Which electric instantaneous water heater to choose: TOP 10 best models rating 2020-2021, operating principle and customer reviews

Principle of operation

The operating principle of an electric instantaneous water heater consists of passing a flow of water through a heating element, which heats it to the required level.

When the tap is opened, the heating element is activated; when it is closed, the heating stops. The set temperature level of the water flow is achieved quite quickly, and then maintained at the desired level using a heating element.

IMPORTANT!

If an electric instantaneous water heater is planned to be used as a separate tap, the work is carried out according to a simplified scheme: the water is heated instantly using a spiral located inside the copper casing.

Types of water heaters: pros and cons

Storage water heater: tank, thermometer, bracket, etc.

There are a wide variety of water heaters available on the market today. These are not only flow-through boilers, but also boilers that are more familiar to many, that is, storage tanks in which water is heated. Let's consider the pros and cons of various heater models, which often determine which device the choice will be made in favor of.

Flow-type gas heaters are devices in which water is heated using a gas burner. Among the advantages of such equipment it should be noted:

• compact burner dimensions;
• no need to install a water storage tank;
• installation is possible directly in the bathroom or in the kitchen near the faucet.

Disadvantages of such a heater:

• low power of the device, which does not allow you to immediately obtain a very high water temperature;
• limited performance.

Conclusion: gas instantaneous heaters can be purchased for an apartment, but for a private house such equipment is clearly not enough.

If, after all, this particular device will be installed at the dacha, two or even three devices should be provided. When installing gas equipment, a chimney must be installed to ensure safety when working with gas.

Electric instantaneous water heater

Such devices are most preferable for installation not only in apartments, but also in ordinary residential country houses. They have the following advantages:

An electric instantaneous water heater has the ability to set the required temperature.

• compact dimensions allowing the water heater to be installed almost anywhere;
• water heating occurs almost instantly, it is possible to set the required temperature level;
• the ability to select the power of the heating element, which will determine the level of energy consumption;
• installation does not require the installation of a chimney, as for a gas water heater.

But there are also disadvantages, among which the following should be noted:

• such water heaters can be quite energy-intensive, since the heating element must very quickly heat a large volume of water;
• for devices with a small capacity this is not so important, but if instantaneous water heaters with heating elements are installed, the power of which ranges from 10-12 kW, then electricity consumption can be significant.

Conclusion: an electric water heater at high power consumes a significant amount of electricity. This should be taken into account when purchasing. For private homes there is often a certain limit, so installing powerful flow-through heaters powered by an electrical network is not always possible. Electrical devices with low power can be installed in city apartments, where their use is optimal.

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Gas storage heaters

Gas boilers, that is, storage water heaters, have good performance, among their advantages it should be noted:

Gas storage water heater: gas block, smoke diffuser, etc.

• high power, as this equipment has efficient heat exchangers, powerful gas fuel burners;
• capacity. Today you can choose gas water heaters, the tank capacity of which ranges from 50 to 500 liters, which is quite enough for both an apartment and a large country house.

The downside is the large size of the device. Tanks for the heater can be installed in a specially equipped room. In a private house, this could be a basement or a special boiler room. Simply placing it in the kitchen or bathroom will no longer work.

Conclusion: water heaters of this type require a certain amount of space; they take up quite a lot of useful space. Gas appliances require a chimney.

Electric storage devices

Such electric boilers are very easy to install; they provide water heating to the required temperature. Among the advantages it should be noted:

• economical energy consumption ranging from 2 kW to 10;
• relatively simple connection of equipment.

Among the disadvantages of using there are such as:

• large size of the storage tank, for which it is necessary to allocate a special place for installation;
• heavy installation weight.

Electric water heater - connection diagram.

Conclusion: an electric storage heater can only be installed in a certain place. Often, buyers prefer to choose an electric instantaneous heater, which is very compact and does not take up useful space, which is important for small houses and apartments.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude that instantaneous electric water heaters are excellent for a small private house where there is no possibility of connecting to a gas supply. If the house is large or the number of residents is significant, that is, water consumption will be impressive, then it is better to prefer storage heating tanks.

