Rating of the best storage electric water heaters in terms of quality and reliability in 2021. Today, a good storage water heater combines high reliability against leaks and corrosion of a tank made of stainless steel or ordinary steel with a high-quality enamel coating, at least two “dry” heating elements, a power of 1500 W and a thermal insulation thickness of 35 mm. When choosing, we took into account many points: price, brand reliability, experience of previous customers, place where the equipment will be installed, warranty period, degree of difficulty of maintenance, required volume of hot water. The rating includes both small 30-liter boilers, for example Electrolux EWH 30 Centurio IQ 2.0, and models with a 100-liter tank Stiebel Eltron PSH 150 Universal EL. When compiling this TOP, we took into account that each model has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Kinds
Equipment for heating water can operate on gas, electricity and is divided among themselves according to various characteristics. Different types of water heaters may have different times and temperatures for heating water, differ in the type of energy source, the way the device is located, and the features of operation and connection.
Cumulative
How to choose an electric storage water heater for your home? This is the most famous type of device that heats water in a tank, inside of which there is a heating element. Cold water is heated as it enters to the desired temperature.
Storage water heaters Source ueni.com
The distinctive features of this type are the use of small capacities and the possibility of connecting several points. The advantage of modifications powered by the network is that they can economically maintain the temperature of heated water, moreover, they do not consume so much electricity and are connected to an ordinary outlet. Gas equipment is used as an energy source for heating water: natural or liquefied gas. The tank size of such devices is at least 50 liters.
Gas and electric
Electric or gas storage water heater, how to choose? The main components of gas and electric appliances are similar, therefore, the selection principles are the same.
Gas and electric water heaters Source vyborok.com
Electric models:
- cost less than gas and are safer;
- water tank from 10 liters;
- There will be no difficulties during installation.
Features of gas water heaters:
- equipment is installed only with the permission of gas services and professional plumbers;
- the energy source has a low cost, which means it saves the budget;
- has great power.
Scheme of a storage gas water heater Source elit-klimat.net
How to choose a boiler? Deciding which water heater is best to install should be based on the needs of the whole family. As for water consumption per person, the need for hot water depends on the size of the family. For large families, it makes no sense to use instantaneous water heaters. The column is suitable for the domestic hot water needs of 1-4 people. Starting from 4 simultaneous residents, the storage unit is more rational to use.
Flow-through
A instantaneous water heater differs significantly from a storage water heater. The advantage of this device is that it very quickly heats running water and supplies it to the shower or kitchen tap. It is a compact unit consisting of a housing, a massive heating element, a pressure switch, shut-off and control valves, a grounding terminal, a switch, and also an inlet and outlet manifold. For their work, i.e. To move water along the route, sufficient pressure is required.
Scheme of instantaneous water heater Source zusakop.tonuzy.ru.net
These products are non-pressure and serve only 1 point and, as a principle, are placed close to it. Pressure pumps, capable of supplying several plumbing fixtures simultaneously due to their enormous power and impressive pressure. Innovative flow-through heating equipment has an elegant appearance and compact configuration.
Advantages of electric flow models:
- use of electricity only for water consumption;
- small size and easy installation;
- no impact of the housing material on performance characteristics;
- constant supply;
- ease of use and wide range.
Minuses:
- dependence of the outlet water temperature on the inlet water temperature;
- high energy consumption;
- the need for additional wiring.
If the power of the unit starts from 3.5...8.0 kW, then wiring with a power of 220 W is sufficient, and a three-phase line (380 W) must be installed separately when the water heater has a power of 27.0 kW or more
Control system
Setting the required operating mode and other parameters can be done in two control methods:
- Mechanical . It is practical, convenient and cheap. The main element is the rotating mechanism. As a rule, this is a power regulator, and in more expensive devices there is another regulator that sets the required temperature. Thanks to its simple design, the system operates reliably and is durable. The only drawback is the lack of accuracy of the settings.
- Electronic . Consists of a display, touch or regular buttons. The temperature can be set with an accuracy of 1 degree. There are many additional options: storing heating modes, self-diagnosis, starting an economical mode and others. These water heaters are noticeably more expensive and are more sensitive to power surges.
