Heat transfer from heating radiators: comparison and calculation methods

Due to our country's location, winters here tend to be very cold. Therefore, to ensure comfort in an apartment or house, you must initially take care of good heating. The user needs to know which radiator to choose and how to install it correctly in the house. But if you have to deal with the second one yourself (or call a specialist), then we are ready to help with the selection of suitable products in this material. Our TOP of the best heating radiators contains models of 4 existing types of batteries. In each category, we looked at several excellent options for apartments and houses.

Which brand of heating radiator should I choose?

• Royal Thermo . The largest Eurasian manufacturer of heating systems. Its design bureaus and factories are scattered all over the world, including Russia. Thus, aluminum and bimetallic batteries are produced in the Vladimir region.
• Rifar. A domestic brand, not inferior in quality to foreign analogues. But the price of Rifar products is much more attractive. The range of radiators is similar to the Royal Thermo lines. They are suitable for both private and multi-storey buildings.
• Conner. For more than two decades, this brand has remained one of the leading brands in the heating equipment market. During the company's operation, over 50 million sections were sold, which is enough to heat about 2 million apartments.
• STOUT. A company that creates first-class products using the best European and domestic minds. The brand's assortment includes a large selection of products to suit any need. One thing remains constant: the highest quality at an attractive price.
• Kermi. A German manufacturer that has been producing high-quality plumbing and heating equipment for over half a century. The products of this brand are produced exclusively in factories in Germany and are supplied to more than 50 countries.

The best aluminum radiators

The casting method is used to produce aluminum batteries. Due to this, the product turns out to be integral, which guarantees complete protection against leaks. Some companies rely on existing casting methods, while others use their own to achieve better performance. In the manufacture of such products, alloys with good thermal conductivity and excellent corrosion protection are used. According to these parameters, aluminum radiators for the home almost always outperform their main competitors.

Global VOX R 500

The first category opens with the popular manufacturer of heating radiators Global. Its range is quite extensive, so there are products for any need. We settled on the VOX R 500 model. The buyer can choose the number of sections within the range of 1-20 elements. The minimum width of the finished battery is 8 cm, and the maximum exceeds one and a half meters. The connection diameter of a good heating radiator is 3/4 inch. Crimping and maximum operating pressure are 24 and 16 bar, respectively. The connection is exclusively bottom connection; a vertical configuration is not provided.

Advantages:

• stable connections;
• excellent heat dissipation;
• work with antifreeze;
• possibility of coloring;
• high efficiency;
• sealing gaskets.

Flaws:

• break due to pressure changes.

Royal Thermo Revolution 500

One of the best heating radiators in combination of price and quality. The Revolution 500 model has a nice design, a modest section thickness of 80 mm, and high thermal conductivity. The buyer can configure the battery with 1-22 cells, which will provide an effective output of 171 to 3762 W of thermal energy.

This radiator model is also available in a bimetallic version.

The radiator section width is standard – 80 mm. Accordingly, if the maximum available number of elements is installed, the width of the finished battery will be 176 cm. The weight of such a design will be slightly more than 26 kg, which is not too much. Radiators from Royal Thermo can work not only with water, but also with antifreeze.

Advantages:

• advanced design;
• auxiliary ribs;
• the presence of a polymer membrane;
• increased heat transfer;
• wavy shape of sections.

Radena 500

Radena sectional radiators continue the TOP of the best radiators. They are created in Italy using current European technologies. But during the development process, specialists take into account the features of Russian heating systems, so Radena products are ideal for our country. The Radena 500 aluminum battery has an oval channel cross-section, which improves heat transfer of all sections and increases the overall reliability of the design. Other features of these radiators include light weight, maximum heat transfer power of 2304 W and the ability to connect up to 12 sections together.

Advantages:

• reasoned price;
• light weight of sections;
• environmental friendliness;
• nice appearance;
• protection against leaks;
• rust resistance.

Flaws:

• only for private houses.

Rifar Alum 500

And the best aluminum radiator, without a doubt, is the Alum 500 model from the Rifar brand. It boasts excellent quality, a relatively affordable price and the ability to combine from 1 to 16 elements. The battery volume, depending on the selected configuration, varies from 0.27 to 4.32 liters. The heated area, in turn, ranges from 1.8 to 25.6 m2. An inexpensive radiator from Rifar can withstand a maximum operating pressure of 20 bar and a temperature of no more than 135 °C.

