The best storage water heaters 2021, reliability rating

Rating of the best storage electric water heaters in terms of quality and reliability in 2021. Today, a good storage water heater combines high reliability against leaks and corrosion of a tank made of stainless steel or ordinary steel with a high-quality enamel coating, at least two “dry” heating elements, a power of 1500 W and a thermal insulation thickness of 35 mm. When choosing, we took into account many points: price, brand reliability, experience of previous customers, place where the equipment will be installed, warranty period, degree of difficulty of maintenance, required volume of hot water. The rating includes both small 30-liter boilers, for example Electrolux EWH 30 Centurio IQ 2.0, and models with a 100-liter tank Stiebel Eltron PSH 150 Universal EL. When compiling this TOP, we took into account that each model has its own advantages and disadvantages.

How to choose a storage water heater

Which water heater is better, vertical or horizontal?

According to the principle of operation, horizontal and vertical water heaters are practically no different. However, due to the location of heating elements on the side, more active mixing of water occurs in horizontal boilers. To avoid getting warm water instead of hot water, which is not heated enough for comfortable use, you should use a nozzle on a tube with cold water. The disadvantages of horizontal models include higher heat losses than vertical water heaters.

Which is better, flat or round?

Boilers also differ in shape. You can find two varieties on sale - round and flat. The round shape is more traditional and is considered optimal in terms of technical characteristics - such a water heater loses less heat and allows you to keep the water hot longer. Its disadvantages include the difficulty of placement - boilers of this type are large in size and take up a lot of space.

Flat-shaped boilers consist of a pair of communicating cylindrical containers. They are distinguished by better separation of water of different temperatures, and also allow it to be heated faster. The disadvantages are the high complexity of the design and lower reliability due to the large number of welds.

What types of coverage are there?

Storage containers can be made of both corrosion-resistant metal and ordinary “black” steel. The service life of stainless steel is longer (10-12 years), but it costs the consumer much more. Cheaper material is prone to oxidation when in contact with water, so it is protected with a fine enamel or other rust-resistant coating. Its main types:

glass porcelain;
regular enamel;
high-quality enamel with special additives;
titanium enamel.

Many manufacturers use their own exclusive developments in the field of coatings and are constantly improving the corrosion protection of boilers.

REFERENCE. A magnesium anode is included in any good boiler. By drawing back the salts contained in the water, it protects the heating elements and the inner surface of the tank from scale formation and corrosion.

Which inner tank coating is better?

The best option is if the boiler tank is made of stainless steel. However, such water heaters are expensive and, to save money, you can purchase a water heater with a tank made of ordinary steel. To prevent contact with water from leading to corrosion and destruction, a special coating is applied to the metal.

Glass porcelain has good resistance to rust, but copes worse with temperature changes than other protective agents. Conventional waterproof paint is not sufficiently reliable protection, so it is practically not used. Based on enamels, boiler manufacturers create their own unique coatings, the service life of which can be up to 5 years. Special titanium enamel is the most reliable and can be successfully used for up to 7 years.

TERMEX tank coating

"Bioglass porcelain" is a unique technology. This is a coating that perfectly copes not only with rust, but also with thermal expansion and water hammer. It has excellent adhesion to the metal of the tank and does not peel off during operation. Bioglass porcelain is completely neutral to any chemicals. The coating was created in such a way that its coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to a similar parameter for the steel from which the tank is made. During thermal deformations, this allows materials to expand and contract at the same rate.

Ariston tank coating

To protect the metal tank, Ariston water heaters use a special coating - TitanShield. Titanium enamel provides excellent corrosion resistance. Titanium, which is part of it, is non-toxic and has a high degree of environmental safety. To make the coating as effective as possible, Ariston boilers additionally use a magnesium anode, which prevents scale from forming on the walls of the container and thereby protects the enamel from damage.

