Burnham Radiators
Consumers Supply stocks Baseray & Slenderized cast iron radiators by Burnham. Click Here for Used Radiators
Burnham Radiators & Hydronic Heating Products by U.S. Boiler Company
Burnham radiators by U.S. Boiler Company are a top choice for homeowners, plumbers, and heating contractors across the country. Known for exceptional durability, energy efficiency, and American-made quality, Burnham hydronic heating products deliver consistent, reliable warmth for both residential and light commercial applications.
The Burnham lineup includes a broad range of high-efficiency hydronic heating equipment—from cast iron steam radiators and hot water baseboard radiators to the popular Baseray cast iron baseboard radiator series. Many Burnham products meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® efficiency standards, making them an excellent choice for energy-conscious homeowners looking to reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
Why choose Burnham hydronic heating products?
- Industry-leading high-efficiency hydronic heating equipment for homes and businesses
- Backed by experienced engineering and technical support teams
- Continuous innovation in cast iron radiator and boiler technology
- World-class manufacturing with strict quality control standards
- Proudly Made in America in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
U.S. Boiler Company manufactures Burnham products at its advanced production facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, using state-of-the-art CNC (computer numerical controlled) machinery. This precision manufacturing ensures extremely tight tolerances, resulting in cast iron radiators and boilers built for decades of dependable service in hydronic heating systems.
Whether you’re replacing an old steam radiator, upgrading to a more efficient hot water baseboard system, or outfitting a new construction project, Consumers Supply carries a full selection of Burnham cast iron radiators, slenderized radiators, baseboard radiators, and hydronic heating accessories. Our team is ready to help you find the right product for your heating system—call us or stop into our Chicago showroom at 1110 W Lake St.
Burnham continues to set the benchmark for hydronic heating performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. With one of the most complete heating product lines available and a legacy spanning decades, Burnham remains one of the most trusted names in the American heating industry.
New Cast Iron Radiators — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about buying new cast iron radiators for steam and hot water systems in Chicago
Q
Where can I buy a new cast iron radiator in Chicago?
Consumers Supply Company at 1110 W. Lake St. in Chicago stocks new Burnham cast iron radiators — one of the very few suppliers in the Chicago area that carries new radiators off the shelf. The store is open to the public, homeowners and building owners are welcome to walk in, no contractor required. Call (312) 666-6080 to discuss sizing and confirm availability before making the trip.
Q
Are new cast iron radiators still made?
Yes. Burnham continues to manufacture new cast iron sectional radiators for both steam and hot water heating systems. This surprises many people who assume cast iron radiators are only available used. New Burnham radiators are built in sections that can be assembled to any required size, use the same pipe connections as vintage radiators, and are fully compatible with existing steam and hot water systems in older Chicago buildings.
Q
Why would I need a new cast iron radiator?
The most common reasons are a cracked or leaking radiator that can’t be repaired, a missing radiator in a room that was added or renovated, a radiator that was removed during a previous renovation and never replaced, or a building owner adding heat to a space that didn’t previously have it. New cast iron radiators are also used in historic restoration projects where maintaining the original character of a Chicago greystone, brownstone, or vintage apartment building matters. In all of these cases, a new Burnham radiator integrates seamlessly with the existing steam or hot water system.
Q
How do I know how many sections I need?
Cast iron radiators are sized by the number of sections, and each section provides a certain amount of heat output measured in BTUs or EDR (Equivalent Direct Radiation). The number of sections needed depends on the size of the room, the insulation level, ceiling height, and the number of exterior walls and windows. A general starting point is to match the output of the radiator that previously served the space. If you have the old radiator on hand, count the sections and bring that information to Consumers Supply — call (312) 666-6080 and we can help identify the right section count for your situation.
Q
Will a new Burnham radiator work with my existing steam system?
Yes. New Burnham cast iron radiators are designed to be fully compatible with existing one-pipe and two-pipe steam systems, which are the dominant heating systems in Chicago’s older building stock. They use standard pipe connections and are available in both steam and hot water configurations. A plumber familiar with steam systems can connect a new Burnham radiator to your existing piping with minimal disruption to the rest of the system.
Q
What is the difference between a steam radiator and a hot water radiator?
Steam radiators are designed to receive steam from the boiler, which condenses inside the radiator and releases heat. One-pipe steam radiators have a single connection at the bottom and a small air vent on the side. Two-pipe steam systems have supply and return connections. Hot water radiators circulate heated water continuously through the radiator using a pump. The two types are not interchangeable — replacement radiators must match the existing system type. If you’re unsure which type your building has, call Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 and we can help you identify it.
Q
Can I add a radiator to a room that doesn’t currently have one?
Yes, in most cases. Adding a new radiator requires running new supply and return piping from the existing system to the new radiator location, which is work for a licensed steam or hot water heating contractor. The feasibility depends on the layout of the existing piping and whether there is adequate boiler capacity to serve the additional radiation. For buildings with steam heat, a heating contractor can assess whether the boiler and piping can support an added radiator before you purchase. Consumers Supply stocks Burnham radiators ready for pickup when your contractor is ready to install.
Q
How long does a new cast iron radiator last?
New cast iron radiators, properly installed and maintained, can last 50 to 100 years or more — which is why so many original radiators from Chicago buildings constructed in the early 1900s are still in service today. Cast iron is extremely durable, does not corrode easily in a properly maintained system, and requires virtually no maintenance beyond keeping the air vents clear on steam systems. A new Burnham radiator installed today should comfortably outlast the building owner who installs it.
Q
Should I repair or replace a leaking cast iron radiator?
It depends on where the leak is. Leaks at the pipe connections — the supply valve, the air vent, or the union fitting — are almost always repairable without touching the radiator itself. A crack in the cast iron body of the radiator, however, is generally not repairable and the radiator should be replaced. A plumber can diagnose the source of the leak and advise on repair vs. replacement. If replacement is the answer, Consumers Supply stocks new Burnham radiators in a range of section counts for same-day pickup at 1110 W. Lake St.
Q
Can I paint a new cast iron radiator?
Yes. New Burnham cast iron radiators arrive unfinished and can be painted to match any interior. The standard recommendation is to use a heat-resistant paint rated for radiator temperatures. Flat or semi-gloss finishes in any color work well. One important note: never paint radiator air vents, as paint can clog the small opening and prevent the vent from functioning properly. The vent should be removed before painting and replaced after the paint has dried.
Q
Does Consumers Supply sell new radiators to homeowners directly?
Yes. Consumers Supply is open to the public — homeowners and building owners can walk in and purchase new Burnham cast iron radiators directly, no contractor required. Many customers buy the radiator themselves and have their plumber or heating contractor handle the installation. Stop by at 1110 W. Lake St. in Chicago or call (312) 666-6080 to discuss section count, sizing, and current availability.