Electric water heaters: classification of equipment according to various parameters + best manufacturers
Who among us has not experienced interruptions in hot water supply? The situation is even worse in dacha or rural areas, where only cold water often flows from the tap. Electric water heaters, which are available in a wide range and in different price categories, will help solve the problem.
The main types of such devices, their design features and the best manufacturers will be discussed in our article.
The content of the article:
Main types of electric water heaters
Based on the principle of operation, devices that use electric current to heat water can be divided into two categories.
Instantaneous water heaters
In such units, the water temperature is increased by passing it through a heating element - a heating element or a spiral. Thanks to this, heating occurs almost immediately after switching on, and the amount of hot liquid is not limited in any way.
You can install this type of water heater yourself, if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have never installed a water heater, please go link and see step-by-step instructions for installing the flow model.
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 to be insufficiently high efficiency.
We reviewed the best models of electric instantaneous water heaters in this article.
Storage units for heating water
Devices of this type, also called boilers, are containers for liquid with an installed heating element, due to which the temperature of the contents of the tank increases. Such units have a higher efficiency and require less energy.
The disadvantages of savings 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 disadvantages, boilers are now much more often used for domestic purposes than flow-through units. In our other article we gave Criterias of choice electric storage boiler for heating water.
Classification of storage devices
According to the method of installation of capacitive tanks, we can distinguish vertical and horizontal devices, which are mounted on the wall accordingly. Recently, universal heaters that can be placed both vertically and horizontally have also begun to appear in the assortment. Storage devices with a capacity exceeding 200 liters are usually installed on the floor.
We have it on our website detailed instructions on how to install a storage water heater model with your own hands.
In addition, there are a number of other characteristics by which storage devices for heating liquids can be classified.
According to the principle of operation
Products can be differentiated based on their method of operation. open and closed type. The first option includes models that can be used in water supply with low pressure or even for autonomous use without a water supply network.
Such devices are indispensable in dachas or in private houses where there is no connection to the central water supply line. They can only serve one water intake point, for example, a faucet in the kitchen.
A more complex option is closed-type products that are installed in a common system with a dedicated cold water supply line. After connecting, they heat the liquid to the desired temperature - usually 60-85 ° C.
By volume of working tank
Different types of electric boilers designed for heating water differ in capacity, which varies from 10 to 500 liters.
Conventionally, all models can be divided into three categories:
- volume up to 30 liters;
- capacity 30-100 liters;
- with a tank exceeding 100 liters.
Devices with mini-reservoirs, which do not require pressure from the water supply system to fill, are usually installed to provide water to one point, for example, a washbasin. As a rule, such models are equipped with copper heating elements. The assembly of such structures is not difficult and can be carried out by the owner strictly following the attached instructions.
Medium-sized water heaters can serve one or several points located close to each other. Boilers of this type may have a more complex design with additional functions. When assembling them, it is better to involve specialists.
Units of maximum volume can hold up to 400-500 liters of water. Such devices, which are usually used in public buildings or in production, supply hot water to several points remote from each other. They can also be connected to boilers and central heating. Installation of such devices should be carried out by professionals.
By design features
Different types of electric storage water heaters may also differ in internal structure, namely:
- by location and power of the heating element;
- by the method of adjusting the heating temperature;
- according to the provided possibilities.
The heating element can be conventional or “dry”, that is, located in an isolated space. The latter option provides a longer service life, however, such models are somewhat more expensive.
You should also pay attention to the power of heating elements, which varies from 1.2 to 3 or more kilowatts.
Setting the required temperature can be done directly on the unit’s thermostat, which is less convenient, since it requires disassembling the electric heater. Modern models usually have a more convenient temperature control device - on a remote panel.
Many modern units may provide additional functions, such as the possibility of self-diagnosis of the device, monitoring the tank filling level, and an increased degree of protection against overheating.
According to the material and shape of the tank
The most important part of a capacitive device is the internal tank, since it is the one that has to withstand changes in temperature, pressure, and exposure to chemicals and impurities contained in the water. When choosing a water heater, you should pay special attention to this design element.
Tanks are usually made of stainless steel, which is often coated with an additional layer of protective material. In the cheapest models, glass porcelain is used for this. It resists corrosion well, but is quite fragile when exposed to high temperatures.
Over time, ever-deepening cracks may appear on the surface, which leads to failure of the tank.
Enamel coatings are a more reliable option. They are elastic and less susceptible to cracking, due to which tanks with such a surface have a longer service life.
Particularly noteworthy is titanium enamel, which has high corrosion resistance, low weight and good ductility. In addition, titanium forms a very smooth surface of the container, which increases the hygiene of the device, since micropores often serve as a refuge for microorganisms.
The capacity and shape of the tanks also largely determine the configuration of the heater. A standard storage device looks like an oblong cylinder with a diameter of about 45 centimeters. There are also models with a smaller diameter, the so-called “slims”, which can be installed in a secluded corner or in an inaccessible place.
Tips for choosing equipment
It is advisable to install instantaneous heaters for the needs of large families where a large amount of hot water is required. In this case, attention should be paid to wire type and the condition of the wiring, which must withstand heavy loads.
Experts recommend installing such devices in houses equipped with electric stoves, otherwise additional cables will be required.
Flow-type units are often equipped according to the intended use: kitchen appliances are equipped with a drain through which water is supplied to the sink, and the shower set is equipped with a hose with a nozzle. We recommend more recommendations for choosing a flow-through water heater model for a shower view here.
