Due to the fact that centralized hot water supply is becoming more and more expensive, electric storage water heaters, better known as boilers, are gaining popularity. In this article, we will look at the most important points to pay attention to when choosing such a device. In addition, we will try to tell you about the most interesting models and make a small rating of electric storage water heaters in 2019. Feedback from consumers who have already experienced the delights of such units will help us in this. We hope this small TOP will help you better understand the world of electrical storage "hot water" devices.
What to look for when choosing
Each manufacturer is confident that it produces the very best boilers. Agree, it would be strange if manufacturers did not praise their products. After all, any production requires considerable costs and it would be shortsighted to produce frankly bad products. But among the sound of "praise songs" it is rather difficult for an inexperienced consumer to decide on the list of necessary functions. It is also difficult to understand what you can save on, and what "goodies" you should still spend on. Customer reviews will help us to understand all these issues, having analyzed which we have compiled a small list of really important criteria for selection.
- Volume of the tank. The range here is quite large: from 10-15 liters to 300.
- Device power. The higher this parameter, the faster the boiler heats the water. But here it is important not to overdo it. You will have to pay the electricity bills.
- Heating element type. Most often it is a heating element or a special spiral. The former are slightly more expensive, while the latter are more likely to “burn out”.
- The presence of a corrosion-resistant anode in the tank. The presence of such an element makes it possible to automatically "glue" small internal cracks inside the tank.
- The degree of electrical protection. There are specific standards that the device must comply with. Your safety depends on it.
When choosing a storage water heater, you should carefully study each of these parameters. So let's dwell on them in a little more detail.
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Tank capacity
The first thing consumer reviews are advised to pay attention to is the volume of the tank. If you underestimate this parameter, there will not be enough hot water for all the needs of the family and you will have to wait a long time until a new portion is heated. In the event that you decide to purchase a water heater with a large margin, remember - the larger the volume, the more expensive the price.
- For one person, a tank with a capacity of about 30-50 liters is well suited. A more spacious model is a waste of money.
- If your family consists of 2-3 people, a volume of about 80 liters is enough for you. But if your household prefers a shower instead of a bath, then 50 liters may be enough.
- For a family of 4 or more people, stock up on at least one hundred liters of hot water.And for those who like to lie in the bathtub, you will need a tank of at least 120 liters.
- There are also models with a capacity of 300 liters, but installing them in a regular apartment is not economically feasible. Such electric storage water heaters
- most often installed in small hotels, as well as in shared showers in enterprises or in gyms.
See also:
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- The 8 best Thermex water heaters of 2019
- 10 best Timberk water heaters of 2019
- 10 best Gorenje water heaters of 2019
Device power
Another important criterion is the power of the heating element. For models of 2019, this figure can range from one to 6-7 kW, while many units can be connected to both single and three-phase power networks.
To exclude "knocking out" plugs, you need to carefully calculate the load on the electrical wiring in the apartment. If your network has been recently laid and is capable of withstanding significant loads, the power must be selected based on the desired rate of obtaining hot water. As you understand, the more powerful the heating elements, the faster the liquid in the tank heats up. However, it is worth remembering that as power increases, so does your electricity bill. So the "golden mean" is very important here. The optimal indicator is considered to be no more than 2–2.5 kW, depending on the volume of the tank.
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Internal coating of assemblies and parts
Budget models most often have an inner coating of enamel or glass ceramics. More expensive ones are equipped with stainless steel assemblies or have titanium sputtering. Whether it is worth saving is up to you, but pay attention to this:
the warranty period for steel tanks is much higher;
steel models have a weld seam that may leak slightly over time;
on the net you can read reviews of users who claim that a stainless steel tank negatively affects the taste and smell of hot water.
By the way, if you are in doubt which of the models to choose, compare them by weight. The more the tank weighs, the thicker its walls, which means that corrosion resistance will be much higher.
Extra options
There are a few more "gadgets" that the best models are equipped with:
Boilers are available with a "wet" or "dry" heating element. "Dry" heating element is safer and more durable. It is placed in a special sealed flask and does not come into contact with liquid at all. This eliminates the possibility of scale formation or electric shock.
The thermal insulation level of the water tank. The thicker the insulation layer, the longer the water will stay hot. Pay attention to models with an insulating layer of at least 35–40 mm, and as a material, prefer polyurethane foam, it is much better than foam rubber.
Pay attention to the presence of functions such as accelerated heating, protection against overheating or freezing, the presence of a magnesium anode.
