Your Guide to Who Makes The Best Bifold Doors

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Nick Dardalis

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In the UK, there are numerous brands of bifolding doors to choose from. Contemporary aluminium bifolds are a great option for patio doors as they create a sense of spaciousness, connect your living space with the outdoors, and offer security, weather resistance, and energy efficiency.

In this guide, we discuss choosing the best bifold door; we explain our review process, and how we evaluate quality. We also provide recommendations for various categories, including the best overall, luxury, slimline, budget-friendly, Critical®-style, and heavy-duty bifolding doors.

I’m often asked to name the best bifolding door. In my opinion, Origin are the brand that provides the perfect balance of quality, styling, specifications and functionality. So, for that reason, they would be our pick for the best overall bifolding doors. However, “best” is subjective; aside from budget, it depends on the intended usage.

Nick Dardalis

How the Aluminium Trade Supply Website reviews bifold doors

We regularly visit systems companies, fabricators and installers to view their products being manufactured and fully installed in a display setting. We get routine and valuable feedback from manufacturers and installers who work with the product and those selling it to the trade or public.

The technical manuals for each new window or door contain essential information about design, aesthetics, sightlines, and technical elements. The people at the Aluminium Trade Supply Website have been part of the glazing industry since 1989 and have experience with all the various bifolding door brands. This allows us to understand and explain technical manuals accurately and without bias.

Evaluating quality when choosing the best bifold

Bifold doors vary in design, quality, price and features. The good news is there is no bad product on the market. Well-made and properly installed, even the lower-priced doors are reliable and will give you a good experience.

Everyone will have different criteria for choosing which bifold suits them best. The best bifolding doors will also depend on where you’re fitting them, for instance, in a dwelling as the main set of garden access doors, one of several patio door sets, or even a commercial environment where bars, restaurants or offices place greater demands on a bifold, compared with a door set in a typical home. In this guide we only consider Aluminium framed bi-folding doors, other materials such as timber and uPVC have not been included.

For security, energy efficiency, and weather protection, you can rest assured that all bi-fold doors provide good overall specifications, with most being tested to the latest security and weather performance requirements. With the correct glass specifications, they should also meet the requirements of current Building Regulations for new openings or replacement door projects.

Nick Dardalis

Therefore, whilst most salespeople may promote the higher quality aspect of their product it is unlikely the aluminium, colour and glass is significantly better on one product than the other. These key components are produced to set specifications and industry standards. In other words, aluminium can only be a certain grade for doors. The colour finish is done by professional applicators and glass is also made by the specialists.

Bearing mind mind that people will have different criteria when choosing the best bifold doors, so in this guide we have picked the best systems from each of the following styles:

Best Bifold Door at a glance

CategoryTop ChoiceKey Features
Best Overall Bifold for Most UsesOrigin OB-72/OB-49Balance of features, quality, price, aesthetics, security, handle options, availability, and brand reputation.
Premium BifoldsSolarlux Bifolding DoorsGerman made, multiple threshold options, self-cleaning tracks, LED lighting, exclusive locking and handle designs, high-end luxury.
Engineering and DesignSchuco ASS70 FD and AS FD 75German engineering, slim sightlines, high-end handles, wide panel options, contemporary styling.
Budget Bifolding Patio DoorsSmart Systems Visofold 1000/1000 SlimReliable, attractive, affordable, widely available, suitable for trade and DIY.
Heritage or Steel Look Bifold doorsAluco Steel-Look Bifolding DoorStepped heritage sash, premium quality, wide handle choice, complements steel-look windows.
Commercial and Heavy UseSolarlux Bifold DoorsIdeal for commercial environments, used in schools, libraries, various non-dwelling settings, robust design.
OUR CHOICE

Why Origin doors are the best overall bifolding doors

Origin provides the best balance of features, quality, price and specification. Both Origin OB-72 and OB-49 bifold doors combine virtually all of the features that make a fantastic overall bifold. Aesthetics, price, quality, security, handle options, availability, and brand reputation are all excellent with an Origin folding sliding door.

