The best water heaters
Water Heaters – Buying Guide and Comparison in 2022
Having a water heater in your home can be a great help, especially on cold days. The selection requires a previous search for models and verification of their main specifications, taking into account that the market has a high offer of this type of device. Among the two recommended products that we want to present to you, is AEG 222399, provided with high-end power and capable of offering low energy consumption. Its intuitive operation will allow you to adjust the temperature and monitor it at all times due to the incorporation of a practical control panel with a screen. Another model that stands out for its adequate performance is Ariston Blu Control X, a gas heater that offers Low NOx technology to reduce the production of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere, which minimizes damage to the ecosystem. In addition, it offers energy efficiency A to promote resource savings.
Opinions on the best water heaters
For those who want to acquire a water heater, they must remember that it is a product with a high level of demand, which has great massification in the market under the manufacturing seal of multiple brands. So if you are looking for a piece of equipment of this type, it would be good for you to review the following section in which we present some purchase recommendations.
Electric water heater
AEG 222399
It is an electric water heater with a vertical design in white. Its casing has a format with a width, height, depth corresponding to 48.5 x 22.6 x 9.3 centimeters and a weight of 3.8 kilograms, being a fairly compact and comfortable equipment when installing it.
On the front, there is a small LCD screen with large digits and backlighting, as well as a small switch with a built-in thermostat that is easy to handle. Both accessories have been designed so that you can monitor the temperature acquired between 30 and 60 °C with just a glance.
We cannot fail to mention that the work force of this electric water heater was set at 27000 watts, with AC input for 380 volts and a low noise level of 15 decibels. Likewise, it highlights its energy efficiency of classification A with consumption of 39%, which is equivalent to approximately 481 kilowatts annually.
If you are looking for an equipment with a compact body and efficient operation when heating water, then this model is an alternative that you should not fail to evaluate.
Pros
Power: This model stands out among its competitors for having a high-end power of 27,000 watts.
Dimensions: The case has a compact format of 48.5 x 22.6 x 9.3 centimeters.
Noise: The noise of the equipment will go unnoticed, since it only reaches 15 decibels.
Screen: The equipment integrates a small LCD screen with backlight, so you can monitor the temperature.
Cons
Instruction manual: The instruction manual does not have a translation into Spanish, causing limitations for some people.
Stiebel Eltron DHB21ST
DHB21ST is an electric water heater developed and marketed by Stiebel Eltron. It is a product with great positioning in the market, since it has quality attributes in its preparation and operation.
The design of the white casing is elegant and minimalist, also offering dimensions of 47 x 22.5 x 11 centimeters with respect to its width, length and depth. In addition, it has a fairly light weight of only 3.6 kilograms. The operation method is quick and easy, so you only need to plug in the power cable and turn the front switch.
Regarding the power of this electric water heater, we have that the manufacturer had a work force of 21,000 watts, adjustable to three different temperatures, reaching a maximum of 55 °C. The current input is equivalent to 400 volts, with a frequency that can range from 50 to 60 Hz.
This model has a vertical design in white with a fairly light weight, which will facilitate its handling and assembly. In addition, its operation is intuitive.
Pros
Dimensions: With a format of 47 x 22.5 x 11 centimeters you will find this model of heaters, promoted as one of compact size.
Power: The working force offered by the water heater is a hefty 21000 watts.
Temperature: The temperature can be adjusted to three levels, with 55 °C being the maximum acquired.
Weight: The structure has a weight of 3.6 kilograms, which is a fairly light specification to handle.
Cons
Screen: The absence of a screen next to the control panel has been commented on as a small disadvantage.
gas water heater
Ariston Blu Control X
It is a gas water heater that allows you to obtain domestic hot water (DHW) in different spaces of your home. In this sense, it is available in presentations of 11 and 14 liters and you can get it in butane and natural gas versions, which allows you to choose according to the type of fuel you use.
On the other hand, it offers an electronic adjustment panel that allows setting a thermostatic value, in order to avoid fluctuations regardless of the variation in the water flow. In this way, it is possible to obtain DHW at any time and at the temperature you want.
