How to choose an instantaneous water heater: an overview of the types of “flowers” ​​and advice to customers

Which manufacturer of water heaters to prefer

The above was a rough hint: there are no bad manufacturers of water heaters in nature. There are unscrupulous installers, illiterate users. If done right, the technique will work 99% of the time.

Shower water heater

They missed the methodology for assessing scale build-up, there is no efficient simple method.Just check periodically. It is enough to control the situation during the year to gain useful experience for the region for the rest of its life. Further simplifies operation.

No need to sit, think about which company to buy a storage water heater. Just choose a product according to the parameters, before buying, call the manufacturer, specify the terms of warranty service. As a rule, the installation of such a simple technique does not cost exorbitant money. Perhaps some manufacturers trust the client with the process of work. Ask. After follow the instructions, check the equipment according to the diagram, evaluate the result.

3 Proffi Smart PH 8841

The model looks great in the interior of the bathroom in combination with a shower. She received a large LED display from the manufacturer, on which temperature indicators are clearly visible from any angle. Designed for installation in apartments with a 220 V electrical network, a 3 kW water heating tap is regulated electronically with high precision.

The elegant outwardly flowing device is quite productive - 120 l / h, so it is often installed both in apartments and in summer cottages, in private houses. The maximum mode of 60 degrees corresponds to the best performance in its price range. Water heats up instantly, and the temperature depends on the pressure. The mechanism is protected from overheating and automatically turns off in the event of a water supply failure. The pluses include the presence of a pressure relief valve, an inlet filter. Among the minuses, users call a large plug and possible connection difficulties.

Clage Cex 9

A safe, efficient and reliable German-made water heater opens the review.The device can be optionally switched to two positions: 6.6 and 8.8 kW. This spread allows you to adjust the flow of water depending on the need. You can determine whether you need to wash the dishes or take a shower.

Using the unit is quite convenient, there are no tricks. To get hot water, simply open the faucet on the mixer. You can set the required heating parameters using the touch panel. The LCD display allows you to monitor the temperature maintenance. The device has 2 preset temperature modes - at 45 and 38. However, if desired, the temperature range can be changed and set the desired value from 20 to 55 ˚С.

The device is resistant to scale and provides a closed type of heating, so its use is completely safe even for children.

Pros:

• traditional German quality;
• small sizes;
• the ability to use the "remote control";
• long warranty period - 3 years.

Minuses:

• not every electrical wiring can withstand such a high power;
• it costs expensive.

How to choose an instantaneous water heater

Before you buy a device for an apartment, office or production, you need to decide on the technical characteristics. The main one is performance. For example, for washing hands, a 3 l / min device is enough, for washing dishes, 3-5 l / min is needed. In order to comfortably take a shower, you need a device with a capacity of 8 l / min. However, it consumes much more electricity.

Additional features to consider:

• heating element protection against overheating;
• fuse against power surges in the network;
• electronic deactivator (in the absence of water, the device does not turn on);
• additional valve against sudden water supply;
• light indication of turning on the device;
• inlet filter. It protects the heating element from scale.

The more options a device has, the higher the cost. However, this is a price to pay for good quality and functionality.

It is also important to collect a complete set of accessories for installation. This ensures flawless operation of the device.

Other things being equal, you should choose a product with the best protective qualities. However, in our rating there are good cheap models from well-known companies.

If you choose between electronic and mechanical control, then the first is certainly preferable. The device "remembers" a comfortable temperature indicator, which allows you to reduce electricity consumption.

Which brand of water heater is better to buy?

In fact, almost all brands have both successful and frankly weak models. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally: they say, take a water heater of such and such a brand and you will be happy. Another thing is that the manufacturers indicated in our review are the most popular and have a considerable number of positive reviews from existing owners. By choosing one, it will be much easier to decide on a specific instance of the device in the future. And for this, it is necessary to additionally analyze your need for hot water, the possibilities of a home electrical or gas network, and the availability of free space for accommodation.

2 Ariston Fast Evo 11B

The powerful gas instantaneous water heater Ariston Fast Evo 11B has gained popularity among many users of such equipment. The main advantage is the best in its class power, which is 19 kW. Thanks to this, the device is able to provide a high performance of 11 l / min. for a long time.For example, such a device can be used to supply hot water during a bath. The distinctive features include the possibility of ignition from batteries - this is a big plus, since no electrical communications are required. The power indicator will tell you when the device is working and when it is not.

