Electric water heaters: equipment classification by various parameters + best manufacturers

How many of us have not experienced interruptions in the hot water supply? Things are even worse in a country or rural area, where only cold water often flows in a tap. Electric water heaters, which are presented in a wide assortment and in various price categories, will help to solve the problem.

The main types of such devices, their design features and the best manufacturers will be discussed in our article.

The main types of electric water heaters

According to the principle of operation, devices using electric current for heating water can be divided into two categories.

Flowing water heaters

In such units, an increase in water temperature is made by passing it through a heating element - a heating element or a spiral. Due to this, heating is carried out almost immediately after switching on, and the amount of hot liquid is not limited by anything.

You can install this type of water heater on your own, if you are guided by the manufacturer's instructions. If you have never been involved in the installation of a water heater, please go ahead.link and see the step-by-step instructions for installing the flow model.

The main disadvantage of such devices is the high rate of one-time electricity consumption. To ensure their operation, a separate power cable is often required, the core section of which must correspond to the load.

The disadvantage of such a water electric heater can also be considered insufficiently high efficiency.

The best models of electric flowing water heaters we reviewed in this article.

Flow-type devices look compact and aesthetically pleasing.On a plastic or metal case, which can have a different color and shape, there are keys that control the operating mode

Storage units for water heating

Devices of this type, also called boilers, represent a tank for liquid with a heater installed, due to which the temperature of the contents of the tank increases. Such units have a higher efficiency and require less energy.

The disadvantages of cumulative models include:

• limited amount of heated water;
• the relatively long time required to raise the temperature of the liquid;
• bulkiness of the device.

Despite these shortcomings, at present, for household purposes, boilers are much more often used than flow units. In our other article we cited Criterias of choice electric storage boiler for heating water.

Cold water enters the working tank of the capacitive device through the nozzle, and after heating rises to the surface due to the action of natural convective flows

Classification of storage devices

By the method of installing capacitive reservoirs, it is possible to distinguish vertical and horizontal devices that are mounted on the wall accordingly. Recently, universal heaters have also begun to appear in the assortment, which can be placed both vertically and horizontally. Storage devices, the capacity of which exceeds 200 liters, are usually installed on the floor.

We have a website detailed briefing to install a do-it-yourself water heater storage model.

In addition, there are still a number of signs that can be used to classify storage devices for heating liquids.

According to the principle of functioning

By the method of operation, you can select products open and closed. The first option includes models that can be used in water supply with low pressure or even for stand-alone use without a water network.

Such devices, indispensable in cottages or in private homes where there is no connection to the central water supply line. They can only serve one point of water intake, for example, a faucet in the kitchen.

A more complex option is closed-type products that are mounted in a common system with a dedicated cold water supply line. After connecting, they heat the liquid to the desired temperature - usually up to 60-85 ° С.

Among the main advantages of open-type water heaters can be considered fast heating of water, ease of installation and low energy consumption

By the volume of the working tank

Different types of electric boilers designed to heat water vary in capacity, which varies from 10 to 500 liters.

Conventionally, all models can be divided into three categories:

• up to 30 liters;
• with a capacity of 30-100 liters;
• with a tank exceeding 100 liters.

Devices with mini-tanks, which do not require pressure in the water supply system, are usually installed to provide water at one point, for example, a washbasin. As a rule, such models are equipped with copper heating elements. The assembly of such structures is not difficult and can be performed by the owner with the exact observance of the attached instructions.

Medium-sized water heaters can serve one or several points located nearby from each other. Boilers of this type may have a more complex design with additional features. When assembling them, it is better to involve specialists.

Units of maximum volume can hold up to 400-500 liters of water. Such devices, which are usually used in public buildings or in production, supply hot water to several distant points at once. They can also be connected to boilers and central heating. Installation of such devices should be carried out by professionals.

Water heaters with a capacity of 10-30 liters, which are used for domestic purposes, are usually installed in the kitchen - under or above the sink

By design features

Different types of electric storage water heaters may also differ in internal design, namely:

• by location and power of the heater;
• by the method of adjusting the heating temperature;
• according to the provided capabilities.

The heating element may be ordinary or “dry”, that is, located in an isolated space. The latter option provides a longer service life, however, such models are somewhat more expensive.

You should pay attention to the power of the heating elements, which varies from 1.2 to 3 or more kilowatts.

The necessary temperature can be set directly on the thermal relay of the unit, which is less convenient, since it requires disassembling the electric heater. In modern models, a more convenient temperature adjustment device is usually carried out - on the remote panel.

In many modern units, additional functions may be provided, such as, for example, the possibility of self-diagnosis of the device, monitoring the tank filling level, and an increased degree of protection against overheating.

Management can be carried out mechanically or electronically, the latter option involves advanced functionality

According to the material and shape of the tank

The most important part of the capacitive device is the internal tank, since it is he who has to tolerate changes in temperature, pressure, exposure to chemicals and impurities contained in the water. When choosing a water heater, special attention should be paid to this structural element.

The tanks are usually made of stainless steel, which is often coated with an additional layer of protective material. In the cheapest models, glass porcelain is used for this. It resists corrosion well, but is quite fragile when exposed to high temperatures.

Over time, constantly deepening cracks may appear on the surface, which leads to the failure of the tank.

Enamel coatings are a more reliable option. They are flexible and less susceptible to cracking, so tanks with such a surface have a longer service life.

If the internal tank fails in the capacitive heating device, it is no longer possible to fix it, this important part will need to be replaced

Of particular note is titanium enamel, which has high corrosion resistance, low weight and good ductility. In addition, titanium forms a very smooth surface of the container, which increases the hygiene of the device, since micropores often serve as a refuge for microorganisms.

