Rating of the best cold and hot water meters for an apartment: a dozen models + nuances of choosing flow meters
Monthly utility bills sometimes hit the average family's budget hard. You cannot avoid paying them, but you can significantly reduce the amount of future receipts by taking full control over the volumes of consumed resources - electricity, gas, water.
Flow meters will help with this. They will regularly measure the relevant readings and will allow you not to overpay according to the standard average rates established by utility companies. Now the range of such devices is quite diverse.
To ensure that the device does not cause problems in installation, maintenance and records the most accurate data, you need to be able to choose it correctly. Don't know which model to choose? We will help you figure it out and point out the important criteria for purchasing.
We also suggest that you familiarize yourself with the latest rating, which includes the best cold and hot water meters, selected according to the ratings of real users.
The content of the article:
TOP 10 best flow meter models
Measuring instruments for water supply networks are represented by a variety of modifications. They differ in various parameters: brand, cost, accuracy, design of the counting mechanism, sensitivity to temperature, pressure.
Let's look at the top ten sales leaders in three price categories - budget, mid-range and premium. Places in the ranking of water meters are distributed according to demand among consumers.
1st place - BETAR SGV-15
The mechanical vane counter of the Russian company Betar is called one of the best representatives of the budget category. In addition to affordability, the device attracts users with its ease of maintenance and good performance.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- maximum pressure – 10 Bar;
- nominal diameter – 15 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 1.5 m³/h;
- possibility of vertical installation – yes;
- interverification interval – 6 years.
The device is made of heat-resistant raw materials and can withstand temperatures up to +90 °C. There are no installation restrictions. It can be installed not only strictly horizontally, but vertically. Regardless of the selected position, the flow meter does not fail, displaying accurate readings.
Subject to compliance with the operating rules regulated by the manufacturer, the equipment will most likely last 2-3 interverification period. The average duration of its “life”, according to reviews, is 10-12 years.
The disadvantage of the model, according to some users, is the unreasonable stop after a year of operation. But this occurs in isolated cases.
2nd place - ECO NOM SV-15-110
An inexpensive compact meter from a domestic brand impresses with its versatility and fairly high-quality performance. A wide temperature range allows it to work with different temperatures of the measured medium.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- permissible pressure – 16 Bar;
- passage diameter – 15 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 1.5 m³/h;
- possibility of vertical installation – yes;
- interverification interval – 6 years.
The model is endowed with an interesting feature - it is made of a non-magnetic alloy of increased strength, which has a positive effect on its performance characteristics.
Among the advantages of this meter, users note reliability, affordable cost, simple installation and ease of use.
The owners did not find any significant disadvantages for this price - the device fully justifies all the funds invested in its purchase.
3rd place - ITELMA WFW20 D080
One of the most popular and in demand apartment water meters is the ITELMA brand device. It is distinguished by an increased service life, good build quality typical of a German manufacturer, and small errors.
Nickel is not used in the production of the product, so it is considered environmentally friendly.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- permissible pressure – 1 MPa;
- passage diameter – 15 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 1.5 m³/h;
- weight without components – 0.42 kg;
- interverification interval is 4-6 years.
For optimal installation, two mounting lengths are available – 80 and 150 mm. The first is suitable for places with limited space, the second is optimal for free installation.
The device was equipped with a functional design, a convenient indicator reading scale, and protection elements against leaks and magnetic influence.
For administrative facilities, offices, and large houses, the option of connecting a pulse output will be useful. Using special sensors, it allows you to transmit flow readings at a distance to remote bases.
It is worth considering that these meter readings are not as accurate as with standard reading.
4th place - Decast VSKM 90-20
The universal household water meter Dekast is one of the leaders in the mid-price category and has improved technical specifications. It is characterized by high temperature resistance and ease of installation in closed and open systems.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+120 °C;
- permissible pressure – 1.6 MPa;
- passage diameter – 20 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 2.5 m³/h;
- weight without components – 0.7 kg;
- interverification interval – 6 years.
Models with a durable sealed brass body and anti-corrosion coating are not dangerous water hammer, mechanical loads, external influences.
