Electric instantaneous water heaters: TOP-12 popular water heaters + recommendations for customers

Alexey Dedyulin
Checked by a specialist: Alexey Dedyulin
Author: Mikhail Yashin
Last update: January 2020

In the absence of a centralized supply of hot water in apartments and houses, electric instantaneous water heaters are installed - they take up little space, quickly increase the temperature and are cheaper than storage water heaters.

Now there are many models from different manufacturers of household appliances, choosing which you need to focus on the technical parameters, since the principles of operation of all devices are the same.

In this article we will take a closer look at the 12 best water heaters, as well as give tips on choosing the right device.

Rating instantaneous electric heaters

A place
Product
Rating
A type
Productivity, l / min
Control
Price
Models up to 4.5 kW
#1
95
/ 100
non-pressure
2
mechanical
#2
92
/ 100
non-pressure
2
mechanical
#3
92
/ 100
pressure head
2.6
mechanical
#4
90
/ 100
non-pressure
1.9
mechanical
5 to 6 kW models
#1
94
/ 100
pressure head
2.8
electronic
#2
92
/ 100
non-pressure
3
mechanical
#3
90
/ 100
pressure head
3
mechanical
#4
90
/ 100
non-pressure
3.7
mechanical
Models from 8 kW
#1
95
/ 100
pressure head
5.7
electronic
#2
93
/ 100
pressure head
4.2
electronic
#3
92
/ 100
pressure head
5
electronic
#4
90
/ 100
pressure head
4.1
mechanical

Models up to 4.5 kW

#1

Thermex surf 3500

A simple electric heater is a good option for seasonal use.

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

The lightweight and compact instantaneous water heater of the Surf series features flexible installation options. Thermex Surf 3500 can be placed under or above the sink, as well as in any convenient place.

The water heater is designed for one service point, per minute the device is able to heat 2 liters of water to a temperature of + 25 ° C. With a low pressure, the temperature of the supplied water rises to + 35 ° С ... + 40 ° С.

Main parameters:

  • power - 3.5 kW;
  • productivity - 2 l / min;
  • temperature mode - heating up to + 40 ° С;
  • heating element - spiral stainless steel;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 14x20x7 cm;
  • weight - 1.3 kg;
  • in addition - inclusion indication, protection against an overheat / work without water, a shower nozzle in a set.

Users note the ease of installation, connection and use. Some lack a mechanical button on the case and the ability to flexibly adjust the water temperature. Before long-term storage, blow water out of the water heater.

Thermex Surf 3500 model is often chosen for backup water supply at the time of turning off the centralized hot water supply. Often the device is installed in a country house for seasonal use.

Advantages
  • Easy installation
  • Compact dimensions
  • Includes shower head and hose
  • Inclusion indication
  • Protection against overheating and switching on without water
disadvantages
  • Short power cord
  • No mechanical switch
#2

Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 3.5 TS

Hot-selling - fully equipped budget heater

Expert rating:
92
/ 100

This instantaneous electric water heater is usually used in the apartment for a shower or kitchen. Its capacity is not enough to serve two consumers at once, but it will cope with water heating for one point of water intake with a small amount of liquid passed through.

Main parameters:

  • power - 3.5 kW;
  • productivity - 2 l / min;
  • temperature mode - heating up to + 40 ° С;
  • heating element - copper TEN;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 27x14x10 cm;
  • weight - 1.5 kg;
  • in addition - indication of inclusion, protection against an overheat / work without water, in a set a shower nozzle / crane.

According to the build quality of Smartfix 2.0 3.5 TS, made in China, the device is no different from similar models at a price. When operating in the mode of 2-3 weeks of work per year during the period of seasonal preventive maintenance of heating systems, he will be able to work for a very long time.

Popularity to the unit was ensured by a low price tag - you can buy a water heater for 1700-2000 r. For the model to last a long time, you must follow the installation instructions. The device is not designed for operation under pressure - it cannot be placed in the water supply system to the mixer.

Advantages
  • Low cost
  • Complete shower head and faucet
  • There is a thermostat - 3 heating modes
  • 220 V mains operation
  • Attractive design
disadvantages
  • Short power cord
  • Illiterate installation risk
  • Low productivity
#3

Thermex Surf Plus 4500

Instantaneous pressure water heater - a solution for two water points

Expert rating:
92
/ 100

This model is characterized by good performance and the ability to connect to multiple water points. The design of the device is extremely simple, a 4.5 kW stainless steel spiral is responsible for heating the water.

