Flowing electric water heater on the faucet: tips for choosing + review of the best brands

Which instantaneous water heater is better to buy

By what criteria to select a flowing water heater, it has already been said earlier. Each choice is purely individual.Much depends on the suitable heat source, appropriate dimensions, installation method, speed requirements and functions. The presented TOP can be completed with the following results:

• The most powerful electric water heater with a long service life - Clage CEX 11/13;
• The fastest, most productive model in the premium segment - Rinnai RW-14BF;
• Among domestic manufacturers, it stands out for its build quality and productivity - EVAN B1-7.5;
• The Electrolux Taptronic S model has a wide range of water heating temperature adjustment.

From the presented rating, you yourself can decide what to buy for a constant supply of hot water, focusing on the characteristics, pros, cons of each model

Before buying, it is also important to consider the capabilities of your electrical system.

Rating of flowing electric heaters in 2020

Timberk WHEL-3OSC

The compact flow heater with a power of 3.5 kW provides a water pressure of 1.9 l / min. At the same time, the maximum heating temperature is 85 ° C, so the shower is quite suitable for operation (the output will be about 50 ° C). It is equipped with a shower head. There is an overheating protection that will turn off the heating element if its temperature reaches a critical point.

The device is attached to wall with bottom connection plumbing

Please note that for the normal operation of the device, it is necessary that the inlet temperature be about 16 - 18 ° C, that is, in fact, the heater can only be used in the warm season or in a heated room

Zanussi 3-logic 5,5TS

This device is already more powerful and more productive than the previous one. The power of the device is 5.5 kW, which makes it possible to deliver up to 3.7 l / min. Here, the manufacturer also included a faucet in addition to the shower head.The maximum water heating temperature is 40 ° C - of course not much, but enough for washing dishes and laundry.

The device is equipped with protection against overheating and dry operation. The second one essentially blocks the operation of the heater when there is no water in the system (for example, when the central water supply or pumping station is turned off). One heating element is installed here, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for the device for 2 years.

Electrolux NPX4

Electrolux is renowned for producing quality home appliances, and the NPX4 is no exception. This is an average power 4-kilowatt heater, which produces up to 2 l / min. Unlike previous models, there is an upper pipe connection, which should be considered before buying.

Please note that this heater is pressurized, so it can be used for several draw-off points. The heater is connected directly to the water supply

The device is equipped with overheating protection. It also has a temperature limiter. Overall, this is a great electric heater for the money.

Thermex Chief 7000

This heater features good build quality and excellent performance (4 l/min). The power of the device is 7 kW, so it will require wiring with a cross section of at least 4 mm2 and a 32 A power outlet. This heater is also a pressure heater, so it can serve several water points. The maximum heating temperature here is 48°C. At the same time, the device is equipped with a sensor that maintains the set temperature at the outlet. Thanks to this, the water temperature is always at the same level.

Unlike other models of this class, here for protection from leakage current RCD installed. It also has protection against overheating and operation without water.The heating element is made of copper. Thanks to the thermometer on the display, you can always see the temperature of the water heating. The device withstands inlet pressure up to 7 bar.

Stiebel Eltron DDH6

Stiebel Eltron's pressurized instantaneous electric heater withstands pipeline pressures up to 10 bar. The device is equipped with two copper heating elements with a power of 2 and 4 kW (the total heater power is 6 kW). Thanks to this, you can run only one or both at once. But for the simultaneous launch of heating elements, you need to have automatic machines for 32 A (since the current reaches 27 A). If you have 25 A circuit breakers installed, then you will only have to run one heater.

Model maker itself Stiebel Eltron DDH 6 from Germany, but the heater was assembled in Thailand. Although we note that this build quality has not become lower. The maximum capacity of the unit is 3.5 l/min. The manufacturer gives a 3-year warranty on its product.

By the way, there is an alternative option - a storage heater. It can be more economical: read how much energy such a device spends.

