Comfortable conditions imply constant access to hot water, which, unfortunately, cannot always be provided by the city water supply service. In order to solve this problem, water boilers were invented, which are very popular today and are widely used in residential buildings. Let's consider how storage water heaters function, and which models have proven themselves best on the market.

Boilers for water: an overview of the best offers on the market today

An electric water boiler is an easy-to-use and affordable device that allows you to have hot water in the required amount

Boilers for water: how storage water heaters are arranged

The very first water heaters were invented many centuries ago, and then steam was used to heat water. Today, the water in the tank is heated by the operation of an external or external heater. The most popular solution today is to buy a hot water boiler with a heating element, capable of ensuring an uninterrupted supply of water at any time of the day.

Diagram of a boiler for hot water

Diagram of a boiler for hot water

Finding the right device is not difficult if you take into account all the available data and conditions to which you have to connect. Everyone can independently choose the best model, having at least briefly familiarized themselves with the basic principles of operation and parameters of various devices.

The first thing you need to decide when choosing a boiler is how much liquid you will need for one day. It depends on the purpose for which the heated water will be used, as well as how many people live in the house.

The principle of operation of this device is quite simple and lies in the fact that the warm liquid does not mix with the cold one in the tank, but is gradually displaced by the cold one to the point of intake. At this time, the cold water entering the container is heated as a result of contact with the heating element.At the same time, in the process of supplying water, hot water is necessarily diluted with cold in a ratio of 1: 2, which allows you to significantly increase the useful volume of water.

Modern models of boilers have a simple control system, allowing you to regulate the temperature of heating water

Modern models of boilers have a simple control system, allowing you to regulate the temperature of heating water

Speaking about the main components of a hot water boiler, it is worth highlighting:

  • storage tank, with a volume of 30 to 150 liters;
  • the outer part of the body, which prevents external damage to the structure;
  • TEN - a steel heating element, which consists of a tube or nichrome spiral and converts the received electrical energy into thermal energy;
  • thermostat - a device that is responsible for adjusting the water temperature and maintaining a certain temperature regime inside the tank;
  • magnesium anode - an element that prevents corrosion on the inner walls of the container. It "glues" all small damages and cracks on the surface of the walls.

In such a system, each of the elements performs its important role and the service life of the boiler depends on how high the quality of each of these parts is. Therefore, when thinking about how to choose an electric water boiler, you should pay attention to each material and element that was used in a particular device.

The volume of the boiler tank depends on the number of people living in the house and the required amount of hot water per day

The volume of the boiler tank depends on the number of people living in the house and the required amount of hot water per day

What can be an electric boiler for heating water

If you want to buy an electric water boiler, you should also think in advance about what form of device is preferable for your bathroom. In most cases, these containers are cylindrical or flat rectangular structures. But depending on how they are oriented, the division is made into 3 groups:

  • vertical;
  • horizontal;
  • universal.

How an electric hot water boiler should be positioned depends on how the heating element is positioned inside. In order for the device to function normally and provide natural convection of the liquid, the heating element itself must be fixed in the lower part of the tank. Simply put, you can't just turn the boiler over at your discretion and you need to place it strictly as the manufacturer recommends to do it. The only exception is universal models that can work in any position.

Depending on the boiler model, the tank can be located both horizontally and vertically

Depending on the boiler model, the tank can be positioned both horizontally and vertically

In addition, the devices differ depending on the power. So, for example, to connect a low-power boiler (up to 12 kW), a single-phase power source will be enough, while a more powerful device will need a three-phase one.

Important! Although such a measure is rarely used, it is still worth knowing that to install a water heater with a capacity of more than 6 kW, you will need to lay a separate power line, as well as a separate machine and an RCD.

Gas boiler for heating water: what is it?

A gas boiler is a separate type of water heating structures, the use of which is permissible only in private houses. This limitation is easily explained by the need to lay a chimney, as well as a gas supply to power the boiler.

