Bimetallic radiators are a type of battery that is made from different metals: the internal channels are made of stainless steel, and the external heat exchange casing is made of aluminum.
Stainless steel is resistant to aggressive coolant environments. Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity and heats up quickly. Sectional and monolithic designs are available. They are used in central and independent heating systems.
When exploring the vast selection of space heating radiators available on the Russian heating market, consumers often wonder which bimetallic heating radiator is best for an apartment or private home.
Bimetallic radiators are becoming increasingly popular today. This is because they maximize the benefits of two metals—steel and aluminum—in a single heating device.
This combination offers a number of advantages over single-material units. A frame made of steel water pipes encased in an aluminum alloy creates a bimetallic radiator comparable in thermal output to aluminum and steel heating units, and in reliability to cast iron radiators.

Which bimetallic heating radiators are best suited for each specific case must be determined individually. Select the appropriate model based on a number of criteria such as the type of bimetal, steel thickness, thermal power.
The model type and design pressure are also important. In addition to technical specifications, the choice of a particular device design is influenced by its cost and attractive design.
- Types and comparison of bimetallic radiator designs
- Monolithic
- Sectional
- What to look for when choosing
- Maximum pressure
- Center distance
- Heat transfer
- Reliability
- Design
- Top bimetallic radiators
- Sectional
- Revolution Bimetal
- Indigo Super
- Revolution Bimetall V
- Vittoria
- Monolithic
- Rifar Monolit 500
- Royal Thermo BiLiner 500
- With side connection
- Halsen BS 500/100
- Oasis BM 500/80
- SIRA Ali Metal 500
- With bottom connection
- Rifar Base Ventil 350
- KZTO Elegant 1250
- With a center distance of 35 cm
- ROYAL Thermo Revolution Bimetall 350
- RIFAR Monolit 350
- GLOBAL Style Plus 350
- With a center distance of 50 cm
- GLOBAL Style Extra 500
- FONDITAL Alustal 500/100
- RIFAL Alp 500
- With non-standard center distance
- Which bimetallic heating radiator is best for an apartment?
- How to calculate the number of sections
Types and comparison of bimetallic radiator designs
Based on the method of forming the radiator housings, they are divided into two types: monolithic and sectional devices.
We invite you to read the article: what It is better to install heating radiators in the apartment, where we will define the selection criteria, we will consider 17 of the most popular models.
Monolithic
Monolithic or panel bimetallic batteries – these are reliable and high-quality heating devices made of welded steel tubes covered on top with an aluminum alloy shell.




Non-detachable panels have a pleasing appearance that complements any interior. They are available in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to select the right panel size for any heating area. The only drawback of monolithic models is that they cannot be disassembled. If they fail, these radiators 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 a thermal engineering calculation. A single panel is assembled using a special socket wrench, screwing nipples into the horizontal manifold holes of the sections.

Depending on operating conditions, the number of sections in sectional devices can be increased or decreased, which is an undoubted advantage.
Unlike monolithic products, batteries are repaired by replacing damaged elements with new vertical elements.
What to look for when choosing
First of all, you need to inquire about the product's certification, the device's online rating, and the manufacturer's authority in the heating equipment market.
Service life, the ability to clean, and replace damaged sections of heating elements are important factors. It's important to consider the following list of characteristics to help you choose the best bimetallic heating radiator model. We'll examine them in more detail below.
Maximum pressure
A very important parameter. A sudden surge in hot water pressure in the heating system can cause the radiator to rupture. Centralized heating systems suffer from this problem. This factor must be taken into account when choosing bimetallic radiators.
Center distance
The center-to-center distance is the gap between the centers of the holes in the inlet and outlet manifolds (horizontal steel tubes). This dimension determines the dimensions of the device and, consequently, the heat transfer area.
The greater the center distance, the better the radiator's performance. Standard sizes are 500 mm, 350 mm, and 200 mm. However, models with other center distances are also available.

