Rest and work in the country is my parents' favorite pastime. However, all pleasure is spoiled by the lack of hot water, which is very annoying. At a family council, we decided to listen to the recommendations of our neighbors (a nice elderly couple) and install a water heater in our house. With a friendly team, we examined the best instantaneous water heaters that we could find on the Internet. I will now present the research results - along with my personal Top-8 instantaneous water heaters for every taste and wallet.
CONTENT
- 1 Flow heaters: what is it
- 2 Classification of water heaters by pressure
- 3 Classification of water heaters by type of control
- 4 Instantaneous water heaters: the main advantages and disadvantages
- 5 Top 8 instantaneous water heaters
- 6 FAQ
Flow heaters: what is it
The principle of operation of water heaters of any model is simple. The water enters the heat exchanger and is heated in contact with the heating elements. It immediately comes out, already heated to a temperature of about 40-60 ° C.
The main factor that characterizes water heaters is power. This characteristic determines how much water is heated in a specific period of time. Its value is indicated in the instruction manual.
Water heaters with power characteristics of up to 8 kW are best installed in summer cottages where constant water heating is not needed. For permanent maintenance of residential premises, it is worth purchasing a modification with a capacity of at least 20 kW. When purchasing a heater with a power of 3-4 kW, it is worth considering that it is designed to operate at a water temperature in the pipeline of 18-20 ° C, which happens in the summer.
Classification of water heaters by pressure
Heaters can be of pressure or non-pressure type. The pressure inside the free-flow device is equal to the atmospheric pressure. They are protected from the pressure of water from the pipeline by a special tap installed at the inlet. Free-flow modifications have a weak power (2-6 kW), they are not able to heat water above 40 ° C. Usually they are used in places of temporary residence, have one point of the fence and are installed near it.
The pressure water heater is experiencing the pressure of the water from the pipeline. One device can serve several points of water intake. The power of the pressure heaters is enough to supply hot water at the same time to the shower, kitchen and other points. They can be installed anywhere. Manufacturers offer two categories of pressure devices - three-phase (12-30 kW) and single-phase (up to 12 kW).
Classification of water heaters by type of control
Water heaters can be operated hydraulically (i.e. e. mechanically) and electronically. Mechanical control is typical for models of the budget group, usually it is represented by a step switch. Some models do not have elements for adjusting water pressure and temperature at all.
The electronic mechanism makes it possible to set the desired level of heating or water pressure. Sensors and microprocessors built into the device record pressure drops and change parameters according to a given mode. Heaters with electronic control differ from hydraulic models in higher cost, efficiency when servicing multiple points.
Instantaneous water heaters: the main advantages and disadvantages
When compared with storage models, flow-through models show the following advantages:
- the possibility of installation in a separate room (which refers to powerful devices) or near the tap, which minimizes heat loss;
- compact size that saves usable space;
- unlimited amount of water consumption;
- instant heating of water up to 40-60 ° C;
- energy consumption only when switched on, which makes it possible to save electricity or gas;
- reasonable prices.
The disadvantages inherent in electric models include payments for electricity - the more the water heater works, the higher they are. For models with a power of 7-12 kW, copper wiring, a three-phase power grid, overheating protection are needed. Gas heaters are cheaper to operate, but their installation requires a chimney, otherwise there is a possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Top 8 instantaneous water heaters
Best Gravity Electric Water Heater
1. Thermex Surf 3500
An electric heater with one water intake and hydraulic control heats 2 liters of water per minute to a maximum possible temperature of 45 ° C. The heating element is made of stainless steel for protection against limescale formation. The installation is universal, the heater can be connected with nozzles down or up.
The chrome-plated shower head has three operating modes. The device is equipped with protection against overheating, air congestion, switching on without water. The water heater is not capable of providing a strong pressure, but this is difficult to expect from a device costing 4 thousand. rubles with a declared power of 3.5 kW.
Price:₽ 3 990
Thermex Surf 3500
The best non-pressure instantaneous water heater with a tap and a shower
2. Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 6.5 TS
The single point electric heater is capable of heating 3.7 liters per minute by means of copper heating elements. Has a hydraulic control system, automatically turns on and off when manipulating the crane, has overheating protection.
There are three power modes for operation of the device, the maximum is 6.5 kW. The package includes a faucet, a shower head. The advantages of a water heater include a good selection of characteristics at a price of only 2.7 thousand rubles. rubles. The disadvantage is the lack of a cord with a plug in the package.