Main parameters:

  • power - 4.5 kW;
  • productivity - 2.6 l / min when heated to + 25 ° C, 1.8 l / min at a water temperature of + 35 ° C;
  • temperature regime - depends on the pressure intensity;
  • heating element - stainless steel spiral;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 14x20x7 cm;
  • weight - 0.90 kg;
  • in addition - protection against an overheat, work without water, the inclusion indicator.

Devices Thermex Surf Plus has a compact size and lightweight design, which greatly simplifies its installation. The modest size allows you to install a water heater in narrow places where it is impossible to place large appliances.

Advantages
  • Maintenance of multiple water intake points
  • Compact dimensions and light weight
  • Quick installation - there is a mounting plate
  • Protection against overheating and switching on without water
disadvantages
  • No mechanical switch
  • No shower head included
#4

Timberk WHEL-3 OC

Low-power non-pressure heater for summer use

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

This is a fairly weak model of the Swedish brand made in China. A low-power instantaneous electric water heater is used either for the shower or for the kitchen. He cannot serve two points of analysis.

Main parameters:

  • power - 3.5 kW;
  • productivity - 1.9 l / min;
  • temperature regime - depends on the pressure intensity;
  • heating element - copper TEN;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 27x16x11 cm;
  • weight - 1.35 kg;
  • Additionally - a water filter, protection against overheating.

Like all economy-class products made in China, the WHEL-3 OC model is distinguished by simplicity and cheapness. A crane is included with the device. In addition, a reusable filter is installed in the water heater to purify water from impurities.

The manufacturer indicates that the unit is designed for operation in the summer, the water supply temperature should not be lower than + 16 ° С ... + 18 ° С.

Advantages
  • Affordable cost
  • Attractive design
  • Water purification filter
  • There is a mechanical temperature controller
  • Overheat protection provided
disadvantages
  • Inlet water temperature limitation - not less than 16-18 ° С
  • Complaints about tightness of connections

5 to 6 kW models

#1

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital 2.0

Practical electronically controlled water heater with LED display

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

In the first place is the mid-sized model of the famous Swedish brand. A device made in China can be used simultaneously for two or three points with low consumption, for example, for a shower and a kitchen faucet.

Main parameters:

  • power - 6 kW;
  • productivity - 2.8 l / min;
  • temperature mode - maximum heating up to + 50 ° C;
  • heating element - spiral-spring heating elements;
  • control method - electronic;
  • dimensions - 19x14x9 cm;
  • weight - 1.7 kg;
  • in addition - protection against an overheat, LED display.

The model has a top eyeliner. Electronic control allows you to set the temperature of the outlet water with an accuracy of 1 ° C. The interface includes a hidden LCD and touch buttons.

The device is quite expensive, which distinguishes it from analogues with a mechanical type of control. However, the accuracy of the set temperature, which does not depend on the parameters of the incoming water, is a significant advantage of this model.

Advantages
  • Connecting multiple water points
  • Temperature display
  • Indication of heating and inclusion
  • Scale protection - Pullsten technology
  • Convenient temperature adjustment
disadvantages
  • Short power cable
  • Complaints about failures in the automatic start
#2

Atmor Lotus 5 Souls

Water heater for servicing one point of water intake

Expert rating:
92
/ 100

The model of the Israeli brand has a good combination of value and power. With an average price of 1800 rubles, the water heater demonstrates good performance - 2.2-3 liters per minute.

A crane is included with the device, so its purpose is clear - one point of water intake.

Main parameters:

  • power - 5 kW;
  • productivity - 2.2-3 l / min;
  • temperature mode - 3 steps of heating power - 2/3/5 kW;
  • heating element - tubular heating elements;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 30x22x9 cm;
  • weight - 2 kg;
  • in addition - overheat protection, power switching, shower head, power-on indication.

The body of the device is made of inexpensive plastic, like all models of this price range. The mechanical push-button control includes individually or simultaneously heating elements of different capacities.

The water heater must be connected through the machine, the cable cross-section must be at least 2.5 square.

Advantages
  • Safety thermal relay
  • Attractive design
  • Power Adjustment - 3 Modes
  • Includes shower head
  • Reasonable cost
disadvantages
  • Maintenance of one water intake point
  • No cable with plug included
#3

Stiebel Eltron DHC 6

The heater from the German brand - reliability and high build quality

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

The representative of the premium class of equipment is a pressurized water heater from the German manufacturer of heat and power equipment Stiebel. The unit is able to provide several points of water intake with hot water at once.

Device control is hydraulic. The water heater turns on when the tap is opened, the degree of heating of the water is regulated by the mixer.

