It’s easier to choose the best 50-liter storage water heater when you understand how it works and what the key indicators are. Understanding what exactly you need, you won’t have to pay for what’s unnecessary.

- What is a storage water heater
- 5 inexpensive storage water heaters for 50 liters
- Edison ER 50V
- Thermex Thermo 50 V Slim
- Stiebel Eltron PSH 50 Classic
- Atlantic Round VMR 50
- Haier ES50V-COLOR(S)
- 5 best vertical storage water heaters for 50 liters
- Electrolux EWH 50 Heatronic DL Slim DryHeat
- Timberk SWH RE19 50 V
- Ariston LYDOS ECO ABS PW 50 V
- Oasis SL-50V
- RESANTA VN-50V
- 5 best horizontal storage water heaters for 50 liters
- Electrolux EWH 50 Citadel H
- Electrolux EWH 50 Royal Silver H
- Thermex IF 50 H (pro) Wi-Fi
- Thermex Titanium Heat 50 H Slim
- Haier FCD-JTHA50-III(ET)
- 5 best flat storage water heaters for 50 liters
- Ballu BWH/S 50 Rodon
- Ballu BWH/S 50 Smart WiFi
- Royal Clima RWH-ST50-FS
- Stiebel Eltron PSH 50 Universal EL
- Polaris IMR 0850 V
- 5 best storage water heaters for 50 liters with a dry heater
- Zanussi ZWH/S 50 Artendo DRY
- Atlantic Steatite VM 050 D400-2-BC
- Timberk SWH FSK7 50 V
- Electrolux EWH 50 Megapolis WiFi
- Polaris SIGMA Wi-Fi 50 SSD, 2021
- How to choose a 50 liter storage water heater
- Type according to water points
- Gravity (one point)
- Pressure (two points)
- Wall installation method
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Vertical/horizontal
- Control
- Mechanical
- Electronic
- Tank inner lining
- Glass ceramics
- Enamel
- Stainless steel
- Power consumption
- Mains voltage
- Dimensions
- Protection
- Safety valve
- Check valve
- From turning on without water
- From overheating
- From preventing freezing
- Peculiarities
- Connect to a standard outlet
- Thermometer
- Display
- Remote control
- Smartphone control
- Water filter
- Additional functions
- Self-diagnosis
- Accelerated heating
- Eco mode
- Electrical safety, presence of RCD
What is a storage water heater
A storage water heater is a container with a heating element inside. The heating element heats the water to a certain temperature and then maintains it at a given level. This way there is always water in the tank and it is always hot. To reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency, the walls of the tank are double, with thermal insulation laid between them. They work like a thermos, retaining heat (due to volume) for up to a day.
A 50 liter boiler covers the hot water needs of one person, or maximum of two, if you use it as the main source. If the device is purchased as a standby option during seasonal water outages or accidents on the heating main, then a family of 3-4 people will comfortably survive this difficult period.
5 inexpensive storage water heaters for 50 liters
Among the inexpensive water heaters, there are reliable models that will last for many years. Most likely, there will be no additional options, the design will be simple, but the device functions perfectly.
Edison ER 50V
This is one of the most popular models among inexpensive heaters.At a minimal price, the water heater has good performance. The heater power is 1.5 kW, operates from a 220 V network. For a volume of 50 l, the housing dimensions are minimal. A rational layout helped achieve this result: 44 by 53 cm and 46 cm in depth. When water is consumed from the tank, it is automatically refilled. There are check and safety valves and overheat protection. A full tank heats up to a temperature of 75 degrees (this is the upper limit) in 105 minutes. The tank is made of enameled steel.
Retains heat without additional heating.
Heats quickly with little energy consumption.
Thermex Thermo 50 V Slim
A powerful, reliable water heater is installed vertically on the wall, with bottom connections. The stainless steel tank with reinforced seams is covered with a patented bioglass porcelain enamel. The coating is more elastic than enamels, resists corrosion better, and behaves like porcelain in relation to water: water has no metallic odor and remains fresh.
Heating element power 2.5 kW. There is a choice of operating mode: 1, 1.5 or 2.5 kW. The control is mechanical; on the front surface of the case there is a thermometer, an indicator for turning on and heating. In accelerated mode, the water reaches its maximum temperature in 1 hour. There may be several water collection points.
Built-in RCD.
Patented inner coating with improved performance.
High power, fast heating.
