How to choose an indirect DHW tank: the top 10 models + tips for choosing

Water side connection

If the draw-off points are located near the heating tank, the connection is made according to the typical scheme shown below. Let's explain the functions of some elements:

• a pressure reducer is recommended for pressure surges above 6 bar;
• check valve on the supply of cold water does not allow the tank to empty into the water main;
• the expansion tank compensates for the increase in the volume of the heated liquid;
• a safety valve set to 7 bar discharges water into the sewer in the event of an increase in pressure to a critical level;
• the drain valve is used to drain water according to the method of communicating vessels.

It is important to leave the drain line filled - then when the drain valve is opened, the water will flow out according to the law of communicating vessels

When consumers are away from the boiler, it is worth putting a recirculation line with an additional pump and a check valve. If your heater model does not have a separate fitting to connect this line, simply tie the return line into the cold water inlet line.

Before starting the system with a water heater of the “tank inside the tank” type, you must first fill the internal tank with sanitary water, only then pump in the coolant and carry out pressure testing. Details will tell the master on the video:

Which company's storage water heater is better to choose

Before deciding which storage water heater is the best in terms of operational and functional parameters, experts suggest getting acquainted with reliable, time-tested manufacturers. This will significantly narrow the search circle, filtering out unnecessary brands and firms.

In 2019, numerous tests, ratings and reviews confirmed that the best boiler brands are:

• Timberk is a well-known Swedish company specializing in climate technology, including water heaters. The prices are much lower than competitive brands because the factories are located in China, which reduces the cost. There are many patented projects, and the main sales take place on the market of the CIS countries.
• Thermex is a large international corporation that produces a huge number of different modifications of electric water heaters. They differ in capacity, type of heating, power, purpose. Innovations are constantly introduced, there is also its own scientific laboratory.
• Edisson is an English brand, which is produced in Russia. Boilers are presented mainly in the middle price category. Simple structure, easy control system, different volumes, long service life, these are not all the characteristics of our products.
• Zanussi is the leader of many competitions and ratings, an Italian brand with a big name. The range of production of household appliances has been significantly expanded in cooperation with the Electrolux concern. Today, flow-through, storage boilers are in demand all over the world due to good performance, interesting design, economy and the introduction of new technologies.
• Ariston is a well-known Italian company that annually supplies products to 150 countries around the world. Russia also receives boiler models with different volumes and degrees of efficiency on the market. Good thermal insulation of each unit ensures its efficiency and long service life.
• Haier is a Chinese company that offers a variety of products at affordable prices. For more than 10 years, its devices have been supplied to the Russian market, ranging from compact budget models to large multifunctional devices.
• Atlantic is a French company producing towel warmers, heaters, water heaters. Its history began with the formation of a family business in 1968. Today, it owns a 50% share of the market and a place in the TOP-4 in terms of sales in the Russian Federation. The company has 23 factories around the world.The key advantages of the brand's devices are the minimum need for maintenance, energy efficiency, comfortable use, and a long warranty period.
• Ballu is an international industrial concern developing innovative household appliances. The company has more than 40 patents of its own, thanks to which it is possible to regularly release new high-tech equipment.
• Hyundai is an automotive company from South Korea that simultaneously produces household and industrial appliances for different purposes. The range includes gas and flow types of boilers, models from different metals, a wide range of capacity parameters.
• Gorenje is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with many years of service life. The European brand serves the markets of more than 90 countries of the world, the boilers are distinguished by their round shape, stylish design, moderate size, and a wide range of models.
• Stiebel Eltron - The German company offers premium series boilers. Today the corporation is scattered all over the world. When developing new models, the emphasis is on economy, safety, efficiency and convenience of technology.

The best manufacturers of inexpensive water heaters

Most domestic homeowners are looking at budget models when buying water heaters. Many manufacturers supply reliable products to Russia at affordable prices. Experts selected several popular brands.

Zanussi

Rating: 4.8

The leader in the ranking of budget water heaters was the Italian company Zanussi. Initially, the company produced cookers, and after joining the well-known Electrolux concern, the range of household appliances expanded significantly.Electric water heaters are represented by both storage and flow models. A somewhat more modest assortment of gas water heaters is presented on the Russian market. All products are distinguished by their exquisite design, the manufacturer is constantly introducing new models, updating equipment and improving technologies.

