Water heaters: types of water heaters and their comparative characteristics

Bulk water heaters

An excellent solution for giving or in case of lack of tap water in the house. A bulk water heater is a container with a lid in which a heating element is mounted. The container can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ordinary enameled steel. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat. A shower hose is attached to the body.

There are two types of such devices - gravity and with a small built-in pressure pump (Alvin EVBO). Self-flowing bulk water heaters must be hung above the head. You can take a shower, then the flow of water will be weak. Models with a pump have more pressure, but the tank capacity must also be decent and you cannot call such a model a marching one.

The functions here might be:

• maintenance of the set temperature;
• automatic shutdown after heating;
• the presence of an accumulator and a pump to create pressure;

• status indicators.

  Bulk water heater device

Bulk water heaters are a primordially Russian invention and all manufacturers are Russian. There are similar electric water heaters of the following brands:

• Success;
• Alvin Evbo;
• Aquarius;
• Elbet;
• Mr. Hit Summer Resident;
• Story.

The devices operate from a 220 V network, have a power of about 1-2 kW, and the price is from $20 to $100, depending on the functionality and material of the tank. Which water heater is better in this category? Stainless with pressure, but these are just the most expensive models.

What is a storage boiler

The storage boiler is a water heater that supplies hot water due to heating. Storage boilers are installed in apartments, private houses and other facilities. The design of the boiler consists of a tank and a heating element that ensures the functioning of the structure. The volume of the tank varies significantly between manufacturers and for different needs. The minimum common tank size is 3 liters, the average is 100 liters. For the needs of a family of 4, a volume of 100-120 liters is considered sufficient for comfortable use. For a family of 2 people, the best option is a tank of 50 liters. When choosing, household water consumption is also taken into account. The dimensions are much larger than the instantaneous water heater.

The operation of the design is extremely simple: the user connects it to a power source, turns on the device, selects the temperature regime. It remains to wait for the supply of hot water.The constant use of the tank in one mode ensures that there is no need for any adjustment during use. The device operates around the clock. It doesn't need to be turned off. This is solely the desire of the user.

Price

Average prices of different types of water heaters, boilers in rubles:

Accepted abbreviations:

Comb. - combined.

Father - domestic.

Imp. - imported.

The given prices show that the higher the functionality of the device, the more expensive the cost. This must be taken into account when choosing the type of water heater, given the family budget. Why overpay for the functionality of the device, which will not be in demand during operation.

Which water heater is best?

When choosing, it is worth focusing on a number of parameters. Among them are the following:

• Water heating time. Storage boilers spend at least 40 minutes on the process of heating cold water (excluding the function of maintaining the temperature regime and constantly turning on the device). Instantaneous water heaters provide hot water instantly and at any time of the day.
• The number of sources connected to the device. In the boiler, it starts from 2 and the entire water supply system is supplied, where there is a need for a hot water supply device. Flow devices are mounted on the place that will be used for water supply. They can be designed for one point, or they can supply water to all rooms. The power and energy consumption depend on the number of points.
• Energy consumption. It directly depends on the power of the device and with intensive use of the equipment, the difference is not too significant.Flowing water heaters consume more electricity for the needs of fast water heating. The usage time of the device is a short cycle. The boiler consumes less energy. The usage time fits into a long cycle. As a result, the design consumes less electricity, but with long heating and the need to maintain the temperature, the consumption will be significant. In terms of efficiency, a stationary boiler outperforms competitors who spend more energy on fast water heating.
• Maximum heating temperature. The highest temperature is produced by a standard storage water heater. It goes up to 75 degrees. A low-power instantaneous water heater heats water up to 40 degrees. A powerful flow heater with several connection points heats water up to 60 degrees.
• A question of price. Accumulative stationary boilers cost in the range from 7,500 rubles to 16,000 rubles. Flow mobiles heat water up to 40 degrees and cost from 2,000 rubles to 5,000 rubles. Flowing stationary ones cost from 6,500 rubles to 16,000 rubles.

