To provide a home hot water Many summer residents use a water heater, most often a boiler. Exists wide range water heating equipment, among which a boiler with a dry heating element is more in demand.
These types of household water heating devices are rightfully considered market leaders. They have great demand, because they are inexpensive, easy to use, safe, and also have a stylish, aesthetic appearance. Boilers operate on electricity and quickly cope with their functions, despite the fact that they must heat large volumes of water. On average electric boiler with a dry heating element heats water in 1.5 - 2 hours (depending on volume).
Electric heating element is in a safe way heating, although it has direct contact with water. A special feature of the installation of such a water heating system is the grounding loop, which is connected to the socket of the heating element. This prevents a person from being electrocuted if the heating element is damaged.
Electric dry heating element differs from ordinary heating element in its structure. It looks like a tube made of stainless metal or copper, in which a heating element (nichrome thread) is located. The space between the thread and the tube is filled with several layers of insulator, which prevents short circuit or breakdowns. The heating element does not come into contact with water, since its body is hidden in a shell with an oil layer, due to which this element has high thermal conductivity. The main advantages of this heating system are long term operation and short period heating water.
Boilers and water heaters with dry heating elements
Depending on human needs and purposes of use, water heaters and boilers with dry heating elements are divided into two types:
- Flow-through;
- Cumulative.
Boilers accumulative type They work on the principle of filling a container with water and then heating it. During water consumption, the boiler automatically recharges from the house’s water supply system until it is completely filled. This process occurs continuously while the boiler is on. Therefore, a person has the opportunity to use hot water around the clock.
The tank volume of a standard storage boiler varies from 30 to 100 liters. (there are more). Most modern boilers are equipped with dry heating elements. For a family of three people, an 80 liter boiler is sufficient. The most famous and widespread models are Electrolux, Siebel Eltron, and Gorenje.
The difference between a water heater and a boiler is that it does not have a storage tank, but heats the water directly as it passes through it. Accordingly, such a mini-boiler has a more powerful heating element. When buying a boiler with a dry heating element, pay attention to its power (4.5-18 kW) and the possibility of installation. It is necessary to determine whether it will withstand home wiring the power load of the water heater, and whether it will be convenient to use. Some of the most reliable water heaters are Vaillant, Timberk, Atmor.
Atlantic boilers with dry heating element
The French manufacturer of high-quality household water heating products, Atlantic, offers consumers its best developments, which focus on innovative technologies: 
- Possibility to select the type of control of boiler functions (mechanical or digital). The company’s specialists have developed their own PassProgram programming system, thanks to which you can control the operation of the boiler without any special difficulties.
- Technologies that allow you to save energy resources. It takes 10% less electricity to heat water compared to well-known analog models from other manufacturers.
- By covering the surface of the dry heating element with high-strength enamel, it will last 28% longer than competitive models in this class. Experts compare strength protective coating with the strength of diamonds.
With a dry heating element they are presented on the market in the form of the Atlantic Steatite Pro VM 050 D 400-2-BC model. It has a soapstone water heating element with a power of 1.5 kW. The heating element is located in a proprietary protective flask, which protects it from scale, increasing its service life.
Inside the boiler there is a special stray current fuse installed on the tank body - a magnesium anode. As thermal insulation material In the walls of the boiler, a polyurethane foam layer is used, which prevents heat loss from heated water. The inner wall of the container is covered anti-corrosion material(glass-ceramic enamel).
A special indicator, controller and temperature regulator are installed on the front side of the panel. Guarantee quality work applies for a period of up to 8 years, which emphasizes the excellent quality from the manufacturer.
Other models are also available for customers to choose from - Atlantic Cube OPro VM 100 S4 (100 liter capacity, 2.4 kW heating element power), Atlantic Cube Steatite VM 30 S3C (30 liter capacity, 2.4 kW heating element), Atlantic Cube Steatite VM 50 S3С (50 l., 2.1 kW heating element).
Video review of Atlantic boilers with dry heating elements
The best dry heat boiler
Most summer residents prefer boilers of medium capacity - 50 - 80 liters. Among the large range of quality products, they are especially in demand best boilers with dry shade - Atlantic Steatite Pro VM 080 D400-2-BC (France) and Electrolux EWH 80 SL (Sweden).
