How to choose an electric running water heater - review of models with characteristics, photos and prices

How to choose a water heater for an apartment? There are two main types: storage and flow. You should choose according to the principle of operation, and also based on the number of people in the family. It is worth considering both the location and how large the tank will fit in your room. Below we will answer all the questions that concern the buyer when choosing a heater.

Everyone has their own understanding of the word “best”: this includes design, capacity, technical characteristics, cost, durability. Apartment residents have a question hot water stands up sharply in summer time year, so the boiler is needed a couple of times a year.

It’s worth starting from the heating system: there are gas and electric water heaters. Gas is a cheaper type of fuel, so it is more rational to use it. However, connecting the equipment is complex and requires the installation of a boiler pipe.

Electrical equipment is connected to a power source. If you want, you can turn off the device at night, saving resources. You can install it in a private house where there is no gas pipe.

Which water heater is better to buy: instantaneous or storage? Let us consider separately their advantages, as well as the most popular models.

Storage boiler

This device is a tank where water accumulates. The case is equipped with thermal protection, which allows you to maintain temperature and save energy. Compared to flow-through, storage consumes less electricity due to its operating principle (only 1.5-2 kW).

It is enough to connect the boiler to a regular outlet for daily use hot water. When the set temperature is reached, the heater turns off and then turns on periodically.

The downside may be that the tank volume is too large for your home. It should be calculated according to the purpose and number of people. For example:

• A volume of 40 liters is enough for washing dishes in the kitchen or for taking a shower for one person.
• For the kitchen and shower, two users will need a capacity of 80 liters or more.
• A 100 liter boiler is suitable for three people.
• Four people - from 120 liters.

See the table and choose the volume wisely:

One of the disadvantages is the wait for heating. The device also requires constant maintenance by a master or user. It is necessary to check the safety of the magnesium anode, which protects the tank from corrosion. How to clean a water heater, read the previous article.

In addition, the cost of storage equipment is higher than flow-through.

Which heating element should you prefer?

For heating, a heating element is installed in the storage boiler. It comes in dry and wet types.

• Dry (closed). The element is enclosed in a flask, so it does not come into contact with the liquid.
• Wet (open). Submerged in water.

The closed type consists of a flask. It is made of steatite or magnesium silicate. The element heats the shell, and it transfers heat to the environment.

Advantages:

• Increased service life. The element does not come into contact with liquid, so it is not afraid of scale and corrosion.
• The possibility of current leakage and breakdown on the housing is eliminated.
• Low energy consumption.
• Easy replacement.

An open (wet) element has its advantages:

• High heating rate.
• Affordable price.
• Inexpensive service.

Types of storage heater

Devices also come in two types: open and closed.

Open or free-flowing are installed only on one point. For example, a sink in the kitchen or a shower in the bathroom. The method of mounting the pipes allows you to install the tank both above and below the sink.

The principle of operation is this: you open the water supply tap, a cold stream enters the tank, displacing the hot one. When heated, excess liquid flows out. To protect the operation of the equipment, a fuse is connected. This type is easy to use and install.

Closed They are connected to the water supply and operate from the pressure in the tank. To regulate it, it is established safety valve. Huge advantage closed type the possibility of using a hot stream at several points of intake.

However, if the pressure in the pipes is less than 6 atm, the equipment will not work.

To reduce the amount of water consumed, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• Take turns showering, 40 minutes after the previous person.
• Turn off the supply while lathering.
• Today you can find special attachments on sale - aerators, which save consumption by 30%.

Instantaneous boiler

Due to the absence of a tank, the water heater has compact dimensions. Many models are equipped stylish design, so you can place the water heating device anywhere.

It also allows you to instantly get hot water. To determine throughput, which is suitable for your family, do this:

• Place a 10 liter bucket in the bathroom.
• Turn on the shower at normal pressure when you wash.
• Record the time it takes to fill the bucket.
• 1 minute - select 10 liters per minute pass.
• 30 seconds - 20 liters.

When installing this type of device, it is important to consider the type of network. If the device power is 12 kW, it can be connected to a single-phase network. From 12 to 36 kW - to three-phase.

Flow devices also come in two types:

• Pressure ones are installed on the riser and turn on automatically as soon as you open the tap. Can provide multiple collection points.

• Non-pressure. Supplied complete with shower head. Good for use in the summer, for example, in the country. The temperature reaches 30 degrees. However, the nozzle clogs quickly, so it is not suitable for permanent use.

Mini-heaters have now been developed for hand washing. They are installed on taps and flow about three liters per minute.

The main advantages of flow technology:

• Compactness.
• Easy to install.
• Hot water is supplied instantly.

During operation, equipment consumes a lot of energy. To supply hot water for simple washing in the shower you will need more than 7 kW.

Model overview

To make the right choice of heater, you need to evaluate its technical characteristics. Consumer reviews told us which company to prefer. Let's start the review with storage technology.

