Electric instantaneous water heaters: TOP-12 popular water heaters + recommendations for buyers
When there is a periodic absence of a centralized supply of hot water, electric instantaneous water heaters are installed in apartments and houses - they take up little space, quickly increase the temperature and are cheaper than storage water heaters.
Now there are many models from different manufacturers of household appliances, when choosing which you need to pay special attention to technical parameters, since the principles of operation of all devices are the same.
In this material, we will take a detailed look at the 12 best water heaters, and also give advice on choosing the right device.
The content of the article:
Rating of instantaneous electric water heaters
Models up to 4.5 kW
Thermex Surf 3500
A simple electric water heater is a good option for seasonal use
Lightweight and compact, the Surf series instantaneous water heater features flexible installation options. The Thermex Surf 3500 model can be placed under or above the sink, as well as in any convenient place.
The water heater is designed for one service point; in a minute the device is capable of heating 2 liters of water to a temperature of +25°C. With low pressure, the temperature of the supplied water rises to +35°C...+40°C.
Main parameters:
- power – 3.5 kW;
- productivity – 2 l/min;
- temperature regime – heating up to +40°С;
- heating element – spiral made of stainless steel;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 14x20x7 cm;
- weight – 1.3 kg;
- additionally – power-on indication, protection against overheating/running without water, shower head included.
Users note the ease of installation, connection and use. Some people miss the mechanical button on the body and the ability to flexibly adjust the water temperature. Before long-term storage, it is necessary to blow water out of the water heater.
The Thermex Surf 3500 model is often chosen for backup water supply when the centralized hot water supply is turned off. Often the device is installed in a country house for seasonal use.
- Easy to install
- Compact dimensions
- Includes shower head and hose
- Power-on indication
- Protection against overheating and switching on without water
- Short power cord
- No mechanical switch
Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 3.5 TS
Best selling - budget heater fully equipped
This instantaneous electric water heater is usually used in an apartment for a shower or kitchen. Its power is not enough to serve two consumers at once, but it can handle heating water for one water intake point with a small volume of liquid passed through.
Main parameters:
- power – 3.5 kW;
- productivity – 2 l/min;
- temperature regime – heating up to +40°С;
- heating element – copper heating element;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 27x14x10 cm;
- weight – 1.5 kg;
- additionally – power-on indication, protection against overheating/running without water, shower head/faucet included.
In terms of build quality, the Smartfix 2.0 3.5 TS, made in China, is no different from similar priced models. When operated for 2-3 weeks of operation per year during seasonal preventive maintenance of heating networks, it can work for a very long time.
The popularity of the unit was ensured by the low price tag - you can buy a water heater for 1700-2000 rubles. In order for the model to last for a long time, you must follow the installation instructions. The device is not designed for operation under pressure - it cannot be placed in the water supply system upstream of the mixer.
- Low cost
- Shower head and faucet included
- There is a thermostat - 3 heating modes
- Operation from 220 V mains
- Attractive design
- Short power cord
- Risk of leakage due to improper installation
- Low performance
Thermex Surf Plus 4500
Instantaneous pressure water heater - a solution for two water points
This model has good performance and the ability to connect to several water intake points. The design of the device is extremely simple; a stainless steel spiral with a power of 4.5 kW is responsible for heating the water.
Main parameters:
- power – 4.5 kW;
- productivity – 2.6 l/min when heated to +25°C, 1.8 l/min at water temperature +35°C;
- temperature regime - depends on the intensity of the pressure;
- heating element – stainless steel spiral;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 14x20x7 cm;
- weight – 0.90 kg;
- additionally – protection against overheating, operation without water, power indicator.
Thermex Surf Plus devices are compact in size and lightweight in design, which greatly facilitates installation. Modest dimensions allow you to install the water heater in narrow places where it is impossible to place large appliances.