Coating ROYAL Clima

For the manufacture of ROYAL Clima tanks, stainless steel tanks with a high tungsten content are used - this makes it strong, durable, and rust-resistant. Containers are also made from ordinary steel. To protect them from the inside, a special DUO BIO GLASS coating is used. This is an exclusive development of the company, which is glass-ceramic enamel. To apply it to metal, the spraying method is used, which makes the coating uniform in thickness and avoids air bubbles getting between the enamel and the metal, thereby ensuring excellent adhesion of the coating to the steel.

What tank volume to choose

When choosing a water heater, the first thing you need to do is find out the amount of water that is needed to meet the needs of the people using the boiler. To calculate the volume of liquid consumed, you need to find out the flow rate of the shower head or faucet - you need to find out how much water they pass per unit of time. Economical shower heads consume about 5 l/min.

Next, you should calculate the amount of time each resident needs. It makes sense to take into account water procedures that follow one after another. So, for example, if two people take 20 and 25 minutes to wash, respectively, then t=45 minutes. If you need to wash the dishes immediately, let’s say it will take another 10 minutes, then you should take t=55 minutes.

The thermal coefficient is taken equal to 2.5. It allows you to take into account that water from the tank, with an average temperature of about 85ᵒC, should be diluted until the value drops to 55ᵒC. Thus, a maximally heated 50-liter boiler is capable of producing about 125 liters of water at a temperature comfortable for a person. The following formula is used:

V=Q*t/k, where

V – boiler volume;
k – thermal coefficient;
Q – water flow;
t – time spent.

Having obtained the value V as a result of the calculation, you should select the nearest larger water heater.

There is also a faster and simpler system for determining volume. It is believed that you should choose a boiler based on the calculation of 30 liters per person permanently residing in an apartment or house. According to this method, for two people you need to purchase a 60-liter water heater.

Storage water heater power

The heating rate directly depends on the power. The more productive the device, the faster its owner will receive hot water. When choosing a boiler based on power, you should remember the maximum currents that the electrical wiring can withstand. Good power: 1500 – 3000 W.

How many heating elements are better?

On average, from 2 to 6 heating elements are installed in a water heater. If there are many of them and they are all turned on at the same time, the temperature will rise faster. A small number of them will reduce energy costs. It is better to choose a water heater with at least 2 heating elements.

Which heating element is better, dry or wet?

Heating elements can be installed in two ways:

inside the tank - “wet” heating elements;
outside the tank there are “dry” heating elements.

Dry heating elements have no contact with water, which means there is no scale; such boilers are more durable and reliable. Their disadvantage is that they require a little more time and energy to heat up. Wet heating elements are in liquid, they are more economical, they heat better and faster, but they fail more often. For a long service life of the boiler, it is better to choose a dry heating element.

Heating element material

The heating element is a metal tube made of copper or stainless steel. Inside it there is a heating element in the form of nichrome or fechral wire, insulated from the body with a dielectric filler. A stainless steel heating element lasts longer, especially if it is also covered with glass ceramics. Copper heating elements last less, but they are cheaper to replace.

Thermal insulation thickness

The thermal insulation of most boilers is about 35 mm. However, there are deviations in both thickness and quality of the material. The better the tank retains heat, the less energy will be spent on reheating the water. Choose a water heater with thermal insulation of 35 mm or more.

Guarantee period

For different equipment from different manufacturers, the warranty period varies from 2 to 15 years. Its duration is an indirect sign of the reliability of the device and it is better to purchase equipment that has a longer warranty.

Control methods

To set the temperature, mechanical regulators can be used - rotary knobs, with the help of which the desired parameter value is set. Their design is simple, which ensures high reliability of the device. Another type of control devices is electronic systems. They allow you to set the temperature with great accuracy. The most advanced boilers use remote control via Wi-Fi using a smartphone or tablet.

What additional features would you like to have?

Additional parameters of water heaters:

In some models, the device can be mounted both vertically and horizontally, which helps to place the device in the most optimal way;
Availability of protective systems: against scale, against excess pressure, against “dry” heating, against short circuit, against overheating, against freezing, against water rotting and others;
An important option is setting the heating temperature, which makes it possible to quickly obtain water at a comfortable temperature, as well as save electricity and extend the service life of the boiler;

Some devices have a “smart heating” system with the ability to remember the habits of residents and always provide people with hot water on time. A popular option is remote control of the water heater.