When choosing between an instantaneous water heater and a storage boiler, you should focus on your needs and budget. With a small amount of space and many users, high performance and a small tank capacity are required. Then the optimal solution would be a stationary flow apparatus. It will be able to provide high speed water supply for any number of users.

If it is necessary to install a water heater in a room with a large amount of space and a small number of users, it is possible to install a stationary device with a tank capacity of up to 100 liters.

Modern boilers are equipped with modern control systems. They can be controlled via a mobile application, while controlling the water consumption. It is possible to set the heating at a time when nightly discounted electricity tariffs are in effect. This is an opportunity to significantly save on energy.

The presence of adjustment in the range of up to 80 degrees and with an accuracy of 1 degree. Some models have an anti-freeze function. It does not allow water to freeze inside the structure and automatically maintains a temperature of at least 5 degrees.

There is a disinfection function. It is required to ensure the high quality of the water supplied and to purify it from microorganisms. Thermal treatment and a special surface ensure the use of already disinfected water.

Modern boilers have the functionality to maintain the temperature in the mode of optimal energy consumption. This function is used when there is no active use of the device. There are other functions that allow you to make control more comfortable and better, including remotely.

The surface of storage boilers and heating elements are equipped with a special coating that prevents the formation of scale. The presence of coverage is relevant for places where water is of poor quality.

Flow heaters are actively used to ensure high-quality water supply to the premises. They can be hidden from prying eyes, and cumulative ones are not amenable to such visual adjustment.Flow-through can be used for many years without the need for replacement and special maintenance.

The best flat storage water heaters for 100 liters

Flat EWHs have a specific application. They are well suited for embedding in niches and other places where they will not interfere with residents. TOP 5 such devices are presented below.

Electrolux EWH 100 Centurio IQ 2.0

The rating of the best storage-type flat EWHs is opened by the Electrolux EWH 100 Centurio IQ 2.0 model. This wall the pressure apparatus has a universal arrangement (horizontal and vertical).

Electronic control with the ability to set the turn-on delay timer.

Water connection - bottom. The tank is made of stainless steel.

Specifications:

• heating element power - 2 kW;
• maximum heating - up to 75 degrees;
• heating time to maximum temperature - 228 minutes;
• pressure in the system - up to 6 atm;
• dimensions - 55.7x105x33.5 cm;
• weight - 24.1 kg.

Advantages:

• the ability to connect Wi-Fi;
• Electrolux Home Comfort mobile app (climatic appliances for Android 4.1 or ios 6.0);
• frost protection;
• convenient display with mode indication;
• increased service life;
• TEN dry type.

Flaws:

only an increased cost is noted, which is typical for flat models.

Zanussi ZWH/S 100 Smalto DL

Numerous positive reviews have a flat model Zanussi ZWH/S 100 Smalto DL. It is intended for providing several hot water consumption points (pressure type).

Can be placed both vertically and horizontally.

The inner coating is high-strength enamel.

Electromechanical control is highly reliable. The model is distinguished by the presence of 2 water tanks.

Specifications:

• heating element power - 2 kW;
• maximum water temperature - 75 degrees;
• warm-up time to 75 degrees - 192 minutes.
• pressure in the system - 0.8-6 atm;
• dimensions - 57x109x30 cm;
• weight - 38.4 kg.

Advantages:

• small thickness;
• all necessary protections;
• the presence of a display with an indication of the mode;
• protective anode for water treatment.

Flaws:

• increased weight, which requires strengthening the wall when hanging the device;
• increased cost.

All shortcomings are covered by specific embedding abilities and high reliability.

Electrolux EWH100 Formax

The top three is opened by the Electrolux EWH 100 Formax model. This is a wall-mounted pressure unit that can be placed in a vertical and horizontal position.

Electromechanical control with good indication.

The inner coating is a special enamel.

Specifications:

• dry heating element power - 2 kW;
• mains voltage - 220 V;
• maximum heating temperature - 75 degrees;
• warm-up time to maximum - 230 minutes;
• pressure in the system - up to 6 atm;
• dimensions -45.4x88x47 cm;
• weight - 32 kg.

