Contents
The dimensions of gas water heaters are directly related to their parameters and technical capabilities. The consumer is interested in the maximum compactness of these water heaters, because they are most often placed in the kitchen, where every centimeter is accounted for. It is also beneficial for the manufacturer to produce small-sized models – less materials are used to produce them. When creating home water heaters, developers strive to find the optimal ratio of their characteristics and dimensions.
How to choose?
When choosing a water heater, it is impossible to rely on only one criterion. If the consumer needs a small-sized modification that can fit in a pre-prepared cabinet, he will have to sacrifice power. Dimensions – a secondary value, the primary parameters are still the parameters that determine the volume of hot water per minute, the number of serviced water intake points and the heating temperature. Experts advise when buying a heater, pay attention to such factors:
- Number of water intake points. What will be connected to the domestic hot water supply – a bath, a kitchen sink or all at once. There are models that are designed for only one point, there are those that can easily serve three at once, but their dimensions will be more serious.
- Plumbing condition. The larger and more powerful the modification, the higher the quality requirements for pipes, connections and plumbing equipment.
- Price. Small low-power versions are many times cheaper than their powerful “brothers”. For example, Zanussi GWH 6 FONTE for 11,8 kW and with a capacity of 5,6 l / min can be bought for about 6 rubles. And here is the model Vaillant MAG at 19,2 kW has a capacity of 14 l / min and costs about 22 rubles.
- Design. This is a subjective indicator that affects only the aesthetic perception of the user.
- Stability of gas pressure and diameter of gas pipelines.
- The minimum water pressure at which the device is capable of operating.
Old models of water heaters differ from modern devices not only in their capabilities. Today, water heaters are fully automated and do not cause any inconvenience to the user. They are completely safe, and besides, they are compact and outwardly attractive. Instead of bulky appliances, stylish and compact appliances have come to the kitchen, silent and inconspicuous. They fit easily into the tightest kitchens.
Power selection
This parameter affects the dimensions of gas equipment more than others. Power is the first thing a buyer should pay attention to. It is she who affects the performance of the device – how quickly and in what volume it can heat water. Among the technical characteristics of the model, the power must be indicated, by its value the consumer can judge its capabilities. The entire arsenal of gas heaters manufactured by manufacturers is divided into three categories:
- Low-power – 17-19 kW. They are distinguished by their small size, but it is not necessary to count on connecting more than one water intake point.
- Medium power – 22–24 kW.
- High power – 28–31 kW.
If it is supposed to serve two points, at least modifications from the middle range are needed.
How to choose performance?
Performance is also necessarily indicated in the technical documentation. It is measured in l / min. The higher the indicator, the more features a particular model has and the more comfortable the user will feel when taking a shower or bath. When choosing performance, you need to consider the number of connected points. The throughput of one mixer is 6-7 l / min, therefore:
- for the kitchen and washbasin, 10 l / min is enough;
- shower and kitchen or kitchen and bath with shower – 13 l/min;
- for the kitchen, shower and two baths – 15 l / min.
What are the standard sizes?
Water heaters from dozens of manufacturers are represented on the market – European, domestic, Chinese. Comparing the technical specifications, you can be sure: each brand and even each model within the same series may differ in size. Manufacturers are not limited by standards in terms of size, each is guided by the parameters of the devices and expediency. The characteristics indicate three parameters – height, width and depth. When choosing an option for a specific area, you need to measure the parameters of the place prepared for installation in advance so that the purchased device fits. Nevertheless, there are sizes that are more common than others, they can be conditionally called standard for average gas-fired water heaters:
- 700x450x250 mm is the most popular size;
- 760x350x250 mm and 655x350x220 mm are common sizes.
A feature of modern speakers is complete safety and low demands on placement conditions. They can easily be placed between kitchen cabinets or built into one of them. It can be difficult to choose an option that meets both technical and dimensional requirements. It is more convenient when you first buy a water heater, and only then assemble the cabinets, knowing the dimensions of the equipment. That is why you should not take ready-made kitchen furniture, it is better to make it to order.
Small geysers
Manufacturers believe that consumers are more attracted to compact water heaters. In principle, they are right, this device is not used in any way, except for its intended purpose, you can’t put anything on it, like, for example, on a microwave. Therefore, the less space the device takes up, the better. Here, models can be evaluated according to the “dimensions – power” ratio, just as all goods are evaluated according to the “price – quality” formula. Small-sized versions are presented on the market in a wide range. The most common sizes:
- 550x328x182 mm;
- 590x340x140 mm.
Accommodation in the kitchen
The most rational and aesthetic option is to install the device between kitchen cabinets. It will harmoniously fit into the kitchen interior, without dissonance with the situation. It is important to decide what comes first – the dimensions of the column or the dimensions of the furniture. If, for example, the headset has narrow cabinets, it will be difficult to fit a powerful device in one of them.
In addition to aesthetics, it is important to consider the moment of fire safety. Although water heaters are protected from all possible troubles, the operating rules provide for certain requirements for their installation:
- the gap between the water heater and the walls of the cabinets is at least 3 cm;
- the walls of cabinets located in close proximity to the gas appliance must be made of non-combustible materials.
