How to choose a storage water heater: which one is better and why, what to look for before buying

Heater selection

This device has a number of significant disadvantages:

• a chimney is required;
• you need to get permission and call specialists for installation (self-connection is prohibited by law);
• there is a danger of being poisoned by natural gas or its combustion products (carbon monoxide).

But all these difficulties do not scare away buyers, since gas is the most affordable fuel (subject to centralized gas supply).

From gas water heaters, flow-through water heaters are most often purchased, which are commonly called gas water heaters. As shown above, flow heating of water requires significant power, but household gas supply networks, as a rule, can quite provide it. Speakers with a capacity of 24 - 30 kW are not uncommon, but there are also units with a capacity of 40 kW. Such an installation is able to "pull" the hot water supply of a large cottage.

Wall mounted water heater

Columns are very different, but first of all, you should pay attention to the ignition system. There are two options:

1. The column has a pilot burner (wick).
2. The gas in the main burner is ignited by a spark generated by batteries, a household electrical outlet or a piezoelectric element driven by a stream of water (an impeller is installed in the water pipe).

It is better to give preference to the second option. At first glance, it may seem that a small wick (the first option) spends gas in scanty amounts, but in fact, fuel consumption increases by a third because of it.

Columns in which a spark is generated by a stream of water are demanding on the pressure in the water supply. If a country house is powered by a water tower, such a column will most likely not be able to work.

And only in cases where the gas supply system is not able to provide sufficient power, a gas boiler is installed.

Storage water heater in the bathroom

Somewhat more expensive to operate water heaters for solid or liquid fuels. But they are extremely inconvenient in that the fuel needs to be stored somewhere, and if we are talking about firewood, then also put into the furnace. Therefore, such devices are installed only as a last resort.

If there is no gas, but there is electricity, then instead of a wood-burning one, it is better to purchase an electric water heater. He has more than enough advantages:

• a chimney is not required;
• does not make noise;
• easy to manage (power varies widely);
• the operation of the plant is fully automated;
• no need to bring and store fuel;
• there is no danger of fire and poisoning of the household.

All these "pluses" encourage you to prefer electricity to wood with coal, although it is quite expensive.

floor boiler

If flowers are most often installed on gas, then with electric water heaters the opposite is true - boilers are mainly purchased. The fact is that household networks are not designed for significant power. Even to connect 15 kW, it is highly likely that not only the cable, but also the transformer at the substation will need to be replaced, which will cost the customer a tidy sum.

However, electric protochnik still available. A lot of hot water cannot be obtained from them, therefore they are used mainly in country houses or in city apartments - in order to somehow survive during short-term shutdowns of the centralized hot water supply system.

With an electric flow, it makes sense to purchase a special shower head and spout that are capable of delivering high-quality “rain” and a jet at low flow rates.

There are two types of electrical "flows":

• non-pressure;
• pressure.

Non-pressure are connected to the water outlet after the valve (faucet) and represent a draw-off point. Pressure pipes can cut into the water supply, and thus supply hot water to several points of water intake.

storage water heater

This is a sealed tank into which water is poured (in auto mode, from the water supply).Inside the tank is a heating element (TEN). The volume of household storage models can vary from a few liters to several tens of liters.

In such a water heater there is always water heated to the temperature desired by the user, which can usually be adjusted. When the water is used up, a new, cold one enters the tank, the heater again brings the water to the required temperature and maintains it.

Heated water from a storage water heater can often be consumed through several draw-off points at the same time - this is a plus.

However, you need to understand that the possibilities of the device are not unlimited: after spending a certain amount of hot water, you will need to wait until the water that comes from the water supply system heats up.

— Tank volume of storage water heaters

Accumulative models come in various capacities. For example, small water heaters - up to 30 liters. There are also more capacious ones: from 30 to 50 liters, from 50 to 80, from 80 to 100 liters, and even models with a capacity of more than 100 liters.

Which water heater is right for you depends on how high the water consumption in the family is and, of course, on which tank there is enough space for.

— Type of fastening of the storage water heater

By the way, about the placement of accumulative models. All of them are attached to the wall, but there are those on sale that only have a vertical mount.

There are water heaters that require horizontal mounting. The most convenient in this sense are universal models - they can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

- tank inside

The metal tank of the storage water heater needs protection against corrosion. Therefore, manufacturers supply tanks with various coatings.

