TOP 10 energy-independent gas boilers for heating a private home: review of models + selection rules

Experts consider autonomous heating systems with gas boilers to be the most economical due to cheap fuel and maintainability. Modern units are efficient, do not require constant attention, maintain a comfortable temperature and are protected from all kinds of problems. But the range of heating equipment is quite rich and choosing the best is quite difficult, isn’t it?

We will help you understand this issue - in this article we analyzed the gas equipment market, identified the best models based on user reviews and expert opinions, and now we offer you to choose the most productive and safe energy-independent gas boiler for heating a private home.

The rating included products from manufacturers Lemax, TERMOMAX, ATON, Protherm, and 7 of the 10 TOP places were taken by boilers of the Russian brand Lemax.

TOP 10 energy-independent gas boilers for heating a private home

Place
Product
Rating
Power
Combustion chamber material
Price
Models with a closed combustion chamber
Models with open combustion chamber
#1
98
/ 100
16 kW
cast iron
#4
95
/ 100
35 kW
cast iron
#5
94
/ 100
25 kW
cast iron

Models with a closed combustion chamber

#1

Lemax Patriot-12.5

High performance and flawless functionality

Expert rating:
99
/ 100

The leader is the “Patriot” series boiler from the manufacturer Lemax, which works with both natural and forced heating systems. The design is chimneyless, so installation is possible not only in a cottage or country house, but also in a city apartment. Combustion air is taken in and combustion products are removed through a coaxial chimney mounted in the wall near the unit.

The heat exchanger is made of 2-mm high-quality steel that meets the requirements of GOST, and is coated on top with corrosion-resistant enamel that protects the metal from mineral oils and salt solutions. The gas valve and micro-flare burner are original parts made in Italy.

To create a convection effect, the front panel is perforated. Safety is increased due to the built-in gas control system and overheating protection. The efficiency is 87%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 12.5 kW;
  • gas consumption – 0.75 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation - parapet;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 595/740/360 mm;
  • weight – 50 kg.

Thanks to the removable lining, servicing the unit is easy and quick, and you can monitor the operation of both burners, pilot and main, through the viewing window.The efficiency is 87%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Advantages
  • Good build quality
  • Simple mechanical control
  • Reliability and safety
  • Successful smoke removal system
Flaws
  • Not suitable for a very small boiler room
#2

TERMOMAX Termomax-C 10E

Compact unit with simple controls

Expert rating:
98
/ 100

In second place is a Ukrainian-made product, the Termomax series “C” single-circuit boiler, which won positive reviews for its reliable assembly and simple controls. Even a non-technical user can handle servicing the unit. The model is ready for installation in a private house or apartment; operation requires the installation of a coaxial chimney.

The boiler copes “excellently” with heating the coolant; temperature settings are regulated within the range of 50-90 °C. If you plan to install the unit in a system with high hydraulic resistance, it is recommended connecting a circulation pump.

The pilot burner is started by piezo ignition and is protected from emergency situations by a protection system.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 10 kW;
  • gas consumption – 1.12 m³/h;
  • pressure – 12.74 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation - parapet;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 475/690/335 mm;
  • weight – 43.8 kg.

For preventive purposes, it is recommended to clean it 1-2 times a year. The control unit with piezo ignition button, thermo/pressure gauge and control knob is located on the front panel. The efficiency is 90%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Advantages
  • Right- and left-hand pipe connections
  • Easy control and operation
  • Reliable gas valve EuroSit 630
  • Compact dimensions
Flaws
  • High gas consumption
#3

ATON Compact 16E

Reliable model with thoughtful assembly

Expert rating:
97
/ 100

The floor-standing model of the Ukrainian brand ATON took third place in the rating due to its successful set of technical characteristics and user-friendly design. The boiler’s performance is enough to heat a room of 160 m², that is, it is suitable for a large cottage or multi-room apartment.

The manufacturer recommends installing the unit against an external wall to facilitate installation coaxial chimneynecessary to ensure the combustion process. It is also necessary to create optimal conditions in the room for the operation of the boiler and its maintenance, that is, to establish natural air circulation.

Despite the word “Compact” in the name of the model, it looks bulky in comparison with analogues from other brands. But, unlike the others, it has little depth.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 16 kW;
  • gas consumption – 1.8 m³/h;
  • pressure – 1.5 bar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation - parapet;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 740/700/275 mm;
  • weight – 61 kg.

As coolant It is recommended to use purified water without minerals such as lime, and install filters. Distilled or melt water is suitable. The efficiency is 90%, the warranty period is 1 year.

Advantages
  • Universal connection of the unit
  • Quick installation according to instructions
  • Integrated thermometer
  • Maintainability
Flaws
  • Large dimensions and weight
#4

Lemax Patriot-10

Efficient heating equipment for a standard cottage

Expert rating:
96
/ 100

The second Lemax model to be included in the rating of the best boilers with closed-circuit valves.It has less power than the previous one - only 10 kW, but is not inferior in operating efficiency. Recommended for installation in small cottages, seasonal country houses, city apartments.