Heat transfer
When determining the best bimetallic radiators, heat output plays an important role. Manufacturers typically indicate the heating area of a panel or radiator section in their product documentation.
Below is an example of calculating the heat transfer of bimetallic radiators.
Reliability
When deciding to connect bimetallic radiators 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 for about 40 years.
Design
The appearance of room heating devices plays a major role when choosing a particular bimetallic radiator model. The beautiful shape of the monolithic panels and sections with their aluminum converter curls create an attractive image.

For lovers of extravagant styles, you can purchase modern heating appliances painted in radically bright colors.
Top bimetallic radiators
The Russian heating market offers its products to many well-known, reputable manufacturers of bimetallic radiators, such as:
Current ratings are readily available online, representing the top bimetallic heating radiators based on a specific design, connection scheme, and center-to-center distance.
Below we will review the best bimetallic models available on the Russian heating market, selected by our specialists based on the above criteria.
Sectional
Among the popular sectional bimetallic models, we have compiled an up-to-date rating of the best models.
Revolution Bimetal
The units are available in two models: bottom and side connections. Their technical and design features include increased convection, attractive design, an operating pressure of 30 atm, and an average heat output of 150 W per section.

Indigo Super
Increased heating surface. The complex convective design of the aluminum section casing effectively blocks cold airflow coming through the window sill. Maximum pressure: 30 atm. Heat output per section: 175 W.

Revolution Bimetall V
The device boasts high energy efficiency. A vertical insert can be installed with an M30x1.5 automatic temperature controller connection.

Vittoria
The intricate, openwork configuration of the aluminum convection petals, giving the radiator a unique, beautiful appearance, enhances heat transfer. The design complements any interior style.
According to the manufacturer, all internal steel pipelines undergo mandatory additional anti-corrosion treatment. All Vittoria brand products are covered by a 15-year warranty.

Monolithic
In terms of technical specifications, monolithic water heaters are in no way inferior to their sectional counterparts. The units are manufactured using a special technology that involves casting a steel body under pressure and then applying a layer of aluminum alloy on top using an extrusion process.
Panel radiators have a service life of up to 50 years. Based on this year's ratings, we'll examine the best monolithic radiators.
Rifar Monolit 500
This model is suitable for any central heating system. Unlike its counterparts, the Rifar Monolit 500 can withstand extreme pressure loads of up to 100 atm and provides efficient heat transfer with minimal heat loss.
Sections with stainless steel channels are welded together using a unique technology to form 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 features a unique design. The radiator's internal air cavities and upper outlets ensure comprehensive heat exchange throughout the room. Because of this design feature, the radiator is placed under a wide windowsill. The radiator can withstand any type of coolant and is resistant to water hammer.

With side connection
In one of the latest ratings, a test of heating radiators with side connection identified bimetallic batteries as the best in this regard.
Halsen BS 500/100
The Halsen BS 500/100 radiator has made it to the top of the list of the best side-connected heating devices because, according to user reviews, there have been no warranty claims for models in this line throughout their entire service life.
The powerful steel reinforcement can withstand pressures exceeding 50 atm. Efficient heat transfer, easy installation, and a 20-year warranty are all undeniable advantages of this model.

Oasis BM 500/80
The attractive design and shallow depth of the radiators allow them to be installed under windows on a flat wall without requiring a recess. They blend harmoniously into any room's interior.
Manifolds made of high-quality steel are resistant to highly alkaline coolants. Leak-proofing is ensured by pressure testing of the components at 35 bar.

SIRA Ali Metal 500
High-pressure radiators from the Italian manufacturer SIRA perform well in domestic central heating systems. These models feature larger diameter vertical steel tubes.
At a radiator surface temperature of 700 One section with a power of 185 W heats 1.5 m2 room area. The curved petals of the aluminum shell promote intensive convection of warm air masses.