Advantages:

• accelerated heating mode;
• eco-mode with heating up to 55 degrees;
• economical consumption of electricity;
• reliable protection and safety.

Flaws:

• mechanical control,
• increased weight, which makes it difficult to hang the device.

Popularity is due to a successful combination of cost and power.

Pointu BWH/S 100 Smart WiFi

Among the leaders, the accumulative EWH Ballu BWH / S 100 Smart WiFi is especially noted. The model can be classified as flat varieties, pressure type with a universal location and wall mount.

It has electronic control, is able to work in the "smart home" system and has a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

Specifications:

• power of heating elements - 2 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 75 degrees;
• time to reach the maximum temperature - 228 minutes;
• size - 55.7x105x33.6 cm;
• weight - 22.9 kg.

Advantages:

• stainless steel tank;
• the presence of a display with an indication of the mode;
• eco mode;
• USB connector for connecting to a Wi-Fi module.

Flaws:

not detected.

Zanussi ZWH/S 100 Splendore XP 2.0

The leader among flat storage water heaters is the Zanussi ZWH / S 100 Splendore XP 2.0 model. His electronic control provides convenient operation and perfect control.

The device belongs to pressure type with universal installation.

The tank is made of stainless steel.

Specifications:

• heating element power - 2 kW;
• mains voltage - 220 V;
• maximum heating temperature - 90 degrees;
• pressure in the system - 0.8-5.9 atm;
• time to reach the maximum mode - 90 minutes;
• dimensions - 55.5x105x35 cm;
• weight - 24.1 kg.

Advantages:

• convenient and bright indication;
• fast heating;
• universal mounting method;
• antibacterial water treatment;
• turn-on delay timer;
• temperature setting accuracy 1 degree;
• protection against scale;
• power regulation.

Flaws:

not detected.

Appearance and price

The price of boilers for hot water consists of the following factors:

• Tank capacity - the larger the tank, the more expensive the boiler;
• Materials for the manufacture of the tank - the lowest cost is a steel tank with an enamel coating, the highest is a tank made of stainless steel. A significant contribution to the cost adds the presence of antibacterial properties in the inner coating of the tank;
• The presence of remote control panels is a useful addition that affects the cost;
• Dimensions and design - water heaters with designer finishes have the highest cost. The thickness of the product also affects the price - narrow boilers that do not visually clutter up space are much more expensive than cylindrical models in the form of a barrel;
• Manufacturer's brand - it is quite natural that a boiler from a little-known brand will cost less than a model similar in characteristics from a famous manufacturer.

You will be able to pick up a boiler which in full can become decoration of your interior.

When choosing an electric boiler for heating water, you need to pay attention not only to functionality and characteristics, but also to external data. If the water heater is planned to be installed in the kitchen, where the designer finishes the room, you should look at small but roomy models with a decent design.

If the water heater will be in the boiler room, then there you can limit yourself to a simple floor or wall model with a good and durable tank.

How to choose?

When choosing a storage EWH for 100 liters, the following criteria should be considered:

The power of the heating elements. This is an important parameter that determines the heating time of water and its temperature. Domestic installations have a power in the range of 1-6 kW

It is important to bear in mind that as it increases, the cost of electricity also increases. The optimal value is 1.5-2 kW.

Mains voltage

The devices can be designed for single-phase networks with a voltage of 220 V or three-phase lines with a voltage of 380 V. In the latter case, the power of the heating elements increases, but a special power supply is required.

Tank material
The greatest attention should be paid to the inner coating of the barrel. The durability of the entire unit and the quality of water in the system depend on it.
The most common economy class EWHs have an enamel or glass-ceramic coating. Boilers made of stainless steel are distinguished by high reliability. Premium construction uses high quality titanium plating.

Type of heating element (heater). The main options are wet and dry varieties. Wet heater works directly in water. It costs less, but has reduced durability. Dry heating elements are placed in a special flask, which excludes their contact with liquid, which increases the service life and electrical safety.

Preservation of heat in the tank. It is determined by thermal insulation. Reliable EWHs have a thickness of at least 3 cm. In addition, priority is given to modern materials.