Among customer reviews, positive feedback is more often heard. Among the advantages noted ease of installation, a variety of security systems, such as gas control and overheating protection. The disadvantage according to users is not a very high heating rate. In addition to the above qualities, the water heater has electric ignition, so there is no need to turn it on every time to start heating water. Low inlet pressure threshold - only 0.1 atm - allows you to install the device almost anywhere.

Pros and cons of instantaneous water heaters

pros

Flow heaters have many advantages. They are more compact and, as a rule, several times cheaper than storage-type models (boiler). After all, they do not have a water tank, the expensive and most capricious part of the storage design. If, say, an inexpensive boiler can be purchased for 5–6 thousand rubles, then a “protochnik” of the same brand can be purchased for about 2–3 thousand rubles. At the same time, instantaneous water heaters are also less prone to breakdowns, they do not leak, are not afraid of frost, and do not need serious maintenance.

Minuses

The main disadvantage is the high load on the network. Models designed for a single-phase electrical network have an average power of 3 to 8 kW (three-phase, respectively, from 10 to 15 kW).Not all electricity suppliers can allocate such power, especially for old country and rural lines, for which connection of a load of more than 2.5 kW may not be provided at all. And in urban areas, a 5 kW device can greatly overload the network and cause, for example, a regular power outage. Therefore, before purchasing a flow heater, find out if your network can withstand a large load. In urban conditions, usually the estimated power per apartment is 3.5 kW (in apartments without electric stoves) and 8–10 kW (with electric stoves). You can check the possible power of the connected heater with the electricians in the organization responsible for the operation of your network.

Best Inexpensive Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Budget models are especially popular in small apartments. They are compact in size and low in power. But despite this, they heat water quickly and efficiently. Among all the devices of the low and medium price category, there are several that are of high quality and reliability.

1

Atmor Lotus 5 shower faucet

The best inexpensive non-pressure instantaneous water heater with a capacity of 5 kW. Comes with faucet and shower head. Can only be mounted for one point. It has mechanical control and protection against overheating. Judging by the reviews, the device does an excellent job of heating water and allows you to comfortably take a shower.

Advantages of the device:

• high efficiency;
• fast heating;
• the presence of three modes;
• low power consumption.

Minuses:

• hard hose from the shower;
• at a low temperature of the incoming water, it heats slightly.

2

Zanussi 3-logic 3.5TS

The compact inexpensive device quickly heats water to the desired temperature.It is characterized by high performance, the presence of three modes and protection against overheating. Consumer reviews note that for its price the device is very convenient, reliable and functional.

Advantages of the device:

• the ability to switch to shower and faucet;
• profitability;
• ease of installation.

Flaws:

• low power;
• mechanical control system.

3

Thermex Surf 3500

Good non-pressure flow heater with hydraulic control system. It is installed on one water supply point. Many users note its attractive design and ease of installation.

Advantages:

• stainless steel spiral is not covered with scale;
• there is protection against overheating;
• shower head with three modes of operation.

Flaws:

no on/off button.

4

Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 3.5TS

An electric instantaneous water heater is suitable for the bathroom, as it has a removable faucet and a shower head. It has a mechanical control with three modes, an on indicator and overheat protection. High-quality materials also provide protection against corrosion and scale. Its power is 3.5 kW, so it is more suitable for summer, it does not cope well with heating very cold water. But reviews note the reliability of the device, its compact size and ease of use.

Pros:

• affordable price;
• compactness;
• overheat protection.

Minuses:

• water temperature depends on pressure;
• low power.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

Closed

The water heater of the closed type is always under pressure from the water supply network. Such models can be used to supply water to several points of water intake.When choosing a closed-type instantaneous water heater, ask what material the flask is made of, in which water is heated, what pressure it can withstand. So, for example, Stiebel Eltron uses flasks made entirely of copper, which are not afraid of corrosion and are resistant to high pressure (designed for a maximum pressure of 10 bar). Find out the possible temperature range in which the water heater is capable of operating. As a rule, this is a water temperature from 20 to 60 ºС. Some manufacturers also offer water heating up to 75–80 ºС, but not everyone needs such boiling water from the tap and may be unsafe.

Rusclimat

Electrolux NPX 12–18 Sensomatic Pro (21,490 rubles)

Stiebel Eltron

Pressure water heater Stiebel Eltron DDH 8

Rusclimat

Compact model Zanussi SmartTap (1 990 rub.)