Location method

According to the method of placement, storage water heaters are divided into 2 types:

Wall-mounted. Wall mounted. Models with a tank up to 50 l can be mounted on any type of wall. Larger devices (up to 200 l) should be installed only on solid walls.
Floor-standing. The current choice when you need a large tank volume or there is no possibility of wall mounting.

A large-volume wall-mounted model can be installed even in the absence of a solid wall. In this case, an additional frame is erected, for example, from steel corners. The frame serves as the basis for mounting the unit.

Which brand of storage water heater is better?

Judging by customer reviews, not all manufacturers can be trusted unreservedly. But the products of several brands that have proven themselves to be the best are in constant demand in Russia and abroad.

STIEBEL ELTRON (Germany) manufactures climate control equipment for industrial and domestic needs. Economical storage water heaters with tanks made of stainless steel or enamel coating will serve for a long time and without failure.
Electrolux (Sweden) also produces washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and other household appliances. The most popular water heaters from this company are easy to control thanks to built-in electronics. They are a little more expensive than their counterparts. But there are cheap boilers with more complex mechanical controls. Also, boilers from this manufacturer have a beautiful appearance. The bulls are made of stainless steel and some models are coated.
Thermex (Russia) produces only water heaters. The products of this company are in demand in many countries around the world.
Ariston (Italy) is part of the Indesit brand, producing heating boilers and water heaters and other household appliances. The boiler settings are electronic, but not fancy. The quality of the products is above average, and the prices are lower.
Zanussi (Italy) is a subsidiary of the Electrolux concern. Produces large household appliances (refrigerators, freezers, stoves, hoods, washing and drying machines, microwave ovens). The boilers of this company have earned high customer ratings.

Energy source type

There are 2 types of storage water heaters available for domestic use:

Electrical;
Gas.

The units have a similar design. The key difference is the heat exchanger heating technology. It is impossible to say unequivocally which storage water heater is better.

It is necessary to proceed from individual needs and the ability to connect a particular device. For example, in a gasified house, but with old electrical wiring, it is more advisable to install a gas appliance. If the house is not gasified, only an electric device will do.

The best storage water heaters up to 30 liters

The volume of hot water is enough for 1-2 people. Such boilers are purchased for installation in an apartment or on a summer cottage.

Electrolux EWH 30 Centurio IQ 2.0

Rating:5.0

Power: 2000 W
Tank volume: 30 l
Heating time: 72 min.
Maximum water temperature: 75 °C
Number of heating elements: 2
Dry heating element: yes
Internal coating: stainless steel

Average price: RUB 17,090

A small and inexpensive water heater differs from its analogues in its high efficiency. The delayed heating timer allows you to save energy by heating only when it is really needed. The device is easy to use - it is equipped with a display showing the current heating temperature. The boiler is universal - it can be mounted both vertically and horizontally.

The tank is made of strong and durable stainless steel;
Exclusive X-Heat technology is used using a system of dry heating elements;
Two heating elements are used for heating;
The temperature rises to the maximum value in just 72 minutes;
The warranty on the tank is 8 years.

Zanussi ZWH/S 30 Artendo DRY

Rating: 4.9

Power consumption: 2 kW (220 V)
Tank volume: 30 l
Number of water collection points: several points (pressure)
Inlet pressure: from 0.70 to 6 atm
Protection: from turning on without water, from overheating
Protective anode: magnesium

Average price: RUB 13,640

Electric water heater 30 liters for an apartment. The flat, stylish tank can be mounted on the wall horizontally or vertically. The main advantage is that it is a dry heating element and the inner stainless steel surface is protected from scale by a magnesium anode. The controls are mechanical and simple. Installed protection against overheating, against operation without water, RCD, non-return and safety valves make the equipment completely safe. The heating time to a maximum temperature of 75°C is a little more than 1 hour. High degree of protection against water – 4.

Sometimes there were difficulties during installation due to poor-quality fasteners included in the kit.

Enough volume for one person to take a shower.