Fuel consumption is economical - only 0.6 m³/h. Management is done manually. There is a temperature indicator on the front panel. The unit is turned on by simultaneously turning the control knob and pressing the piezo ignition button. The maximum heating temperature is 80 °C.

If there is a large hydraulic resistance, the manufacturer recommends including in the installation diagram circulation pump, expansion tank, drain and safety valves.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 10 kW;
  • gas consumption – 0.6 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation - parapet;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 595/740/360 mm;
  • weight – 50 kg.

To clean the elements involved in the combustion process, it is enough to remove the lining. The operation and condition of the burners are monitored through inspection windows. The efficiency is 87%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Advantages
  • Low noise level
  • High build quality
  • Economical fuel consumption
  • No connection difficulties
Flaws
  • Cannot be used for hot water supply
#5

Lemax Patriot-20

Economical gas consumption with excellent boiler functionality

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

Operation at the highest level

The top three with a closed combustion chamber is completed by the third model, Lemax Patriot, with a power of 20 kW. It is intended for equipping heating systems of large private houses. The installation method and principle of smoke removal are the same as for all units of this brand.

The boiler is more bulky than its low-power counterparts, and this must be taken into account during installation. It is recommended to strengthen the base for installation, since the weight of the equipment is 67 kg, and to finish the adjacent wall with non-combustible materials. It is best to line the surrounding surfaces with metal sheets.

Like other equipment in the Lemax Patriot series, the boiler is equipped with a POLIDORO injection burner and an Italian-made SIT gas valve.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 20 kW;
  • gas consumption – 1.2 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation - parapet;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 670/790/400 mm;
  • weight – 67 kg.

The unit does not require constant monitoring. Maintenance is carried out with the cover removed; it is convenient to control the burners through special windows. The efficiency is 87%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Advantages
  • Makes almost no noise
  • High performance
  • Economical fuel consumption
  • Convenient to use
Flaws
  • Requires regular cleaning

Models with open combustion chamber

#1

Lemax Leader-16

Possibility of connecting bottled gas

Expert rating:
98
/ 100

The first place in the TOP 5 boilers with an open combustion chamber is occupied by the “Leader” model with a power of 16 kW from the same manufacturer Lemax. In the top five, 4 out of 5 units belong to this popular brand in Russia. The boiler is designed to heat an area of ​​160 m², that is, it is suitable for heating 1- and 2-story cottages.

A distinctive feature of Leader boilers is a Czech-made cast iron heat exchanger.Thanks to high quality 4mm gray cast iron components manufactured by VIADRUS, maximum heat transfer and anti-corrosion properties are ensured.

The unit is equipped with overheating protection and a gas control is installed that blocks the fuel supply when the fire dies out. The thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature of the liquid in the circuit, and the pressure gauge allows you to monitor the pressure.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 16 kW;
  • gas consumption – 1.9 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation – floor;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 431/856/515 mm;
  • weight – 95 kg.

Constant monitoring of the unit is not required. It is possible to switch from natural gas to liquefied gas if there is no chance to connect to the public pipeline. The efficiency is 90%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Advantages
  • Low noise level
  • Reliable heat exchanger made of cast iron
  • Economical fuel consumption
  • Soft start system
Flaws
  • Specialist assistance is required when setting up
  • Heavy weight
#2

Lemax Premium-20

Powerful Russian-assembled boiler plus Italian spare parts

Expert rating:
97
/ 100

The model has many positive reviews from users who like literally everything - from a clear, intelligently assembled design to effective heating and excellent technical data. The model is single-circuit, designed only for heating the room. If hot water is also needed, we recommend considering double-circuit gas boilers.

The maximum area that can be heated with a 20-kilowatt boiler is 200 m² - this is a large cottage or industrial area. The powerful unit requires more fuel - 2.4 m³/h, however, it belongs to the economical models.

Thanks to the cylindrical heat exchanger, the equipment copes with work in closed heating systems, the pressure in which reaches 3 atm.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 20 kW;
  • gas consumption – 2.4 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation – floor;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 556/961/470 mm;
  • weight – 78 kg.

All boiler elements are maintained manually by first removing the lining. The gas burner and safety elements are made in Italy. The efficiency is 90%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Advantages
  • Automatic SIT protection
  • Reliable Italian consumables
  • Small percentage of breakdowns
  • High-quality auto protection
Flaws
  • Large dimensions and weight
#3

Protherm Wolf 16 KSO

Compact budget option for a country house

Expert rating:
96
/ 100

A relatively small-sized, medium-power model for equipping heating systems in country houses, as well as non-residential premises for various purposes. A good solution for autonomous networks connected to natural gas. Equipped with a single-stage injection burner. Not suitable for other fuels such as propane.

Thanks to the pressure and temperature indicator, it is easy to control the heating process and make timely adjustments. Like other boilers, protection against overheating and flame extinction is provided. The steel heat exchanger has good thermal conductivity and quickly heats the water.

The dimensions are compact, the design is minimalist. Thanks to its small width and depth, installing the unit is much easier than more bulky and powerful models.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 16 kW;
  • gas consumption – 1.9 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation – floor;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 390/745/460 mm;
  • weight – 46.5 kg.

