Differences from other types of heaters
Electric instantaneous water heaters have fundamental differences from storage devices the fact that the water passing through the heat exchanger is instantly heated. It may seem that instantaneous water heaters for the home consume large quantity electrical energy than boilers with a storage tank, but the process of increased electricity consumption occurs only at the moment of water intake. Water heaters of this design can supply heated water in unlimited quantities and do not require regular preventive inspections.
The choice of capacity of an instantaneous water heater for an apartment directly depends on the planned consumption of warm water. When using a water heater only for showers, you need to choose a device with a power of about 8 kW. For installation of devices with a power of more than 13 kW, which are powered by three-phase network, it is necessary to perform separate wiring electric cable. Modern devices ducts, unlike storage devices, are less subject to salt deposits.
Features and main advantages of instantaneous water heaters:
- high water heating speed;
- unlimited consumption hot water;
- acceptable price;
- efficiency and economy.
Manufacturers
Electric instantaneous water heaters for apartments, houses or cottages produced by various manufacturers, but heaters from Electrolux, AEG, Stiebel, Vaillant are at the top of the rating. All devices produced by these companies consist of a housing in which a heating element and a heat exchanger are hidden. Thus, Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 8/10 is a complex capable of supplying several water intake points at once hot water. The model is capable of reaching a given temperature at record speed and maintaining it with high accuracy.
Design and functional characteristics
Any instantaneous water heaters have different mounting options (with a horizontal or vertical location of the tank), differ high degree IP (protection against ingress of water) and performance required to meet consumer needs. Domestic instantaneous water heater There is pressure and non-pressure. The first is mounted in a riser and serves several water points. The non-pressure one is installed near the point it serves.
Regular is a real headache for many of our compatriots. Deterioration of networks and frequent repairs lead to the fact that even in the middle of winter you can be left without hot water.
That's why it's so popular electrical Reviews about them are very diverse, and therefore we decided to analyze the most common ones, drawing final conclusions about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of equipment.
Principle of operation
Judging by the reviews, fans of “flow tanks” are especially impressed by their ability to instantly heat water. I came home, plugged the plug into the socket... and immediately you can wash yourself or wash the dishes! Agree, with accumulative models in this regard it is much more difficult.
The fact is that such heaters have a powerful heating element installed, which can immediately heat the water passing through it even under conditions of decent pressure (in theory).
Among other things, devices flow type They consume a relatively small amount of electricity, as they operate only for the required time. If we talk about accumulative varieties, then they spend a lot of energy maintaining a given water temperature.
Other notes
In general, the power range of “flow generators” ranges from 5 to 27 kW. Reviews show that for taking a shower and washing dishes, a device with a “modest” 8 kW is most often enough. Such an electric instantaneous water heater, the price of which starts from 2-3 thousand rubles, is available to almost everyone. But if you intend to splash around in the bathtub, which is filled from such a water heater, you will need a 380 V network and specialists who will run it.
Moreover, you should not skimp on the latter: wiring for such a powerful consumer should be done only by qualified electricians with normal experience, and not by “Uncle Vasya” from the next door, who once screwed in light bulbs in one of the many state-owned enterprises.
So for what purposes can electric instantaneous water heaters be used? Reviews from people who actually use them point to several areas of application.
- If sources of hot water supply in the city are constantly unavailable, and the wiring allows the connection of such powerful consumers.
- As a backup for short-term hot water outages.
- In the case when you will use a water heater to provide hot water to the builders of a country house.
In the latter case, an electric instantaneous water heater, the price of which is low, may well serve as an excellent disposable “hot water bottle” that you wouldn’t mind sending to a landfill after construction is completed. Considering that in the evening and morning (when the need for hot water arises) the network at the facility under construction is free, the wiring must withstand.
The reviews in this case are positive, since the speed of heating water for domestic needs is extremely important to builders.
The aesthetic side of the issue
What else are good about instantaneous electric water heaters? Reviews indicate that their other attractive feature is their compactness: such a device can be placed somewhere in the corner of the bathroom or kitchen, and it will be completely invisible. Compare this to a huge storage boiler tank!