Stiebel Eltron PSH 50 Classic
This is the most expensive among inexpensive water heaters, but also the most sophisticated. The power of the copper heating element is 1800 W. The temperature can be set in the range of 7-70 degrees using a smooth switch on the body. The device provides protection against overheating and freezing. To protect against scale, there is a replaceable magnesium anode.The inner coating of the water tank, made of patented Anticor enamel, reliably protects the walls of the body from rust; the manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on the tank. Thick thermal insulation (almost 3 cm) allows for good energy savings. The kit includes a mounting bracket. There is a check valve.
Powerful, heats up quickly, holds heat for a long time.
European assembly.
The material and coating of the tank are of high quality.
Atlantic Round VMR 50
With excellent value for money, the Frenchman is worth a look. For European production the price can be called ridiculous. Atlantic focuses on energy efficiency of equipment. The walls of the tank are insulated so that within 24 hours the temperature of the water inside drops by only 5-6 degrees. The tank is guaranteed for 3 years, and the “filling” is guaranteed for 2 years. The outlet pipes are made of stainless steel, the inner coating of the tank is glass-ceramic. The heating element here is copper. The power is 1.5 kW, the device can easily work with a 220 V network. The water heats up to a temperature of 65 degrees in 2 hours. To protect against emergency situations, a temperature sensor and a safety valve are provided; there is a thermometer on the body that shows the actual temperature of the water inside.
The quality exceeds expectations.
Keeps warm perfectly.
Haier ES50V-COLOR(S)
The Haier ES50V-COLOR water heater will be a real decoration. The design in a minimalist style in high-tech style will easily fit into the interior of a bathroom or kitchen. The heating element made of patented Incoloy 800 stainless steel has excellent thermal efficiency and is resistant to scale. In addition to the multi-layer internal coating of the tank, to combat scale, the anode here costs twice as much as competitors. The tank is capable of short-term exposure to high pressure, and operates stably at 8 bar inlet.All these measures allow the manufacturer to safely provide a 7-year warranty on the tank and a 2-year warranty on the heater as a whole. Power 1.5 kW, water heats up to 75 degrees in 110 minutes.
Stylish appearance.
Heats water quickly.
High quality.
5 best vertical storage water heaters for 50 liters
Vertical water heaters are “potbellied” and require more space for installation. But they have a number of advantages. More often, such models are cheaper than horizontal analogues. The second plus: the contact area between the heated water and the freshly supplied cold water is small, so the additional supply does not affect the temperature of the water that is supplied to the user at that moment.
Electrolux EWH 50 Heatronic DL Slim DryHeat
Water heaters of the Slim series are an excellent option for those who have to save space in the horizontal plane. Slender but tall devices do not occupy any useful space in the room; the body girth is 34 cm. Electronic control and automation ensure maintaining the set temperature. There is a MultiMemory mode: the heating temperature can be programmed in advance. The power of the device is 1.5 kW, maximum heating up to 75 degrees occurs in 110 minutes. In this model, the heating element does not operate in water. The display shows all parameters of the heater operation. If there is protection against dry start, overheating, overpressure and leakage. The device can provide hot water to several points at once.
Dry heating elements using X-Heat technology are optimal for working in hard water.
You can program 3 temperature modes and store them in memory.
Timberk SWH RE19 50 V
An inexpensive version of a water heater with a dry heating element.The high-tech internal coating contains silver and copper ions, providing an antibacterial effect. They did a good job on the design of the device: ideal shape, modern design of the control panel. There is an LED display. Eco mode allows you to use hot water with minimal energy consumption. The heater power is 1.5 kW, the heating speed to the maximum is simply cosmic: up to 75 degrees in 70 minutes. The anode of increased length protects the internal space of the tank from scale for longer. For safe operation, all possible protective options are provided: from starting with an empty tank, overheating, overpressure and leakage, RCD.
Low price.
Dry heating element.
Coating with antibacterial properties.
Ariston LYDOS ECO ABS PW 50 V
The Ariston water heater makes the water really hot. The heating temperature here is 80 degrees. Thanks to WaterPlus technology, cold water does not mix with already prepared water, and the latter does not cool down, but remains hot. This allows you to get 16% more hot water than without this technique. The control is electronic, all information about the operation of the device is displayed on the screen on the front of the case. Touch control keys. The user sets the operating parameters independently.
Device power 2.5 kW. There is an “Eco” mode with reduced energy consumption. The inside of the tank is coated with TitanShield enamel, which is resistant to corrosion, and the tank has a 5-year warranty. There is overheating protection and a safety valve.
High power, fast heating.
Users note high reliability and long service life.