The cheapest option is plastic.Plastic does its job well, but it is not very durable due to high water temperatures.

The tank inside can be enameled or have a glass-ceramic coating. This is a good protection against corrosion, but over time, due to high temperature and its differences, microcracks may appear on such coatings. Therefore, it is better not to heat the water in such tanks above 60 ° C.

It is best if the water heater tank is covered with titanium enamel or stainless steel inside. These are high-strength materials that will provide excellent long-term corrosion protection.

The design of many storage water heaters provides for a magnesium anode. It is needed for additional anti-corrosion protection.

Magnesium donates electrons and neutralizes the environment, slowing down the processes of oxidation (rust). The magnesium anode (made in the form of a rod) needs to be replaced; it works in a water heater for 5-7 years - the service life depends on the chemical composition of the water and operating conditions.

- Check valve and safety valve

An important element in the design of a storage water heater. The fact is that without water in the tank, the heating element can fail. Auto-shutoff without water (like electric kettles, for example) is not available in all models.

The non-return valve solves the problem: there is water pressure - it opens, and when the supply stops for some reason, the valve closes the pipe and prevents the tank from remaining dry.

Safety the valve is needed to protect the water heater from excessive pressure that occurs when heating (expanding) water.

— TEN in the storage water heater

Most water heaters have a conventional heating element - submersible. But there are models where it is “hidden” in a special flask and does not come into contact with water so that scale does not form on it.In general, this is a variation on the theme of a closed-type heater in an electric kettle.

Dry heater will not fail if you turn on the water heater without water. In addition, such a heating element is easier to change - you do not need to drain all the water from the tank.

Fast heating is one of the additional options. When activated, the heating element operates at full capacity, significantly reducing the heating time.

Normally, the heating element operates in economy mode. Some manufacturers equip water heaters with two heating elements at once: one works constantly, the other is connected for fast heating.

When the water has heated up to the maximum set for a particular model, the heating element automatically turns off. This saves the device from damage.

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.

What water heater to choose?

Although storage appliances are more familiar and popular with consumers, before buying a heater, it is worth considering all the possibilities based on the number of people in the family, the wiring capacity, the size of the house and its layout.

With a large consumption of hot water, a combined system can be the best solution, where several heating devices are used at once.

Several options to consider.

Option 1. If the power supply allows, you can install a flow heating device only for the shower. So you do not have to wait several hours to heat the storage tank, and there will be no situation when the last one in line does not have enough hot water.

And the boiler is useful for filling the bath, washing dishes and other household needs. In addition, such a tandem will allow you to choose a smaller drive and save usable space.

Option #2. Combining heaters makes sense if the kitchen is located far from the bathroom or the location of the boiler. In this case, it is worth considering the possibility of installing a flow device on the sink tap.

Moreover, even if the power supply in the house is standard, a small power device is quite enough for a kitchen faucet.

Option #3. Installing a floor boiler with a large volume will help solve the problem of hot water supply when it is not possible to run a three-phase cable into the room.

Option #4.For country houses with seasonal attendance, it is better to install an instantaneous water heater - then you will not have to wait long for warm water, and in this case there is not much point in accumulating “reserves”.

Option #5. If a gas or solid fuel boiler with one circuit operates in a private house, you can connect to it indirect heating boiler and save on electricity in the winter.

The conclusion suggests itself: for small and irregular consumption, a flow device is quite enough, for a permanent one, it is better to choose a boiler.

But with a high flow rate, you can consider combining heaters of various types or installing a high-power flow system with a connection to a three-phase network.

The articles recommended by us, which contain a lot of useful information and recommendations, will be introduced in detail with the arguments for choosing storage water heaters and flow equipment.

Water heaters Thermex

Termex boasts of the glory of one of the best brands in Russia for a reason. Water heaters of the famous manufacturer are suitable for Russian realities. Designed with purpose. The company avoids producing gas heaters, they left happiness to the domestic brand Neva, switching to market research.

Termex produce water heaters of the so-called indirect type. Basically boilers. Water is heated by an external boiler, built-in electric heating element. If the spiral gives 1.5 kW, the heat exchanger covers the named value tenfold. We see a typical boiler of relatively small volume. Using a home boiler that produces water at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius (standard heating standard), we direct heat to the shower circuit. Agree, great. More tempting price. 20,000 rubles for a boiler is inexpensive.

