Having problems with hot water? The situation will be saved by a faucet attachment for heating water - a device built into a kitchen or bathroom faucet and providing residents of a country house or apartment with water at the required temperature. A compact tap water heater is recommended for use in cottages that are located far from the central water supply network. There is no need to purchase a separate nozzle and faucet. In specialized plumbing stores you can already buy a flow-through faucet with a water heater for the kitchen or bathroom. It is also suitable for apartment buildings.
It is beneficial to install it in apartments where hot water is turned off during the summer or its temperature in the system does not meet standard values. In such cases, contemporaries usually install a water heater, but a faucet attachment, which you can buy at virtually any plumbing store, will cost 7 times less. A mixer with a heater also helps in emergency situations. The scope of application of plumbing equipment is extensive. You can install a hot water tap, the price of which can range from 2,900 to 5,200 rubles, in:
A mixer with an instantaneous water heater installed in a house or apartment will operate from the mains. Heating the substance takes 5-7 seconds from the moment the tap is opened. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the nozzle on the faucet for heating water can heat the substance up to 60-800C. Each type of mixer provides for adjusting the temperature of the liquid. Therefore, a device for heating water on a tap can be used in apartments and houses where small children grow up. Tests have shown that plumbing equipment of this class is as reliable and safe as possible. This is what a Chinese manufacturer’s device for a washbasin looks like.
In most cases, an electric water tap, the price of which depends on the manufacturer, is purchased for country houses. Users consider the installation of such a device to be a beneficial solution in this case. In other cases, electric water taps are considered overkill. This opinion is not entirely correct. It is profitable to buy a portable electric water heater mixer even in case of interruptions/outages in the apartment with hot water. It can be installed for a “problem period”, then dismantled and connected to a regular mixer.
An electric faucet that heats water itself has an affordable price and is installed horizontally. The principle and installation technology are similar to a classic mixer. The only installation nuance is that the water heater for the tap in the bathroom or kitchen is connected only to the cold water pipe and additionally to the network. Installation is carried out on the side of the sink or sink, bathtub in the provided holes. A portable electric faucet attachment for heating water can be installed without the help of a plumber.
Purchasing a boiler, its installation and maintenance will cost an order of magnitude more than a faucet attachment for heating water, the price of which will pay off, according to user reviews, in 6-8 months.
Hot liquid will flow from the mixer within 5 seconds after turning on the tap. In this regard, a mixer with water heating, the price of which is an order of magnitude lower than the cost of a boiler, is a more practical device.
Heating water on the stove or using a boiler will take from 40 minutes to 1.5-2 hours. In order not to waste time, it is more profitable to buy a water heater for a bathroom or kitchen faucet, which will supply hot liquid at a given constant temperature throughout the entire period of operation of the device. Based on this, many consumers consider a device for heating tap water to be the most practical option - the hot liquid does not run out at the wrong time, and there is no need to reheat.
When heating a liquid on a stove or using a boiler, consumers consume gas/electricity over a long period of time. In this case, the boiler heats up the liquid every 15-25 minutes. And an electric water heater for a bathroom faucet, which you can buy with a guarantee of up to 3-5 years, actually functions. When hot liquid is needed, then the user gets it. The rest of the time, the nozzle for heating water on the tap, the price of which depends on the type of mixer, does not consume electricity. A portable mixer with an electric water heater consumes 3 kW per hour of electricity.
Due to the design features of the water heater tap, which can be purchased from several reliable Chinese manufacturers, it has an enlarged body. The dimensions are determined by the nozzle on the faucet for heating water, which can be purchased separately from the mixer (if repairs are necessary). But no matter what size the water heater or faucet attachment is, the dimensions of the electrical plumbing device will be much smaller than the boiler. As well as the localization area. An innovative electric faucet for a kitchen or bath takes up the same amount of space on the sink, sink, or plumbing rim as a standard spout.
A compact, portable electric water faucet is always supplemented with a special nozzle to save liquid consumption. It is an aerator that prevents splashing of the substance. Using an electric instantaneous water heater on the tap, consumers can supplement the mixer with a special aerator, which strengthens the stream, reducing the volume of the supplied substance. A modern mixer water heater has a water flow rate of 6-8 liters per minute.