The capacity and shape of the tanks also largely determines the configuration of the heater. The standard storage device has the form of an elongated cylinder with a diameter of about 45 centimeters. There are also models of a smaller diameter, the so-called "slim", which can be installed in a secluded corner or in an inaccessible place.

Recently, manufacturers began to produce devices with a spectacular design, for example, square or other original boilers. Such functional products can serve as a real decoration for the kitchen or bathroom.

Equipment Tips

It is advisable to install flow-through heaters for the needs of large families where a large amount of hot water is required. In this case, you should pay attention to wire type and the condition of the wiring, which must withstand heavy loads.

Experts recommend installing such devices in houses equipped with electric stoves, otherwise you will need to lay an additional cable.

Flow-type units are often equipped according to the intended application: kitchen appliances are equipped with a drain through which water is supplied to the sink, and the shower set is equipped with a hose with a nozzle. More recommendations for choosing a flowing model of a hot water heater for a shower look here.

When buying a storage electric water heater, you should correctly calculate the needs of the family in hot water. It should be borne in mind that taking a shower requires 30 liters, and a bath - 150 liters of liquid.

To this you need to add water consumption for a kitchen sink, an average of 20 liters. Thus, for a family of three, an aggregate with a capacity of at least 80 liters of water is required.

If the real needs of the family are small, it is hardly worth buying a powerful device that consumes a large amount of electricity. If such a unit was nevertheless bought by mistake, it is possible to partially compensate for the costs by insulating the tank, which will help maintain heat for some time.

For summer cottages, where water heaters are usually used only for showering or washing, it is possible to limit yourself to a small unit, providing for the heating of 15-30 liters of water

It is also important to consider the limits for electric power existing in the electric grid. As a rule, for separate water consumption in the kitchen and in the bathroom, a 12 kW device is enough. Water heaters with a power of 1-4.5 kW are intended for single-phase power grids, and 6 and more kilowatts for a three-phase power supply.

With hard water, it is better to use a “dry” heater, which is better protected by descaling. The use of filtered water in the system contributes to the reduction of precipitation, for which an additional filter is installed.

Top Brands Review

We will name several top manufacturers whose water heaters invariably receive high reviews from users and specialists.

Rank # 1 - Italian company Ariston

The well-known Italian brand engaged in the production of household appliances also manufactures water heaters of various price categories. Although various variants of these devices are presented in catalogs, most of the assortment is occupied by electric storage units.

Models from Ariston are considered one of the best options for the ratio of technical characteristics, quality and price. They are distinguished by convenient operation, elegant design, high degree of protection. The disadvantages include the lack of apparatus with “dry” heating elements.

One of the cumulative models of Ariston. It is made in the shape of a cube, it looks stylish and original on the bathroom wall. In addition, all devices of this brand are famous for their optimal price-quality ratio.

Rank # 2 - The Timberk Swedish Brand

The Swedish brand produces exclusively climate, heating equipment and water heaters. The assortment contains models of flowing and storage devices with different volumes, capacities and equipment.

Among the advantages include a well-designed security system, ease of installation, good thermal insulation and fast heating. The disadvantages include a not too long standard warranty from the manufacturer, equal to one year.

All models from Timberk have an excellent set of useful functions, affordable price, and some can be controlled using the remote control

Place # 3 - the Swedish company Electrolux

A well-known Swedish brand produces household appliances, including water heaters. The company does not stop there, introducing new technologies and improving its products. The assortment has a huge selection of gas and electric models designed for different market segments.

All products are distinguished by corporate design, technical equipment, simple and convenient control, which can be either mechanical or electronic. Among the shortcomings can be noted only the increased cost of the models.

A distinctive feature of some models from Electrolux is that they can be installed both vertically and horizontally. The only drawback of the equipment of this manufacturer is its rather high cost

Place # 4 - Thermex Italian Brand

The Italian brand specializing in units of various types and purposes: flowing, combined, storage. Priority is given to compact budget devices that are easy to install and operate.

Thermex electric storage water heaters are popular among consumers. Their distinguishing features are quality assembly and affordable cost.

The catalogs contain a large number of slim devices and devices with a flat tank, which allows you to install them in hard-to-reach places. Despite the affordable price and simple design, electric heaters have a fairly wide functionality and a high degree of safety.

Place # 5 - South Korean company Hyundai

One of the divisions of the famous South Korean concern is engaged in the production of climate technology, as well as the production of devices for heating water. The assortment mainly includes accumulative electric models.

Some models from Hyundai have an impressive capacity, which allows them to be used in large families. All devices of this manufacturer are equipped with a multi-stage security system.

The boilers of this company are characterized by a laconic, but at the same time memorable design, so that they easily fit into modern kitchens and bathrooms.

All devices have a well-thought-out control system, safety and efficiency. On some models, there is an ECO mode that minimizes energy costs.

You still doubt which is better - cumulative or flowing? In this case, we recommend that you look comparative review these two types of water heaters.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The presented video sets out in detail the design features of various types of flow heaters:

The following video talks about the main criteria for aggregates of accumulative type.

The advice of a specialist on choosing electric heaters can be heard in the video below:

As we can see, there are many options for electric heaters. To make the right choice, it is important to clearly formulate the requirements for the model, taking into account the principle of operation, capacity, volume and other parameters.

In addition to technical characteristics, it is important to pay attention to such factors as brand reliability, the duration of the warranty period from the manufacturer, the availability of service centers.

What type of water heater do you have? Are you satisfied with its quality, speed of heating water and electricity consumption? Write your comments under this article.

Or maybe you just pick up a water heater and can not decide which one you need - flowing or cumulative? Ask for advice from other site visitors and our experts in the comments section.