Also bestsellers are budget options- Atlantic Steatite Pro VM 050 D 400-2-BC (France), Fagor CB-75 I (Spain), Ferroli Calypso 50V/ST (Italy).
Experts and fitters note the high efficiency of Atlantic boilers. Thanks to innovative developments, the manufacturer managed to combine in this heater the latest developments in the field of safety, maintenance, and operation. As for Electrolux, they do not have such quality characteristics, but occupy an honorable second place after Atlantic.
Both Spanish and Italian producers water heaters offer good products in their budget segment. Such 50-liter containers are bought mainly by summer residents who do not visit their summer cottages often.
Many, when choosing equipment for their dacha or home, have come across boilers that have the so-called dry type. So what are the features of these heaters?
Most water heaters on the market today are equipped with submersible heating element. In such a device, the heating element is located directly in the water, which it actually heats. The disadvantage of such devices is the possibility of damage electric shock their user, which can lead to death.
Water heaters with dry heating elements have a heating element in their design, which is enclosed in a steatite flask. This eliminates its direct contact with water.
The main advantages of water heaters with dry heating elements
- Complete absence of scale
In water heaters with submersible heating elements, scale forms over time. Its quantity directly depends on rigidity tap water . There are known cases when, due to the formed layer of scale, extraction heating element was a difficult task, since it simply did not fit through the flange hole. IN in this case It is not the scale itself that is harmful, but the results of its influence. As a result, the heat exchange between the heating element and water is disrupted, which leads to its breakdown.
- Fast water heating
A heater with a conventional heating element will take more time to heat the water to the temperature you require. And it also consumes much more energy. As a result - big overpayments for consumed energy and long wait hot water.
On the contrary, water heaters with dry heating elements do not have direct contact with water, therefore, the problems described above are not inherent to them.
- Availability of thermal protection
The next disadvantage heating devices with a classic heating element is to connect them to the network when there is no water in them. In contrast, water heaters with dry heating elements are not afraid of such a dry start. The fact is that they are all equipped with special thermal protection blocks. If this block does not work, only the heating element itself will be damaged, and no more.
- Easy to maintain
Devices that have a dry heating element in their design have simpler maintenance. So, if an element in such a system malfunctions, you will not have to drain the water from the tank. You can easily remove the heating element through the flange hole and then put it back as well. Preventive inspections of water heaters with dry heating elements are carried out much less frequently compared to submersible analogues.
- Absence air jams
Heating devices of this type are practically not at risk of forming air pockets inside. For models that have an open heating element, this can lead to failure of the heating element.
- Dimensions
The “dry” heating element has smaller dimensions compared to the “wet” one. This makes it possible to simultaneously place two heating elements in the tank at the same time, which will directly affect the speed of heating the water.
Video review - Heater with a dry heating element.
Thus, a water heater with a dry heating element has a large number benefits. The main factor limiting the purchase of such a device is price. But over time, the cost of this type of device becomes cheaper, and today you can find models that are only slightly more expensive than heaters with submersible heating elements. Moreover, this device It is purchased for more than one year, so it would be advisable to purchase a heater with a dry heating element. This device is more reliable compared to analogues and will serve you for many years, delighting you with my work. The choice and purchase of a device is always yours.
It is quite difficult for a modern consumer to choose a high-quality and economical water heater among the variety of models offered. Water heaters with dry heating elements, which appeared on the markets of the CIS countries more than 10 years ago, aroused active interest from potential buyers.
A dry (or closed) heating element is a spiral of nichrome alloy wound on a ceramic block. The heating element is located in a sealed flask (metal or ceramic), which protects it from direct contact with water. A closed heating element is suitable for storage type boilers only.
How to choose a reliable water heater
Before buying a boiler with a dry heating element, you should take into account a number of factors and features and determine your water volume needs:
- Inner tank material. The enamel coating effectively protects the body from liquid ingress, but only as long as the surface of the layer is uniform and without damage. Container made of stainless steel, protected from corrosion by an oxide film.