Many users believe that the nozzle on the faucet for heating water spoils the appearance of the plumbing fixture and makes its design standard. This opinion is wrong. From some manufacturers you can purchase a mini instantaneous water heater for the tap with a unique color scheme. At the same time, the style of the mixer itself may be different. According to the designers, a flow-through water heater for taps not only does not spoil the appearance of the device, but also makes it unusual and unique. In the market, you can buy an electric hot water faucet with different body colors - red, granite, grey, milky white, yellow, matte effect and so on. From leading manufacturers you can buy a water tap heater with a unique spout shape, levers or valves of non-standard geometry.
The innovative hot water mixer has another advantage - it is safe. The device is grounded, equipped with control mechanisms that do not heat up during operation of the water heater on the tap, and a lever for adjusting the water temperature.
The operating principle of the device is extremely simple. As mentioned above, an electric flow-through water heater on a tap is connected only to a cold water pipe. When the mixer is turned on, the liquid is supplied to a special reservoir in which the heating element is placed. Within 3-5 seconds the substance is heated and flows into the spout. In order for the electric mixer to safely perform its functions, it is equipped with the following components:
Since the water heater in the mixer is an electrical device, it must be isolated from contact with running water. For these purposes, high-quality taps use waterproof protective membranes. They isolate electrical components. In addition, the electric hot water faucet has an RCD - a device that automatically turns off the heating element if a failure occurs in the electrical network. The RCD prevents accidents (electric shocks to users) and protects the hot water heater on the tap from burning out.
The pressure valve used in the mixer design also performs a protective function. If the nozzle for heating water on the mixer is working and the water pressure in the pipes at this moment drops to 0.4 Atm. or the substance stops yielding, the heating element will automatically turn off. Automatic and at a water pressure of 7 atm. will turn off the instantaneous water heater at the tap, which you can buy to equip the kitchen in a house where small children are growing up.
To ensure that the instantaneous water heater mixer does not fail due to water hammer, the design includes a silicone damper. It is also worth remembering that the nozzle on the hot water faucet does not heat the liquid above the established norm, so burns are excluded. In stores, consumers can buy a device capable of heating a substance strictly to a temperature of 60 and 700C. Compliance with this indicator is monitored by a sensor built into the mixer body. When the faucet attachment for heating water, the cost of which depends on the technical data of the device, has heated the liquid to normal, the sensor automatically turns off the heating element.
Yes, I have. Users noted that a water heater for a mixer, the price of which is significantly lower than that of other electrical appliances for heating large volumes of liquid, supplies water at a lower temperature during prolonged operation. What does it mean? This means that if the mixer that heats the water operates continuously for 45 minutes to an hour, then the heating element no longer has time to heat the flowing substance to the desired temperature. In this case, a cheaply purchased water heating faucet attachment will heat the liquid to 45-500C. If you give the device a break, it will again begin to heat the liquid in the specified mode.
Experts also note that a tap water heater, the price of which is significantly lower than the cost of a boiler, requires checking the electrical wiring before installation. You should be wary of overloading the power supply along the branch and causing a short circuit. In addition, it is recommended to install coarse filters, otherwise a mixer with a heating element, which today can only be purchased from foreign manufacturers, will fail after 3-5 years of operation.
The mixer water heater did not show any other shortcomings. Users of hot water tap devices speak positively about the devices in their reviews. Their main recommendation is to purchase an electric instantaneous water heater for a mixer from reliable manufacturers or suppliers who guarantee the originality of the device.
So: you have decided to buy a heating water tap, have assessed the market and determined the price category of the devices, but you don’t know which model to choose? Let's figure it out. The most reliable water heater faucets are offered by only a few manufacturers.
A budget faucet for heating water is offered by TM “Aquatherm”. It is as easy as possible to install, is guaranteed to work without failures for up to 5 years (this is confirmed by reviews of users of devices from this company) and heats the liquid up to 600C. If you need an inexpensive and high-quality faucet attachment for heating water, you can buy it from Aquatherm. The mixer has the maximum degree of protection: RCD, membrane insulation, pressure sensor and ground wire. But the most important device on the faucet for heating water can be supplemented with a shower head and must have a filter for cleaning the water substance. The design of the water heating tap of this brand can be anything.
