Every summer, many citizens of our country see schedules for turning off hot water on their porches. Perhaps the only ones who do not care at all about this moment are the owners of electric water heaters.
As a practical and more efficient alternative to other types of this equipment, it is best to consider electric storage boilers for heating water. In the case of flow devices, we have only a heating element through which the liquid passes and, accordingly, heats up. The storage system has a tank for a certain number of liters, thanks to which hot water is always available to the user.
We will try to figure out how to choose an electric storage boiler for water, what to look for in the first place and how not to miscalculate with a purchase. We will also give specific examples of such equipment, which is distinguished by its high-quality component and positive feedback from users.
Choosing a boiler
Easiestthe purchase option is to come to the store, lay out to the seller all your wishes and indicate financial possibilities, and he, in turn, will select the best solution for you. Only in our reality it looks a little more complicated.
A good half of the sellers in stores are interested in selling mediocre or, conversely, premium models. It often happens that the best option - here it is, is not far away, but first of all, the consultant will offer the so-called stale goods, which do not go well. Many common chain stores will easily sell a powerful outdoor electric boiler to a pensioner in a small apartment, which is able to provide hot water for almost the entire floor. Branded and specialized points of sale suffer from this case much less often, but there are still precedents.
As for the buyers themselves, consumer awareness plays a big role here. A person savvy in this matter, even without a consultant, will point to the option he needs after getting acquainted with the assortment. So it definitely won’t hurt to get acquainted with the theory in advance.
So, let's figure out what to look for when buying an electric water heater.
Tank capacity
Small models of 30 liters will look great in a small kitchen, bathroom or country house. There is no need to talk about taking a shower, but you can wash your face and wash the dishes calmly. This is the most modest, as well as the cheapest option.
Electric boilers for 50 liters with due comfort "wash"one person and will perfectly cope with any volume of dishes. The second person who wants a warm shower will already have to wait for a while until the water heats up again.
It makes no sense for small families of two or three people to choose storage electric boilers of less than 80 liters. The second and third who want to rinse will walk in circles around the bathroom, nervously looking at the clock. For families of four or more people, it makes sense to look at models of 100 or even 120 liters. Yes, they are, of course, more expensive, but much more practical in terms of being able to wash everyone at once. There are also options for 300 liters, but this is already from the industrial area or for large cottages.
Power
There should be no questions of choice here, because as a rule it is utterly simple - the higher this indicator, the faster the heating. The power of conventional electric water boilers ranges from 1 to 2.5 kW.
First of all, you need to look at the possibilities of your electrical wiring and the network as a whole. If it pulls - good, but not - we choose a more modest option. It is also worth clarifying that the more powerful the heating element, the more expensive it is.
Be sure to decide on the options for connecting an electric boiler before buying. Somewhere you will need to take an additional stabilizer, some will need some kind of screens, so it will obviously be useful to consult a local electrician about this. In most cases, there are no problems with connecting, but you need to pay attention to this moment.
Heating element (TEH)
The heating elements can be of two types -"dry" and standard submersible. The first are placed in a specially designated capsule and do not come into contact with water. Immersion heating elements are the classic and cheaper option.
It should also be noted that “dry” heating elements, due to the lack of contact with water, are not subject to scale build-up, therefore they last three times longer. If the service life of the submersible element fluctuates within 5 years, then the "dry" one reaches 15 years.
On the market, you can still find an electric indirect heating boiler that runs on local elements, that is, a battery or gas. The effectiveness of this kind of equipment is a big question, so it is better to look at serious options with their own and independent heating sources.
Tank material
Here we have only two options - stainless steel and enamelled surface. The latter solution is more affordable, but not the most durable. Cunning marketers convince us of the presence of silver ions on such a coating and, accordingly, disinfection of the liquid, only independent expert groups have not revealed any useful properties, as well as harmful ones.
Electric boilers for heating water, the tank of which is made of stainless steel, are traditionally reliable and durable. Their cost is noticeably higher than enameled analogues, but there will be more practicality points here. The service life alone is worth it.
Manufacturer
In this case, the picture will be clearer if the manufacturers are divided into sectors. Choosing models inbudget segment, pay attention to the brands "Ariston" and Thermex. Reviews about their products are not always unambiguous, but noticeably better than about devices from other companies. Marriage and some oddities naturally happen, but without any critical mentions.
If you are looking for devices in the middle price category, then first of all look at offers from Electrolux, Gorenje, Polaris and Timberk. Judging by the same reviews, the models of these manufacturers have the fewest complaints.
The premium segment is represented by the venerable firms AEG and Stiebel Eltron. There is no doubt about the quality and reliability of their equipment. Models of these brands are only partially represented on the Russian market, because not every domestic consumer is ready to pay more than 50 thousand rubles, albeit for exceptional quality, but still an ordinary water heater. And yet you can find rare reviews about the products of these manufacturers, and they are all in a positive way.
In order to somehow navigate in all the variety that is on the market, let's designate a list of the best electric boilers, which includes really high-quality models with effective returns, which are also distinguished by a lot of positive reviews.
Polaris FDRS-30V
This small tank boiler does its job very efficiently. The model is perfect for small apartments or cottages. Small dimensions and universal design allow the device to harmoniously fit into almost any interior.
Separately it is worth noting the safety side of the electric boiler. The presence of intelligent protection against overheating, coupled with automatic shutdown in case of lack of water, will protect your home and loved ones from problems, especially when it comes to children and pensioners.