TIMBERK SWH FE5 50

Stylish appearance, flat design will take up little space. The body is made of of stainless steel, its dimensions are 43.5 × 87.5 × 23.8 cm. The pressure model consumes only 2 kW.

Peculiarities:

• The electronic panel is controlled by a microprocessor. Touch buttons and a rotary thermostat ensure convenient use.
• The universal Touch Handle allows you not only to turn the device on and off, but also to adjust the temperature.
• LED display allows you to track readings.
• Turning off the heating is accompanied by a sound signal.
• Built-in diagnostics allow you to quickly identify a breakdown and display a fault code on the screen.
• The panel is locked. Now children will not be able to accidentally change the settings.
• You can control the equipment using the remote control.
• The Power Proof feature allows you to set three temperature settings to save energy.
• 3D Logic security system, which includes: DROP Defense - protection against increased pressure and leakage; SHOCK Defense - RCD is included with the boiler; HOT Defense - protection against overheating.

The tank capacity is 50 liters. It can heat water up to a maximum of 75°C. Weight is 13.4 kg.

Cost - from 11,000 rubles.

THERMEX FLAT PLUS IF 50V

Excellent technology in terms of price-quality ratio. The Flat Plus series features a flat and compact shape. Case dimensions: 88.7x43.6x23.5 cm. Tank volume is 50 liters. Can serve multiple locations.

Electronic control includes an indication on the panel as well as a display. Heating duration is 1 hour 25 minutes. Power consumption - 2 kW. To protect against leaks, it is provided check valve, the system is also protected from overheating.

Price - from 9,000 rubles.

ELECTROLUX EWH 100 ROYAL

This model is the most technologically advanced, according to users. Universal housing: vertical and horizontal placement. The inner flask is made of Inox+Technology stainless steel. Dimensions: 49.3x121x29 cm, capacity - 100 liters.

The maximum temperature - 75 degrees - is reached in 234 minutes. A special Bacteria-stop technology system is provided for water purification. The additional “Antifreeze” mode provides for maintaining constant temperature. There is protection against switching on without water and overheating.

Among the shortcomings are the weak fasteners that come with the kit.

Cost - from 12,000 rubles.

STIEBEL ELTRON SHZ 100 LCD

This is a premium model. Energy-saving heater with dimensions 51x105x51 cm. The body is made of stainless steel and coated with proprietary “Anticor” enamel. Its thickness is 0.4 mm, the enamel does not lose its properties under the influence of temperatures. Volume - 100 l.

Copper heating elements do not become covered with scale for a long time. A titanium anode is installed nearby. It does not break down and therefore does not require replacement or maintenance.

The electronic control panel includes an LCD display and the following functions:

• Night mode.
• Boiler function. It heats up once (up to 82 degrees) and turns off automatically.
• A check valve and a safety valve are installed.

Power is 4 kW.

Price - from 89,000 rubles.

AEG MP 8

One of the most compact heaters flow type. Productivity is 4.1 l/min. Power -8 kW, operating pressure - from 0.6 to 10 kW. Dimensions: 21.2x36x9.3 cm.

The copper heating element is in a flask, so it is not afraid of scale. A protective relay reduces power if the heating element suddenly exceeds the temperature. A flow sensor in the housing records the amount of water, and the heating is adjusted accordingly. This saves energy.

Cost - from 19,000 rubles.

POLARIS Mercury 5.3 Od

The interesting design and small body of the model could be ideal for your home. But the boiler can only be used in the summer, since the heating temperature is insufficient for winter. The set includes a hose and shower head.

LED indicators on the panel allow you to determine the water temperature. Equipment productivity - 4 l/min. Power - 5.3 kW. For protection, a valve and a temperature relay are provided.

Weight only 3.1 kg.

Price - from 8,000 rubles.

ELECTROLUX Smartfix 6.5 T

Model for wall mounting measuring only 13.5x27x10 cm. Will fit perfectly into the design of almost any room. Flow rate is 4 l/min, designed for one point. The built-in protection sensor prevents the product from overheating. Copper heating element eliminates the formation of scale.

This model is equipped with a tap (T). You should pay attention to the letters at the end of the name. For example, S indicates what is included shower in progress, and ST - shower and tap. The electromechanical panel allows you to select one of three power modes: 3, 3.5 kW, 6.5 kW.

Cost - from 4,000 rubles.

CLAGE CEX 9 ELECTRONIC

Closed flow technology. You can get a hot stream instantly, right after opening the tap. The LCD display displays not only the specified parameters, but also error codes, because the system provides self-diagnosis.

• Twin Temperature Control - adjust readings from 20 to 55 degrees.
• Top and bottom connections - installation possible even under the sink.
• Thanks to the Multiple Power System function, you can independently regulate the power: 6.6-8.8 kW.

Case dimensions: 18x29.4x11 cm.