Aquathermic mixer tap water heater is available in various color variations. You can choose a plumbing fixture to suit any interior design. Experts' opinion: the affordable Aquatherm instantaneous tap water heater is an ideal solution for country cottages where people live all year round and apartments. The innovative mixer-heater is inexpensive and shows good performance.
They speak well of the company Kruss (China). The manufacturer offers improved classics. Its models have a minimal and streamlined design, so the devices fit perfectly into interior designs. It has a tap for heating running water and design differences - a nickel-plated lever, a blue indicator light and a reinforced flexible hose. The maximum water heating temperature is 600C. The main advantage is that the Krussian electric mixer, the price of which will not be much higher than the devices of the previous manufacturer, is equipped with a thermostat. The consumer can set the water temperature he needs.
The Delimano company today offers the most advanced devices. You can purchase an inexpensive electric water-heating mixer from the manufacturer with a display that shows the current water temperature. The plumbing equipment looks stylish and bright, heats the liquid up to 600C. At the same time, the nozzle for the mixer for heating water is built into a plastic body, which some users found impractical - it has poor resistance to loads and gets scratched. A Deliman mixer with a built-in water heater will be able to function without interruption if the water pressure is in the range from 0.5 to 0.6 Atm. Users noted that the devices of this TM have an elongated power cord - up to 1 m. At the same time, the flow-through mixer allows you to change the jet pressure. Often, plumbing equipment from this manufacturer uses aerators to save water - the stream is saturated with air.
Listed above are manufacturers whose water heating taps are close in price and have maximum functionality, quality and safety. But the market can also offer devices from other manufacturers: “Aquastream” (minimum dimensions of the device, convenient energy saving system), “Corraveni” (ceramic valve, chrome surfaces, built-in water temperature control system) and “RAPID” (multi-level protection against overheating). These manufacturers have higher prices for tap water heaters - you can buy them from official suppliers of plumbing equipment.
Experts recommend selecting a tap for heating running water based on its safety characteristics. It is worth paying attention to the installation method. Do not choose models with short flexible hoses - the typical option is 60 cm. Also check with the supplier what materials the body is made of. The quality of the cartridge is also important. Ceramic appliances will be more durable and practical. For other parameters, a heated water mixer is chosen in the same way as a classic plumbing fixture.
Humanity has invented many technical means for organizing hot water supply - these are centralized boiler rooms, home gas water heaters, boilers and instantaneous water heaters. They all have certain advantages and disadvantages, but they do their job well. And we will devote this review to one unusual device - we present to you an electric instantaneous water heater for a tap.
The first models of these water heaters were terrible - no protection against electric shock, no adjustments and no design. These devices were dressed in terrible plastic cases and literally mounted on a faucet. Water came inside, passed through a dubious and even scary-looking heating element, and then poured out of the outlet. It was scary to use such a flow-through water heater.
But time does not stand still, and progress moves forward by leaps and bounds. As a result, modern instantaneous water heaters of two types were born:
The first instantaneous water heater is mounted on the wall above the sink, while the second is mounted directly into the sink.
The first type is aimed at consuming large amounts of water (for example, taking a shower), while the second was created specifically for installation on a sink (or near a bathtub). Let's see what faucet-mounted devices we can find on the water heater market and what they are.
A flow-through electric heater installed on a faucet allows you to quickly solve the problem with hot water supply. Such devices are created for those who want to get a source of hot water with minimal labor and financial costs. And indeed, it takes just a few minutes to connect - after that, hot water appears in the house. How do these unusual water heaters work?
We have already said that the first models were far from any kind of perfection - they were inconvenient and very dangerous to use, since there was simply no normal protection against electric shock. And the design of the first water heaters was frankly clumsy - only suitable for very, very rural areas where electricity and water supply were miraculously provided.
Today, more advanced flow-through electric heaters have appeared on the market, with the following advantages:
This type of water heater consists of a small but powerful heating element, which is connected to a 220V outlet.
A modern instantaneous tap water heater is a completely safe, albeit damn gluttonous device that provides quick preparation of hot water.
