Rating of TOP-16 electric instantaneous water heaters for apartments. Selection tips and review of reliable models

This issue can be solved by making living conditions in poorly equipped apartments or private houses much more comfortable by installing an electric water heater - a device that will allow you not to depend on a centralized supply.

To find a model that suits all parameters, you should familiarize yourself with the basic selection criteria and learn more about manufacturers, new products and popular devices.

Rating of the TOP 16 best electric instantaneous water heaters

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Positive and negative qualities of technology

An instantaneous water heater is ideal for an apartment; let’s look at its pros and cons.

Positive traits:

• hot water comes out of one tap;
• does not require large installation requirements;
• hot water arrives as quickly as possible;
• energy saving;
• heating allows you to disinfect incoming water;
• compact;
• efficient and reliable;
• does not require large expenses during operation;
• can be installed by hand.

Negative qualities:

• the amount of water (volume of incoming flow) may be limited in various places, which does not guarantee constant hot water, in these cases it is better to purchase water heaters with a storage system;
• on average, for normal use of hot water, a flow of an average of 4 to 10 liters per minute is required; the low power of the equipment will not allow such pressure to be obtained, which leads to a decrease in the frequency of use and speed control;
• powerful heaters or several equipment in one place significantly increase electricity costs;
• This technique is not suitable for premises where many people live (kindergartens, large families) - the water simply will not have time to heat up or the pressure will be too low;
• In practice, instantaneous water heaters cannot produce stable water temperatures.

The best manufacturers

When choosing an instantaneous water heater, experts advise giving preference to equipment from trusted brands whose equipment is famous for its durability and reliability.

Among the best manufacturers are the following companies:

1. Electrolux is a Swedish developer, one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional and household appliances.
2. Thermex is a commercial and industrial company specializing in the development of high quality water heating structures.
3. Stiebel is a German company that has been producing electric heating equipment for many years.
4. CLAGE is a well-known German company that produces quality products at affordable prices.
5. Zanussi is an Italian brand that specializes in the production of household appliances for a comfortable life.

The best instantaneous electric water heaters in the mid-price segment

Instantaneous water heaters in this category are equipped with a large number of functions that improve operation. This includes self-diagnosis, a digital display to display parameters and settings, electronic control and maintenance of the set temperature regardless of the characteristics of the incoming flow.

The internal system of the equipment is more durable and is designed to constantly maintain pressure, so the device can be mounted at the cold water inlet and heated at several sampling points at once. Models from this rating are optimal for permanent use in houses and apartments where there is no gas or instead of a centralized hot water supply.

Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active

Rating: 4.9

Flow-through model with a nice design. The heating element consumes 8.8 kW, providing heating of the flow to 60 degrees with a throughput of 4.2 liters per minute. Supplied with a plug into a socket. A bright display on a black background informs you about the current temperature of the liquid. There are touch buttons to adjust the values. If breakdowns occur, the electronics diagnoses itself and issues an error code - using the operating instructions, you can decipher it and understand what is faulty.

Reviews praise it for its uniform heating, in which changes are not felt at all. Our experts attribute this to highly sensitive electronics that monitor flow temperature and changes in water flow (determined by system pressure), and automatically adjust the power level to maintain the set value. This is the best choice for a private house on two floors.

Advantages

• touch buttons;
• bright display;
• covers the need for several points during simultaneous use;
• There is a separate flow control.

Flaws

• high price;
• the body is larger than other models, and you need to think about where to install it;
• a separate line and a 32 A circuit breaker at the input are required.

How to choose an instantaneous water heater for an apartment?

Having decided which devices from which companies are worth paying attention to, you can move on to analyzing the main technical characteristics of flow-through equipment.

Keep in mind! In order not to make a mistake, it is worth considering such parameters as:

• rated power consumption . A decisive criterion that influences the amount of water heated over a certain period of time. Models with a power of up to 6 kW are best installed in dachas, but for a house or apartment, the best option would be a device with a rating of 20 kW;
• performance. The choice depends on the specific purpose for which the structure is purchased. For example, a device with a rate of 4 l/min is suitable for taking a shower, but if the user wants to take a bath regularly, the required water flow rate is 8-10 l/min;
• heating element type. Tubular electric heater or heating coils. Heating elements take up more space, and scale forms faster on their surface, while the spiral elements remain clean due to high-frequency vibration;
• additional functions. In addition to the basic set of options, the device can be supplemented with a power-on and heating indication, a temperature limit program, and a programming function. A hard water protection system and remote control may be available;
• safety. The electrical appliance must be equipped with an overheating protection system. Working with such a device will not only be comfortable, but also absolutely safe;
• dimensions and weight of the structure. Despite the fact that water heaters are quite compact and easy to install, it is worth asking a consultant about these parameters. This will help you understand how best to install the structure.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

Despite the fact that Russian household appliance stores in 2020 offer a wide variety of models of instantaneous water heaters, in general such devices can be divided into 2 large groups:

• non-pressure devices that provide water heating only at one water intake point (or at two, located in close proximity to each other);
• pressure , equipped with an inlet for cold water and an outlet for hot water, which, using internal piping, can be directed to all points of consumption in the apartment.

