movement of heat flows occurs with increased intensity on both sides of the battery. The seven-layer coating of the aluminum frame of a special composition allows the radiators to be installed in rooms with high humidity levels.
RIFAR Monolit 350
Excellent characteristics, undemanding quality of hot water, and the ability to withstand coolant temperatures up to 135 degrees make it possible to operate batteries in autonomous systems with steam heating. The three-layer coating of the aluminum surface preserves the original appearance of the devices for many years.
GLOBAL Style Plus 350
The manufacturer offers models in 4, 6 and 10 section versions. Batteries of this brand attract consumers living in places where centralized heating suffers from pressure surges. Radiators are capable of withstanding peak operating pressures of up to 35 atm.
With a center distance of 50 cm
The most common radiator models are devices with an interaxial distance of 500 mm. The size allows you to install a minimum number of batteries due to the large heating area of the device. The best batteries with this parameter include the following devices.
GLOBAL Style Extra 500
This model was specially developed by the Italian manufacturer for operation in the difficult conditions of centralized heating networks in Russia. It is resistant to sudden pressure surges and unexpected water hammer up to 52 atm. The classically beautiful design of GLOBAL Style Extra 500 will decorate the interior of any room.
FONDITAL Alustal 500/100
One of the best and most reliable bimetallic models. Maximum operating pressure 40 atm. allows you to operate batteries in the most difficult conditions of central hot water supply. Tolerates poor quality coolant. The manufacturer provides a 20-year warranty on its products.
RIFAL Alp 500
The inexpensive heating device RIFAL Alp 500 is not inferior to its more expensive products in many characteristics. Domestic products use a nipple system with conical silicone gaskets. This practically eliminates the occurrence of leaks completely. You can always increase the power of the device by adding sections.
With non-standard center distance
The best bimetallic heating device with a non-standard center distance can be considered the floor-standing model TIANRUN Rondo 150. The center distance of 150 mm allows you to place the batteries under panoramic windows and stained-glass windows, without blocking the view from the windows of the landscapes surrounding the house.
The small height of the product is compensated by its depth and the number of sections in one device. The sectional device of the TIANRUN Rondo 150 battery allows you to assemble heating equipment of almost any size in width. The power of one section when heated to 700 C is 95 W.
Criteria for choosing a bimetallic battery
When choosing which radiator is best to purchase for a house or apartment, you need to correctly determine its characteristics. Experts recommend taking several key criteria as a basis:
- Type: sectional or monolithic . The first are universal and allow you to “assemble” a radiator of optimal size, the second are more reliable, since their design does not contain places where leaks are potentially possible, and their service life is increased to 50 years. Of those presented in the rating, some are monolithic Rifar Monolit Ventil 500, produced using a unique technology, others are sectional, they are more in demand on the market by buyers.
- Heat dissipation. It is easy to calculate using the standard formula: 100 W per 1 sq.m. area. The indicator should be increased by 30% if the room has two or more windows, or by 40% if they face the north side. However, other factors need to be taken into account - ceiling height, presence/absence of heated floors, location of the apartment/room in the house.
- Connection type - it can be bottom, top or non-standard.
- Design. Modern radiator models are varied, you can find very interesting options, such as Royal Thermo PianoForte 500 or Royal Thermo BiLiner 500. Timeless classics have also become more varied, but have retained rigor and minimalism.
Which bimetallic heating radiator is better to choose for an apartment?
When installing new and replacing old heating devices in apartments with bimetallic products, it is necessary to take into account the boundary parameters of the operating pressure for which it is designed.
You also need to take into account the quality of the coolant and if it is low, then you need to choose models in which the steel frame made of tubes is treated with an anti-corrosion internal coating.
The best radiators for apartments will be batteries that can withstand pressure surges of up to 30 atm. It is important to take into account the standard pressure in the centralized heating network.
Radiators: aluminum or bimetal? “Never bet!” And other myths.
Cast iron heating radiators: description and reviews
The main advantages and disadvantages of this type are discussed in our material: “Cast iron radiators: technical characteristics.” Most often, their modern models are used for heating private houses, since their use in apartment buildings is not recommended due to possible pressure drops in the heating system.
Cast iron radiators
Particularly popular are design solutions from European companies, which are quite expensive, but add special sophistication to the interior. To choose a specific model, you need to analyze its technical data and customer reviews.
Vasily P., Khabarovsk, private house:
A year ago, we replaced the old cast-iron radiators with designer Demrad Retro models from a Turkish company, and they struggled with the installation, despite the fact that it took three of us to do it. Very heavy, I had to install additional brackets. They look perfect in the interior, but are a little bulky.
How to calculate the number of sections
We suggest using an online calculator to calculate the number of heating radiator sections by room area.
Each manufacturer of sectional bimetallic radiators indicates the power of one section in the accompanying documentation. For example, a section with a power of 1.85 W is capable of heating 1.5 m2 of room area. Dividing the area by 1.5, the required number of vertical segments of BM batteries is obtained.
If there are two windows in a room, and 20 sections are required for heating, then radiators with 10 sections are installed under each window sill. When calculating, the condition and material of the wall fences of the room or the house as a whole are also taken into account. If the structures are more than 20–30 years old, then experts advise using a coefficient of 1.2 when calculating the number of sections.
Reviews from experts
Professional builders know all the intricacies of operating heaters. Here are some tips and reviews.
- When installing the heater on the pipes, it is necessary to install a jumper. And so that in the event of an accident you can quickly turn off the battery, taps - upper and lower - and a regulator are placed between the jumper and the heater.
- Do not block batteries with screens or screens. Bimetallic radiators are not designed for this. Otherwise, along with heat transfer, the reliability of the devices will also decrease.
- The radiator itself rarely leaks. The fitting connection to the radiator may be leaking. Therefore, the installation of the connection must be done carefully.
- It is better to entrust the installation itself to specialists. But if you decide to install radiators yourself, then you should carefully understand the issue. It is better to order components for installation in one place, for example, from the Teplomir company.