Oasis SL-50V
The narrow cylindrical water heater tank has a single welded seam for greater reliability and durability. Inside there is a double layer of enamel.Adding water occurs in the form of a whirlpool; hot and cold water are instantly mixed for quick heating. Copper heater power 1.5 kW, maximum 75 degrees. This model is equipped with a universal safety valve, which protects the equipment from both excess pressure and overheating.
Compact, suitable for small spaces.
Good thermal insulation.
RESANTA VN-50V
Resanta provides a 7-year warranty on the stainless steel tank. High power of 2 kW allows you to heat water quickly: warm in 15-20 minutes and up to 75 degrees in 1 hour. The temperature of the water in the container is shown on the display. There is also a rotary controller that can be used to set the degree of heating. If for some reason overheating occurs, the heating element will automatically turn off. Here, like the tank, it is made of stainless steel. Installation of the device is simple and straightforward; you can do it yourself, without the involvement of specialists. The device operates from a 220 V network.
Very fast heating.
Stainless steel tank.
Oval in cross-section, does not take up much space.
5 best horizontal storage water heaters for 50 liters
Horizontal water heaters are often located under the ceiling. This allows you to save space in the room. They are less voluminous and look more interesting than their vertical counterparts. Unfortunately, such models usually cost more. The second disadvantage is the large mixing area of cold and hot layers of water. With intensive consumption this is noticeable. If a 50 liter tank is enough with some reserve, then this feature will not become a problem.
Electrolux EWH 50 Citadel H
The internal and external tanks are made of stainless steel.The welded seam of the inner container is made using a special technology: it is strong, reliable and does not violate the anti-corrosion properties of the alloy. The heating element is copper; for additional protection against scale there is a magnesium anode.
Power 2 kW. There is a mode in which the device operates at half power. This is a way out for a “weak” network, for example, in a country house. In Eco mode, the water heats up to 55 degrees, which saves energy. There is protection against overheating (maximum temperature 75 degrees), dry start, overpressure and electric shock.
All necessary protection options.
Fast heating.
Stainless steel tank.
Electrolux EWH 50 Royal Silver H
This water heater looks beautiful: the mirrored silver body is framed by matte side panels made of high-quality plastic. Laconic shape, compactness, stylish control panel, all this makes the heater an interesting interior detail. The boiler protrudes only 25 cm.
Power 2 kW, heating temperature 75 degrees. There is a Turbo mode for fast heating and energy-saving (up to 50 degrees). The inner tank is made of stainless steel. There are check valves and safety valves, as well as protection against overheating and operation without water.
Appearance.
There are 3 preset operating modes: minimal, turbo and eco.
Electrolux branded quality.
Thermex IF 50 H (pro) Wi-Fi
The Termex water heater is friends with Alice. For convenient, rational use, the manufacturer has added the ability to remotely control via Wi-fi using a popular voice assistant (via a special application). The user selects the settings at his own discretion; performance indicators are shown on the display on the front panel of the device.
The internal tank is made of stainless steel, and the heating element is made of copper. To prevent scale formation there are 2 anodes. Of the protective options, there is everything that can be installed on the heater: from overheating, dry start, freezing, safety and check valve, RCD, self-diagnosis mode.
Maximum power 2 kW, you can turn on one of the modes (0.7, 1.3 or 2 kW).
Control via app.
Reliable manufacturer.
Thermex Titanium Heat 50 H Slim
This is an affordable option for a horizontal water heater from Termex. The internal tank here is covered with glass-ceramic enamel, and the heating element is made of stainless steel with the addition of titanium. This composition improves the alloy's resistance to corrosion. The power of the device is 1.5 kW, water is heated to maximum in 110 minutes. Water can be divided into several points. Despite the low price, the manufacturer has installed everything necessary for safe operation: there is an RCD, a safety valve and a temperature sensor.
Reliable. The tank has a 5 year warranty.
There is an RCD, protection against overheating.
Haier FCD-JTHA50-III(ET)
The most inexpensive in the horizontal ranking, the Haier FCD-JTHA50-III water heater is practically not inferior to its competitors in terms of characteristics. Power 1.5 kW, heating speed about 2 hours. True, users note that the water becomes hot enough for use within 30 minutes. The heating element is made of stainless steel, the tank is coated with three-layer anti-corrosion enamel. The anode that protects against scale has been enlarged by 40% compared to previous heater models. There is protection against overheating and electric shock.
7 year warranty on tank. The device is valid for 2 years.
Low price.