- Maintenance of several water intake points
- Compact dimensions and light weight
- Quick installation - there is a mounting panel
- Protection against overheating and switching on without water
- No mechanical switch
- No shower head included
Timberk WHEL-3 OC
Low-power gravity heater for use in summer
This is a rather weak model of the Swedish brand made in China. A low-power instantaneous electric water heater is used either for the shower or for the kitchen. It will not be able to serve two parsing points.
Main parameters:
- power – 3.5 kW;
- productivity – 1.9 l/min;
- temperature regime - depends on the intensity of the pressure;
- heating element – copper heating element;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 27x16x11 cm;
- weight – 1.35 kg;
- additionally – water filter, overheating protection.
Like any economy-class product made in China, the WHEL-3 OC model is distinguished by its simplicity and low cost. The device comes with a faucet. In addition, the water heater is equipped with a reusable filter to purify the water from impurities.
The manufacturer indicates that the unit is intended for use in summer; the water supply temperature should not be lower than +16°C...+18°C.
- Affordable price
- Attractive design
- Water purification filter
- There is a mechanical thermostat
- Provides overheat protection
- Limitation of inlet water temperature - at least 16-18°C
- Complaints about the tightness of connections
Models from 5 to 6 kW
Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital 2.0
Practical water heater with electronic control and LED display
In first place is the medium-power model of the famous Swedish brand. Made in China, the device can be used simultaneously for two or three low-consumption points, such as showers and kitchen faucets.
Main parameters:
- power – 6 kW;
- productivity – 2.8 l/min;
- temperature regime – maximum heating up to +50°C;
- heating element - spiral spring heating elements;
- control method – electronic;
- dimensions – 19x14x9 cm;
- weight – 1.7 kg;
- additionally – overheating protection, LED display.
The model is distinguished by a top eyeliner. Electronic control allows you to set the temperature of the leaving water with an accuracy of 1°C. The interface includes a hidden LCD display and touch buttons.
The device is quite expensive, which distinguishes it from analogues with a mechanical control type.However, the accuracy of the set temperature, which does not depend on the parameters of the incoming water, is a significant advantage of this model.
- Connecting multiple water intake points
- Temperature display
- Heating and power-on indication
- Anti-scale protection - Pullsten technology
- Convenient temperature adjustment
- Short power cable
- Complaints about automatic startup failures
Atmor Lotus 5 souls
Water heater for servicing one water intake point
The model of the Israeli brand has a good combination of cost and power. With an average price of 1,800 rubles, the water heater demonstrates good performance - 2.2-3 liters per minute.
The device comes with a faucet, so its purpose is clear - one water intake point.
Main parameters:
- power – 5 kW;
- productivity – 2.2-3 l/min;
- temperature regime – 3 stages of heating power - 2/3/5 kW;
- heating element - tubular heating elements;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 30x22x9 cm;
- weight – 2 kg;
- additionally - overheating protection, power switching, shower head, power-on indication.
The body of the device is made of inexpensive plastic, like all models in this price range. Mechanical push-button control turns on individually or simultaneously heating elements of different power.
The water heater must be connected via an automatic machine; the cable cross-section must be at least 2.5 square.
- Safety thermostat
- Attractive design
- Power adjustment - 3 modes
- Shower head included
- Acceptable cost
- Maintenance of one water intake point
- No cable with plug included
Stiebel Eltron DHC 6
Heater from a German brand - reliable operation and high build quality
A representative of the premium class of equipment is a pressure water heater from the German manufacturer of heat and power equipment Stiebel. The unit is capable of providing hot water to several water intake points at once.
The device control is hydraulic. The water heater comes into operation when the tap is opened, and the degree of water heating is regulated by the mixer.
Main parameters:
- power – 6 kW;
- productivity – 3 l/min;
- temperature regime – heating up to +40°С;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 20x36x10 cm;
- weight – 2.5 kg;
- additionally - on/heating indication, overheating protection, pressure in the water supply network - up to 10 atmospheres.
Operational safety is ensured by a double protection system. It includes a built-in temperature limiter and alarm sensor.