Criterias of choice
The choice of water heater depends on many parameters. The most important criteria that need to be taken into account are presented in the list.
Power
How to choose an electric storage water heater? Power consumption is a parameter on which performance depends. The efficiency of the heating component may vary, but the general principle is true for absolutely all devices - the greater the power, the faster the water heats up.
Determining the power of a water heater Source ruceta.nacypote.ru.net
For instantaneous and storage water heaters, the power ranges are significantly different. Flow-through systems - due to their distinctive features, systems consume more electricity than storage systems. The power of small devices with a water flow rate of up to 3 liters per minute can be from 3 to 5 kW. When taking a shower, we use approximately 7-9 liters of water per minute, and at the stated maximum of 65 degrees, 3 liters will result in slightly warm water. Models with a power of 8 kW are ready to heat up to 6 liters of water in 20 seconds. The most powerful ones require a three-phase connection with a power of 380 volts. As a principle, the threshold for electrical appliances is 30 kW.
Water heater power Source luxpl.com
Cumulative - from 1 to 6 kW. Such devices will heat water up to 40 degrees. Large storage water heaters are often supplied with gas heating systems. Such devices can have the highest power up to 78 kW.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in insulating country houses.
Tank size
The first thing you need to decide is the size of the tank. It depends on how many people will use it and what the water heater will be used for. In addition, a very important aspect of the choice is the place of bathing - shower or bathroom. If the device is needed only for washing dishes, then you can choose a 10 or 15 liter modification, which will be absolutely enough. If space allows, for bathing you must choose a water heater of at least 80 liters in size if you have a bathtub and 60 liters for a shower. For example, for a family of four, choose a 60 liter water heater, but in this case you will need to wait until the water heats up after each person bathes.
Water heater tank size Source sanliga.ru
We advise you to focus on the following values:
- for the daily needs of one person, 50 liters is enough;
- for three people – 80 l.;
- 4 and more – 120 l.
There are water heaters up to 300 liters in size, but the cost of such modifications is quite high. A more common value is a 100-liter tank, which is purchased both for a private building and for a summer residence.
Inner coating
The anti-corrosion layer is made from components that are resistant to hostile environmental influences, including:
- Titanium coating,
- Stainless steel,
- Fiberglass.
Internal coating of a water heater Source www.dg-dom.ru
Coating directly has a great influence on the formation of cost. Modifications coated with an enamel composition are in high demand among residents, since their working period exceeds 10 years or more, while porcelain glass products work for approximately a year. With sudden temperature spikes exceeding 60, microcracks may appear on the walls.
The best types are rightfully those with a titanium shell, which stand out for their high price. The weak point of expensive modifications is the welded joint zone and the poor impact on the quality of water, which, according to users, acquires a steely taste after contact, although studies have not proven this fact.
The presence of a magnesium anode increases the degree of protection, but it will require periodic replacement, 1-2 times every year.
No. 3. Boiler inner lining
The inner surface of the storage boiler tank constantly interacts with water, so it must be as resistant to corrosion as possible. Today, water heaters are available for sale in which the inner surface of the tank is made of the following materials:
- stainless steel;
- enamel coating;
- glass ceramics;
- titanium coating;
- plastic covering.
Boilers in which the tank has a plastic inner coating are the cheapest, but their reliability is questionable. Stainless steel tanks performed best . Manufacturers give them a 10-year guarantee, and some additionally carry out passivation, increasing the warranty period to 12 years. From the point of view of durability and reliability, such tanks are preferable, but they are not cheap. The most expensive boilers receive titanium coating , which allows you to extend their service life for several more years.
Tanks with an enamel coating are not much inferior to their stainless steel counterparts. Thanks to the addition of special additives to the enamel, it receives the same expansion coefficients as the steel from which the tank itself is made, so this coating will not crack when heated. The enamel coating is being improved day by day. Today you can find water heaters in which the enamel is coated with silver ions . Due to this, antibacterial and anti-corrosion properties are increased.