Main parameters:

  • power - 6 kW;
  • productivity - 3 l / min;
  • temperature mode - heating up to + 40 ° С;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 20x36x10 cm;
  • weight - 2.5 kg;
  • in addition - indication of inclusion / heating, protection against an overheat, pressure in a water supply system - to 10 atmospheres.

Operational safety is ensured by a double protection system. It includes an integrated temperature limiter and an emergency sensor.

The Stiebel Eltron DHC 6 model has shown good efficiency mainly when used as an additional, backup source of warm water, for example, during a shutdown of hot water supply.

Advantages
  • Ability to service multiple water points
  • Good build quality
  • Automated work
  • Indication of inclusion and heating
  • 3 year warranty
disadvantages
  • High price
  • No display and electronic controls
  • High power consumption
#4

Zanussi 3-logic 5.5 TS

Balance of performance and cost - an inexpensive device with three power modes

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

The model of the Italian brand is made in China. The water heater is equipped with a faucet, shower hose and watering can. This device is intended for use in the bathroom.

The unit has 2 heating elements with a total capacity of 5.5 kW. The design of the device is very simple. Wall mounting with horizontal housing is provided.

Main parameters:

  • power - 5.5 kW;
  • productivity - 3,7 l / min;
  • temperature mode - 3 levels of heating power;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 27x14x10 cm;
  • weight - 1.5 kg;
  • in addition - indication of inclusion / heating, protection against an overheat, the filter for water.

This device must be very carefully assembled and mounted to the wall. The plastic is rather fragile, and the conclusions with a turnkey bottleneck. The shower and faucet that come with the kit are cheap, but if you subtract their cost, then the price for the water heater itself will be very low even for a Chinese product.

Advantages
  • Affordable cost
  • There is a water filter
  • 3 power modes
  • Includes shower head and faucet
  • Compact dimensions and light weight
disadvantages
  • No wires and plugs included
  • Maintenance of one water intake point
  • Demanding on the location of the heater
  • Incorrect installation is likely to depressurize the flask

Models from 8 kW

#1

Thermex Topflow 10000

High-performance, efficient water heater with convenient control panel

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

A flowing pressure electric heater with a capacity of 10 kW is able to serve several points of water intake at once. For a minute, the water heater gives out 5.7 liters of water heated to + 35 ° C, if the outgoing temperature is + 10 ° C.

On the front panel there is a display with temperature indication, as well as touch buttons for choosing a heating mode. A stainless steel spiral heating element is installed in the unit.

Main parameters:

  • power - 10 kW;
  • productivity - 5.7 l / min;
  • temperature regime - increase in water temperature by + 25 ° ... + 35 ° C;
  • control method - electronic;
  • dimensions - 21x36x13 cm;
  • weight - 2.7 kg;
  • in addition - LED-display, heating temperature limitation, protection against operation without water, power-on indication.

To connect the water heater requires a cable cross-section of 6 square meters. mm, as well as the installation of RCDs. Electrical work is best entrusted to an electrician.

Advantages
  • Good performance - 5.7 l / min
  • Temperature display
  • Indication of inclusion and heating
  • Maintenance of several water points
  • Intuitive controls
disadvantages
  • Connection with a separate power cable
  • No hose, shower head or tap included
#2

Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active 2.0

Technological device with the option of self-diagnosis, LCD-display and a wide temperature range

Expert rating:
93
/ 100

Another powerful Chinese-made water heater designed to supply hot water to several consumers. It has an original design, LCD-display and electronic control, implemented using touch buttons.

Main parameters:

  • power - 8.8 kW;
  • productivity - 4,2 l / min;
  • temperature mode - outgoing temperature range + 30 ° С ... + 60 ° С;
  • control method - electronic;
  • dimensions - 23x37x9 cm;
  • weight - 2.5 kg;
  • Additionally - LED-display, power-on indication, self-diagnosis option, protection against overheating / operation without water, filter.

This unit does not have a power plug. This is due to the fact that the device is sold not only in Russia, but also in China and Europe, where the standards of the sockets differ. When buying, you need to consider this point.

Advantages
  • LCD display and touch control
  • Wide range of heating temperature
  • Water strainer
  • Self-diagnosis option
  • Multi Memory Technology - memorizing heating temperature
disadvantages
  • No power cable with plug
  • Plastic inner bulb - risk of cracking
  • The need for new wiring
#3

CLAGE CEX 9

Decent build quality and thoughtful functionality from a reputable manufacturer

Expert rating:
92
/ 100

The device produced by a German company is the most expensive in this rating. The high price tag is due to the build quality and implemented functionality. Electronic filling is quite sophisticated for a domestic water heater and can even provide parameter changes using the remote control.