Price - from 21,000 rubles.

After weighing all the pros and cons, you can understand whether you need a boiler. Pay attention to the characteristics, installation method and operating principle.

Among the huge number of boiler models on the market, it is quite difficult to decide on the choice of a suitable unit. How to choose the right water heater among this variety?

Before choosing a boiler, you need to decide on your needs and think about what needs the unit will be used for. All devices are divided into several types:

• electric, flow type;
• electric storage type;
• flow gas;
• storage gas;
• indirect type devices.

Electric flow units

A distinctive feature of instantaneous electric water heaters is their compact and easy to install. This perfect option For country house. Also, such a unit can be easily placed in the bathroom, in a kitchen cabinet or under the sink.

The water in this device is heated by a built-in powerful heating element located in a small tank through which the liquid passes. When water comes into contact with the heating element, it quickly heats up and goes to the place of consumption. The only drawback of such boilers is that they have more power up to 8 kW and above: not every wiring in the house can withstand such a load. Therefore, for a flow-through unit, it is necessary to pull a separate cable from the electrical panel, and select the wire cross-section taking into account the load in a particular situation.

Disadvantages also include high consumption electricity.

Electric storage boilers

This is the most common and popular type of device. Choosing such a water heater for an apartment can be considered the best option. An electric storage water heater not only heats the liquid to the required temperature, but also keeps the water hot for a long time, like in a thermos. Heat is retained by thick thermal insulation between the tank and the external tank of the device. The heated water is enough for use at several points at the same time. The unit uses a heating element (tubular electric heater) as a heat source. Warm water rises and exits to the consumer through drain pipe, the fence of which is located in the upper part.

For storage devices, there are several recommendations on how to choose the right boiler based on design features:

• tank material;
• types of heating elements – “wet” and “dry”.

Inner tank material

Modern boilers are equipped with an internal tank with glass ceramic coating. This coating protects the tank from corrosion, but is very sensitive to temperature changes, as a result of which microcracks can form. But there are also devices with containers made from of stainless steel, or from it, but covered with a layer of titanium enamel. Since water is constantly in the tank, corrosion of the welds is inevitable over time. To extend the service life of internal tanks, units are equipped with magnesium anodes(metal rods coated with magnesium). Therefore, before choosing a water heater, pay attention to the material of the tank and its internal coating.

Considering that models with stainless steel tanks are guaranteed for 7-10 years, then choosing such a water heater for an apartment is preferable.

Types of heating elements

“Wet” heating element looks like a regular boiler. It consists of a copper tube into which a nichrome spiral is embedded, filled with a dielectric.

During operation of the heater, as in the case of a boiler, scale accumulation is inevitable. And if the water in the line has increased hardness, then the surface of the tube will very quickly become overgrown with plaque, as a result of which heat transfer will be lost. The heating element will begin to overheat and eventually burn out. Consequently, in areas where water has high hardness levels, it is not recommended to install boilers with open heaters. Therefore, before you choose electric boiler for an apartment, should be taken into account chemical composition water. In addition, the open parts of the heater enter into a galvanic reaction with the internal tank, causing it to undergo electrochemical destruction.

“Dry” heating elements have no contact with the liquid in the tank. They can be different in design, but what they have in common is that the heaters are installed in special tubes soldered to the flange, or a protective flask, also installed on the flange, which is hermetically attached to the bottom of the tank.

As a result, boilers with “dry” heaters have longer period service, subject to working with hard water. Although scale also collects on protective covers, it takes more time compared to open heating elements. Therefore, preventive maintenance and descaling must be carried out once every 2 years. Also due to reduction of electrochemical corrosion, the internal tanks of the devices are in working condition longer, provided that the magnesium anode has not depleted (requires checking during maintenance).

Flow gas

Gas heaters of flow type ( geysers), most often used in the private sector, where there is a gas and water supply and the house has a chimney. But before you choose a boiler for your home, in this case a gas one, you should take into account that you will have to contact the gas service for obtaining permission and then to connect the device. It will also be necessary to make wiring for water.

The liquid in such a device is heated by passing it through a heat exchanger located in the body of the gas water heater. In turn, the heat exchanger is heated by the gas burning in the chamber.

Storage gas

As an alternative to a gas water heater for a private home, you can purchase a gas storage unit. The only difference between them is that the water heater (storage) has a container for liquid. The water in the tank is also heated by the combustion of gas. Heating temperature thermostat controls, which turns off the gas supply if the liquid has heated to the desired temperature.

The advantage of such a device over a flow-through device is that heated water is constantly present in the system, and there is no need to turn on the heating column every time, which ensures more economical gas consumption.

Indirect heating units

Apparatus indirect heating does not have built-in heat sources. The water in the tank is heated from external sources. Most often, liquid from heating system, which, passing through a heat exchanger (coil), gives energy to the water in the tank.

