Without hot water, life loses most of its attractiveness - even in winter, even in summer. In order not to reflexively chatter your teeth at the very word "crimping", it is best to get a water heater and forget about problems forever. We will now tell you about the best storage water heaters and the specifics of their choice.
CONTENT
- 1 Why is a storage water heater better than a running water heater?
- 2 Choosing a storage water heater: what to look for
- 3 TOP-8 best storage water heaters
- 4 FAQ
Why is a storage water heater better than a running water heater?
The main advantage of the storage heater is that it heats the water in advance, and when you decide to wash the dishes or take a shower, everything will be ready. Moreover, hot water will not flow in a thin stream as it warms up - the pressure boiler provides the same pressure as in the water supply system.
Since storage-type devices do not work in such a hurry as flow-through models, their power is usually lower. Consequently, the storage boiler consumes less electricity during operation: mainly energy consumption falls on initial heating of the water, after which the device only needs to maintain the temperature, spending a minimum resources. In addition, it is much easier to connect it to the mains: a model with a capacity of a couple of kilowatts will be pulled out by an ordinary outlet, and you do not have to call an electrician to stretch a separate wire to the shield.
At the same time, storage heaters are much larger, heavier and often more expensive than flow heaters, but you have to pay for comfort - there is nothing you can do about it.
Choosing a storage water heater: what to look for
Food. Water heaters can run on electricity, gas or solid fuels. The most convenient and inexpensive option is electric boilers, it is about them that will be discussed in our material.
Volume of the tank. There is never too much hot water, so it is not worth saving on the volume of the storage tank. If you need a heater for the kitchen, then a compact model of 10-15 liters is quite enough: these are usually installed under the sink. But for the bathroom, a hydroaccumulator of a more impressive size is definitely needed. It is impossible to give exact instructions here, because, say, in summer hot water is needed much less than in winter, and people use water in different ways. But it is best to start with at least 30 liters per family member: this is enough to calmly take a shower.
Power. The higher the power, the faster the unit will heat the water in the tank, and the more actively it will consume electricity. For a storage water heater, power is not such a critical parameter as for a running water heater, because the water is heated in advance, and then the boiler simply maintains the desired temperature. For most models on the market, the power ranges from 1-2.5 kW. In addition, there are models equipped with two heating elements at once, which are switched on separately: such boilers can consume little power in normal mode and double this parameter by connecting a second heating element, which is used to warm water faster.
Tank shape. Most often, the boiler accumulator has a cylindrical shape: such tanks are easier to manufacture and better tolerate high internal pressure, but in terms of compactness they are seriously inferior to rectangular and flat options. In turn, flat tanks and accumulators, which are made in the form of rectangular parallelepipeds, are convenient for placed somewhere in cabinets and under sinks, but their welds tend to leak, and they usually cost more cylindrical.
Tank material. Usually the tanks themselves are made of steel - it is a reliable, inexpensive and durable material, which, however, is subject to corrosion. To combat rust, the inner surface of the tanks is coated with various materials that do not tend to corrode. In inexpensive models, fiberglass is often found - a good, but not very durable material. More expensive devices use stainless steel - perhaps one of the best options in terms of price-quality ratio. In the most expensive boilers, titanium, aluminum, ceramics and other materials are used as an internal coating.
Insulation material. The storage boiler works as a thermos, so it is important that it retains heat well - this will help to seriously save on electricity. The main thing is that the insulation is not foam rubber. Better it will be expanded polystyrene or similar material.
Heating element type. In storage water heaters, heating elements of "wet" and "dry" types are used. The first option is, in fact, there is a heating element, that is, a tubular electric heater. This is the simplest and most common type of heating element: a copper tube with a heating coil inside, immersed directly in water. Such designs are very fond of collecting scale, to combat which a magnesium anode is installed in the heater. In dry type heaters, the heating element does not come into direct contact with water, being placed in a separate sealed capsule - such a ten (which, strictly speaking, is not ten at all) is not afraid of scale, but structurally more difficult and more expensive than "wet" analogs. If you have hard water, a “dry” heater is definitely preferable to a “wet” one.
Control type. Boiler control can be electronic or mechanical. Everything here is, in general, simple: electronic - more convenient and more visual, mechanical - cheaper and more reliable.
Accommodation. The heater can be designed to be placed on the floor or on the wall. Usually, floor-standing boilers have a volume of 100 liters or more: you cannot hang this on a wall. Wall-mounted models are lighter and more compact, but these lightness and compactness are very relative. In addition, they cannot be mounted on any drywall, because a 60-liter drive with a full tank itself weighs under a hundred kilos - it can be placed either on a load-bearing wall or on a special steel frame.
TOP-8 best storage water heaters
The best storage water heater for the "smart home" system
1. Thermex IF 100 V (pro) Wi-Fi
A storage electric heater equipped with Wi-Fi and designed to be included in a smart at home: wireless interface provides remote control of water heating and condition monitoring devices. The volume of the tank is an impressive 100 liters, which is more than enough for a family of three or four people. Inside there are two heating elements with a total capacity of 2 kilowatts (1.3 kW and 0.7 kW), which can work together or separately. They heat up a full tank of water to a maximum temperature of 75 degrees in about 157 minutes. Freeze prevention mode is provided, as well as protection against switching on without water, overheating and electric shock. It is not at all a pity to pay 22,500 rubles for such wealth.
