13 best water heaters: types, manufacturers, how to choose

When insufficiently effective work of the local CHP, or during seasonal shutdown of hot water an essential tool in every home to be a water heater. Choose a machine that not only cope with the problem, but would be cost-effective.

How to choose a water heater

There is no single answer, a water heater will need individually for your needs, as Manufacturing companies offer devices whose designs are implemented on the same operating principles as those competitors.

What are the factors to consider when choosing a water heater?

• Heater type. Storage water heater is equipped with a thermally insulated tank in which water is stored. Instantaneous heater compact and provides hot water as needed. Such an instrument more economical, but provides a limited flow per unit time.
• Source for water heating. Gas boilers require less energy consumption and low cost, than power, though the time of purchase, they can be expensive. indirect heating devices need to connect to a separate heating boiler, which complicates the installation. There are also solar thermal systems.
• Capacity water heater. To determine the capacity, note the number of people in the family, the cost of a shower and bath, as well as the presence of water-using devices, such as washing machine and dishwasher. In order to warm the water to the required temperature of the accumulating unit may take some time. After using up the tank you will also have to wait until a new portion of hot water.
• The flux of water flowing in the flow heater. Flow device has no hot water storage tank. The efficiency of such a heater is determined amount liters per minute.

• The place for installation. Storage water heaters require a dedicated space for vertically or horizontally on the wall near the ceiling. Protochniki are more compact, they can be embedded directly beneath the wash sink. Models with very large reservoirs require outdoor installation.
• Upper or lower Water Supply Pipe. Depending on the location of the heater may be preferable to a particular type of connection. For example, to embed the heater cabinet under the sink, more convenient hoses upper tubes.
• ignition process. Automatic ignition turn on the device when you open the tap. Piezoelectric ignition or from batteries require pushing the button to ignite the gas burner for heating the boiler.
• Power. For high power water heater tank means fast heating rate. In the case of instantaneous heater this parameter is important to maintain the normal flow velocity of the fluid heated.

• Installation and connection of the device. Many types of boilers can be installed on their own due to simple installation. Find out if the warranty service is maintained at an independent heater installation. Otherwise, consult an expert.

What details can not pay attention when buying a water heater?

• Antinakipi function. Some manufacturers advertise model with reduced formation of mineral scale, appearing at the bottom of the tank at the boil. Although mineralization shortens the life of the heating element, it is not necessary to pay for the work of this device.

• Mechanical or electronic control. Heaters with mechanical buttons provide limited settings, but the electronic panel is not always sensitive to the touch of your fingers wet. Some models are supplied with a remote control.
• Digital screen. This piece is accompanied by an electronically controlled, and displays the current water temperature. Some models allow the timer to establish an economical mode of consumption and individual heating temperature for each family member.
• Antibacterial subcoating tank. Rather, marketing approach for the storage type water heater as during prolonged storage water in the tank without the use bloom liquid. Therefore, if the water heater is not used for a long time, the water drained from the tank is recommended.

Best instantaneous water heater

Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active - electric flow model that provides multiple points of water. Electronic control monitors the temperature stable even under race pressure.

The heating element is made of stainless steel, is isolated from water and does not form a scum. The device is equipped with a sensor unit from overheating. Turn on / off and self-diagnostic function.

Allowed vertical wall mount with the bottom connector. To control uses 6 power control mode, the unit, the thermometer displays water temperature readings on the LCD screen.

Characteristics

• Water flow: 4.2 l / min.
• Size: 37 x 22.6 x 8.8 cm.
• Power: 8.8 kW.
• Heating temperature: 30-60 ⁰FROM.
• Weight: 2.5 kg.
• LCD screen.
• Touch Control.

pros

• Easy installation and operation.
• temperature display, power and pressure on the LCD screen.
• Low weight and dimensions.
• Protection against limescale.

Minuses

• High price.
• Independently temperature decreases with decreasing capacity, but the reverse process is not automated and requires manual operation.
• It requires a separate machine to connect.

customer Reviews

There build quality and compactness of the device. The device copes with functions quickly heats the water and is stable. However, the need to provide a separate machine to activate, in rare cases, is needed to restart the thermostat.

Best horizontal water heater

Thermex Champion ER 80H Silverheat - funded model of a circular design. The heater is mounted horizontally on the wall at the bottom podvodke pipeline. For the coating of the inner steel tank biosteklofarfor used.

Model equipped with a magnesium anode and a single-phase power supply. It provides for protection of the device from overheating and limit the temperature of the heated water.

Characteristics

• Tank volume: 80 l.
• Flow water: 3 l / min.
• Size: 44.5 x 80.3 x 45.9 cm.
• Power: 1.5 kW.
• Heating temperature: 75 ⁰FROM.
• Weight: 21.2 kg.

pros

• Simple installation and management.
• Economically advantageous price and power consumption.
• Roomy tank.
• It does not require a separate machine to connect.

