Those who at least once thought about choosing a boiler, certainly came across such a concept as a dry heater in a water heater. What is it and what is its difference from the traditional “wet” version. Today we will tell you how a water heater with a dry heater is arranged, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such a device, and also bring to your attention the TOP 5 best models of the year.
The main differences
To begin with, let's take a look at what a dry heater in a water heater means. Such boiler models appeared on our market a little more than 10 years ago. Since then, they have been gaining more and more popularity among owners of cottages, apartments and country houses, deprived of the centralized hot water supply.
Until that time, the most common design option was a system with an immersion or “wet” heating element. Such a device is most reminiscent of a conventional household boiler, only a huge size. This is a hollow steel or copper tube in which a nichrome spiral is placed. Free space is filled with quartz sand or other similar material with high thermal conductivity. The whole structure is placed directly in the tank and comes into direct contact with the water that heats. The disadvantage of this device is the increased formation of scale directly on the walls of the heater, which reduces the rate of heat transfer and increases the consumption of electrical energy.
Dry heater is arranged fundamentally different. It consists of a resistive wire placed in the slots of a ceramic insulator. To exclude contact with water, the entire structure is placed in a closed flask made of metal having an anti-corrosion coating. To enhance thermal conductivity, an oil layer is additionally placed between the walls of the glass and the heater.
TOP-3 of the best water heaters with dry heater Electrolux
- Electrolux EWH 50 Formax DL
- Electrolux EWH 100 Royal Flash
- Electrolux EWH 100 Centurio IQ 2.0
See also - Which company water heater is better to choose
Benefits
In comparison with open "boilers", dry structures have many advantages. For example, consider only a few of them:
Lack of scum on TEN
The quality of water and the surface area of contact of the heater with the liquid affect the rate of formation of this unpleasant layer. The harder the water in your area, the faster the scale will form. The thick calcareous layer reduces the quality of water heating, and the life of the heater is reduced.
The dry heating element is protected from such a nuisance. In this case, direct contact with water does not occur. So, there is no scale on the heater either.
Compact size
Dry heater has a relatively small size and takes up much less space than its "wet" counterpart. Thus, the size of the storage tank itself is also reduced. Most often, manufacturers install two or even three heaters in one device. This allows the consumer to independently adjust the load. If you need to quickly heat up a large volume of water, turn on all the heating elements at once and you will get hot water in just a few minutes.
Even if one of the heaters burns out, nothing bad will happen. For the period of repair, you simply begin to use one of the remaining ones and still remain with hot water.
Great performance
This is another advantage of dry heating elements. Since scale is practically not formed on such a heater, the rate of hot water production increases significantly. At the same time, much less energy is consumed than when heating water with “wet” heating elements.
By itself, every dry heater installed in a boiler most often has less power than a similar version with a “wet” element. But since several heating elements are usually used in water heaters of this type, the total power will be significantly lower than that of a “wet” tubular heater. And it is up to the consumer to decide whether to use it in full or in part.
TOP-3 of the best Timberk dry heaters
- Timberk SWH FED1 80 V
- Timberk SWH RE15 50 V
- Timberk SWH RED1 100 V
Ease of maintenance
Water heaters with a dry tubular element have one important feature. They are arranged in such a way that if the heating element suddenly fails, you do not even have to drain the water from the tank to replace it. It is enough to unscrew the protective flange, remove the element, inspect or repair it and insert it back.
Long service life
Due to the lack of contact with scale, dry heating elements have a long service life. One such element is enough on average for 5 years of uninterrupted operation. At the same time, boilers with a conventional heating element fail once every 2-3 years. At current component prices, this can save a lot of money.
Dry start protection
Absolutely all models with a dry heater are equipped with a protection system against switching on without water. If there is no water in the heater tank, the system simply will not allow the unit to turn on. Dry start protection will not allow the tube heater to burn. Even if for some reason it does not work, then the breakdown will only affect the heating element. Other boiler systems will not be affected.
Variability
Many dry heaters have a completely identical design. This allows you to use the same element for different tank models. So in case of repair you will not have problems with accessories.
No air congestion problems
Water heaters equipped with dry heating elements are not threatened by the formation of internal air jams. For models with wet heaters, this can result in costly repairs.
See also - Choosing a solid fuel boiler for long burning: rating of the top 10 boilers
disadvantages
Since there are no ideal things in nature, that is, dry heating elements also have negative sides. True, there are not so many of them.
Dry heater can be extremely direct. Therefore, they are used in models with a volume of at least 30 liters. So if you need to buy a "baby" for 10-20 liters, this option will not work.