With an excellent guarantee, a nationwide network of great installers, standard or slim models, and arguably the best colour and personalisation options on the market. Origin does it best.

Premium Bifold Doors

If budget is not your primary consideration, the best high-end or luxury bifolding doors differ because they’re made and designed better than other brands. They also have features and options other bifold doors don’t come with.  Another reason to choose these doors is that the company that designed them also makes and supports them either directly or through a carefully selected and trained installer network.

OUR CHOICE

Solarlux Bifolding Doors

Solarlux invented bifold doors. When you choose a Solarlux bifold, whether all aluminium, all wood or a combination of wood and aluminium, this brand gives you several features you won’t find on other doors. Made in Germany, Solarlux doors offer more threshold and track options, self-cleaning tracks, optional LED lighting, and even the facility to clean the outside pane of glass from inside the house on certain models.

The locks, handles, and hardware are all designed by Solarlux – they do not use hardware from other manufacturers like most other brands. A Solalrux bifold is also one of the slimmest. The Solarlux Megaline is so advanced it can go up to heights only possible with the most expensive sliding doors.

Whichever of the Solarlux bifolding doors you choose, all promise a luxurious, high-end product with a distinctive style and the best possible materials and specifications. Solarlux is the best-engineered and made on the market. A Solarlux bifold costs more, it takes longer to make, and the lead times for delivery are longer, too. However, the waiting and overall investment are well worth it.

Centor Bifolding Doors

It’s the way Centor manufactures its luxurious and exclusive products, making them second on our list for best ultra-premium bi folding doors. Centor bifolds achieve what we know to be an unrivalled quality because the attention to detail applies at parts of the door set that other brands can ignore. Every other bifold door brand colours the aluminium first. Then they go through the cutting, machining and assembly process.

Centor assembles its doors first. Then, they go through the colouring process, ensuring any cut aluminium is covered by paint, creating a flawless finish at every part of the product. The handles used on these doors are also first class with remarkable styling and quality. Cantor even offers optional flyscreens. We know of no other bifold doors made with the attention to detail of a Centor. Centor isn’t the slimmest bifold, and they are expensive. However, when it comes to absolute quality, luxury and brand reputation, Centor is the go-to bifold. Find out more about Centor bifolds.

Sunflex Bifolding Doors

Another Made in Germany prestige bifolding door is Sunflex. The Sunflex brand delivers some of the slimmest sightlines and incredible product quality. Sunflex doors are all about style and carefully thought-out reasons to do things differently from other brands. One example is the main bifold door handles. Sunflex handles sit vertically, running down the profile instead of horizontally. As a result, you don’t get to see the back of the door handle as you look through the glass. Other components come with typical German over-engineering, such as the door catches, allowing sequential closing of the panels. Any Sunflex bifolding door provides excellent styling, thin aluminium profiles and overall user experience. It is also well-priced.

Award-winning Sunflex bifolding doors are available in aluminium or hybrid aluminium and timber versions and offer some of the highest specifications on the market.

Best Bi-fold door for overall engineering and design options

Certain bifold doors are engineered better and to meet specific needs. You may need a threshold and track for the disabled use or one that goes over and above what comes as standard. Perhaps you want the widest possible door panels and the best insulation, security and overall specifications. These bifolding doors automatically include the ultra-premium brands mentioned, but also include products offering an equally impressive product and user experience at a lower price.

OUR CHOICE

Schuco ASS70 FD and AS FD 75

You only have to operate a Schuco bifolding door, then try another brand and the quality, design, and engineering are obvious. Contemporary styling, slim sightlines, high-end door handles, German engineering and design, but made in the UK. Most glazing professionals regard the Schuco brand as one of the best too.

The ASS70 FD HD model comfortably provides panels up to 1.5m wide, creating the appearance of a sliding door, but with the functionality of a bifold. There are numerous installers of Schuco doors, so get in touch for details of one near you.

New for 2022 is the ASFD75, now slimmer than most on the market, yet with the same impressive 1.5m wide panels if you want them. Simply put, a Schuco bifold gives you the best of all worlds in terms of styling, capability, brand reputation and product quality.

