Electric boilers are equipped with a heating element for heating: a typical view is a spiral immersed in water. But today there is a dry water heater on the market that is equipped with a heating element in a protective flask. What are the advantages of this technology and which model to give preference, read in our publication.
Device and principle of operation
In the body of the boiler there is a tank with thermal insulation. Inside the tank is a heater - dry or wet. Additionally, the sensors are responsible for the heating temperature, protection against overheating.
Dry heater differs in the equal and extended form. It is enclosed in a steel casing that protects the surface from scale, preventing liquid from contacting the element. The magnesium anode is not placed nearby, but in another hole. The principle of operation is such that the spiral first heats the case, and it transfers heat to the water.
Wet element immersed in water and constantly in contact with it. Its power can reach 2000 watts, so the entire volume quickly warms up. However, such parts are prone to scale and destruction due to deposition of impurities. Next to the spiral is a magnesium anode, which protects it from corrosion. A wet heating element immediately heats the liquid - this is the difference between the heating elements.
To determine which is better - a dry or wet element, the study of the pros and cons of the heating element in the flask will help.
Benefits
The main advantage of a dry heater is that it not prone to scale. Several factors influence plaque deposition:
- The amount of impurities in the water (hardness).
- Heating temperature.
- The frequency of contact of the spiral with the liquid.
How does this system work? In each region, water may contain a different amount of potassium and magnesium salts. Their excess leads to white deposits on taps, taps, poor soapiness of water and hardness of the laundry after washing. Also, details of the equipment suffer from this raid. At a heating temperature of 55 degrees, salt settles on the surface of the heater and the walls of the tank.
Scale is the main cause of damage to the heater. Its dense layer disrupts heat transfer, which leads to the combustion of the element, slow heating of the water and a large consumption of electricity.
Thanks to the protective flask, the spiral is not susceptible to plaque, does not require cleaning and lasts on average much longer.
Additional benefits:
- High performance. As we wrote above, a dry appliance does not overgrow with scale and quickly gives off heat. Therefore, power consumption is also reduced.
- Easy operation. For replacement, it is not necessary to drain the water from the tank: just unscrew the flange, remove the parts from the flask and install a new one. Moreover, it is not necessary to constantly clean the device from plaque.
- Quality thermal protection. Devices with submersible heating elements can start without water in the tank. The protected element has special sensors that do not allow heating to turn on. But if suddenly the sensors do not work, only the spiral suffers, no more.
- Sufficient power with small dimensions. Submersible element of larger sizes. However, for heating large volumes, manufacturers install two dry heating elements that completely cover the required power.
- No air congestion.
Judging by statistics, the replacement of submersible heating elements occurs every 1-2 years. Whereas the elements in the flask are replaced once every 4-5 years.
Disadvantages
Many users complain in reviews that the heater in the protective case consumes more energy, and heats slowly. Because at first the air warms up between the spiral and the body, then the walls of protection, only then the liquid. This is not so, since the dimensions of the spiral are a couple of millimeters smaller than the case.
Other cons:
- The price of a boiler with a dry heater is higher than with a conventional one.
- It is difficult to find replacement parts.
Browse Popular Models
How to choose a boiler? Just look at the forums and read user reviews. We did just that, so we’ll tell you which equipment attracted customers the most.
Electrolux EWH 80 Formax
The storage electric boiler has a rectangular shape. This approach allows you to save space in the apartment. The case has an attractive design and has dimensions: 45.4 × 72.9 × 46.9 cm. The pressure principle of operation allows you to provide multiple points of the fence.
Mechanical control allows you to set the temperature from +35 to +75 degrees. The additional “Eco” mode holds +55 degrees, which prevents the formation of scale and reduces energy consumption.
A tank with a capacity of 80 liters, there are two heating elements with a total capacity of 2 kW.
It is also possible to adjust the power within 800-1200 watts. Protect tank technology protects the tank from rust: includes a coating of glass enamel, as well as a large magnesium anode. And:
- Overpressure protection - safety valve with the ability to drain.
- Protection against overheating - a thermal relay that turns off the heater when heated above 85 ° C.
- Reliable thermal insulation - polyurethane layer is 22 mm.
Cost - from 10 000 rubles.
Atlantic Steatite Cube VM 75 S4 CM
The compact model from Atlantic manufacturers has a depth of only 53 cm. A 75 liter rectangular tank can be integrated into furniture. In addition, it can be mounted to the wall horizontally and vertically. The boiler consumes energy quite economically thanks to the switching of power from 2400 W to 1200 W.
A ceramic (steatite) heating element is installed inside the case, which is enclosed in a steel flask according to French technology. The heating power reaches 65 degrees. The oversized magnesium anode has a long service life. The inner walls are covered with titanium enamel.
Dimensions: 49 × 70.6 × 52.9 mm.
Price - from 15 000 rubles.
Gorenje GBFU 80 E B6
The electric Burning device on 80 liters. The steel tank is coated with anti-corrosion enamel. There are two heating elements with a total power of 2 kW. The maximum heating temperature - 75 degrees - is reached in 3 hours.
Case dimensions 45.4 × 81.6 × 46.1 cm, classic round shape. However, the installation can be performed both vertically and horizontally. The control is mechanical. The additional Anti-Frost mode allows you to maintain the indicator above zero, you can place the equipment even in an unheated room.
It also provides protection against overheating, corrosion and high pressure. The manufacturer gives a 7-year warranty on the tank.
The cost is from 12,000 rubles.
Ariston PRO ECO 50 V DRY HE
The technology of the accumulative type "Ariston" is designed for 50 liters. The pressure type of work provides several sampling points: you can simultaneously draw hot water in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Electronic control with indication will help set the temperature to + 80 ° С.
The restriction mode protects the product from overheating and switching on without water. The ECO mode maintains indicators at the level of 50-55 ° C. At this temperature, potassium and magnesium salts are not deposited on the surface, so you do not need to spend time cleaning and replacing parts.
Dimensions are 35.3 × 83.7 × 37.3 cm. The kit includes an UZO machine.
Price - from 9 000 rubles.
Choose the appliance suitable for your parameters and enjoy hot water all year round. Prefer the "dry" technology, then you do not have to worry about regular cleaning of the part.