Minuses

• Low power.
• Every 1-2 years is required to replace the magnesium anode.
• The temperature display no digital indicator.

customer Reviews

It noted the optimal price-quality and large tank capacity. Horizontal placement allows you to set the model in small bathrooms. The anode is easy to replace yourself, but the temperature light uninformative.

The best water heater for cottages

Bosch Therm 4000 O WR10-2P - Gas model that runs on LPG or natural gas. Fastening device is equipped with a vertical wall at the bottom podvodke pipeline.

It provides automatic protection against overheating of the heater, the reverse thrust sensor and flame control. Burner stainless steel works even at reduced gas pressure. copper heat exchanger service life stated by the manufacturer for 15 years.

The heater provides good pressure and temperature stable even under low pressure in the water. The duration of continuous operation of the device is not limited.

Characteristics

• Heating temperature: 35-60 ⁰FROM.
• Power: 17.4 kW.
• Passing the water: 10 l / min.
• Pezorozzhigom / ignition of the battery.
• Gas consumption: 2.1 cubic meters. m. / hr.
• Operating pressure: 12 bar.
• Weight: 11 kg.
• Size: 31 x 58 x 22 cm.

pros

• Provided or liquefied natural gas.
• Two types of ignition suitable for stand-alone use.
• Compact dimensions.
• High power.
• It is simple to maintain.

Minuses

• Unsuccessful water supply.
• High price.
• It requires a separate machine to connect.

customer Reviews

In the opinion it characterized as a reliable high-quality water heater design. Easy to use, compact, stable and quiet. Rapidly heats the water, but because of the high power is better to use a separate machine.

In the apparatus a controlled temperature and good pressure, but it requires the installation of wide hose. There are complaints about the work pezopodzhigom, which does not always work, and claims to the weak exchanger.

The best water heater for the pool

Pahlen Hi-Flow Titanium - a cylindrical heat exchanger with a spiral heating element which is made of titanium and can be used in salty and chlorinated water. The set includes a stainless acid-resistant steel fasteners. The apparatus used for pools area of ​​300 sq. m.

Characteristics

• Power: 75 kW.
• Size: 13.9 x 13.9 x 75.4 cm.
• Water flow: 45 l / min.
• Working water temperature: 2-30 ⁰FROM.
• The heating temperature: 60-90 ⁰FROM.
• Weight: 2.9 kg.

pros

• Application under the conditions of increased formation of corrosion.
• Low weight and dimensions.

Minuses

• Required to comply with the recommendations of the qualitative composition of water.
• An external temperature sensor.

customer Reviews

It is noted that suppose the horizontal and vertical mounting apparatus provided zapolneneniya water. The heat exchanger is available in three power modes, allowing you to use this model for swimming pools of different sizes.

The best water heater for shower

Timberk Primalux WHEL-3 OS - Instantaneous electric model for a folding point. The heater mounted on the wall from the bottom liner and the pipeline is equipped with a heating element made of copper with a protective anti-corrosion coating.

Automatic sensor is activated when entering the water. The apparatus is equipped with thermal protection and a filter for water purification. The package includes shower head, cable plug, shower hose.

Characteristics

• Transmittance of water: 1.9 liter / min.
• Size: 27.2 x 15.9 x 11.2 cm.
• Power: 3.5 kW.
• Heating temperature: 60 ⁰FROM.
• Weight: 1.35 kg.

pros

• Easy installation and use.
• Small size and weight.
• You do not need to connect to a single machine.
• Low cost.

Minuses

• Seasonal use in summer with a water temperature not less than 16 ⁰FROM.
• Low power.

customer Reviews

The kit includes all the parts required for mounting and installation. The apparatus operates stably on / off, heats the water to a comfortable temperature, quiet running.

A compact heater for small bathroom, because it does not require much space. It is noted that the power cord included in the package is a bit short, with a weak water pressure detected with the heating problem.

The best water heater for the kitchen

AEG MP 8 - flow model electric discharge type with bottom connection plumbing. The structure includes two of PETN in a copper coated flask antiscalant. Provides electronic monitoring.

The unit automatically turns on and off, power is adjusted depending on the water supply. The apparatus is equipped with protection against overheating and may provide multiple points. The control unit is cooled by water.

Characteristics

• Operating pressure: 10 bar.
• Power: 8 kW.
• Size: 36 x 21 x 9.5 cm.
• Heating temperature: 38 ⁰FROM.
• Water flow: 5.7 l / min.
• Weight: 2.4 kg.

pros

• Small size and weight.
• High power.

Minuses

• High price.
• It requires a separate machine to connect.
• A small heating temperature.

customer Reviews

It is a powerful water heater compact size that is easy to integrate in the technological niche. Reliable machine that copes with the problem of water heating, the heating temperature is enough for domestic purposes for use in the kitchen. Among the shortcomings noted unregulated power.