Reynaers bifolding doors

The Reynaers bifolding doors range is another prestigious brand similar in quality and reputation to Schuco. Whether you choose the CF77 or the more recent CF68 model, both come with excellent styling and several opinions for the threshold. Reynaers products also meet more demanding installations, with insulation and frame upgrades giving even better performance. Reynaers also give you the thickest triple glass capability as well. The styling of Reynaers products is modern, appealing and works in any setting.

aïr900 bifolding doors

The aïr900 bifold doors are a re-engineered system exclusively made by Everglade Windows, one of the longest-established aluminium manufacturers in the UK. The experience and reputation of Everglade as an aluminium specialist are evident in these doors for build quality and product support.

With excellent specifications, some of the most luxurious door handles available and contemporary lines, aïr doors come with a 25-year guarantee and through an exclusive dealer network.

Bifolds with slim sightlines

In reality, most bifolding doors have similar dimensions to the surrounding frame, comprising the physical door panels. Where they differ are the dimensions of the closed-door panels or middle mullions. In our professional opinion, you should never discount an otherwise excellent bifolding door because it is a little thicker. Other features of the door, such as the quality of its components, how well it slides and folds and its overall design, matter more. However, if getting the thinnest possible dimension at the closed panel junctions matters the most, here are the best bifolding doors with the slimmest dimensions and providing a great overall door experience.

With a meeting panel dimension of 88mm, the Alumil Smartia MF65 is the slimmest product in the UK. However, you will struggle to find Alumil generally. The Express Bifolds product is our recommendation for the Alumil Smarta, which is exactly the same Alumil product.

OUR CHOICE

Smart Systems Visofold 6000

Smart Systems Visofold 6000 are the best bi folding doors for slim sightlines because the dimension is just 94mm whilst also having a fantastic price point. Widely available nationwide, this door is well designed, reliable and secure and comes from the UK’s biggest aluminium system company.

Visofold 6000 suits standard-size openings better than larger ones. Its door panels also don’t go as wide or as tall as other brands. The handle options are fewer too. However, its impressive slim mullion face dimensions and broad affordability make it worth considering. We’ve fully reviewed Visofold 6000 and think is a great product.

Schuco ASFD75

The latest Schüco folding sliding doors provide the slimmest option of the premium brands. These have a super-slim 90mm sightline with all the top-end engineering and design only Schüco excels at. These are the best bi folding doors on the market, with thin sightlines at the upper-end of the market.

Origin OB-49 bifolding doors

For 110mm slim mullion styling, the legendary Origin quality, some of the best bifold door handles on the market, and wide availability, when it comes to slim bifold doors, Origin’s OB-49 is hard to beat. Choose the OB-49, and you get the thin door mullions with the benefit of what we think is the best overall bifolding door you can buy right now.

Bifolding doors on a budget

The market for more affordable bifold doors is substantial. Many companies and brands provide quality products at slightly lower prices, appealing to the trade, DIY installers or those constrained by budget.  Here are the best budget bifolding doors.

OUR CHOICE

Smart Systems Visofold 1000 and Visofold 1000 Slim

The Visofold 1000 bifold door and the new slimmer version called Visofold 1000 Slim come from the UK’s biggest aluminium systems company. Visofold doors are tried and tested over many years, extensively used and provide anyone looking for a more affordable bifold door with a reliable and attractive product.

With such wide availability from numerous manufacturers, you’ll likely find the Smart Systems Visofold 1000 at a great price. Or you can get in touch with us for details of your nearest supplier or installer.

Aluk BSF70 HI Bifold Doors

Equal to the Visofold 1000 bifold door for longevity and reputation, also a firm favourite with the trade is Aluk’s BF73 bifold door. It’s styled similarly, has a heavy-duty version and is another super-reliable bifold when well-made and fitted.

The distinctive feature of the Aluk bifold is the pop-out T-Handle on the intermediate panels with options for better insulation, acoustics and security.

Alutech BF73 Bifold Doors

Newer on the market and designed to replicate the styling and size capability of the more premium Schüco ASS 70 FD model is the Alutech BF73 bifold door.