- Volume. The choice of parameter depends on the number of people living in the apartment or house and hot water supply points. 80-120 liters is considered optimal, which is enough for a family of 4 people.
- Power of heating elements storage water heater. It is optimal to choose models with two heating elements - if there is no urgent need for hot water, you can use one heating element, and the network will not be loaded. If it fails, the boiler continues to function effectively.
- Thickness of the body thermal insulation. Nice layer insulation reduces heat loss and energy consumption.
- Control and protection system. A conventional thermostat is more durable, electronic design makes it easier to regulate the water heater, but can easily fail if there is a voltage drop.
- Type of installation: horizontal or vertical, mounted or stationary.
- Country of manufacture. German water heaters are considered to be of the highest quality - the degree of reliability and service life of such devices has been verified by many years of use by consumers.
Review of models with a closed heating element
Let's consider 4 boilers from different manufacturers:
1. Gorenje water heaters GBFU universal models with dry heating element. This series was the first in the history of the company with these heaters and became one of the most practical and popular. The design of the tank includes 2 heating elements with a power of 1 kW each, a safety valve and a thermometer, an anti-corrosion magnesium anode and an indicator. The inner steel container is coated with an enamel layer.
“The Gorenje GBFU 100 B6 water heater is installed in the bathhouse - I have been using it for 4 years, twice a week. Several years ago, in winter, I forgot to drain the water from it - the boiler froze along with it. The housing was not damaged, the heating elements were also intact. The bottom gasket squeezed out a little - I tightened the bolts and the leak stopped. Heats up water in 3 hours. The price/quality ratio is justified.”
Alexey, Novosibirsk.
2. In the Atlantic Steatite Cube VM 100 S4 CM water heater, a dry steatite heating element in a protective flask can operate at half its power (economy mode). The container and flask of the heating element are coated with heavy-duty enamel with antibacterial properties. Controls water temperature capillary thermostat, the accuracy of which allows you to save up to 15% of energy resources.
“We bought an Atlantic Steatite Cube boiler with a dry heating element at the beginning of 2013. We hung it and connected it ourselves - installation is simple, but quite long in size. We rarely use the “Turbo” mode – the economical mode is enough for 2 people. I consider it a disadvantage high consumption electricity and lack of a thermometer. It’s not clear about the dimensions - the width is smaller than the depth - it will fit in the toilet, but the question is still critical.”
Lyudmila, Voronezh.
3. Electrolux also uses a closed heating element for water heaters in the EWH SL series. A thermostat with a water heating range of up to 70 °C is installed on the front panel. Increased mass magnesium anode and finely dispersed layer enamel coating provide comprehensive anti-corrosion protection"Protect tank".
According to reviews, the water heater Electrolux EWH 100 SL with dry heating element is a simple and reliable device with good thermal insulation. However, buyers note that the quality of equipment previously produced at the Fagor plant in Italy is higher high level compared to the new Chinese variants.
“It’s been 2 years since I purchased a water heater with an Electrolux dry heating element and installed it myself. It copes with the heating and serving functions perfectly. Safety valve It works properly, but it’s inconvenient to use - the drain tube is loose, but without it, water flows through the pipes. The controls are simple - nothing superfluous, but the panel elements seem flimsy. Thermal insulation is at a high level - the case does not heat up, but warm water It doesn’t cool down for several days.”
Maxim, Moscow.
4. Another representative of water heaters, the heating elements of which are made using “dry” technology - AEG EWH 80 Comfort EL. This model is universal; it is equipped with a temperature limiter with restart, as well as an anti-freeze function. Touchpad placed in the lower part of the structure as a separate block. Intelligent system control system is capable of independently diagnosing water heater malfunctions.
The boiler can operate in three energy saving modes: “ECO Plus”, “ECO Comfort” and “ECO Dynamic”. Excellent quality of thermal insulation of the housing maintains temperature long time without the need to turn on the heating elements. The stainless steel internal tank has a significant impact on the cost of the water heater.