This water heater consists of several parts - a powerful heating element, a temperature regulator, fasteners with connection to the water supply, a tap for hot water and a safety shutdown device. There is also a temperature sensor, a water filter and a safety relay - it allows you to prevent the heating element from turning on in the absence of water. Some models are equipped with digital thermometers and touch controls that allow you to adjust the temperature on the go.
Some models of tap water heaters are supplemented with modules that monitor pressure - they turn on the heating element only when the pressure in the taps meets specified limits (this helps prevent the water heater from failing).
A modern flow-through electric water heater for a tap is a device that does not complement the tap, but replaces it. Therefore, his definition is considered somewhat erroneous. The device is quickly built into the kitchen sink (or just a sink), after which it is connected to the electrical network and to the water supply. The electrical connection is made using a regular wire with a plug, and the most powerful models require a separate line with a connection without an outlet.
Since such water heaters are intended for houses not connected to centralized sources of hot water supply, nothing prevents us from installing such a water heater instead of the tap itself.
Instantaneous water heater with display for more convenient adjustment of hot water temperature.
Instantaneous water heaters operate very easily - after opening the water tap, the heating element turns on, and after a few seconds hot water begins to flow from the tap. The heating temperature for most models is +40-60 degrees. If necessary, you can adjust the temperature at your discretion. As soon as the tap is closed, the flow of hot water will stop, and the heating element installed inside will be turned off.
Flow-through water heaters for taps can operate without heating - to do this, you need to turn the regulator knob in the other direction. And in order for you to be able to fine-tune the heating temperature, We recommend that you choose a model with separate adjustments– here one knob regulates the pressure, and the second regulates the temperature. As a result, you will be able to get hot water at the temperature you need.
The greatest convenience is provided by advanced heaters equipped with liquid crystal displays and touch controls. But you have to pay for this convenience - the cost of such heaters is somewhat higher. If you want to save money, buy the simplest model, since the temperature can be adjusted with a knob.
Now we will move directly to the choice. If you are going to buy an instantaneous water heater for your tap, pay attention to the following things:
If everything is clear with the design, then the presence of a quality certificate is a serious criterion. Today the market is literally flooded with inexpensive Chinese water heaters, the build quality of which raises the most serious concerns. Some models do not stand up to criticism, and the cheapest devices can be called life-threatening without a twinge of conscience. That's why certified heaters are more preferable, rather than nameless analogues made in the basement of a neighboring high-rise building.
The country of origin is a rather serious parameter. If we have a European-assembled device, the quality of workmanship will be high. As for China, the situation here is ambiguous. The thing is that China is different from China - on sale there are both completely normal instantaneous water heaters and downright terrible ones that belong in a landfill. Therefore, here you need to look not only at the country of origin, but also at the brand (we will talk about this later).
A table for determining the required power of an instantaneous water heater, depending on the time of year and the required amount of hot water.
Finally, let's talk about power - remember that the higher the power of the water heater, the higher its efficiency. For example, a small model with a power of 2-3 kW will provide normal preparation of hot water in the summer, but will not cope with its heating in the winter season. If a water heater is needed as a temporary summer solution (for example, for a summer residence), then you can safely opt for a low-power model. But if you are going to use the device in winter, choose a model with a power of 5-7 kW.
If you need hot water constantly, take a look at wall-mounted models - they are more durable, heat up less and are not as susceptible to overload (they can be used even in the most intensive mode, while tap-mounted models are not designed for intensive use).
By the way, some models are equipped not only with taps, but also with shower heads. Such instantaneous water heaters are designed for installation in bathrooms. They allow you to take a shower, but too intensive use often leads to breakdowns - for these purposes it is advisable to purchase full-size water heaters.
Next, we will look at the most popular instantaneous water heaters and identify the best models worthy of appearing in your home. Wall heaters will also be affected, providing an excellent alternative to tap-on models. By the way, prices for instantaneous electric water heaters per tap start at 2.5-3 thousand rubles. The cost of the most worthy models varies between 4-6 thousand rubles.
