Aluminum radiators differ in terms of ergonomics, appearance and thermal efficiency.
To help you choose models, we have compiled for you a rating of the best aluminum heating radiators for 2021.
We took into account purchase statistics, expert opinions, and consumer reviews. Here you will find only the best items from the best manufacturers in terms of price/quality ratio.
Rating of the TOP 15 best aluminum heating radiators of 2021
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 3 best aluminum heating radiators by price/quality for 2021 | ||
| 1 | Rifar Alum Ventil | Find out the price |
| 2 | Royal Thermo Indigo | Find out the price |
| 3 | Global ISEO 500 | Find out the price |
| TOP 2 best aluminum heating radiators for 8 sections | ||
| 1 | Royal Thermo Revolution 350 x8 | Find out the price |
| 2 | STOUT Bravo 500 x8 | Find out the price |
| TOP 2 best aluminum heating radiators for 10 sections | ||
| 1 | Global VOX R 500 x10 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Rifar Alum 500 x10 | Find out the price |
| TOP 2 best aluminum heating radiators for 12 sections | ||
| 1 | ROMMER Al Optima 500 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Royal Thermo Biliner Alum 500 | Find out the price |
| TOP 2 best aluminum heating radiators for 14 sections | ||
| 1 | ROMMER Al Plus 200 x14 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Global VOX R 500 | Find out the price |
| TOP 2 best aluminum heating radiators with bottom connection | ||
| 1 | Rifar Alum Ventil 500 x5 | Find out the price |
| 2 | KZTO Elegant-mini 2 | Find out the price |
| TOP 2 best inexpensive aluminum heating radiators | ||
| 1 | Royal Thermo Revolution 500 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Oasis Al 350/80 | Find out the price |
What to look for when choosing a radiator from a particular company
Today, aluminum batteries are preferred by the majority of consumers in the domestic market. Light weight, easy installation and good heat dissipation make them the most popular of all heating devices made from various materials.
Comparative table of operating pressure in various radiators
When choosing an aluminum radiator for a specific room, pay attention to the following factors:
- What pressure level is the radiator designed for? Many batteries are designed to operate under pressure of 6-16 atmospheres, and the type of heating system at home does not matter. If pressure surges and water hammer are likely, you can purchase aluminum models that can withstand up to 25 atmospheres.
- What is the warranty period? Many self-respecting companies guarantee uninterrupted operation of their products for 15 years. Expensive luxury devices are designed to last for two and a half decades.
- What kind of corrosion protection does the radiator have? Most houses have central heating systems, the quality of the coolants leaves much to be desired. Therefore, find out from the sellers what kind of anti-corrosion compound is coated on the inner surface of the battery and how long it can protect the device from destruction and leakage. For houses with a central heating system, models coated with polymers are better suited.
- How can I connect the battery to the system? Which aluminum heating radiators are best for a private home? With a central heating system, devices are mounted using a side and bottom connection method. For a multi-section battery, diagonal connection is considered more effective.
- What size and appearance is the battery? Many companies are developing several design options for heating devices, slightly different from the traditional look. That is, with the same technical characteristics, you can choose the radiator you like based on color and size. Pay attention to the coating, there should be no chips or scratches.
Connection diagrams for heating devices
How to choose an aluminum radiator?
When choosing an aluminum radiator, you should consider such parameters as:
- Dimensions - the main thing is the center distance and the depth of the section. The dimensions must be taken into account so that the radiator does not extend beyond the window or is not too small for the room;
- weight - the greater the weight, the more aluminum there is in the radiator, which means better heat transfer and longer service life. However, some manufacturers use more efficient aluminum alloys, which are practically the same in terms of efficiency, but are lighter;
- the number of sections depends directly on the size of the room, as well as on the heat transfer of each section separately. Some manufacturers produce models with a small number of sections - from 1 to 10-12;
- painting - the more layers in the enamel, the longer the coating will last and the lower the risk of corrosion. It is worth carefully inspecting the coating of each section before purchasing - there should be no roughness, swelling, scratches or chips. The ideal coating has perfect smoothness.
Producing countries
Many countries have their own companies producing radiators, but Russian buyers often prefer to purchase products from Italy, Hungary, China, as well as trademarks of domestic companies.