“The model with a closed heating element is excellent, I’ve been using it for more than three years - it functions without failures. I consider it the best in its class. European quality, easy to use. It heats water very quickly, but the dimensions are impressive - you should first navigate the installation location. The main drawback is the price of the AEG EWH 80 Comfort EL. Three years ago I bought it for 8,500.”
Due to frequent shutdowns of the centralized hot water supply, many people are thinking about purchasing Their advantages are undeniable. Modern cumulative models They are produced in a beautiful design, and, most importantly, they are energy saving. Manufacturers were able to achieve this result thanks to good thermal insulation. As a rule, heating water in an average tank volume (80, 100 l) takes 2-3 hours. After reaching the set temperature, the device automatically turns off the heater, and the liquid remains hot for a long time. Therefore, electricity consumption averages 2-6 kW (depending on the amount of water consumption).
So, having convinced yourself of the efficiency of storage boilers, you can go to the store. However, here the buyer expects a large assortment, in which it is easy for an ignorant person to get confused. Specialized sales points offer a wide variety of models: from classic round to flat. Moreover, you can purchase a water heater with a dry heater or a wet heater. In short, the differences lie not only in design, but also in technical equipment.
For example, in budget models, water is heated using a “wet” heating element. It comes into direct contact with the liquid. Such devices have both disadvantages (scale formation on the element, temperature reduction) and advantages (heating occurs relatively quickly). For those who cannot accept such disadvantages, dry shadows will be an alternative.
It’s worth noting right away that they differ significantly in cost. For example, Gorenje EWH-100 V9 sells for approximately $100. It is presented in classic design, has a volume of 100 liters, equipped with one heater (wet type). For comparison, let's take a similar model, which is very similar in appearance to the EWH-100 V9, - Gorenje GBF 100/UA (GBF 100). It's already on sale for about $160. Its only difference is the type of tena. In the GBF 100/UA (GBF 100) model it is dry. Let's see if this price difference is justified.
with dry shade
So, in order to highlight all the advantages and understand the disadvantages, you need to understand how they work with a dry shade. As for the body, in most cases it is made of metal - stainless steel or sheet steel coated with enamel. There are also models that have plastic elements. In such cases, manufacturers use only specialized structural view. So, let's look at what such a boiler consists of.
- Frame.
- Storage tank.
- Thermal insulation layer.
- Heating element - ten.
- Thermostat sensors.
- Thermostat.
- Magnesium anode.
- Control Panel ( mechanical regulator or buttons).
- Valve.
- Connections for cold and hot water.
- LED operation indicator.
- Power cord or cable for connecting to the electrical network.
- Wall or ceiling mounting (brackets).
Features of dry shade
A dry water heater is a boiler that provides an apartment or house with hot water. What is the most important thing about this device? Of course, or in other words - ten. This part consists of a spiral, which is equipped with contact rods. They are located at the ends. It is very important that the rods are insulated with thermoplastic or sealant. For greater efficiency and reliability, the spiral is placed in a metal flask, thanks to which the heating element does not interact with water at all. Also no less important point is the performance of the thermostat. It must be protected from external influence and properly regulated.
Operating principle
A water heater with a dry heater works based on density. What does this mean? As you know, it is cold and has different densities, so it moves in layers inside the storage tank. Cold water It flows through a special pipe to the bottom of the container. After which it happens automatic switching on heat, which begins to heat it to a certain temperature. With every degree the water rises higher. Having reached the maximum value, it enters the system through the intake tube and, accordingly, flows out of the tap. Thanks to this circulation principle, the outlet temperature of the liquid is always high.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A water heater with a dry heater, however, like other types of boilers, has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- efficiency in work;
- reduction of water quality requirements;
- no need for frequent cleansing;
- long service life;
- when replacing the heater, there is no need to drain the water;
- the risk of electric shock is minimized;
- no air jams are formed;
- the presence of two heating elements;
- high level of thermal protection.
And now it is necessary to voice the disadvantages that owners of such water heating tanks have encountered:
- lack of universal heating elements. Dry heater models are exclusive and are not suitable for all boilers;
- service and spare parts are expensive;
- cost of instruments.