The Stiebel Eltron DHC 6 model has shown good efficiency mainly when used as an additional, backup source of warm water, for example, during a hot water supply outage.
- Possibility of servicing several water intake points
- Good build quality
- Automated operation
- Indication of inclusion and heating
- 3 years warranty
- High price
- No display or electronic controls
- High electricity consumption
Zanussi 3-logic 5.5 TS
Balance performance and cost - inexpensive device with three power modes
The model of the Italian brand is made in China. The water heater is equipped with a tap, shower hose and watering can. This device is intended for use in the bathroom.
The unit has 2 heating elements with a total power of 5.5 kW. The design of the device is very simple. Wall mounting with a horizontal housing arrangement is provided.
Main parameters:
- power – 5.5 kW;
- productivity – 3.7 l/min;
- temperature mode – 3 heating power levels;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 27x14x10 cm;
- weight – 1.5 kg;
- additionally – power on/heating indication, overheating protection, water filter.
This device must be very carefully assembled and attached to the wall. The plastic is quite fragile, and the terminals have a bottleneck. The shower and faucet that come with the kit are cheap, but if you subtract their cost, the price for the water heater itself will be very low, even for a Chinese product.
- Affordable price
- There is a water filter
- 3 power modes
- Includes shower head and faucet
- Compact dimensions and light weight
- No cable or plug included
- Maintenance of one water intake point
- Requirements for the location of the heater
- If installed incorrectly, the flask may depressurize
Models with power from 8 kW
Thermex Topflow 10000
High-power, efficient water heater with a convenient control panel
A flow-through pressure electric heater with a power of 10 kW is capable of servicing several water intake points at once. In a minute, the water heater produces 5.7 liters of water, heated to +35°C, if the outgoing temperature is +10°C.
On the front panel there is a display with temperature indication, as well as touch buttons for selecting the heating mode. The unit has a stainless steel spiral heating element.
Main parameters:
- power – 10 kW;
- productivity – 5.7 l/min;
- temperature regime – increase in water temperature by +25°…+35°С;
- control method – electronic;
- dimensions – 21x36x13 cm;
- weight – 2.7 kg;
- additionally - LED display, heating temperature limitation, protection against operation without water, power-on indication.
To connect the water heater, a cable with a cross-section of 6 square meters is required. mm, as well as installation of an RCD. It is better to entrust electrical installation work to an electrician.
- Good performance - 5.7 l/min
- Temperature display
- Indication of inclusion and heating
- Maintenance of several water intake points
- Intuitive controls
- Connection with a separate power cable
- No hose, shower head or faucet included
Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active 2.0
A technological device with a self-diagnosis option, an LCD display and a wide operating temperature range
Another powerful water heater made in China, designed to supply hot water to several consumers. It has an original design, LCD display and electronic control using touch buttons.
Main parameters:
- power – 8.8 kW;
- productivity – 4.2 l/min;
- temperature regime – outgoing temperature range +30°С...+60°С;
- control method – electronic;
- dimensions – 23x37x9 cm;
- weight – 2.5 kg;
- additionally - LED display, power-on indication, self-diagnosis option, protection against overheating/operation without water, filter.
This device does not have a power plug. This is due to the fact that the device is sold not only in Russia, but also in China and Europe, where socket standards differ. When purchasing, you need to take this point into account.
- LCD display and touch control
- Wide heating temperature range
- Water filter mesh
- Self-diagnosis option for faults
- Multi Memory technology - storing heating temperature
- No network cable with plug
- Inner flask made of plastic - risk of cracking
- Need for new wiring
CLAGE CEX 9
Decent build quality and thoughtful functionality from a reputable manufacturer
The device produced by a German company is the most expensive in this rating. The high price tag is due to the build quality and implemented functionality. The electronic filling is quite sophisticated for a household water heater and can even change parameters using the remote control.
The model is designed for several water points. Moreover, if it is installed, for example, in a bathroom, then to change the water parameters in another shower located separately, it is enough to use the control panel.