It is worth considering that the installation of a gas boiler is rational only in a private house.

It is worth considering that the installation of a gas boiler is rational only in a private house.

But even if you want to install a gas boiler in your own home, in order to do this, you will need a special permit, which can only be obtained from a specialized service that deals with these issues. It is strictly forbidden to carry out such repair work without the approval of the special service, as this can provoke a dangerous situation.

So, if the appropriate permit is still available, the first thing to start with installing a gas boiler is the chimney.If it is not there, then you will have to carry out all the work on its installation, and if it is available, then the boiler is located strictly in the place where there is a chimney.

The main advantage of such a seemingly complicated solution is economy. Yes, such a unit costs an order of magnitude higher than an electric one, but its operation will be much cheaper, which will not only cover the extra purchase costs, but also spend less money on payment in the future. Another positive aspect is that a gas boiler heats up a liquid much faster than an electric one.

A gas boiler requires gas and ventilation communications

A gas boiler requires gas and ventilation communications

How does a flow-through heating electric boiler for water differ from a storage boiler?

Flow-through heaters are used along with storage heaters, and in certain situations they can be more convenient. So, they have the following advantages:

  • less weight and size, which allows installation in more limited space;
  • the amount of water that they are able to heat up is not limited by anything;
  • the water temperature is not maintained, which means that resource costs are reduced.

But flow-through systems are far from perfect, because often, before getting warm water, it is necessary to drain hot or, conversely, boiling water may pour out when the tap is opened. This is because the temperature does not adjust immediately. Another negative point is that a change in pressure affects the temperature of the water.

An instantaneous water heater consumes a fairly large amount of electricity, so devices of this type are best used for summer cottages where mute hot water is used

An instantaneous water heater consumes a fairly large amount of electricity, so devices of this type are best used for summer cottages where mute hot water is used

Another important aspect is that in order to install a modern flow column, you will need reliable electrical wiring equipped with special fuses. And for the most powerful models, a three-phase power grid is needed at all.

Numerous reviews claim that buying a water boiler is a much more practical solution as it is associated with less hassle to operate.

Criteria for choosing a storage electric boiler for heating water

The price of a water boiler, as well as its efficiency, are two main criteria that buyers rely on when choosing a device. But in fact, there are several more important aspects, and in order not to get lost in the wide range of the modern market, it is worth paying attention to several more aspects.

Modern models of electric boilers have the function of adjusting the water temperature, which can thereby reduce the amount of electricity consumed.

Modern models of electric boilers have the function of regulating the water temperature, which can thereby reduce the amount of electricity consumed.

Despite the fact that the set of elements for all devices is the same, even models that are very similar in external parameters can significantly differ from each other in characteristics. For example, the outer casing can be made of stainless or enamelled steel, while other models use polymer materials.

It is believed that models made of carbon steel or copper are significantly more stable and significantly exceed plastic ones in terms of service life. In addition, they are able to ensure the simultaneous use of several points of water intake, in contrast to plastic, for which the maximum allowable number of points of water intake is one.

For the manufacture of the inner tank, a material such as glass porcelain or simply stainless steel is used. The first option is distinguished by its chemical neutrality, which allows the water to always remain very clean. But such a coating reacts negatively to temperature changes and tends to crack during operation.

The choice of tank volume should depend on the amount of required hot water per day

The choice of tank volume should depend on the amount of hot water required per day.

Interesting! Boilers, in which glass porcelain was used as a coating on the inner surface, are much cheaper, but this is due to their short operating life, which is limited to only 3 years.

If you want to buy a really high-quality boiler with a good inner coating, then you should pay attention to the titanium-coated stainless steel models. They are characterized by resistance to corrosion and, despite the rather high price, are quite justified, since their service life is 7-10 years.

Related article:

Storage water heater 80 liters vertical flat: advantages and principle of operation

Principle of operation. Advantages and disadvantages. Choice and care. Review of popular models.