How to choose?

When choosing a device, it is important to take into account the following parameters:

Pressure or non-pressure

Instantaneous water heaters are usually installed under the sink or near the shower/bathtub.

All devices are divided into:

1. Pressure . They can simultaneously service several water points. Operation is only possible when connected to a high pressure water supply.
2. Non-pressure devices . They can operate at low water pressure in pipes, including gravity systems. Designed to serve one specific water point. They do not require a dedicated power supply line and are equipped with a set of tubes for connecting to the water supply system, as well as a mixer or shower head.

Control type

According to the control method, water heating devices are divided into two subgroups:

1. Hydraulic control . Typical for budget jetters. It consists of a control unit equipped with a membrane, a rod and a one- or two-stage switch. The main disadvantage of single-stage switches is that if the pressure in the system is too low, the device simply will not work. In blocks with two stages, the first of them is designed to activate the operation of the device at low pressure, which is more convenient. This type of control does not allow you to set a constant water temperature level.
2. Electronic control . In this case, the work will be carried out through a system of sensors that transmit a certain signal to the device processor. Such water heaters belong to a more expensive price segment, but allow the simultaneous use of several water points. Simpler devices are equipped with a keypad for programming the temperature of the received water. There are also more complexly equipped devices that allow you to regulate not only the temperature, but also the pressure force.

Device power

The operating power of the water heater will directly affect its performance level . A weak device will not be able to efficiently heat water for several points of its analysis.

Too powerful is also not very profitable, since it will consume a lot of electricity..

Based on this, when selecting a water heating device, you need to take into account your family’s needs for hot water and the number of points used to draw water.

When selecting heating flow equipment based on power, the following recommendations should be taken into account::

• the hand washing process will require water consumption of up to 4 liters per minute, at a temperature of 38 degrees;
• taking a shower - up to 8 liters per minute, water temperature - 40 degrees;
• for a kitchen sink, the recommended temperature is 55 degrees, flow rate is about 5 liters per minute;
• for those who like to soak in the bath, you need water at a temperature of 40 degrees, the flow rate is up to 10 liters per minute.

To roughly calculate the required power of an electric water heater, you need to determine the level of flow of heated water at one water supply point. This volume is multiplied by two, this will be the required power.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• The device is easy to use - just turn the tap to get started.
• There is no need to wait long for the water to heat up to the required temperature. The average heating time is two minutes.
• Devices of this kind do not require periodic maintenance.
• The miniature dimensions of water heaters allow them to be installed in any convenient place, for example, under a sink.
• Compared to water storage units, flow-through options allow you to save energy when hot water is not needed.
• The price tag for such devices is quite low.

Flaws:

• most of these devices cannot heat water more than 40 degrees;
• water heaters of significant power waste electrical energy;
• the equipment is quite sensitive to the voltage level in the electrical network;
• It is not always possible to fully meet the needs of several water points.

Instantaneous water heater-faucet

Externally, this device looks like an ordinary faucet, which has a small extension in which a powerful heating element is located.

Just 2-3 seconds are enough for the cold water flowing through the faucet structure to heat up to 40-60 C. This household appliance is installed instead of a mixer tap.

By turning the handle, the user can adjust the water temperature, lowering or, conversely, increasing its level. The ability of the water heater tap to rotate allows its installation not only on single sinks, but also on double sinks.

Like any instantaneous water heater, the device in the form of a tap must be grounded, as this is required for safety reasons.

Rating of TOP 10 best models

The best inexpensive instantaneous electric water heaters under 3,000 rubles

Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 3.5 TS

The model is presented in a minimalist design, but has high performance . For one water point.

The control system is hydraulic, by opening and closing the tap. Power is selected in one of three modes.

The device is equipped with a built-in thermostat and pressure sensor.

It can be connected to a regular faucet and is also supplied with a shower head.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 1.5/2/3.5 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 43 degrees;
• control - electronic;
• productivity - 2l/min.;
• dimensions - 14*27*10cm.

