Which gas water heater is better to buy?
The choice of heater depends on the number of water points that the boiler will serve and the required volume of hot water, taking into account the needs of the family. But there are a number of technical characteristics that you should also pay attention to when purchasing.
The power of the geyser determines how much hot water and to how many points it can supply:
- Up to 20 kW – one consumer, 11 l/min;
- From 21 to 25 kW – for two points, up to 15 l/min;
- From 26 to 31 kW – for three points, more than 16 l/min.
Combustion chamber type. Inexpensive models use open-type cameras. In them, the combustion of the flame is supported by air coming directly from the room, and combustion products are discharged through the chimney.
When choosing such equipment, you will need to organize fresh ventilation (or simply keep the kitchen window slightly open).
Closed-chamber water heaters use air from outside to support the flame. Soot and smoke are discharged there. You can install such speakers even in closed rooms without windows.
The geyser should be equipped to the maximum with all available security systems. At a minimum, it will need protection against overheating and automatic gas shutoff in the event of a lack of water or an extinguished burner.
You can learn about other parameters for choosing gas pumps from our article. Now let’s look at the best models of water heating equipment that have recently entered the market.
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Results
The rating of the best geysers for apartments lists devices in different price niches that deserve attention. Each of them is reliable and durable. However, the performance characteristics are different for everyone. When choosing, you need to take this into account. So, a family of two does not need a powerful device. Whereas for a large apartment inhabited by four to five people, you need a powerful device.
Close attention is paid to safety. All devices are necessarily equipped with a standard set of protective equipment, but additional ones will come in handy. An anti-freeze valve would be a good addition. It will significantly extend the life of the unit. Protection against dry switching and overheating will prevent emergency situations and device breakdown.
The best flow-through geysers with an open chamber
Water heaters with an open combustion chamber are installed in rooms with a chimney and good ventilation.
As a rule, these are the simplest speakers without automatic controls that do not need to be connected to electricity. However, among them there are also more advanced devices.
Mora Vega 10E – economical and reliable
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The dispensers from the Czech manufacturer are equipped with German Mertik fittings, which automatically maintains the flow temperature during pressure changes and heats the water even at a low pressure of 2.5 l/min.
The diameter of the heat exchanger tubes is 18 mm. But inside there are special turbulators that prevent the formation of scale on the inner walls.
Advantages:
- High efficiency (up to 92%);
- Smooth power regulation;
- Automatic temperature maintenance during pressure drops in the system;
- Low noise level;
- Fast heating.
Flaws:
- High price (about 20 thousand rubles).
The Mora Vega column is designed for one water intake point and can be installed in houses with low hot water consumption, where one or two people live.
READ ALSO
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Baxi Sig-2 14i – Italian quality
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
The column of the Italian brand produces about 14 liters of hot water per minute. The equipment is equipped with an LCD display that displays the current temperature.
The heat exchanger is made of copper and is additionally protected by an anti-corrosion coating. The water unit is made of brass, the burner is made of stainless steel. All materials used are designed for long service life.
Advantages:
- High quality heat exchanger;
- Convenient temperature control;
- Lights up even with low water pressure;
- Smooth adjustment of the burner flame.
Flaws:
- The temperature sensor sometimes lies.
Water dispensing from Baxi Sig can be organized for two taps at the same time (for example, a kitchen sink and a shower). However, the power of the column is hardly enough to produce enough hot water at both points. This model is suitable for a family of 2-3 people - no more.
READ ALSO
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Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte Glass – modern bright
4.3
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
The top panel of the Glass series speakers is made of heat-resistant glass ceramics with spectacular photo prints and an anti-vandal coating.
The manufacturer offers seven case design options: from Italian classics to dynamic high-tech. As for the technical parameters and operation of the water heater, here we can safely talk about the optimal combination of price and quality.
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Advantages:
- Low noise level;
- The design of the collector eliminates carbon monoxide leakage;
- Stylish design;
- Fast heating;
- Stable maintenance of the desired temperature.
Flaws:
- Uneven heating.
The column can be installed in a spacious bathroom with a window or in the kitchen, since it is designed for one water intake point. This model is suitable for singles and couples who live separately from children.
The best flow-through geysers with a closed chamber
Water heaters of this type do not use air from the room in which they are installed. They are connected to coaxial or separate chimneys led outside through the roof or wall. Such speakers can only work when connected to the mains.
