How to choose a instantaneous electric water heater: tips and acquaintance with successful models

Is the boiler unable to heat the right amount of hot water or is it always needed immediately? Is the only reliable and affordable source of energy a 220 or 380 V network? There is no desire, opportunity, conditions for the installation of bulky equipment? Not sure how to choose a flow-through electric water heater? The information in the article will give answers to all questions.

Principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages

Installation of instantaneous water heating is arranged quite simply. The basis of the engineering solution is the heat transfer zone. It contains a heating element of one type or another.

1. The classic solution is a heating element, inside which there is a wire spiral.
2. A more modern heater is a tubular. This is a moisture-protected inductor having good efficiency and warming up to high temperatures.
3. The most technologically advanced solution is the induction heating system. It consists of an electromagnetic coil and a core, which is heated by Foucault currents.

So that the temperature of the liquid passing through the circuit of the device can be controlled by the user, manufacturers of heaters offer a range of control circuits. Among them, there are necessarily security systems. They prevent water from heating to a boiling point or above a predetermined maximum value, idling, short circuits and other emergency situations.

The flow heater has an impressive list of advantages. They make it a very convenient product for fast, within seconds, receiving hot water. For example, future owners are attracted to:

• compact size;
• lack of special installation requirements;
• the ability to work with any stream of water;
• clear mechanics of adjustment;
• equipment that allows you to immediately choose a model that meets the needs.

But a flowing electric water heater also has drawbacks that can create problems in the average apartment or house. For example:

• a powerful device, having a consumption of 7 or more kW, easily overloads weak wiring;
• the amount of liters of water that the unit is capable of heating per minute to a comfortable temperature may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the family;
• wrong type of water heater can be used inefficiently.

An accurate assessment of all parameters will allow you to choose a flow heater for a house, cottage or apartment, the characteristics of which will be very attractive. Let us dwell in more detail on those features of the device that should be considered when buying.

Types of flowing electric heaters

As mentioned above, all flow-type devices are built on the same basic circuit. To decide which is better to buy an electric water heater is, first of all, according to its performance characteristics and structural design. On the market are:

• wall-mounted devices with a vertical orientation of the case, with bottom piping. They can supply water to the shower through a flexible hose, to the gander or to the water intake;
• wall mounted heaters with side feed. They are optimal for placement behind a partition or wall.Unregulated models work perfectly: when taking water in an amount not exceeding the performance indicator of the device, it always has a precisely set temperature;
• appliances with top eyeliner are optimal for the kitchen. They are easy to install under the countertop, inside the furniture;
• tubular flow heating systems. Their connection is done directly inside the engineering systems, installation is carried out directly in the pipe passage line. The fluid inlet and outlet are located at the ends of the heater, and the adjustment systems are either not provided or are designed for a single setting of the heating mode. A separate product segment is compact water heaters, made in the rack format for a kitchen sink faucet.

The latter type of flow heater can be the optimal solution if the owners chose it for installation in the apartment. Such a device can be paired with a storage class boiler through a three-way mixing valve. This ensures the constant availability of hot water, the possibility of intensive selection and constantly comfortable temperature of the liquid.

What to consider when choosing a device

Let us dwell in more detail on the set of characteristics of a flowing electric heater, the choice of which will make it possible to obtain a device that does not create troubles and provides a sufficient amount of hot water. Just note a few features that allow you to better evaluate the device.

1. The indicated productivity of the flow heater is the amount of water that it is capable of delivering in a constant stream at the maximum temperature (indicated in the passport).
2. Unregulated devices or equipped with mechanical control systems always have a clear, indicated in the characteristics of the device, energy consumption. At the same time, electronically controlled instantaneous heaters spend as much energy as needed to heat water to a specified temperature.
3. Equipped with a shower head devices are not always suitable for giving. The nozzles have very small holes. It is suitable for washing dishes or hands, but it will be inconvenient if you put the water heater in the shower.

Devices intended for a single point of water withdrawal are called non-pressure. A safety valve is installed at the inlet, which provides an internal fluid pressure of 1 atmosphere. Such a water heater cannot supply water more than its design allows, even if it is whipping from an “cold” tap in an intense stream.

Devices designed for several points of water withdrawal are able to withstand pressure up to 10 atmospheres. They can be installed directly at the entrance to the apartment and choose the performance sufficient for all domestic needs.

The choice of electric instantaneous water heater by power

Before going to the store, you should consult with electricians. The calculation of the average wiring in a modern house is based on the ability to connect several powerful consumers. This is a washing machine, oven, electric grill. Therefore, a small flow-through heater with a power of 4-6 kW can be used safely if it is turned on for a short time (up to half an hour).