Due to the use of external coolants, the choice of an indirect heating boiler for your home will be economical option, since gas and electricity are not consumed. But it should be noted that this type of device has high cost. And their volume can reach up to 1000 liters. It is rational to use an indirect heating boiler in big houses(if the number of household members is more than 6 people), institutions, cafes, canteens and restaurants, where considerable consumption of hot water is expected.

In an indirect unit, it is possible to install a heating element, after which it turns into a storage electrical device.

Unit power

The time it takes to heat the liquid in the tank to the required levels depends on the power of the heater used in the device. Before choosing an electric water heater, you should know what the leaders are in this matter devices gas heating . They tend to heat water 2 times faster than analogues with heating elements. Not to mention indirect heaters water, the liquid in which heats up even more slowly.

An electric storage water heater is often equipped with 2 heating elements of lower power to increase the speed of operation, or one, but powerful one. The total recommended power should be 2 kW. On average, it takes from 2 to 4 hours to heat water to 50 degrees, depending on the volume of the tank. This means that low-power devices should be purchased if the need for hot water is not high.

Water heater tank volume

Which water heater and with what volume should I choose for my home? Resolving this issue should be a priority. Many people make the mistake of choosing a large-volume unit when purchasing, guided by the thought “the bigger the better.” But, in fact, you will receive unjustified energy consumption, since the device will spend more time heating water than a similar device of a smaller size. In addition, the dimensions of such a device will take up more space, and therefore you should be guided by your needs. The figures below show approximate indicators that should be used to guide the selection of unit volume. They depend on how many people will use hot water.

Also for big family 7-8 people, if this is a private house, it would be more rational to choose a (storage) indirect heating water heater. Among floor models you can select a unit with the required capacity that can provide hot water supply to the entire family. Buying a home indirect heating device can solve the question of which better water heater choose for a private home? To better understand how much water is consumed per day, you can use the table below.

Water heater shape

The shape of storage boilers is: cylindrical and square (flat).

Cylindrical

Most buyers, when choosing a water heater for an apartment, opt for models cylindrical for vertical placement. They have the following advantages:

• the devices are compact and do not take up much space;
• the cylindrical shape has the maximum contact area.

There are also narrow devices in the shape of a cylinder, the so-called slim water heaters(from English “slim” - thin). They differ in diameter (from 38 cm and less) from standard units with a circumference of 45-52 cm. Moreover, in order to increase capacity, the manufacturer increased their height.

The slim unit is very convenient to use small apartments old buildings, with very cramped bathrooms and limited space in the kitchen. This parameter is convincing to choose an electric water heater of small diameter for such housing. However, it can handle the same power as the standard one and has the same capacity due to the conversion usable space in height.

The disadvantage of slim units is that some manufacturers, in order to increase the volume of the internal tank without increasing the outer diameter, reduce the thermal insulation layer. Because of this, the liquid in the container cools faster, and the device is forced to turn on more often.

Flat

Flat models are no different from slim models in their parameters. The flat-shaped storage water heater takes up little space, has a nice design, and fits well into the interior. Since such devices hide in lockers in the kitchen or bathroom, you can easily select the thickness of the device required for this.

There are also models for horizontal placement. But the cost of such devices is higher than vertical ones. This placement allows you to make maximum use of the free space, especially if it is limited to a small room.

When choosing the right unit for home use, it is important to find a compromise based on rationality, so as not to damage convenience and financial savings.

The presence of hot water is one of the indispensable attributes comfortable life. Citizens are so accustomed to such conditions that temporary shutdowns of hot water supply bring a lot of inconvenience. There is also not enough hot water outside the city, in dachas. An electric instantaneous water heater can solve this problem. This device can supply hot water not only on a temporary, but also on a permanent basis: you can build a hot water supply system for a private home.

Principle, structure and operating features

An electric instantaneous water heater is a small device that heats the water flowing through it. The heating element is a heating element (tubular electric heater) or an open spiral. Heaters with heating elements are more common - they are safer and the heating element is easier to replace. In very compact models - faucet attachments, etc. — there is simply nowhere to put the heating element, so an open spiral is used.

The device starts working when a flow appears (the tap opens), and turns off when the flow disappears. The set temperature is reached in a few seconds, after which it is maintained constantly (if the heating element has sufficient power).

Externally, an ordinary instantaneous electric water heater is a small plastic case, connected to cold water and electricity. Has one outlet for hot water. Depending on the purpose, it can supply hot water to one (individual) or several (system) distribution points.

What parts does an electric instantaneous water heater consist of?

The structure of an instantaneous water heater is simple; it contains the following elements:

• Entrance cold water. It is connected to the water supply, usually with a flexible braided hose.
• Flow sensor. Monitors the appearance of water in the device (the tap is opened) and turns on the heating element. It also turns off the heating when the flow stops (the tap is closed).
• Tank with heating element. A small container, inside of which there is a heating element curved in the form of a spiral. This is where the water is heated.
• Hot water outlet. From the water tank there is a tube through which heated water is discharged.