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TOP 5 models up to 50 liters
In order to compile the best quality rating of storage water heaters, we tried to divide all models depending on the volume of the water tank. To begin with, we will consider the TOP models designed for a family of 1-2 people.
Atlantic Steatite Cube Slim
This water heater from the popular Atlantic company is distinguished by an increased speed of water heating. There are two models of such a boiler on sale: for 30 or 50 liters. However, it is so compact that it fits perfectly even in the smallest bathroom.
Benefits:
- "Dry" steatite (ceramics) heating element;
- good thermal insulation;
- fast water heating;
- equipped with a safety valve.
Disadvantages:
- not too much head at the outlet of the system.
The cost of a less voluminous model of 30 liters starts at $ 150, for a 50-liter boiler they ask for 180 conventional units.
Haier Es50v-R1 (H)
Another fairly budget model for a small family. The capacity of the tank is as much as 50 liters.
Pros:
- high-quality water heating;
- there is overheating protection;
- nice price, from $ 150.
Minuses:
- not too long network cable;
- there may be difficulties with the complete drainage of water, therefore, such a device is best installed in a constantly heated room.
Despite the presence of some disadvantages, the water heater fully justifies its cost.
Neoclima Ewh 30 Fast
This model also became quite popular in 2017. This is probably due to the highest build quality and rather compact dimensions. In addition, this boiler has a very pleasant function - accelerated water heating. NeoClima EWH 30 is a real find for those who are always in a hurry to get somewhere.
Advantages:
- excellent protective harness;
- function "fast heating";
- the presence of a magnesium anode;
- compact size;
- reliable mechanical control;
- nice price, $ 75-80.
Disadvantages:
- in case of constant emergency operation, it may not be very durable.
Thermex Rzl 30
Another rather interesting and inexpensive model from a Russian manufacturer. This water heater has such a narrow design that it can be installed literally in any niche.
Pros:
- material - stainless steel;
- has several modes of operation;
- the simplest connection diagram;
- does not require anode replacement;
- there is a multi-stage protection system;
- affordable price, from $ 95.
Minuses:
- some copies "sin" not too high-quality assembly and over time may leak.
Timberk Swh Se1 15 Vo
This miniature boiler is designed for just 15 liters. And the maximum power of 2 kW allows you to get hot water almost immediately after connecting the device to the network. Such an electrical appliance is capable of withstanding even the oldest wiring. All these qualities make it possible to include the "baby" in the rating of the best water heaters in 2019.
Positive traits:
- easy installation;
- extremely simple and reliable design;
- high tC of outlet water;
- built-in overheating protection;
- the presence of a safety valve;
- nice price, from $ 90.
Negative points:
- not very good design;
- very small tank volume, suitable for no more than 1 person.
TOP 5 models with a tank up to 80 liters
These models are much more spacious and are in the greatest demand among consumers. Based on customer reviews, we have identified 5 of the most popular units, the most balanced according to the criterion "price-quality".
Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW
If the purity and quality of water is especially important to you, then this model will suit perfectly well. There are several systems at once to ensure perfect cleaning. In addition, ABS VLS EVO PW is equipped with the "ECO" function and is able to prepare water in such a way that microbes simply have no chance of survival.
Pros:
- perfect water purification system;
- ECO mode;
- Accelerated heating
- protective automation ABS 2.0, which controls all processes;
- there is a magnesium anode;
- not too high price, from $ 200.
Buyers liked the design and functionality. There is more than enough water for three, heats up the water quickly, because the tena is already two. The build quality is good. The disadvantages have not yet been identified.
Electrolux EWH 80 Formax
Quite an interesting model from the well-known company "Electrolux" (Sweden). Quite a capacious tank with an enamel coating, which, in our opinion, only adds to its advantages. The boiler is equipped with a tubular heating element and is capable of heating water up to 75C.
Pros:
- nice design;
- flat tank, which reduces its dimensions;
- equipped with a safety valve;
- dry heating element;
- keeps water warm for a long time;
- easy setup;
- 2 independent heating elements;
- along with the boiler there are fasteners (2 anchors).
Buyers love the design and that can be installed horizontally. Looks good - modern and compact. Heats up quickly. Temperature control - mechanical knob on the body, there is an Eco-mode. The tank, heated to the maximum, is enough to fill the bathroom. No cons were found.
Gorenje Otg 80 Sl B6
This model was named by consumers as one of the best water heaters of 2018-2019.One of the positive qualities of this boiler is that it heats water an order of magnitude faster than other models with similar indicators. In this case, the water heats up to 75C, and the power is only 2 kW.
