Every summer, many citizens of our country at their porches see schedules for turning off hot water. Perhaps the only ones who do not care about this moment are the owners of electric water heaters.
It is best to consider electric storage boilers for heating water as a practical and more effective alternative to other types of this equipment. In the case of flow-through devices, we only have a heating element through which the liquid passes and, accordingly, is heated. The storage system has a tank for a certain number of liters, thanks to which hot water is always available to the user.
We’ll try to figure out how to choose an electric storage boiler for water, what to look for first and how not to miscalculate with a purchase. We also give specific examples of such equipment, which was distinguished by its high-quality component and positive feedback from users.
Choose a boiler
The easiest option to buy is to go to the store, lay out to the seller all your wishes and identify financial opportunities, and he, in turn, will select the best solution for you. Only in our realities does this look a little more complicated.
A good half of sellers in stores are interested in selling mediocre or, conversely, premium models. It often happens that the best option - here it is, is very close, but first of all, the consultant will offer the so-called stale goods, which are poorly left. Many common chain stores easily sell a powerful outdoor electric boiler to a pensioner in a small apartment, which is able to provide almost the entire floor with hot water. Branded and specialized points of sale suffer much less from this business, but there are still precedents.
As for the buyers themselves, consumer awareness plays a big role here. A person who is savvy in this matter and without a consultant will indicate the option he needs after familiarizing himself with the assortment. So preliminary familiarization with the theory just does not hurt.
So, let's figure out what to look for when buying an electric boiler for heating water.
Tank volume
Small 30 liter models will look great in a small kitchen, in the bathroom or in the country. One can’t talk about taking a shower, but one can also wash oneself and wash dishes calmly. This is the most modest, as well as the cheapest option.
Electric boilers of 50 liters with proper comfort “wash” one person and perfectly cope with any volume of dishes. The second person who wants a warm shower will have to wait a while until the water heats up again.
Small families of two or three people do not make sense to choose storage electric boilers for less than 80 liters. A second and a third person who wants to rinse in circles will walk around the bathroom, nervously looking at the clock. For families of four or more, it makes sense to look at models with 100 or even 120 liters. Yes, they are naturally more expensive, but much more practical in terms of the ability to wash everyone at once. There are also options for 300 liters, but this is from the industrial area or for large cottages.
Power
There shouldn’t be any questions here, because as a rule it’s very 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 wiring and the network as a whole. If it pulls, it’s good, but no, we choose the more modest option. It is also worth clarifying that the more powerful the heating element, the more expensive it is.
Be sure to determine the options for connecting an electric boiler before buying. Somewhere it will be necessary to take an additional stabilizer, some will need some kind of screens, so it is obviously not out of place to consult a local electrician about this. In most cases, there are no problems with the connection, but you need to pay attention to this point.
Heating Element (TEN)
Heating elements can be of two types - “dry” and standard submersible. The first are placed in a specially designated capsule and do not come in contact with water. Immersion heating elements are a classic and cheaper option.
It should also be noted that the “dry” heating elements, due to the lack of contact with water, are not subject to an increase in scale, therefore they last three times longer. If the operational term of a submersible element varies within 5 years, then the “dry” one reaches 15 years.
On the market you can still find an indirect indirect electric boiler, which works due to local elements, that is, batteries or gas. The effectiveness of this type of equipment is a big question, so it is better to look for serious options with its own and independent sources of heating.
Tank material
Here we have only two options - stainless steel and enameled 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 liquids, only independent expert groups have not revealed any beneficial 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 much higher than enameled analogues, but there will be more practical points here. Only one operational period is worth what.
Manufacturer
In this case, the picture will be clearer if we break down the manufacturers by sectors. When choosing models in the budget segment, pay attention to the brands "Ariston" and Thermex. Reviews about their products are not always unambiguous, but noticeably better than about devices of other companies. Marriage and some oddities naturally happen, but without any critical mention.
If you look at devices in the middle price category, then first of all look at offers from Electrolux, Gorenje, Polarisa and Timberk. Judging by the same reviews, the models of these manufacturers have the least complaints.
The premium segment is represented by venerable firms AEG and Stiebel Eltron. There is no doubt in the quality and reliability of their equipment. Models of these brands are only partially presented on the Russian market, because not every domestic consumer is ready to pay more than 50 thousand rubles, albeit for an exceptional quality, but still an ordinary water heater. Nevertheless, you can find rare reviews about the products of these manufacturers, and all of them are in a positive way.
In order to somehow orient ourselves in all the variety that is available on the market, we denote the list of the best electric boilers, which includes really high-quality models with effective returns, which also featured a lot of positive reviews.
Polaris FDRS-30V
This small boiler in volume of a tank very effectively copes with its task. The model is perfect for small apartments or for cottages. Small dimensions and universal design allow the device to fit harmoniously into almost any interior.