As a rule, non-pressure devices are installed in close proximity to the hot water outlet (this can be a faucet in the kitchen, bathroom or shower head), while pressure devices are mounted in the water supply riser.

Popular models

Note! An informative review and rating of popular models will help you understand the advantages, disadvantages and features of modern electric instantaneous water heaters.

All proposed devices are reliable, easy to control and have a high level of security - an ideal solution for the home.

Low output up to 3 liters per minute

Models of water heaters with modest performance indicators are a good solution for kitchen needs.

With such a device it will be convenient to wash hands, but taking a shower will be extremely uncomfortable for the user.

Rating of the TOP 3 best models of small productivity according to customer reviews and ratings.

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital 2.0

Electric water heater with high technical performance, characterized by a long service life.

A device that perfectly combines compactness, high performance and efficiency.

For convenient visual control and independent temperature adjustment, the device is equipped with an informative display and touch buttons.

Overheating protection is provided by a special thermostat.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 5.7 kW;
• productivity – 2.8 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +50 °C;
• weight – 1.67 kg;
• Dimensions – 19.1×14.1×9.5 cm.

Advantages

• convenient temperature setting;
• high degree of protection against water;
• heating and switching indication;
• heating temperature limitation;
• acceptable cost of the model.

Flaws

• plastic flow restrictor insert;
• inability to use several points simultaneously;
• cable is not long enough.

Thermex Balance 6000

A classic device that does not require special skills to operate effectively.

A unit with a built-in spiral heating element that can operate efficiently even with low water pressure.

The equipment has compact dimensions and an elegant appearance, which allows it to be installed in any convenient place.

The electrical appliance turns on and off automatically.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 6 kW;
• productivity – 2.5 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +50 °C;
• weight – 1.4 kg;
• Dimensions – 19×15.7×9.8 cm.

Advantages

• unobtrusive design;
• stainless steel heating element;
• elementary control system;
• several water points;
• system of protection against switching on without water.

Flaws

• inconvenient assembly of the structure;
• work with an increased level of sound;
• easily soiled white body.

Stiebel Eltron IS 60 E

A worthy model from the mid-price line, guaranteeing fast and uniform heating of water.

Highly efficient instantaneous water heater, presented by a proven German company.

The device has a long warranty period and can serve without the slightest failures or breakdowns for many years.

Installation will not require much effort on the part of the owner - you can install the structure yourself.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 6 kW;
• productivity – 2 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +50 °C;
• weight – 2 kg;
• dimensions – 21x35x9.6 cm.

Advantages

• long warranty and operational period;
• high level of security;
• the model provides a power-on indication;
• intuitive control system;
• The set includes a shower head.

Flaws

• only one water point;
• you will have to buy a separate cable;
• the price is a little high.

Average productivity from 4 to 10 liters per minute

Medium performance devices are good for installing in the kitchen or bathroom.

It is worth noting! The electrical appliance will produce a fairly powerful jet, however, the unit will not be suitable for those who like to take a bath, but it will be just right for a shower.

The best models with average productivity from 4 to 10 liters per minute in terms of price and quality.

Stiebel Eltron DDH 8

Powerful device with built-in overheating protection for absolute user safety.

A pressure-type model, which is a miniature structure for supplying hot water to several water distribution points.

The unit is easily mounted in a vertical position, so there should be no problems with its installation.

The manufacturer also took care of safety - the device provides automatic protection against overheating.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 8 kW;
• productivity – 4.3 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +60 °C;
• weight – 1.9 kg;
• Dimensions – 22×27.4×9.5 cm.

Advantages

• convenient wall mounting method;
• automatic overheat protection;
• sophisticated design;
• instant heating of running water;
• three power adjustment options.

Flaws

• poor equipment;
• the cost is slightly higher than similar models;
• bends for connecting to water supply made of plastic.

Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active 2.0

An innovative development with which you don’t have to worry about the problem of heating water at all.

A device with a simplified electronic control system, equipped with a high-power spiral heating element made of stainless steel.

The design automatically maintains constant water heating.