But the main disadvantage of dry heater is its high cost. Models equipped with such a heating element usually cost no less than one and a half times more expensive than traditional water heaters with a “boiler”. Whether such an aggregate of the money spent on it is worth it, everyone must decide for himself.
Review of the best models
If you nevertheless decided to give preference to a storage water heater with a dry heater, we bring to your attention the TOP 5 best models of the year.
Atlantic vertigo
An innovative co-production model of Egypt and France.The design of this water heater is unique and so far no brand has been able to repeat it. "Vertigo" has two enameled tanks for heating water. The unit works absolutely silently and is controlled using a clear digital interface.
Advantages:
- equipped with a thermostat, which will allow heating water only to the desired temperature;
- for those who are in a hurry, Boost provides rapid heating;
- the smart unit remembers the settings and turns on the device in Smart-mode with those parameters that the user bids most often;
- wide range, up to 80 liters inclusive;
- long work is provided by the presence of dry heating elements and a magnesium anode;
- there is the possibility of both vertical and horizontal installation;
- Warranty period of the tank - 7 years;
- All models have a depth of not more than 30 cm.
Disadvantages:
- in the size line there are no models with a volume of more than 80 liters, which may be inconvenient for a large family.
See also:
- The 6 Best Hotpoint-Ariston Water Heaters
- The 8 best Zanussi water heaters of the year
- The 8 Best Thermex Water Heaters of the year
- 10 best Timberk water heaters of the year
- 10 best Gorenje water heaters of the year
Electrolux EWH 50 Formax DL
An electric water heater with two dry heaters with a power of 1.2 and 0.8 kW. An informative digital display and a function of three-mode heating temperature control are available. The maximum heating of water is up to 75 C, the optimum working temperature is 55 C. The tank has a sufficiently thick polyurethane layer (22 mm) to protect against freezing.
Pros:
- good thermal effect, the water stays hot for a long time;
- compact dimensions;
- three operating modes;
- quick heating of water to the desired temperature;
- aesthetic appearance;
- quite affordable cost.
Minuses:
- According to user and expert reviews, there are no obvious flaws.
Fagor CB ECO
High-quality water heater from a Spanish manufacturer. It is equipped with two dry TEEs of 1.2 or 0.8 kW, depending on the volume of the tank. There is a wide range from 30 to 200 liters of tank volume. The design of the unit provides several control modes. Depending on the set parameters, the heating elements can work in pairs, one at a time or in automatic mode.
Benefits:
- wide volume line of models;
- TEN working on the principle of dry heating;
- improved thermal insulation system;
- a titanium anode that does not require replacement;
- durable steel tank with additional titanium spraying;
- provides for the likelihood of horizontal and vertical installation;
- large warranty periods;
- electronic control allows you to control the temperature with an accuracy of a degree.
Disadvantages:
- in ECO mode there is no opportunity to independently set the desired temperature;
- the power cord is not long enough.
Gorenje OGBS100SMV9
A good middle-class water heater from a Serbian manufacturer. The model has a flat body in white, which is compatible with almost any interior design. The model is equipped with a modern system from overheating, which eliminates accidental switching on with an empty tank. To protect against corrosion, a magnesium anode is installed in the tank.
Pros:
- electronic control system;
- dry heater;
- “Smart” system for remembering regular user settings;
- wide range from 30 to 120 liters;
- maximum heating temperature + 85C;
- affordable pricing.
Minuses:
- there is only a vertical installation method;
- the inside of the tank is enameled.
Willer Elegance IVB DR
Another model of Serbian origin. This storage water heater also belongs to the middle class. This flat and compact boiler is only 30 cm deep, so it fits even in a small niche in the bathroom or toilet.
"Willer Elegance" is a very economical device. To preserve electricity, thick thermal insulation and a special “Eco” mode are provided here. In this case, the water does not heat above 45 C, which means that the meter does not wind extra kilowatts.
Advantages:
- three dry heaters with a power of 0.8 kW each;
- the ability to use heaters both in pairs and separately;
- choice of models for 50, 80 and 100 liters;
- simple and intuitive control unit;
- the storage tank is made of stainless steel;
- pleasant appearance;
- affordable cost.
Disadvantages:
- not very popular brand in the domestic market.
As can be seen from all of the above, storage water heaters with dry heating elements are gaining more and more popularity. Today, such models are produced by every more or less self-respecting manufacturer. So if you decide to purchase a boiler with a dry heating element, in any store you will be offered a decent choice.
See also:
- 10 best instantaneous water heaters
- 11 best water heaters for home according to user reviews
- 12 best Electrolux water heaters of the year
- 15 best electric storage water heaters
- 19 best indirect heating boilers according to customer reviews