According to experts, which are confirmed by consumer reviews, the brand is an example of high quality at an affordable price of products. Water heaters serve homeowners for a long time, economically consume energy through the use of innovative technologies in production.

• high quality;
• affordable price;
• durability;
• economy.

not detected.

Ariston

Rating: 4.7

Another Italian company is considered the world leader in the production of household appliances, heating and water heating equipment. Products under the Ariston brand are supplied to 150 countries around the world. The company supplies several lines of water heaters to Russia. Equipment that uses energy from gas combustion is widely represented. This category includes storage and flow heaters, indirect heating boilers. Not inferior in assortment and electrical appliances.

The consumer is offered accumulative models with different tank capacity (from 30 to 500 liters). You can choose stainless steel tanks or choose enameled containers with additional protection with silver ions. Thanks to effective thermal insulation, the heaters are economical and durable.

• rich assortment;
• high quality;
• profitability;
• safety.

there are no devices with "dry" heating elements.

Thermex

Rating: 4.7

The international corporation Thermex is on the third line of the rating. It specializes in the production of electric water heaters. Therefore, the Russian consumer is offered models with different tank sizes, differing in power, type and purpose. The manufacturer boasts a huge number of innovations. To create new products, there is a large scientific laboratory, which employs the best scientists from around the world.

Accumulative models are made of stainless steel or biological glassware. Magnesium anode provides additional protection against corrosion. Users appreciated the range of water heaters. That's just a lot of complaints come in for leaks.

The best storage water heaters for 80 liters or more

Boilers with a tank volume of 80 l, 100 l and 150 l are most often used in summer cottages and in private homes. This volume will be enough for several people to buy without reheating, but at the same time, the time to heat the water increases several times.

4Stiebel Eltron 100 LCD

Stiebel Eltron 100 LCD is an incredibly functional, but at the same time very expensive electric storage water heater. This model combines high German standards, advanced technology and high security class.

The first thing that attracts the attention of the buyer is a multifunctional liquid crystal display. On it you can see the amount of energy consumed, temperature, the current amount of water in the tank, operating modes, and so on.

In addition, the self-diagnosis mode will report any malfunctions in the device.

The enamel inner coating of the tank will prevent rust. AT Stiebel Eltron 100 LCD it also provides for the presence of a titanium anode, which, unlike magnesium, does not require replacement and maintenance during operation. It is also worth noting the function of a two-tariff power supply mode, a boiler and anti-freeze mode.

pros

• Very powerful device, heats water quickly
• Holds heat well
• Convenient management
• Additional modes of use

Minuses

3Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6

Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6 ranks third among the best storage electric water heaters 80 liters or more. This model is created using modern technologies, which ensures reliable operation and easy maintenance.

The main advantage in comparison with analogues is the presence of a “dry” heating element. This type of heating element is protected from scale and damage by a special flask. Plus, the inner surface of such devices is completely covered with enamel, which means that the load on the magnesium anode is much less.

How to decipher the name Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6?

GB stands for "dry" heating element.

F - compact body.

U - can be installed vertically and horizontally (nozzles are on the left).

100 is the volume of the water tank in liters.

B - the outer case is metal with coloring.

6 - inlet pressure.

Otherwise, the equipment is practically no different from competitors. In this model "Gorenie" there are 2 heating elements with a power of 1 kW each, a mode of preventing freezing, economical heating, a check valve, a thermometer and an indication of the boiler operation.

pros

• Keeps warm for a long time
• Good reliability for the price
• Universal mounting
• Dry heating element and power of 2 kW

Minuses

2Polaris Gamma IMF 80V

The second place goes to the incredibly simple but effective device Polaris Gamma IMF 80V. Due to a reliable heat-insulated tank and several points of water intake, the boiler is ideal for use in houses, baths, cottages, apartments and so on.

Thanks to the flat body, the boiler can easily fit even in small rooms with a shortage of space. All controls are located on the front panel. The digital display shows the current temperature value, next to it there is a temperature level regulator and a mode switch. In this model the mode of economy and the accelerated heating is provided.