Thanks to this, the user will be able to carry out water procedures at any time convenient for him.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 8.8 kW;
• productivity – 4.2 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +60 °C;
• weight – 2.5 kg;
• dimensions – 22.6x37x8.8 cm.

Advantages

• informative instruction manual;
• long warranty period;
• ease of management and maintenance;
• presentable appearance;
• high heating rate.

Flaws

• many plastic elements;
• easily contaminated housing;
• poorly thought out package.

CLAGE CEX 9

Compact design, the power of which will be quite enough to provide hot water in large volumes.

Decent equipment that stands out among the variety of models on the modern market with increased productivity and build quality.

A special feature of the model is the possibility of remote control - a small remote control is included with the device especially for this purpose.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 8.8 kW;
• productivity – 5 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +55 °C;
• weight – 2.7 kg;
• Dimensions – 18×29.4×11 cm.

Advantages

• well thought out equipment;
• stainless steel heating element;
• possibility of temperature blocking;
• possibility of remote control;
• stylish design.

Flaws

• complex equipment setup;
• questions for the instruction manual;
• duration of the warranty period.

Electrolux NPX 12-18 Sensomatic Pro

An easy-to-use electrical appliance equipped with everything necessary to instantly heat water.

An electric water heater with simple touch controls, which is suitable for installation in a private home, city apartment, office or cottage.

The device is capable of providing several water collection points, maintaining the heating temperature within 30-60 degrees.

Thanks to the presence of a protective thermostat, overheating of the device is impossible.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 18 kW;
• productivity – 8.6 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +60 °C;
• weight – 4.4 kg;
• dimensions – 22.6x47x9.5 cm.

Advantages

• intelligent control system;
• absolute safety of use;
• wide functionality;
• the presence of a children's regime;
• water filter element included.

Flaws

• dimensions and weight of the structure;
• Installation may require professional assistance;
• noisy operation of the device.

Large capacity from 10 liters per minute

You should know! Powerful water heating equipment is the best solution for a large family.

The device can easily handle heating a large amount of water, doing it in a matter of seconds.

The device will be a good assistant both in the kitchen and in the bathroom - quickly, comfortably and extremely simply.

Thermex Topflow Pro 21000

High-performance equipment that will be an excellent solution for your home.

Instantaneous electric water heater with high power and heating speed.

The unit has several water collection points, a simple electronic control system and can automatically maintain the set temperature.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 21 kW;
• productivity – 11.8 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +60 °C;
• weight – 4.5 kg;
• Dimensions – 25.5×47.2×11.5 cm.

Advantages

• versatility of use;
• pleasant appearance;
• heating temperature limitation;
• high degree of protection against water;
• high performance.

Flaws

• impressive dimensions and heavy weight;
• inconveniently located wire entrance;
• overcharge.

Stiebel Eltron PEY 18/21/24

A well-designed device that guarantees high comfort of use.

A premium new product with microprocessor control, a sophisticated security system and a high-power spiral heating element.

The device is equipped with two modes: “eco” and “contrast shower”, and also has an automatic shut-off function.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 24 kW;
• productivity – 12.3 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +60 °C;
• weight – 3.6 kg;
• Dimensions – 22.6×48.5×9.3 cm.

Advantages

• presence of a remote control included;
• automatic overheat protection system;
• long warranty period;
• pre-installed self-diagnosis system;
• simple design.

Flaws

• dimensions of the structure;
• work with increased sound power levels;
• equipment.

Electrolux NPX 18-24 Sensomatic Pro

A universal device with touch control that stands out for its high performance.

A water heater with an intelligent control system that automatically responds to all basic operating parameters and maintains the optimal water heating temperature.

The device is equipped with a spiral heating element, completely isolated from water.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 24 kW;
• productivity – 11.5 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +60 °C;
• weight – 4.4 kg;
• dimensions – 22.6x47x9.5 cm.

Advantages

• Possibility of use in children's mode;
• simple wall mounting method;
• water filter element included;
• ability to program individual temperature;
• reliable protection against overheating.

Flaws

• sensor is too sensitive;
• easily contaminated housing;
• meager equipment.

Pressure models (for several water points)

Reference! A pressure instantaneous water heater is a small volume storage tank operating under water supply pressure, equipped with an inlet and an outlet.

The unit is capable of supplying hot water to several taps simultaneously (washbasin, bathroom, kitchen). Additional nozzles are not provided in the design.

CLAGE CEX 11/13

An ultra-modern three-phase device for quickly heating water, perfect for a family of four.

Pressure model with a repairable spiral heating element, designed for wall mounting.