• How to choose an electric storage water heater for a house or apartment
• How to choose a geyser for an apartment: parameters, characteristics, best models

Expert advice

As a conclusion, let's summarize all of the above:

Power is the most important criterion in choosing an instantaneous electric water heater

For rapid heating of water up to 45 °C, the power of the heating elements is 4-6 kW;
Performance is the second most important parameter to pay attention to. For one sampling point, a device capacity of 3-4 l / min is sufficient. For each subsequent point, add 2 l / min;
Control type

The hydraulic one has a simpler design, but the heating is not regulated or can be positionally regulated. Electronic control allows you to control the heating depending on the incoming fluid temperature and system pressure;
Water heater type. Non-pressure are installed at one point of water selection. Pressure stations can serve several points at once;
Safety. Pay attention to devices with a multi-level security system. Ideally, the device should be equipped with an RCD.

Watch a video on how to choose an instantaneous water heater

The best manufacturers of inexpensive water heaters

Ariston 8 300 (Ariston ABS PRO ECO PW 50V) . We have placed Ariston in the category of the best manufacturers of inexpensive water heaters, but the range of the company, of course, is not limited to the budget segment. The Italian brand Ariston has settled in the domestic market for a long time and firmly. It is unlikely that there will be a home appliances store, wherever the products of this brand are present, which is not at all surprising, given the presence of a powerful production base in Russia. Hence, perhaps, the most massive range of water heaters, among which the "lion's share" is occupied by electric storage. Boilers from Ariston are naturally considered one of the best in terms of functionality, quality and price. Models are available to the consumer with a tank of their stainless steel or with a unique Ag + enamel coating (with silver ions) with a capacity of 10, 15, 30, 50, 80, 100 and more liters. Almost all brand products are distinguished by a high degree of protection, convenient operation and pleasant design. In addition to electric, Ariston produces instantaneous and storage gas water heaters, indirect heating boilers, heating equipment Main advantages: Relatively affordable price; Easy to install; Excellent functionality; Wide model range. Minuses: Lack of "dry" heating elements; An annual replacement of the magnesium anode is required to maintain the tank warranty. Models in the line: Ariston — Ariston ABS PRO ECO PW 50V Ariston BLU1 R ABS 30V Slim — 1500 W, 30 l, accumulative Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW 80 — 2500 W, 80 l, accumulative Ariston ABS BLU EVO RS 30 — 1500 W, 30 l, accumulative Ariston Aures SF 5.5COM — 5500 W, 3.1 l/min, flowing Ariston Fast R ONM 10 — 2000 W, 10 l/min, flow, gas and etc.

9.8 / 10 Rating Reviews At the moment, we have a second Ariston water heater, which replaced the old one, which had served for about 4 years, which is very good for our conditions. Some complain about leaks, but I put a tap with a gearbox at the entrance and I don’t know grief.

Thermex 5 800 (Champion ER 50V - 1500 W, 50 L, storage) A trademark with Italian roots appeared in Russia in 1995. The manufacturer specializes in electric water heaters of various types, capacities, volumes and purposes. Thermex is usually associated by consumers with inexpensive, easy to install and operate models. Although there are by no means cheap copies, which is somewhat strange given the Russian or Chinese assembly (even with electronic control). The most demanded storage water heaters from 10 to 300 liters. In the design of the latter, corrosion-protected tanks made of stainless steel or coated with bio-glass porcelain are used.The traditional "chip" is a multi-stage security system, a magnesium anode. There are also flow-through and combined models in the manufacturer's arsenal. The design of devices from Thermex is classic cylindrical, narrowed (Slim) or compact flat. External design "for an amateur", but the value for money is in order. In its class, the brand is considered a competitor to Ariston. Main advantages: Decent range; Good technical equipment; Many compact models; Easy installation. Minuses: Not very high quality materials; There are complaints about leaks. Models in the line: Thermex - Champion ER 50V - 1500 W, 50 l, storage Thermex Flat Plus Pro IF 50V (pro) — 2000 W, 50 l, accumulative Thermex Mechanik MK 80V — 2000 W, 80 l, accumulative Thermex Praktik 100 V — 2500 W, 100 l, accumulative Thermex Surf 5000 — 5000 W, 2.9 l/min, flowing Thermex Blitz IBL 15O — 2500 W, 15 l, accumulative and etc.