Separately, it is worth noting the safety side of the electric boiler. The presence of sensible protection against overheating, coupled with automatic shutdown in the absence of water will protect your home and loved ones from problems, especially when it comes to children and senior citizens.
The tank of an electric water boiler is designed for 30 liters and is made of stainless steel, which is quite enough to perform simple domestic tasks. The heater in the apparatus is 2 kW and is protected from corrosion and scale, so it will last for a long time.
Advantages of the model:
- compact flat dimensions;
- excellent thermal insulation;
- fast heating of water (power - 2 kW);
- several degrees of protection.
Disadvantages:
- paid annual service (otherwise the warranty is withdrawn);
Estimated cost - about 10,000 rubles.
Ariston ABS BLU EVO RS 30
Another budget model from the famous brand. The electric boiler "Ariston" with a tank volume of 30 liters was distinguished by its compactness and efficiency of its work. The model is quite simply mounted on the wall and takes up very little space thanks to a well thought out flattened design.
The electric boiler has a power of 1.5 kW, so it will work without problems in old houses with mediocre wiring. Water heats up to the set 75 degrees much slower than in similar 2-kilowatt devices, but not more than one hour for a full tank.
The available displacement is enough for kitchen work or for bathing one person. All control is carried out using the rotary knob on the front panel. The tank, although it has an enamel coating, but it meets the AG + standard, which will protect the boiler from corrosion.
The package includes a flexible and well-protected power cord, an intelligent and sturdy wall mount bracket, and a brass safety valve. The manufacturer gives a 1 year warranty on the device itself, and 3 years on leaks in the tank, which is good news.
Pluses of model:
- very simple installation of the device on the wall;
- the presence of 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 dimensions with a flat design.
Minuses:
- the power cord is short even for small apartments (in most cases an extension cord will be needed).
Estimated price - about 6000 rubles.
Timberk SWH RS7 50V
This is a vertical electric boiler from a well-known Scandinavian manufacturer. Despite the fact that the model is manufactured in China, there are no complaints about the assembly of the device: it doesn’t play, does not creak, and, of course, does not leak. The Scandinavian team of OTK, which controls the production of heaters in the Middle Kingdom, is doing an excellent job.
A tank volume of 50 liters is enough for the kitchen needs for a family of two to three people. As for the bathroom, then two people, albeit economically, but you can wash. Thanks to the ergonomic design, the device is quietly 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 in about forty minutes heats the water to the desired temperature. Both the tank and the heating elements received an additional protective coating, which significantly increases their operational life.
The control of the boiler is mechanical, with the possibility of choosing one of three modes. A comfortable average level ranges from 55-60 degrees, which, in principle, is true. The manufacturer provides a guarantee for the device itself for 1 year, and for the tank - 2.
Advantages of the model:
- the presence of additional protection against overheating, leaks and excessive pressure;
- good thermal insulation of the tank;
- relatively simple installation and maintenance of the device;
- vertical and ergonomic design allows you to attach a boiler even in the smallest apartment.
Disadvantages:
- the network cable is short (especially for the bathroom).
Estimated cost - about 15,000 rubles.
Electrolux EWH 50 Formax
The model received a rectangular shape of the case and can be installed in both vertical and horizontal orientation. 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-liter tank of the model is enameled, the manufacturer took care of additional corrosion protection with the help of branded additives. Moreover, it turned out so high-quality that the brand gives a 7-year warranty on the tank (the device itself is 2 years old). It is also worth noting a very good thermal insulation, which significantly reduces heat loss and thereby saves electricity.
Management of the main boiler functionality is mechanical. There are three modes 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 in any way, 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 leaps.
Pluses of model:
- a complete set of multi-level security systems;
- very reliable "dry" type heating element;
- the ability to mount the device both in vertical and horizontal position;
- excellent build quality;
- the warranty for the tank is 7 years, and for the boiler itself - 2 years.
Minuses:
- overall model (not for small kitchens);
- there is no pipe on the safety valve.
Estimated price - about 11,000 rubles.
Summing up
Choosing equipment of such a plan, you must first look at the condition and capabilities of your electrical supply. In old houses, mediocre wiring is laid and voltage is far from ideal.
If this is your case, then chasing kilowatts is not worth it. Yes, 2 or 2.5 kW appliances will heat the water in the shortest possible time, but will your wiring withstand such a load? And if in some cases you can put a high-amp fuse on the circuit board, then changing the wires laid in the apartment is unrealistically expensive. So here the best option would be 1 or 1.5 kW models. It’s better to wait an extra 20 minutes than to run to the site over and over and click the fuses.
Also, do not chase the extra functionality. In small apartments and cottages, there’s absolutely nothing to put expensive devices with LCD displays and FM radio in the kit. From this, the boiler will not be better off doing this. No matter what cunning marketers say, mechanical, as well as hydraulic control, is much more reliable than electronic. The probability of failure of just 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 on 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, albeit extremely reliable, but far not the most attractive option.