The best water heater for the bathroom

Stiebel Eltron HFA / EB 80 Z - cumulative electric discharge model type. The apparatus is equipped with replaceable and copper TAN magnesium anode corrosion resistant coating. The tank is insulated, the inner tank is made of 2 mm thick and coated with enamel layer of 0.4 mm.

Button is provided for quick heating of water, protection against freezing and overheating. Heating mode can be configured for two-tariff regime for the use of electricity at a reduced rate. Possible to use several water distribution points.

Characteristics

• Volume: 80 l.
• The heating temperature: 35-82 ⁰FROM.
• Power: 2-6 kW.
• Size: 41 x 102 x 42 cm.
• Operating pressure: 6 atm.
• Weight: 36 kg.

pros

• High power.
• The maximum heating temperature is higher than many other models.

Minuses

• High price.
• Large size.
• Safety and return valves for safe operation of the device is required to be purchased separately.

customer Reviews

It is a reliable heater successful design. It is fully automated and does not require supervision. It does not require complicated installation. The unit quickly heats water, it is convenient to use in eco mode. Power for the accelerated heating of water is estimated as optimal.

Best water heater

Timberk Pafoss SWH FSL1 50V - Electric storage model that connects to multiple draw-off points. The apparatus is equipped with an overpressure protection, overheating and dry heating. The design uses a magnesium anode, the inner container is made of 1.2 mm thick stainless steel.

Water heater mounted vertically on a wall with a bottom water supply. The tank is equipped with thermal protection insulation and does not heat up during use. Maintenance and repair is possible by connecting the water supply.

Characteristics

• Tank volume: 50 l.
• Water flow rate: 13 l / min.
• Power: 2 kW.
• Size: 87,5 x 43,5 x 23,8 cm.
• Heating temperature: 75 ⁰FROM.
• Weight: 13.4 kg.

pros

• It does not require a separate machine.
• Roomy tank.
• Acceptable price.

Minuses

• Low power.
• Large size.

customer Reviews

The device copes well with the task of heating the water. Large tank capacity for two people. Quality assembly is not satisfactory. The model is simple in operation, is not heated when in use.

The best flat water heater

Thermex Flat Diamond Touch ID 100V - electric accumulator flat structure model. The heater is installed on a wall vertically from the bottom liner plumbing and can supply water several cranes. The inner tank is made of stainless steel, a magnesium anode.

Provided rapid water heating. Model equipped with a timer, by which the heating time is set, and a liquid crystal display for electronic control and temperature indication.

Characteristics

• Volume: 100 l.
• Size: 124.5 x 49.3 x 27 cm.
• Power: 1,3-2 kW.
• Heating temperature: 75 ⁰FROM.
• Weight: 25.2 kg.

pros

• Roomy tank.
• The flat design of the case.
• Easy installation.

Minuses

• It requires an adapter between the pipe model and water pipes.
• Internal structural members require annual replacement.
• Low power.

customer Reviews

Flat housing allows compact build it in to space constraints. Pressing the buttons on the control panel is duplicated sound. The timer is adjusted for one time only.

Complaints found to correctly display the water temperature and quality of the display device of heaters, which need to be replaced regularly. On a brilliant body visible fingerprints.

Best water heater with dry TAN

Electrolux EWH 80 Formax DL - funded electric model. Inner tank processed anticorrosion coating vitreous. The device is provided with electronic control and two independent heating elements, not in contact with water, dry special design. TANS insulated metal casing, with the failure of one of the second heating element will continue to work.

Model set as necessary either vertically or horizontally, making it universal to be used in any environment. The device is equipped with a special function for programming the three temperatures.

Provided economical heater mode, in which the water temperature is limited to 55 degrees. There is a protection against overpressure and overheating. Outer tank thermally insulated layer of polyurethane foam 22 mm thick.

Characteristics

• Tank volume: 80 l.
• Power: 0,8-2 kW.
• Heating temperature: 30-75 ⁰FROM.
• Weight: 27.5 kg.
• Size: 72,9 x 45,4 x 46 cm.

pros

• Horizontal and vertical mounting.
• When the power is turned off individual settings are stored until the next turn.
• Three power degree.
• It does not require a separate machine to connect.

Minuses

• Large size.
• Intricate electronic control.

customer Reviews

Good thermal insulation, long-term holding the hot water, the housing is not heated. Says quality and reasonable price for the brand. In the apparatus a simple connection, but a bit short power cord.

Best water heater with stainless steel tank

Electrolux EWH 100 Royal - electric accumulator model with the inner container made of austenitic stainless steel. The outer tank is also made of stainless steel, copper TAN provided with a nickel coating and a magnesium anode.

