Rating of the best gas water heaters for 2022

A gas water heater is a special device in which water is heated by the energy released during the combustion of gas. In the future, this water can be used for sanitary-hygienic or household, economic or technological needs. Both liquefied gas in cylinders and natural gas can be used as a heating fuel.

The main advantage of using such devices is the use of cheap fuel - gas. However, gas has fire and explosion hazard criteria, and even more so it is harmful to breathing, so a leaky gas water heater can become much more dangerous than its electric counterpart. In addition, gas models require the mandatory presence of a chimney, which is necessary for the purpose of removing combustion products.

Design and principle of operation

The devices under consideration are distinguished by the fact that the water in them is heated directly in the heat exchangers by means of a burner flame. And the temperature of the water can be adjusted by changing the intensity of the fire.

The gas water heater consists of the main modular elements:

• Power supply unit responsible for coordinating the work of all nodes and providing a multi-level control system;
• Gas-water control device that ensures optimal and safe operation of the unit in an extended power range;
• Modular burners;
• Screen for displaying the temperature of the heated liquid;
• Heat exchanger providing heat transfer to running water from burnt gases;
• Chimney, with a draft sensor installed on it.

Two pipelines are connected to the body of the device: one supplies gas, the second, respectively, cold water. The main and pilot burners are installed in the lower part of the apparatus. When the water tap is turned on, gas flows through a special valve, which causes ignition to the main burner from the ignition. In this way, water is heated, which moves along a spiral tube installed in the heat exchanger. In this case, the emission of combustion products occurs through the chimney, and the heated liquid enters the tap. This automated process allows you to quickly get hot water.

Types of gas water heaters

According to their internal structure, they can be divided into storage and flow. Wall-mounted flow models are often called gas water heaters, which is not far from the truth, however, modern designs have some improvements. The peculiarity of the instantaneous water heater is that it has a relatively small size.

A gas boiler (aka a storage gas water heater) is distinguished by a large tank, the dimensions of which will depend on the amount of hot water needed. These models will be able to provide heated water not only for a couple of washbasins, but also for showers and several bathrooms in a large country house. Among other things, such heaters are perfect for those places where the gas pipeline has weak power ratings.

Features of choosing a gas instantaneous water heater

Power (thermal rated)

It is one of the most important criteria for determining how much hot liquid can be obtained at the outlet. Usually there are three groups:

• High-power - 28-20 kW;
• Medium power - 22-24 kW;
• Low-power - 17-19 kW.

When choosing, you should pay attention to what power parameter is indicated in the instructions - useful or consumed. You need to focus on the useful power, it is she who will determine the amount and speed of heating. For example, the following indicators of hot liquid consumption depending on the useful power can be given:

• With a power of 19 kW, heating up to 50 degrees will occur at a flow rate of up to 5 l / min, and for heating up to 25 degrees - up to 11.5 l / min;
• With a power of 24 kW, heating up to 50 degrees will occur at a flow rate of up to 7 l / min, and for heating up to 25 degrees - up to 14 l / min;
• With a power of 28 kW, heating up to 50 degrees will occur at a flow rate of up to 8 l / min, and for heating up to 25 degrees - up to 16 l / min.

Usually, in private homes, models with a power rating of 17 to 26 kW are used, although today there are already devices with a power of 47 kW. For a small city apartment for two people, a 17-18 kW unit is enough - enough for a washbasin and a shower cabin (in one minute it is quite possible to heat about 8 liters to a temperature of 40 degrees). But if you need to wash, take a bath and wash the dishes at the same time, then you can’t do without a powerful model of 23-28 kW. If the available power seems high enough, then it can always be reduced by wrapping the burner flame (the smaller the flame, the less gas burns).

The adjustment operation can be carried out:

• Automatic - the flame increases / decreases relative to the amount of fluid flow passing through the device;
• Manually - by changing the position of the handle, the thermal power (flame size) changes, from about 50 to 100% of the maximum value. Thus, the lower the flow, the higher the temperature, and vice versa.

Differences in flow devices by type of ignition

According to this parameter, they can be divided into:

• Piezo ignition is the most budget option, to start which you just need to light the igniter and leave it to work in standby mode;
• Electric ignition - with this option, the installation of batteries will be required, work will begin immediately after the user opens the hot water tap;
• Hydrogenerator - as in the above case, work begins from the moment the hot tap is opened, only batteries are not needed. The main thing is the presence of sufficient pressure in the water supply (the normal figure is 15 l / min for taking a shower, and 10 l / min will do for washing dishes).

Of course, if the user wants the temperature to be always constant, then it is necessary to purchase a model with exclusively automatic regulation.