Thermex Optima 30

Rating: 4.8

Power consumption: 2 kW (220 V)
Tank volume: 30 l
Number of water collection points: several points (pressure)
Inlet pressure: from 0.49 to 7.4 atm
Protection: from turning on without water, from overheating
Maximum water heating temperature: + 75°C

Average price: RUB 7,456

Of course, the TOP would not be complete without an inexpensive but high-quality water heater. The pleasant appearance of the tank will not spoil the interior. The controls are electronic and intuitive. There is a safety valve, RCD. Heats water quickly, about 40 minutes, cools slowly. Maximum temperature 75°C. Tank volume: 30 l

The internal coating of the tank is made of bioglass porcelain: a proven inexpensive coating with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. The heating element is copper, but with a special galvanic coating, so it will last longer than regular copper.

no protection against working without water;
no overheat protection.

Review: a workhorse for little money, ideal for a summer house or kitchen in an apartment.

What is a storage boiler?

A storage water heater is a tank with a heating element placed inside. The principle of its operation is similar to a thermos - water is heated to a temperature of 50 - 85 ° C.

Then the heating stops, but the equipment itself continues to store heat. As the water is consumed, cold water takes its place and heating begins again.

The photo of the storage water heater shows that it consists of:

internal tank with a volume of 10 to 20 l;
magnesium anode;
a tubular electric heater or an electric heating element;
temperature sensor;
thermostat;
safety valve;
layer of thermal insulation.

The best storage water heater from 100 liters

Stiebel Eltron PSH 150 Universal EL

Rating:5.0

Power: 3000 W
Tank volume: 150 l
Heating time: from 15 °C to 65 °C – 2.66 hours
Maximum water temperature: 85 °C
Number of heating elements: 2
Dry heating element: yes
Inner coating: enamel

Average price: 94,000 rub.

The water heater tank is made of high quality steel, 2 mm thick. A special anti-corrosion coating is applied to the inner surface. The enamel has excellent adhesion to the metal of the tank, which eliminates delamination - the entry of air or water between the coating and the steel.

Multi-level protection: button lock, overheat protection, safety valve;
There is frost protection;
“Dry” heating elements were used;
The design uses magnesium anodes, which provide additional effective protection against corrosion of the tank;
Three operating modes: automatic, adaptable - adjusted depending on consumption, optimal - with a gradual decrease in temperature to 60 ᵒC.

Electrolux EWH 100 Royal Flash Silver

Rating:4.9

Power: 2000 W
Tank volume: 100 l
Heating time: 234 min.
Maximum water temperature: 75 °C
Number of heating elements: 1
Dry heating element: yes
Internal coating: stainless steel

Average price: RUB 25,890

A universal device that can be installed both vertically and horizontally. The inner tank is made of corrosion-resistant steel. The total water heating time is 234 minutes, the heating temperature is 75°C. The device is equipped with both a mechanical regulator and an electronic control system.

Built-in Bacteria Stop System for antibacterial treatment;
If the ambient temperature drops below +4°C, the anti-freeze option is automatically activated;
Three heating modes with different power: 1.3; 1.7; 2 kW;
The high reliability of the device is confirmed by a long warranty on the tank - 8 years;
All necessary fastening elements are included in the kit.

Thermex IF 100 V (pro) Wi-Fi

Rating:4.8

Power: 2000 W
Tank volume: 100 l
Heating time: 157 min.
Maximum water temperature: 75 °C
Number of heating elements: 2
Dry heating element: no
Internal coating: stainless steel

Average price: RUB 23,990

A boiler with a flat body that provides fast heating, precise temperature adjustment through a digital control system with a touch panel, and display of water heater parameters using a special screen.

Wi-Fi Motion - the latest technology for controlling a water heater, allows you to remotely turn it on and off, as well as change the operating parameters of the device;
Four operating modes: simple, economical, turbo mode and frost protection;
The inner container is made of stainless steel using G.5 technology;
Adjustable power – 700-2000 W;
The self-diagnosis system issues a malfunction code, speeds up and simplifies work.