As you can see, the device is simple. There is also a control panel on the lid, where the conductors from the flow sensor and heating element are routed - so that you can adjust the operating mode and monitor the status of the device (power-on indication).

Types and connections to water supply and electricity

There are two main types of instantaneous electric water heaters: pressure and non-pressure. Pressure pumps are also called system pumps and often have the word Sistem in their name. They connect to the gap water pipe, as a rule, have greater power and can provide hot water to two or more water points.

Gravity or individual instantaneous water heaters are connected as usual Appliances- through a flexible hose or a water pipe outlet. They supply one point with heated water, have relatively low power (3-7 kW) and low cost. They exist in different forms:

If you need to wait out several weeks of hot water supply outages, you can install an individual non-pressure electric instantaneous water heater of any type. If a constant supply of hot water is required, it would be more rational to install a pressure unit.

Connecting a pressure water heater to the water supply

Pressure or system electric water heaters are connected to existing system water supply in a pipe rupture. They cut in using a tee, which installed before the first branch. Shut-off valves are installed at the inlet of cold and hot water Ball Valves. They turn off the device if there is a centralized hot water supply. These taps are also needed so that, if necessary, the device can be removed for repair or replacement.

Quality tap water leaves much to be desired and it is better to embed the heater after the filter. If there is no filter at the entrance to the apartment, it is advisable to install it either immediately after the branch to the apartment, or before the water heater.

In a private home, such a unit will work if there is pumping station or a self-assembled system with a hydraulic accumulator. It cuts in after all the filters, and the output is routed to consumers.

Connecting gravity to water

Non-pressure (individual) electric instantaneous water heater standard view connects like a regular household appliance. There must be an outlet from the water supply with a tap and thread at the end. Using a flexible braided hose, the device is connected to the water supply.

Faucet attachments for heating water are a small group. They are basically screwed onto the threads at the end of the spout (gander). To do this, first unscrew the mesh that is usually installed there.

Some time ago there were quite a lot of them, but they were characterized by low efficiency. The nozzle itself is quite large and you can’t attach it to a low crane—it gets in the way. TO In addition, taps with electric water heating have appeared on the market, which heat water better, have the ability to adjust the temperature and are more convenient to use. They are installed in place of a regular faucet on a sink or sink. The only difference in installation is the need for an electrical connection.

Electrical connection

Any electric instantaneous water heater is a powerful and Requires a separate power line. As an exception, you can connect it to the line that goes to the electric stove - the line is suitable according to the parameters. Only in this case, you need to make sure that the stove and instantaneous water heater do not start working at the same time, otherwise the machine will work due to overload.

The connection of an instantaneous electric water heater is standard - from the panel, the phase from zero is connected to a two-contact RCD (it is necessary to disconnect both the phase and the zero), then the phase is also connected to the machine and only after that is supplied to the consumer.

The connection itself can be made via a three-pin plug and socket with a mandatory ground connection. You can also install a contact plate or connect a cable directly to the appropriate heater inputs.

Pull the power line copper wire(mono core):

• up to 7 kW cross section 3.5 mm;
• from 7 to 12 kW - 4 mm.

The machine is selected according to the maximum current consumption (available in technical specifications). Take the nearest higher rating (if you take the smaller one there will be a lot of unnecessary operations - every time you switch to maximum power). The RCD is taken one step higher in rating, the leakage current is 10 mA.

Read more about selecting the ratings of circuit breakers.

Control type

You can adjust the operation of the electric water heater (change the degree of heating) using several regulators that are located on the control panel. Control can be hydraulic or electronic.

An electric instantaneous water heater with hydraulic control heats water at a certain amount of degrees. It always turns on at maximum power, even if it has several different modes heating And even if one of the modes was set before turning off, it will turn on again from the maximum.

It also has one more feature - it heats the water by a certain number of degrees. You must change the degree of heating manually - switching modes after turning on. Moreover, the maximum temperature delta is most often 25°C. That is, if you have water at the inlet of +5°C, then at the outlet of such a device it simply cannot be warmer than +30°C (with full flow). This does not mean that the unit is broken or is not working correctly. This means that it simply cannot make it warmer. You can slightly correct the situation by reducing the pressure, then you can achieve a slight increase in temperature, but in such conditions you will not get fully hot water from such a unit.

Electronically controlled units usually have more power and a significantly higher price. This is due to the fact that they are installed heating elements with multi-stage power control, but they are more expensive. In addition, the “filling” of such a device is more complicated - there are several sensors, and it also contains a microprocessor that processes data and regulates the operation of the heaters. If the unit is selected correctly in terms of power, it will be able to maintain the set temperature (usually up to 40°C) with a deviation of one degree.