When purchasing an electric storage water heater, you should correctly calculate your family's needs for hot water. It is worth keeping in mind that taking a shower requires 30 liters, and taking a bath requires 150 liters of liquid.
To this you need to add the water consumption for a kitchen sink, which averages 20 liters. Thus, a family of three requires a unit with a capacity of at least 80 liters of water.
If the real needs of the family are small, it is hardly worth buying a powerful device that consumes a large amount of electricity. If such a unit was nevertheless purchased by mistake, it is possible to partially compensate for the costs by thermally insulating the tank, which will help retain heat for some time.
It is also important to take into account the existing electrical power limits in the electrical network. As a rule, for separate water consumption in the kitchen and bathroom, a device with a power of 12 kW is sufficient. Water heaters with a capacity of 1-4.5 kW are intended for single-phase electrical networks, and for three-phase electrical networks - 6 or more kilowatts.
For hard water, it is better to use a “dry” heating element, which is better protected against scale deposits. Reducing precipitation is facilitated by the use of filtered water in the system, for which an additional filter is installed.
Review of the best brands
Let's name a few top manufacturers whose water heaters invariably receive high reviews from users and specialists.
Place #1 - Italian company Ariston
The well-known Italian brand, which produces household appliances, also produces water heaters of various price categories.Although the catalogs present various options for these devices, the majority of the assortment is occupied by electric storage units.
Models from Ariston are considered one of the best options in terms of technical characteristics, quality and price. They are distinguished by convenient operation, elegant design, and a high degree of protection. The disadvantages include the lack of devices with “dry” heating elements.
Place #2 - Swedish brand Timberk
The Swedish brand produces exclusively climate control, heating equipment and water heating devices. The assortment includes models of flow and storage devices with different volumes, power and equipment.
Among the advantages are a well-thought-out security system, ease of installation, good thermal insulation and fast heating. The disadvantages include the not very long standard warranty from the manufacturer, equal to one year.
Place #3 - Swedish company Electrolux
The famous Swedish brand produces household appliances, including water heaters. The company does not stop there, introducing new technologies and improving its products. The range includes a huge selection of gas and electric models designed for different market segments.
All products are distinguished by their proprietary design, technical equipment, simple and convenient controls, which can be either mechanical or electronic. Among the disadvantages, one can note only the increased cost of the models.
Place #4 - Italian brand Thermex
An Italian brand specializing in units of various types and purposes: flow-through, combined, storage. Priority is given to budget devices that are compact in size, easy to install and operate.
The catalogs present a large number of “slim” devices and devices with a flat tank, which allows them to be installed in hard-to-reach places. Despite the affordable price and simple design, electric heaters have quite a wide range of functionality and an increased degree of safety.
Place #5 - South Korean company Hyundai
One of the divisions of the famous South Korean concern is engaged in the production of climate control equipment, as well as the production of devices for heating water. The assortment mainly includes storage electric models.
The boilers of this company are characterized by a laconic, but at the same time memorable design, thanks to which they easily fit into modern kitchens and bathrooms.
All devices are distinguished by a well-thought-out control system, safety and efficiency. Some models have an ECO mode that allows you to minimize energy costs.
Are you still in doubt about which water heater is better - storage or flow-through? In this case, we recommend that you look comparative review these two types of water heaters.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The presented video details the design features of various types of flow-through heaters:
The following video talks about the main criteria for storage-type units.
Advice from a specialist on choosing electric heaters can be heard in the video below:
As we can see, there are many options for electric heaters. To make the right choice, it is important to clearly formulate the requirements for the model, taking into account the principle of operation, capacity, volume and other parameters.
In addition to technical characteristics, it is important to pay attention to such factors as the reliability of the brand, the length of the warranty period from the manufacturer, and the availability of service centers.
What type of water heater do you have? Are you satisfied with its quality, water heating speed and electricity consumption? Write your comments under this article.
Or maybe you are just choosing a water heater and can’t decide which one you need - flow-through or storage? Ask for advice from other site visitors and our experts in the comments section.
Several years ago, problems with hot water began in the apartment, so I decided to install a boiler. Installed, connected, the whole family uses it. There were no problems with installation and connection, any man with his hands can handle it without outside help, unless you call a neighbor to hang it on the wall, one can’t handle it. For an apartment for a family of 4 people, with a daily shower and washing of a small child, 100 liters would be optimal. It's round in shape, needs to be mounted on the wall with reliable brackets, it's still heavy. It works great, I’ve been using it for three years now, I haven’t cleaned it, our water is normal. As for the manufacturer, there are no special preferences, they are all normal, but it is better to take equipment from a well-known brand.
We bought our Hyundai water heater 8 years ago in order to use it “temporarily” until the problem with hot water in our new building settled down. There were outages 3-4 times a month, which was incredibly stressful. Many years have passed, and we sometimes have to use it even now, unfortunately, we purchased an apartment unsuccessfully. The boiler has never let us down, it still works like a clock, which can’t be said about our HOA. Buy a Hyundai - a very reliable unit.
For a private home, a water heater is a very necessary thing, although many people now install them in city apartments. But which one to choose: a flow tank or a storage boiler is, of course, a question. Both systems have both their pros and cons. When I was choosing a heater for my dacha, I settled on an electric boiler. Easier installation, more durable performance. And the fact that the tank is limited, its volume is enough for me.