Ariston ABS VLS EVO QH 100

Rating:4.7

Power: 2500 W
Tank volume: 100 l
Maximum water temperature: 80 °C
Number of heating elements: 3
Dry heating element: no
Inner coating: electronic

Average price: RUB 25,800

The boiler differs from analogues in the presence of a reliable three-stage protection system with an automatic diagnostic system. Electronic control allows you to adjust the temperature with a high degree of accuracy - the current readings are displayed on the display. Two internal tanks allow you to implement the fast heating function and prepare half the volume of water in just 53 minutes.

Tank warranty – 5 years;
The kit includes a safety valve;
The innovative AG+ enamel coating provides first-class corrosion protection to the tank;
The device has three “wet” type heating elements;
Heating elements with a nickel-chrome heater and an anti-scale effect;
High strength of the tank - can withstand 16 atm.

Ballu BWH/S 100 Smart WiFi

Rating: 4.5

Power consumption: 2 kW (220 V)
Tank volume: 100 l
Number of water collection points: several points (pressure)
Maximum water heating temperature: + 75°C
Protection: from turning on without water, from overheating
Protective anode: magnesium

Average price: RUB 18,990

A stylish large boiler can be mounted vertically or horizontally on the wall. The kit includes good fasteners sufficient for installation. Buyers are satisfied with the presence of a temperature indicator, a timer, various protections against emergency situations, excellent thermal insulation, and a water disinfection mode. Heats a full tank of hot water in 3.8 hours. The inner coating of the tank is stainless steel.

Wet heating element installed

The possibility of remote control by telephone is especially noted. It is convenient, when leaving work or going to the country, to turn on the tank so that upon arrival you can immediately take a shower.

The warranty period is 8 years, which indicates good reliability.

When purchasing, be sure to check whether the kit includes a WIfi module; often they are not included with the water heater.

No one found any significant shortcomings, but they noted the lack of backlighting on the display and a self-diagnosis system.

The increased reliability of the tank does not negate regular preventive cleaning of scale and rust, and, if necessary, replacement of the anode and heating elements.

Volume of the tank

The higher the demand for hot water, the larger the boiler tank should be. It directly determines the volume of water that can be consumed in a specific period of time. When choosing a volume, you should take into account the number of users and the specifics of hot water consumption.

For a family of 4 people, a tank with a volume of 80 liters is usually sufficient if hot water is used only for showering.
If the boiler also heats water for washing dishes and other household needs, it is better to choose a model with a 120 liter tank.
There are various tables for determining the recommended volume depending on consumption patterns and the number of people.
But, it is always recommended to buy a model with a small margin. In addition, little energy is spent maintaining the set temperature of the “reserve” volume.

Case shape

Depending on the design, storage water heaters are classified into the following types:

Cylindrical. The most popular models. To make a tank, less materials and insulation are required, so such devices are usually cheaper.
Rectangular. The optimal choice for mounting in a corner or hiding behind a false wall.
Flat (slim). A flat storage water heater can be built into a niche of a suitable size and covered with finishing panels. A good choice for modern interiors. The main disadvantage is the relatively high price due to the more complex design.

Also, when choosing a model, you should consider power. The more powerful the device, the faster it heats the water. But, with increasing power, the requirements for the quality and cross-section of electrical wiring increase.

For domestic use, boilers of 2-2.5 kW are usually purchased.

Advantages

Storage water heaters may be suitable for you even if there is no centralized hot water supply in your home. What types do they come in, what volume and how are they arranged inside. When buying such equipment for your home, you need to think about all this.

Storage water heaters have a number of advantages, the main ones being energy consumption and the availability of warm water even when it is completely turned off. Personally, this often saved me on days when I woke up to find that the water had been temporarily turned off.

Storage boilers are divided into two categories. You can buy a gas or electric water heater. In terms of design, they have very few differences - the main thing is the heat exchanger, or rather the method of heating it. Both types have positive sides and negative points.

In a gas boiler, heating is carried out using gas - liquefied or natural. Such heaters can be found with a volume of 50 liters or more. The cameras in them differ only in format: closed and open.