Flat panel radiator, panel radiator, valve-integrated panel radiator, compact panel radiator: the names sound like four different appliances, but usually describe the same radiator from different perspectives. One term describes the construction, another the connection, another the front. Here we sort out the terms, explain the type numbers 11, 21, 22 and 33 and say which types we supply in Hagen.
Flat panel and panel radiators: the construction
A panel radiator consists of flat steel panels through which heating water flows. Because it sits so flat against the wall, it is also commonly called a flat panel radiator. Both terms refer to the simple standard radiator found under windows in living rooms and bedrooms.
These are distinct from designer radiators, towel radiators with tubes for towels, or old cast-iron sectional radiators. The term “radiator” is used colloquially for all heating emitters of this kind.
Reading the type number: 11, 21, 22, 33
The type number describes the construction of a panel radiator. The first digit gives the number of heating panels through which the heating water flows. The second gives the rows of convector fins between the panels. Air warms against these folded metal sheets and rises through the top grille into the room.
| Type | Heating panels | Rows of fins | Our availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 22 | 2 | 2 | held in stock in Hagen, 104.3 mm deep |
| Type 33 | 3 | 3 | held in stock in Hagen, 160.3 mm deep |
The more panels and fins, the deeper the radiator and the more heat it emits at the same height and length. Type 11 and Type 21 are other panel radiator constructions named using the same counting method. We do not supply them; we mention them here only to help you identify your old radiator. The differences in output and depth between Type 22 and Type 33 are explained in the guide Type 22 or Type 33 radiator.
Identify your old radiator by looking down through the grille and counting the panels and rows of fins.
Valve-integrated or compact panel radiator: the connection
These two terms describe how the radiator connects to the pipes, rather than its panels:
- Compact panel radiators connect at the side. The thermostatic valve sits externally at one of the side connections, with a radiator union opposite.
- Valve-integrated panel radiators have an integrated valve: the valve insert sits inside the radiator, and the connection is usually at the bottom via an H-block valve. The pipes then emerge neatly from the wall or floor below the radiator.
Our valve-integrated panel radiators can do both. They have six connections with ½ inch female threads, two each on the left, right and bottom. They can be connected at the bottom left, bottom right or at the side like a compact panel radiator. Unused openings are closed with the supplied blanking and air vent plugs. Our radiators do not have a bottom centre connection. For a bottom connection, an angled or straight H-block valve is added; our two-pipe H-block valve has ½ inch connections at 50 mm centres on the radiator side.
Flat-front or profiled radiator: the front
“Flat” and “profiled” refer to the front. A profiled radiator has pressed grooves; a flat-front radiator has a smooth surface. A valve-integrated panel radiator can therefore have either a profiled or flat front.
If you want the smooth look without replacing the radiator, fit a Plan cover plate in front. We supply it in 30 sizes with heights of 40, 50, 60 and 90 cm, made of steel and powder-coated white. More in the guide Plan cover plate.
Which types we hold in stock in Hagen
We supply valve-integrated panel radiators in two types: Type 22 and Type 33. Both are steel, powder-coated white (RAL 9016), with output rated to DIN EN 442 (75/65/20), for up to 10 bar and 120 °C. They are supplied with a valve insert (included loose, not pre-fitted), wall brackets with plugs and screws, plus blanking and air vent plugs. Heights are 40, 50, 60 and 90 cm. The lengths available for each height are shown in the guide Type 22 and Type 33 radiator dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a flat panel radiator the same as a panel radiator?
In everyday usage, yes. Both terms mean the flat standard radiator made from steel panels. “Panel radiator” describes the construction, while “flat panel radiator” describes its shape against the wall.
What is the difference between a valve-integrated and a compact panel radiator?
The connection. On a compact panel radiator, the thermostatic valve sits externally at the side connection. On a valve-integrated panel radiator, the valve insert is integrated and the connection is usually at the bottom through an H-block valve. Our valve-integrated panel radiators can be connected at the bottom or side.
What does Type 11, Type 21 or Type 22 mean?
The first digit gives the heating panels, the second the rows of fins. Type 22 therefore has two heating panels and two rows of fins. Type 11 and Type 21 are other constructions named using the same counting method; we do not supply them. We supply Type 22 and Type 33.
Which radiator types do you hold in stock?
Type 22 and Type 33 valve-integrated panel radiators in heights of 40, 50, 60 and 90 cm, all in white. Plus accessories such as H-block valves, thermostatic heads and the Plan cover plate.
Are your radiators available with a centre connection?
No. Our valve-integrated panel radiators connect at the bottom left, bottom right or side. If your pipes arrive centrally beneath the radiator, a qualified installer must adapt the pipework.
Matching products and collection in Hagen
Both types are shown side by side in the collection Valve-integrated panel radiators; H-block valves and thermostatic heads are listed under Radiator accessories. What to measure on the old radiator before buying is explained in the guide Replacing a radiator.
Add the type and size to the enquiry list and send your enquiry. We reply with price, availability and a collection date. Collection is from the warehouse – Im Mühlenwert 22, 58135 Hagen (rear entrance), Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30 and Sat 10–14, by appointment. Advice is also available at the shop – Eilper Straße 29, 58091 Hagen. More about the location on the page Radiators in Hagen. Installation and connection are carried out by a qualified installer.