Oddly enough, but this is where the main wave of enthusiasm ends. The fact is that the very principle of their operation makes instantaneous electric water heaters unacceptable for many houses and apartments in our country. Reviews from people say that best case scenario Before you start using them, you will need to completely change the wiring, which not everyone can afford.
The fact is that for the most primitive model you need at least 5 kW, and if you want to wash not under a weak stream of water, but under a normal shower, it would be better to provide at least 10 kW. Needless to say, this electrical network Not every new cottage village has them.
In most villages, people do not even think about buying instantaneous heaters, since the local network does not support more than 3 kW.
Consumers unanimously say that they should not buy cheap Chinese models, the electronic components of which rarely withstand use. longer than a year. If it fails, you can expect a lot of not very pleasant surprises, including rinsing with boiling water.
Combined solutions
It is advisable to buy an electric one complete with a battery water tank. The Internet is full of sad stories that tell of a sudden water outage right in the middle of a “bath day.” If you have at least a small reserve of water in such a tank, then you will be able to wash off the foam. Of course, it will not be very pleasant to complete the procedures in the complete absence of hot water, but in any case this is better than “soap runs” around the apartment.
Thus, an electric instantaneous water heater is ideal for a summer residence. Of course, if you have the opportunity to make a separate tap from the meter, and also change the wiring to copper (if it has not been changed for a long time). Reviews indicate that these devices are extremely useful, they consume relatively little electricity, and therefore are simply irreplaceable in some situations.
A huge advantage is the fact that scale on the heating element of such equipment simply does not have time to be deposited, so maintenance These water heaters are almost unnecessary.
Choosing the best model
Now you know what an electric instantaneous water heater is. How to choose the most optimal model, which will fully meet your needs?
Of course, for this you need to analyze your requirements, since without this you will waste your own money. Firstly, why do you need a “flow-through”? If you need to supply your home with hot water for a short time, then take a look at the models from ELECTROLUX or ATMOR, lower and middle price category.
They cost between 1600-2500 thousand rubles, which makes them affordable even for buyers with a very limited budget. The power of such models ranges from 2.5 to 5 kW, which allows them to be used in most apartments and rural houses without the need for major wiring upgrades.
In addition, in this price category you can even find a relatively good electric instantaneous water heater with a shower. However, customer reviews immediately warn that you shouldn’t delude yourself too much: the jet pressure is so-so, and when you try to increase it, the water temperature drops significantly. There is little pleasure from washing with cool water.
Would you like a bath?
Thus, if you want to have something more substantial, you will need a normal instantaneous electric water heater for the shower. Models from THERMEX have proven themselves to be excellent. Their cost is approximately 6-7 thousand rubles, which is not so much. As a rule, they are equipped with a mechanical temperature controller; their power is in the range of 5-8 kW.
In this case, all buyers already say that it is highly desirable to buy a more reliable one. In addition, consumers advise using the services professional electrician, since for such power it is highly desirable to make a separate tap from the meter in order to avoid various kinds troubles.
The most powerful varieties
Finally, instantaneous heaters for a constant and unlimited supply of hot water to the entire house - we strongly (!) do not recommend saving on such a purchase. The list of well-established manufacturers is wide: Bosh, ELECTROLUX, THERMEX, LG... They have one thing in common - they are demanding in terms of operating conditions.
Despite the power of 10-15 kW, the wiring must withstand all 20 kW. The network needs 380 V. In addition, self-installation We strongly do not recommend this type of technique, as the consequences can be tragic. In village conditions wooden houses apply as much powerful technology generally undesirable, since it has little correlation with fire safety requirements relevant authorities.
In this case, it is better to purchase a more or less voluminous storage boiler, which is much safer in this regard.
In what cases is it not advisable to buy flow-through heaters?
Having dealt with everyone positive aspects and recommended by manufacturers, let's discuss those situations in which the use of flow-through heaters is not only pointless, but also simply dangerous.
Firstly, it is better not to buy them if you need hot water regularly and in significant quantities, but even the meter in your apartment is designed for a maximum of 10-16 A. This happens quite often in our country. You can install a maximum 3 kW heater (!), which, even in the most optimistic case, can provide you with only warm water for dish washing.