Advantages:

• reliable design;
• reduced hydraulic resistance;
• resistant to leaks;
• coloring quality;
• good protection against water hammer;
• moderate cost.

Flaws:

• overpaying for the brand.

The best bimetallic radiators

Bimetallic radiators use a pipe frame for the coolant. An aluminum jacket is placed on top of it. In essence, this type of battery is slightly different from the one described above. However, such solutions still have disadvantages. For example, using a prefabricated structure increases the likelihood of leaks, and the presence of steel pipes in radiators increases the likelihood of rust and corrosion. Among the advantages of this type of radiator, one can note the high pressure testing.

Royal Thermo Vittoria Super 500

One of the most stylish radiators for heating a private home. Traditionally for the Royal Thermo brand, the design of the device is made to a solid five. The durability and attractive appearance of Vittoria Super 500 is also facilitated by a special 7-layer paint spraying technology. Thus, the surface becomes very even, smooth and well resists corrosion even at high air humidity.

Advantages:

• long warranty for 15 years;
• nice design and good painting;
• high-quality assembly and durability;
• combination of 3 to 15 sections is available.

Rifar SUPReMO 500

Despite the affordable price, Rifar radiators are not inferior to their premium competitors in terms of reliability. The manufacturer achieved this using the patented design of its batteries. In contrast to the standard approach, SUPReMO 500 uses a non-separable monolithic design. The wall thickness of the pipes included in it is similar to heating pipes. Also, the model under review does not have nipple connections, which completely eliminates the possibility of leaks. The maximum operating pressure in this case is as much as 30 bar, which makes SUPReMO a good choice for apartments.

Advantages:

• very high heat transfer;
• monolithic design without gaskets;
• resistance to pressure changes;
• the presence of two water passage channels;
• unique design;
• practicality;
• Excellent value for money and quality.

ROMMER Optima Bm 500

One of the best bimetallic heating radiators for apartments from the ROMMER brand. The cost of the Optima Bm 500 model is the lowest in this category, while the quality and characteristics are in no way inferior to more expensive analogues. The thickness of one section of this battery is only 78 mm. The width is also less than standard and is only 77 mm. The radiator offers very good thermal performance, allowing up to 20 sections to be connected together. The operating pressure of the Optima Bm 500 is 20 kg/cm2, the permissible temperature is 100 degrees. ROMMER products also stand out for their stylish design.

Advantages:

• very low cost;
• maximum number of sections;
• attractive appearance;
• high reliability and heat dissipation.

Flaws:

• not all models have well-cut threads;
• short warranty.

STOUT Space 500

If you need a heating radiator at an affordable price, then STOUT is not the best choice. The cost of this model is quite high, but this is justified by the excellent quality of Space 500. The classic reinforced design with a steel vertical manifold ensures durability and protection against water hammer.

The radiator under review can be used in heating systems with pressures up to 20 bar and coolant temperatures within 135 °C.

The STOUT brand battery is offered in configurations from 4 to 14 sections, including odd-numbered versions. The width and thickness of one element are 80 and 90 mm, respectively. The volume of water contained in the section is 200 ml. The maximum power of Space 500 can reach 2604 W, and the maximum weight of the structure is 22.4 kilograms.

Advantages:

• high-quality execution;
• reinforced design;
• operating pressure;
• Maximum temperature;
• variety of configurations.

Flaws:

• quite high cost.

Comparison of heat transfer from heating radiators based on a set of characteristics: table

Material of manufacture	Model	Rated thermal power of 1 section (W)	Section cost (RUB)	Result: cost of 1 kW of thermal power (rub.)
Bimetallic	Rifar Base 500 x4 500/100	204	700	3 431,4
Sira Ali Metal 500 x4	187	560	2 994,7
Royal Thermo Vittoria 500 x4	167	590	3 532,9
ROMMER Optima Bm 500 x4	160	395,25	2 470,3
Aluminum	Rifar Alum 500 x4	183	550	3 005,5
Global ISEO 500 x4	181	550	3 038,7
Royal Thermo Revolution 500 x4	171	497,5	2 909,4
ROMMER Al Optima 500 x4	155	359	2 316,1
Cast iron	MZOO MS-140M-500 x4	160	508	3 175
MS-140 — 500 x4	160	480	3 000
Steel	Kermi FKO 11 500 400	459 (panel)	2,069 (panel)	4 507,6
Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500 400	730 (panel)	2,300 (panel)	3 150,7

It is known that bimetallic heating radiators have the highest heat transfer; they have all the positive properties of aluminum, but due to steel pipes they can be installed in any system. However, we recommend paying attention not only to heat transfer indicators, but to the cost of 1 kW of power. The higher the heat flow rate, the more expensive the heating device, but devices with increased power do not always pay off.