If the water heater does not harmonize with the interior of the kitchen, the column can be hidden in one of the cabinets. The main thing is that not only the height and width agree, but also the depth of the model – so that the cabinet door can be easily closed. It is also important to comply with all fire safety conditions:
- the device should not touch the walls of the cabinet;
- there must be enough space in the cabinet for ventilation;
- the cabinet should not have an upper and lower horizon – only a door hiding the appliance;
- you can add a bottom panel, but always with holes for ventilation.
The best mini speakers
Consider the most popular models.
BOSCH WR 10-2P
Attracts buyers with compactness and stylish design. The estimated cost is 10 rubles. Consumers note the following benefits:
- silent work;
- accuracy of flame control – if the water is turned off, the fire immediately goes out;
- safety – if the flame goes out, the gas supply stops;
- the heat exchanger is made of high quality copper;
- convenient control panel – there is a power regulator, a water flow switch, a burner status indicator;
- reliable igniter – can burn for a long time.
BOSCH WR 10-2P provides separate adjustment of combustion intensity and water flow, which is a plus. The equipment ensures the stability of hot water in case of pressure drops and inconstancy of pressure. There is an ionized flame control, a built-in draft control device, a water outlet temperature limiter – this will protect users from burns.
Features of technical equipment:
- gas burner made of stainless steel;
- there is a possibility of conversion to liquefied gas;
- adjustment of gas fittings – the required number of kW is easily set;
- water reinforcement material – polyamide reinforced with fiberglass.
Technical specifications:
power, kWt | 17,4 |
Camera type | open |
Ignition | piezo |
Maximum temperature, °C | 60 |
Weight, kg | 11,5 |
Color | white |
Performance | 10 |
Dimensions (HxWxD), mm | 580h310h228 |
Vaillant atmoMAG pro 11-0/0 XZ C+
Economical German model with impeccable technical performance. Advantages and design features:
- Heat exchanger made of high quality copper alloy coated with a special SUPRAL composition. This coating is Vaillant’s own development. This composition allows you to extend the life of an already durable heat exchanger, creating an additional obstacle to corrosion processes.
- Adaptability to work with any gas pipelines – modern or obsolete. There is a gas regulator that ensures stable operation. Pressure drops from 13 to 20 mbar are compensated automatically without readjustment.
- The automatic burner is made of stainless steel. Maintains temperature stability regardless of flow rate.
- Automatically changes the gas flow depending on the volume of water flowing through the heat exchanger. The power is adjustable from 40% to 100% of the value selected by the user. As a result, at the outlet, the consumer always receives a stream of hot water, the temperature of which does not depend on the pressure, while gas is also saved. Such burners are called modulating. They are made from chromium-nickel alloy.
- Equipped with backdraft protection. To prevent combustion products from entering the room, a special sensor monitors the presence of traction. When the controlled parameters increase to critical values, the gas supply is suspended.
The estimated cost is 13 rubles. Specifications Vaillant atmoMAG pro 000-11/0 XZ C+:
power, kWt | 17,4 |
Camera type | open |
Ignition | piezo |
Maximum temperature, °C | 55 |
Weight, kg | 10 |
Color | white |
Performance | 11 |
Dimensions (HxWxD), mm | 634h310h230 |
NEVA 4510-M
Mini version from a domestic manufacturer. Works on any kind of gas. Traditional installation – vertical installation and communications from below. The ignition is powered by batteries, so the device does not need to be connected to the mains. Batteries last for a long time – an economical gas ignition system is used. Operation is possible even at minimum pressures in the gas pipeline – from 0,1 atm. The disadvantage is that it is inferior in reliability to European counterparts.
The approximate cost is 7 rubles. Technical specifications:
power, kWt | 17,9 |
Camera type | open |
Ignition | electric ignition |
Maximum temperature, °C | 60 |
Weight, kg | 10 |
Color | white |
Performance | 10 |
Dimensions (HxWxD), mm | 565х290 × 221 |
Reviews
Bosch WR 10-2P: Mikhail R., Krasnodar Territory
Small and very quiet. The wick burns constantly, but the batteries do not need to be changed. There are enough shortcomings. After three years of operation, the heat exchanger leaked. The igniter goes out due to the fact that the nozzle and tube are regularly clogged. The contacts on the temperature sensors are oxidized. Not a bad device, but the quality of materials and components could be better.
Vaillant MAG OE 11-0/0 XZ C+: Rodion Yu., Vladimir region.
Excellent automation, quickly heats water and no boiling water at the start. Worked for over a year. We replaced all the pipes beforehand and installed a filter so as not to clog the new apparatus with rust and sand from common pipes. The downside is it’s a bit noisy when running at full power.
When choosing a water heater, the consumer always welcomes compactness. Of the two models with the same technical characteristics in 99% of cases, the buyer chooses the option with smaller dimensions. Evaluating the equipment and capabilities of miniature versions from well-known brands, we can state that they are not inferior to more bulky options. The only difference is the limitations in terms of performance, on which the number of service points depends.