Advantages:

• compact;
• nice design;
• faucet and shower head included;
• protection against water and overheating;

Flaws:

• low build quality.

Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 TS (shower+faucet)

A small-sized water heater that instantly heats the water when you open the tap . There are three-mode power adjustment and a built-in overheating protection system.

Installation is extremely simple and will not raise any questions even for beginners.

Operating modes are supplemented by indication on the front panel.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 3.5 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 40 degrees;
• control - mechanical;
• productivity - 2l/min.;
• dimensions - 27*13.5*10cm.

Advantages:

• connection to a standard outlet;
• high-quality heating;
• compactness;
• high build quality.

Flaws:

• short power cord.

Zanussi 3-logic 5.5 TS (shower+faucet)

This water heater has a modest size and you can easily find a place for it even in a small room.

Water heating begins when the tap is opened, and when the water stops flowing, an automatic shutdown is triggered.

Convenient controls and three-stage power adjustment will make the process of use even more comfortable.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 5.5 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 40 degrees;
• control - push-button;
• productivity - 3.7 l/min;
• dimensions - 10*27*13.5cm.

Advantages:

• high build quality;
• fast heating and stable temperature;
• good equipment.

Flaws:

• The kit does not include a plug.

Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 5.5 TS

The instantaneous water heater is equipped with a tap, nozzle and shower hose . A small control panel allows you to set one of 3 heating modes, accompanied by a special indication.

Can work with cold water of any temperature.

The housing is protected from splashes of water, and the device itself is protected from overheating and scale formation. Installation is extremely simple.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 5.5 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 50 degrees;
• control - hydraulic;
• productivity - 2l/min.;
• dimensions - 13.5*27*10cm.

Advantages:

• compact dimensions;
• moisture-resistant housing;
• high-quality water heating.

Flaws:

• significant energy consumption;
• not suitable for apartments with old wiring.

Atmor Basic 5 showers

You can install the instantaneous water heater yourself using a standard shower hose for connection..

Control is also simple, you just need to turn on the water heater and turn the tap.

The device is reliably protected from overheating and leaks and does not turn on if the pressure in the system is too low.

Power comes from a regular outlet.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 5 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 50 degrees;
• control - mechanical;
• productivity - 2l/min.;
• dimensions - 18*24.5*9cm.

Advantages:

• warms well;
• built-in security system and water protection;
• inexpensive;
• compact;
• automatic shutdown when the water is turned off;
• simple controls.

Flaws:

• Requires a separate power line.

The best premium instantaneous electric water heaters

Stiebel Eltron HDB-E 12 Si

A flow-type pressure water heater will provide you and your whole family with enough hot water for your needs.

Can work with high hardness water.

Control type - hydraulic.

The outlet water temperature is 55 degrees.

There is an emergency shutdown option when air enters the system. Can serve several points simultaneously.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 10 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 55 degrees;
• control - hydraulic;
• productivity - 5.5 l/min;
• dimensions - 22.5 * 47 * 11.7 cm.

Advantages:

• excellent, stable water pressure and heating;
• high quality of components and assembly;
• clear controls;
• hidden and open installation possible;
• can serve several points simultaneously.

Flaws:

• none.

Electrolux NPX4 Aquatronic Digital 2.0

The compact dimensions of the device do not in any way affect its high performance; you can simultaneously use hot water in different places.

Ease of use is achieved by the presence of touch controls and a display.

Electronic control allows you to adjust the desired water temperature with an accuracy of one degree.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 4 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 50 degrees;
• control - electronic;
• productivity - 5.5 l/min;
• dimensions - 22.5 * 47 * 11.7 cm.

Advantages:

• precise temperature control;
• excellent build quality;
• original convenient controls;
• corrosion protection.

Flaws:

• poor performance.

Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 12

The electric heater is designed for non-pressure water supply systems and is equipped with mechanical controls.

There is an indicator of operation and temperature level.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 10 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 50 degrees;
• control - mechanical;
• productivity - 5 l/min.;
• dimensions - 20 * 36 * 10.4 cm.