Removal of combustion products

Combustion chambers in the devices under consideration are of two types - open and closed. From the open chamber, the exhaust gases go into a chimney specially constructed for this purpose. Exhaust gases leave the closed chamber through a special coaxial metal hose, which can be led out through the wall or through a window. The first type of gas removal will show a high level of efficiency, and the second is the most economical.

Safety at work

In order to prevent the occurrence of emergencies, manufacturers equip their units with special security systems. They can be a flame controller, a draft sensor and a hydraulic valve.

Thrust sensor will work when the function of the chimney is disturbed - it will turn off the gas supply if the exhaust gas substance begins to enter the room, and not into the chimney.

hydraulic valve reacts to the liquid level in the heat exchanger.If it is empty, the gas supply will be automatically disabled, thereby preventing the equipment from overheating.

Most often flame controller is a thermocouple - if the fire (in case of a malfunction) is filled with liquid, the system will independently turn off the gas at the inlet, thereby preventing its leakage.

Features of choosing a gas storage water heater

According to the generally accepted opinion, the choice of a storage heater is much more complicated, because it has a large set of characteristics.

tank capacity

It can range from 50 to 100 liters. When buying, it should be noted that one person will need about 25-30 liters for a comfortable shower. If, however, while taking a shower, additional consumption is also required (for example, washing dishes), then the tank should hold at least 50 liters. It should be understood that for high-quality heating of approximately 30 liters, it may take from 45 minutes to an hour. For comfortable use of the shower cabin, a minimum of 4 liters of warm water per minute is required. If you save money and install a 10 liter tank, then it will last for at least five minutes of warm water procedures. Therefore, heaters with a small tank volume are used exclusively for washing or washing dishes.

Power

Electric models with a power of 1-3 kW are quite capable of operating from a conventional electrical network, so they do not need to be connected to a power line. However, gas models will be extremely economical, as can be seen in the following example: an electric appliance with a power of 1.5-3 kW will heat 150 liters in at least 2 hours, while a gas one with a little more power will cope with the same task in about in an hour.

Tank material

As a rule, this element of the device is made of ordinary steel with a glass or enamel coating, or is made of stainless alloys. Both of these types have their pros and cons. Coated tanks are much cheaper than stainless ones, but the latter will have noticeably thinner walls, which indicates their low durability. If water hammer often occurs in the water supply network of a potential user, then the chances of damaging the tank naturally become higher. At the same time, the corrosion resistance of a stainless steel tank is several times higher, and the enamel coating of a tank made of ordinary steel can crack over time from prolonged contact with water. And as soon as this process begins, we can safely say that Baku does not have long to live. The quality of water will directly affect the time of operational wear of the tank - if it is very hard, then a high content of salts in it will lead to the immediate formation of scale. The same will happen if there are abrasive particles (fine sand) in the water.

Boiler tank lining

It can be made of glassware, stainless steel, or titanium in general. It is this coating that will protect the tank from rust, which will directly affect its service life. And of course, the use of one or another type of spraying will affect the total cost of the unit.

The most popular is glass-porcelain and enamel coatings, because they protect well from rust. Moreover, such coatings have a rather democratic price tag. However, they have a significant disadvantage - they are extremely sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. If drops occur frequently, then microcracks may appear on the surface.Still, you can use the heater in a gentle mode and not warm the water above 60 degrees, but then there will be a risk that not all harmful bacteria in the water will die from high temperatures.

Still, samples with an internal titanium coating or stainless steel are considered more reliable. For the tanks described above, which use glass porcelain or enamel, the manufacturer sets a warranty period of no more than a year, while for titanium / stainless products, the warranty can be from 7 to 10 years. Naturally, such devices will cost more. In addition, it should be noted that titanium coating is found only in top models of water heaters.

Nevertheless, even expensive designs made of stainless steel or titanium are not without their own disadvantages. These may include their vulnerability in the places of welding. Over time, weld points can leak. Another disadvantage is specifically stainless products - they can give water an unpleasant taste and smell due to oxidative processes. And this can cause a negative reaction in a person, for example, while brushing his teeth. In fairness, it should be clarified that the number of such complaints from users is extremely small.

magnesium anode

For additional protection against rust, absolutely all boilers are equipped with electrochemical protection complexes with a protective anode (in rare cases, zinc, but in most magnesium). The anode is a consumable element that oxidizes during operation and dissolves, while ensuring the integrity of the container. Such protection is installed even in stainless steel models, but due to the fact that the metal of manufacture there itself copes with the anti-corrosion task, it is almost not necessary to replace the anodes.