Rusclimat

Instantaneous water heater Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 T (2,390 rubles)

Open

Water heater open type - non-pressure. The water supply in it is regulated by a tap at the inlet, and the heated water flows out freely (through a watering can or spout). Heating is switched on only after opening the water tap. Accordingly, devices of this type are connected to only one water supply point.

Choose a water heater according to the parameters

A simple calculation will help any reader of the VashTechnik portal to find out the need for power, volume of water. It is known that the specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J/kg K. Heating one liter of water per degree consumes 4200 J of energy. Traditionally, water at a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius usually flows from a tap. You can easily calculate the power of the heater needed by an apartment that plans to enjoy the benefits of civilization.

Record the amount of water spent in one session of taking a bath with a meter, how long the process lasts. At the output, you will receive a displacement every minute. Using the figure, we find the power according to the formula:

N = 4200 x L x 42/60,

L - water consumption every minute, expressed in liters.

Suppose we wash ourselves with water at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, the difference with the riser will be 42 degrees. A weak pressure is created by 3 liters per minute. Based on the given conditions, we get a power of 8.8 kW. It will be a fairly strong shower jet, and the formula has been fed harsh initial conditions. If we take summer, the initial temperature sometimes reaches 15 degrees, for some 45 degrees is enough to wash. In this case, a third is subtracted from the difference. 4–5 kW are obtained, which are considered the minimum consumption for an instantaneous water heater.

Guided by the above formulas, the reader will calculate the required power at home. This also applies to storage water heaters. But the formula is tweaked to find the time it takes for the tank to reach condition. Offhand 8 - 9 hours per 200 liters. You can get a different figure depending on your needs, initial data. Better than believing dealers touting the product unfounded, personal preferences differ from the standards. After setting the initial conditions, buy an electric water heater exactly the one you need. Note that in a couple of days it is easy to determine the family's need for water, be guided by the calculation instead of the assurances of the sellers.

The best manufacturers of premium water heaters

Stiebel Eltron 113 200 (SHZ 80 LCD - 6000W, 80L, storage) German manufacturer of high quality heating equipment, energy saving systems and water heaters. In its activities, the company follows the precepts of the founder Theodor Stiebel - equipment should be distinguished by safety, maximum convenience and high energy efficiency. The domestic consumer is mainly available for instantaneous and storage water heaters of a premium level. Stiebel Eltron devices are traditionally distinguished by their strict and at the same time stylish design, high performance, and durability. The best are roomy and economical models from 50 liters, made in Germany, equipped with electronic control, supporting two-tariff power supply and equipped with a titanium anode that does not require mandatory replacement. Such water heaters could be considered almost ideal, but not everyone can afford such a pleasure. Main advantages: Excellent build quality and materials; Optimum efficiency with minimum energy consumption; Better functionality; The highest degree of security. Minuses: Very high price. Models in the line: Stiebel Eltron - SHZ 80 LCD - 6000 W, 80 l, storage Stiebel Eltron DDH 8 — 8000 W, 4.3 l/min, flowing Stiebel Eltron DHC 8 — 8000 W, 4.1 l/min, flowing Stiebel Eltron PSH 100 Classic — 1800 W, 100 l, accumulative Stiebel Eltron HDB-E 12 Si — 9700 W, 5.5 l/min, flowing Stiebel Eltron IS 45 E — 4500 W, 2.3 l/min, flowing and etc.

9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews We bought our German boiler in a country house, where the water is always only cold.Yes, I had to pay a lot, but now there is full confidence that the problem with hot water supply has been solved qualitatively and for a very long time.

AEG 23 500 (AEG MP 6) The famous German trademark in the case of water heaters is no longer used under the auspices of the Scandinavian Electrolux, but is one of the brands owned by the German company Stiebel Eltron. AEG Haustechnik specializes in the production of premium household climate, heating and water heating equipment, characterized by high reliability, quality and durability. The company's products are easily recognizable by their somewhat conservative, but at the same time stylish design. The most popular types of AEG water heaters are: Flowing. There are several non-pressure options from 3.5 to 6 kW, as well as a decent range of pressure devices with consumption from 4.5 to 27 kW; Cumulative. Available boilers from 5 to 400 liters of Slovak or German production. The inner tanks are made of steel with a high-quality multi-layer enamel coating and a 10-year warranty. The brand also produces gas, instantaneous storage water heaters and domestic boilers. Main advantages: High energy efficiency; Excellent build quality; Fast heating and long temperature retention; Convenient management. Minuses: Decent price; Requires periodic replacement of the magnesium anode in storage models. Models in the line: AEG - AEG MP 6 AEG EWH Comfort 30 — 1800 W, 30 l, accumulative AEG DDLT 13 PinControl - 1300 W, 6.7 l / min, flowing AEG MTD 440 — 4400 W, 2.5 l/min, flowing AEG EWH 200 Trend — 3000 W, 200 l, accumulative AEG EWH 50 Universal EL — 3000 W, 50 l, accumulative and etc.