Beretta Idrabagno ESI 17I – reliability and power
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
A reliable and safe column from an Italian manufacturer is equipped with a modeling valve that optimizes the operation of the heater depending on the flow and pressure of water. The equipment is adapted for use in Russia and has a built-in gas pressure stabilizer.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective;
- Fast heating thanks to a powerful heat exchanger;
- Possibility of heating up to 60 °C;
- Convenient temperature adjustment;
- The declared service life is 20 years.
Flaws:
- Impressive dimensions and considerable weight (18 kg);
- Price 22-28 thousand rubles.
Beretta will be able to provide hot water to three or four people, even if it needs to be distributed to 2-3 points.
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Roda JSD20-T1 – a practical speaker in a compact body
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The speaker of the German brand is distinguished by high build quality and good performance (85% efficiency). But its main feature is a modern multi-level security system.
The burner here is made of stainless steel, and the heat exchanger is made of electrolytic copper with a protective coating that prevents corrosion even with intensive use.
Advantages:
- Conveniently monitor the temperature on the LCD display;
- Coaxial chimney included;
- Ultra-thin body (140 mm);
- Stably maintains the set temperature;
- Operates at low gas and water pressure.
Flaws:
- Chimney of non-standard size (60/90).
The compact Roda JSD speaker can be installed in any small room. But keep in mind that it is designed to serve only one water point.
Neva 4510T - affordable domestic speaker
4.2
★★★★★
editorial assessment
75%
buyers recommend this product
The speaker from the Russian manufacturer receives a five-year warranty - subject to installation and service by certified specialists.
Inside it there is a high-quality copper heat exchanger, and the efficiency is 89%. The case is available in one of two colors: white or silver.
Advantages:
- Excellent value for money and quality;
- Digital display showing water temperature;
- Universal smoke removal system;
- Reliable water and gas unit;
- Fast heating.
Flaws:
- Some users have difficulty adjusting the temperature.
The Neva column is designed for one water collection point, so it makes sense to install it only in small private houses or apartments.
Common problems when using
Problems may arise when using a gas water heater.
Here are some problems that may arise when using a gas water heater:
- Overheating . It can happen for two reasons. The first is insufficient draft in the ventilation pipe. The second is weak water pressure. In case of overheating, the column turns off spontaneously after working for a short time. This occurs due to the fuse tripping.
- Failure of the piezoelectric element . With such a malfunction, the flame will not light up after pressing the ignition button.
- Violation of the integrity of the tank . Such a breakdown occurs on boiler water heaters and leads to water leakage.
All these faults can be corrected yourself. So, overheating can be dealt with by improving traction. Instead of a piezoelectric element, a regular match is used for ignition. And if the integrity of the boiler is damaged, the affected area is sealed with a heat-resistant sealant.
Expert opinion
Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich
There is another way to prevent the speaker from turning off when it overheats - removing the fuse from it. But let's say right away: he is dangerous. Additionally, if workers discover your device is missing a fuse, it may result in a fine.
The best pressure geysers
Columns for several consumers allow you to organize hot water not only in the kitchen, but also in the bathroom/shower.
However, when choosing such equipment, you need to remember that when you turn on the water at several points of analysis at once, the flow temperature will change briefly.
Mora Vega 16 – will last a long time
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
Another Czech speaker from Mora, but with better performance. Its heat exchanger is made of high-quality copper, coated with an aluminosilicate compound to protect against external corrosion, and the thickness of the tube walls is increased to 1 mm.
This equipment will last for at least 15 years without leaks or burnouts. Mora Vega maintains the set temperature with an accuracy of 2-3 °C.
Advantages:
- High efficiency (more than 90%);
- Fast heating;
- Low gas consumption;
- Reliable design;
- Multi-stage security system.
Flaws:
- Cost from 22 thousand rubles.
The column is designed for operation with good water pressure (from 4 l/min), but is capable of serving several water points at once.
Bosch WRD 13-2G – with auto-ignition from a hydrogenerator
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The water heater of a well-known brand belongs to the premium class and is designed for a fifteen-year service life.
The device comes into operation automatically thanks to the built-in hydrodynamic generator - from the moment water is supplied.
The column is equipped with an LCD display, which, in addition to temperature, can display error codes in case of equipment malfunction.
Advantages:
- Long service life;
- European quality components;
- Accurate temperature maintenance;
- Simplicity and ease of use;
- Does not require power supply.
Flaws:
- Noisy hydro generator;
- Low water pressure may cause malfunctions.
Bosch WRD is worth taking only if you always have good pressure in your system. The power of this speaker is enough for families with average water consumption or slightly higher.
Useful tips
Gas water heaters will operate efficiently and safely if they are installed correctly. Even if you have golden hands and can assemble, disassemble and repair any equipment, entrust the installation of gas equipment to specially trained people. Moreover, in any case, the gas water heater must be registered with the gas service.