Some experts note that plastic, enamel and glass ceramics can suffer mechanical damage from temperature changes and when interacting with solid particles found in tap water. Still, enamel and glass-ceramic coatings are not the worst option for a boiler, although they are incomparable to stainless steel.
On the other hand, no matter how strong the inner coating of the tank is, the weak points are still the same in all cases. These are the welds that begin to rust first. To prevent corrosion of the tank and “wet” heating element, the design of all modern boilers includes anodic protection . For this, a magnesium, titanium or aluminum anode is used, and a tank acts as a cathode. The anode can be called a consumable material. It is better to change it every few years, while simultaneously cleaning the heating element and flushing the tank.
Remember that a high-quality boiler, manufactured according to all the rules, cannot be cheap. The absence of a warranty or a very short period should also indicate that the manufacturer, to put it mildly, is not confident in the quality of its products and wants to quickly relieve itself of responsibility for it.
The best manufacturers
We have selected companies that are considered leading in the field of water heater manufacturing.
- Ariston
Particular attention in the development is paid to the material and protective coating of the tanks inside. The issue of rust is solved by using stainless steel or steel coated with titanium or enamel. In certain modifications, the coating includes silver ions, which disinfect water. For example, this is equipment of the Silver series, abs Silver Power.
Ariston water heaters Source otoplenie-gid.ru
The strength of the storage tank is guaranteed due to reliable welds using Micro Plazma Tig technology - air bubbles are eliminated in the joint areas, which prevents corrosion. The manufacturer offers storage water heaters with tank sizes from 10 to 200 liters; the highest heating temperature for many models is 80 C. Some of them are equipped with a Nanomix mode to ensure performance.
- Electro lux
The main difference between the famous Swedish brand is that home equipment produced under this brand is highly valued all over the world and in the domestic market in particular. Corporate style is the constant improvement of our own products, the creation and introduction of the most daring innovations.
Electrolux water heaters Source gazeta.a42.ru
Technological and neat in appearance, the products are made in various versions. Indirect heating boilers from 100 to 1500 l. Electric instantaneous water heaters from the most common and cheap non-pressure ones to ultra-technological and powerful system ones, controlled by high-precision electronics.
- Bosch
Many buyers immediately associate this brand with durability and excellent quality.
Bosch water heaters Source kyttemaailm.ee
No. 2. Heating element type
Heating elements are responsible for heating in boilers; spiral heating elements are used less often (they are more powerful, but if something happens, they are more difficult to repair).
Heating elements can be of two types:
- "wet";
- "dry".
From the name it's easy to understand who is who. “Wet” heating element is a copper heating element that is immersed in water and operates like a boiler. Such heating elements are typical for many storage and almost all instantaneous boilers. These are cheap devices, but due to direct contact of the heating element with water, scale quickly forms on it, which has high thermal insulation properties, due to which the heating element’s ability to heat water is reduced. You will have to constantly increase the temperature, and this will affect the service life of the boiler. It is noteworthy that the higher the heating temperature, the faster scale forms. In addition, a “wet” heating element is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion. If your apartment has a water filter installed, then in principle you can use a boiler of this type; it costs less. When working with hard water, be prepared to clean the heating element once every 3-4 months.
The “dry” (steatine) heating element is protected by a special flask and does not come into contact with water, so scale cannot form here. The heat transfer of such a heating element is much higher, and so is the service life, but a boiler with a similar heating element will cost 1.5-2 times more.
Atlantic boilers
A good example of a water heater with a “dry” heating element is the French Atlantic. Atlantic factories are located all over the world. Except China - that’s why Atlantic is often called the most “NON-Chinese” water heaters. Atlantic boilers are equipped with a proprietary soapstone heating element with a service life of up to 20 years. This is ten times longer than conventional inexpensive “wet” heating elements.
Due to the coating of the tank with proprietary enamel with titanium dioxide and a magnesium anode, scale practically does not settle in Atlantic boilers and rust does not appear. Therefore, Atlantic are also the quietest, most economical and reliable water heaters of all that are sold in Russia.
Atlantic work with all types of water and are provided with a maximum warranty on tanks - 7-8 years. And Atlantic does not need to be serviced annually, like most conventional Chinese manufacturers. And once every 2-3 years.
