Which water heater is better to buy instant or storage, selection rules

Boilers provide constant access to hot (or lukewarm) water. These devices are divided into several types and differ in design features. Before deciding which water heater is better to choose (circulation or storage type), it is necessary to determine the requirements for such equipment: power, volume, location, etc.

Varieties, advantages and disadvantages

Water heaters are devices that provide a constant supply of hot water. Such units consume:

• electricity;
• solid fuel (liquid);
• gas;
• coolant heated by an external source of electricity.

The design of the device determines how the water is heated. This parameter plays a decisive role in the choice of a device.

Regardless of the power source used by the water heater, these devices are divided into storage and continuous flow.

Flow

Devices of this type are equipped with a heater, thanks to which hot water is immediately supplied to the tap. Such devices have the following advantages:

• lack of scale;
• can even be used with hard water;
• in the event of overheating, the automation switches off the appliance;
• the heater allows you to adjust the temperature.

The main disadvantage of these devices is the increased power consumption.

Hydraulic

The temperature of water heated by pressure (hydraulic) models is determined by the force with which the liquid flows. At the same time, even with a low flow, you can still take a hot shower.

Free circulation

Non-pressure (electronic) heaters provide a constant water temperature regardless of pressure.

Accumulation

Boilers structurally resemble a thermos with an element that heats cold water entering the container. The main advantage of these devices is their independence from electricity. That is, the water remains hot for a long time after heating.

The disadvantages of boilers include the fact that scale periodically accumulates on the internal elements, so the device requires regular cleaning. In addition, such devices heat water for several minutes or hours.

Continuous storage

Continuous flow storage models are rare. In such devices, two heating elements are located, separated from each other.Devices of this type are suitable for rooms where the number of residents periodically changes (or it is necessary to quickly turn on hot water).

Look at Also

How to choose the right hob, the 7 best manufacturers and models

What should be considered when choosing a storage water heater?

Buyers are advised to pay attention to the following circumstances that affect the choice of a boiler:

• volume;
• installation rules;
• form;
• the material from which the tank is made;
• management features;
• some kind of heating element.

You should also take into account the features of the configuration and the availability of additional functions.

Volume

In order not to make a mistake and choose the right boiler, it is recommended to calculate the approximate amount of water consumed. In addition, it should be taken into account that large-volume water heaters are bulky and take longer to heat the liquid. On average, 20-liter boilers are suitable for a standard apartment.

Position

Water heaters are installed vertically or horizontally. Such devices are hung on the wall or placed on the floor. The choice in favor of a particular model depends on the features of the interior of the room in which the installation of the device is planned.

Horizontal installation

Models with this layout are used if, due to the peculiarities of the interior, it becomes necessary to install the device in a horizontal position. This type of device has the disadvantage that after opening the tap, the cold water is immediately mixed with the hot water.

Vertical installation

These boilers heat the incoming water faster, which reduces energy consumption.

Generic type

This type of water heater differs in that such devices can be mounted both vertically and horizontally.

Form

The shape of the body of the water heater determines the convenience of placing the device in a particular room.

Round shape

Round (cylindrical) boilers are cheaper than others and consume less electricity, which led to the great popularity of these models.

Rectangular shape

Heaters with a rectangle-shaped body (including flat varieties) are acquired when it becomes necessary to build equipment in boxes.

Tank material

The service life of the device depends on this parameter.

Stainless steel

This material offers maximum protection against corrosion. The manufacturers offer an 8-year warranty for this type of device.

Enamel coating

Enamel is used in metal tank boilers. This coating increases the protection of the material against corrosion. However, if the enamel is applied unevenly, the tank will begin to leak within the first few years of purchase.

Ceramic glass

Glass-ceramic is used in the manufacture of expensive boilers, since this material is not only protected from corrosion, but also improves the quality of heated water.

powder coated titanium

This spray is applied to carbon steel tanks. Boilers with such material are less valuable than the previously listed devices. This is explained by the fact that carbon steel tolerates temperature extremes less well, and therefore the warranty for heaters of this type is valid for 5-7 years.

Plastic cover

The least successful option, since the plastic coating begins to crack three years after purchase.

Control Panel

The control system is an integral part of the boilers. This element is developed individually, for a specific model. Modern water heaters are equipped with a mechanical or electronic control panel.

Mechanical panel

Mechanical control is considered the most advantageous. This is because water heater settings are usually adjusted immediately and do not change for several months or years. And mechanical controls are cheaper, easier to maintain and easier to repair.

Look at Also

How to choose the right siphon for the sink, features and tips for use

Electronic panel

This type of panel is equipped with a touch screen, which gives the boiler a modern look. However, this design breaks down more often.

And if one of the elements of the panel fails, you need to change the whole system.

Service, installation, equipment

Quality boilers are completed with an anode, which increases overall corrosion protection and prevents scale buildup. These elements, like others, wear out over time. The procedure for carrying out preventive work related to the replacement of damaged parts is prescribed in the manual for each device.

These measures are necessary, because without the timely removal of scale and the installation of new elements, the device will fail. Also, if the owner does not carry out preventive work and does not provide proper care, the manufacturer has the right to refuse warranty service for the boiler.