Main parameters:
- power – 8.8 kW;
- productivity – 5 l/min;
- temperature regime – water heating range from +20°С to +55°С;
- control method – electronic;
- dimensions – 18x29x11 cm;
- weight – 2.7 kg;
- additionally - display, remote control, self-diagnosis system, water filter.
The device is equipped with three stainless steel spiral heaters. This resulted in high efficiency and the ability to quickly respond to changes in user requests regarding the temperature of the outlet water.
This water heater features very good quality German assembly and the manufacturer's attention to detail. There are special notches on the body for marking attachment points.
A mounting card is included. There is a child lock mode. There is also a model similar in parameters, Clage CEX 9U, which has a top liner.
- LCD display and electronic control
- Wide heating temperature range
- Remote control capability
- Warranty - 3 years
- Self-diagnosis system for problems
- High price
- The remote control is not included in the basic package
- To connect you need a cable with a cross-section of 6 sq. mm and a 40 A circuit breaker
Stiebel Eltron DHC 8
Electric pressure water heater from Stiebel - time-tested quality
The Eltron DHC 8 water heater demonstrates excellent performance and operability. The model has been on the market for more than 10 years and during this time has established itself as a reliable device.
The body is laconic, rectangular with a slightly curved shape. The main elements of the device are located inside the unit - a flask with a heating element with a power of 8 kW. There are two light indicators on the front of the case.
Main parameters:
- power – 8 kW;
- productivity – 4.1 l/min;
- temperature regime – heating up to +40°С;
- control method – mechanical;
- dimensions – 20x36x10 cm;
- weight – 2.4 kg;
- additionally – heating/switching indication, overheating protection.
The degree of electrical safety of the device is IP24. The level of protection allows the heater to be used in wet rooms (shower room, kitchen), where the device may be splashed with water.
- Maintenance of several water intake points
- Good build quality
- The flask and heating element are made of copper
- Indication of inclusion and heating
- Warranty - 3 years
- High price
- High power consumption
- No display or electronic controls
Possible electrical problems
First of all, of course, you need to decide on the type of water heater for autonomous production of hot water.
The flow-through electric version differs from storage boiler the following advantages:
- short time to obtain hot water;
- compactness and low weight;
- no need for periodic maintenance (descaling);
- lower price.
Storage water heaters have another significant advantage: lower instantaneous power and, as a result, lower requirements for network parameters. Therefore, first of all, you need to understand the technical part of connecting the device to electricity.
As a rule, when installation of instantaneous water heater a separate electrical circuit is allocated for it. It is dangerous to power this appliance from a kitchen network that already has many powerful appliances, such as a refrigerator, electric kettle or oven. And the line going to the bathroom is usually designed for a maximum washing machine with a power of up to 2 kW.
Another nuance of including instantaneous water heaters in the electrical circuit is the mandatory grounding of the electrical appliance, that is, the wiring must have three wires. Therefore, you need to be prepared not only for installing the device itself, but also for work on installing an additional electrical circuit or replacing old wiring with cable with large cross-section.
If you want to buy a device with more than 6 kW, you must also make sure that the power supplied to the apartment or house is sufficient to service the instantaneous water heater.
If a 380 V and 15 kW network enters the house, then the power in one phase will be equal to 5 kW.In this case, when purchasing an instantaneous water heater operating from 220 V with a power of more than 5 kW, simply connecting it to one of the phases (between the phase wire and the neutral) is not enough.
In this case, you can purchase and install a balun transformer (abbreviation 3UI), but they are expensive. The second real option is to use an autonomous power source - a generator, but it will need to be started every time. Although both of these options can be useful for other powerful electrical appliances operating on 220 V.
If your home is powered from a 380 V network and you need a powerful water heater, it is best to buy three-phase models such as Clage CDX 11-U or Evan-EPVN. They are rarely found in stores, but can be purchased to order.
How to make the right choice?
Many water heaters come complete with a shower, faucet and fixtures. These accessories have their own cost and if they are not needed, then you can look at similar models that will be cheaper.
