With the development of construction of suburban real estate, most people are drawn closer to nature and fresh air. But a private economy implies an independent supply of products of civilization, including hot water. Although such a need may be relevant in old city apartments or in the summer when hot water is turned off. For this reason, the interest in water heaters and their demand does not surprise anyone. But how not to make a mistake when choosing, we will tell you in this article, which also contains a list of the best devices for heating water from the largest Swedish company Electrolux, which offers a large assortment of household appliances in the middle price category.
Content
There are a wide variety of water heaters on the market. The main difference is the type of heating element, which divides them into several types. In one case, the heating method occurs immediately when feeding using the built-in heating element. Such devices are called instantaneous water heaters or columns. The second option contains a tank in which the heating element is located. This will already be a storage water heater or boiler.
The characteristics of these devices are different, therefore, before purchasing, it is necessary to identify the selection criteria and understand which device will satisfy all the needs for water supply.
Of course, in terms of its functionality, the accumulative heating method is more attractive. It is designed for a larger number of consumers, less demanding on unstable water pressure in pipes and voltage in electrical networks.
But flowing ones also have their advantages. For the price they are much cheaper and therefore with rare use, for example, on weekends at a summer cottage, it is perfect. Another plus is its small size and, unlike storage tanks, it does not take up much space.
What you should also pay attention to, in addition to such fundamental differences, is that each type has models with different characteristics.
Water heaters can be powered by mains or gas.
Gas appliances are a more economical option, but their installation must be considered carefully to avoid any risks of gas leaks. It will not be superfluous if the purchased device has a gas control function. These budget popular models, according to buyers, have good characteristics, and they are ideal for premises where gas is already installed.
An electric water heater, of course, is much more expensive, but also safer, although when connecting it, you need to take all responsibility for the electrical wiring and correctly calculate the load.
Separately, we can say about devices with indirect and combined heating. Indirect heats water using a heating boiler and a steam or water heat exchanger.
Combined is a storage-type heater that combines operation both from a central or individual heating system, and from an electric network or main gas. In its design, it includes an electric heating element, a spiral heat exchanger connected to a heating boiler. This multifunctional option, a kind of combination of indirect heating with an electric heating element.
The power of storage electrical devices varies from 1 kW to 6 kW, and for flow devices from 3 kW to 27 kW. This is not much compared to gas, which are capable of delivering up to 25 kW.
To fully provide hot water, it is better to purchase equipment of at least 8 kW, but as mentioned above: in this case, you should already pay attention to the wiring. With a standard one, it is better to purchase a device with a power of no more than 2 kW.
The division goes into gravity and pressure, which, as the name implies, either supply water under pressure or without it. Pressurized ones have good performance and can provide several points of water supply at the same time. Non-pressure ones are less efficient and are suitable for one consumer. But they are safe and have a long service life.
The material from which the tank is made, first of all, must be environmentally friendly, not corroded and keep the water hot for a long time. Small models use polypropylene and copper, but enamelled steel is still the best option.
The volume of the tank is calculated according to the needs of the buyer. For household needs 10-15 liters are enough, for a shower you may need 50 liters, for a bath - 80 liters. It is better for a large family to purchase a gas or electric boiler with a capacity of 80-150 liters.
According to the type of installation, water heaters are subdivided into floor-standing and wall-mounted.
Wall mounting is a more convenient option to use. Such devices usually do not exceed 100 liters, the mass of which with water is 130 kg. But even with a smaller volume, the reliability of the walls must be taken into account. Instantaneous water heaters in most cases are wall-mounted.
Appliances with a volume of over 100 liters are usually located on the floor.
Small 50 liter storage water heater with stainless steel tank. Installation can be either vertical to the wall or horizontal. Dimensions of the entire device 434 * 930 * 253 mm, weight 15.5 kg.
Simple installation with a bottom connection with ½ ”connection diameter can be done independently without the help of specialists. The documentation that comes with the device contains a description and installation recommendations.
The device itself is electronically controlled with temperature regulation from a minimum mode of 35 ° C to a maximum of 75 ° C. There is also an eco-mode that heats water up to 50 ° C and reduces corrosive elements in the water.
For operation, a standard voltage of 220 V, 50 GHz is used. There is a fuse on the plug.
The water is heated by a copper tubular heating element with a protective magnesium anode. The power of the device is 2 kW. It will take 114 minutes for the device to warm up the water to a maximum temperature of 75 ° C.
The water heater is designed for several connection points, the water pressure is 0.8 - 6 atm.
For reliability and safety, the device has built-in protection against switching on without water, overheating, RCD, check valve, limitation of heating temperatures (thermostat).
All settings are shown on the display, and indicators show switching on and heating.
Average price: 12,700 rubles.
A flow-through pressure electric water heater, due to its compact dimensions 191 * 141 * 95 mm and a weight of 1.67 kg, is perfect for small rooms. The device is connected by an upper connection with a connecting diameter of ½ ". Installation method wall-mounted horizontal.
Simple electronic control device. All settings are shown on the display, separate indicators show switching on and heating.
Water throughput 2.8 l / min. The water flow limiter does not allow it to increase productivity.
The heating time with the coil to a maximum temperature of 48 ° C is about 3 hours.
The device operates from 220 V with a power of 6 kW, at which it produces a pressure of up to 7 atm and can provide several connection points with water.