A rotating counting mechanism with pointer indicators and 4 pairs of rollers makes the process of visual reading as convenient as possible for the consumer.
If necessary, the water meter can be integrated into remote data collection systems. To do this, it is equipped with a pulse output or MID sensor, which records the consumed cubic meters and outputs the corresponding signal to external devices.
Among the disadvantages, users note the rapid clogging of the filter when the meter operates with hot water. This problem requires periodic disassembly and cleaning of the equipment.
5th place - VALTEC VLF-15U 1/2
The water meter of the Italian manufacturer Valtec has received many positive reviews from users. The universal device is valued for its reliability, durability, and high measurement accuracy.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- permissible pressure – 1.6 MPa;
- passage diameter – 15 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 1.5 m³/h;
- weight without components – 0.43 kg;
- interverification interval – 6 years.
Despite its modest appearance, the device is equipped with a very high-quality internal “filling”. Usually it can easily withstand 2 verification periods without showing serious errors in measurements.
The model operates almost silently, without causing discomfort to others. The design features are thought out in such a way that operation of the equipment is possible even if the water in the region is not of very high quality and contains a large amount of impurities.
The main disadvantage of the meter is the unstable operation of the pulse output, which manifests itself in the spontaneous termination of the transmission of readings through the system.
6th place - ITELMA WFW24 D080
Itelma is another mid-price flow meter model that meets international requirements for product quality and safety.
Its development and production are carried out using modern equipment and reliable components. The assembly is carried out under license from the famous Siemens concern.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- permissible pressure – 1 MPa;
- passage diameter – 15 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 1.5 m³/h;
- weight without components – 0.42 kg;
- interverification interval – 6 years.
In the manufacture of the device body, nylon plastic with a fiberglass base and brass are used, which makes the parts wear-resistant. The average trouble-free service life is at least 10 years.
The device can withstand powerful hydraulic shocks and can work with dirty water without additional filters, maintaining the accuracy of the readings. Thanks to the convenient front panel, water consumption parameters are easy to read even in poor lighting.
7th place - ZENNER ETW-I-N DN 15
In this water meter, the German manufacturer managed to combine excellent quality, reliability, and convenience - parameters that are primarily important to the consumer. According to various criteria, he received 4.8 points out of 5 possible.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- permissible pressure – 1.6 MPa;
- passage diameter – 15 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 1.5 m³/h;
- weight without components – 0.48 kg;
- interverification interval is 4-6 years.
The model is universal in terms of operating temperatures. It accurately records the volumes of water consumed: both hot and cold.
The device uses a high-quality counting mechanism, hermetically separated from the measured medium, which works correctly in any position.
The index “N” indicated in the name indicates that the product can be equipped with a pulse output for remote data reading.
The development of the ZENNER company is distinguished by the stable functioning of the pulse sensor, the ability to withstand strong water hammer, supports the option of transferring parameters via Wi-Fi connection.
As a disadvantage, owners indicate the bulkiness of the device. Because of this nuance, it is not recommended to use it for installation in too cramped conditions.
8th place - NORM SVKM-25X
The meter from the Russian manufacturer Norma is the case when the high cost of the product is completely justified. Thanks to its numerous strengths, the model is considered the most optimal option for apartments.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+30 °C;
- permissible pressure – 1 MPa;
- passage diameter – 25 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 3.5 m³/h;
- weight without components – 1.3 kg;
- interverification interval – 6 years.
Among the advantages of the device are its compactness, high sensitivity, reliable anti-friction and corrosion-resistant brass body with chrome coating.
The water meter is protected from the influence of magnetic waves and is equipped with a complete installation kit. Using the built-in pulse output, remote monitoring of readings is possible.
As for the disadvantages, this model has only one - it is used only to account for resource consumption in the cold water supply system. To work with a hot measured medium, the manufacturer has provided a modification SVKM-25G.
9th place - METER SVU-15
The model of the domestic brand belongs to the representatives of the premium class line. Its key differences are increased body strength, excellent performance capabilities, and several specific functions.
Otherwise, this is a standard vane-type water meter that works with liquid in different temperature conditions.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- permissible pressure – 16 Bar;
- passage diameter – 15 mm;
- maximum flow rate – 3 m³/h;
- weight – 595 g;
- interverification interval – 6 years.
