Glass ceramics vs stainless steel – which hob is better?

Changes occur in our lives every year. But despite progress, hot water supply in high-rise buildings is often intermittent. In addition, the quality of the coolant itself does not always meet the standards. Therefore, many practical people have long ago installed their own water heaters in their apartments. They provide hot water to all apartment residents in the required volume. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right equipment.

There are many recommendations for choosing this electrical equipment. The main selection parameter is its technical characteristics: power, performance, functional features. But besides this, you should pay attention to the material from which the inside of the tank is made.

How to choose the right inner lining for your water heater tank

Internal coating of a water heater tank - which is better?

Currently, manufacturers offer water heaters with 3 types of internal anti-corrosion coating:

• with titanium coating;
• stainless steel;
• from glass porcelain.

They reliably protect the container from corrosion processes. In other words, the lifespan of the device depends on the internal coating of the tank.

Which tank is better to choose a water heater with? These questions are often asked by buyers. It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this question. After all, each of them has its own pros and cons.

Options for coating water heater tanks with enamel or stainless steel

In city apartments, despite the rapid development of technology, problems often arise with the supply of hot water. And the coolant itself is far from being called high-quality. Taking this into account, many homeowners began to use storage water heaters, which are also called boilers. This is an electrical appliance that is gaining popularity every day. But in order for the equipment to last longer, you need to know how to choose it. The article will help you choose the internal coating of the water heater tank, which is better, and which is already obsolete. The service life of the boiler largely depends on this.

Enamel and glass ceramics: advantages and disadvantages

Today, buyers give their preference to water heaters with glass porcelain coating. Such equipment is characterized by a minimal price compared to others. So, the advantages of these units:

• Profitable price.
• Preventive work to remove contaminants (sediment) on enamel coatings is easy to eliminate. To do this, just use a good detergent.
• Enamel is an inert material that is resistant to various chemicals. For example, only aggressive compounds such as hydrofluoric acid can damage the structure of glass ceramics.

Boiler with enameled tank and magnesium anode

The disadvantages of such an internal coating of the container include:

• The equipment faces the problem of good adhesion between the coating and the metal of the tank.
• Ceramic coating differs significantly in the composition of the metal from which the boiler itself is made. Often, due to constant temperature changes, materials separate from each other. But the use of glass ceramics in the production of equipment practically eliminates this drawback.
• The composition of bulk enamel may include coloring pigments. The latter often contain arsenic and lead - substances harmful to the body. But it should be remembered that devices manufactured over the last 20 years with a glass-ceramic tank do not have such a drawback.
• Ceramics is a fairly fragile material. Sudden shocks can lead to destruction of the coating. But this indicator is not important for permanently installed water heaters.

Interesting! Enamel and glass porcelain are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. This often causes the formation of microcracks on the surface.

To avoid this, some users use equipment by setting its maximum water heating temperature to 600C. But experienced experts recommend increasing the water heating temperature to maximum at least once a month to prevent the development of harmful bacteria inside the container.

The manufacturer's warranty for water heaters with enamel coating is 1 year.

Enamel and glass ceramics

This material for heater tanks is more widespread, and some time ago stainless steel tanks were the exception rather than a choice. Let us consider in detail its advantages and disadvantages.

• The first and most important advantage is the lower price, since stainless steel is much more expensive.
• Enamel is practically inert to the effects of chemicals; for example, the coating of a glass-ceramic tank can only be damaged by extremely aggressive compounds, such as hydrofluoric acid or aqua regia.
• Operations to remove sediment from an enamel coating are much easier to carry out; a regular detergent is sufficient.

• The ceramic coating differs in composition from the metal of the tank, so it may peel off as a result of sudden temperature changes. However, modern formulations, not the old self-leveling enamel, but glass ceramics, reduce this disadvantage to nothing.
• The problem of normal adhesion of metal and coating has always arisen.
• Ceramic is more brittle than steel, so it can easily break from sudden shocks. However, for permanently mounted heaters this is not important.
• Self-leveling enamel may contain (especially as coloring pigments) harmful substances such as lead or arsenic. But here, too, it should be noted that water heaters with a glass-ceramic tank, created in the last 20-30 years, cannot have such a drawback (if they are not counterfeit) due to strict sanitary standards.

Enameled water heater design - Photo 05

• Nikolay - “The era of self-leveling enamel is gone. Modern water heaters with a wet coating are much better than the old ones. Glass enamel is superior to stainless steel and can be called a material of a new generation and the 21st century.”
• Grandfather Mazay - “Take stainless steel. In our country and with our water it is much better. Although the prices are higher. But it doesn’t require expensive maintenance.”
• IVANOV IVANOVICH - “Enamel is both cheaper and more durable. Why pay extra money for the taste of rust in a mug?

Stainless steel: advantages and disadvantages

Water heaters with an internal stainless steel coating belong to the category of expensive equipment. In principle, this affects their service life.

Stainless steel water heater

The advantages of boilers with this coating include:

• The coating is resistant to various shocks and damage compared to the above-mentioned model.
• Such water heaters are not afraid of temperature changes. If the equipment suddenly overheats due to the lack of liquid in it, it will not suffer. You will only need to replace the heating element and other parts that may fail due to high temperature.
• The service life of such boilers is longer than the models described above.
• The warranty period for containers with this coating varies from 7 to 10 years.