Also, it is a device that works with little water pressure, so it is possible to activate it with only 0.1 bar. In addition, it is Low NOx, so it emits low concentrations of polluting gases. For greater safety, the installation can be carried out outside in order to release the gases more safely.
A heater may be the best option if you want hot water every time you turn on the tap. Therefore, it is recommended that you carefully analyze the pros and cons of this equipment.
Pros
Capacity: It offers 11 liters of capacity and is available in a 14-liter presentation.
Technology: It has Low NOx technology, capable of reducing polluting gas emissions.
Size: It only measures 31 x 22.5 x 58 cm, making it a compact device that is easy to install.
Cons
Exit: You may have to make an additional expense, since it does not include a tube to expel the gases.
solar water heater
Intex 28685
This is a solar water heater that has a carpet-shaped design, which has the function of absorbing the sun’s rays to provide heat. That is, you will not need to connect it to any power source for it to fulfill its function. In addition, it is made of good quality PVC, which helps maintain and increase the temperature it is capable of generating. Additionally, it has dimensions of 120 x 120 centimeters, so you can install it in any pool very comfortably without interfering with the passage.
On the other hand, this Intex product can heat the water to a temperature of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in pools that hold up to 30,280 liters. However, the ambient temperature must be considered so that the equipment can heat the water without any problem.
If you are interested in acquiring a water heater that has good references of quality and practicality, perhaps this option may be the one for you.
Pros
Design: It is of a comfortable size and design so that you can connect or store it in any space.
Temperature: It is capable of heating the water of swimming pools that have a capacity of 30,280 liters very easily.
Price: It has an accessible price, being possible to acquire it by making a small investment.
Cons
Parts: The connectors are made of plastic, so you should buy metal ones for greater durability.
Piping: You will need to use a sand scrubber to prevent blockages in the piping system.
Junkers water heater
Junkers Hydronext 5600 S
If you are looking for what could be the best water heater, this option presented by Junkers may interest you.
This water heater comes in a minimalist design that will help you save space wherever you install it. In addition, it is easy to use, since it has an intuitive digital touch screen so that you do not have configuration problems and allows you to use the same connection that you have at home. Likewise, its system turns on automatically when you open the tap, being practical for you to save water.
On the other hand, this Junkers water heater is specially made to work with butane or methane gas and emits very little toxic gases, so it will not affect your surroundings or the environment.
Additionally, it has a capacity to heat up to 15 liters of water per minute and you can also select the temperature you prefer using the thermostat.
If you are looking for what could be the best water heater of the moment, we advise you to take into account the Junkers Hydronext 5600 S.
Pros
Kit: Includes a smoke evacuation kit so you don’t have to worry about the combustion of gases.
Safe: Its low levels of NOx position it as a safe product.
Installation: It is easy to install, so you will not need professional help.
Cons
Price: Because its price is high, you will have to invest a little more.
Noises: When turned on, the fan is capable of generating noises that can be annoying.
instant water heater
AEG 228842
It is a model made by the AEG house that has a compact, lightweight casing with a minimalist design that adapts to any bathroom. These are just some of the features for which users have rated the product positively, positioning it among the best water heaters of 2022. The unit has dimensions of 22.6 x 9.3 x 48.5 centimeters and four kilograms of weight.
Its operation is electric and it has a nominal power of 24 kilowatts, an alternating current input of 400 volts and a low annual energy consumption of only 475 kWh, thus offering a type A classification efficiency of 39%. Also, this instantaneous water heater is quite quiet, generating a total of 15 decibels of noise. The temperature of the water can vary between 42 and 55 degrees centigrade, being controlled by a built-in thermostat that is easy to program.
The manufacturer AEG could well be the best brand of water heaters, since it has a long international history and the support of buyers, who day after day reiterate the quality and efficiency of its products.
Pros
Noise: This is a water heater that will go unnoticed in your home, since it generates only 15 decibels of noise.
Dimensions: The casing of this model of heaters has a fairly compact format of 22.6 x 9.3 x 48.5 centimeters, which you can easily manipulate and assemble.