The model is designed for several water points. Moreover, if it is installed, for example, in the bathroom, then to change the parameters of the water in another shower located separately, it is enough to use the control panel.

Main parameters:

  • power - 8.8 kW;
  • productivity - 5 l / min;
  • temperature mode - the range of water heating from + 20 ° С to + 55 ° С;
  • control method - electronic;
  • dimensions - 18x29x11 cm;
  • weight - 2.7 kg;
  • in addition - a display, a remote control, a self-diagnosis system, a water filter.

The device is equipped with three stainless steel spiral heaters. This led to high efficiency and the possibility of a quick response to changing user requests that relate to the temperature of the outgoing water.

This water heater is distinguished by the very good quality of the German assembly and the manufacturer's attention to detail. On the case there are special notches for marking the attachment points.

Includes a mounting card. There is a child lock mode. There is also a similar model Clage CEX 9U, which has a top eyeliner.

Advantages
  • LCD and electronic controls
  • Wide range of heating temperature
  • Remote control
  • Warranty - 3 years
  • Self Diagnostic System
disadvantages
  • High price
  • The remote control is not included in the basic package.
  • To connect, you need a cable with a cross section of 6 sq. Mm and a 40 A automatic
#4

Stiebel Eltron DHC 8

Stiebel pressure water heater - time-tested quality

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

The Eltron DHC 8 water heater demonstrates excellent performance and performance. The model has been present on the market for more than 10 years and during this time has established itself as a reliable device.

The case is laconic, rectangular, slightly curved. The main elements of the device are located inside the unit - a bulb with a heating element with an output of 8 kW. There are two indicator lights on the front of the building.

Main parameters:

  • power - 8 kW;
  • productivity - 4.1 l / min;
  • temperature mode - heating up to + 40 ° С;
  • control method - mechanical;
  • dimensions - 20x36x10 cm;
  • weight - 2.4 kg;
  • in addition - indication of heating / inclusion, protection against an overheat.

The degree of electrical safety of the device is IP24. The level of protection allows the heater to be operated in humid rooms (shower room, kitchen), where splashes of water can get on the device.

Advantages
  • Maintenance of multiple water intake points
  • Good build quality
  • Flask and heater made of copper
  • Indication of inclusion and heating
  • Warranty - 3 years
disadvantages
  • High price
  • High power consumption
  • No display and electronic controls

Possible power problems

First of all, of course, you need to determine the type of water heater for the autonomous production of hot water.

The flow-through electric variant differs from storage boiler following advantages:

  • Insignificant time for receiving hot water;
  • compactness and light weight;
  • lack of need for periodic maintenance (descaling);
  • lower price.

Storage water heaters have another significant advantage: lower instantaneous power and, as a result, lower requirements for network parameters. Therefore, first of all, you need to deal with the technical part of connecting the device to electricity.

As a rule, with installation of instantaneous water heater a separate electrical circuit is allocated for it. It is dangerous to power this appliance from the kitchen network, on which many powerful appliances are already operating, such as a refrigerator, an electric kettle or an oven. And the line going to the bathroom is usually designed for a maximum of a washing machine with a capacity of up to 2 kW.

Another nuance of the inclusion of instantaneous water heaters in the electric circuit is the mandatory grounding of the appliance, that is, the wiring must have three cores. Therefore, you need to be prepared not only for the installation of the device itself, but also for work on an additional electrical circuit or replacing the old wiring with cable with a large cross section.

Cable cross section table
There are standard tables from PUE on which it is necessary to choose a section of cables. The power of instantaneous water heaters is high, therefore this rule cannot be neglected

If you want to buy a device of more than 6 kW, you must also make sure that the power supply to the apartment or to the house is enough to service the instantaneous water heater.

In the event that a 380 V and 15 kW network enters the house, then the power in one phase will be 5 kW. In this case, when purchasing a instantaneous water heater operating from 220 V with a power of more than 5 kW, simply connecting it to one of the phases (between the phase conductor and the neutral) can not do.

In this case, you can purchase and install a balancing transformer (abbreviation - 3UI), but they are expensive. The second real option is to use an autonomous power source - a generator, but it will need to be launched every time. Although both of these options can be useful for other powerful electrical appliances operating from 220 V.

When powering the house from a network with a voltage of 380 V and the need for a powerful water heater, it is best to buy three-phase models such as Clage CDX 11-U or Evan-EPVN. They are rarely found in stores, but they can be purchased on order.

How to make a choice?

Many water heaters come with a shower, faucet and fixtures. These accessories have a cost and if they are not needed, then you can see similar models that will be cheaper.