We said that flow-through models are not too sensitive to hard water. This is true, but if your tap often leaks muddy water with impurities, it would be better to buy a regular boiler. In this case, even a filter will not save the situation: reviews indicate that flow-through heaters extremely quickly become clogged with tiny organic impurities, after which their heating elements fail. It is impossible to replace them.
A little more about wiring...
In addition, if your home has at least one joint between aluminum and copper wiring(which in itself is very bad), and even being located close to the place where you are going to connect the “flow-through”, the idea of buying it is not very good. In this case, there is a high probability of formation of a galvanic couple and destruction of the wire, which will almost certainly lead to a fire.
Buyers of flow-through heaters confirm that during their operation, cheap Chinese sockets can heat up to such an extent that they begin to melt. What this entails, you can guess for yourself. So before installing such equipment, be sure to change not only the wires, but also other accessories, since it is not recommended to joke with such things.
Instead of a conclusion
In general, reviews of instantaneous electric water heaters are quite similar. As a rule, buyers are attracted by the ability to heat water almost instantly; they really like their compactness and extremely low cost.
But almost all of them agree that in most cases you have to pay a tidy sum for complete replacement wiring and installation of more powerful machines. In addition, there is no water reserve (you can buy an additional hydraulic accumulator), which is very important for rural areas and small towns, where water supply outages are not so rare.
However, instantaneous electric water heaters, the price of which (reviews are also quite good) are so low, fully deserve their share of the market as small and compact sources of hot water in case of emergency. sudden disappearance from the tap.
In addition, no one will forbid you to combine two types of heaters: in the kitchen, install a flow-through model, which is quite enough for washing dishes, and for the bathroom, get a large boiler, which will additionally act as a water tank.
Planned or emergency shutdowns hot water in a city apartment is an everyday matter. But no one cancels the need to wash dishes or take a shower during this period. To avoid freezing under ice water or splashing around in a basin, you need to purchase a instantaneous water heater. The device will allow you to use city amenities as usual. It is a small container with a built-in powerful heating element or burner (depending on the type). Unlike the boiler, this device takes up little space and allows you to use warm water received in a matter of minutes, without restrictions.
Appliances are divided according to energy source into electric and gas. The first ones are different affordable price, and the latter are the most economical and easy to operate.
1. Flowing gas water heaters (also called water heaters) have a built-in system for automatic ignition and water temperature regulation. Minimum power – 10 kW. The simplest gas flow heater raises the water temperature to 75 °C.
Can be connected on a permanent basis. The only limitation to use is the availability of gas and the need to obtain permission for installation from the relevant services.
The plate flow water heater is equipped with electronic ignition, which turns on automatically when the tap is unscrewed. With the help of smooth adjustment, you can change the temperature so as not to get burned. In 1 minute, the devices heat up to 10 liters of water. Popular manufacturers: Bosh, Atmor.
2. Electric flow-through ones are more suitable for temporary use, as they consume a lot of energy. Depending on the power there are:
- 1.5-4 kW – designed for connection to one tap, heats water to 40-50 °C, which is enough for washing dishes;
- 5-8 kW – suitable for using a shower, t – up to 70 °C;
- 9-27 kW – universal, work with several cranes at the same time. The more powerful such a flow electric heater, the more points it serves. The calculation is made based on the fact that about 5-8 kW is needed per node.
The devices are distinguished by their small dimensions, lightweight plastic body, and convenient display. Brands: Atmor, Bosh, Ariston, Thermex.
3. There are also flow-through heaters, in particular from the Swedish company Pahlen, designed for home swimming pools. They support temperature regime 28 °C thanks to built-in sensors. The minimum price of a Pahlen water heater with a power of 3 kW is about 12,000 rubles. Its capacity is 90 liters of water in 1 minute, which makes it possible to use it for a pool with a volume of 9 m3.
Disadvantages of devices
Electric water heaters with a power of more than 8 kW are not intended for connection to the city network. Therefore, it is necessary to additionally provide a three-phase input for them if the apartment does not have electric ovens. Also, for user safety, it is required to install a grounding loop and connect it to the device. According to reviews, flow heater electric type sensitive to pressure and water quality. Without incoming filters, scale very quickly forms on the heating element, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of the device.