Power: The heater has a nominal power of 24 kilowatts, thus belonging to the high range of this type of equipment.
Thermostat: Thanks to the incorporation of a regulating thermostat, you can quickly and easily adjust the water temperature to 42 or 55 degrees Celsius.
Cons
Resistance: A user has complained about the rapid deterioration of the casing, since in his opinion, the quality of the material used is low.
Butane gas water heater
FORCALI 10 liters
This model of minimalist design, resistant structure and intuitive operation is the result of the high quality standards applied by the FORCALI house in its elaboration. In addition, for a large part of the buyers, it is a product that came to the market to clarify the question of which is the best water heater. The first thing you should know is that despite running on butane or propane gas, it also has an electric ignition mechanism, which is powered by a pair of LR20 batteries.
In this way, it generates low consumption, while saving on fuel. The casing has anticorrosive protection, a format of 20.5 x 33 x 55 centimeters and a weight of 10 kilograms. Also, this butane gas water heater has a valve for both water and gas, made of brass and aluminum respectively, has selector buttons for temperature and a maximum flow of 10 liters per minute. In addition, it includes a mounting kit and a three-year warranty.
With so many models and brands on the market it is difficult to decide which water heater to buy. Here are some pros and cons of a team with efficient operation and easy assembly.
Pros
Gas: You can select between propane or butane gas for the operation of the heater, since it works correctly with either of the two fuels.
Ignition: The equipment’s ignition method is by means of batteries, thus saving propane or butane gas during this process.
Warranty: The product includes a warranty card valid for up to three years, which you will have to activate on the brand’s official website quickly and easily.
Kit: In order to improve the installation process of the heater, you will find in the purchase package a hydraulic kit together with a wrench for adjusting the 1/2″ valves.
Cons
Packaging: A user has commented that the selector button was damaged when opening the purchase package, since the device was not properly packaged.
Other products
Cointra CPA11B
It is a heater with 11.2 liters of capacity, which works at a maximum of 19.2 kW of power. In this way, you can have hot water in a short time. For greater functionality, it has a screen with a thermostat that allows you to view the DHW temperature of the device.
Similarly, on the sides it incorporates 2 rotary buttons, one to adjust the power and the other to select the temperature you want, which favors practicality. In addition, it offers Low NOx technology, so it emits a low concentration of gases to be more respectful of the environment. In this sense, it is important to note that this heater works with butane gas.
Also, on the screen it shows the icon of a flame when it is turned on, which allows you to know the operation of the equipment at all times. As if that were not enough, its energy classification is A.
If you need a high performance heater, you might be interested in this Cointra brand model. Let’s see its main features.
Pros
Capacity: It has a maximum capacity of 11.2 liters, enough to obtain hot water for several minutes.
Power: It offers 19.2 kW, so it is a product of great power.
Savings: It works without a pilot light, which favors savings. In addition, it is an A product within the energy efficiency classification.
Cons
Batteries: It is necessary to make an additional investment to acquire the batteries that turn on the screen, since they are not included in the package.
Guide to buying a water heater
Water heaters are an infallible ally during winter days, as well as in any season of the year in case you need it. That is why they have become products that enjoy great popularity in the market. For its selection, a previous recognition of some aspects referring to its format, operation and feeding method is required. So in order for you to take with you a team that suits your needs, you will have to analyze these specifications carefully. Here is a guide to buying the best water heater.
Shopping guide
Housing and dimensions
In any comparison of water heaters you will find two attributes of great relevance and interest for any buyer, this being the case of the material used to make the casing and its dimensions.
The most popular materials in the industry are polymers, as they provide the design with a high level of resistance, stability and soft touch when handled. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is a good example of this, also characterized by being a good insulator, which is why it is even used as a coating in those aluminum models. Likewise, some equipment that adjoins a water reservoir employs an enameling technique to prevent corrosion.
Regarding the issue of dimensions, you will have to be careful so that you avoid inconveniences when mounting. In this sense, you need to verify that its height, width and depth are suitable for the selected space. In general, the designs are quite compact, with measurements ranging between 20.5 x 33 x 55 and 70 x 35 x 26 centimeters, these being just a few outstanding measurements.
security and cleanliness
Depending on the selected design, the security aspects to be evaluated may vary. For example, in models that work with gas, you will have to make sure that the hose connections fit correctly, to avoid any type of leak that leads to an unexpected accident.