Caring for the boiler is not difficult: you need to clean the burner on time and carry out a preventive inspection of the automatic components. The efficiency is 92.5%, the warranty period is 2 years.

Advantages
  • Low price
  • No complex electronics
  • High efficiency
  • Simple controls
Flaws
  • Does not switch to liquefied gas
  • Only for systems with natural circulation
#4

Lemax Leader-35

Maximum power and high performance

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

Another “cast iron” model of Russian production, the most powerful of the Leader brand units presented in the rating. Suitable for open and closed heating systems. A heat exchanger with 4 mm walls, made of gray cast iron, holds heat well, but significantly increases the weight of the unit.

Italian burners and the security system work flawlessly, as confirmed by service center employees. If boilers from the “Leader” series are repaired, it is mainly due to the fault of the users - due to operational errors.

Not the largest dimensions of the unit are deceptive - it weighs more than other models. This must be taken into account during transportation and installation. The efficiency is 90%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 35 kW;
  • gas consumption – 4 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation – floor;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 600/856/520 mm;
  • weight – 140 kg.

The unit is designed for heating systems serving areas up to 350 m².For standard country houses these are too powerful boilers, but we recommend that owners of large 2-story cottages consider this option.

Advantages
  • Great power
  • Reliable security system
  • Cast iron heat exchanger
  • Italian details
Flaws
  • Possible problems at startup
#5

Lemax Leader-25

Reliable model with cast iron heat exchanger

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

Rounding out the top five units with OKZ is another model from the “Leader” series, but with a power of 25 kW. In design and functions, it completely replicates the previous boiler, but differs only in technical characteristics: power, fuel consumption, dimensions, weight. Suitable for heating an area of ​​240 m².

The main advantages still include a cast-iron heat exchanger with 4 mm thick walls, thoughtful assembly, and timely automatic operation. Italian parts fail in rare cases, but in general the system with the boiler works smoothly, almost flawlessly.

Specifications:

  • type – convection;
  • contours – one;
  • Max. power – 25 kW;
  • gas consumption – 3 m³/h;
  • pressure – 13 mbar;
  • control – mechanical;
  • installation – floor;
  • dimensions (w/h/d) – 515/856/515 mm;
  • weight – 115 kg.

This 25-kilowatt model is quite compact for its power, but it weighs a lot. For installation, you must provide a stable and level base. The efficiency is 90%, the warranty period is 3 years.

Advantages
  • Simple mechanical control
  • Easy operation
  • Properties of cast iron heat exchanger
  • Beautiful design
Flaws
  • Heavy weight

Criteria for choosing a gas boiler

As you noticed, non-volatile models from different manufacturers are very similar in design and characteristics.Almost all of them are installed on a parapet or floor, are of the convection type, and have mechanical control.

Gas non-volatile boiler in the interior
Single-circuit models differ in that they heat the coolant for only one circuit - the heating circuit. To additionally connect DHW, you need to purchase a double-circuit boiler or install an additional boiler

There are two subgroups in the rating: with an open (OKS) and closed (ZKS) combustion chamber. For residential buildings, models with closed-loop ducts are preferable, since the combustion process is carried out through a coaxial chimney, isolated from the air in the room.

To install models with OKZ, a boiler room with a well-established ventilation system.

When choosing a model, it is also important to take into account the dependence of the boiler on a stable supply of electricity. Devices packed with electronics largely depend on the capabilities and quality of the power supply. Due to power surges, control boards burn out, sensors often wear out and “fly out.” Therefore, to ensure stable operation you will have to use stabilizer. Boilers that operate without an electrical connection are considered more reliable.

So before purchasing, you need to pay attention to such characteristics as:

We examined these parameters in more detail in the following photo selection:

The design of modern gas equipment is simple, no frills: most often it is a rectangular design in white or light gray with a control unit in a prominent place.

When purchasing, we recommend checking how easily the covers can be removed to access the main parts - this is necessary for cleaning and maintenance.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Seller's advice on choosing floor models:

Useful information that is better to study before purchasing:

By choosing the right non-volatile gas boiler, you will ensure low heating costs, comfort and safety. But before buying, be sure to calculate correctly power and fuel consumption, consider the installation nuances, consult with specialists.

And here installation, setup and connection We also recommend that you delegate it to a service organization so that unpleasant incidents in the form of a fine or, even worse, dangerous emergencies do not happen in the future.

Would you like to supplement the above material with useful recommendations for choosing a heating boiler? Or would you like to share your personal experience of using one of the models in our rating? Tell us about the pros and cons you noticed during operation, add unique photos of your gas boiler - the feedback form is located below.

Visitor comments
  1. Galina

    Good afternoon Please advise which boiler I should buy to replace the old boiler (coal, wood, gas). I live in a rural area, there are frequent power fluctuations and outages, and high gas consumption. Apartment on land 70 sq.m panel house, radiator heating. I want a double-circuit, cast-iron, energy-efficient, with minimal gas consumption. What brand and what manufacturer. Thank you.

    Attached photos:
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