The water heaters are completed with:

• Electric wires;
• fasteners;
• insulating sleeves;
• safety valve;
• pressure reducer.

The installation, as well as the connection of the device to the mains, are carried out in accordance with the enclosed instructions.

Varieties of heating elements

The heating element is the main component of boilers. There are models in which two heating elements are presented. In such devices, water heating is faster.

Wet

This type of heating elements are constantly in contact with water.In this regard, this element must be periodically descaled.

Dry

This heating element is placed in a separate box. This increases the heat transfer area and increases the life of the device. Boilers with "dry" heating elements are 2 times more expensive.

Advanced functions

The presence of additional options increases the efficiency of boiler operation.

Insulation layer

The thermal insulation layer (ideally polyurethane foam) maintains the water temperature for a long time.

overheating protection

The built-in thermal sensor prevents overheating of the boiler, thereby extending the life of the device and increasing the overall safety of using the water heater.

Timer

The timer allows you to set the ignition time of the boiler. Thanks to this device, you can set up water heating for the night when the cost of electricity decreases.

Moisture protection

The presence of additional protections makes it possible to install the device in rooms with high humidity (baths, bathrooms).

Disruptor valve and power cable

Both components are usually supplied as standard with the boiler. An explosive valve prevents heated water from flowing back into the water supply system, and a power cable is required to connect the device to the network.

Bushing for isolation of stray currents

The bushing protects the neck of the boiler from perforating corrosion caused by stray currents (transmitted by water or the metal body of the device).

Review of popular models

It is quite difficult to choose the best water heater on the market. Accordingly, the list presented is for informational purposes only.

Ariston ABS BLUE R 80V

The model has an 80 liter hardened steel tank and provides rapid water heating up to 75 degrees, minimizing heat loss. The device is completed with a thermometer.

Gorenje OTG 80 SL B6

The 80-liter boiler with compact dimensions is distinguished by high-quality thermal insulation and the presence of an additional thermostat.

Atlantic Vertigo Soapstone 100 MP 080 F220-2-EC

This model is distinguished by the presence of two heating elements, which provide flow and storage heating. The device is completed with an intelligent control system.

Look at Also

Ranking of the TOP 9 of the best models of robotic polishers in 2020 and their comparison

Fagor CB-100 ECO

The device with two "dry" heating elements and electronic control, thanks to which you can select the exact temperature of the water.

WILER IVH 80R

The boiler with an 80-liter enameled tank has a three-position power switch, a thermostat and power and heating indicators.

Oasis VC-30L

The device allows rapid heating of water and is completed with a waterproof thermometer.

Timberk SWH RS7 30V

The boiler is distinguished by the presence of a stainless steel tank and mechanical control.

The device heats water up to 30 degrees in 40 minutes.

Polaris FDRS-30V

Polaris has a compact size, an electronic unit with an LED display and an automatic power-off function.

Thermex Flat Plus IF 50V

The device is equipped with two heating elements, one of which accelerates the heating of the water. The tank is made of stainless steel.

Electrolux EWH 50 Formax DL

The model is distinguished by the presence of multi-level protection, a display, a thermometer and an individual programming function.

Polaris Vega SLR 50V

The model is considered the best in its class.Leadership is provided by a simple control panel and an advanced security system.

Stiebel Eltron 100 LCD

An expensive German water heater with a display that also shows error messages. The device is completed with frost protection.

Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6

The device with a "dry" heating element is equipped with a non-return valve, a thermometer and frost protection.

Polaris Gamma IMF 80V

The model is completed by several water intake points, digital display, energy saving mode.

The best brands of boiler manufacturers

The list of the best boiler manufacturers includes Russian and foreign companies.

Ariston

An Italian company that produces appliances with a long life. Boilers of this brand are usually characterized by extensive functionality.

Gorenje

A Slovenian company produces practical water heaters with enamelled stainless steel tanks.

Thermex

A Russian company, whose boilers are often supplemented with protection against overheating and freezing.

Bosch

High-quality water heaters of various types are produced under this brand, including gas-powered models.

Electrolux

The Swedish company produces expensive water heaters, the tank of which is made of glass ceramics.

AEG

An expensive German brand, under which reliable and high-quality boilers with increased energy efficiency are produced.

ZANUSSI

An Italian company, leader in the production of economical boilers, characterized by increased efficiency and durability.

Stiebel Eltron

Water heaters of this brand are characterized by a long service life and extensive functionality.

ELDOM

Bulgarian company that produces economical water heaters. This brand is rarely found on the Russian market.

Real

Russian company specializing in the production of inexpensive boilers with innovative anti-corrosion protection.

Halo

Another Russian company that produces inexpensive water heaters.

Which water heater uses resources more economically?

From the point of view of energy consumption, storage boilers with a thick layer of thermal insulation and a compact tank are considered more economical. Such models keep the heat longer.

Terms of use

In order to avoid problems with the operation of boilers, it is recommended not to turn on the device often, to regularly carry out preventive work to clean the internal elements, and not to turn off the power during heating of the water.