Closed/open combustion chamber

A chimney will have to be built if the user intends to use a gas boiler. The complexity of its device in a closed / open form will be provided for by the design of the water heater itself. When installing a device with a closed chamber, the financial costs will be much less for the installation of a gas outlet, but the unit itself will cost more, because a special coaxial sleeve is used to remove exhaust gases.

Tank shape and dimensions

The execution of this element of the water heater can be in the following forms:

• Rectangular;
• Cylindrical;
• Slim-form (refined).

And according to the type of location, they can be both horizontal and vertical. In turn, some models may have large overall dimensions with a small declared capacity. This means that in the tank a fair share between the walls is made up of heat-insulating material. On the one hand, such a tank will keep the water heated longer, but on the other hand, you will have to be content with a small amount of it.

Additional options

Some models of water heaters can be equipped with additional devices:

• Thermostat for setting the required degree of heating (power);
• Temperature sensor of water in the tank;
• Hood for exhaust, which prevents the return of exhaust gases;
• Integrated protection system against various emergencies;
• Elements of manual or electronic control.

Advantages of a gas storage heater over electric models

The main and undoubted advantage is the low price of gas compared to electricity.But at the same time, the very cost of a gas apparatus, the price of its installation and the conditions necessary for this, are much more demanding than those of an electric one. However, as practice shows, all these expenses will pay off pretty quickly.

Rating of the best gas water heaters for 2022

Flow units

3rd place: Zanussi GWH 6 Fonte

Standard and inexpensive heater, perfect for city apartments. Small power is compensated by the presence of additional options and sufficient performance. The model is provided with comprehensive protection against emergencies, has an open type of combustion chamber.

Name	Index
power, kWt	12
Productivity, liters per minute	6
Ignition type	Electric
Control	mechanical
Price, rubles	5100

• Ease of installation;
• Versatility;
• Democratic price.

• The warranty is only one year.

2nd place: Wert 10EG Berry

An excellent model that perfectly combines the price / quality ratio. It has a wall-mounted vertical mounting method and can be easily installed in almost any room. The unit is characterized by a high level of body performance, has a whole range of protection against overheating.

Name	Index
power, kWt	20
Productivity, liters per minute	12
Ignition type	Electric
Control	mechanical
Price, rubles	6700

• Good value for money;
• Extended basic functionality;
• Has small dimensions;
• 2 years warranty.

• Not installed (for your segment).

1st place: Bosch W 10 KB

A sample from the world famous European manufacturer of household equipment.It is distinguished by increased reliability - the manufacturer claims a period of operation without breakdowns for 15 years. At the same time, it has rather average performance indicators. The price may seem a little overpriced, but that is a fee for a well-known brand.

Name	Index
power, kWt	17
Productivity, liters per minute	10
Ignition type	Electric
Control	mechanical
Price, rubles	11000

• Excellent workmanship;
• Performance indicators are sufficient for a small apartment;
• Extended warranty - 2 years.

• High price.

storage units

3rd place: BAXI SAG3 80

A capacious and productive heater is perfect for servicing a country house. It is equipped with a water hammer dampening system, and its large tank has an internal enamel anti-corrosion coating. In addition, an anode is installed in the tank to protect against rust.

Name	Index
Maximum heating temperature, degrees	70
Tank volume, liters	80
Ignition type	Piezo ignition
Control	mechanical
Price, rubles	27000

• Sufficient functionality at an average price;
• Big tank;
• Rapid heating of water.

• Large dimensions.

2nd place: Ariston SGA 120

This unit is characterized by high performance, despite its increased capacity. Additionally, it has indicators of heating, on / off, its own thermometer and a gas control safety valve. It is mounted vertically on a wall with a bottom eyeliner.

Name	Index
Maximum heating temperature, degrees	75
Tank volume, liters	115
Ignition type	Piezo ignition
Control	mechanical
Price, rubles	38000

• Enlarged tank;
• Excellent performance;
• A large number of additional options.

• Not detected.

1st place: American Water Heater PROLine G-61-50T40-3NV

This model is the flagship on the market and is made by an American manufacturer. In addition to advanced technical indicators, it has high-precision electronic filling for both daily work and emergency management. It can easily serve a large country house with several bathrooms.

Name	Index
Maximum heating temperature, degrees	70
Tank volume, liters	190
Ignition type	Electrical
Control	Electronic
Price, rubles	44000

• Increased performance;
• Versatility;
• Quality manufacturing materials.

• High price.

Instead of an epilogue

The analysis of the market showed that gas water heaters in Russia are represented mainly by Western companies. There are very few domestic samples on this market and they are not popular. At the same time, we can safely say that only high-quality models from world-famous brands are on sale and their prices are only in rare cases too high. Nevertheless, professionals advise purchasing such equipment in specialized retail stores rather than on Internet sites.