The Delimano instantaneous household electric water heater is a product from a fairly well-known manufacturer. The Delimano KDR-4E-3 model is in greatest demand. It is a small cylindrical block with a gander and a valve-regulator. The power of the device is 3 kW, it operates from a household network with a voltage of 220-230 Volts. The maximum heating temperature is +60 degrees, but this figure is achieved only in the summer, when the inlet water temperature is relatively high.
The Delimano water heater will be an excellent solution for the summer when hot water is turned off for annual maintenance work. Also, these heaters are very popular with owners of dachas where there is no hot water by default - we install the heater on the tap and get an excellent source of hot water. The supply of hot and cold water is regulated using the side regulator.
Tap-mounted instantaneous water heaters from the domestic manufacturer Aquatherm are no less in demand - these are quite reliable and efficient heaters designed for use in the home and country house. Buyers will be pleased not only with the quality of the devices, but also with the variety of models.
This manufacturer’s product range does not include the faucet models described above. But buyers can choose from more efficient and productive small-sized wall heaters with built-in spouts (spouts, hooks) and even with connected shower heads. Electrolux wall-mounted instantaneous water heaters can operate in switched mode for a very long time, without overheating or other troubles.
As recommended models, we can advise you to pay attention to water heaters of the SMARTFIX model range. They have excellent performance and a power of 5.5-6.5 kW. Buyers can choose from options with taps and shower heads.
Among the water heaters from the AEG brand, we can highlight the interesting and inexpensive model AEG BS 35E. It is designed to work with one water collection point. The power of the device is 3.5 kW, productivity is 2.5 l/min. The model is equipped with overheating protection and a temperature limiter. The set includes a shower head with a hose. Control is carried out using a convenient thermostat located on the front panel.
If you want to purchase a more productive model, pay attention to the instantaneous water heater AEG RMC 75. Its power is 7.5 kW, operating pressure range is from 0.2 to 10 atm. There is overheat protection and a heat limiter inside. The desired temperature is selected using a round knob, slightly recessed into the design body of the water heater. Like the previous device, this model is designed for wall mounting. The heater also boasts a good degree of protection against water - a great plus for consumers.
Please note that high wattage water heaters must be connected via a separate line connected with a solid wire to the distribution panel.
The Thermex brand is known throughout the world. It produces a wide variety of water heaters, including instantaneous ones. And since we are talking about miniature models, you should get acquainted with the Thermex Redring model line. These are small water heaters produced with taps and shower heads. Equipment power varies from 3 to 10 kW, productivity - from 1.8 to 7 l/min, depending on temperature. These devices are highly reliable and efficient.
Water heaters from this eminent manufacturer of electric water heaters and geysers Bosch are not in great demand, despite their high build quality and durability. The most popular model is Bosch ED6-2S. This device is equipped with two heating elements with a total power of 6 kW, the range of input water pressure is from 1 to 10 atmospheres. The device is designed to be installed above the sink, and to connect it you will need separate electrical power. The productivity is 3 l/min, the maximum heating temperature is +50 degrees.
Angelina, 37 years
We bought a Delimano tap water heater after following an advertisement in one of the TV stores. We were dissuaded for a long time, but we made our choice and placed an order. Having received and installed a water heater at the dacha, we received an excellent source of hot water, to the envy of our neighbors. The device heats water well, and up to very high temperatures - you can adjust it using a small knob. The installation took only 20 minutes; you just had to remove the standard faucet and install the heater in its place. The faucet spout rotates in different directions, and the water heater itself has a pleasant design. We installed another similar heater in a city apartment to use hot water during the summer breaks.
Anatoly, 43 years
Summer interruptions in the supply of hot water will drive anyone to white heat. I understand that prevention is needed, but what should consumers do? On the Internet I saw an advertisement for a Supretto instantaneous water heater, which completely satisfied me in terms of its cost and functionality. I called, ordered, installed. By the way, the installation was incredibly fast, I spent about an hour, of which I spent half an hour installing the socket. I liked it - quick warm-up, temperature adjustment, cold water supply, Russian-language instructions. I didn’t like it - the high power of the built-in heating element, you will need to connect a separate line here. The assembly seems to be of good quality, now let's see how long this thing will last.