Selecting an electric instantaneous water heater by power

Whatever type of electric water heater you choose, you need to choose the right power. That's right, in this case, it's so that it meets your expectations. The easiest way is to focus on the number of taps that will require a simultaneous supply of hot water:

Not all electrical networks can withstand such power. Often the total allocated power per house or apartment is much less. In this case, it is worth considering the possibility of installing less powerful individual instantaneous water heaters or. An excellent option, but it is for those who have the ability to connect to the gas mains.

Selection by water consumption (performance)

You can choose an electric instantaneous water heater according to the required flow rate. There are hot water consumption standards for different consumers. By adding up the required consumption for your case, you will get the desired figure. So, average consumption:

When choosing, you must have the same power value and consumption. In this case, water at all flow points that can operate simultaneously will be supplied at the specified temperature. If not, you will have to make sure that only one tap is open at a time.

What the market can offer

The choice of electric instantaneous water heaters is at least large... You can easily get confused. What should you pay attention to besides power and performance? On the material from which the tank and heating element are made. The tank can be copper, stainless steel or plastic. This information is not provided by all manufacturers, but if it is not available, the filling is most likely made of plastic. It is, of course, heat-resistant, but not as reliable as metals.

Also pay attention to the minimum and maximum cold water pressure at which the unit can operate. There are capricious models that require a reducer to be installed on our networks to connect them.

Separately, it is worth talking about cranes with electrically heated water. They are also called a water heater faucet. They appeared not so long ago, but are quickly gaining popularity because they are easy to use and easy to connect.

Regular is a real headache for many of our compatriots. Worn out networks and frequent repairs mean that even in the middle of winter you can be left without hot water.

That's why it's so popular electrical Reviews about them are very diverse, and therefore we decided to analyze the most common ones, drawing final conclusions about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of equipment.

Principle of operation

Judging by the reviews, fans of “flow tanks” are especially impressed by their ability to instantly heat water. I came home, plugged the plug into the socket... and immediately you can wash yourself or wash the dishes! Agree with cumulative models in this regard it is much more difficult.

The fact is that such heaters have a powerful heating element installed, which can immediately heat the water passing through it even under conditions of decent pressure (in theory).

Among other things, flow-type devices consume relatively little a large number of electricity, as they work strictly required time. If we talk about accumulative varieties, then they spend a lot of energy maintaining a given water temperature.

Other notes

In general, the power range of “flow generators” ranges from 5 to 27 kW. Reviews show that for taking a shower and washing dishes, a device with a “modest” 8 kW is most often enough. Such an electric instantaneous water heater, the price of which starts from 2-3 thousand rubles, is available to almost everyone. But if you intend to splash around in the bathtub, which is filled from such a water heater, you will need a 380 V network and specialists who will run it.

Moreover, you should not skimp on the latter: wiring for such powerful consumer should only be done by qualified electricians with normal experience, and not by “Uncle Vasya” from the next door, who once screwed in light bulbs in one of the many state-owned enterprises.

So for what purposes can electric instantaneous water heaters be used? Reviews from people who actually use them point to several areas of application.

• If sources of hot water supply in the city are constantly unavailable, and the wiring allows the connection of such powerful consumers.
• As a backup for short-term hot water outages.
• In the case when you will use a water heater to provide hot water to the builders of a country house.

In the latter case, an electric instantaneous water heater, the price of which is low, may well serve as an excellent disposable “hot water bottle” that you wouldn’t mind sending to a landfill after construction is completed. Considering that in the evening and morning (when the need for hot water arises) the network at the facility under construction is free, the wiring must withstand.

The reviews in this case are positive, since the speed of heating water for domestic needs is extremely important to builders.

The aesthetic side of the issue

What else are good about instantaneous electric water heaters? Reviews indicate that their other attractive feature is their compactness: such a device can be placed somewhere in the corner of the bathroom or kitchen, and it will be completely invisible. Compare this to a huge storage boiler tank!

Oddly enough, but this is where the main wave of enthusiasm ends. The fact is that the very principle of their operation makes instantaneous electric water heaters unacceptable for many houses and apartments in our country. Reviews from people say that, at best, before you start using them, you will need to completely change the wiring, which not everyone can afford.

The fact is that for the most primitive model you need at least 5 kW, and if you want to wash not under a weak stream of water, but under a normal shower, it would be better to provide at least 10 kW. Needless to say, this electrical network Not every new cottage village has them.

In most villages, people do not even think about buying instantaneous heaters, since they are more than 3 kW local network doesn't hold.

Consumers unanimously say that they should not buy cheap Chinese models, the electronic components of which rarely withstand use for more than a year. If it fails, you can expect a lot of not very pleasant surprises, including rinsing with boiling water.

Combined solutions

It is advisable to buy an electric one complete with a rechargeable water tank. The Internet is full of sad stories that tell of a sudden water outage right in the middle of a “bath day.” If you have at least a small reserve of water in such a tank, then you will be able to wash off the foam. Of course, it will not be very pleasant to complete the procedures in the complete absence of hot water, but in any case this is better than “soap runs” around the apartment.