With bottom connection
When laying hot water pipes at floor level or under the floor covering, bimetallic radiators with bottom connections are installed.
The inlet and outlet pipes are located at the bottom of the radiator. The following models are among the best heating radiators.
Rifar Base Ventil 350
Wall-mounted sectional bimetallic radiators offer a beautiful appearance. The high-heat-transfer sections can withstand coolant temperatures up to 135 degrees Celsius.
The permissible operating pressure of 20 atm allows for 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 Plant of Thermal Equipment are bimetallic batteries
Elegant 1250 heating system with bottom connection. With compact dimensions of 500–2000 x 250 x 110 mm and a center-to-center distance of 350 mm, these radiators can withstand coolant temperatures up to 135°C with a high heat output of 285 W per section. Currently, this is one of the best bimetallic heating devices produced domestically.

With a center distance of 35 cm
BM heating batteries with an interaxial distance of 350 mm are distinguished by good heat transfer in small dimensions.
In the Russian heating equipment 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
The special finning of the convection aluminum shell enhances heat flow on both sides of the radiator. The seven-layer coating of the aluminum frame with a special composition allows the radiators to be installed in rooms with high humidity.

RIFAR Monolit 350
Excellent performance, low hot water quality requirements, and the ability to withstand coolant temperatures up to 135 degrees make these radiators ideal for use in autonomous steam heating systems.
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 configurations. These radiators appeal to consumers living in areas where central heating systems are prone to pressure surges.
The 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 have a 500 mm center-to-center distance. This size allows for a minimal number of radiators to be installed due to the large heating surface area of the radiator.
The best batteries with this parameter include the following devices.
GLOBAL Style Extra 500
This model was specifically designed by the Italian manufacturer for use in the challenging conditions of Russia's centralized heating systems. It is resistant to sudden pressure surges and unexpected water hammers up to 52 atm. The classically beautiful design of the GLOBAL Style Extra 500 will enhance the interior of any room.

FONDITAL Alustal 500/100
One of the best and most reliable bimetallic models. The maximum operating pressure of 40 atm allows for operation in the most challenging central hot water supply conditions.
It withstands poor-quality coolant. The manufacturer provides a 20-year warranty on its products.
RIFAL Alp 500
The affordable RIFAL Alp 500 heating unit is comparable to its more expensive counterparts in many respects. Domestic products use a nipple system with conical silicone seals.
This virtually eliminates leaks. The unit's power can always be increased by adding sections.
With non-standard center distance
The TIANRUN Rondo 150 floor-standing model is considered the best bimetallic heating element with a non-standard center-to-center distance. The 150 mm center-to-center distance allows for placement of radiators under panoramic windows and stained-glass windows without obstructing the view of the surrounding landscape.
The product's compact height is offset by its depth and the number of sections within a single unit. The TIANRUN Rondo 150 radiator's sectional design allows for the assembly of heating equipment of virtually any width. The heating power of a single section is up to 700 C is 95 watts.

Which bimetallic heating radiator is best for an apartment?
When installing new heating devices in apartments or replacing old ones with bimetallic ones, it is necessary to take into account the operating pressure limits for which they are designed.
You also need to take into account the quality of the coolant, and if it is low, 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 are those that can withstand pressure surges of up to 30 atm. It's important to consider the standard pressure in the central heating network.
How to calculate the number of sections
We suggest using it online calculator for calculating the number of heating radiator sections by the area of the room.
Each manufacturer of sectional bimetallic radiators specifies the power of one section in the accompanying documentation. For example, a section with a power of 1.85 W can heat 1.5 m2 room area. Dividing the area by 1.5 yields the required number of vertical BM battery segments.
If a room has two windows and requires 20 sections for heating, then radiators with 10 sections are installed under each window sill. The condition and material of the room's or the house's wall cladding are also taken into account when calculating the number of sections. If the structures are more than 20-30 years old, experts recommend incorporating a factor of 1.2 when calculating the number of sections.










I settled on Royal radiators. A decent warranty period and several layers of spray coating were the advantages that convinced me.