The tank of the electric water boiler is designed for 30 liters and is made of stainless steel, which is enough to perform simple household tasks. The heating element of the device is 2 kW and is protected from corrosion and scale, so it will last for a long time.
Model benefits:
- compact flat dimensions;
- excellent thermal insulation;
- rapid water heating (power - 2 kW);
- Several levels of protection.
Flaws:
paid annual maintenance (otherwise the warranty is voided);
Estimated cost is about 10,000 rubles.
Ariston ABS BLU EVO RS 30
Another budget model from the famous brand. The Ariston electric boiler with a tank capacity of 30 liters is distinguished by its compactness and efficiency of its work. The model is quite easy to mount on the wall and takes up very little space thanks to the thoughtful flattened design.
The electric boiler has a capacity of 1.5 kW, so it will work without problems in old houses with mediocre wiring. Water heats up to the prescribed 75 degrees noticeably slower than in similar 2-kilowatt devices, but no more than one hour for a full tank.
The available capacity is enough for kitchenworks or for bathing one person. All control is carried out using the rotary knob on the front panel. Although the tank has an enamel coating, it meets the AG + standard, which will protect the boiler from corrosion.
Supplied with a flexible and well-protected power cord, a smart and sturdy wall mount bracket, and a brass safety valve. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for the device itself for 1 year, and for leaks in the tank - 3 years, which is good news.
Pros of the model:
- very simple installation of the device on the wall;
- protection against electric shock and possible overheating;
- high-quality thermal insulation that allows you to keep hot water for a long time;
- excellent assembly without backlash, gaps and other flaws inherent in this price category;
- Small in size with flat design.
Cons:
power cord is a little short even for small apartments (in most cases you will need an extension cord)
Estimated price is about 6,000 rubles.
Timberk SWH RS7 50V
This is a vertical electric boiler from a famous Scandinavian manufacturer. Despite the fact that the model is produced in China, there are no complaints about the assembly of the device: nothing backlash, does not creak and, of course, does not leak. The Scandinavian OTC team, which oversees the production of heaters in China, is doing a great job.
The volume of the tank for 50 liters is enough for kitchen needs forfamilies of two or three people. As for the bathroom, two people can, albeit economically, wash themselves. Thanks to its ergonomic design, the device can be easily placed on the wall and does not take up much space.
The tank of the electric boiler is made of stainless steel. A 2-kilowatt element will heat the water to the desired temperature in about forty minutes. Both the tank and the heater received an additional protective coating, which greatly increases their service life.
The boiler has a mechanical control, with a choice of one of three modes. A comfortable average level ranges from 55-60 degrees, which, in principle, is true. The manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty for the device itself, and 2 years for the tank.
Model benefits:
- existence of additional protection against overheating, leaks and excessive pressure;
- good tank insulation;
- relatively simple installation and maintenance of the machine;
- vertical and ergonomic design allows you to attach the boiler even in the smallest apartment.
Flaws:
network cable is short (especially for bathroom)
Estimated cost is about 15,000 rubles.
Electrolux EWH 50 Formax
The model received a rectangular body shape and can be installed in both vertical and horizontal orientations. One of the main features of the device is the presence of two independent heating elements of the "dry" type.
Despite the fact that the 50-literthe tank of the model is enamelled, the manufacturer has taken care of additional protection against corrosion with the help of branded additives. Moreover, it turned out to be of such high quality that the brand gives a 7-year warranty on the tank (2 years on the device itself). It is also worth noting the very good thermal insulation, which greatly reduces heat loss and thus saves energy.
Management of the main functionality of the boiler - mechanical. In total, three modes are available, ranging from 30 to 70 degrees. A temperature of 55 degrees was chosen as a comfortable level, which is quite true. The economy mode will not only save the user from unnecessary expenses, but also provide additional protection of the heating element from scale.
If you do not accept mechanical control, then in the Formax series there are DL modifications with an electronic display, programming and a digital thermometer. The price of the device in this case will naturally be higher, but without any critical jumps.
Pros of the model:
- full set of multilevel security system;
- very reliable dry type heating element;
- the ability to mount the device both vertically and horizontally;
- great build quality;
- warranty for the tank - 7 years, and for the boiler itself - 2 years.
Cons:
- overall model (not for small kitchens);
- pipe not provided on safety valve.
Estimated price is about 11,000 rubles.
Summarizing
When choosing equipment of this kind, you must first look at the condition and capabilities of your electrical supply. Old houses have mediocre wiring and less than ideal voltage.
If this is your case, then you should not chase kilowatts. Yes, 2 or 2.5 kW appliances will heat water in the shortest possible time, but will your wiring withstand such a load? And if in some cases it is possible to put a high-ampere automatic fuse in the electrical panel, then changing the wires laid in the apartment is unrealistically expensive. So here the best option would be models for 1 or 1.5 kW. It is better to wait an extra 20 minutes than to run to the site over and over and over and over and click the fuses.
Also, do not chase after extra functionality. In small apartments and cottages, there is absolutely no need to install expensive devices with LCD displays and FM radio as a set. The boiler will not perform its direct duties better from this. Whatever cunning marketers say, but mechanical, as well as hydraulic control, is much more reliable than electronic. The probability of failure of this kind of equipment stuffed with electronics is higher than in the case of conventional mechanics.
Of course, in the premium segment there are worthy and more than reliable options for the full "figure", but again, this is a noble sector, where the cost of models starts at 50 thousand rubles, which for the domestic consumer, let and ultra-reliable, but far from the most attractive option.