Available accelerated heating and economy mode at half power operation including power limited networks. The indicator shows the degree of water heating. The security system is activated in case of overheating, dry heating, excessive pressure, leakage of electricity.

The outer layer of polyurethane foam insulated tank 20 mm. It can be mounted on the wall at the bottom eyeliner running water.

Characteristics

• Volume: 100 l.
• The heating temperature: 30-75 ⁰FROM.
• Power: 1-2 kW.
• Size: 49.3 x 29 x 121 cm.
• Weight: 20.4 kg.

pros

• Simple connection.
• Horizontal and vertical mounting.
• It does not require a separate machine.
• Two levels of power.

Minuses

• It requires annual preventive maintenance to ensure reliability.
• Large size.

customer Reviews

There is a positive experience in the use of the heater. The unit quickly heats water, no temperature extremes. In the boiler tank insulation quality, but expensive components to replace.

Best water heater with timer

Ariston ABS VELIS EVO INOX QH 100 - electric model with a storage tank. The internal construction consists of two tanks flat shape, made of stainless steel with protection against bacteria.

It provides protection against dry on and overheating. Possible versatile installation devices in both the horizontal and vertical position on the wall with the lower water pipe liner into several water supply points.

In the electronic control unit with a digital display and an indicator of readiness heat water. Available accelerated heating of the water, the programming function and self-diagnosis.

Characteristics

• Volume: 100 l.
• The heating temperature: 40-80 ⁰FROM.
• Power: 1.5-2.5 kW.
• Size: 127.5 x 49 x 27 cm.
• LCD screen with electronic control.
• Operating pressure: 6 bar.
• Weight: 30 kg.

pros

• Horizontal and vertical mounting.
• The compact shape with large dimensions and roomy tank.
• Two water heating operation.
• Informative control panel.

Minuses

• The drain valve is not included.
• Speed ​​temperature regulation.

customer Reviews

Estimated build quality and durability. We heater simple operation, installation and connection. He quickly heats the water, the timer function is easily adjusted.

Flat Tank does not require a lot of space in depth, bright backlighting control panel. Complaints found to insulating outer housing. Require periodic maintenance.

Best water heater with upper connection

Timberk SWH SE1 30 VU - Electric storage mini-water heater with upper connecting plumbing. It provides automatic protection against dry heating and overheating, flow and overpressure.

The inner tank coating made of two layers of glass porcelain with silver and copper ions to provide antibacterial properties. Magnesium anode to protect the tank against corrosion have increased resolution. Available mode effective power consumption.

Characteristics

• Volume: 30 liters.
• Heating temperature: 58 ⁰FROM.
• Power: 2 kW.
• Size: 43.5 x 43.5 x 38 cm.
• Weight: 11.9 kg.

pros

• Compact size.
• Simple connection.
• Reasonable cost.

Minuses

• Uncomfortable temperature controller.
• Insufficient insulation housing.
• Uninformative statement.

customer Reviews

The device is placed under the kitchen sink, it is convenient to install in tight spaces thanks to its compact dimensions. The device provides rapid heating and keeping warm water for several hours, after heating, even though the housing warms up.

It notes simple operation of the device. On the kitchen water flow is enough for the whole day, also suitable for use in the bathroom. Among the shortcomings indicates that the heater is not heated water mixes with the cold, and used directly from the tank.

Which is better to buy a water heater

The technology of modern water heaters quickly improved. Despite the fact that the new model is more powerful, it does not mean that they would be cost-effective for your particular case. So before you buy a water heater, evaluate how it works, consider the pros and cons and the projected return on the boiler.

If the apartment is limited space for installation of the heater, consider using a flat-type device Thermex Flat Diamond Touch ID 100V or model with a horizontal installation of the tank, such as Thermex Champion ER 80H Silverheat.

Convenient for showering device with hose and shower head like an electric flow model Timberk Primalux WHEL-3 OS. Lovers take hot baths useful model with bulk tank like Stiebel Eltron HFA / EB 80 Z.

To suit the needs of small-sized kitchen electric flow model AEG MP 8 or accumulating electric mini-water heater with upper connecting aqueduct Timberk SWH SE1 VU 30, which can be hidden in a cabinet under the sink.

As the heater is useful for giving gas flow model Bosch Therm 4000 O WR10-2P capable of operating on LPG or natural gas. For such specific needs as heating water in the pool, note the model Pahlen Hi-Flow Titanium.

If the budget allows, consider a model of storage electric water heaters with an increased service life due to the tank, made of stainless steel, like Timberk Pafoss SWH FSL1 50V and 100 ELECTROLUX EWH ROYAL, or a special "dry" design of the heating element, like Electrolux EWH 80 Formax machine DL.

For convenient use of various modes of note on the LCD screen models, touch controls and a timer like a storage heater Ariston ABS VELIS EVO INOX QH 100 or flow machine Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active.