9.6 / 10 Rating Reviews Strange, but inexpensive Thermex water heaters with a glass-porcelain tank are better than "stainless steel". The latter, despite the ambitious name, is quite thin and for some reason easily susceptible to corrosion (there is a bitter experience).

Criterias of choice

When the question arises of creating a local hot water system for a country house or apartment, and to solve it, the choice fell on a tap-water heater, then the selection criteria in this case will be indicators such as:

1. Electric power. The possibility of placement in one or another place of installation depends on the amount of power.This is due to the permissible load currents of the electrical network, both in relation to the group line through which the heating element is connected, and to the general house, regulated by the power supply contract.
2. Performance. This indicator characterizes the ability of the device to heat and pass a certain amount of water through its structure per unit time. The indicator light informs that the heating element is working
3. Type of heating element. Heating elements can be made in the form of a coil or a spiral, as well as a straight or curved tube, through which water circulates, washing the built-in heating element. In their manufacture, ceramic elements and spiral blocks protected by glass are used, as well as copper and other metals resistant to corrosion.
4. Degree of protection. This indicator characterizes the device in terms of the degree of protection to external influences and corresponds to the standard scale for all electrical devices (IP). In addition, this indicator reflects the protection class of the device against the possibility of electric shock during its use (electrical safety - grounding, insulation class).
5. Extra options. These indicators include: the material used in the manufacture of the case and the method of controlling the device, as well as the presence of additional functions.

Premium segment models are equipped with an LCD display that informs about the temperature of the supply water

Of the additional options available, as a rule, on more expensive models, the following should be noted: jet illumination and light indication, LCD display and programming capability, as well as operation with different electric power and limitation of temperature operating modes.

Budget models are characterized by simple design, mechanical control and the absence of electronics in the control circuit.

Atmor Lotus 3.5 crane

Another not very powerful water heater, which is more suitable for installation in the kitchen. It provides only 1 draw-off point and is ideal for installation in a country house. A small device will provide a temperature of 40–50 ˚С at the outlet. You can adjust the degree of heating through the mixer itself. Power is controlled by two buttons located on the front panel.

Installing a water heater does not require much effort. The kit contains everything you need. Do not forget that these devices, however, like other flow heaters, require grounding. The kit includes a power cable with a plug. However, it is only about 1 m long, so you may need to purchase a longer cord. For those who want to provide 2 taps with warm water and comfortably take a shower, the company offers several modifications of this model, with a power of up to 7 kW.

Advantages:

• membrane switch;
• minimum power consumption;
• very simple control;
• is cheap.

Flaws:

• modest power;
• very short cable.

Types of compact electric heaters

Hot water supply modules for a faucet are usually divided into two types: a removable heating nozzle and mixers with a built-in heating element. To supply warm water to the sink of the wash area and to the kitchen sink, universal wall outlets are often used.

Separate faucet nozzle

The module is installed on the spout of a previously built-in faucet.The main advantages of the mini-block: low cost, the ability to connect to an existing tap, compactness. The disadvantages are obvious - as a rule, the thermo-block has a small power and productivity (about 4 l / min).

Small dimensions do not allow to equip the nozzle with a full-fledged security system and a more or less powerful heating element. The efficiency and reliability of the device is quite low

As a protective element, the module is equipped with a thermal sensor that prevents overheating of internal elements.