The unit belongs to energy efficiency class A, which means that the user will not have to overpay.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 13.5 kW;
• productivity – 7 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +60 °C;
• weight – 2.7 kg;
• Dimensions – 18×29.4×11 cm.

Advantages

• stainless steel heating element;
• possibility of remote control;
• unobtrusive design;
• self-diagnosis function;
• presence of a thermometer.

Flaws

• display without backlight;
• the need to carefully study the instructions;
• complex installation.

Stiebel Eltron HDB-E 12 Si

An improved model characterized by a high degree of resistance to various external factors.

A pressure-type electric water heater with the ability to simultaneously supply several points of consumption.

The unit is powered by a three-phase network, has a simple electronic control system and a connection located at the bottom.

Reliability, high quality, safety – everything for comfortable operation.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 11 kW;
• productivity – 5.4 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +55 °C;
• weight – 3.6 kg;
• dimensions – 22.5x47x11.7 cm.

Advantages

• convenient vertical installation;
• several water points;
• presentable design;
• reasonable cost of the device;
• Detailed instructions included.

Flaws

• the snow-white body quickly becomes dirty;
• Noisy operation of an electrical appliance.

Electrolux NPX4 Aquatronic Digital 2.0

A reliable device that effectively combines high performance, power and ergonomics.

A simplified model with reliable overheating protection, a heating temperature limitation function and a small display.

The model contains spiral elements made of stainless steel - they have a long service life.

Included with the device, the buyer will find a set of fastening elements.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 4 kW;
• productivity – 2 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +50 °C;
• weight – 1.69 kg;
• Dimensions – 19.1×14.1×8.5 cm.

Advantages

• reasonable price;
• stable and silent operation;
• compact and ultra-ergonomic;
• no need for special maintenance;
• easy installation of the structure.

Flaws

• quite long water heating;
• low bandwidth;
• complex setup of an electrical appliance.

With faucet and shower head

Models with a built-in shower and tap.

Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 3.5 TS

A well-thought-out model, which is one of the best-selling on the domestic market.

A nice device from the budget line for one water collection point, equipped with a mechanical control system.

If necessary, the device can be connected to a stationary device, which will be an excellent solution during a hot water outage.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 3.5 kW;
• productivity – 2 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +50 °C;
• weight – 1.5 kg;
• Dimensions – 27×13.5×10 cm.

Advantages

• optimal power and performance indicators;
• conciseness and elegance;
• economical energy consumption;
• automatic shutdown function;
• convenience and ease of use.

Flaws

• The kit does not include a cord with a plug;
• flimsy crane design;
• delicate plastic body.

Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 TS (shower+faucet)

Decent equipment at an affordable price, with high technical characteristics.

The unit has a highly reliable copper heating element, a water filter element, and a mechanical control system.

On the body of the electrical appliance there is an indication of switching on and heating, which simplifies the process of use.

In addition to the main device, the package includes a faucet and a shower head.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 3.5 kW;
• productivity – 3.7 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +40 °C;
• weight – 1.5 kg;
• Dimensions – 27×13.5×10 cm.

Advantages

• simple horizontal installation;
• compactness and light weight;
• presence of a heating temperature limitation function;
• connection to a standard outlet;
• extended equipment.

Flaws

• work with high noise levels;
• short wire for connecting the device;
• unfinished switch valve.

Timberk WHEL-3 OSC

A presentable device whose functionality will pleasantly surprise even experienced users.

A model designed specifically for comfortable use in the summer, which will be appreciated by people who prefer to spend time in the country.

The unit comes in an extended configuration, so there is no need to purchase additional structural elements.

Specifications:

• power consumption – 3.5 kW;
• productivity – 1.9 l/min;
• maximum heating temperature – +85 °C;
• weight – 1.35 kg;
• Dimensions – 27.2×15.9×11.2 cm.

Advantages

• mounting hardware and shower head included;
• presence of a filter in the sealing ring;
• convenient connection to a standard outlet;
• almost silent operation;
• fast heating of water.

Flaws

• there is no power-on indication;
• wire of insufficient length;
• there is no adjustment valve.

Basic criteria for choosing an instantaneous water heater

Before you correctly select a good instantaneous water heater, you need to carefully study what you should pay attention to when choosing it. The main selection parameters are: power, performance, device dimensions and coating of heating elements.

Volume of the tank

All types of water heaters have a built-in tank. In storage-type equipment, a tank is used to store and maintain the required heating temperature.

Flow-type electric heaters are also equipped with a miniature tank, which is used not for reserve, but for quickly heating the water flowing through it. The volume of such a tank is determined only by the number and size of the heating elements.