We recommend focusing on low-temperature heating mode, which uses large radiators, and the temperature of the coolant in them does not exceed 60-70 degrees. Such a system is more reliable and durable, has a huge power reserve, and the low-temperature mode does not decompose organic dust, which is found in any living space.

Poll: which heating radiators did you choose?

The best cast iron heating radiators

Perhaps, among radiators, cast iron batteries are the best choice. These models have excellent corrosion resistance and are distinguished by a large wall thickness, which guarantees the product's durability. The residual heat transfer of cast iron is one of the best on the market. If we compare it with steel, the latter will lose by about half. The internal cross-section of cast iron batteries is much larger, so they require less maintenance.

STI Nova 500

One of the best Russian heating radiators. It is capable of operating in heating systems with coolant heated up to 150 degrees Celsius. The device includes from 1 to 14 elements, thereby providing up to 1680 W of thermal power. It is enough to heat rooms with an average area of ​​about 20 square meters. One section of the Nova 500 weighs only 4.2 kg, which is a record low in the review.

Advantages:

• lightweight cast iron;
• stylish appearance;
• warms up quickly;
• excellent heat dissipation;
• reliability of design;
• high quality coloring.

Flaws:

• It is difficult to buy less than 7 sections.

Konner Modern 500

This battery is designed to operate in heating systems with standard characteristics. The battery can withstand pressure up to 12 bar, and one section holds 900 ml of water. In total, the radiator can operate from 1 to 12 sections. The total power of such a radiator can vary from 150 to 1800 W, and weight - from 4.9 to 58.8 kg.

Advantages:

• The kit includes fasteners;
• nice appearance;
• high-quality painting;
• good efficiency.

Flaws:

• not resistant to corrosion;
• There are models with defects.

Viadrus Kalor 500/110

Radiators from the Kalor line are classic solutions for the interior. They are based on a time-tested design, which, together with the excellent quality of cast iron, ensures an almost unlimited service life and the ability to construct a battery from any number of sections (from 1 to 20). Reviews praise the radiator for its excellent heat transfer, reliability and compliance with European standards. As standard, Kalor 500/110 is supplied in sets of 10 sections, but the configuration can be changed if desired.

Advantages:

• working pressure up to 18 bar;
• maximum power 3494 W;
• excellent production quality;
• variability of configurations.

Flaws:

• very heavy weight (up to 80 kg).

Heating radiator rating

How were the best heating radiators of 2021 selected? In compiling the TOP list, experts assessed and compared those brands and models that are in greatest demand in the market and trusted by customers. In total, several dozen nominees were considered, after which the leaders were determined based on important technical criteria:

• Execution – sectional, tubular, panel;
• Body material – cast iron, steel, aluminum, bimetal, copper;
• Coolant – water, antifreeze;
• Installation – floor, stationary method;
• Working pressure – up to 10 atmospheres, up to 20 and higher;
• Thermal power - heat transfer in relation to the area of ​​the room;
• Dimensions – height, width, depth, weight.

The ratio of quality, appearance, and price of each nominee was taken into account. Reviews from those who have personally used this or that unit are also important when compiling the rating. They mention the ease of installation and maintenance of ROs, their resistance to corrosion and pollution, and the harmonious combination of design and interior.

The best heaters for a summer house

The best steel radiators

As can be judged by customer reviews, steel radiators offer excellent heat transfer at a reasonable price. They look neat, so they can fit into any modern or classic interior. Despite the relatively low price, their quality is very good. Also, steel models can be praised for their efficiency, which also helps reduce family costs for heating residential premises.