The degree of protection against water ingress is 4. For safety, there is also built-in protection against overheating and operation without water, a temperature limiter with a thermostat.
Average price: 8100 rubles.
Electric storage water heater with a 30 liter tank.
It can be mounted on the wall both vertically and horizontally, the lower connection with a connecting diameter of ½ ".
Stainless steel tank with a high content of anti-corrosion elements.
The water is heated using two powerful dry heating elements and magnesium anodes protecting them from corrosion. The heating elements themselves are in metal casings that prevent any contact with water. A temperature sensor located on them protects against overheating. There is also protection against dry running and high pressure. All these unsafe phenomena are triggered by a residual current device.
High quality 20 cm thick polyurethane insulator covering the tank helps the water cool down for a long time, saving electricity. Moreover, this material is absolutely environmentally friendly.
All settings are shown on the LED display. The modes offer heating with full power up to a temperature of 75 ° C, half power operation, fast heating and an eco-mode that protects against scale and disinfects water.
The device produces a pressure from 0.8 to 6 atm. Heat up to maximum temperature at full power takes 72 minutes. By using the timer, you can save up to 75% on energy.
The flat case, the dimensions of which are 435 * 645 * 260 mm and the weight of 11.1 kg, allow installation even in small rooms.
The USB input for connecting a removable Smart Wi-Fi module allows you to control the device using a smartphone, having previously installed the necessary application on it.
Of the protections in the water heaters, an RCD, protection against dry running and overheating and protection against freezing are installed.
Average price: 10,000 rubles.
This water heater has recently joined the Electrolux lineup and entered the rating of quality products, due to its simplicity and reliability.
Gas device with an open type of combustion chamber and with the ability to operate on liquefied gas. In case of any problems with traction, the gas control is triggered and the gas supply is automatically stopped.
A thermostat is built in to protect against overheating, and a safety valve saves from high pressure.
The column works without interruption even with a weak pressure of water or gas in the system.
Automatic electronic ignition, and the water heater itself works absolutely silently.
The heat exchanger is made of high quality oxygen-free copper, resistant to high temperature and oxidation. All materials and coatings are environmentally friendly and safe.
The chimney with a diameter of 110 mm made of galvanized steel is of high quality and meets all European standards. It provides 100% removal of combustion products.
The gas column is capable of producing up to 12 l / min of hot water with a pressure of 0.15-7.89 atm.
Electronic control displays settings, battery power and temperature on the LCD screen, and additional indicators show power on and heating.
The device has dimensions 350 * 610 * 183 mm and weight 8.22 kg. It is vertically mounted on the wall, connected with a lower hose with a connecting diameter of ½ ".
Average cost of an instantaneous water heater: 10,000 rubles.
The storage pressure 282-liter water heater has an indirect heating method, which makes it possible to connect it to a central heating system.
Such a capacious tank can provide several connection points with hot water at the same time without loss of pressure, which can reach 6 atm.
To protect against corrosion, the inside of the tank is covered with glass ceramics. Two enamelled steel water heaters with a total area of 2.5 m² operate at 60 kW. The service life of the heat exchangers is extended by two magnesium anodes.
Mechanical control is convenient and understandable.
The presence of a thermostat protects the device from overheating.
The floor unit is installed horizontally. He has a lead-in from the side with a connecting diameter of 1 ".
Average price: 57,750 rubles.
A miniature 15-liter electric storage water heater with dimensions of 368 * 340 * 340 mm and weighing 9.6 kg is vertically mounted on the wall. Depending on the last letter in the name, there are different types of eyeliner: U - top, O - bottom. Connecting diameter ½ ".
The inside of the electric tank is protected from corrosion by an enamel coating. High-quality insulation keeps water hot for a long time.
By means of mechanical control, 3 modes can be inserted: minimum, eco mode and maximum 75 ° C. At full power of 2.5 kW, water heats up in 23 minutes.
A safety valve protects against overpressure, there is also protection against dry running and overheating, a magnesium anode reduces corrosive elements in the water.
Average price: 5500 rubles.
This model is a gas instantaneous water heater.
It is a smart device that automatically maintains the set water temperature with an accuracy of 1 ° C using an electronic module, increasing or decreasing the power. Moreover, this does not depend on the water pressure or on the number of connection points and their simultaneous use.
The heating element is a heat exchanger made of environmentally friendly high quality copper, which protects it from oxidation and high temperatures. It works with a power of 22 kW.
The productivity of the gas column is 11 l / min with a pressure from 0.15 to 7.89 atm.
The multi-stage protection shuts off the gas supply at low draft, prevents overheating by means of a thermostat, thanks to the built-in valve, excessive pressure is avoided, the flame on the burners is electronically controlled and, of course, there is protection against running without water.
Electronic ignition works silently.
The electronic control consists of a multifunctional LED display with all the necessary information.
The device is wall-mounted. The DHW connection is at the bottom.
With dimensions of 330 * 207 * 590 mm and weighing 8.55 kg, it will perfectly fit even into a small room.
Average price: 15,190 rubles.
Electrolux water heaters are made from high-quality materials; the range includes models of flow-through and storage devices designed for a different number of consumers. The decision about which model is better to buy should be made after taking into account the factor of the desired heating method, the need to accumulate water, the number of family members and the availability of free space for placing the boiler.
Attention! This article is not a guide to buying, the final decision on which water heater is better from which company should be made after consulting a specialist.