Storage water heaters can be equipped with one or two heating elements . All large-volume boilers, as well as models with a fast heating function, receive a second heating element.
Popular models
All models presented. The best water heaters are in great demand among consumers, have unique design features and are of excellent quality.
For the pool
In order to enjoy the ease of using the pool, its water must be heated, and the optimal temperature for the human body is from 22 to 24 degrees. A pool with a diameter of 3 meters warms up in approximately 2 hours. Today, electrical equipment is especially famous. Inside there is a heating element designed for heating water, covered with several protective layers in order to protect the components from rust.
Each of the models has a pump with a filter, as a result of which the water is not only heated, but also cleaned.
- Pahlen
The Swedish manufacturer offers excellent equipment, the power of which reaches 18 kW, this is considered a high indicator and it requires a voltage of 380V. These indicators allow you to heat the water to a temperature of 40 degrees.
Pahlen pool water heater Source poolcorner.de
Flow-through storage water heaters
This is a combination of the two devices described earlier. They work in two modes. If the water consumption is small, water is supplied from the storage tank; if it increases, flow-through heating is also connected. The equipment is very convenient, but expensive. There aren't many options. This is Stiebel Eltron SHD for 30 liters and 100 liters. Price - $1500-1750.
Technical characteristics of instantaneous storage water heater
Video description
In the video, a review and installation of a water heater under the sink in a country kitchen:
For shower
As an example, instantaneous water heater Proffi PH9028. Using the unit is simple and comfortable: it is possible to adjust the temperature, and the selected options are reflected on the LED display. The set includes a shower head. The device is thoroughly protected from rust, it is not afraid of splashes, and its moisture resistance class meets the IPX4 standard. In case of pressure surges in the pipes, a safety valve is taken into account.
Water heater Proffi PH9028 Source yandex.by
For the dacha
The electric water heater is of a bulk type and has a power of 2 kW and a heating rate of 60 minutes. up to 40 degrees.
Tank volume 110 liters. In a suburban area, such a device can significantly simplify life, especially when there is a lack of running water. You simply need to pour water into the tank, heat it and use it for personal needs.
Electric water heater for a summer residence Source homediz.info
For bathroom
Pressure devices are considered the most comfortable and universally suitable. Instantaneous water heaters for showers can be connected either to one point or to a riser. This makes it possible to use hot water not only in the bathroom, but in absolutely the entire home.
Thermex Chief stands out for its unique design and great functionality. Equipped with a completely copper heating element and a flask that provides rapid and uninterrupted heating of water due to high heat transfer. Efficiency 2.9 l/min of water, temperature 35C. It has intuitive electronic controls and a beautiful LCD display with stand.
Thermex Chief water heater Source wildberries.ru
Bulk water heaters
An excellent solution for a summer cottage or if there is no running water in the house. A tank 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 steel coated with enamel. The temperature is regulated by a thermostat. A shower hose is attached to the body.
There are two types of such devices - gravity and with pressure created by a small built-in pump (Alvin EVBO). Gravity-flow tankless water heaters must be hung above your head. You can take a shower, but the water flow will be weak. Models with a pump have more pressure, but the tank capacity must be decent and such a model cannot be called a camping one.
The functions here could be:
- maintaining 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 an original Russian invention and all manufacturers are Russian. There are similar electric water heaters of the following brands:
- Success;
- Alvin Evbo;
- Aquarius;
- Elbeth;
- Mr. Heath Summer Resident;
- Fairy tale.
The devices operate on a 220 V network, the power is about 1-2 kW, the price is from $20 to $100, depending on the functionality and material of the tank. Which water heater is best in this category? Stainless steel with pressure, but these are just the most expensive models.
Conclusions and advice from professionals
If you still have questions about which water heater to choose, then use the brief advice of professionals.
Low-power instantaneous water heaters are chosen for consuming water in small quantities in the kitchen. They are perfect for washing dishes or washing hands. For families and for those who like to lie in the bathtub and steam, a storage electric heater measuring 100-500 liters is suitable.