The maximum power of the heating element Polaris Gamma IMF 80V is 2 kW. A 100 liter tank heats up in just 118 minutes. The built-in adjustable thermostat maintains the temperature at the set level. The device is protected from switching on without water, overheating, leakage and pressure drops.

pros

• For 80 liters very compact model
• The price is lower than that of analogues with the same functionality
• There is protection against switching on without water and against overheating
• Convenient and simple control

Minuses

1Gorenje OTG 80 SL B6

Most water heaters have very similar specifications, so picking the best one can be tricky. However, Gorenje OTG 80 SL B6 can be considered one of the best models for 80 liters and more.

The compact size of the device allows you to install it even in small spaces (for example, in a toilet). The enameled tank and magnesium anode will protect the body from corrosion. It also includes frost protection, splash protection, safety valve and thermostat. Good thermal insulation allows you to keep the water warm for a long time, even after a power outage.

Numerous positive customer reviews speak for themselves. There is nothing superfluous in this device. Install a Gorenje boiler at home, set the desired temperature, and forget about problems with hot water forever.

pros

• Simple and reliable assistant
• European assembly
• Thermal insulation at a high level
• Heats up a full tank fairly quickly

Minuses

Appliance power

Another important criterion is the power of the heating element. For 2019 models, this figure can range from one to 6-7 kW, while many units can be connected to both single- and three-phase power grids.

To exclude "knocking out" traffic jams, you need to carefully calculate the load on the electrical wiring in the apartment. If your network has been recently laid and is able to withstand significant loads, the power must be selected based on the desired rate of hot water production. As you understand, the more powerful the heating elements, the faster the liquid in the tank heats up. However, it is worth remembering that with an increase in power, the electricity bill also increases. So the “golden mean” is very important here. The optimal indicator is not higher than 2–2.5 kW, depending on the volume of the tank.

The best indirect heating boilers up to 100 l

For 1-2 people and a small number of water intake points, boilers with a tank capacity of up to 100 liters are optimal. They will provide the family with the necessary amount of warm water, without spending extra energy and time on heating excess liquid.

Protherm WH B60Z

5

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

Model WH B60Z from Protherm is not only an efficient, but also a stylish boiler designed for domestic use.

It has a unique coil design with two tubes of different diameters, which ensures high efficiency of the equipment.

The boiler heats water up to 85 degrees maximum and is able to maintain the set temperature at the same level. There is a recycling option.

Installation of the water heater can be both wall-mounted and floor-standing with right or left water connection. The model is equipped with a high-quality titanium anode and has an antibacterial coating of the tank, designed for 53 liters.

Advantages:

• Stylish design;
• High efficiency;
• Unique twin heat exchanger;
• High heating temperature;
• Universal mounting;
• Antibacterial coating.

Flaws:

Expensive.

Reliable polyurethane thermal insulation, heating speed, protective systems and minimal energy consumption - all this makes the WH B60Z boiler from Protherm one of the leaders in the modern water heater market.

TML BMX 100

5

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

The TML indirect boiler is designed for the production and storage of hot water for sanitary purposes. It is suitable for both horizontal and vertical installation and holds 100 liters of liquid.

The tank and the heat exchanger of the equipment are made of stainless steel, processed by passivation and etching, resistant to mechanical damage.

And the heat-insulating layer is made of rigid polyurethane with a thickness of 25 mm, which ensures excellent temperature retention.

The boiler comes standard with a magnesium anode. As an option, you can use a non-consumable electronic element, as well as an electric heating element, a thermostat, a thermometer and a recirculation line. The boiler is capable of heating water up to +95°C.

Advantages:

• Universal installation;
• Possibility of retrofitting;
• High heating temperature;
• High-quality thermal insulation;
• Tank made of stainless steel.

Flaws:

High price.

The BMX 100 indirect heating boiler from TML is versatile in use, suitable for installation in large and small rooms and is able to work with gas and solid fuel boilers.

Drazice OKC 100 NTR/ Z

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

93%
buyers recommend this product

The compact NTR water heater from Drazice is designed for floor installation, the Z version is for wall installation.

The boiler is used for indirect heating of non-food water up to +90°C. It is equipped with a working thermostat and a thermometer that displays the actual water temperature.

The boiler is equipped with a 95 l tank with an internal coating of corrosion-resistant enamel. Overheating protection and safety valve extend the life of the equipment.