Degree of protection. It determines the electrical safety of the device, and is selected taking into account the humidity in the room. In specially designated and dry rooms, it is sufficient to have a degree of protection of at least IP23. In the bath or bathroom you will need a device not lower than IP44.

Control. It can be electromechanical or electronic. The first option is cheaper and easier to use. Electronic control provides more precise adjustment and convenient maintenance.

In addition to these parameters, you should pay attention to additional options.

An important function is protection against overheating.

Ease of service depends on the power-on indication and the main modes.Modern models may have such additional options as accelerated heating, water freezing protection, the ability to connect to a heating system or “warm floor”, water filtration.

Review of the best brands

Place #1 - Italian company Ariston

A well-known Italian brand that produces household appliances also manufactures water heaters of various price categories. Although the catalogs present various options for these devices, most of the range is occupied by electrical storage units.

Models from Ariston are considered one of the best options in terms of the ratio of technical characteristics, quality and price. They are distinguished by convenient operation, elegant design, high degree of protection. The disadvantages include the lack of devices with "dry" heating elements.

One of the accumulative models of Ariston. It is made in the shape of a cube, looks stylish and original on the bathroom wall. In addition, all devices of this brand are famous for their optimal price-quality ratio.

Place #2 - Swedish brand Timberk

The Swedish brand is engaged in the production of exclusively climatic, thermal equipment and water heaters. The range includes models of flow and storage devices with different volume, power and equipment.

Among the advantages are a well-thought-out security system, ease of installation, good thermal insulation and fast heating. The disadvantages include a not too long standard warranty from the manufacturer, equal to one year.

All models from Timberk have an excellent set of useful features, affordable prices, and some can be controlled using a remote control.

Place #3 - Swedish company Electrolux

A well-known Swedish brand is engaged in the production of household appliances, including water heaters. The company does not stop there, introducing new technologies and improving manufactured products. The range includes a huge selection of gas and electric models designed for different market segments.

All products are distinguished by their corporate design, technical equipment, simple and convenient control, which can be either mechanical or electronic. Among the shortcomings, only the increased cost of models can be noted.

A distinctive feature of some models from Electrolux is that they can be mounted both vertically and horizontally. The only drawback of this manufacturer's equipment is its rather high cost.

Place #4 - Italian brand Thermex

Italian brand specializing in units of various types and purposes: flow, combined, accumulative. Priority is given to budget devices with compact dimensions, easy to install and operate.

Thermex electric storage water heaters are popular among consumers. Their distinctive features are high-quality assembly and affordable price.

The catalogs contain a large number of "slim" devices and devices with a flat tank, which allows them to be installed in hard-to-reach places. Despite the affordable price and simple design, electric heaters have a fairly wide functionality and an increased degree of safety.

Place # 5 - South Korean company Hyundai

One of the divisions of the famous South Korean concern is engaged in the production of climate technology, as well as the production of devices for heating water.The assortment mainly includes accumulative electric models.

Some models from Hyundai have an impressive capacity, which allows them to be used in large families. All devices of this manufacturer are equipped with a multi-stage security system

The boilers of this company are characterized by a laconic, but at the same time memorable design, thanks to which they easily fit into modern kitchens and bathrooms.

All devices are distinguished by a well-thought-out control system, safety and efficiency. On some models, there is an ECO mode that allows you to minimize energy costs.

Do you still doubt which water heater is better - storage or flow? In this case, we recommend that you look at a comparative review of these two types of water heaters.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Pros and cons of various water heaters:

Tips for choosing and installing a water heater:

When choosing a water heater, you should focus on the amount of water consumed and the availability of a particular energy source for the operation of such a device.

With a small water consumption, an instantaneous electric heater will suffice. But for a large family in a cottage, it is best to put a cumulative analogue on gas.

What type of water heater do you use? Are you satisfied with its performance or are you considering a replacement?

If you are just choosing a suitable option for a water heater and want to clarify a number of nuances, ask questions to our experts and other site visitors in the comments section under this article.