Horizontal water heater Termex

Buy a horizontal water heater from Termex. Sometimes handy when installed under the dishwasher where nothing else fits

Pay attention to the flow models of this manufacturer. See options even for two showers (or shower + sink)

The necessary connectors for installation are included in the design. Power reaches 8 kW, an atypically high figure. The buffalo quota will be pulled by a rare electrical panel. We believe this is a model for small hotels, where the rooms lack individual showers. Those who wish will wash themselves in common booths.

Tank quality. What material is it made from?

In order for the device you have chosen to serve for more than one year, you need to pay great attention to its quality and material of manufacture. Tap water negatively affects the boiler from the inside, so many manufacturers use steel and resort to coating the container with a protective compound

Pay attention to the inner coating - ceramics and glass-ceramics protect the product well from corrosion. Finely dispersed enamel as a coating also does an excellent job of protecting a steel tank.

Also, the effect of tap water affects the heating element of the tank. There are wet and dry types of heating elements. The first option is in direct contact with water, as a result of which scale forms on it, it undergoes corrosion, which ultimately leads to a breakdown of the heating element. Therefore, a wet heating element requires regular repair and replacement, while a dry heating element is isolated from water and is more practical. The price of a boiler with a dry heating element is higher than the cost of its counterpart, but for installation in an apartment it is better to give preference to just such a boiler.

How to choose a storage electric water heater

When choosing and buying the best water heater model, you need to consider the main factors:

1. The volume of the storage tank - it depends on the needs, habits and frequency of hot water consumption.
2. Power. The higher it is, the faster the heating of the entire volume. However, here you need to take into account the possibilities of electrical wiring.
3. Protective functions - they are necessary for safety. In their absence, the purchase must be abandoned.
4. Corrosion resistance, it will be provided by a magnesium anode, a good enamel coating or stainless steel.
5. Heater type. There are two of them in total - dry, this is a heating element placed in an insulated flask, or a traditional layout when the heater is in contact with water.
6. Additional functions - water disinfection, synchronization with gadgets, protection against freezing of the tank and others.

Rating of the best boilers 2019

When compiling the rating, consumer reviews, expert opinion and the popularity of models in stores were taken into account. Places in the list are distributed depending on the volume of the tank, and not on the quality of construction. All models presented in the rating have high quality characteristics and technical parameters.

Top 10 best storage electric water heaters with a tank volume of 10 to 150 liters:

1. Thermex N 10 O (10 l). The compact Thermex boiler with a power of 2000 W is able to quickly heat up small volumes of liquid to supply hot water to a washbasin. Price 4000 - 6 200 rubles. Production: Russia;
2. Atlantic Vertigo 30 (25 l.) Reliable, economical and efficient design with a dry heating element and two tanks. Excellent external data. Power 1 kW. Price 4,700 - 9,800 rubles. Production: Egypt-France;
3. NeoClima EWH 30 (30 l.) Excellent quality at an affordable price.Reliable seams, fast heating, long heat retention. Power 2000 W. Cost 4,400 - 8,700 rubles. Production: Taiwan;
4. Gorenje OTG50SLB6 (50 l.). Reliable and economical device with titanium enamel. Equipped with safety valve, thermometer, frost protection. Power 2 kW. Price 8 200 - 12 400 rubles. Production: Slovenia;
5. Zanussi Smalto ZWH/S 50 (50 l.). High-quality device with two independent heating elements. Can be installed both vertically and horizontally. Power 2 kW. Cost 9 400 - 13 500 rubles. Production: China;
6. Electrolux EWH 80 Royal Flash Silver (80 l.). Powerful, productive and easy-to-use unit with a tank made of high-quality stainless steel. Equipped with a timer, Wi-Fi function, automation, overheating protection and RCD. Power 2000 W. Price 15 100 - 24 800 rubles. Production: Sweden;
7. Ariston ABS VLS Evo PW 100 (100 l.). The ariston device is powerful and reliable with protection systems: RCD, overheating, operation without water, safety valve. Equipped with a display, power and heating indicator, thermometer, accelerated heating function. Power 2.5 kW. You can buy for 15 900 - 20 590 rubles. Production: Russia;
8. Stiebel Eltron SHZ 100 LCD (100 l.) Expensive design with tubular heating element made of copper and 4 kW. Maximum water heating 82 °C. Electronic control, all levels of protection, self-diagnosis. Price 115,000 - 130,000 rubles. Production: Germany;
9. Willer Elegance IVB DR 120 (120 l). The device with a power of 1,600 W is equipped with two dry heating elements that work alternately, a convenient control unit. Heating elements made of stainless steel. Price 19 600 - 24 300 rubles. Production: Serbia;
10. AEG EWH 150 Comfort EL (150 l.) Durable device of excellent quality in the middle price segment. Dry tubular heating element provides fast heating. Convenient control panel. Power 2.4 kW. Cost 52,700 - 69,000 rubles. Production: Germany.