Thus, an electric instantaneous water heater is ideal for a summer residence. Of course, if you have the opportunity to make a separate tap from the meter, and also change the wiring to copper (if it has not been changed for a long time). Reviews indicate that these devices are extremely useful, they consume relatively little electricity, and therefore are simply irreplaceable in some situations.

A huge advantage is the fact that scale on the heating element of such equipment simply does not have time to be deposited, so maintenance These water heaters are almost unnecessary.

Choosing the best model

Now you know what an electric instantaneous water heater is. How to choose the most optimal model that will fully meet your needs?

Of course, for this you need to analyze your requirements, since without this you will waste your own money. Firstly, why do you need a “flow-through”? If you need to supply your home with hot water for a short time, then take a look at models from ELECTROLUX or ATMOR in the lower and middle price categories.

They cost between 1600-2500 thousand rubles, which makes them affordable even for buyers with a very limited budget. The power of such models ranges from 2.5 to 5 kW, which allows them to be used in most apartments and rural houses without the need for major wiring upgrades.

In addition, in this price category you can even find a relatively good electric instantaneous water heater with a shower. However, customer reviews immediately warn that you shouldn’t delude yourself too much: the jet pressure is so-so, and when you try to increase it, the water temperature drops significantly. There is little pleasure from washing with cool water.

Would you like a bath?

Thus, if you want to have something more substantial, you will need a normal instantaneous electric water heater for the shower. Models from THERMEX have proven themselves to be excellent. Their cost is approximately 6-7 thousand rubles, which is not so much. As a rule, they are equipped with a mechanical temperature controller; their power is in the range of 5-8 kW.

In this case, all buyers already say that it is highly desirable to buy a more reliable one. In addition, consumers advise using the services professional electrician, since for such power it is highly desirable to make a separate tap from the meter in order to avoid various kinds troubles.

The most powerful varieties

Finally, flow heaters for a constant and unlimited supply of hot water to the entire house - we strongly (!) do not recommend saving on such a purchase. The list of well-established manufacturers is wide: Bosh, ELECTROLUX, THERMEX, LG... They have one thing in common - they are demanding in terms of operating conditions.

Despite the power of 10-15 kW, the wiring must withstand all 20 kW. The network needs 380 V. In addition, self-installation We strongly do not recommend this type of technique, as the consequences can be tragic. In the conditions of rural wooden houses, it is generally undesirable to use such powerful technology, since it has little correlation with fire safety requirements relevant authorities.

In this case, it is better to purchase a more or less voluminous storage boiler, which is much safer in this regard.

In what cases is it not advisable to buy flow-through heaters?

Having dealt with everyone positive aspects and recommended by manufacturers, let's discuss those situations in which the use of flow-through heaters is not only pointless, but also simply dangerous.

Firstly, it is better not to buy them if you need hot water regularly and significant quantities, but even the meter in your apartment is designed for a maximum of 10-16 A. This happens quite often in our country. You can install a maximum 3 kW heater (!), which, even in the most optimistic case, can provide you with only warm water for dish washing.

We said that flow-through models are not too sensitive to hard water. This is true, but if cloudy water with impurities often flows from your tap, it would be better to buy a regular boiler. In this case, even a filter will not save the situation: reviews indicate that flow-through heaters extremely quickly become clogged with tiny organic impurities, after which their heating elements fail. It is impossible to replace them.

A little more about wiring...

In addition, if your house has at least one junction of aluminum and copper wiring (which in itself is very bad), and even located close to the place where you are going to connect the “duct”, the idea of ​​​​buying it is not very good. In this case, there is a high probability of formation of a galvanic couple and destruction of the wire, which will almost certainly lead to a fire.

Buyers of flow-through heaters confirm that during their operation, cheap Chinese sockets can heat up to such an extent that they begin to melt. What this entails, you can guess for yourself. So before installing such equipment, be sure to change not only the wires, but also other accessories, since it is not recommended to joke with such things.

Instead of a conclusion

In general, reviews of instantaneous electric water heaters are quite similar. As a rule, buyers are attracted by the ability to heat water almost instantly; they really like their compactness and extremely low cost.

But almost all of them agree that in most cases you have to pay a tidy sum for complete replacement wiring and installation of more powerful machines. In addition, there is no water reserve (you can buy an additional hydraulic accumulator), which is very important for rural areas and small towns, where water supply outages are not so rare.

However, electric instantaneous water heaters, whose price (reviews are also quite good) are so low, fully deserve their share of the market as small and compact sources of hot water in case it suddenly disappears from the tap.

In addition, no one will forbid you to combine two types of heaters: in the kitchen, install a flow-through model, which is quite enough for washing dishes, and for the bathroom, get a large boiler, which will additionally act as a water tank.