The tank is needed to quickly heat up the water

Power calculation

It is quite simple to independently calculate the required power of an instantaneous electric water heater, using a special formula and water consumption table.

Power calculation formula

P=Q*(t1 —t2)*0.073 where:

• P is the required power of the heating element W;
• Q—water flow l/min;
• t1 — outlet water temperature;
• t2 — inlet water temperature;
• 0.073 is the correction factor.

Example. For one kitchen sink you will need an electric water heater with the power of heating elements: 3 l * (45 ° C -10 ° C) * 0.075 = 7.88 kW.

Performance calculation

The optimal performance of an instantaneous electric water heater can be determined using the formula: V = 14.3 • W/(t2 - t1), where:

• V is the volume of heated water l/min;
• W—power of heating elements kW;
• t2 — outlet water temperature °C;
• t1 is the inlet water temperature °C.

Example. We use the power value we obtained, as well as the original temperature data. For one kitchen sink you will need an electric water heater with the following capacity:

14.3*7.88/(45-10)=3.22 l/min.

The calculation made completely confirms the data presented in the table.

Internal coating of heating elements and body material

The heating element is the most important element of any instantaneous electric water heater. In order for a household appliance to serve its owner for many years, you need to pay attention to models with a heating element protected from corrosion. Choose devices whose heating elements are covered with an anodized or copper shell. The best, but far from budget option, would be models equipped with tubular ceramic heating elements.

The heater body is exposed to high temperatures and water, so you should also pay close attention to the materials from which it is made:

1. An enameled case is considered the best option, since such material perfectly withstands temperature changes and exposure to aggressive substances;
2. The copper anodized body looks impressive and quite expensive. Copper tolerates sudden temperature changes well, but has low abrasion resistance.

Enameled body Anodized copper body

For information! The most budget option would be to choose a plastic case. Plastic has sufficient strength and is easy to care for. The disadvantage of polymer materials is their low resistance to mechanical stress.

Dimensions

When choosing a flow-type water heater, you should pay attention to the dimensions of the model. In principle, such devices are quite compact and can be easily mounted on a wall or under a sink.

Non-pressure models, as a rule, are more compact due to the smaller power (read dimensions) of the heating elements and the size of the internal tank.

Such devices are equipped with a shower head or a water intake “gander”, which also occupy a certain place in the space.

conclusions

When you decide to purchase an electric instantaneous water heater for home use, you should listen to the recommendations of experts and remember a few important points:

• the basic criteria for choosing equipment are the rated power consumption, performance and type of heating element - it can be tubular or spiral;
• increased attention should be paid to the protection system - ideally, the unit should be equipped with overheating protection, which will significantly increase the level of safety;
• also to take into account the maximum temperature of water heating and the presence of additional functions - they will increase the cost of the device, but it will be much more convenient to use;
• Additionally, it is worth asking your consultant for information about the dimensions and weight of the structure, as well as the possibility of remote control using a remote control or smartphone ;
• The optimal solution for your home would be a unit from a trusted manufacturer of household appliances, the power of which will be sufficient for both washing your hands and taking a shower.

The best instantaneous electric water heaters in the budget segment

Electric instantaneous water heaters in this category are characterized by simple equipment. They have few protective functions and are often free-flowing, i.e., another tap must be installed in front of them in the system to shut off the water supply during equipment downtime. The internal parts of the device are not designed to hold pressure, but only to allow flow.

In most cases, they can only connect to one tapping point in the kitchen or bathroom. But the affordable price covers these nuances. Models from the rating in the category of budget instantaneous water heaters will be useful in the country or for temporary use in an apartment.

Thermex Stream 500

Rating: 4.8

A beautiful vertical instantaneous water heater with a total power of 5 kW and three-stage adjustment via 2 toggle switches. The first starts the device at 30% of its power, the second at 60%, and both turned on at 100%. Compact dimensions 160x260x95 mm can be easily placed above the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. Manufacturers produce its body in white or silver, which is convenient for combining with the interior. The kit includes everything you need for use: faucet, hose and shower head. There is a ½ inch pipe at the bottom for connection. But you will need to install a shut-off valve in front of the equipment, since the model is non-pressure.

We added the water heater to the rating due to numerous customer reviews reporting the reliability of the device. For most, it works for 5 years and only needs periodic descaling with citric acid.

Advantages

• will heat water up to 60 degrees at any time of the year;
• step adjustment;
• everything needed for washing included;
• metal pipes for connection.

Flaws

• a power of 5 kW will require laying a separate power line;
• only for one sampling point;
• it warms noticeably only when the power is turned on at 60-100%;
• The housing leaks if you forget to turn off the tap on the water heater.