Another important aspect that you definitely need to pay attention to before buying a boiler for heating water is a heating element. The main enemy of any heating element is scale, which settles on its surface due to the fact that the water is too hard. To extend the life of such a device, regular cleaning of all elements that come into contact with water will be required. Although, as an alternative, you can purchase a boiler with a dry heating element. This design provides a special protective flask for the heating element.

Wet and dry TEN is one of the most important parts of the boiler, responsible for heating the water.

"Wet" and "dry" TEN is one of the most important parts of the boiler, responsible for water heating

Review of the best electric boilers for heating water: prices and characteristics

Once in a large plumbing store, you will see how wide and varied the assortment is. Some models have been holding leading positions for a long time, and some are just appearing on the market. Consider some of the most famous companies today that produce high-quality and functional boilers.

Electric boilers for water Ariston

This is a product of an Italian company that supplies high quality products to the market and strictly monitors the compliance of its products with the requirements of European standards. For its models, the manufacturer uses enamelled steel tanks that are resistant to strong pressure (up to 16 bar).

Even the simplest cheap boilers from this manufacturer have all the necessary functionality to use the device easily and conveniently. And some models are even equipped with a special removable model that allows you to monitor and diagnose faults.

The boiler model from the Ariston company ABS VELIS EVO PW is a wall-mounted storage electric water heater that saves energy due to two heating elements

The boiler model from the Ariston company ABS VELIS EVO PW is a wall-mounted storage electric water heater that saves energy due to two heating elements

An excellent example of an Ariston electric water boiler, model ABSVLSPW 80V. Due to the presence of two heating elements at once, it heats up the water much faster and even with a large tank volume is able to bring the water to the desired temperature in just a few minutes. At the same time, the price of an electric boiler for water of this type is no more than 20 thousand rubles.

Characteristics and price of a boiler for heating water StiebelEltron

StiebelEltron is a German manufacturer that first appeared back in 1924 and is still considered one of the best. These boilers combine all the best: high quality materials used, ease of use, as well as a high speed of water heating.

For use in a house or apartment, the company offers its users several dozen models, from the simplest to premium boilers. One of the most advanced SHZ 50LCD models even has a built-in panel that allows programming modes in advance and is able to adjust the device's operation at a reduced rate at night. But one more, extremely important advantage of this model is that it can be connected to any network (two-phase and three-phase).

The boiler model from StiebelEltron SHZ 50LCD allows you to adjust the amount and temperature of water by setting different heating modes

The boiler model from StiebelEltron SHZ 50LCD allows you to adjust the amount and temperature of water by setting different heating modes

The active titanium anode, which is provided for this model, does not need to be replaced throughout the entire service life of the boiler. So the only drawback of this solution is the high cost, which exceeds 100 thousand rubles.

Why buy an Atlantic boiler

The device for heating water from the French company Atlantic is the best proof that modern technologies in the field of water heaters have made great strides in recent years. All products meet European requirements and are offered to customers at an affordable cost.

The manufacturer uses an enamelled steel tank as the basis for its electric boilers. The magnesium anode effectively protects the surface of the inner walls from corrosion, and the ceramic heating element is reliably protected from scale by an enamel flask.

An excellent example is the Atlantic OPROP 100, with a volume of 100 liters, which will be enough for a whole family. This tank weighs only 22 kg and is designed for vertical installation. Otherwise, it is quite ordinary and is characterized only by a power of 1.5 kW. The main advantages of this device are in full compliance with the highest quality standards, the price of a boiler for heating 100 liters of water is only 9300 rubles.

Some models from the Atlantik company can be installed both horizontally and vertically

Some models from Atlantik company can be installed both horizontally and vertically

Characteristics and price of Drazice hot water boiler

Before deciding which boiler is better to buy for an apartment, it is also worth considering the offer of the Czech company Drazice, whose products are famous for their high degree of reliability, as well as unusual design. You can buy boilers for hot water from this manufacturer in a variety of volumes - from 5 to 2000 liters.