Michael, 35 years
Buying a tap water heater was a clear mistake; it would have been better to buy a regular wall heater. There is no smell of heating up to a temperature of +60 degrees, and the vaunted Italian assembly turned out to be Chinese. The water at the outlet is slightly warm and that’s it – the wasted electricity goes down the drain. And what is this craze for saving on wires? There are no sockets within 50 cm of the tap, as this is unsafe! But no, the wire included is as short as possible. And if you consider that to connect consumers with a power of over 2-2.5 kW you need to pull a separate wire of increased cross-section, the connection task becomes not an easy one. I cannot recommend this water heater, since buying it is a waste of money. It is better to buy a small wall-mounted flat boiler.
When arranging an apartment or house, the question sometimes arises: how to provide your home with warm water all year round? The apartment most often has hot water distribution. But who doesn’t know that there are emergencies or planned network repairs. In private homes and cottages, there may be no possibility of connecting to central hot water lines. An interesting solution to the problem is to put it on the tap.
Instead of a conventional mixer, a faucet is installed, which has a built-in compact heater. Most often, the faucet functions as a mixer that can operate in cold and warm mode. When the lever is turned to the side where warm water is indicated, the water heater on the tap is automatically turned on. Heating is felt within a few seconds.
The devices differ:
Most often, the differences observed are not very significant.
An electric water heater tap is a design similar to a regular mixer tap.
He has:
An electric instantaneous water heater on a faucet combines an electrical component and running water, which can be dangerous. Therefore, high-quality water heaters have high degree of protection.
It may consist of the following positions:
An instantaneous electric water heater on a faucet is usually compared to a boiler, and an instant water heating faucet has quite a few advantages.
There are also disadvantages:
Tip: Before choosing a device, you should evaluate whether the internal electrical network is ready for additional load. If not, do the work: replace the outdated wiring or make a separate one for the electrical appliance.
In the packaging box upon purchase you will find a faucet already assembled at the factory and an attachment - a rotating spout of the faucet. It is easily inserted into the faucet structure. Installation of the device is very simple and does not require the services of a specialist. The old mixer is dismantled. The faucet is connected using a flexible hose to a pipe supplying cold water to the sink.
Now check the presence of cold water and whether there is proper pressure. In order for the electric mixer-water heater to be in working position, the plug of its electrical part is plugged into a socket. Check whether the RCD protection indicator lights up. After this, you can use the hot water tap. To do this, turn the lever to the left.
Note that, depending on the model, the price for an electric instantaneous water heater per tap will be in the range of 3000-4500 rubles.
The Aquatherm instantaneous water heater, like other representatives of such devices, is easy to install. The manufacturer provides a five-year warranty. The maximum water heating temperature is 60 °C. The crane is equipped with a full range of functional accessories to make using it a pleasure. It has an RCD protective device, which makes the device safe to use.
The sensor monitors the water pressure: if the water pressure is too low or too high, the automatic system turns off the heating. The faucet functions well in the bathroom to heat water for showering. This is facilitated by the Eco Jet shower head. It helps the user to make showering comfortable. It is important that the tap is equipped with a filter for purifying running water. This extends the longevity of the device. The power of the device is three kilowatts.
The heated faucet is similar to other devices of this type, but has some differences. The device has a stylish look. Specially shaped faucet divider. The lever is nickel plated. Shiny inserts and blue lighting make the faucet very beautiful.
The device is easy to install. Connects to the cold water system using a flexible hose. Power three kilowatts. The faucet is equipped with automatic equipment to turn on the heater when the lever is turned in the appropriate direction. The maximum heating temperature is 60 °C. It has a built-in thermostat. This makes it possible to use it to adjust the desired heating temperature.
The device does not have any special differences from devices of this type described above. Limitation of water temperature heating – 60 °C. Material: metal and plastic. Power - three kilowatts. It works if the water pressure is within 0.4 ÷ 6 atm. Regulates the heating temperature by turning the lever: changing the jet pressure.
It can be installed at the place of use simply without the help of a specialist. The power cord is one meter long. A special nozzle on the faucet creates a stream saturated with oxygen. This makes it possible, with a small pressure, to create a heated flow of water sufficient to meet the sanitary needs of the user. This feature also saves water consumption.
If you want to know what it is, its characteristics and advantages, this information is on our website.