And the service hatch allows you to easily monitor the internal cleanliness of the tank. Additional installation of heating element is possible.

Advantages:

• Options for wall and floor installation;
• Thermostat;
• Possibility of installation of heating element;
• Service hatch;
• Very high heating temperature.

Flaws:

Not suitable for heating drinking water.

Indirect heating boiler OKC 100 from Drazice is a reliable and durable equipment for a small family or small office.

Hajdu AQ IND 75 FC

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

89%
buyers recommend this product

The compact boiler from Hajdu is designed to heat water quickly and economically. It has a vertical wall mounting with a bottom water connection, which allows it to be placed in a small room above other equipment or plumbing.

The device is equipped with a copper heater, which provides fast heating of water up to a maximum of 65 degrees. Optionally, an electric heating element can be installed on the boiler.

The tank on 75 l is covered with glass-ceramic enamel. Together with the magnesium anode, this provides excellent corrosion protection.

The water heated by the boiler is suitable not only for sanitary needs, but also for food. The water heater is equipped with a thermostat and thermostat.

Advantages:

• Compact dimensions;
• Fast water heating;
• Excellent corrosion protection;
• Suitability for food purposes;
• Thermostat and thermostat;
• Recycling.

Flaws:

Not the hottest temperature.

Water heater AQ IND 75 FC from Hajdu is optimal for a family of 1-3 people. At the same time, it is quite economical, because it does not overheat the water.

Criteria for choosing an indirect heating boiler

Before you start choosing a device, a person needs to know what to look for first.

The first thing that is paid attention to is the presence of autonomous heat supply in a private house.

If the answer is no, then there is no point in buying a boiler.
The most important thing to consider is the capacity of the tank, everything is simple here, the more people in the family, the higher the volume
For example, 80 liters will be enough for one owner, and if 3 people live in a family, then a BKN of 120 liters will become a relevant option, more than this value - 150 liters. And this is not taking into account possible business cases that will require additional expenses.
It is important to correctly calculate the power of a working autonomous boiler for heating

So, if the value is 35 kW, then the maximum capacity will be 200 liters.
We must not forget that the life of the device directly depends on the quality of the internal coating. The most budget option is the enamel coating, its main drawback is that over time it begins to crack from temperature changes.After the protective layer is gone, the product, namely the metal part, will become vulnerable to corrosion. A good and high-quality coating - glass-porcelain, of course, the cost will increase significantly, but the efficiency remains at its best. Also, products that have a titanium coating or a tank that is made of stainless steel are perfect. But it is very difficult to find the first one on the Russian market, because the price tag for it is very high.
Quality tubes for coils are not steel, as some people think, but copper or brass. The service life of such elements is much longer, while they are easier to maintain.
Also, when buying a boiler, it is necessary to look at the material of external thermal insulation, because it depends on it, what temperature will it be water. The ideal option is polyurethane foam insulation. Although its cost is higher, but the efficiency is much greater than that of cheap devices.
A correctly chosen installation site will make it possible to shorten the search circle several times.
It is important to know that the owner himself must monitor the condition of the equipment, problems will not be detected on their own, since this is not production equipment.

Types of boilers

Electric water heaters are commonly referred to as hot water boilers. According to the type of heating of the medium, they are - flowing, accumulative and combined. They differ from each other in the heating rate and the presence of storage capacity.

The first ones have the highest heating rate, the water in them heats up immediately, when you turn on the hot water tap on the mixer.Such heaters do not have a storage capacity and are characterized by an increased power of heating elements capable of providing instant heating.

Accumulative and combined water heaters have capacities from 15 to 1000 m3, the water in them heats up from half an hour to 3 hours. The differences between the design options for electric water heating must be known before choosing an indirect heating boiler.

Instantaneous water heater

Boilers of this type are characterized by small size and can heat water instantly. Water from the city network enters the body of the device, where the heating elements are heated to the set temperature.

In this heating option, the process of mixing cold and hot water is absent. The high power of the heater from 2 to 25 kW provides instant water heating and is able to provide heating quality for only one consumer point.

One of the types of instantaneous water heater.