Pros:
- fast heating;
- profitability;
- good protection (there is a thermostat, check and safety valves);
- the design provides 2 heating elements;
- the inner walls are covered with enamel, which reduces the likelihood of corrosion;
- there is a magnesium anode;
- simple mechanical control;
- price from $ 185.
Minuses:
- rather heavy weight, just over 30 kg;
- it is not very convenient to drain water;
- the kit does not include a hose for draining the fluid.
Thermex Sprint 80 Spr-V
This hot water unit is also distinguished by the speed of obtaining hot water. For this, the "Turbo" mode is provided here, which transfers the boiler to maximum power. The water tank has a glass ceramic coating. Maximum t ° C of hot water - 75 ° C, power 2.5 kW.
Advantages:
- there is a magnesium anti-corrosion anode;
- good protection system;
- compact;
- interesting design.
Disadvantages:
- during heating, water sometimes drips through the pressure relief valve;
- the price could be lower, from $ 210.
Timberk SWH FSM3 80 VH
It favorably differs from heaters of other companies in its shape: it is much easier to “stick” the “flat” device into small bathrooms and kitchens. It has all the necessary protective functions, and the tank is made of high quality stainless steel. Weight without water 16.8 kg.
Pros:
- tubular heating element for 2.5 kW has power regulation;
- reliability;
- there is an anti-corrosion anode;
- keeps warm well;
- fast heating of water.
Minuses:
- the power wire heats up slightly;
- cost from $ 200.
TOP 5 boilers with a volume of 100 liters
Electric water heaters with such a tank volume are suitable for those who do not want to wait in line and do not think about electricity bills. And for families of more than 4 people this is just a necessity.
Stiebel Eltron Shz 100 Lcd
Model of exceptional quality. The water heater is capable of providing constant supply to several points of water intake. The tank is made of high quality stainless steel and has an inner enamel lining. The tank wall thickness is increased to 2 mm.
Pros:
- exceptional German quality;
- able to be mounted in a network of both 220 and 380 V;
- equipped with a two-rate energy saving function;
- has a titanium DC anode, which does not need to be replaced;
- equipped with an LCD display;
- touch control;
- energy efficient;
- thermal insulation layer thickness 100 mm;
- equipped with a self-diagnosis system, is able to provide information about exactly where the breakdown occurred;
- high quality protection system.
Minuses:
- very high price, from $ 1600.
Electrolux Ewh 100 Royal
Many buyers call this unit the best in the Electrolux boiler line. The capacious tank is made of stainless steel and welded using a special technology and has reinforced thermal insulation.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- excellent thermal insulation;
- the ability to turn on at half the power;
- there is an economical mode of operation;
- the price is about $ 250.
Disadvantages:
- the fasteners included in the kit do not allow installing the boiler on hollow concrete structures.
Garanterm Gti 100-V
And here is another great model for those who need more water supply.
Benefits:
- tank warranty for 7 years;
- rather powerful heating elements;
- attractive design;
- availability of all necessary protection;
- has several modes of operation;
- cost from $ 200.
Disadvantages:
- the kit does not include a pipe for draining water;
- not very convenient to clean;
- Chinese-assembled models often have heating elements.
Hyundai H-SWE1-100V-UI068
An excellent storage "hot water" will supply hot water even to a large family without question.
Positive points:
- the tank is covered with enamel from the inside;
- reliable work;
- quality materials;
- super dense thermal insulation keeps heat longer;
- there is an anti-corrosion anode of increased length;
- excellent protective automation;
- ECO temperature controller allows you to set an effective operating mode;
- nice price, about $ 130.
Disadvantages:
- for such a cost - not found.
Aeg Dem 100C
Models of this brand are manufactured in Germany and have tank volumes up to 150 liters.
Pros:
- the ability to mount in a single or three-phase network;
- powerful heating elements;
- excellent thermal insulation;
- equipped with a magnesium anode with a visual indicator;
- a wide range of operating modes;
- -10 tank guarantee! years;
- it is possible to obtain water with a temperature of up to 83 C.
Minuses:
- not quite humane price, about 1400 USD e.
Having carefully studied our rating of electric storage water heaters of 2018-2019, you can easily choose exactly the model that you like.
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Hello . Please tell me, I want to change the boiler, the bathroom heater, which brand should I buy. Recommended volume of demirdokym 80 liters.
Not familiar with this brand. Pay attention to the brands from the rating, there are customer reviews for them.