Electric storage boiler for heating water: selection tips and TOP 12 best models

Storage water heaters (boilers) are a widespread type of household electrical appliances that allow residential premises owners to create a hot water supply system regardless of the presence of a connection to the central hot water supply.

A household electric storage boiler for heating water is used to create engineered water supply systems in private houses and apartments. We will tell you how to choose the best equipment model and tell you what you should pay attention to before purchasing.

Let us introduce you to the leading manufacturers in the segment. To make your choice easier, we have compiled the TOP 12 best storage electric heaters with different tank volumes. Everyone will find a suitable model for themselves.

General information about storage boilers

An electric storage tank is a hollow metal container equipped with electric water heating elements (heating elements) and additional devices that automate the process of heating water and maintaining its temperature within user-specified limits.

The specificity of storage models is that they are constantly sources of warm (hot) water. It can be used immediately after opening the mixer tap, without waiting for the heating element to warm up, unlike another widespread class of water heaters - instantaneous.

It doesn't take long for the drives to reach operating parameters. Flow-through analogues require “overclocking” to warm up; in addition, there is instability associated with voltage fluctuations in the electrical network and uneven water pressure

Convenience and stability of water temperature are not the only advantages of the models. They also serve as a reserve tank in case of a water supply outage. Detailed classification electric water heaters will present an article that we recommend you read.

Types and principle of operation of drives

There are two types of electric boilers:

• Built-in – included in the water supply system existing in the house;
• Liquid – autonomous containers not connected to the water supply system. The user fills in the required amount of water independently.

95% of modern storage water heaters belong to the first category group. They allow you to fully automate the process of heating water and maintaining its volume in the tank without user intervention.

It is worth paying attention to bulk storage water heaters if the premises do not have a water supply system at all.

The installation location for autonomous models can be bathhouses, outbuildings, private houses, the water supply of which is carried out from water wells or wells

The built-in water heater is located close to the existing water supply system and is connected to it with hoses (pipes). Depending on the shape and capacity, they can have a floor or wall design, located vertically or horizontally, depending on the characteristics of the room.

The shape of storage water heaters can be cylindrical or rectangular, which allows them to fit rationally into the interior without losing the volume of the room

Some models provide for hidden installation in niches in the bathroom or under the sink.

After installation, connection of water and electrocommunications the water heater starts working in automatic mode. It is enough to open the hot water supply tap so that heated water for domestic use begins to flow immediately. The volume of its supply depends solely on the capacity of the water heater.

After the container is completely empty, the storage tank switches to the water collection and heating mode. Thus, his work cyclical, and breaks in readiness for the next use depend on the capacity of the tank and the power of the water heating elements.

Reasons for purchasing and installing a water heater

Before you go to the store to buy, you should evaluate the need installation of a storage water heater in the house.

This applies to residents of comfortable housing who are inconvenienced by the periodic shutdown of hot water in the summer:

• First, you need to calculate how long in total there is no hot water in the apartment. Typically, repair work and maintenance of water supply networks last no more than 1 month a year. Thus, the time during which you will use the water heater is just over 8% of the time of water consumption per year.
• Secondly, you need to estimate the cost of heating 1 liter of water and maintaining the set temperature in the storage tank. The principle of operation of the boiler is such that even at rest it constantly consumes electricity to keep it hot.
• Thirdly, you should evaluate the amount of water you waste when using your water heater.

The current rate of hot water consumption without a meter per person is 4.745 m³ per month. Based on this, it is easy to calculate the maximum volume of water that will be heated for a certain number of days when the hot water supply is turned off, taking into account the number of family members.

By comparing the data obtained, you can realistically estimate the cost of 1 liter of hot water from a water heater and the payback period of the equipment itself

These data are presented so as not to create the illusion that uninterrupted hot water consumption will cost you no more than paying for utilities.

Like any “emergency” remedy, a home boiler is very expensive and notenergy efficient. Of course, we are talking only about those houses where there is a centralized hot water supply.

How to choose the right drive

The main selection criterion is the volume of the water heating tank. The more users, the larger the water heater should be.

Ideally, all family members should have time to use the hot water heated in the tank without a long wait for the next portion to heat up.

Location is no less important. If this is a bathroom, then all the heated water will be spent on hygiene needs.

If you plan to place the water heater in the kitchen, it is better to first estimate the volume of consumption. Sometimes the cost of a water heater can be comparable to the cost of a dishwasher, which heats the water itself and does not require additional equipment.

The most energy efficient in this regard, there are boiler models that allow you to connect several points water collection in the bathroom and kitchen. In this case, you can use the existing volume of hot water independently.

Next criterion choosing an electric boiler – productivity. It directly depends on energy consumption, that is, power heating elements.

The more powerful the elements, the faster the water heats up. Powerful volumetric storage boilers are justified only if they are the only source of hot water in the room.

For occasional use during a temporary shutdown of hot water supply, it is better to opt for cheaper and less powerful models

The pursuit of an expensive brand model is not always appropriate, since a short service life does not critically affect the reliability of the equipment. Even an inexpensive Chinese boiler can last for many years without breakdowns if it is used only for a few days (weeks) during the year.

Let's consider the technical characteristics and features of heating tanks, which are decisive when purchasing a unit as a permanent source of hot water or a reserve.

Tank material. Stainless steel is a durable material that is not subject to corrosion. Used in models belonging to the highest price category. Sheet steel coated with enamel or ceramics is used in the vast majority of models in the middle and lower price categories.