Among the disadvantages of gas appliances are their volumetric dimensions. Their installation location is strictly agreed with the gas workers.
How to choose the right one
Before buying a water heater, you need to determine special purpose devices for:
- frequent or occasional use;
- swimming pool;
- kitchen or bathroom, or maybe both;
- connection possibilities: is there gas in the house, what type of electrical network is it - single- or three-phase.
If there is a need for hot water, but there are no energy sources sufficient in power, it is better to purchase a flow-storage water heater.
- technical characteristics of instantaneous water heater (power, throughput, maximum heating temperature);
- presence of a display;
- possibility of device programming;
- guarantee period;
- automatic overheat protection.
It would be a good idea to ask your consultants whether the water heaters can be repaired, warranty service, what is the opportunity to buy and replace spare parts for heating elements, burners, and buttons that fail over time.
A little secret for those who choose a gas boiler. Even if, according to the description, you like a heater with a water flow sensor for an apartment on a tap more than without a display, it is not a fact that a device without electronics is worse. On the contrary, it is autonomous and does not depend on network failures and, as practice shows, it operates without maintenance for at least 20 years. This despite the fact that it costs less.
Average prices in Moscow
| Manufacturer | Heater type | Model | Main settings | Price, rubles | ||
| power, kWt | productivity, l/min | t max, ºС | ||||
| Delimano | electric | KDR 4 E 3 | 2 | 3 | 60 | 2 490 |
| Atmor | Basic 3.5 tap | 3,5 | 2 | 75 | 1 699 | |
| Thermex | System 600 | 6 | 3 | 60 | 3 210 | |
| Pahlen | Pahlen 141600-02 | 3 | 90 | 28 | 12 376 | |
| Kospel | KDH 9 Luxus | 9 | 4,3 | 30 | 13 200 | |
| Bosch | gas | WR 10-2P | 17,4 | 10 | 60 | 7 330 |
| Ariston | Fast Evo 11B | 19 | 11 | 60 | 8 160 | |
Features of installing a flow-through heater
Devices that do not require approval from the gas service, that is, electrical ones, can be installed independently. Installation flow heater for a shower with your own hands is simple:
- first choose a place for insertion in the bathroom or kitchen, make markings;
- using a hammer drill, drill holes in the wall and install the device on a bracket or mounting screws;
- turn off the water supply and unscrew the watering can from shower hose, insert it into the inlet - the pipe from the heater;
- a shower is connected to the second output.
It is important that the valve that shuts off the water is located before the inlet. After connecting to the power supply, the flow-through plastic heater is ready for use.
Many city residents are familiar with eternal problem seasonal shutdown of hot water supply. And it’s good if the temporary discomfort lasts only a couple of weeks. It happens that this period is calculated in months. For country properties, you will have to worry about heating the water yourself for the entire season or even a year. In such situations, one of optimal solutions- use of electric water heaters. The best instantaneous electric water heaters are in our rating today.
Criteria for choosing an instantaneous electric water heater
The list of relevant parameters is not particularly large, but each of them is of no small importance. Proper selection of characteristics is the key to the efficiency of the water heater, its reliability and makes operation truly comfortable.
Device type
There are two main varieties flow models:
- Gravity. Simple and compact devices designed for only one point. They are convenient to use when the pressure in the water supply system is low or unstable. Best and inexpensive option water heater for a summer residence or as a temporary heating source when hot water is turned off in the summer;
- Pressure. They are often also called systemic. They are connected to the water supply, operate under pressure and can be used to service one or several water points.
Power
The heating capacity of the device and its performance directly depend on this parameter. Optimal value can be determined by the formula:
P=Q x (T1-T2) x 0.073.
Q is the volume of water passed in l/min, and T1 and T2 are the inlet and outlet temperatures, respectively.
There is a simpler method: to get water heated to approximately 35°C, you need to multiply its planned flow rate per minute by 2.
Heating control system type
There are few options:
- Hydraulic. The temperature is regulated by water pressure;
- Electronic. The necessary parameters are set on the display and controlled by the control unit by adjusting the power when the pressure changes.