For those who want to figure it out, we have a separate article. We compare the pros and cons of heating devices.
Manufacturers of household appliances are constantly working to solve problems facing residents of a big city or countryside village. The lack of hot water in the kitchen or shower causes real suffering to a person spoiled by the conveniences of civilization. An innovative way out of such an uncomfortable situation was an electric running water heater, made in the form of a mixer tap.
Shutting off the centralized hot water supply, called preventive, has become a common occurrence for city dwellers. For those who live in a country house or in a temporary country house, choosing a convenient and effective way to establish hot water supply has always been relevant.
Gas boiler with heated water supply in a storage tank seems to be the right choice for the cottage. Where there is no gas supply and for a large number of water points, it is more reasonable to install an electric storage water heater of the required volume. Only high-power flow heaters can serve several consumers - a kitchen and a bathroom - at the same time.
A device in the form of a mixer with a built-in instantaneous electric water heater is appropriate where a small amount of hot water flowing from one tap is sufficient. Usually this is a country house. It will also come in handy as a means of surviving the summer periods when the hot water supply is turned off in a sparsely populated city apartment, provided that electricity prices are not critical.
The operating principle of an instantaneous electric water heater is the same for a massive and powerful device mounted on a wall and a compact one in the form of a sink faucet. Water enters the container, where there is a tubular electric heater (TEH), which has the shape of a spiral. In the shortest possible time, the water is heated to a temperature of 60-85⁰ C. The required temperature is maintained for all water coming through the tap; its pressure is regulated by a lever or valve.
The faucet with a built-in electric instantaneous water heater has:
All this is contained in stainless steel housing or a thermoplastic-based composite and looks quite aesthetically pleasing - like a regular faucet with a slight thickening. Its operation process is also very similar to the operation of a regular faucet.
In the middle position of the lever, no water is supplied and the power is turned off. When turning to the left, cold water flows from the spout, the pressure of which can be adjusted. When you turn to the right, the heating element turns on, which is indicated by the indicator, and heating begins. Its maximum degree occurs within 3-5 seconds. You can regulate the water temperature either using a separate thermostat on the body or simply by turning the lever - with strong pressure, the water heats up less.
The main disadvantage of an instantaneous electric water heater is the increased energy consumption. It is not as intense as, for example, a high-power kettle, but models consuming up to 3 kW per hour, with intensive use can lead to significant costs.
Another disadvantage is insufficient resources. It is unreasonable to consider such a device as a long-term and reliable means of providing all hot water needs. The normal operating mode of a faucet with a flow-through heater is to dispense up to 6 liters of water at a temperature of 40-60⁰ C per minute.
The experience of using electric heaters built into the domestic water supply system has revealed problems unique to it. At low pressure, safety sensor can turn off the heating element to avoid overheating, as in the “dry” mode. Users note the negative impact of low-quality water on the flow-through heater, and hence another drawback: the inability to install a high-purity filter in the tap. This should be taken into account when choosing a specific heater model.
But to satisfy less global requests for domestic hot water, this device has a lot of advantages:
Installing a faucet with a heater is no different from installing a mixer. The main difference is the cable for connecting the power supply. Designers fastening elements are provided, allowing you to make it invisible and not interfere with the use of the sink or shower.
The combination of water and electricity is deservedly considered deadly, so you should reduce the risk to nothing: buy heaters from certified sellers, carry out installation strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to check that the electrical network complies with the necessary requirements of the flow heater manufacturer when connecting power be sure to ground.
Manufacturers set the service life of a faucet with a built-in electric water heater from 2 to 5 years, depending on the intensity and operating conditions.
Devices that do not have a storage tank and quickly increase the temperature of water using electricity are called instantaneous heaters. Outwardly, they are similar to ordinary faucets, but have a slightly larger size due to the body with a heating element. Such a device is capable of raising the temperature of a liquid to 60 °C in just 10 seconds. Instant water heating taps are usually used in small rooms, for example, cottages and garages, or when the hot water supply is turned off.