9.8 / 10 Rating Reviews I specially chose a water heater for myself, so that it was made not in China, but in Germany. For the quality of money is not a pity. Then I will take a slightly cheaper model of the Slovak assembly to the dacha.

Rating of the best manufacturers of water heaters

How to choose the right water heater for an apartment or cottage? Below is a rating of the most popular models in three price categories.

Budget models

Timberk WHEL-3 OSC is an electric instantaneous water heater designed to heat water at one point of consumption. Equipment: faucet and flexible hose with shower head. Power - 3.5 kW. Productivity — 2 l/min. Advantages: Low cost. Easy to install and operate. A great option for outdoor installation. Flaws: The device is designed for one point of water intake.

Ariston ABS BLU R 80V (Italy). Boiler with one heating element and steel storage tank, capacity 80 l. The power of the heating element is 1.5 kW, which makes this model economical in operation. To protect the consumer from electric shock, the device provides a protective power off in the event of a “breakdown” of the heating element or a short circuit in the circuit. Height 760 mm. Weight - 22 kg. Advantages: Low cost. Large volume. The disadvantage is the presence of only one heating element, as a result of which it takes about 5 hours to initially heat the water.

Middle price segment

Bosch 13-2G is a geyser with an atmospheric burner from a well-known German manufacturer. Ignition - hydrodynamic. Automation provides control of draft, flame, water and gas pressure. Power 22.6 kW. Productivity — 13 l/min. Advantages: Rapid hot water supply from multiple taps at the same time. Affordable cost. Flaws: Installation and commissioning must be carried out by the gas service only. Dependence on water pressure in the water supply system.

Gorenje OTG 80 SLB6. An electric storage boiler equipped with an enamelled steel tank with a volume of 80 liters. Two “dry” heating elements with a power of 2 kW are responsible for heating the water. Height 950 mm; weight - 31 kg. Equipped with a safety valve, protection against overheating and freezing. Heating rate up to 75°C - 3 hours. Advantages: Large volume. Fast heating. Reliability. Good functionality. As the only drawback, users note an indistinct instruction manual.

Premium Models

Atlantic Vertigo Steatite 100 MP 080 F220-2-EC is a reliable, economical and efficient premium boiler, made in a flat rectangular design. The design feature of this model is the presence of two enameled tanks for 80 liters. and the use of two "dry" ceramic heating elements, with a power of 2.25 kW. Management is electronic. The functionality includes two modes of operation: "Boost" - for quick heating of water for a shower; Smart mode, uses user settings. Advantages: Reliability. Excellent functionality. Possibility of installation in any position. The disadvantage is a rather meager range.

Fagor CB-100 ECO (Spain). Storage boiler. Features: steel tank with titanium coating, capacity 100 l; two "dry" heating elements, with a power of 1.8 kW. Functionality: Three modes of operation, sound and light indication, double electrical protection, protection against leakage and water hammer.Height 1300 mm. Weight 38 kg. Advantages: Build quality. Powerful functionality. Multilevel protection. The disadvantage is the high cost.

This is interesting: Features of repairing an apartment in a new building

4 Delimano 2480

The original device will elegantly emphasize the kitchen interior, regardless of whether it is installed in an apartment, a private house or a country house. The body of the spout is characterized by a smooth bend, as a result of which the water does not experience additional pressure during movement. Outside, the working elements are covered with durable plastic, which is easily washed from drops, does not absorb or emit extraneous odors. The internal part of the device is made of durable metal, which withstands water pressure, pressure and temperature drops in repeated cyclic mode.

Heating at a maximum reaches 60 degrees, and hot water in the tap appears in just a few seconds, saturated with oxygen. The model is easily connected to standard hoses for faucets, the length of 1 meter of the electric cord is often included in the asset by users, as is the protection against switching on without water.

Brief instructions for operating the water heater and what is needed to preserve the boiler for the winter

The basic rule is that before connecting it to the network, you must make sure that the boiler is filled with water. Otherwise, there is a risk of burnout of the heating element. To check, you can open the hot water tap in any of the sinks. In this case, the cold supply to the heater must also be open. When the boiler tank is full, water will flow from the open tap. By blocking it, you can apply voltage to the device

Although modern appliances have protection against "dry" operation, this precaution will not be superfluous.