Instant Water Heating Faucet

Heated taps occupy a large part of the segment of flow-through miniature water heaters. The device operates in three modes:

1. Hot water supply. Mixer handle turned to the right. The electrical system comes into action, providing an influx of warm water.
2. Cold water supply. Turning the lever to the left turns off the electrical part of the tap - cold water runs from the mixer.
3. Shutdown. Joystick knob in the central lowered position - the heating tap is inactive. The circuit is de-energized, the water supply is stopped.

In most flow-type models, the water temperature is controlled by changing the pressure. Moving the lever vertically allows you to select the heating mode with an error of 0.5-1°C.

A hot water faucet is more expensive than a separate nozzle. But the difference in price pays off with the increased performance of the device and a high degree of safety.

Wall “groove”: pressure and non-pressure model

A universal water heater can be connected to the tap.

The electrical module has a number of distinctive features:

• the ability to service several water intake points at the same time;
• high degree of protection;
• productivity up to 7-9 l / min, which is more in comparison with nozzles on the tap and mixer-heaters;
• wall mounting.

The body is made in the form of a capacious box. The increased area of ​​the heating element explains the improved heating characteristics of the device.

The block is attached to the wall near the crane. In order not to clutter up the space for a mirror or a spacious shelf, the module can be placed under the sink

Wall mounts are of two types:

1. Pressure. Hot water from the heater is supplied to the distribution network, and then to the water intake points. The power of the units is 3-20 kW, one- and three-phase connection is possible.
2. Non-pressure. Designed to serve one point of water consumption - water from the mini-boiler is immediately transferred to the outside through the tap. The power of the devices is 2-8 kW.

With a sharp drop in pressure in the plumbing system, the flow of water through the non-pressure module will slow down - there is a high probability of getting very hot water at the outlet. In devices with a temperature sensor, this problem is solved.

The main types of electric water heaters

According to the principle of operation, devices that use electric current to heat water can be divided into two categories.

Flow water heaters

In such units, the temperature of the water is increased by passing it through a heating element - a heating element or a spiral. Due to this, heating is carried out almost immediately after switching on, and the amount of hot liquid is not limited by anything.

The main disadvantage of such devices is the high rate of one-time electricity consumption. To ensure their operation, it is often necessary to lay a separate power cable, the cross section of which must correspond to the load.

The disadvantage of such an electric water heater can also be considered an insufficiently high efficiency.

Flow type devices look compact and aesthetically pleasing. On a plastic or metal case, which can have a different color and shape, there are keys that control the operating mode

Storage units for water heating

Devices of this type, also called boilers, are liquid containers with a heating element installed, due to which the temperature of the contents of the tank rises. Such units have a greater efficiency and require less energy consumption.

The disadvantages of cumulative models include:

• limited amount of heated water;
• the relatively long time required to raise the temperature of the liquid;
• bulkiness of the device.

Despite these shortcomings, boilers are now much more often used for domestic purposes than flow units. In our other article, we gave the criteria for choosing an electric storage boiler for heating water.

Cold water enters the working tank of the capacitive device through a fitting, and after heating it rises to the surface due to the action of natural convective currents

Ariston Bravo E7023 U-F7

Another water heater made in Italy. At a fairly low cost, it is able to provide a couple of points of analysis with warm water at once. The device has a basic set of functions and is distinguished by build quality and reliability.

Power is decent - 7 kW, productivity - up to 4 liters per minute. There is an auto-shutdown system for the device in case of power failures, a safety valve to relieve excess pressure, and built-in overheating protection.

Completeness is quite wide - there is a hose, a shower head, a faucet and a cleaning filter. Like many other instantaneous water heaters, the model is not without flaws. First of all, you need to take care of proper grounding, so it is better to entrust the connection to professionals. The second criticism is the quality of the thermal insulation of the device.

Advantages:

• decent power and performance;
• high-quality protection system;
• good equipment;
• low cost;
• the ability to withstand pressure up to 6 atm;
• nice design.