Disadvantages include:

• Stainless steel is characterized by its resistance to corrosion. But if a simple welding method was used, in this place the composition of the metal differs from the main one. The use of outdated technologies in the manufacture of equipment can cause oxidation on the seams. In addition, it should be remembered that all chemical reactions occur much faster at elevated temperatures.
• Many people remember the toxicity of iron, which comes into direct contact with water. But only divalent iron can have a negative impact on human health. Such a connection practically cannot be formed when steel comes into contact with water. In addition, examinations with ultra-precise instruments and methods did not show the presence of this element in large containers, except that the water itself could be its source.
• The price of equipment for heating water with a stainless steel coating significantly exceeds the cost of the models described above.

Plasma welding is used in the manufacture of a water heater tank

PORCELAIN GLASS TANKS

The main advantage is the affordable price. Manufacturers usually give such tanks a warranty of no more than a year. The fact is that the enamel will be destroyed by constant temperature changes, microcracks will appear inside, which will negatively affect the operation of the water heater. Many manufacturers additionally coat the inner surface of the tank with anti-corrosion compounds.

Some manufacturers use bioglass porcelain as the inner coating of the tank. This material does not rust and is not negatively affected by bacteria - they simply do not develop on its surface. The technology used to apply the bioglass porcelain coating is of great importance. The quality of the coating is checked using an ultrasonic scanning method, which allows you to identify bubbles and microcracks. It is impossible to carry out such a test on other types of enamel.

Storage water heater Thermex Hit 15 O (Pro)

What is the best water heater tank coating?

It is also worth remembering that ceramic-coated tanks are very sensitive to falls and impacts. If the water heater is mounted permanently, then this indicator can be ignored. If you decide to buy a tank with just such a coating, then you should also pay attention to the following parameters:

• choose equipment with a magnesium anode, which will reduce the activity of oxidation processes. This anode must be periodically replaced with a new one;
• During installation, you should take care to install a deep cleaning filter.

Such a tank must not be overheated, otherwise the coating will quickly crack and the water heater will fail. To prevent it from overheating, you should set the maximum temperature no higher than 60-70 degrees. Once a month, the tank should still be heated to the maximum temperature - this will prevent the development of harmful bacteria inside the tank. It is also necessary to periodically clean the tank from plaque and scale using regular detergents.

Titanium coated water heaters: advantages and disadvantages

Boilers with internal titanium coating are quite rare. They belong to a small class of devices. This lightweight and chemically resistant metal is applied electrostatically. As a result, the protective layer is highly resistant to corrosion processes and increases the strength of the equipment.

Due to the high adhesion and strength of the metal, the water heater can operate at high temperatures. This eliminates the risk of damage or peeling of the protective coating.

The weak point of the titanium coating is the welded joints. Corrosion often appears in these areas. And the cost of such equipment is quite high.

Boiler with two-layer titanium enamel

TITANIUM COATING

Finding water heaters with titanium coating is not so easy; they belong to the class of rare equipment. This is not surprising, because such tanks have an undoubted lead even over equipment coated with stainless steel.

The titanium coating will never rust, it is resistant to mechanical and chemical influences, and will not crack under constant temperature changes. Such a boiler can operate even at very high temperatures, and the coating will not crack or become unusable. Even if you turn on the equipment without water, the inner surface will retain all its qualities. If we talk about disadvantages, then there are them too. The fact is that rust can appear at the joints, so you need to constantly monitor the inner surface and clean the tank at least twice a year, or even more often.

Tips for using porcelain glass water heaters

Such water heaters are considered the most common. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to purchase expensive equipment. But with proper operation, you can achieve uninterrupted operation of the equipment over a long period.

1. You should give preference to models with a magnesium anode. Its presence greatly reduces the activity of oxidative processes, which negatively affect the performance of equipment.
2. It is necessary to periodically replace the magnesium anode.
3. A coarse filter must be installed at the water inlet. Grains of sand and other particles that get inside the boiler can damage the surface from the inside when heated.
4. Try not to overheat the tank. For domestic needs, water at a temperature of 50-600C is sufficient.

Preventive inspections and cleaning will extend the life of your device

1. The water heater must be cleaned 2 times a year. This procedure will significantly extend the life of your device. At the same time, plaque is removed from the walls and bottom of the container, the heating element is cleaned of scale, the wear of the magnesium anode is checked and then replaced if necessary.

In stores today there are various devices for heating water. They differ from each other not only in functionality, but also in the internal coating of the tank: stainless steel, glass ceramics, titanium coating. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. But regardless of the model you choose, you should remember that proper care is the key to long-term operation of the device.

Which water heater is better?

It is impossible to say unequivocally which is better. The final choice falls on the shoulders of the buyer. But you can help make the right choice by answering a number of questions:

1. For what purposes is the device needed? The displacement of the water heater depends on the answer to this question. Wash the dishes after lunch or take a shower after a run? Or perhaps both. The more tasks, the greater the volume. When choosing a large displacement, it is worth considering the water heating time.
2. Where is it planned to be used? In a house, apartment or country house. The type and choice of coating also depends on this. For example, for periodic use you can purchase an inexpensive, simple heater and it will last a long time. A device with a high-quality coating is more suitable for constant use.
3. How often are you planning to use it? During planned summer water outages or constantly? For washing, cleaning or for hygiene procedures for several people? Volume and quality also depend on this factor.
4. How many people are in the family and are there any children in the family? If a water heater is selected for constant use by a large family, a larger volume is accordingly needed. If there are small children in the family, hot water is needed constantly. Therefore, it makes sense to purchase a high-quality water heater from a well-known manufacturer with an extended service life.

When choosing a water heater, evaluate its weight: the heavier the device, the thicker the walls of the tank, which means it will last longer. Without exception, all water heaters need regular cleaning and maintenance, and timely change of magnesium anodes.

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