Price:₽ 2 690
Electrolux Smartfix 2 0 6 5 TS
Best pressure electric water heater
3. Stiebel Eltron DHF 13 C
A mechanically controlled three-phase (380 W) heater is designed to be connected to one or more water intake points at the same time. With a power of 13.2 kW, it provides heating of 6.6 liters, if necessary, it is possible to set 50% of the power.
The heating element and the heating flask are made of copper and are located in a plastic case. The use of copper increases the quality and long life of the product, but also increases its cost.
You need to install the water heater on the wall using hidden or open installation methods (bottom connection). The device has protection against overheating, water. The only drawback of the water heater, users admit the rather high price - 45 thousand. rubles.
Price:₽ 45 000
Stiebel Eltron DHF 13 C
The best pressurized instantaneous water heater with a shower
4. Kospel EPJ 4.4 Primus
The heater has a mechanical control, with a power of 4.4 kW (220 W), which allows heating 2.1 liters in one minute. Well suited for a shower cabin in the country. It can only work with the three-way mixer included in the kit. The fine spray tube of the shower ensures comfort of use and economical use of water.
Using the control valve, you can adjust the strength of the water flow by setting the desired temperature. The heating elements are made of copper, which guarantees the durability of the product, immunity to foreign impurities in the water and the absence of scale during operation. With the declared characteristics and good functionality, the cost of a Polish heater is only about $ 14 thousand. rubles.
Price:₽ 14 000
Kospel EPJ 4 4 Primus
The best pressure flow water heater with a tap
5. Kospel EPJ 5.5 Optimus
A heater (220V) with a power of 5.5 kW can heat 2.7 liters in one minute. It has proven itself well when installed on a kitchen sink. Mechanical control has indication. The device is equipped with overheating protection, is installed vertically on the wall, and has a bottom connection. Copper heating elements are durable, immune to dirt in the water.
To save water and electricity, a fine-jet splitter is installed in the tap, thanks to which up to 50% of energy and water are saved. The temperature can be adjusted by limiting the flow rate with the control valve. With such attractive characteristics, a Polish-made product costs 12,500 rubles.
Price:₽ 12 400
Kospel EPJ 5 5 Optimus
The best gravity flow gas water heater
6. Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte Glass Carbon
The gas heater runs on natural gas, heats 10 liters of water in one minute at a power of 20 kW. Water intake is possible for several points at the same time, control of device settings is mechanical, temperature control, indication of switching on and heating are provided. The gas control system, when the water is turned off, issues a command to stop the gas supply.
The temperature of the liquid is shown by a digital display with backlight; the water heater also has a built-in protection for switching on without water, against overheating. The device operates at low gas and water pressures. Electronic ignition of a stainless steel burner.
The panels are made of heat-hardened ceramics. With a price of only 6.3 thousand. rubles, the device has all the necessary functions to ensure the comfort and safety of using the column. The disadvantages include the lack of batteries required for ignition.
Price:₽ 6 330
Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte Glass Carbo
The best pressure gas instantaneous water heater
7. Gorenje GWH 10 NNBWC
With a power of 20 kW, the device heats up 10 liters per minute, it is used for several points of water intake at the same time. The device performs its functions even at low gas and liquid pressures. Gas control gives a signal to turn off the gas supply if the fire accidentally goes out.
The electronic display, indication of heating and switching on, help to control the operation of the device, and to debug the settings - rotary switches. Automatic electric ignition eliminates the need for matches.
The material of the heat exchanger is copper, the burner nozzles are made of stainless steel. The cost of the device is 11 thousand. rubles corresponds to a set of declared characteristics.
Price:₽ 11 280
Gorenje GWH 10 NNBWC
The best instantaneous water heater with three-phase connection
8. CLAGE DBX 21
An electric water heater with a capacity of 21 kW is capable of heating 10.7 liters of liquid per minute. The capacity is sufficient to supply water to one or several points of water intake at the same time. The device independently adjusts the heating power depending on the temperature of the liquid at the inlet and the strength of the flow. Outlet water temperature - 60 ° C.
The heating element is resistant to scale build-up. Overheating protection systems are provided, the heater is turned off when the maximum permissible pressure and temperature are exceeded.
The water heater has a high-quality assembly, performs its functions well. However, at a cost of 28 thousand. rubles, it does not have additional settings for the bathroom, the ability to change the temperature.
Price: ₽ 28 000
CLAGE DBX 21
FAQ
In an instantaneous water heater, the wire from the plug heats up. How do I fix the problem?
The wire may heat up if it has the wrong cross-section, as well as if there is poor contact with the plug. In this case, the use of the water heater must be stopped immediately and an electrician must be called in to eliminate the causes of heating. Most likely, the heater will have to be reconnected directly to the electrical panel - otherwise it is not far from the fire.