Radiators ASB
Today it has become commonplace for well-known companies to locate production of their products in China. And the concept of “brand country” is often nothing more than the place where the company’s head office is located. Thus, Italian radiators, which are leaders in quality and long service life, are produced in China. But there are exceptions here too. All enterprises of the famous Italian brand Global, which produces the best aluminum heating radiators, are located in the Apennines.
Radiator Global
Russian manufacturers
Domestic brands of radiators are also in demand among buyers. They are most adapted to Russian heating systems. Such batteries are produced taking into account low-quality coolants, possible interruptions in heat supply and constant fluctuations in the network. The price of Russian analogues compared to imported ones is significantly lower, since it does not include delivery of goods from abroad. And the universal design of the batteries allows them to fit into any room. If you are trying to solve the problem of which aluminum heating radiators are best to choose for your apartment, you should choose Russian brands.
Among the domestic manufacturers the following stand out:
- Rifar. Manufactures products based on a license from the Italian company Global. There are two lines: Alum and Alum Ventil, operating with a heat output of 183 W and withstanding a maximum pressure of 20 atmospheres. Such batteries have a 10-year warranty period and can last up to 25 years without interruption. But they require only good quality coolant. Otherwise, the company does not guarantee the reliability and durability of the device.
Radiators Rifar
- Thermal. In terms of their quality characteristics, radiators are not inferior to similar analogues. They have a good reserve of strength because they are constructed from parts for which high-strength material was used. The operating pressure of Thermal radiators is up to 20 atmospheres. They are also adapted to low-quality thermal fluids, as they have good corrosion protection. The thickness of an individual section is 60 mm, which is convenient for installation in small niches. The price is lower than for Rifar products.
Radiators Thermal
- Anchor. Radiators of this brand have good consumer and technical characteristics. They are produced using the injection molding method. Good quality is complemented by a 5-year warranty and a low price.
Aluminum heating radiator Anchor
Italian manufacturers
For decades, leading positions in the global heating equipment market have been occupied by companies from Italy. Heating systems from this country: radiators, boilers and other equipment are reliable, simple and easy to use, and have a long service life.
Italian appliances also have an advantage over similar products from other countries - they are more adapted to Russian heating systems in terms of such parameters as periodic pressure drops, low quality coolant, consumer preferences, etc.
Aluminum radiators Global Radiatori
Answering the question which Italian companies producing aluminum heating radiators are better, we can name the following brands:
- Global Radiators. The products of this company are of high quality and can last for many years without replacement or repair; the battery warranty is 10 years. It also stands out for its approach to radiator design. Heating devices of this brand can withstand system pressure up to 16 atmospheres, and the fluorine-zirconium coating of the internal walls helps adapt to coolant of any quality. The company offers products in two directions: ISEO, cheaper and less productive, and VOX, expensive and powerful.
- Sira Industry. It is believed that this company was the founder of the production of aluminum radiators. And for 55 years now it has been one of the world leaders producing such products. It has several model ranges, produced using casting technology and the extruded method. Budget options are manufactured in factories located in China. Local Italian enterprises produce expensive premium products with excellent technical characteristics and beautiful design. The company provides a 15-year warranty on its products.
Radiators Sira Industry
- Fondital. Another company that has proven itself well in the domestic market. Radiators from this manufacturer are designed for operation with aggressive coolants with variable pressure and meet the requirements of Russian GOSTs. The configuration and coating of the internal surface of the batteries does not allow dirt deposits to be deposited, and the external two-layer painting helps to withstand various mechanical impacts.
Radiators Fondital
- Radiatori 2000. A young Italian company has been producing radiators since the beginning of this century. It has high-precision equipment on which new battery models are manufactured. They have maximum heat transfer while consuming minimum energy. Engineers and designers have jointly developed a new aesthetic form of heating devices, suitable for use in any room.
Radiators Radiatori 2000
Among Italian companies there are others whose products are valued in many countries. These are Calidor, Ferroli, Faral. All Italian batteries produced at these enterprises show impeccable style and quality of materials. Such products are not cheap, but in this case the price is justified by their high efficiency and long service life.
Hungarian producers
Among the countries of Eastern Europe, radiator manufacturers from Hungary and Poland can be distinguished. But it should be noted that their enterprises are located in Russia and China.