Water heater with tap and shower
The shower head and faucet that come with the instantaneous water heater are standard in design and inexpensive

Also, some manufacturers produce models without a plug. They are designed to connect to the network directly, bypassing the outlet. Most often, this is done if you need to constantly use the device.

One of the most controversial parameters is heating performance and maximum temperature.Any heater in a unit of time at maximum power can generate a fixed amount of thermal energy. The volume of water flow depends on the pressure in the water supply.

Two conclusions follow from this:

  • the higher the initial temperature of cold water, the hotter the liquid will be at the outlet;
  • the smaller the volume of water let through, the more it will heat up in the water heater.

Neither legislation nor established traditions govern the parameters that affect performance and temperature.

For example, the Thermex Surf 3500 model at maximum power can provide a throughput of 2 l / min by heating water at 25 ° C. And if you need to increase the temperature by 35 ° C, the device is able to skip only 1.4 l / min. And with Electrolux NPX 6 Aquatronic Digital 2.0, the declared throughput is calculated based on an increase in fluid temperature by 30 ° C.

This creates confusion. One of the most common consumer complaints is that the purchased device does not meet their expectations regarding the temperature of the water heating.

Dependencies of parameters of water heaters DDH series
Table of power (kW), flow rate (l / min) and heating temperature (° C) dependences for instantaneous water heaters of the DDH line by Shtiebel Eltron

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of flowing water heater, it is necessary to adhere to a certain sequence of actions.

For example, for a device purchased in the bathroom, you need to do the following:

  1. Measure the temperature of cold water. It can be from + 18 ° C for apartment buildings in the summer, to + 8 ° C for cottages with a deep pump.
  2. Determine a comfortable temperature for yourself when taking a shower. Typically, this indicator is in the range of + 35 ° C to + 40 ° C.
  3. Calculate the temperature difference.
  4. Determine a sufficient volume of water emanating from a shower head in liters per minute. To do this, you need to conduct an experiment: detect one minute and draw water into a measuring container. Usually this indicator is 5-10 l / min and depends on the pressure of the water and the type of shower head.
  5. Choose a suitable water heater, focusing on the table of power, temperature difference and throughput.

To take a bath, you need to take into account that you need to collect water with a higher temperature (for example, 50 ° C) than that which is comfortable for the body. In the process of filling the bowl there will be heat loss associated with the heating of the metal and air.

You also need to pay attention to the weight of the device. It should be noted that the parameter given in the documentation determines the mass of the dry specimen. Here it is necessary to add the volume of tubes to be filled with water. This indicator is also in the technical description of the device.

Wall-mounted instantaneous water heater
The lower the weight of the water heater, the easier it is to mount it on the wall. For very light models, you can use double-sided mounting tape

Some expensive and powerful models support a remote control method based on a radio signal or wi-fi. This allows you to install the water heater in a hidden way and provides the ability to set the temperature of the water from different points of the house.

When buying, it is also important to pre-select the installation location and determine the type of hose connection - lower or upper. Typical for Russia is the bottom eyeliner, but many models also have modifications that allow top connection.

During installation, the most common mistake is to connect shutoff valves (taps) after the water heater. This leads to the appearance of excessive pressure in the housing of the device, as a result of which it can leak. This is especially true of models of the lower price segment, which were produced in China.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Installation and connection of instantaneous water heater. Double-sided tape wall mount:

For the right choice of instantaneous water heater, it is not necessary to have any specific knowledge.It is necessary to determine the number of points of analysis, the required water flow and the required temperature difference. You also need to make sure that the power supply can withstand the power of the purchased device. Each customer chooses the design and brand of the device based on their preferences.

And which model of water heater did you choose? What was guided by this and are you satisfied with your own acquisition? Please share your experience with those who have not yet chosen a water heater. Leave your comments in the box below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Michael

    In the summer in the country (when the water is already almost warm), such a heater has a right to exist. And so, a good shower needs at least 9-12 kW.

  2. Gennady

    We have constant problems with hot water, now I’m coming up with a way to solve them. From what the boiler has read, it looks more interesting, but there is absolutely no free space to put it, so, apparently, you will have to stop at a flowing water heater. It bothers me that they scare me with a subtle pressure on the Internet. It seems like if you succumb, the cool water will go. Do they have problems with pressure or is it bikes?

    • Expert
      Alexey Dedyulin
      Expert

      Yes, budget vendors have such a problem. How to wash under a full shower is unlikely to succeed. It is worth starting from the fact that a temperature protector will give you a temperature of about 40 degrees at half the usual pressure from the tap. If this is not a temporary solution for you, then it is better to buy a funded one.

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