Axis Classic 22,500

High-quality steel radiator consisting of thermal panels with auxiliary convective surfaces. Due to them, incredible efficiency of heating the room is ensured. The performance of the device can reach 4422 W with a width of 2 meters. The minimum radiator size is 40 cm with a power of 852 W. It is also worth noting the high-quality painting of the casing, for which the cataphoresis method was used. Thanks to this, the paint lays down in an even layer and is well protected from damage.

Advantages:

• versatility;
• quality of painting;
• small volume of coolant;
• heat transfer;
• complete installation kit;
• thermostat;
• thick metal.

Flaws:

• The thermostatic head must be purchased separately.

Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500

Panel radiators with increased relief depth from Buderus. This model, according to the manufacturer, can last an average of 50 years. A large selection of solutions is available in the series, so the user can decide for himself which radiator is best suited for his home. The most compact model is only 40 cm long. It can emit 730 W of heat, which is enough for 7.2 m2 of area. The larger version with a length of 3 meters provides a power of 5478 W, suitable for rooms up to 54.6 m2 in size. Connection in Logatrend K-Profi 22 500 is side or bottom.

Advantages:

• adapters for brackets;
• steel 1.2 mm thick;
• location of the thermal valve;
• two connection options;
• heat transfer efficiency.

Flaws:

• No fasteners included.

Purmo Compact 11 500

Inexpensive steel radiator with a connection diameter of 1/2 inch. The length of this model can vary from 40 to 300 cm. Thanks to its small thickness of 60 mm, the Purmo radiator looks neat in the interior. The weight limit of the Compact 11,500 is also not very large (only 46.5 kg). The maximum power reaches almost 4 kW.

Advantages:

• external thread diameter;
• side connection type;
• good anti-corrosion treatment;
• excellent heat dissipation;
• neat appearance.

Kermi FTV(FKV) 22 400

And the review ends with the best heating radiator for 2021 among steel models. It belongs to the FKV series from Kermi. This model differs from its competitors in its design of increased reliability and extended service life. The reviewed radiator can be purchased not only in white, but also in green, red, blue and other colors.

The height and thickness of the device are standard, 400 and 100 mm. But the width of the Kermi battery can vary from 40 cm to 3 meters.

The most compact model in the line weighs just under 10 kg. If you want to buy an FTV 22 radiator, then their quality and reliability will definitely not disappoint you. The test pressure for this model is 13 bar, and the maximum operating pressure is 10. The battery can withstand coolant temperatures of up to 110 °C and offers power up to 4815 W.

Advantages:

• availability of an installation kit;
• high-quality steel in construction;
• high maximum power;
• long-term official guarantee.

Flaws:

• quite high cost.

Which heating radiator is better to buy?

As has already become clear from the presented review, the radiator can be vertical, horizontal, sectional or panel, made of steel, aluminum, bimetal (steel + aluminum), cast iron.

Which of the nominees is better to choose will be determined by the following rating results:

• The best Russian radiator with maximum operating water pressure is Rifar SUPReMO 500;
• The best imported radiator, maximum service guarantee - Global ISEO 500;
• The most reliable productive model is Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 11 300;
• Optimal quality/price ratio, high heat transfer – Konner Modern 500;
• Attractive design and long service life - Retrostyle Windsor 500.

The rating is aimed at getting acquainted with the leaders of 2021, while you need to rely on the features of the room where the heating device will be installed, the necessary parameters of power, pressure, temperature, protection, and most importantly, the available budget for the purchase.

How to choose a heating radiator

• Material. All batteries are divided into steel, bimetallic, aluminum and cast iron. We have written more about each type in the corresponding categories.
• Design. In this case, everything depends solely on the preferences of the buyer.
• Pressure. Its choice directly depends on the heating system. So, in apartments the working pressure should be higher. In addition, the radiator must cope with its differences. For your home, you can choose products with less strength, for example, aluminum radiators.
• Heat dissipation. As a rule, it should be taken into account not as a whole, but for each section, because for different configurations this will provide different efficiency. Steel models usually offer better heat transfer. But they are not sectional. Cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic solutions can offer power up to 160, 210 and 180 W respectively (based on each structural element).
• Life time . For aluminum and steel models approximately 15-25 years. Bimetallic batteries last approximately 5 years longer. Cast iron batteries are considered the most durable; they can last over 50 years.