A bulk boiler is the only possible solution for those who do not have the opportunity to create at least some semblance of a water supply system on their plot.
Indirect heating water heater Source iobogrev.ru
Indirect heating boilers differ from all other sources of warm water in that this system does not have its own heating component. Heating of water, in this kind of concept, is carried out due to the influence of external heating devices. This could be a boiler, central heating or solar panels. An indirect heating water heater, as a rule, is placed next to the heating boiler, and this “duet” covers a fairly large area, especially if both devices are floor-standing. The design of the indirect heating water heater allows you to connect a heating element.
No. 4. Boiler tank shape
When deciding which boiler to choose, you can get so carried away by studying data on power, volume and material that you forget about much more obvious things. We are talking about the shape of the body. There are few options here, the body can be:
- round;
- rectangular.
Round barrel boilers tend to cost less (as they are easier to manufacture) but take up more space. This is the most popular version. Devices with a rectangular tank will save space, since they can be installed in a corner, niche, on the edge of a wall, or even hidden in a cabinet. Moreover, due to their shape, such models are equipped with a thicker layer of thermal insulation. There are also so-called slim models , in which the diameter or one of the sides is smaller than in standard devices. Before purchasing, it is very important to decide exactly where the boiler will be located and how much space is available for its installation.
As for color , there are few options. The most popular and win-win option is a white body. Gray and silver models are also in demand.
Basic information about the procedure for replacing heating elements
Any manipulations with the water heating device are carried out only when it is completely disconnected from the power source. Before replacing, be sure to drain the water from the tank. The water heater itself is removed from the mounting bracket on the wall and placed on a table or floor to make it convenient to work.
The main lower bar of the boiler is unscrewed to gain access to the heating element. In order not to make a mistake when installing a new part, it is better to take a couple of photographs of how the old one was located.
Afterwards, you need to disconnect the wires going to the heating element and remove it from the tank.
Advice! It is not always necessary to change a part; sometimes to restore its properties it is enough to simply clean off the scale.
The procedure for replacing the heating element in this short video course:
Replacement algorithm
Replacing a heating element in a water heater is a very labor-intensive operation and is carried out strictly according to certain regulations:
- disconnect the product from the electrical network;
- drain the water completely;
- remove the water heater from its mounts and turn it over for ease of carrying out all work;
- Unscrew the fastening of the bottom panel, photograph the location and order of wiring;
- disconnect the wires from the heating element and remove it from the tank body;
- clean the plaque and scale; if no damage to the housing is found, then install the heating element in place;
- in case of replacement, install a new heating element and reassemble in the reverse order.
Especially for inexperienced users, to help them carry out this operation correctly, there is a video where an experienced technician replaces the heating element in a boiler:
Installation features
After purchasing a water heater, it must be installed. For inexperienced users, the following procedure is recommended:
- Pre-call a specialist to select the installation location and make calculations for purchasing pipes and other additional materials required for installation.
- Assembling the heater and preparing it for installation.
- Fastening the device to the wall, taking into account its weight when completely filled with water. The fasteners supplied in the kit are not always suitable; you have to additionally purchase the most suitable reinforced elements.
- Next, the pipelines are laid out and the water heater is connected to the water supply and electrical networks.
- An emergency liquid release valve is installed.
- After all connections, a test run of the equipment is performed. The quality of connections is checked, the absence of leaks, and operation in different modes.
Heating elements for electric heating boilers
Previously, I wrote a separate article on electric boilers, which I also recommend reading.
Well, okay, let's get down to business. Blocks of heating elements are used as heating elements for electric boilers.
They consist of several heaters, which are combined together with a nut.
To make it clearer, look at the picture below:
Heating element block
The nut is available in the following diameters: 1.25 inches, 2 inches and 2.5 inches.
Such a block is sealed using an annular rubber seal (if it is provided structurally) or by winding with thread or FUM tape.
As for the tubes, they can be made of carbon or stainless steel.
Stainless steel is more expensive, but lasts much longer than black steel.
With powers up to 9 kW, units with a supply voltage of 220 V can be installed inside the boilers.
With higher power, units for a three-phase voltage of 380 V are installed in the boilers.