Since the design of the device has a cast iron base, it is designed for long-term operation - at least 12-15 years. The advantages also include a rich set, which includes connecting fittings.
The device screen is protected by a metal cover. The counter is supplemented with a pulse output, through which centralized flow calculation is organized. For pulsed data transmission, different coefficients can be configured.
Among the disadvantages of the model, the ability to resist water hammer is quite low for its price category.
10th place - ECO NOM 25G-260
The universal water meter attracts with its modern design, ease of use, and reasonable price. It is used in apartments, private houses, and in dachas to organize autonomous water supply systems.
Main characteristics:
- operating temperature range +5…+90 °C;
- permissible pressure – 10 Bar;
- nominal diameter – 25 mm;
- nominal flow rate – 3.5 m³/h;
- possibility of vertical installation – yes;
- the calibration interval is 4 years for hot and 6 years for cold water.
This meter is embedded into a pipe - it connects quickly and easily. Diameter 1″. When making a connection, it is important to check the quality of work - the system must be sealed.
All necessary components are supplied with the flowmeter: a set of mounting parts and accessories, two protective caps, one set of gaskets and a product data sheet.
Despite its versatility and wide range of applications, this device still has a significant drawback - a rather high cost.
Recommendations for choosing a meter
When choosing a suitable flow meter for water metering, you should take into account many important factors and nuances, and take into account the parameters of the room in which the device is supposed to be installed.
Criteria #1 - device type
The first thing you should decide on is the type of device. We invite you to consider possible options.
Inside mechanical meters there is an impeller that rotates under the influence of liquid pressure energy and redirects the force to the counting device. They are mounted on pipelines with a diameter of 15-25 mm.
For thick pipes, a water meter is used, equipped with a turbine instead of an impeller, or combined models. They cope more effectively with strong pressure.
Many mechanical devices provide a pulse output. It is attached to a special sensor that outputs data to remote bases.
This makes it possible to automate work, monitor readings from several places, view the volume of expenses on a single metering device, without getting close to hard-to-reach communications.
It is also worth noting that meters are available in “wet” and “dry” types. The first option is cheaper, but it is only suitable for systems with clean water, since its mechanisms are in direct contact with the liquid. The disadvantage of this design is the tendency to corrosion.
The second option is preferable for regions where there are a large number of impurities in the water.
Criterion #2 - key characteristics of the model
After choosing the optimal type of water meter, we proceed to a thorough analysis of the key characteristics.
We recommend focusing on the following points:
- temperature regime;
- installation options;
- screen information content;
- maximum pressure force;
- permissible water flow;
- completeness;
- compliance with state standards and requirements of the local water supply organization.
When choosing a device, check what liquid temperature it is designed for. Some modifications work exclusively with cold environments and do not tolerate high temperatures.
Installation parameters are selected based on the diameter of the pipeline. The correct choice of installation length and nominal diameter will make the upcoming installation process, will prevent difficulties during insertion, the formation of unnecessary joints that threaten leaks in the future.
The meter housing must be strong enough, otherwise it may not withstand the pressure in the water supply and crack. If there is increased pressure in the network, it is more advisable to fork out for a more advanced model that can take loads up to 1.6 MPa.
To prevent damage to the device due to excessive loads, pay attention to the permissible water flow, at which the accuracy of the readings is not lost.
The accuracy class is measured by letter values from A to D, which determine the level of error. The best option for apartments is class B.
Having made your final choice, do not be lazy to first consult Vodokanal specialists about a specific model.
Find out whether it complies with approved GOSTs, find out the current installation requirements. Omission of such moments leads to refusals of official registration of meters.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The main nuances of choosing a water meter for an apartment:
Which water measuring device is preferable in everyday life: review of popular models:
Despite the huge selection of water meters on the market, mechanical models remain the best water meters for use in apartments. Among the options proposed in the rating, you can easily find the optimal one for your case in terms of price and technical characteristics.
Purchasing a quality product from a reliable manufacturer will ensure accurate measurement of actual water consumption and help you save on utility bills.