Presence of magnesium anode. The magnesium anode is located inside the water heating tank and serves to reduce the process of scale formation on the surface heating elements and the walls of the container. In conditions of low quality tap water in most regions of Russia (it contains calcium salts and other impurities in addition to calcium salts), this is a very useful element,

The magnesium anode can significantly extend the life of equipment and reduce the frequency of preventive maintenance. Refers to consumable items that require periodic replacement

You should pay attention to the availability of anodes for the selected model in retail or service centers.

Drain valve necessary for draining water during periods of equipment downtime or its use in unheated rooms in which the temperature drops below 0°C. Otherwise, damage to the tank or protective enamel surface may occur. due to expansion of frozen ice.

Availability of service opening. A conveniently located hole for cleaning the inner surface of the water heating tank is necessary to remove scale and dense sediment from the walls of the tank.

Water connection system. Most models are equipped with flexible hoses.In this case, there is always a possibility of their rupture and flooding of the room.

More expensive models have a connection system using metal-plastic or metal (plastic) pipes - a reliable guarantee against leaks due to pressure drop in the pipeline

Pressure relief valve guarantees the safety of the electrical appliance during pressure fluctuations in the pipeline, protects the tank from damage when water expands during heating.

Location of heating elements. Submersible heating elements are located inside a water tank, so their service life depends on the quality of the water. Requires periodic cleaning and replacements due to corrosion. When calcium salts (scale) are deposited on them, the rate of heating of water in the tank is greatly reduced and energy consumption increases.

Automation system. With the same performance parameters, the cost of a storage boiler can increase significantly if it uses a large number of electronics:

• programmer;
• LCD display;
• touch control;
• remote control.

Rarely used equipment does not need these additional amenities.

Tank inner lining. Most manufacturers of tanks with enamel (ceramic) coating advertise the use of multilayer enamels and attribute to them increased anti-corrosion properties or antibacterial activity. Some even offer the possibility of self-cleaning.

In any case, the inner surface of the tank requires periodic cleaning, regardless of how technologically advanced the coating is used.

Attention to the manufacturer

Market storage water heaters saturated products both well-known European manufacturers with many years of experience in producing complex electrical products, and models produced in China or Russia.

According to reviews, the following brands are recognized as the best storage electric water heaters:

• Siemens;
• Bosch;
• AEG4;
• Haier;
• Ariston;
• Zanussi;
• Elektrolux;
• Gorenje.

Some Chinese and Russian-made models use components from well-known brands, discontinued from main production, and technologies abandoned by the developers. This greatly affects the quality of the equipment, its reliability and durability.

You can opt for economical models due to their low cost only if the storage boiler is not intended for everyday use

In addition, many Chinese-made products have little or no not suitable for repair due to the lack of components and service centers.

If we analyze customer reviews and the sales level of drives from well-known brands, we can get the following rating.

Bosch

The most popular German brand of household appliances among Russian consumers, which has a history of more than a century.

The range of storage water heaters includes several “lines” that differ in volume, location, tank material, power of heating elements and filling with electronics

This allows you to choose among products Bosch the most suitable water heater option. At the same time, the price range may differ by an order of magnitude, while maintaining the same quality and reliability.

AEG

Brand, which has no less long-standing production traditions.The products are characterized by the highest quality and an abundance of technological innovations that are not available to competitors.

Products AEG is not so popular among compatriots, since most of its products belong to the highest price category. The main production facilities are located in European countries, so they are not threatened by the notorious “yellow” assembly.

Ariston

Italian is the most popular language among Russians brandhaving extensive a collection of storage boilers with a wide variety of technical characteristics.

A distinctive feature of Ariston is its sophisticated Italian design. Such boilers fit very organically into any interior and do not spoil the overall picture of the room

They have an excellent price/quality ratio and are suitable for repair. They have an extensive service network throughout the country.

Electrolux

Swedish brand, which has long become synonymous with reliability, quality and ergonomics.

Electrolux products have in their arsenal models that differ not only in volume, but also in numerous useful functions and programming capabilities

The optimal choice for those who intend to use a storage boiler for everyday use with heavy loads. The models are distinguished by a discreet, somewhat “cold” design, emphasizing Scandinavian equanimity.

Gorenje

Once very popular Yugoslavian, now Slovenian brand. It is one of the ten largest manufacturers of household electrical appliances in the EU. Production is located in 20 countries on four continents.

In water heaters of this brand The latest inventions are being implemented. Product quality and reliability are not inferior to German ones brands. The cost of water heaters is higher than average, but this is compensated by reliable, trouble-free operation under increased daily loads.

With guidelines for choosing an electric shower drain and similarly operating device for tap will familiarize you with the articles, which we highly recommend reading.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In order for the equipment to fully meet expectations, you need to take its choice seriously. Useful videos will help with this.

Video #1. Details about the device and types of drives:

Video #2. Tips from the pros:

Purchasing a storage water heater is an excellent opportunity to provide your family with hot water even when the central hot water supply is turned off. However, before purchasing, you should make calculations in order to correctly determine the volume and power of the models. In case of difficulty, you can always ask sales consultants for help.

Would you like to talk about how you selected an electric boiler for installation in your house/apartment? Do you know selection criteria that are worth sharing with site visitors? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions and post photos on the topic of the article.