Equipment
The characteristic is more relevant for inexpensive non-pressure water heaters. Nozzle options: faucet only, hose with shower head, faucet + shower. Models up to 3.5 kW are equipped electric cord with a plug that has a grounding pin. For more powerful varieties, a cable is usually not included in the kit.
The presence of hot water supply is one of the main and integral attributes comfortable life. Its temporary shutdown can bring a lot of inconvenience to modern citizens. In addition, not all holiday villages and villages are supplied with hot water. To eliminate this circumstance, an electric instantaneous water heater (direct-flow, non-pressure) from Electrolux, Ariston, Termex and other manufacturers is often used. Such a boiler operates in automatic mode, the main condition is the presence of a source of water and power supply.
What is an instantaneous water heater
An achievement of modern science and technology - instantaneous electric water heater, which allows you to use hot water for domestic needs all year round, is a small-sized device with a heating element. The latter is a heating element (tubular electric heater) or an open spiral. An open spiral is used in very compact devices in the form of faucet attachments, because... There is simply nowhere to put a heating element there. Heating occurs in a copper flask.
Externally, the device is a relatively small plastic case, which is connected to a source of electricity and a water supply system. There is only one outlet for hot water. Depending on the purpose and performance, such a device can provide water with constant temperature one or more water points. However, some models are equipped mechanical system control, others - electronic. An undoubted advantage is the ability to adjust power and water heating, especially in a boiler with electronically controlled.
How does it work
Having decided to install a structure that would provide the opportunity to use a hot shower in any season of the year, first familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. An electric running water heater comes into operation when the tap is opened, i.e. the appearance of a stream of water. Next, the water is instantly heated to optimal temperature, after which it is simply maintained at the same level. There are no storage tanks of different sizes in the boiler.
Due to the fact that a water heater of this type is a high-power electrical appliance, it requires a separate installation electrical wiring. In addition, the device must be grounded. They are used as a protection system against overheating and burns. special devices– regulators-limiters. In some models, they are triggered when the water heating temperature exceeds 65-70 degrees.
Types of instantaneous water heaters
Instantaneous boiler There is a pressure type and a non-pressure type. The first is otherwise called a water heater closed type- it is connected to the gap water pipe. Possesses high power and can provide water supply to several water collection points. Connecting a non-pressure (open) water heater is carried out like a simple one household appliances, i.e. by diverting a water pipe or flexible hose. Supplies only one point. The advantage is low cost and low power, which will save on energy consumption. Kinds:
- nozzle on kitchen faucet;
- faucet with electric water heating;
- separate device, fixed next to the shower/sink.
Pressure
Regardless technical characteristics any instantaneous water heater, including budget model, is a completely economical device in terms of water consumption. The fact is that the user, standing in the bathtub or shower stall, does not have to wait long for the water to flow at the required temperature. The pressure device, ideal for kitchens, is always under mains pressure. One of the popular options for such a heater:
- model name: Thermex System 800;
- price: 3330 rubles;
- characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 8 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 270x170x95 mm;
- pros: cheap;
- Cons: poor build quality and materials.
If you are looking for a more powerful device, then take a closer look at one of the Stiebel water heater models:
- Model name: Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 12;
- price: RUB 25,878;
- characteristics: productivity 5 liters of water per minute, mechanical control, power consumption 10 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 200x360x104 mm;
- pros: there is an overheating protection system;
- cons: expensive.
Non-pressure
Same operating principle as pressure heater, it is non-pressure, it’s just that a special mixer acts as a safety group. When closed, it shuts off the water at the inlet, and when heated, it discharges excess water. On sale you can find devices from different manufacturers, so be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option you are interested in. Here is one of inexpensive models:
- Model name: Timberk WHE 3.5 XTR H1;
- price: 2354 rub.;
- characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 3.5 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 124x210x82 mm, capacity 2.45 l/min., weight 800 g;
- pros: it is cheap, there is an overheating protection system;
- cons: low performance.
Among other non-pressure heaters, pay attention to this type of device:
- model name: Electrolux NP4 Aquatronic;
- price: 5166 rub.;
- characteristics: power consumption 4 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 191x141x85 mm, capacity 2 l/min, weight 1.42 kg;
- pros: acceptable sizes, good value prices and quality.
