Contents
Electric boilers are equipped with a heating element for heating: a typical view is a spiral immersed in water. But today there is also a dry water heater on the market, which is equipped with a heating element in a protective flask. What are the advantages of this technology and which model to give preference to, read in our publication.
The device and the principle of operation
In the body of the boiler there is a tank with thermal insulation. A heating element is placed inside the tank – dry or wet. Additionally, the sensors are responsible for the heating temperature, protection against overheating.
dry heater has an even and elongated shape. It is enclosed in a steel case that protects the surface from scale, preventing liquid from contacting the element. Magnesium anode is placed not next to, but in another hole. The principle of operation is such that the spiral first heats the body, and it transfers heat to the water.
Wet element immersed in water and constantly in contact with it. Its power can reach 2000 W, so the entire volume warms up quickly. However, such parts are subject to scale and destruction due to the 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 heating elements.
To decide which is better – a dry or a wet element, will help to study the pros and cons of a heating element in a flask.
Advantages
The main advantage of a dry heater is that it not subject to scale. Plaque deposition is influenced by several factors:
- 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 different amounts of potassium and magnesium salts. Their excess leads to white deposits on taps, faucets, poor soapiness of water and stiffness of laundry after washing. Also parts of the equipment suffer from this raid. At a heating temperature of 55 degrees, salts settle on the surface of the heating element and the walls of the tank.
Scale is the main cause of failure of the heating element. Its dense layer disrupts heat transfer, which leads to the combustion of the element, slow heating of water and high electricity consumption.
Thanks to the protective flask, the spiral is not subject to plaque, does not require cleaning and, on average, lasts much longer.
Additional benefits:
- High performance. As we wrote above, a dry appliance does not accumulate scale and gives off heat faster. Therefore, the power consumption is also reduced.
- Ease of 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, you do not need to constantly clean the device from plaque.
- High-quality thermal protection. Devices with a submersible heating element 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.
- Plenty of power in a small space. Submersible element of larger dimensions. However, for heating large volumes, manufacturers install two dry heating elements that fully cover the required power.
- No air pockets.
According to statistics, submersible heating elements are replaced every 1-2 years. Whereas the elements in the flask are replaced once every 4-5 years.
Disadvantages
Many users complain in reviews that a heater in a protective case consumes more energy and heats up slowly. Because first the air between the spiral and the body warms up, then the walls of the protection, only then the liquid. This is not the case, since the dimensions of the spiral are a couple of millimeters smaller than the body.
Other cons:
- The price of a boiler with a dry heating element is higher than with a conventional one.
- Difficult to find replacement parts.
Browse popular models
How to choose a boiler? It is enough to look at the forums, read user reviews. We did just that, so we will tell you which equipment the buyers liked the most.
Electrolux EWH 80 Formax
The accumulative electric boiler has a rectangular shape. This approach allows you to save space in the apartment. The case has an attractive design, has dimensions: 45,4 × 72,9 × 46,9 cm. The pressure principle of operation allows for several points of intake.
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 costs.
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 in the range of 800-1200 watts. Protect tank technology protects the tank from rust: includes a glass enamel coating, as well as a large magnesium anode. And:
- Overpressure protection – relief valve with drain capability.
- Overheating protection – a thermal relay that turns off the heating element when heated above 85 ° C.
- Reliable thermal insulation – polyurethane layer is 22 mm.
The cost is from 10 rubles.
Atlantic Steatite Cube VM 75 S4 CM
The compact model from the Atlantic manufacturers has a depth of only 53 cm. A rectangular tank with a volume of 75 liters can be built into furniture. In addition, it can be mounted to the wall horizontally and vertically. The boiler consumes electricity quite economically due to switching 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.
The price is from 15 rubles.
Gorenje GBFU 80 E B6
Electric device “Burning” for 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, mounting can be done both vertically and horizontally. Mechanical control. The additional “Antifreeze” mode allows you to maintain the indicator above zero, you can place 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 rubles.
Ariston PRO ECO 50 V DRY HE
The Ariston accumulative type equipment is designed for 50 liters. The pressure type of work provides several intake points: you can simultaneously collect hot water in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Electronic control with indication will help to set the temperature up to +80°С.
The limit mode protects the product from overheating and turning on without water. ECO mode maintains performance at 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.
The dimensions are 35,3 × 83,7 × 37,3 cm. The kit comes with an RCD machine.
The price is from 9 rubles.
Choose the device that suits your parameters and enjoy hot water all year round. Give preference to “dry” technology, then you do not have to worry about regular cleaning of the part.