When you turn on the hot water supply in 2 places at once, it most likely will not have time to heat up, although the latter will depend on the power of the heating element and the possibility of the power supply line.

In a house with a single-phase voltage of 220 V, instantaneous water heaters with a power of more than 8.0 kW are not allowed. A flow boiler of 2-8 kW is able to heat water from 2 to 6 l / min, which is enough for the sanitary needs of a family of 3 people.

For an individual cottage with a three-phase power supply of 380 V, it is possible to install a more powerful boiler that can provide for a family of six people and even more.

Flowing gas water heaters, called columns, are used in gasified houses, they are selected by power, similar to electric heaters.

Accumulative electric water heater

The storage electric boiler is equipped with a tank for heating and storing hot water. At the moment when the user turns on the tap, the heated water from the tank is mixed with cold water and flows through the faucet or shower head.

As it is consumed, the device turns on the heating again. A similar boiler is mounted on the walls or on the floor surface, which depends on the dimensions of the water collector.

When buying an electric boiler and choosing the volume, you need to focus on the following indicators:

• from 50 to 80 liters is enough for a family of 3 people, with the possibility of taking a shower;
• from 80 to 100 liters - acceptable for an average family of 4 people;
• from 100 to 150 liters - an electric boiler for a family of six or more. This volume of water will be enough for a number of washstands, a shower cabin, and to fill a bathtub.

Water heaters with a volume of more than 150 liters are usually used in individual cottages, they are mounted on the floor and consume a large amount of electricity.

Combined boiler

The technology of combined heating boilers is implemented thanks to a coil installed inside the tank, through which the primary coolant passes from an external heating source.

In such designs, an electric heating element is installed as a backup during peak heating or night operation.

Combined type. Source

The tubular heat exchange device, placed inside the tank, has a developed heating surface, which guarantees a high level of heat exchange between the heated water and the heating circuit.

This design allows you to install the heater, both vertically and horizontally, according to the configuration of the room.

Rating of storage water heaters

By what criteria can one judge whether a water heating tank from the above manufacturers is good or not? The experts first focused on the quality of each unit, then took into account the price-quality ratio, after which they evaluated the technical characteristics of the model, namely:

• Type of construction, heating;
• Reservoir, its capacity;
• External, internal coating of the tank;
• Produced power;
• The presence of an anti-corrosion anode;
• Reliability of a welding seam;
• Method of installation, fastening;
• Additional features.

For many potential users, the control system is important, how simple and understandable it is. Reviews on the Internet from those who, on their own experience, found the pros and cons of a particular model also played an important role in the selection of nominees for the TOP. Only in a complex, based on all the parameters mentioned, the 2019 rating gathered the best storage water heaters.

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Choice

We have considered the pros and cons of indirect heating boilers, now we need to understand how such a heater should be chosen. To do this, you should think about the power that may be needed.

It is not difficult to calculate this - if your boiler consumes 25 kW to heat the house, 15 kW of them will be used to operate the heater. This will happen along the way, so heating costs will not increase.

Now let's talk about capacity. It all depends on the number of family members who will use hot water. For a family of three, a boiler with a volume of 100-120 liters will suffice. This applies to permanent residence.

As with everything, the quality of the materials from which the device is made plays an important role. It is best to choose a stainless steel heater.Such a device will last much longer than traditional steel.

Materials are also important in the interior of the boiler. Most often there is enamel, which completely covers the inner surface of the tank. However, it is better to take a model with a ceramic-coated storage tank. This coating is more durable and better cope with hard water.

The best boilers up to 100 l

Number 3. Baxi Premier plus 100

This Italian model is a high-quality assembled boiler, the heat accumulator of which is made of stainless steel. It has a built-in thermostat, a place to install a tubular electric heater and a spare coil.

Consider its technical characteristics:

• power - 3000 W;
• volume - 100 l;
• pressure (at the inlet) - 7 atm.;
• Max. water temperature - +65 °С;
• water heating time up to +45 °C - 10 minutes.

The installation scheme is quite universal. This water heater can be installed both on the wall and on the floor.

pros

• thermal insulation is made of high quality material;
• not afraid of corrosion;
• water heats up quickly and evenly;
• light weight;
• installation versatility.

Minuses

the lowest maximum water temperature.

Baxi Premier plus 100