- cons: low power.
For shower
Purchasing a product such as a instantaneous water heater in St. Petersburg, Moscow or another city in the country is not a problem today; it’s more difficult to decide on suitable option and optimal power. Depending on the build quality and operating conditions, the purchase made can last about 5-7 years. To answer the question of which instantaneous water heater is best to buy for an apartment for showering, check out several popular devices. Compare all parameters, including approximate power consumption. An inexpensive purchase could be:
- Model name: Atmor Basic 5;
- price: RUB 1,778;
- characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 5 kW (220 V), productivity 3 l/min., set consists of shower head, socket plug, hose;
- advantages: low cost, compactness;
- Cons: short shower hose length.
Another popular and sought-after representative of this category of instantaneous water heaters is:
- model name: Delsot PEVN 5;
- price: 2541 rub.;
- characteristics: power consumption 5 kW (220 V), productivity 3 l/min., set consists of shower head, hose, dimensions (WxHxD) 206x307x65 mm;
- pros: low cost, easy connection;
- cons: does not heat water well.
With mechanical control
Correct the operation of the heater, i.e. You can change the degree of water heating using regulators located on a special panel. The control can be mechanical or electronic. The first is often called hydraulic. Faucet attachment for heating water or separate standard device with this control it always turns on with maximum power– even if there are several heating modes. It is necessary to change the degree of heating manually, i.e. switching modes after switching on. Here's one option:
- Model name: AEG DDLT 24 PinControl;
- price: RUB 37,100;
- characteristics: power consumption 24 kW (380 V), productivity 12.3 l/min., Maximum temperature water heating +60°C, dimensions (WxHxD) 226x485x93 mm, weight 3.3 kg;
- pros: high power;
- cons: high cost.
Check out another option - three-phase electric water heater Kospel:
- model name: Kospel KDH 21 Luxus;
- price: RUB 11,354;
- characteristics: power consumption 21 kW (380 V), productivity 10.1 l/min., dimensions (WxHxD) 245x440x120 mm, weight 5.1 kg;
- pros: high power;
- cons: high cost.
Electronically controlled
Instantaneous water heaters equipped with electronic controls have become quite widespread today. They stand out for their high power and higher cost. This is due to the fact that installations of this type have heating elements with multi-stage power control. In addition, these devices have several sensors and a microprocessor that processes data and regulates the operation of the heaters. A striking example serves:
- Model name: Stiebel Eltron HDB-E 12 Si;
- price: RUB 19,285;
- characteristics: power consumption 11 kW (380 V), productivity 5.4 l/min., dimensions (WxHxD) 225x470x117 mm, weight 3.6 kg, there is an overheating protection system;
- pros: good power, pressure;
- cons: high cost.
If some of the characteristics do not suit you, then check out another option:
- Model name: Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 8;
- price: RUB 25,838;
- characteristics: power consumption 6 kW (380 V), productivity 3 l/min., dimensions (WxHxD) 200x362x105 mm, there is an overheating protection system;
- advantages: temperature limitation to 60°C;
- cons: high cost.
How to choose an instantaneous water heater
When choosing, first of all, you need to choose the right optimal power installations. In this case, it is easier to focus on the number of taps that should be simultaneously supplied with hot water. If there are three such points in the living space, then the power of the device should be from 13 kW or more, if there are 2 - in the range of 8-12 kW, and if there is 1 - up to 8 kW. Select control type: hydraulic or electronic. The first one is cheaper, the second one has more power and modern “stuffing”.
Pay attention to the performance of the device, i.e. water consumption. The average value for a shower is 5 l/min, a washbasin and sink with mixer is 2-4 l/min, and a bath with a mixer is 3.5 l/min. When choosing, make sure you match both the power and performance values. This is the only way a instantaneous water heater will provide you with water heated to the desired temperature. Otherwise, you will have to make sure that more than one tap is not opened at the same time.
To ensure that your purchase, regardless of cost and high/low power, turns out to be optimal, make a kind of monitoring of prices, promotions, discounts, sales for this or that electric running water heater with a heating element, compare the characteristics of several models, which can be ordered from the catalog in the online store with delivered by mail or purchased at your local hardware store.
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