The main thing is to understand that the period of high-quality operation of the boiler directly depends on the operating conditions. Many argue that devices that are constantly used at maximum temperature fail faster. The optimal indicator is 55°. You only need to turn it on to maximum once a month to prevent bacteria.
Gorenje
- Gorenje GBF 80/UA (GBF80) - water heater with dry heater. 80 liters is the volume of water. Power consumption is 2000 W. Heating to maximum temperature (+75°) will take about 3 hours. Installation method: vertical. The device weighs 30 kg without water. Equipped with freezing systems, IP25 (electrical). There is a thermometer. The tank is made of sheet steel. You can buy it for $160 on average.
- Gorenje OGBS80ORV9 is equipped with one heater (dry). Security degree - IP24. Tank volume - 80 liters. Made from sheet steel. The body and storage tank are covered with enamel. During operation it consumes 2000 W. Heats water to a maximum of 75°. There are two protection systems: from overheating and freezing. The cost of this model is about $200.
Overall product reviews trademark Gorenje are positive. There are isolated cases of breakdowns, but they are associated with improper operation. If you take into account all the recommendations, the device will work for more than 10 years.
Electrolux
Water heaters with a dry heater "Electrolux" are in high demand. Many buyers highlight the long service life, convenient and clear controls, beautiful design and compact sizes.
- Electrolux EWH 50 Formax is a flat model. Installs vertically and horizontally. Holds 50 liters of water. Weighs only about 22 kg (empty). It takes less than 2 hours to heat up. Tena type - dry. There is a digital thermometer. Triggers when insulation fails automatic shutdown. The cost of this model varies around $150.
- Electrolux EWH 80 Formax DL is a boiler equipped with two heating elements. The tank, with a volume of 80 liters, is covered with glass enamel. Rectangular shape with rounded side edges. It takes three hours to heat the water to 75°. Without liquid it weighs almost 28 kg. Control is electronic, carried out using a digital panel. The price of Electrolux EWH 80 Formax DL is about $200.
Atlantic
A joint French-Ukrainian company producing this type of equipment has become quite popular due to the optimal price-quality ratio. Water heaters "Atlantic" with a dry heater belong to budget models, however, according to consumer reviews, they are practically not inferior to more expensive options. Many highlight aspects such as modern design, two installation methods, affordable prices.
- Atlantic STEATITE VM 80 D400-2-BC - storage boiler, holding 80 liters of water. Power consumption is 1500 W. There is only one heating element, dry type. Installation is only possible vertically. The body is made of stainless steel, the tank is covered with enamel. There is protection against corrosion. Currently selling for $140-150.
- Atlantic VM 150 S4CM is designed for 150 hp. Maximum temperature water - 65°. It takes about 7 hours to heat up. Ten - one, dry. Per day heat losses are 1.59 kW. The tank is made of metal, glass-ceramic coating with the addition of titanium dioxide. The device, not filled with water, weighs 40 kg. The cost of this model is approximately $300.
All water heaters are divided into flow-through (they heat water as it flows through the device) and storage (which is a container with a built-in boiler).
If you choose the latter option, you need to decide on the choice of heating element: there are water heaters with a dry heating element and a wet one.
Dry heating elements are a relatively new invention and such units are more expensive. How they are designed, is it worth overpaying for them, and what companies produce boilers with dry heating elements.
On ceramic block a spiral is wound from a nichrome alloy and placed in a sealed flask (made of metal or ceramic). Interior space can be filled with air, quartz sand or oil.
Dry heating element device
If an ordinary heating element heats water directly (and impurities boil away and settle on it in the form of deposits), then a dry heating element heats the air and the tube in which it is located without contacting the water. By the way, the shape of a dry heater is long and thin, since it must fit into a tube, while wet models can be of any shape.
The magnesium anode is not part of the heating element, as is the case with wet options, but is inserted separately through the hole intended for it.
Advantages of a water heater. Myths and facts
Dry heating elements do have a number of advantages over wet ones, but not everything that marketers tell is true. Let's figure it out.The assertions that dry heating element has a lower efficiency due to the fact that it heats the air in the flask, it transfers heat to the material of the flask, and from it to the water, can be called unfounded.