If the house is old, the wiring is weak, it is recommended to make a separate entrance to the apartment, from which the instantaneous water heater will be powered. The ideal solution is to direct the tires directly from the basement or from the central distribution point to the dashboard of the apartment. At the same time, one more problem can be solved: to provide the zero wire, which is in modern houses, is necessary to connect the device, but is not available in old buildings.

Make a separate input is recommended in any case.However, understanding that no one will need to make serious repairs with gating walls or opening channels for laying the wires, it is worth carefully evaluating the possibilities of the existing wiring and choosing a water heater that can work in existing conditions without accidents.

Water Consumption Selection

As mentioned above, the nominal performance is indicated in the passport to the heater. The flow of water provided by the appliance is always diluted. Therefore, if 3 liters of selection per minute with a temperature of 55 degrees are declared, such indicators are enough for a comfortable shower.

The second factor to consider is the difference in the performance of the device by the seasons. The water in the feed pipe varies in temperature. In summer it is warmer, in winter - very cold. For example, in the summer, a water heater with a capacity of 8 kW will ensure the selection of 3.1 liters of water with a temperature of 55 degrees (18 at the inlet). And in winter, when water is supplied at 6 degrees, only 2.3 liters of hot liquid will be output.

In order to successfully choose a device, it is worth focusing on its class and the declared performance indicators. For example, for a non-pressure device that is mounted in one selection point (kitchen sink, bathroom, shower), 3-4 liters of productivity will be enough (less if you don’t have a habit of taking a shower with a good stream of water).

For a pressurized water heater with several sampling points, a minimum value of 3 liters per minute is accepted for one consumer. Each next tap should add 1.5-2 liters to the recommended performance of the device.

Features of the heating element

The class of the heating element can be a decisive factor and determine which company to choose a water heater. For example:

• the simplest devices use one or more heating elements. They can be with anodized or copper sheath;
• more advanced devices are equipped with ceramic tubular heaters. They are durable, expensive, effective;
• the best heaters are glass-protected spiral blocks. They do not require maintenance, slightly change the rate of heat transfer during the formation of scale.

Spiral induction heat exchangers are the most technologically advanced solution. During their operation, extremely low scale is formed, since Foucault currents, in addition to heating, cause vibration of the central core and current spiral. Some water heaters of the Swedish brand Electrolux are equipped with such heaters.

Material of which the heater is made

The heater body is the last thing to evaluate. Each customer has a personal rating. For example:

• practical people will prefer plastic. It is easy to care for it, but over time, inevitably scratches, roughnesses that collect dirt;
• Enamelled cases look rational. They are durable, the surface is durable, durable, looks aesthetically pleasing;
• Anodized body parts look stylish and impressive. However, the coating may eventually rub to the base. Excellent strength properties of the titanium layer. Such a case is an expensive solution, but it looks extremely attractive;
• full metal, polished, stainless steel or alloy water heaters - the height of perfection in the eyes of some buyers. But it is worth considering one factor. On a smooth mirror surface of metal, stains and other visual flaws will be constantly visible. Careful, ongoing care will be required.

Which company is preferable

Knowing how to choose a flowing electric water heater, one cannot fail to mention the companies that lead in the preferences of customers. At one end of the scale are simple, inexpensive, and reliable solutions. As a prominent representative, the Polaris brand can be noted.Here are classic, simple heating elements, moderate power consumption, maintainability and availability of spare parts.

At the other end of the scale are products from Electrolux. It uses technological innovations. For example, induction heating units, spirals protected by glass. The price of water heaters is high, but the reliability is even higher, the products will not require maintenance or repair for many years.

Rating of the best flow-through electric heaters

It is time to get acquainted with the best representatives of the instantaneous water heater market. In order not to repeat the same indicators: electricity consumption, productivity, number of sampling points (type of device) and others, they are summarized in a table. And the rating will introduce the main features of the devices.

Stiebel Eltron DDC 80 E

A solution that can be considered universal. The water heater is electronically controlled, you can set the temperature threshold, there is an accelerated heating mode. The necessary parameters are set using convenient circular knobs. The water heater belongs to the pressureless class (one selection point), is equipped with a hose with a shower head.

AEG MP 8

Instantaneous electric water heater, which is suitable for an apartment where a family of two lives. Productivity is enough to take a shower, for domestic needs. The device can withstand up to 10 atmospheres of water supply, can be installed at the entrance of the apartment, is powered by a single-phase 220 V network. Its design is simple, the pipe supply is standard, 0.5 inches, so even installing it with your own hands will not cause any difficulties.

