Stainless Steel or Brass: Which Manifold Is the Better Choice?

Manifolds form the heart of modern surface heating systems. They ensure that the heating water is distributed evenly across all circuits – precisely, reliably, and consistently. However, when it comes to choosing the right material, installers and builders often face the same question: brass or stainless steel? Both materials are proven, robust, and technically sound, yet a closer look reveals clear differences – particularly in terms of durability, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency.

Stainless Steel – Lightweight, Durable, and Future-Proof

Stainless steel has become the preferred material for modern heating circuit distributors in recent years. The non-rusting steel (mostly AISI 304 or 316 stainless steel) impresses with its exceptional corrosion resistance. Even under fluctuating temperatures, aggressive heating water, or mixed installations, stainless steel remains permanently stable. It does not develop stress cracks, verdigris deposits, or hazardous material wear.

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Edelstahl Heizkreisverteiler mit 6 Heizkreisen, inklusive Kugelhähne, Durchflussmesser, automatischer Entlüfter

Brass – proven, but not always optimal

For a long time, brass was considered the standard material in heating installations. The material is tough, pressure-resistant, and easy to work with—ideal properties for a conventional heating manifold. However, with increasing demands for efficiency and longevity, its weaknesses become increasingly apparent.

Brass is significantly heavier than stainless steel and can develop lime and zinc deposits over the years. In heating systems with hard water or oxygen ingress, this often leads to cloudiness, verdigris, and even material efflorescence. In addition, mixed installations (e.g., stainless steel pipes combined with brass manifolds) carry the risk of galvanic corrosion, an electrochemical process that causes gradual material degradation.

Technical and Environmental Advantages of Stainless Steel at a Glance

Criterion Stainless Steel Brass
Corrosion Resistance Very high – ideal for varying water types Good, but more sensitive to hard water
Weight Light, installation-friendly Heavy, cumbersome
Price-Performance More affordable with comparable quality More expensive, especially for large systems
Environmental Impact 100% recyclable, low CO₂ emissions during production Energy-intensive production, requires copper
Long-Term Performance No dezincification, no stress cracking Risk of dezincification and corrosion

Stainless Steel in Practice

Installers particularly value stainless steel manifolds because they are low-maintenance and integrate seamlessly into modern heating systems. They work reliably in combination with heat pumps, solar thermal systems, or condensing technology, even at higher operating temperatures. Additionally, they are fully compatible with stainless steel, composite, and plastic pipes without causing galvanic currents.


Both materials generally serve their purpose, but for long-term thinking, stainless steel is hard to beat. The combination of durability, corrosion resistance, ease of installation, and cost advantages makes stainless steel manifolds the best choice for modern heating systems. While brass has its tradition, stainless steel sets new standards in efficiency and sustainability.

Heating circuit distributor overview table
Edelstahl Heizkreisverteiler 3 Heizkreise3 heating circuits
94,00€
In stock
Edelstahl Heizkreisverteiler 4 Heizkreise4 heating circuits
114,00€
In stock
Edelstahl Heizkreisverteiler 5 Heizkreise5 heating circuits
129,00€
In stock
Edelstahl Heizkreisverteiler 6 Heizkreise6 heating circuits
134,00€
Out of stock
Edelstahl Heizkreisverteiler 7 Heizkreise7 heating circuits
149,00€
In stock
layers Heating circuits 3 4 5 6 7
straighten max. Size
(Length x Width x Height)
L: 320 mm
W: 107 mm
H: 315 mm
L: 370 mm
W: 107 mm
H: 315 mm
L: 420 mm
W: 107 mm
H: 315 mm
L: 470 mm
W: 107 mm
H: 315 mm
L: 520 mm
W: 107 mm
H: 315 mm