Dry ceramic heating element
For boilers and water heaters, you can also use dry ceramic heating elements in a stainless steel flask. Soapstone ceramic heaters are more expensive than metal tube heaters, but they last much longer. The Polimernagrev company produces dry ceramic heating elements with diameters of 42 and 34 mm. The length of the heaters, type of connection, flask and other parameters are made to order with individual requirements. You can order the production of even one heater from us, and when ordering several heating elements, a discount is provided. Please check with our managers by phone or email for the cost and production time.
Magnesium anode
If you choose a model with submersible ones, then make sure that they have a magnesium anode in their design.
Without its use, scale formation occurs many times faster. And this in turn:
- increases heating time
- reduces efficiency
- causes greater energy consumption
It is optimal if the magnesium anode is located at the top of the water heater. This will provide better protection of the tank from corrosion.
Also, this arrangement allows you to comfortably control the flow rate and change the anode in a timely manner without draining the water.
Always read the terms of the warranty carefully.
In beautiful large letters on the tank it can be written - 5-7 YEARS WARRANTY! And in small print it is added to the instructions - only on condition of regular, within two years, replacement of the anode.
Buy a boiler, after 2.5 years it will rust and leak, and they will refuse to replace it under warranty.
Since there was no timely replacement of the anode in the service class=”aligncenter” width=”720″ height=”290″[/img]
"Wet" heating element
The open type heater has direct contact with water. Thin nichrome wire wound in a spiral type is an excellent conductor for electric current. First of all, it transfers heat to quartz, which fills the voids inside the case, and only then the heat passes to the case and warms up the environment. Such heating elements are classified according to the following technical principles:
- The shape of the heater can be straight or concave. Determined by the type of storage device in the boiler.
- By type of fastenings. There are heaters mounted on a flange or nut. The first ones are produced by casting or stamping.
- The presence of an anode socket or its absence.
In the production of open-type tubular heaters, stainless steel or copper alloys are used. These materials are less susceptible to oxidative processes. The advantages of such a heating element include ease of installation and replacement. And also the market price. Only due to continuous exposure to water, the heater quickly becomes covered with salt deposits and fails. Plus, an open heating element consumes a lot of electricity.
Heating element device
To understand how a tubular electric heater works, look at the figure below:
Water heater heating element device
- The shell is a metal tube. Copper, steel or aluminum tubes of different diameters are used as shells.
- Contact rod - a metal rod with a thread at the end through which the power supply of the heating element is connected.
- The heating element is a spiral made of an alloy with high resistivity.
- Filler - the dielectric periclase (white magnesium oxide powder) is used as a filler.
- Sealing material - protects the filler from external moisture and thereby preserves its properties.
- Contact washers and nuts are needed to secure the terminals.
- Insulator - separates the contact rod and the shell of the heating element. Needed to protect against current leakage to the housing.
The figure shows the length parameters. Let's decipher their meaning:
- L is the expanded length of the heater. According to GOST, it is equal to the sum of the lengths of straight and curved sections.
- La - active length. Equal to the length of the heating element.
- Lk is the length of the contact rod. The length of the embedment is standardized and indicated in the marking using a letter.
- Ly is the length of the leakage current path. Special standardized value.
- d is the diameter of the heating element.
Marking of heating elements: decoding
In order to be able to distinguish some heating elements from others, special markings were developed, fixed by the state standard.
It is applied to the surface using a press and should be located close to the insulator.
Consider, for example, the following marking:
100А13/1.6р220 - 2R30
- The number 100 indicates the unfolded length of the heating element in centimeters.
- The letter “A” in the marking encodes the depth of embedding of the contact rod (I will give the decoding below).
- The number 13 indicates the diameter of the tube in millimeters.
- The number 1.6 indicates the heater power in kW.
- The letter “p” encodes the heated medium (in this case, water and weak solutions of alkalis or acids) and the tube material (carbon steel).
- The number 220 indicates the supply voltage is 220 V.
- Number 2 is the number of the heating element shape (in this case it is U-shaped).
- R30 is the bending radius of the heating element in millimeters.