When choosing a boiler, you should pay attention not only to the cost of the unit, but also to energy consumption. Ariston, AEG and Electrolux are energy-saving brands, since most of the devices from these manufacturers have a function that allows the heater to work at half its capacity

The best storage water heaters for 30 liters

In addition to a reliable brand, the buyer needs to immediately decide what capacity the device should have so that it is enough for domestic purposes. At a minimum, any storage electric water heaters have a volume of 30 liters. This is enough for daily dishwashing, hand washing, washing and economical shower / bath for one person. In a family of two or more people, you will have to wait for reheating. The main advantages of choosing a small volume water heater are low price, compactness and mobility.

Timberk SWH FSL2 30 HE

Water tank with small capacity and horizontal wall mounting. A tubular heating element is built inside it, which can quickly heat the liquid up to 75 degrees. At the outlet, water is supplied with a maximum pressure of 7 atmospheres. The power of work reaches 2000 watts. The panel has a light indicator that shows when heating occurs. There is a function of accelerated heating, temperature restrictions, overheating protection.Also inside the boiler is covered with stainless steel, it has a magnesium anode, a check valve and a safety valve for safe operation.

Advantages

• Ergonomics;
• Small weight and size;
• Low price;
• Easy installation, connection;
• Protection against pressure surges, overheating, heating without water;
• Additional function of rapid heating of the liquid.

Flaws

• Small volume;
• Restriction on heating up to 75 degrees.

Inexpensive and small model SWH FSL2 30 HE from a well-known manufacturer is designed for minor tasks, but it will cope with continuous operation for several years without any complaints. Horizontal arrangement is convenient in rooms with low ceilings and small spaces. And high-strength steel guarantees resistance to corrosion and temperature changes.

Thermex Hit 30 O (Pro)

A unique model that differs in appearance and shape. Unlike the previous nominees, this is a square wall-mounted tank for vertical mounting. Optimal characteristics make the device competitive: a minimum volume of 30 liters, an operating power of 1500 W, heating up to 75 degrees, a protection system in the form of a check valve and overheating prevention with a special limiter. On the body there is a light indicator that shows when the device is working, and when the water is heated to the desired value. A magnesium anode is installed inside, which protects parts and the body from rust.

Advantages

• Unusual shape;
• Minimalistic design;
• Fast heating to the desired level;
• Reliable security system;
• Convenient adjustment;
• Low price.

Flaws

• Short service life in comparison with competitive devices;
• The regulator may slip a little.

The storage water heater 30 liters Thermex Hit 30 O boasts a pleasant form factor and an easy way of installation and control. Even in conditions of unstable electricity supply, which is inherent in rural areas, the device works smoothly and stably.

Edison ES 30V

A compact model of a reservoir tank that will heat 30 liters of liquid to 75 degrees in an hour. For comfortable and safe use, a mechanical thermostat is provided, thanks to which you can independently set the desired temperature regime. The internal coating of the boiler with bioglass porcelain guarantees high resistance to scale, corrosion, and pollution. The performance here is 1500 W, which is more than enough for such a miniature device.

Advantages

• Low electricity consumption;
• Rapid heating;
• Modern appearance;
• thermostat;
• High water pressure protection;
• Glass ceramic coating.

Flaws

• No thermometer;
• The safety valve may need to be replaced over time.

When filling the boiler for the first time, you can hear noise, it is worth immediately assessing the reliability of the valve, since some users had to change it almost immediately.

Which water heater to choose

1. Instantaneous water heater

If interruptions in hot water occur frequently, electric flow devices, which are installed at a variety of residential, administrative, commercial and industrial facilities, effectively help out.

The most pragmatic applications: in the country - a non-pressure model with a capacity of 3.5 ... 4.0 kW per 1 collapsible point for hygienic and household needs; in the apartment - pressure modification (6.0 ... 8.0 kW) for washing or showering; in a private house - a pressure version (up to 20.0 kW) for 2 plumbing fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom. The last example is feasible in the presence of a three-phase electrical wiring with a voltage of 380 V.