What kind of water meter have you installed in your own home? What guided your choice? Please leave your comments and ask questions in the block below.
Of course, it is simply necessary to have water meters so as not to pay extra, if you go on vacation - there are zero expenses. It is quite difficult for a person ignorant of the intricacies to choose any of the counters in the rating. After all, they all cope perfectly with their purpose and calculate water consumption accurately.I have a Betar SHV-15 at home, I bought it three years ago. When I bought it, I chose the cheaper one, but it turns out it’s also the best. I removed the old one and installed the new one myself, in 5 minutes, it was easy to install, then only the inspector came, sealed it, and drew up a report. It works flawlessly, counts water consumption, and does not break down.
After renovating the bathroom, we had the metal pipes completely replaced with plastic ones. The question immediately arose about installing water meters. The master recommended the Betar company. Installed and verified. They have been working for a year without any complaints. The price is commensurate with the quality. The only thing is that for lovers of loopholes they have special anti-magnetic protection.
Yes, now, in my opinion, all newer models have non-magnetic blades that do not react at all to magnets of any power. There are no fools at Vodokanal. However, this does not stop our brother - they buy ready-made assemblies with the necessary components, or even climb inside the meter themselves, sawing and manipulating the ribs of the impeller. All this, of course, takes place, but it is dangerous - the fines are good.
From time immemorial, the blades were non-magnetic - the impeller was made of polypropylene or polyamide (“nylon”)! The magnet brakes the remote clutch, which transmits the rotation of the impeller to the shaft of the counting mechanism. It contains ring-shaped magnets.
Antimagnetic protection - an iron ring or plate that shields the external magnetic field. Such protection is tested at field strengths of up to 40 kA/m (see meter passport). Magnet 50X30 produces up to 100-130 kA/m. So a large modern magnet will stop almost any meter anyway.
And about the counter, which is in the photo at the very bottom - GERRIDA, there is nothing in the general rating. I've had it for a couple of years now. There are no complaints or complaints, and recently I couldn’t find a passport for it, so they promptly made a duplicate for me. Can experts say anything about him?
Hello. I don’t presume to judge the rating positions of this water meter, but it is a really interesting brand.
Let's start with the fact that the device itself is vane-shaped. It is reliable in assembly, its body and couplings are made of brass, and the impeller, gearbox and digital panel are made of highly durable plastic. This fact ensures corrosion resistance and antimagnetic stability; I have heard that even antimagnetic seals are not placed on it, it makes no sense, and sometimes antimagnetic seals work not only maliciously, but also by pure accident. To maintain high measurement accuracy, which is important for the consumer, the impeller is mounted on stone supports.
The assembly, in principle, is standard, complies with all GOSTs, and the meter should not cause any technical complaints from installers. Some models are equipped with a remote controller system in the form of a special pulse unit that transmits information. Installation of the meter is possible in horizontal and vertical positions, while the installation is standard with inlet and outlet openings.
I read the reviews, they are mostly positive, mostly negative, based on the purchase of a counterfeit product or on nit-picking, which have little to do with the quality of the water meter.
In general, my impression is that the counter is very good.
I’m curious about what parameters the author put Betar at the top of the rating, and Itelma in 6th place? I would do the opposite! The quality of the casting of the body, the method of sealing the wet chamber (Betars sometimes “cry” at the junction of the body and the membrane), even the threads are very different in appearance! The counting mechanism is the quality of the plastic, the accuracy of the casting, and so on on all counts.
Which metal in the meter is the most wear-resistant? copper, brass or?
In general, I recommend BelZENNER! They make counters in Belarus based on ZENNER. And also with dispatching via LoRaWAN. cool guys. And the meters are reliable. And not at all bulky.
Betar! Betar! I have cold water supply and domestic hot water supply “Betar”; the domestic hot water meter has accumulated only 91 m3 over several years. In the last three months he has counted twice as much. You have to supply zero flow for several months until one m3 comes up. This is, of course, good for those with a family, but for two elderly pensioners, this is not suitable. I'm going to change the meter, but in no case the advertised "Betar". I'll install "Itelma". It works great for many of my friends.