Electrical equipment must incorporate a protection system for overheating and, if possible, a temperature regulator, which allows you to adjust it to a specific level. In addition, it is convenient that you verify that the alternating current input is compatible with the power source in which you will plug them. This way you can avoid the deterioration of the useful life of the motor, the resistances or the coil.
On the other hand, we have the cleaning method. According to the specifications of each manufacturer, commonly stated in the instruction manual, you can clean the exterior with a soft sponge moistened with detergent or water, thus removing dirt. What you cannot forget is to dry it with a cloth to avoid the proliferation of mold or bacteria.
Accessories
When purchasing a water heater, we must verify if the manufacturer incorporated some accessories with the purchase, as this will help you improve your user experience. In general, a pair of supports, metal hooks or a base with their respective set of screws is added to the package.
In this sense, you will have at hand everything you need to properly fix the structure on the wall. Likewise, there are those who attach the electrical connection cables, hoses and valve, for those equipment that work with gas. Also, a manual shower, among others.
It is important that you keep in mind that in some cases this could influence how much the product costs, but it will definitely be much more favorable in the long run than purchasing each of the elements necessary to carry out the installation separately. This way you will enjoy a correct and safe operation of the device.
Functioning
There are many quality identifiers to evaluate when it comes to a water heater, one of them being its performance. And it is that, although when verifying the aforementioned elements you conclude that it is a good and economical equipment, this will not be relevant if its start-up and work modes are not intuitive.
For this reason, you must ensure that the selected device has a control panel with properly identified switches, thus allowing correct manipulation at all times and by any member of the family. Likewise, it would be convenient to incorporate a small LCD screen, so that you can monitor the level of the temperature acquired by the water.
If this is the case, you will not be able to forget to verify that said complement has a backlight system and that the projected digits are of medium size, obtaining a quick reading with just a glance.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to install a solar water heater?
Select an outdoor area that is daily exposed to the sun’s rays, in which you will later fix the previously acquired reservoir. The assembly can be done in some area of the garden or on the roof if you wish.
Remember that in the second case, you must implement a base that provides stability to the tank, being necessary to secure it with the help of some fastening pieces that you can screw, to prevent the equipment from overturning due to weight or wind.
Finally, connect the cold water supply hose from inside your home to the heater and open the water outlet to fill its tank. Once these steps have been completed, all that remains is to wait for the liquid to heat up.
Q2: Why won’t my water heater turn on?
The reasons why a water heater does not turn on at a certain time can be diverse, one of them being a fault in the connection of the electrical wiring, which in turn prevents the correct flow of current to the motor.
Likewise, it is possible that the internal part of the switch, arranged in the control panel for its start-up, is not generating adequate contact. But if the equipment is gas, the problem could be related to the gas valve, which is surely closed and therefore does not allow the passage of fuel.
Q3: Which water heater consumes less energy?
Definitely, the water heaters that work by means of gas consume less energy, in contrast to the electric ones that must be kept plugged into an alternating current source. On the other hand, solar equipment would be the most economical, since its only power source is the sun’s rays.
Q4: How to clean a water heater?
Cleaning your water heater is a quick and easy process. Regardless of which model you have purchased, you will have to rub the outside of the case with a damp, soft-touch cloth to remove all accumulated dust and dirt. Of course, make sure to remove excess water that can gradually deteriorate the good condition of the material.
With respect to the models that incorporate a reservoir, the indicated thing is to empty it periodically, rub the area with a sponge, neutral detergent or some specialized product, being necessary to rinse thoroughly. Thus, you will prevent the proliferation of mold and bacteria.
Q5: Where to install a water heater?
The most suitable place or the one preferred by people to install a water heater is in the bathroom. However, there are those who prefer to place it in the kitchen, which is also valid and will not cause you inconveniences. In addition, there are models that offer the option of working through solar energy, being suitable for use outdoors such as in the garden or on the roof of our home.