Advantages:

• simple controls;
• high performance;
• high-quality assembly;
• good water pressure.

Flaws:

• price;
• It is better to entrust the connection to specialists.

CLAGE CEX 11/13

The instantaneous electric water heater is a closed type and is designed to operate in a network under pressure . The power and performance of the device is enough to provide the hot water needs of a small family.

Heating of water begins when the mixer tap is turned.

The front panel is equipped with an LCD display that displays the set temperature mode, error codes and other information about operation.

The electronic control system of the device is capable of accurately maintaining the temperature specified by the user.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 11/13.5 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 60 degrees;
• control - electronic;
• dimensions - 29.4 * 18 * 11.4 cm.

Advantages:

• build quality;
• ease of adjustment;
• heating rate.

Flaws:

• high cost price;
• complex electrical installation.

Stiebel Eltron DDH 8

A reliable device from a European manufacturer, easy to operate but reliable . Maintains distribution at several points at once, quickly heating water.

There is a three-stage power adjustment and built-in indicators of the set temperature and power. The water heater is compact and easy to install.

The design is laconic and versatile.

For safety, the device is equipped with overheating protection and its body is not afraid of water.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• heating power - 3/5/8 kW;
• maximum heating temperature - 60 degrees;
• productivity - 4.3 l/min;
• control - electronic;
• dimensions - 29.4 * 18 * 11.4 cm.

Advantages:

• European quality of assembly and materials;
• unusual design;
• ease of control.

Flaws:

• price.

Criteria for choosing a water heater

Scheme of a non-pressure water heater.

A large assortment of devices for instantaneous water heating is presented on the market due to various customer requirements. If one needs a water heater only in the summer season (take a shower, wash dishes), when the initial temperature in the tap is warm enough in itself, then a powerful and energy-consuming 8-27 kW mechanism will be expensive. However, if you want to regularly use a heater for taking a bath and at the same time have hot water in the kitchen tap at normal pressure, purchasing a low-power device of 3.5-6 kW will be pointless.

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When purchasing a water heater, you should pay attention to how many liters the device can heat per minute. Data on its performance (l/min) are always indicated in the user instructions. By comparing the performance indicator of the water heater with the actual use of water in his apartment, the buyer can decide on the choice of its required power.

Personal water consumption is calculated experimentally: place a bucket under the shower head, turn on the water and time how long it takes for it to fill. If, with a bucket volume of 8 liters, it took a minute to fill it, the water consumption is 8 l/min, in half a minute - 16 l/min. If you want to operate several taps at the same time, you will have to calculate the water flow from all points of the water supply.

And the required power of the water heater, corresponding to the buyer’s needs, is calculated using the formula P = Q × (t1 - t2) × 0.073, where power P is equal to the flow Q in l/min multiplied by the difference in water temperature at the outlet and inlet of the water heater t1 - t2 and multiplied by a constant of 0.073. For example, with a water flow of 8 l/min to obtain water at 40 degrees at an initial temperature of 7 degrees, the required power of the device will be: P = 8 × (40-7) × 0.073 = 19.3 kW.

Drawing of a dry heating element.

But for complete comfort, low-power single-phase (up to 12 kW) flow-through heaters are not suitable, and not every electrical wiring can withstand energy-intensive (12-27 kW) operating on a three-phase network. Powerful devices are not even equipped with a plug and power cord, so that their owner does not think of plugging the device into a household outlet.

After choosing a water heater suitable for its power, you need to make sure how much its operation is permissible in the specific living conditions of the buyer. After all, in the old Khrushchev-era buildings, only up to 3 kW/h of electricity consumption per apartment was designed, so for

When installing an instantaneous water heater, you will have to change not only the home electrical wiring, but also the wiring to the access switchboard.

Residents of modern high-rise buildings, especially those equipped with electric stoves, are luckier: they have much higher electricity consumption standards per apartment - from 10 kW/h. But even in this case, it is not recommended to simultaneously turn on several household electrical appliances at once, so as not to knock out the fuse plugs on the electrical panel or, even worse, to avoid a short circuit.