Also, some manufacturers produce models without a plug. They are designed to connect to the network directly, bypassing sockets. Most often, this is done when there is a need to constantly use the device.
Some of the most controversial parameters are heating performance and maximum temperature. Any heating element can generate a fixed amount of thermal energy per unit of time at maximum power. The volume of water passed through depends on the pressure in the water supply.
Two conclusions follow from this:
- the higher the initial temperature of the cold water, the hotter the liquid at the outlet;
- The smaller the volume of water passed through, the more it will heat up in the water heater.
Neither legislation nor established traditions regulate the parameters that affect performance indicators and the achieved temperature.
For example, the Thermex Surf 3500 model at maximum operating power can provide a throughput of 2 l/min, heating water by 25°C. And if it is necessary to increase the temperature by 35°C, the device can only flow 1.4 l/min. And for Electrolux NPX 6 Aquatronic Digital 2.0, the declared throughput is calculated based on an increase in liquid temperature by 30°C.
This creates confusion. One of the most common complaints from consumers is that the purchased device does not meet their expectations in terms of water heating temperature.
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a instantaneous water heater, you must adhere to a certain sequence of actions.
For example, for a device purchased for a bathroom, you need to do the following:
- Measure the cold water temperature. It can be from +18°C for apartment buildings in summer, to +8°C for cottages with a deep-well pump.
- Determine your comfortable temperature when taking a shower. Typically this indicator lies in the range from +35°C to +40°C.
- Calculate the temperature difference.
- Determine the sufficient volume of water coming from the shower head in liters per minute. To do this, you need to conduct an experiment: time it for one minute and take water into a measuring container.Typically this figure is 5-10 l/min and depends on the water pressure and the type of shower head.
- Choose a suitable water heater, focusing on the table depending on power, temperature difference and throughput.
To take a bath, you need to take into account that you need to draw water at a higher temperature (for example, 50°C) than what is comfortable for the body. During the process of filling the bowl, heat loss will occur due to heating of the metal and air.
You also need to pay attention to the weight of the device. It should be taken into account that the parameter given in the documentation determines the weight of the dry specimen. Here you need to add the volume of tubes that will be filled with water. This indicator is also in the technical description of the device.
Some expensive and powerful models support a remote control method based on a radio signal or wi-fi. This allows you to install the water heater in a hidden way and provides the ability to set the water temperature from different points in the house.
When purchasing, it is also important to choose the installation location in advance and decide on the type of hose connection - lower or upper. Bottom connection is typical for Russia, but many models also have modifications that allow top connection.
During installation, the most common mistake is connecting shut-off valves (taps) after the water heater. This leads to excess pressure in the device body, as a result of which it may leak. This is especially true for models in the lower price segment that were produced in China.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Installation and connection of instantaneous water heater. Mounting to the wall with double-sided adhesive tape:
To choose the right instantaneous water heater, it is not necessary to have any specific knowledge. It is necessary to determine the number of analysis points, the required water flow and the required temperature difference. You also need to make sure that the electrical network can withstand the power of the purchased device. Each buyer chooses the design and brand of the device taking into account his preferences.
Which water heater model did you choose? What were your reasons for this and are you satisfied with your own acquisition? Please share your experience with those who have not yet chosen a water heater. Leave your comments in the block below.
In the summer at the dacha (when the water is already almost warm), such a heater has a right to exist. And so, for a good shower you need at least 9-12 kW.
We have constant problems with hot water, now I’m thinking of a way to solve them. From what I read, the boiler looks more interesting, but there is absolutely no free space to install it, so, apparently, you will have to settle on a instantaneous water heater. It’s confusing that on the Internet they scare you with subtle pressure. It seems like if you give in, cool water will flow. Do they have problems with pressure or are they just bikes?
Yes, budget makers have this problem. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to wash yourself under a full shower. It is worth starting from the fact that the flower will give you a temperature of approximately 40 degrees with half the usual pressure from the tap. If this is not a temporary solution for you, then it is better to buy a savings account.