The efficiency of these devices is extremely high and can reach 85%, heating the liquid up to 95 ° C. So, even if the water heater is located quite far from the point of consumption, there will still be sufficient hot water supplied.

One of the most popular models - OKSE 500 S / 1 MPa, which is known for its high build quality, and at a fairly high cost (85-92 thousand rubles), is one of the most demanded.

Helpful advice!Many people wonder if there is enough hot water if you buy a 50 liter boiler. And here you need to understand that it all depends on the estimated expense. In general, it is better to buy a larger container, and although the price of a boiler for heating water of 50 liters will be economical, this may negatively affect your comfort.

The model of an electric water heater OKSE 500 S / 1 MPa from the manufacturer Drazice is considered one of the most popular due to its high build quality and long service life.

The model of the electric water heater OKSE 500 S / 1 MPa from the manufacturer Drazice is considered one of the most popular due to its high build quality and long service life.

Boilers Gorenje: quality water heaters made in Slovenia

Gorenje has built its reputation over the years and today its products are known all over the world. The assortment is diverse, and if you wish, you can choose a vertical or horizontal container of absolutely any volume.

But, despite the fact that most of the reviews characterize the products of this company on the positive side, there are users who claim that it was a mistake to buy a Gorenje GBF brand boiler for 80 liters.

Everyone decides for himself or herself to believe or not to believe such reviews, but in any case, the products occupy their own position in the modern market and are worthy of attention.

Helpful advice!One of the best ways to buy an electric boiler for heating water of really high quality is to first read the reviews of people who have been using this or that model for a fairly long time. This is how you can find out reliable information about all the nuances of operating a particular device.

The company of modern home appliances Gorenje offers customers a wide selection of storage boilers of various sizes and configurations.

The company of modern home appliances Gorenje offers customers a wide selection of storage boilers of different sizes and configurations.

Rules for draining water from a boiler: how to do it yourself

One of the most common questions that sooner or later arise from everyone who bought a storage water heater is how to drain the water from the boiler without resorting to the help of specialists. It's actually pretty easy to do.

But in what cases may such a procedure be required? Here are some good reasons to start draining the boiler immediately:

  • the air temperature in the room dropped below + 5 ° С. This is fraught with freezing of water directly in the pipes, which can lead to serious damage;
  • there is a need to clean the inside of the tank. Usually it is carried out 1-2 times a year, depending on the quality of the water in the pipeline.

The first thing you need to know is that you need to drain the water from the boiler carefully, without leaving any liquid residues in the container.

Before draining water from the boiler, make sure that the device is disconnected from the power supply

Before draining water from the boiler, make sure that the device is disconnected from the power supply

Helpful advice! In the recommendations for the operation of some devices, manufacturers indicate that about once a month it is necessary to partially drain the water from the tank in order to remove limescale.

In general, how exactly the water is drained from the container, each manufacturer indicates individually for their products, so the first thing to do is read the instructions for use. Then you need to disconnect it from the network and you can start disassembling in the way indicated by the manufacturer.

To make this procedure as safe and fast as possible, it is worthwhile to pay attention to several aspects again before draining the water:

  • the device must be disconnected from the network;
  • the water supply tap is closed;
  • the water in the tank is cold and does not pose any threat;
  • water from the boiler will not spill onto the floor.
Before draining water from the boiler, turn off the device for a day so that the water in the tank cools down

Before draining water from the boiler, turn off the device for a day so that the water in the tank cools down

How to drain water from a boiler: video instructions and subtleties of the procedure

To understand exactly how the procedure for draining the liquid occurs, it is useful to read the instructions, as well as watch the video. For example, having understood how to drain the water from the Ariston boiler, you can cope with many devices of a similar design.