Negative points:

• poor thermal insulation;
• separate wiring (powerful) is required.

Non-pressure instantaneous water heater

In this type of heater, the pressure does not exceed external atmospheric pressure. Available in power from 2 to 8 kW. Able to heat water for 1-2 points in the room. It is not difficult to use such units: open the tap at the inlet, and when the water supply starts, turn on the water heater power button. The temperature is regulated by the water supply: the lower the pressure, the higher the temperature. As soon as the pressure of the water supplied to the unit decreases to 0.33 atm, the heater will automatically turn off thanks to the minimum pressure switch.

Non-pressure instantaneous water heater

The main advantages include:

• high efficiency and energy saving;
• overheat protection;
• low cost.

The disadvantage is low pressure and limited use (for no more than 2 points).

Extra options

Temperature control

Electronic systems allow precise control of water temperature. For example, in a number of Electrolux models, the accuracy of maintaining the water temperature is 1 ºС, in Stiebel Eltron models - 1 or 0.5 ºС.For the kitchen, such accuracy, perhaps, is not needed, but for the bathroom it does not hurt.
Adjusting the water temperature can be stepwise (usually three to eight steps, the more the better) or stepless, which is more convenient. Also, in some more advanced models, a display can be provided with an indication of temperature and water consumption, energy consumption level and a number of other parameters.

Remote control

Some water heaters can also be equipped with remote controls, which is very convenient, especially if the water heaters themselves, according to the rules of the PUE, are located out of reach of a person in the bath or in the shower.

What is an instantaneous electric water heater?

An instantaneous water heater is a compact device that allows you to heat water immediately before it enters the faucet, without accumulation in the tank. The most popular heaters powered by electricity due to the ease of installation and control.

This device has its own features of operation, which you should pay attention to before buying. The main drawback of the device is the ultra-high power consumption for heating water, and even the most modern models do not reduce this figure.

• A flow heater is usually installed in the following cases:
• when hot water is needed all the time, for example, in public catering establishments in places for visitors, shopping centers;
• if there is no time to wait for heating, for example, in a country house or in the country;
• in cases of extremely cheap or even free electricity;
• in conditions of lack of space for a full-fledged storage heater.

It is worth remembering that, despite the durable materials and ease of operation, a flow-through water heater will in any case last less than a unit with a tank, and there is no question of saving at all.

How it works

The flow model differs from the storage boiler in that there is no tank for accumulating hot water in the design. Cold water is directly supplied to the heating elements and comes out already heated through a mixer or faucet.

Consider the example of a Termex instantaneous water heater device:

As you can see, the electrical circuit of the heater is quite simple. All structural elements can be easily found and purchased if the device fails.

Now let's move on to the second, no less important issue - consider how a tankless water heater works.

Operating principle

So, using the example of the Termex heater provided above, we will consider its principle of operation.

Connection to the mains is carried out with a three-core cable, where L is a phase, N is zero, and PE or E is ground. Further, power is supplied to the flow sensor, which is triggered and closes the contacts if the water pressure is sufficient for operation. If there is no water or the pressure is very weak, the heating will not turn on, for safety reasons.

In turn, when the flow sensor is triggered, the power control relay is turned on, which is responsible for turning on the heating elements. Temperature sensors, which are located further in the electrical circuit, are designed to turn off the heating elements in case of overheating.

In this case, the temperature sensor T2 is turned on after the heating elements have cooled down in manual mode. Well, the last element of the design is a neon indicator that displays the process of heating water.

That's the whole principle of operation of a flowing electric water heater. If suddenly the device fails, use this diagram to find the faulty element.

In other models, there may be a modified scheme of operation, for example, there will be a thermostat, as in the image below.

When cold water is supplied, this membrane is displaced, thereby pushing the activation lever through a special rod. If the pressure is weak, the displacement will not occur and heating will not turn on.

