Instantaneous electric water heaters for faucet: an overview of the best offers on the market

There are many factors that make a city dweller's life comfortable, and one of them is the constant availability of hot water. In the absence of centralized heating or a boiler serving the whole house, heating devices of accumulative or flow type are used. The choice depends on the characteristics and dimensions of the equipment. For cottage use or use of hot water in small volumes, an instantaneous electric water heater for a tap is ideal - a compact budget device that replaces a standard mixer.

Design Features and Key Features

It is quite difficult to distinguish a heating tap from a kitchen faucet for a person who is far from plumbing wisdom, since all the important elements are inside the base, and the external shape completely coincides with conventional models. Behind the walls of a durable case made of metal or plastic, the heart of the device is hidden - the heating element of the heater, as well as a set of elements that ensure safety. The main external distinguishing feature is the network cable for supplying electric current.

In the diagram, the flexible water supply is located below, under the water heater, there is another way to connect - from the back. The connection location must be specified in advance, before installing the device

Not on the Russian market, products of domestic and Chinese production were spread. Fundamental differences in devices of different brands are not observed, except for the "corporate" design. You can choose a color that is in harmony with the interior of the kitchen or bathroom, the length and shape of the spout, but you will not find much difference in design and technical characteristics. This is due to the fact that far from all companies are interested in the production of portable household models, and the range of faucets-heaters is much smaller than, say, the number of such products in the storage devices segment.

The electric wire, an integral part of instantaneous water heaters on a tap, is covered with a protective sheath from above, but it is desirable to strengthen it by placing the wire in a box or deepening it into a wall, hiding under the lining

Consider what the instantaneous water heaters on the tap consist of:

• housing;
• heating steel or copper element (tubular heating element);
• thermal sensor with shutdown function when overheating;
• water supply relay, including power supply;
• short or long spout;
• strainer;
• power regulator.

One of the main properties of electrical household appliances is safety, so every detail is made taking into account the fact that the user does not suffer from the effects of current, which, as you know, perfectly conducts water. For example, a pressure switch prevents idle operation of the valve, that is, it protects against the so-called "dry" inclusion. There is a framework within which the device functions: from 0.4 atm. (minimum required pressure) up to 7 atm. (maximum allowed).

In addition to pressure, the device also controls the temperature indicators of water. If the liquid heats up to + 60 ° C, the thermal sensor is triggered and heating stops. The cooled water begins to heat up also in automatic mode.

It looks like one of the modern compact models of instantaneous water heaters for a faucet: a strict design, nothing more, a backlit display, a masked wire

Each certified model has an RCD unit that performs two functions - protection against voltage and protection against electric shock in case of danger, for example, in case of violation of the integrity of the housing or failure of the heater.

Not only the user needs protection, but also the device itself. A common cause of crane damage is water hammer. To prevent damage to the water heater, the casing of the device is reinforced with durable but elastic plastic, and a silicone damper that softens vibrations is installed inside. All parts of the device are covered with shells that do not allow water to pass through.

Some water heaters on the tap have not one universal lever, but two: the first regulates the temperature of the water, the second - the pressure of the water in the device

Some of the manufacturing nuances relate to increasing the efficiency of the device. Suppose that a spout of almost any model has a different section diameter at the inlet and at the outlet, and the outlet at the outlet is noticeably smaller. This trick creates additional resistance and thereby increases the performance of the heater.

pay attention to coarse filter and do not forget to install it during assembly. It protects the device from large particles of dirt and sand, which can damage the heating chamber and disable the mixer.

The principle of operation of the mixer with heating

Manufacturers often call their products devices with instant heating, and there is some truth to this. From about 5 to 10 seconds, it is required that the water supplied to the tap under the necessary pressure turn on the electrical system, using the heater, and heat up to the required temperature. The optimum values ​​for washing, washing dishes and washing things are water indicators from + 30 ° C to + 60 ° C, they can be set independently.

The recommended maximum water temperature for household chores is 50-60 degrees, which is what manufacturers take into account when releasing flow models

The heated faucet operates in 3 main modes:

• cold water supply - the lever is installed in the left position, the device works without electric heating;
• hot water supply - the lever is turned to the right, which simultaneously includes both water and the heater;
• off state - the handle is lowered, which means that both electricity and water supply are turned off.

It should be remembered that the principle of operation of the simplest devices is based on the direct dependence of temperature on water pressure. By manipulating the handle (lever), it is possible to adjust the temperature to the most comfortable value. The accuracy reaches 1 degree, and it is very convenient for those who like cooler water or, conversely, hotter.

Some models are equipped with a temperature controller with an electronic display. In this case, the water is turned on with the handle, and the temperature is set by pressing or touching on the device located on the side.

On some models, the operating mode switching knob is not on the right, but on top, and the case itself is attached to the wall (the standard location is on a table or sink)

Speaking of fast heating, it is necessary to remember the temperature of the inlet water. How cold can a portable device heat up? It all depends on the class of energy consumption, respectively, on the power output: the minimum power is 3 kW, the average 5 kW, the maximum 7 kW. A minimum is enough if it is necessary to heat the liquid at room temperature - 18-20 ° C, that is, low-power devices work well only in the summer period. For year-round operation, you should purchase more powerful devices that can quickly heat even ice water.