They have such significant advantages over storage ones as compact sizes and instant water heating. But connecting them requires a separate electric cable and a circuit breaker on the shield.

Therefore, the installation of flow-through heaters is limited in apartments of multi-storey buildings of old buildings - here you can install a heater with a power of no more than 3.5 kW.

Calculation of required power

The power of a water heater can be determined by knowing the exact list of purposes for its use. For this You can use the table, which shows the approximate volume of water required for various needs:

The power of an instantaneous electric water heater is calculated using the formula:

P=G*∆t/14.3 where:

• P - heater power, kW;
• G - flow rate (flow), l/min;
• ∆t - required temperature increase, º C; ∆t = T- tin;
• T - desired (required) outlet temperature, º C;
• tin - cold water temperature, º C; (winter) +5º C, (summer) +15º C.

This indicator can be determined by a more simplified method - simply divide in half the power of the water heater you like. The result is a fairly accurate water flow (in l/min) when heating it by 20-30º C. For clarification, here is an example: a 16 kW water heater will provide a water flow of 8 l/min, which is quite enough for taking a shower.

If hot water is needed at several points, not just for the shower, then you need to focus on the capacity of the largest water intake point. If it is necessary to use these points at the same time, then the power of the selected instantaneous water heater must be increased by at least one and a half times.

Based on these calculations, it becomes clear that you can get a lot of hot water at once with a small instantaneous water heater if its performance is at least 8 kW.

This is only possible in new houses and houses with installed electric stoves. More powerful instantaneous electric water heaters (from 12 to 36 kW) are installed in country houses and cottages with specially designed and installed electrical equipment to ensure the ability to provide consumed electrical power. In this regard, single-phase and three-phase instantaneous water heaters are produced.

Pressure and non-pressure instantaneous water heaters

Flow-type water heaters are also divided into pressure and non-pressure. Pressure electric heaters (also called “system heaters”) allow you to use water from any tap installed in the house. They are embedded in hot and cold water pipes. This is convenient during the period when the centralized hot water supply is turned off. Switching on and off of such a water heater occurs automatically; it reacts to the flow of water.

The set of non-pressure flow-through heaters, which are available with power from 3.5 to 8 kW, includes shower and kitchen attachments. They work only at one water intake point. It is convenient to use such heaters in the summer at the dacha.

The cost of non-pressure instantaneous water heaters is low, and in most cases they are all equipped with a kitchen faucet or shower head. And if the water intake points are remote from the water heater, it is profitable to buy them for each water intake point separately - this will significantly save electricity on heating water in the pipes. That is why such water heaters are often purchased for summer cottages.

Since a gravity heater cannot provide a large amount of water, the holes in the shower heads of the heaters are specially made very small to ensure a stronger stream. If the water is very hard, it is necessary to rinse the nozzles more often with a descaling solution, otherwise the holes may become clogged and overheating of the device will be inevitable.
Most non-pressure instantaneous water heaters with low power are structurally designed for use in countries with warm climates, where average annual temperature fluctuations are small.

Therefore, in winter middle lane they will be ineffective since they can heat water to no more than 30º C.

Review of brands and manufacturers. Price comparison

In the market of electric water heaters, instantaneous heaters are represented by the following manufacturers:

1. Electrolux and Timberk (Sweden);
2. AEG, Clage (Germany);
3. Thermex (Italy);
4. Redring (England);
5. Kospel (Poland).

Let's compare the characteristics and prices of some well-known brands

Instantaneous electric water heaters Electrolux

Electrolux produces several series of heaters of varying performance, which are equipped with additional functions.

Swedish brand water heaters equipped with an efficient heating coil element, reliably protected from scale. Expensive models are equipped with a highly intelligent control system.

Instantaneous electric water heaters Thermex

The heating element of Thermex devices is equipped with a special ceramic filler, and the flask is made of high quality copper. Water heaters of this class produced by the company are the optimal price-quality ratio.

Instantaneous electric water heaters Kospel
The Polish company produces mainly system models, but also several brands of non-pressure heaters - the STREAM and EPJ series (small with mixing fittings). Components in contact with water are made of high-quality brass and copper. Instantaneous water heaters Kospel have a nice design, modern, and their service maintenance low-cost.

Let's sum it up

Having decided on the power of the electric heater, before ordering in an online store or going to a specialized store, it will be useful to:

1. Check with your service provider about network capabilities., to which the house is connected, and what additional electrical equipment will be needed to connect the selected instantaneous electric heater.
2. Determine the complexity of installing the device and understand whether it is possible to cope with it yourself or whether it is necessary to invite specialist electricians and plumbers, find out the cost of installation work and installation.
3. Before choosing an electric instantaneous water heater It’s worth asking about warranties, availability of replacement parts, and their cost. and find out where the service centers closest to your home are located.

This will help save time, effort and money.

To consolidate the information received, I suggest watching the video: