Electric storage boiler for water heating: criteria for choosing a water heater + rating of the best manufacturers

Installation rules and fastening

1. Grounding is a prerequisite for the correct and safe installation of water heaters, because it is grounding that ensures the correct functioning of the anti-corrosion anode. In addition, if a properly grounded water heater receives a discharge of electricity, for example, during a thunderstorm, this will not lead to damage and failure.

2. For storage water heaters with a capacity of more than 2 kW, it is necessary to install special wiring with sufficient throughput and with automatic shutdown. It is not recommended to connect even low-power heaters to a regular outlet.

3.For suspended water heaters, a load-bearing wall is selected and mounted on powerful hooks. Floor boilers are installed at a safe distance from heating and heating appliances.

Built-in storage water heaters are best left to professionals to install.

The best storage water heaters for 100 liters

Large volume boilers are most often in demand in residential areas where there is no water or supply occurs very rarely, in summer cottages and in country houses. Also, a large device is in demand in families where the number of members is more than 4 people. Any of the 100-liter storage water heaters proposed by experts will allow you to bathe and perform household tasks with hot water without turning it on again.

Zanussi ZWH/S 100 Splendore XP 2.0

A rectangular compact boiler with a large capacity will allow you not to limit yourself in water procedures, while saving electricity and free space in the room. Stainless steel will protect against dirt, damage, corrosion. For comfortable control, the Smart electronic system, display, light indication and thermometer are provided. Power Zanussi ZWH / S 100 Splendore XP 2.0 2000 W, the check valve will withstand pressure up to 6 atmospheres. Protective functions will save the device from running dry, overheating, scale and corrosion. It will be possible to bring water to 75 degrees in an average of 225 minutes.

Advantages

• Compactness and light weight;
• Clear management;
• Water sanitation system;
• Timer;
• Safety.

Flaws

Price.

Maximum heating accuracy down to a degree ensures uninterrupted stable operation. Good thermal insulation and anti-freeze preserve the integrity of the body, and this guarantees a long service life.The manufacturer notes that inside the tank the water is disinfected. Inside the Zanussi ZWH / S 100 Splendore XP 2.0, a good check valve and RCD are installed.

Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW 100

This model demonstrates impeccable aesthetics and concise design. The steel snow-white body in the shape of a rectangle does not take up as much space as round boilers with greater depth. The increased power of 2500 W guarantees heating up to 80 degrees much faster than expected. Mounting can be either vertical or horizontal. For clear control, there is a light indication, an electronic display with information and an accelerated work option. Safety is ensured by a temperature limiter, overheating protection, non-return valve, auto-off. Unlike other nominees, there is a self-diagnosis here.

Advantages

• Convenient form factor;
• 2 anodes and heating element with silver for water disinfection;
• Increased power and fast heating;
• Display for control;
• Good security options;
• Exposure to 8 atmospheres of water pressure.

Flaws

• There is no fasteners in the kit;
• Unreliable display electronics.

In terms of quality and functions, this is an impeccable device for home use, which is confirmed by numerous reviews. The control system is not so durable, after some time it can issue inaccurate information. But this does not affect the performance and safety of the Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW 100 boiler.

Stiebel Eltron PSH 100 Classic

The device guarantees a high level of performance, classic design and quality. With a volume of 100 liters, it can operate at a power of 1800 W, heating water in the range of 7-70 degrees, the user sets the desired option.The heating element is made of copper, resistant to mechanical stress, corrosion. The water pressure should not exceed 6 atmospheres. The device is equipped with protective elements and systems against corrosion, scale, freezing, overheating, there is a thermometer, mounting bracket.

Advantages

• Low heat loss;
• service life;
• High security;
• Easy installation;
• Convenient management;
• Ability to set the optimum temperature.

Flaws

• No built-in RCD;
• A relief valve may be required.

Unlike many nominees in this device, you can set the water heating mode up to 7 degrees. The boiler consumes not so much electricity, withstanding heat longer due to the polyurethane coating. The inlet pipe inside the structure provides 90% of the unmixed water in the tank, which also protects the water from rapid cooling.

Wiring diagram for an indirect heating boiler

The boiler serves several water intake points, providing stable water parameters. Its consumption is limited only by the capacity of the unit. It is convenient for frequent interruptions in water supply and power supply. When the tap is opened, hot water flows immediately without prior draining, which is typical for instantaneous water heaters.

If in the established boiler uses indirect heatingPlease note that hot water is only available during the heating season. In the summer, it is necessary to periodically turn on the boiler or switch to an alternative source of heat carrier seasonally. The disadvantage of using this type of unit is the inertia of its operation - it takes a long time to heat a large volume of water.

A gas or solid fuel boiler, a centralized heating system, solar panels or a heat pump can serve as a source for heating the coolant. Models are produced with two heat exchangers to use different heat sources.

Rating of the best manufacturers of storage water heaters

We have selected for you several models of water heating tanks in different price segments.

Budget models

Model	Characteristics
	Ariston PRO 10R/3 Good for washing hands and dishes. Pros: Compact, easy to hide under the sink; Square shape, stylish appearance; The volume is 10 liters, and the power is 1.2 kW - the water will heat up very quickly. Minuses: The price of $80 for a small tank is not high, but not small either; There is no power cord included. Although the scope of delivery may vary.
	ATLANTIC O'PRO EGO 50 Inexpensive tank within $ 100 with a capacity of 50 liters. Pros: Additional anti-corrosion protection O'Pro; Thermostat with overheating protection; Small power 1.5KW, corresponding electricity consumption; Heating water for 2 hours to a comfortable temperature. Flaws: There is no wire to connect to the network, but this situation is observed on many other models; The temperature control is not very conveniently located.
	ARISTON JUNIOR NTS 50 Tank with a capacity of 1.5 kW and 50 liters of volume, Italian brand, assembled in Russia. Good model for a reasonable price. Pros: The cost is about 80 dollars; Heating water in 2 hours - fast enough with low energy consumption; Quality assembly; The kit includes a wire with a plug for connecting to the network. Disadvantages: water supply pipes rust over time.

Models of the middle price category

Premium Models

No. 7. Additional functions, equipment, installation

When choosing an electric water heater, it does not hurt to pay attention to its equipment and additional options:

• for a storage boiler, a layer of thermal insulation is important. It must be at least 35 mm so that the water in the tank remains warm for a long time, saving the family budget. Foamed polyurethane is an order of magnitude superior to foam rubber and will be the preferred material;
• The overheating protection function is an important part of your safety. If the boiler will be operated in the country, then it is worth looking at a model with a freezing prevention mode;
• the timer will allow heating at night, when electricity is cheaper. Such models are not much more expensive than usual ones and will be useful to those who have a two-tariff meter installed;
• each boiler has a certain degree of protection against moisture. If the device will be used in the bathroom, it is better to take a model with IP44, in other cases, the minimum level of protection IP23 will be sufficient;
• as a rule, normal manufacturers complete their boilers with a power cable and a blast valve. The latter is installed at the point where the water pipe enters the boiler and prevents overpressure. Also, the presence of factory brackets will not interfere, thanks to which the boiler will be mounted;
• it is worth taking care of the presence of a sleeve for isolating stray currents.

Most likely, you will have to buy water pipes, valves, connecting fittings, and sometimes fasteners. If the water in the region is supersaturated with salts, it does not hurt to install a filter.

The installation of the boiler must be carried out by a professional who is able to strictly follow the instructions and the requirements specified in it. Otherwise, there may be problems with the warranty repair of the equipment.

It is important to ensure proper grounding and check that the pressure in the water supply corresponds to the working pressure of the boiler: if cold water is supplied with more pressure than it should, a pressure reducer will have to be installed. Finally, we note that there must be enough free space in front of the boiler

Storage water heaters: scope

A boiler is appropriate if water is consumed moderately, that is, in short cycles. This is a more common option: two to four people live in an apartment and hot water is needed occasionally to rinse a plate, wash your face or take a short 10-minute shower.

At the same time, mixers can be used simultaneously in the bathroom and in the kitchen.True, if someone takes a shower, it is again better to refrain from using the kitchen tap, otherwise a 10-minute shower will turn into a 5-minute one.

Horizontal storage water heater

For houses with weak wiring that cannot withstand high power, the boiler is the only option: the most productive representatives of this family consume no more than 3 kW of electricity.

Device and principle of operation

The accumulator is a tank with double walls, the inner space of which is filled with a heat insulator, for example, polyurethane foam. The tank is equipped with two nozzles: the inlet for cold water is located at the bottom, the outlet is at the top. A heating element and a magnesium anode are installed inside the tank (prevents the deposition of salts on the heating element).

Turning on and off the heating element is carried out automatically by means of a thermostat, on which the user sets the desired temperature. During the operation of the water supply system, heated water is supplied to the mixer, which, in accordance with the laws of physics, is supplied from above, and in the meantime, cold water enters from below, which is heated.

What to consider when choosing a storage boiler?

It is important to choose the correct volume of the device. If it turns out to be insufficient, you will often have to pause while waiting for the water to warm up.

An unreasonably large volume is also bad: the time for heating water and heat loss increase.

The value of the latter should also be taken into account when choosing a model. The most economical water heaters lose from 0.7 to 1.6 kWh of heat per day (at a water temperature of 65 degrees).

Installation

Boilers up to 150 liters are most often wall-mounted and hung on special brackets.

More voluminous models are simply installed on the floor.

The device is turned on in a regular outlet, but it is still better to connect the wire for it separately by connecting it through the RCD.

With a lack of space in the apartment, the buyer can choose a horizontal model that can be placed under the ceiling or in a niche. True, in terms of ease of use, such devices are much inferior to vertical ones.

Pros and cons

Instantaneous storage water heaters have the following advantages:

Compact dimensions allow you to place a water heater even in a small apartment, but this characteristic applies only to models of about 10-15 liters. The device does not clutter up the space, easily fitting into any interior.

High speed of work is sure to come in handy when you need to heat water as soon as possible. As soon as the liquid begins to cool, it will be possible to turn on the flow mode and maintain the optimum temperature.

The installation process of the device is simple and easy. Many modern models can be connected to the system through a shower hose. If you follow the instructions exactly, you can do the work yourself.

When combining two types of heaters, engineers combined their positive qualities and eliminated their shortcomings.

This is a practical and convenient option for giving. In this case, experts recommend making a choice in favor of non-pressure devices.

Reasonable cost (compared to other models on the market).

Water heaters do not require frequent maintenance.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then it is worth noting the following:

Instantaneous storage water heaters have a complex design. The circuit includes several heating elements, which complicates the repair process.

You can find products only in specialized stores, in large cities, as they are just beginning to gain popularity.

During operation, temperature fluctuations can be observed while the equipment is operating in flow mode. It all depends on the temperature of the water entering the tank.

Manufacturers

There are various models of electric storage water heaters from a large number of manufacturers on the market. In order to freely navigate this diversity, you need to study at least a little the rating of firms that produce quality products.

Ariston and Hotpoint are brands owned by Indesit, based in Italy. These brands are in an affordable price segment, while they are characterized by above-average quality. The manufacturer does not equip the products of these brands with complex electronics and a wide range of functions. Yes, they are not needed here. The simpler the equipment, the easier it is to repair and maintain.

Electrolux is already a more expensive brand. Such water heaters are better than the previous version only due to the presence of sophisticated electronics. Such models cost more, of course. There are also available models with mechanical control in the assortment of the Swedish company, but they cannot boast of a large capacity.

Hyundai, as it turned out, produces not only cars, but also storage devices for heating water. And very high quality and reliable. The problem with this firm is that there are several companies that own the trademark. The highest quality models are produced by the company that also specializes in cars.

Thermex is a well-known Russian company in the market of water heaters. Its products are of high quality and reliable, it is not for nothing that the manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty, and the warranty for the internal tank lasts 5 years. Budget models do not belong here, they will not be able to work for so long. But water heaters with a price above the average will work for many years without creating problems for the user.

Timberk is a company from Finland, whose history began about 20 years ago. Although the production of water heaters was launched recently. The company is mainly focused on the production of climatic equipment, which is in high demand in Europe. The success of water heaters was not long in coming.

When you want to buy an inexpensive water heater, for example, for a summer residence, many users pay attention to the Moydodyr company. The line of equipment consists of small units (maximum 30 liters), which are convenient to use for household needs and personal hygiene

Products are inexpensive, with average quality.