Scheme connecting the boiler to the solar battery - yes, it happens

If all the work is done correctly, it remains only to periodically (at least once a month) check the connections and pipes for water leakage, and the power wire and its contacts for heating. The cable must be cold and the connections tight.

Two water heaters helping each other. One cannot cope with a warm floor

As for the conservation of an electric water heater for the winter, then there should not be any difficulties either. After shutting off the water supply with an emergency tap, it is necessary to salt all the water from the boiler tank. In order to make sure that the drain is complete, you need to unscrew both connections (supply and outlet). If water remains in the water heater, it will flow out. Many models are equipped with a special drain cock or plug.

The drain plug on the boiler is well hidden

That's the whole process of conservation of electric water heater

It is important to understand that if water is not drained from the boiler, then in winter it will freeze, defrosting the tank. It will be unpleasant to come to the country in the spring and find a non-working device that cannot be repaired.

Well, with other nuances of operating some individual models, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the technical data sheet and instructions that are attached to the electric water heater upon purchase.

How to choose for a house, apartment

So, what should be considered when choosing a water heater?

1. Type of dwelling. For the organization of hot water supply in country houses without gas supply, the most rational option would be to install flow-type electric boilers.For country houses with one draw-off point, a non-pressure device with a power of up to 8 kW is suitable; for a private house, you should choose a pressure model with a power of up to 20 kW. For apartments, storage boilers with a power of up to 2 kW or flow-through gas water heaters with a capacity of at least 15 l / minute are suitable.
2. Number of persons. The calculation is simple: one person needs from 10 to 50 liters. hot water. For a family of 3 people, this figure is already equal to 100-120 liters.
3. Goals. If instant hot water is required at any time, then flow models should be preferred.
4. The necessary supply of water in case of a shutdown will be provided by storage facilities.
5. The dimensions of the boiler depend on its volume. Focus on the number of users and the availability of free space.

Place of application	1 person	2 persons	3 persons	4 people	5 persons
Water dispenser	5-10 l.	15 l.	15 l.	30 l.	30 l.
Shower	30 l.	50 l.	80 l.	100 l.	120 l.
Shower + washstand	50 l.	80 l.	100 l.	120 l.	150 l.
Bath	100 l.	120 l.	120 l.	150 l.	300 l.

AEG DDLE 18/21/24 TrermoDrive

The rating of the best instantaneous water heaters is completed by a rather expensive, but very good unit. The device is capable of producing more than 12 liters of hot water per minute. At the same time, at the exit you will get a temperature of up to +60 ˚С. Such indicators require a large consumption of electricity, so the unit "eats" as much as 24 kW from the network. But it is possible to connect several water points at once without loss of performance.

It can be controlled remotely using a remote control. There is an information display that displays all the necessary indicators: temperature, time, troubleshooting system.Of course, at such a cost, the device has all the necessary levels of protection and heating control. So it is completely safe, including for children.

The unit is equipped with many functions: eco-mode, automatic water consumption, various built-in programs. Interestingly, the water heater can be connected even to solar panels, the quality of water heating will not suffer.

Positive points:

• able to withstand pressure up to 10 atm;
• excellent build quality;
• informative electronic scoreboard;
• remote control;
• ease of setup and adjustment;
• very high performance;
• almost complete absence of negative reviews.

Minuses:

very expensive.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

Instantaneous water heaters are divided into two groups:

• non-pressure;
• pressure.

Non-pressure water heaters are designed to heat water at one point of selection. Such a device is a heater. It is structurally designed to heat running water coming from the water supply, and will not be able to keep the water pressure in the closed position.

In order to prevent the accumulation of pressure when the device is not in operation, a valve is installed before entering it. It is not recommended to simplify the installation of the water heater by connecting it to a mixer that will act as a shut-off valve, since it is likely to fail. Such water heaters are compact and easy to install. Models are available with a shower head or with a gander. If you need to get hot water in the apartment, with periodic shutdowns of hot water supply or to provide water heating in the country for a while, the choice of such a water heater will be the best option according to various criteria.

Pressure or system instantaneous water heaters can operate under pressure and are able to provide water heating for several points of water intake at the same time. They are installed before the mixers in a special water distribution unit. Accordingly, they have a more complex design and are more expensive. Pressure water heaters will be the best option for heating water throughout the year.