Polaris Mercury 5.3 OD

The representative of simple, reliable solutions for a small apartment or house. With good performance for its power, the water heater offers a simple scheme for setting modes with the click of a button. Installed at the entrance to the apartment, it is able to provide water analysis at several points. The convenient shape of the case allows you to install it in the bathroom, and the equipment (hose and shower head) allows you to use the device to create comfort in the country.

Electrolux Smartfix 6.5 T

Representative of the market segment of the most reliable and unpretentious devices. This water heater is made in an enamelled case, equipped with copper heating elements, comes with its own inlet water purification filter, and offers a one-button operation mode setting. Designed for one point of consumption (pressureless class), this device will be very effective in the kitchen or in the bathroom. For installation in the bathroom, the manufacturer offers a crane - a gander, which comes complete with the device.

Bosch ED12-2S

Ideal for a private home. The device operates from a three-phase network, has sufficient performance to provide a family of 3-4 people with hot water. It can be installed at the entrance to the house, withstands up to 10 atmospheres of water pressure and offers an accelerated mode of heating the water. Temperature control is performed by a single regulator on the case.

Timberk WHEL-7 OC (2010)

Compact, designed for use in apartments (inlet water pressure up to 6 atmospheres), many people will like this water heater. It is equipped with a regulator that will allow balancing water withdrawal and wiring load. This device will be convenient both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, where it can be mounted directly above the bathtub or washbasin. Complete with the device the crane gander is offered.

Electrolux ELITEC SP 21

An excellent solution for a private house where a large family lives. This reliable, unregulated device boasts a range of record levels.Firstly, it is equipped with an induction heating system. Secondly, it has a maximum in its class output temperature limit of 60 degrees. Thirdly, it can provide good performance for its power. The device is powered by a three-phase network, can be installed at the water inlet to the house, weighs less than 4 kg.

Thermex stream 700

A good and reliable bath solution. It has everything that is required of a high-quality, flow-free type flow heater: average power, sufficient capacity for an intense shower, simple mechanical operation mode switches. The device is equipped as if it was specially designed for the bathroom: the manufacturer offers a gantry crane and a flexible hose with a shower head.

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

A unique device from the Swedish brand was developed for the kitchen. Here is the top eyeliner for mounting the device under the countertop, moderate power consumption and sufficient performance for domestic needs. At the same time, the water heater is designed for several consumers. Therefore, it can be set so as to supply water to the sink and the washbasin of the bathroom at the same time.

The device is very reliable. The heating element is a spiral type with special mechanics of operation: it vibrates when voltage is applied. This prevents scale from settling; as a result, the service life of the device is very high.

AEG RMC 75

The rating is completed by a convenient device for singles or a family of two. The needs of such a target group, this water heater will fully satisfy. Everything is there for universal use. For example, you can install this device for hot water supply to the bathroom or install it at the entrance to the apartment (several consumers are allowed). Reliable copper heating elements will ensure durability, and setting the outlet water temperature with a simple movement of the rotary knob is a very convenient option.

In conclusion

There is a lot of talk about flow heaters, but always one-sided. The attitude to this device can be described with one phrase: “do not love? just don’t know how to cook it. ” No matter what modern types of flow heaters are considered, each will require an integrated approach. It is enough to provide the device with a reliable power source, evaluate the water consumption and select the appropriate model, as well as connect it where it will be most effective. And then the purchased heater for many years of work will never make you disappointed in yourself. You just need to go to the store and know what to look for when buying.

Title	AEG MP 8	Polaris Mercury 5.3 OD	Timberk WHEL-7 OC (2010)	Thermex stream 700	Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital	AEG RMC 75
Performance	4.1 l / min	4 l / min	4.5 l / min	5 l / min	2.8 l / min	4 l / min
Power consumption	8 kW (220 V)	5.3 kW (220 V)	6.5 kW (220 V)	7 kW (220 V)	5.7 kW (220 V)	7.5 kW (220 V)
Number of taps	several points (pressure head)	several points (pressure head)	one point (non-pressure)	one point (non-pressure)	several points (pressure head)	several points (pressure head)
Installation	vertical, lower eyeliner, mounting method: wall	vertical, lower eyeliner, mounting method: wall	horizontal, lower eyeliner, mounting method: wall	vertical, lower eyeliner, mounting method: wall	horizontal, top eyeliner, mounting method: wall	vertical, lower eyeliner, mounting method: wall
Price	from 19700 rub.	from 8500 rub.	from 2500 rub.	from 3000 rub.	from 8500 rub.	from 15100 rub.
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