The sightlines are slim at 120mm, the prices affordable, and widely used under the Alutech brand, but also sold under other brand names. If there is a downside, it is the rather staid door handles provided with the BF73, which are only available in one style and a set range of colours, therefore limiting the choice.

Heritage Bi folding Doors in the Crittall® style and steel-look

In reality, any bifold door can have bars applied to the glass, giving it a Crittall® style, industrial, Scandi or Art-Deco look. However, you’ll mostly struggle to find a bifold with door profiles designed to replicate the steel look and one that isn’t an otherwise standard bifold door. There are two brands, we consider the best when it comes to the best bi folding doors in the Crittall® or industrial style.

OUR CHOICE

Aluco steel-look bifolding door

Based on the Visofold 6000 but improved an with a wider choice of handles, the Aluco steel-look bifolding door features a stepped heritage sash, excellent product quality and comes from a premium aluminium brand.

Aluco also has the advantage of providing steel-look windows, a full aluminium internal doors range, giving you a one-brand solution for steel replacement windows or new windows in this popular style.

Smart Systems Visofold 6000 with Heritage Sash

The Smart Systems Visofold 6000, mentioned earlier provided with a heritage sash, offers a similar stepped sash appearance as the best-selling Crittall style aluminium French door and comes with the same period handle option. It’s the only product on the market giving a more authentic style, and overall it’s an excellent product at a mid-range price.

Bi folding doors for heavy-duty and commercial use

The demands and expectations placed on a bifold door in a dwelling are significantly less than on a bifold in a commercial, public or higher-traffic environment. If your bifolding door is likely to have intensive use or higher traffic, we consider these to be the best for their standard or optional heavy-duty design and hardware for heavy usage. These doors are designed for restaurants, bars, shops, car showrooms, and other non-dwellings.

OUR CHOICE

Solarlux Bifold Doors

The Solarlux bifold is already extensively used in commercial environments and specified by architects for schools, libraries, leisure buildings and elsewhere. There’s also a non-insulated bifold used commercially in offices as partition screens or where flexible space is required.

The Ecoline, Highline and SL45 are three of the most commonly used and best bi folding doors for commercial use.

Comar 7P.i FSDX

Designed and made in the UK, Comar 7P.i FSDX is a slim bifold door also designed for commercial applications. The Comar bifold is already widely used in high-use buildings needing a strong, easy-to-use and reliable product.

Comar’s bifold is also designed to integrate fully with their other commercial products, such as curtain walling or shopfront systems.

Aluk BSF70 HD

Essentially with the same aluminium profiles as residential bifold, the Aluk BSF70 HD comes with heavier duty rollers and an increased weight per panel of up to 130kg. The maximum panel height reduces from 3000mm to 2400mm but it’s an excellent lower-cost solution for public buildings, retail and leisure.

What makes Origin OB-72/OB-49 the best overall bifolding doors?

Origin OB-72/OB-49 doors offer an optimal balance of features, including aesthetics, quality, security, handle options, and availability. They are well-regarded for their excellent guarantee, wide range of models, and extensive colour and personalisation options.

Why are Solarlux Bifolding Doors considered premium?

Solarlux Bifolding Doors, originating from Germany, provide luxury features like multiple threshold options, self-cleaning tracks, and optional LED lighting. Their locks, handles, and hardware are exclusively designed by Solarlux, offering a luxurious, high-end product with advanced materials and specifications.

What are the benefits of Smart Systems Visofold 1000/1000 Slim for budget-conscious buyers?

These doors are an affordable option, known for their reliability, attractiveness, and widespread availability. They cater well to both trade and DIY installations, making them a great choice for those seeking quality bifolding doors on a budget.

How does the Solarlux Bifold Door suit commercial and heavy-use environments?

The Solarlux Bifold is robust and designed for high-traffic areas, making them ideal for commercial settings like schools, libraries, and leisure buildings. Their design accommodates intensive use, with features suitable for non-dwelling environments.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
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09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
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Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
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After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
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20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
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So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
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Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
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My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
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