Price: ₽ 22 390
Thermex IF 100 V (pro) Wi-Fi
The best storage water heater with dry heating element
2. Electrolux EWH 30 Centurio IQ 2.0 Silver
Compact wall-mounted water heater with a 30 liter tank. It is best suited for the kitchen, although a shower with such a volume of hot water is quite possible to take. Two "dry" heating elements with a total capacity of 2 kilowatts heat a full tank of water to 75 degrees in just 72 minutes. Electronic control, with limitation of the heating temperature, protection against switching on without water, overheating and electric shock. The inner lining of the tank is made of stainless steel. A USB connector is provided for connecting an external Wi-Fi module - with it you can control the boiler through a proprietary smartphone application. The price of the issue is about 14,500 rubles.
Price: ₽ 14 389
Electrolux EWH 30 Centurio IQ 2.0 Silver
The best electric storage water heater for 100 liters
3. Thermex M-SMART MS 100 V
Wall-mounted storage water heater with a 100 liter tank, which is enough for a family of several people. The volume of the accumulator allows you to even take a bath, and not just wash in the shower. Two copper heating elements of the "wet" type with a total capacity of 2 kilowatts heat this impressive volume in a little more than 3.5 hours. Electronic control provides indication of switching on and heating on the LCD display. The inside of the tank is covered with stainless steel. With a price in the region of 18,500 rubles, it is an excellent device, the capabilities of which are more than enough for both an apartment and a country house.
Price: ₽ 18 390
Thermex M-SMART MS 100 V
The best electric storage water heater for 80 liters
4. Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW 80 D
A powerful and pretty nice water heater with a price of about 15,000 rubles. The volume of the storage tank of 80 liters with a margin is enough for a family of two or three people. Two heating elements give out a total power of 2.5 kilowatts, so that the water heats up to a maximum of 80 degrees in literally three hours. Electronic control. Protection against starting without water, overheating and accidental electric shock. Wall mount. The storage tank is covered with AG + branded enamel with silver ions from the inside. A universal solution, ready to completely take over the hot water supply of a private house or apartment.
Price: ₽ 15 190
Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW 80 D
The best electric storage water heater for 50 liters
5. Zanussi ZWH / S 50 SYMPHONY 2.0
An inexpensive storage water heater with a price of only about 6,500 rubles. For this little money, you will receive a storage tank with a volume of 50 liters, which is enough for two people, 1.5 kilowatts of power consumption, as well as a reliable and simple mechanical management. A full tank of water heats up to 75 degrees in a little over two hours. The inner coating of the accumulator is a special enamel, which is suitable for those who do not like the presence of a supposedly metallic taste and smell in the water after stainless steel tanks. Indication of switching on and heating is provided. A budget option that can do everything you need, and nothing more.
Price: ₽ 6 590
Zanussi ZWH / S 50 SYMPHONY 2.0 <
The best storage gravity water heater
6. Ariston BLU1 R ABS 50 V SLIM
The price of this 50-liter storage water heater is 7,000 rubles, and it fulfills its price in full. The power of 1.5 kilowatts with a margin is enough to heat a full tank of water to 75 degrees in a couple of hours, the volume of which will be enough for one or two people. The mechanical control system is simple and reliable in operation. Indication of switching on and heating is provided, as well as protection against overheating and switching on without water. The storage tank is covered with titanium enamel from the inside - safe and durable. One of the best storage water heaters in the budget segment.
Price: ₽ 7 109
Ariston BLU1 R ABS 50 V SLIM
The best budget horizontal pressure water heater
7. De Luxe 9W50H1
Wall-mounted storage water heaters with horizontal placement are rare, but for some rooms they are much better suited than vertical ones. This device with a storage capacity of 50 liters will comfortably serve a small family of two. The power consumption of 1.5 kilowatts is quite enough for quick and trouble-free heating of water. The mechanical control is very high quality and is not prone to failures. Overheating protection, safety valve and magnesium anode in place. The storage tank is covered with glass ceramics from the inside - a safe, but not the most durable option. This handsome guy is quite inexpensive - just over 6,000 rubles.
Price: ₽ 6 000
De Luxe 9W50H1
Best electric storage water heater 30 liters
8. Electrolux EWH 30 Quantum Pro
A compact and inexpensive storage water heater that will provide hot water, say, a kitchen or allow one person to take a shower. The 30 liter tank is lined with enamel on the inside, which protects it from corrosion. A heating element with a capacity of 1.5 kilowatts heats water to 75 degrees in about an hour. Protection against switching on without water and overheating is provided. Teng is protected from scale by a magnesium cathode. Of the pleasant options, one can note the economical mode and the function of water disinfection. With a price of 5,000 rubles, it is a good choice for those who need a heater in the kitchen, or who just want to test a new device at home.
Price: ₽ 4 850
Electrolux EWH 30 Quantum Pro
FAQ
How often do you need to revise the ten?
It is advisable that the heating element is checked and descaled at least once a year.
Do I need to drain water from the storage water heater during a long period of inactivity?
It is necessary to drain the water from the heater only in three cases:
- Repair: replacement of parts, cleaning and maintenance.
- The danger that the water in the heater tank will freeze, increase in volume and burst it from the inside: say, if you leave it in an unheated house for the winter.
- Before a long downtime of the heater, you are ready not only to drain the water, but then disassemble and dry the entire device - this is generally the best way to store the boiler during a long downtime.
In all other cases, draining the water will only harm the device. For example, it will cause active corrosion in a humid environment with access to oxygen, which will not be there if the tank is completely filled with water. In order not to breed bacteria, it is enough just to turn on the device from time to time and heat the water in the tank to 80 degrees. You don't need to do anything else with it.