Heat loss from such a transfer is negligible, in addition, if the diameter of the heating element is 12 mm, then the internal diameter of the tube is 14 mm.
The air layer is minimal - just a couple of millimeters.
Another myth is that boilers with dry heating elements are inferior in power to classic ones, which means they take longer to heat water. These are also distorted facts: dry heating elements really don’t make more powerful than 1200 W (while ordinary ones can be 2 kW each). But 2 such heaters are installed in dry boilers, which means total power device - 2.4 kW.
The main argument of opponents of an insulated heater is that scale still forms on the flask, albeit more slowly than on a wet heating element. Yes, that's true. But when a wet heating element becomes overgrown, it is much more difficult to change (or clean) and the element costs more. If after a long time you need to replace a dry heater, this can be done in 10 minutes, without draining the water, without removing the device from the wall, and even for less money.
Pros of dry boilers:
- the bodies of their heating elements become overgrown with scale much more slowly;
- replacing heating elements is easier;
- the overall service life of the unit is longer;
- multi-stage protection system.
After a year of operation, when a simple heating element is already covered with a layer of scale (especially where the water is hard), it begins to lose efficiency - the heating process takes longer, and more energy is wasted. At this stage, the dry boiler is already paying for itself, since it does not yet have such problems.
Gorenje boiler with dry heating element
Prices for dry elements usually range from 800 to 950 rubles. A wet heating element can cost 1300, 2000 or more.
For many, the decisive advantage is the ease of maintenance of a dry heating element. To replace it, you just need to remove the plastic body of the device, and then tighten the screw - now you can pull out the heating element. With a wet water heater, everything is much more complicated, it takes longer, and you need to buy new gaskets every time the tank is disassembled.
If one of the heating elements fails, it will need to be replaced - the second will continue to operate as normal.
While in a private house a boiler is used constantly, in an apartment it is most often installed just in case for use during periods when hot water is turned off. Due to rare use, not everyone knows and remembers. Read about this later in the article.
You will find useful tips on choosing a storage water heater for an apartment.
And in this article detailed information about choice electric boiler heating. We will also consider the types of boilers: heating element, induction, double-circuit and others, their features, pros and cons.
Brief overview of leading manufacturing companies
Which water heater with a dry heating element should I buy?Not all boiler companies produce dry-type models.
The most popular manufacturers:
- Atlantic (France - Ukraine);
- Gorenje (Slovenia);
- AEG (Germany – Thailand);
- Electrolux (Sweden - China).
- Atlantic – this is French quality and selection of the most durable materials By affordable price. There are mechanical and electronic control. A popular model is Steatite Elit with steatite heating element in a ceramic flask. Fifty-liter water heater (total weight - 17 kg), 1.5 kW, installation - vertical. The tank comes with a 7-year warranty and the electrics for 2 years. Price – 9000 rub.
- Combustion. Produces two series of insulated heater boilers: GBU and more compact version GBFU. Interesting feature– these devices can be installed both vertically and horizontally. A popular model is Gorenje GBFU 50B6 The device is 58 cm high (50 liters). Steel tank in a plastic case and two dry heaters of 1 kW each. Price – 9200-10900 rub.
- AEG. It produces models with an insulated heater that will appeal to electronics lovers. Three control modes. Elegant design And touch control They make heaters stylish and convenient, but the prices for such devices are high. A popular model is EWH 30 Comfort EL. Compact rectangular 30 liter tank. 1.8 kW. Many functions, LEDs and defense mechanisms. Price – 28,000 rub.
- Electrolux has a rich model range EWH: eight heaters of different volumes from 15 to 200 liters in a vertical design.
You won’t be able to find a dry water heater from Ariston or Termex - they simply don’t exist.
So, if the water in your area is hard, a dry heating element will be the most the right choice. Otherwise, you will have to contact services very often (or clean the scale yourself), constantly buy spare parts and be prepared for the fact that each time the cleaning procedure will take a lot of time and effort. With dry boilers everything will be much simpler.
Not all owners of water heaters know whether mandatory maintenance of the boiler includes the need to drain water from it or is this not necessary? and what to do if such a need arises, read carefully.
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