Overview of the best deals on the market

Functional water heaters for the faucet brands Delimano, Aquatherm and Supretto "settled down" on the Russian market. Models of well-known companies differ in technical indicators, appearance and cost. Consider the main characteristics of the listed brands.

Supretto - domestic faucet water heater from China

If you have turned off the hot water in a planned or emergency mode, you can use the product from Hong Kong - an inexpensive device of medium power. The crane has a stylish design: a white cylindrical body with silver trim. The small spout is located horizontally, the switch handle is on the side. The liner is installed from below.

Flowing heating devices are installed on the tap using a fastening set by simply tightening the nut, therefore, anyone can cope with the installation of the device

Additional accessories, for example, shower outlet, are not provided. Connecting a new household appliance will not take much time: it is enough to dismantle the old faucet and fasten the heating device instead. The kit must necessarily contain fixtures. Typically, the faucet is installed on the edge of the sink or screwed to the countertop.

The performance of the water heater varies depending on the set temperature. If you do not turn on the heating, the tap passes one and a half liters per minute, heated to + 50 ° C water flows in a smaller volume - 1.3 liters per minute. The minimum power is 3 kW, but it is enough to heat water to a maximum temperature (+ 50-60 ° C) in about two minutes. The housing is protected from impacts and quick breakdown by durable heat-resistant plastic.

On the front wall of most models there is a heating indicator that lights up at the moment when the water temperature reaches a preset value

When purchasing an electric heater, you need to take care in advance of connecting it to a standard voltage network of 220 ~ 240 V. The wire has a length of about 1 m, so the socket or power filter should be at a distance not exceeding a meter.

Aquatherm - a famous brand of domestic production

The Aquatherm brand is popular due to its excellent functionality and a variety of models that have an original design and convenient additions.

During the purchase process, pay attention to the following points:

• color of the device - along with the usual silver-colored devices, cranes of red, blue, bronze, white are produced, as well as marbled products;
• body shape - it can be located vertically or horizontally;
• the length and shape of the spout - there is a ruler with short horizontal “spouts” for sinks of small diameter, and with high curved ones for volumetric sinks;
• the presence of a shower hose with a watering can, increasing the functionality of the water heater;
• the ability to adjust the water using an electronic device.

Technical characteristics can be called average - heating up to + 60 ° С, heating element power 3.0 kW, power supply network with voltage 220V ± 10%.

The spout on all models of instantaneous water heaters is swivel, which resembles a conventional mixer. There are models where the turn of the spout is 360 degrees, that is, it rotates around an axis

Thanks to the interesting exterior decoration, it is possible to choose a faucet that combines style and shade with the design of the kitchen. Suppose silver and bronze portable devices with an electronic display fit perfectly into the interior of a high-tech kitchen, and appliances with a high thin spout are more suitable for classic or modern.

On the Aquaterm water heater diagram, a spiral-shaped heating element is clearly visible, which increases the temperature of the water during its movement inside the chamber

The cost of instantaneous water heaters for a faucet depends on the design, the possibility of connecting a shower hose and the presence of an electronic display.

Delimano - a popular Italian-Ukrainian brand

Experts from various countries, including Germany and Italy, worked on the project of a portable mixer with heating, but its production is carried out in China. The manufacturer recommends using its products as a household assistant in the country. Convenient nozzle is compact, functional, has a guarantee.

The power cord is connected to the back of the chassis. The temperature of the water, adjustable with a convenient side handle, helps to determine the indicator. The lever positions are indicated by special marks - blue and red. An oval without a color mark means starting water at room temperature. Technical characteristics of the device are the same as for products of the brand "Aquatherm".

Recall that small water heaters on the tap save where there is a shortage of space for the use of storage tanks: in cottages, studio apartments, office rooms. It can be useful in new buildings during repair or connecting communications. "Delimano", made in the Art Nouveau style, will be appropriate in any interior.

Products go on sale in a partially disassembled form: in separate packages are a body with an electric wire, a spout and a mounting kit

Pros and cons of portable water heaters

Before buying any water heater, it is worth considering a number of factors influencing the choice:

• volume of hot water (depends on the number of people in the house and activity of use);
• technical characteristics important for installation and connection;
• device dimensions;
• appearance;
• cost.

Priorities are set differently. For example, for a family with a small child, a portable device is not suitable, since a large amount of hot water is constantly required. And for summer residents temporarily visiting a country house, this is quite an acceptable option.

Portable instantaneous water heaters with shower hose and watering can are designed for installation in the bathroom. There are models with the ability to install just one - either spout, or shower

Sometimes it makes sense to install a heated mixer in city apartments, in industrial premises, in offices, since it performs the minimum required functions and has the following advantages:

• provides fast heating;
• consumes electric energy only during direct operation;
• has constant temperature settings;
• takes up little space with a deficit;
• aesthetically attractive.

The pluses include quick installation, similar to installing a conventional mixer. The only difference is connecting the electrical wires. The big advantage of these brands is their availability - to buy devices at a price of 2500 rubles. up to 6 000 rub. all are capable without exception.