Aluminum radiator NAMI
Initially, NAMI Therm was located in the Hungarian city of Mosonmagyaróvár, and later, to reduce costs, factories were launched in the Russian Federation. The company's products are perfectly adapted to the conditions of our heating networks and have the following characteristics:
- two-layer anti-corrosion coating;
- pressure up to 12 atmospheres;
- maximum coolant temperature up to 120 °C;
- power of one section 195 W;
- warranty period is 10 years.
The company produces two model ranges. These are NAMI Classic and NAMI Grande, which have almost the same cost. But the latter have slightly greater heat transfer and higher resistance to aggressive coolants.
Hungarian radiators are good quality models with a long warranty period. Of course, they are inferior to similar products from Italy, but their price is much lower.
Chinese manufacturers
More than half of all radiators presented on the domestic market belong to manufacturers from China. Their price is significantly lower than their European counterparts. When purchasing such products, even with documentation, there is no guarantee that it will not fail in the next year or two. Small companies often falsify the data entered into the technical data sheets of heating devices.
Aluminum radiators STI.
But among Chinese battery manufacturers there are also conscientious companies that supply good products. Such radiators are not of the same quality as European brands, but they behave well during operation, and the price is quite low. Among the Chinese companies the following can be noted:
- STI. Radiators of this brand have an additional layer of anti-corrosion coating, which extends their service life. They have a good outer coating and a discreet design. Each battery is tested for quality and durability.
- TITAN. The products are developed in accordance with European standards and the conditions of Russian thermal systems. They have a neat external coating and a reliable anti-corrosion layer inside. The company provides a 5-year warranty.
- Maxterm. Control over the products of this brand is carried out by Russian specialists. The batteries have quality certificates and meet European standards.
Aluminum radiator Maxterm
- Epico. The difference between this company’s products is a special coating inside the radiator, which protects it from corrosion, and seven-stage painting of the external surface. The production was created with the help of Italian specialists with extensive experience in this field.
- SHARK. This brand was developed in Italy. The basis is European quality requirements and taking into account the characteristics of heating systems in Russia. The factories have high-tech equipment. The warranty is 5 years.
Radiators SHARK
Be careful! When choosing radiators from China, carefully study the product data sheet. If it is missing or there is incomplete information about the product being purchased, it would be better to refuse the purchase. And it is advisable to purchase batteries in specialized stores.
Which company should you choose?
Among the wide range of manufacturers, the most notable ones are::
- Rifar is a Russian manufacturer that supplies aluminum and bimetallic radiators. Models are produced taking into account domestic heating systems, are resistant to water hammer and pressure testing;
- Global is a large Italian manufacturer whose products are adapted to the conditions of Russian heating systems. The models are characterized by increased thermal efficiency, reliability and a long warranty and service life;
- ROMMER is another Russian brand with production facilities in China. Radiators are manufactured according to European quality standards, taking into account the specific features of operation.
Aluminum battery manufacturing technologies
Aluminum radiators are manufactured using two technologies: injection molding and extrusion. The quality and durability of the device often depends on the manufacturing method. Small firms more often use the second method.
Injection molding
Die-cast aluminum radiators
This is the name for the method of making castings using molds. They are filled with an aluminum-silicon alloy, which gives the radiator strength and the ability to operate at an internal pressure of 16 atmospheres. The formed parts of the batteries harden and are then joined by gluing or welding. This design has good heat dissipation. But this method also has a negative side. In small companies that do not monitor the manufacturing process well, when casting parts, pores may appear in them, which will reduce the service life of such a model.
Extrusion
Radiators made by extrusion
This method involves squeezing the melt through a hole in the extruder, which forms the desired silhouette of the part. All elements are connected to each other using pressing. It will no longer be possible to separate or add sections to such a radiator. Devices produced using extrusion technology have many joints and seams. Therefore, they are much more sensitive to pressure surges and water hammer and may leak during operation. Such batteries inspire less confidence, but are also relatively cheaper than cast ones. No matter how the radiator is made, its surface is coated with a special anti-corrosion compound.
How to rinse
Deposits on the inner walls of radiators increase resistance to coolant flow and can completely stop heat transfer if the channels in the battery sections become clogged. This is especially dangerous for aluminum radiators, because the cross-section of the channels in it is smaller than in any other heat exchangers.