Q6: How to make solar water heater?
To make a solar water heater, the first thing you should know is that the purpose of this type of equipment is to create a kind of greenhouse effect in the water reservoir, thus managing to concentrate a high level of heat capable of eliminating the cold from the liquid.
To achieve this, you must select a collection tank whose storage level is adapted to the consumption of the number of people in the household, also making sure that said structure does not have leaks and that it incorporates two connection points, one of them being for filling and the other for the exit of the vital liquid.
In these accesses, fit a pair of polyethylene hoses, which is a BPA-free polymer, resistant and with a flexible body. In this way, the liquid will heat up quickly.
Q7: How to repair water heater?
If your water heater has any type of fault with respect to its operation, it is best to seek the help of a professional. Remember that by trying to carry out the repair yourself, you could end up making the damage worse, since you do not have the necessary knowledge in the matter.
Q8: Who invented the water heater?
The first registered prototype of a water heater dates back to 1868 and was the result of an experiment carried out by Benjamin Maughan, who at the time named the device “The Geyser”. Later, in 1889, Edwin Ruud revolutionized the industry by improving this idea and giving rise to the electric type heater.
Q9: Why won’t my water heater heat up?
If it’s a heater you’re using for the first time, then you should know that manufacturers recommend running cold water for up to 30 minutes before starting the heating process. Not doing this could cause the appliance not to heat the water.
But if it is a model that works with gas, it is possible that the diaphragm is broken, so you should check it and if so, replace it. Finally, for those who have a solar heater, they must remember that the process is slower. In this sense, they must make sure that the tank is receiving the sun’s rays correctly.
Q10: What is better, water heater or electric water heater?
Both products are recommended. However, electric water heaters are a bit limiting with respect to the level of containment of their tank, which is generally adequate for families of two to three people. While heaters that fit directly into cold water outlets are more convenient for large households.
Q11: Are you interested in buying a water heater without a thermostat?
The thermostat is a complement that will help you adjust the temperature of the equipment, so that you can enjoy different levels of heat. Of course, the use of this element will depend on the power range of the device, since if it is very low, its incorporation would be unnecessary. In contrast, heaters with a high-end work force require it to prevent overheating.
How to use a water heater
Water heaters are very useful equipment, especially in winter. In addition, there are portable models suitable for outdoors, which could be of help when going camping. The options are varied, the selection being a decision that you must evaluate, depending on the use you intend to give the device. Next, we will teach you how to use a water heater through some simple steps.
Select the space for mounting
The selection of the space to carry out the assembly depends on the selected model, since there are heaters for interiors and others are suitable for exteriors. So you should check that particularity. On the other hand, you will have to verify that the dimensions of both the wall and the housing of the device are compatible, so that you do not have limitations when fixing it.
Check the purchase package
Open the purchase package and check the condition of the heater structure, being important that it is not damaged, the switches turn correctly and that the connectors or the interior of the tank are not rusty.
Likewise, it confirms that all the accessories offered by the manufacturer for both assembly and operation are included. Otherwise, you will have to purchase them separately before starting the assembly.
Read the instruction manual
Reading the instruction manual will help you initially become familiar with the structure of the equipment, thus getting to know the control and monitoring panel. Likewise, you will be able to clarify some of your doubts about the fixing of the structure, adjustment of the connections, care to be taken to avoid overheating, leaks in gas equipment, required maintenance, among other factors.
Prepare the tools
To fix it on the wall, you will need the help of some tools such as a drill, bits, screws, screwdrivers, a square and a pencil. Also, have the supports or bases at hand, whether they are incorporated by the manufacturer or that you have purchased separately.
fix the heater
Heaters typically come with a couple of metal brackets or hooks that you’ll need to install. To do this, you must take a ruler or square and mark a guide line on the surface with a pencil, being necessary to drill some holes at those points that coincide with those of the bases.
Then, insert some screws between them to fix the pieces, checking that they are not isolated. If so, replace them immediately. The next step is to mount or secure the structure, the process of which will depend on the model, either by means of screws or adjustment straps.