When installing a dispenser, you should take into account that the gas pressure in each region is different, so specialists must adjust the gas valve, check and adjust other gas equipment. Don't skimp on safety.
And a few more recommendations from experts.
- Never turn on cold and hot water at the same time! The optimal temperature is set in advance; if the water is too hot, it is necessary to reduce the heating intensity. If you dilute it with cold water, the heat exchanger will quickly fail.
- It is advisable to turn off a column with piezo ignition at night, since it has a constantly burning “igniter”, which can lead to an emergency and also increase gas consumption.
- If you smell gas, immediately turn off the water heater, turn off the gas valve and call emergency services.
- You should not set the temperature above +55 °C, the water will be too hot for use, and the risk of scale formation in the heat exchanger will increase.
- Do you have hard water? Then you should pay attention to models that have protection against scale formation, or install a good multi-stage water filter. Otherwise, your geyser will not last long.
- It is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance regularly (once a year) - to clean the heat exchanger of accumulated scale, and the chimney of soot. To do this, it is best to contact the appropriate specialists and the gas service.
The best storage gas water heaters
These devices are similar in appearance to electric boilers, since they have a large reserve tank, under which a gas burner is installed.
Equipment of this type is usually quite bulky and requires dedicated space for installation.
Such a water heater cannot be placed in an apartment, but no problems will arise in a private house. And yet, compact drives of small volume are available on sale.
Baxi SAG3 100 – small volume, high performance
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
The Baxi water heater is designed for wall mounting, as its tank capacity is only 100 liters.
The equipment provides uninterrupted heating of water and allows parallel connection of several consumers. The storage tank is thermally insulated with polyurethane foam.
Advantages:
- High performance;
- Works even with low inlet pressure;
- Magnesium anodes protect the tank from corrosion;
- Cost-effective;
- Energy independence.
Flaws:
- Non-standard chimney with a diameter of 80 mm;
- Requires connection of an additional expansion tank.
The SAG3 heater is intended for use in residential buildings, as well as industrial and administrative buildings. It is suitable for those who use hot water little by little.
Ariston SGA 200R – with a large tank
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The Italian gas boiler for floor installation holds 195 liters of water. The estimated service life declared by the manufacturer is 10 years.
The design of this mega-column allows the connection of a drain and a recirculation line, and everything works autonomously.
Advantages:
- Does not require connection to the mains;
- Magnesium anode to protect the tank;
- PPU thermal insulation;
- Easy temperature adjustment;
- Quick ignition.
Flaws:
- The gas burner is very low.
Ariston SGA is intended for installation in private houses and cottages on 2-3 floors with several water collection points.
The best geysers with connection to bottled gas
In the absence of a centralized gas supply, dispensers running on liquefied gas are used to supply hot water.
Bosch WR10 - 2P23 - operates at minimum water pressure
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
All Bosch geysers can be converted by specialists to operate on liquefied natural gas - this will not affect the reliability of the equipment.
The copper heat exchanger is designed for fifteen years of operation, and all fittings of the water system are made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide and are not subject to corrosion.
Advantages:
- Stable operation at low pressure in the water supply (from 0.1 bar);
- Smooth temperature adjustment;
- Fast water heating;
- Quiet operation;
- Compact sizes.
Flaws:
- Only specialists can convert the dispenser to LNG.
WR10 is suitable for a summer cottage or housing in the outback where there is no centralized gas supply. But it is designed for low water consumption.
No. 7. Water and gas pressure
For each column, the data sheet specifies two main water pressure parameters: the minimum at which the unit will turn on, and the maximum - the pressure that the heat exchanger can withstand without losing its integrity. It is advisable to clarify all the parameters of your water supply network before choosing a gas water heater. For city apartments where water heaters are used (and these are mostly Khrushchev and Stalin buildings, i.e. old housing stock with worn-out communications), it is better to choose a unit that can operate with minimal water pressure . Therefore, pay attention to those devices that can heat water at a pressure of as low as 0.15 bar.
High pressure can be destructive to the column, and water hammer, alas, is not uncommon. Buy units that can withstand a short-term increase in network pressure up to 11-12 bar.
Also, do not forget to check what gas pressure the dispenser can operate with. In domestic gas pipelines, the gas pressure is lower than in European ones (13 mbar versus 20 mbar), so when buying a dispenser from a European manufacturer, you need to inquire for which market it was produced, and whether it has a gas reducer installed in order to maintain constant pressure.