It is unacceptable to use chemicals for cleaning, especially household cleaning products. Any acid or alkali can destroy the surface protective layer of aluminum and give rise to an active chemical reaction.
The same thing happens when using any hard brushes or abrasives. All that remains is to flush with a stream of plain water or with special compounds designed for flushing aluminum radiators, which can be found in stores selling heating equipment.
It is enough to disconnect the radiator from the heating system and run water into it under pressure, preferably in the opposite direction to normal, in order to squeeze out all the dirt that has accumulated on the walls.
To rinse each collector separately, simply unscrew the plugs on the back side of the inlet one by one and replace them with a valve with a connected hose leading into the sewer or a prepared container. Under pressure, as well as during short-term openings of the valve due to water hammer, the battery will quickly clean itself.
How much does a section cost?
As in calculations based on technical characteristics, in order to compare the cost of aluminum radiators, it is best to focus on the cost of one section. However, this parameter only has to be calculated based on the cost of the entire battery and the number of sections, since most offers in stores are presented as assembled models.
For batteries produced by extrusion, this is the only option, since the products are non-separable. On average, the price of a section of aluminum batteries ranges from 320 to 650 rubles per piece.
Editor's Choice
Among bimetallic radiators, two models deserve special attention: Global STYLE PLUS 500 and Royal Thermo PianoForte 500 . The first is interesting for its increased safety margin. The second is notable for its unusual design, which makes the radiators an original part of the interior design.
Among aluminum devices, RO Global ISEO 500 for adapting the design to operating conditions in the Russian Federation.
Among steel ones, a very interesting solution was implemented in KZTO Harmony 2-500-12 - the radiator will not only warm you up, but will also be an excellent addition to the minimalist interior design.
If you want sophisticated cast iron classics, then you should pay attention to EXEMET Modern 3-745/600 . Compared to other models of this type, this is one of the most affordable.
How to install
A significant part of aluminum radiators are built on the same principle as all other heating batteries. They can have one-piece or stacked sections, any configuration of ribs, but, adhering to the standards, a standardized distance is established between the collector pipes.
The normal range of values for this distance is: 200, 300, 500, 550, 600, 700, 800 mm.
For generation, a fitting with an external thread, an American fitting or an internal thread of an open inter-sectional connection is used.
Radiator connection options
Connection methods are determined by the wiring diagram:
- one-sided;
- double-sided (top, bottom);
- diagonal.
The greatest heat transfer is ensured by a diagonal connection, when hot water enters the upper collector, and the coolant exits from the lower collector on the side of the battery opposite to the input.
In addition to connecting to the collector, aluminum radiators often have collector outlets formed by internal channels. The connection points are placed compactly at a short distance from each other on the side of the radiator or below. To connect to the pipes, an American fitting is used, attached to the pipe.
It is important to determine the radiator model after choosing the wiring method and before calculating the detailed diagram, so that the number of heat exchangers and the method of connecting them, down to the millimeter, are known.
It is necessary to determine an advantageous position for the radiator. When installed under a window opening, the battery must occupy at least 2/3 of the opening width to form a thermal curtain. The distance from the battery to the windowsill and from the floor to the lower ribs of the battery is at least 10 cm. It is important not to create barriers to active air convection.
Installation and wiring diagram
The radiator is attached to the wall using at least two brackets. It is advisable to use the fastenings provided by the manufacturer of the aluminum radiator. They are fixed to the wall using two to four self-tapping screws with dowels or anchors. The distance from the wall is adjusted by moving the front part of the bracket.
Below you can watch a video with a detailed description of the installation work.
How to deflate
To remove air from radiators, including aluminum ones, a Mayevsky valve or automatic air vents are used. In the first case, if the battery stops heating normally, you should unscrew the valve plug and wait until the air comes out and clean coolant flows out.
In the second case, it is enough to adjust the volume of the air plug at which the valve will operate, and it will independently get rid of the accumulated air as it appears.
Automatic air vents for aluminum radiators are much preferable, especially if they also have thermostats installed. When the coolant current regulator is completely blocked, the risk of gas lock formation increases due to the slight but inevitable contact of aluminum with water.
Quite quickly, the pressure in a hermetically sealed battery will increase significantly and exceed the permissible value. For the same reason, in no case should the valves installed on radiators be completely closed in the summer if coolant remains inside the system.