Instantaneous pressure water heater

This type of heater does not provide for a tap, only an inlet and outlet for water, but it can be connected simultaneously to several mixers. In the event that the hot water supply is turned off, you can get heated water at any point in the apartment where there is a tap. Usually the units are installed under the sink. It turns on automatically, and depending on the manufacturer, it can be single-phase and three-phase.

Instantaneous pressure water heater

The main advantage of pressurized water heaters is the maintenance of the desired water temperature and the ability to operate at elevated pressure, and the disadvantage is the high power consumption. It is also convenient to work with it: you do not need to turn on the heater separately, the water supply is regulated by a valve on the water tap. Such units keep the water temperature in the range of 30-60 degrees.

How to choose a storage electric water heater

Such a unit, necessary in the household, as a storage water heater, operates from a conventional electrical network. In its tank, thanks to heating elements (heating elements), water is heated to a predetermined temperature, and then maintained at the same level. When choosing a boiler, you need to consider the following parameters:

• Volume of the tank;
• Material and inner coating of the tank;
• Power

Power and heating elements

With power, everything is simple - the more it is, the faster the water will heat up. For more power, you need to overpay well when buying, and practice shows that 2-2.5 kW is enough for a boiler. Some companies put 2 heating elements, for example, 0.7 kW and 1.3 kW, which together will be 2 kW. This is very convenient, because without an urgent need for water, you turn off one of the heating elements and significantly offload the power grid.

Boiler volume

The power of standard boiler models is 1-3 W, although there are more powerful options that also “eat” electricity powerfully. The larger the tank, the longer the water will heat up in it. So, it will take an average of an hour and a half to heat 80 liters from 15 to 60 degrees.

The supply of water should be enough for all needs with a small margin. What water is used for:

• Washing dishes;
• Shower and bath;
• Handwash;

The largest volume is taken by the adoption of a bathroom, which is 160 liters and takes all the water from the water heater. Therefore, if there are no lovers of taking a bath among you, or you simply have only a shower stall installed, then less capacious models can be considered.

It is important that the smaller the volume of heated water, the lower the electricity consumption.

The approximate volume of the boiler, depending on the number of people:

• 1-2 people - 50-80 liters;
• 3 people - 80-100 liters;
• 4 people - 100 liters or more.

Or calculate at the rate of 30 liters per person, but remember that an excessively large volume of a water heater will not justify the investment and will not be economical.

Tank Reliability

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the most important part electric storage water heater - tank. Namely, its internal coating and the reliability of the weld, since the most common reason for replacing a boiler is a tank leak. The inner coating protects the tank from corrosion processes, which directly affects its service life.

Tank lining options:

• Glassware;
• Enamel;
• titanium enamel;
• Stainless steel.

The simplest and cheapest way of internal coating of the tank is glass porcelain and enamel. However, such a coating is more sensitive than others to sudden changes in temperature, which provoke the appearance of cracks. To keep such a tank as long as possible, it is better not to heat up more than 60 degrees. They give a long warranty on such a tank, although for many they work for a very long time.

Titanium enamel and stainless steel are much more preferred for the inside of the tank. Titanium coating is the best, but it is found in very expensive models, which not everyone can afford.

Stainless steel coated tanks also work great, they have a factory warranty of about 7 years, but they also have their drawbacks. Stainless steel is weak in the weld areas, these are the places that can cause problems over time.

To protect the tank from destruction, manufacturers put a magnesium anode inside. It protects against corrosion, as it takes on static, but it must be changed at least 1 time per year.

Conclusion

Of course, there are many more worthy models that are not included in our rating. You can add to the review the one that you liked.

The choice of a suitable instantaneous water heater depends on many points: personal needs, the capabilities of the existing electrical network, the availability of one or another amount, which it is not a pity to pay for the constant availability of warm water

Among other things, when choosing a model, you should pay attention to the presence and remoteness of service centers. This will help to avoid many problems in the event of a device breakdown.