The device consists of the following elements:
The number of parts may be greater, depending on the set of functions. According to the principle of operation, cold water heaters for taps are divided into pressure and non-pressure. The former are capable of supplying and heating liquid to several points at once, but they necessarily require a certain pressure. Non-pressure heaters are connected to only one point and can operate without pressure.
According to the control method, they are divided into electronic and hydraulic. The former automatically control water heating; you just need to set the required temperature. When the pressure decreases or increases, the sensor will determine whether it needs to be increased or decreased. In hydraulic heaters, control is carried out entirely manually. Models are produced either with a tap only, or complete with a shower head, or with an inlet for connecting a hose.
The most popular heaters are Delimano, Polaris, Aquatherm, and Supretto brands.
1. Delimano supplies hot water within 3 seconds. Power – 3 kW, has an attractive appearance, is easy to install and significantly reduces energy costs. The body consists of metal and plastic parts. The faucet rotates in different directions, so it can be used for a sink with several compartments. Delimano heaters are offered with manual and automatic controls, the latter having a digital monitor for more convenient control of water temperature.
2. Polaris produces devices with a power of up to 5.5 kW, maximum heating reaches 55°C. They are manufactured with a conventional switch control and a touch panel with a display. The most advanced version has a quartz heating element and 4 modes to adjust the power. All devices from Polaris are connected to a hose, and from it they are connected to either a shower or a faucet.
3. Aquatherm devices also provide quick heating of running water. This manufacturer offers a wide range of models, made in different color shades. The body can be either vertical or horizontal, with a long curved or short straight tap. Power from – 3 kW.
4. Supretto devices have similar characteristics - the same compact dimensions, heating water up to 60°C in 3 seconds. Power – 3 kW. They have an elegant design. Versions are available only with a vertical housing and a tap.
Reviews about heaters
“Before, there were always problems with hot water. The network is old, accidents often occur, that’s why I decided to buy Aquatherm, especially since I heard a lot of positive reviews about it, especially that the price fully corresponds to its quality. I was quite surprised by this device. I expected, of course, that it would quickly heat the water, but not in a few seconds. I've been using it for 5 months now, no problems yet. Looks nice and easy to adjust. In general, I’m completely satisfied, I don’t regret the money spent at all.”
Vladimir, Moscow.
“It was difficult to choose a specific model, but I liked the reviews about the Delimano water heater the most, so I decided to buy it. It looks almost like a regular faucet, but is slightly larger at the base, and at the same time has a more interesting and attractive appearance. Already 3 seconds after starting the heater, actual hot water flows. It works without interruption, the pressure and temperature are always the same. It is easy to install, just like a standard faucet. We didn’t have to do anything with the wiring, we had it new and there was already an outlet nearby.”
Nikolay, Samara.
“It’s good that there are so many reviews about flow-through heaters in online stores. It was easier to choose the right device. I needed a shower heater, not one with a faucet, so I decided to take the Polaris brand. It works great, the water always comes in at the same temperature, and it warms up in a couple of seconds, which is very convenient, you don’t have to wait. Now I’m planning to buy an electric heater for my dacha.”
Yulia Morozova, Nizhny Novgorod.
“A year has already passed since the purchase of this device. It works like new and the appearance is completely preserved. The water heats up in about 3-4 seconds to 50 °C. The price is absolutely consistent with the quality, and it takes up very little space, like a regular faucet. Electricity costs have increased slightly, but we still remain in the black, since now we don’t have to pay bills for hot water supply.”
Alexander, Ufa.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive qualities of a flow-through heater-attachment to a faucet:
In addition to all this, it significantly reduces energy costs, since it does not have to constantly maintain the required water temperature, as in devices with a storage tank (only in case of economical handling). The heater is absolutely safe, as it is reliably protected from liquid penetration. The water will always be fresh and at the same temperature; the possibility of getting burned is completely eliminated, as happens with conventional mixing taps. Disadvantages include the need for high-quality electrical wiring and a coarse filter. It is recommended to install structures that are protected against water hammer.
Price
Review of prices at which you can buy instantaneous electric water heaters for taps:
Judging by the reviews and recommendations of experts, it is best to purchase heaters that have a protective shutdown function, which protects a person from electric shock and protects the device itself in the event of power surges. The presence of sensors against overheating and dry start-up will also not hurt.