If the gas supply of the region is at a high level and the economic component is in favor of "blue" fuel, columns are installed - to fully provide hot water to a house or apartment, you will need from 30 kW, corresponding to at least 15 l / min. For giving, you can use cylinders with propane.

2. Storage water heater

Storage-type electrical appliances heat water relatively slowly, but in large volumes.

For a house or apartment, a product is suitable (with 2 electric heating elements of 2 kW each) with a volume of: 10 ... 50 liters per 1 person; 30 ... 80 l - for 2 people; 80…150 liters for a family with 1, 2 or 3 children. With a larger number of consumers and plumbing fixtures, as well as with dense water consumption, tanks from 200 liters are used.

An alternative to these devices is gas storage devices, which are installed if there is an appropriate pipeline and an economic justification.

In apartments, wall-mounted models up to 120 liters per 4 ... 6 kW are used, in country houses - floor versions up to 300 liters per 7 ... 9 kW. In addition, in the second case, unlike the first, it is possible to use both an open combustion chamber in combination with a chimney, and a closed burner with a coaxial pipe extending through the wall.

3. Indirect heating boiler

An indirect heating boiler, being a storage modification, is usually installed in houses equipped with an autonomous heating system, including a boiler - for such objects, a wall-mounted or floor-mounted device with a volume of 100 to 300 liters is suitable.

Since the device depends on the functioning of heating, it is economically “attractive” only in the “autumn-spring” season, which means that it is more advisable to buy a combined modification, additionally equipped with a heating element or heat exchanger, for example, for a solar battery.

In this case, 2 different water heating circuits will work alternately or, if necessary, together. The choice of an alternative energy source depends on many factors, among which the economic benefit comes first.

Which brand of water heater do you prefer?

As you can see, the choice of brands is quite large, and we have listed far from all. But what brand of boiler is better? A water heater, in our opinion, cannot be judged only by the name of the manufacturer. After all, every developer has masterpieces and frank failures.

Therefore, first of all, you should focus on your own needs and pay attention - here's what:

Tank capacity

It depends on how exactly you are going to use hot water. For ordinary washing of dishes, a “baby” of 10-15 liters is enough. If the apartment is home to 3-4 people who like to take a bath regularly, you need a unit with a volume of at least 120-150 liters.

Power and type of heater

Models with dry and "wet" heaters are available for sale. The first option is much more expensive, however, has its advantages. It accumulates less scale and can be replaced without draining the water from the tank.The second option is also not bad, but requires mandatory annual cleaning.

Power should be selected based on the size of the tank. For a small volume, a heating element of 0.6–0.8 kW is sufficient, and for a full-size water heater, this figure should not be less than 2–2.5 kW. Otherwise, you will be waiting for hot water for a very long time.

Internal coating of the drive

Here it is worth noting that the titanium case is considered the highest quality, but also the most expensive. Enamel coating is much less reliable, but also the cheapest. To protect against corrosion, a magnesium or titanium anode is present in the tank. The first is cheap, but requires annual replacement. The second increases the cost of the model, but will work "forever".

Mounting characteristics

When choosing, you should pay special attention to the reliability of the fasteners that come with the kit. And also do not forget about the length of the power cord

Some models do not provide for the possibility of extending or replacing it.

Dimensions

Before going to a store or manufacturer's website, think carefully about where the device will be installed and accurately measure the maximum allowable dimensions. Sometimes even the most advanced and high-quality model simply does not fit into the niche prepared for it.

And, of course, when choosing a water heater, you should focus on your own financial capabilities. Don't go for high-end premium models if you can't afford it. In the middle and budget price segment, you can also pick up very good options.

Budget segment

The rating of the best manufacturers of water heaters is opened by brands available to every buyer.

Zanussi

Zanussi equipment was one of the first to enter the CIS market in the 90s of the last century, and often served the owners for more than 10 years. Despite the fact that Zanussi is an integral part of the Electrolux Corporation, its products have retained their own production line.

Advantages:

• high-quality famous brand;
• presents both flow-through and storage boilers made of stainless steel and enamel with different shapes and dimensions;
• wide range of prices.

Flaws:

• models of the early 2000s served at least 10 years, now the warranty is shorter;
• does not offer indirect connection options (directly to the gas boiler).