5 best flat storage water heaters for 50 liters
50 liters is not a small volume and finding a place for it in a cramped bathroom or small kitchen is not an easy task. A flat boiler is easier to fit into the interior. If a “pot-bellied” water heater looks exactly like a barrel of water, then flat models look like a decorative element. In technical terms, such devices are no different from others.
Ballu BWH/S 50 Rodon
This equipment is assembled in Russia. The manufacturer announces a service life of 10 years or more, and provides an 8-year warranty on the tank. The inner tank is made of stainless steel, the tubular heating element is made of copper. Power 1.5 kW. There is protection against overheating and overpressure (drain valve), and an optional RCD.
The water heater is universal, it can be installed both vertically and horizontally. The control panel is not located on the front panel, as is often the case, but at the bottom (when installed vertically). Using the rotary switch, the user can set one of the operating modes: low power, economical mode and fast heating (high power).
Compact, depth only 26 cm.
High quality materials and workmanship.
Warranty 2 years on the device as a whole and 8 years on the tank.
Ballu BWH/S 50 Smart WiFi
The Ballu BWH/S 50 Smart WiFi water heater has a USB connector for connecting a flash drive with proprietary software (it is supplied additionally), with which you can control the device from a mobile phone. The possibility of flexible control, adapted to the needs of the consumer, using energy during the “cheapest hours”, allows you to reduce electricity costs by up to 50%.
Heater power 2 kW. The water heats up to 70-75 degrees in an hour and a half. There is overheating protection and a safety valve. The body is flat, 25 cm.The buyer can choose the color: white or silver. The hi-tek style control panel and display look stylish.
Universal installation: horizontal and vertical.
Excellent thermal insulation: holds heat well.
Royal Clima RWH-ST50-FS
The tank is made of Goliath stainless steel. Copper heating element, power 2 kW. Water can heat up to 75 degrees. The control button (circular rotary) is located on the lower platform. Thanks to the technology of hidden installation of lids (rolled), the eyeliner looks very neat. The boiler can be mounted in any position.
There is an iLike mode, an analogue of “Eco”, in which the water heats up to 50-55 degrees. Thanks to good thermal insulation, which fills the space between the external and external tank using a special technology that does not allow emptiness, the water remains hot for a long time. There is protection against water hammer and leaks, as well as overheating.
Can be mounted vertically or horizontally, hidden eyeliner.
Round shape, nice appearance.
Power 2 kW.
Stiebel Eltron PSH 50 Universal EL
This water heater belongs to the premium segment. The internal tank is made of steel 2 mm thick, with mechanical anti-corrosion treatment and coated inside with enamel with improved properties. Coating thickness 0.4 mm. The boiler contains a dry ceramic heating element and a stainless steel casing. Heater power 3 kW. The maximum temperature is 85 degrees, but it can be limited manually, within 40-60 degrees. There are modes in which the automation adapts the operation of the water heater to optimize water and energy consumption. Thermal insulation 140 mm thick will keep the water hot for a long time. This device provides protection against overheating, freezing, and has a safety and check valve.The control panel can be child locked. There is self-diagnosis. The heating element can be changed even with water in the tank.
Service life up to 30 years.
Ceramic dry heating element.
Thick insulation, water stays hot for a very long time.
Polaris IMR 0850 V
A double internal tank with an optimized overflow system allows water to heat up quickly and evenly, even during consumption and refilling. Heating element power 2 kW. Maximum temperature 75 degrees. The user can set the operating power: 0.7, 1.3 or 2 kW. The tank is covered with durable glass-ceramic enamel Collorobia with an antibacterial effect. The copper heating element also has an additional anti-corrosion coating. There is an RCD on the cable, there is protection against overheating, overpressure and starting with an empty tank. The water heater can be installed on the wall in two positions: vertically and horizontally. The designer control panel with a bright display is not only convenient and understandable, but also looks very attractive.
There is a choice of power, suitable for “weak” networks.
High-quality internal coating of the tank.
Appearance.
5 best storage water heaters for 50 liters with a dry heater
Such boilers are more expensive than those models in which the heating element is completely immersed in water. The dry heating element is in a protective casing, so scale does not form on it. If the water is hard, then the difference in price will definitely pay off due to the significantly longer service life of devices with a dry heater.
Zanussi ZWH/S 50 Artendo DRY
Zanussi uses DryHeat dry heating elements with an extended service life. Due to the fact that the tank consists of two interconnected containers, the outer casing is flat and 26 cm deep.The installation can be horizontal and vertical. The inner tank is made of NikelPlus stainless steel, the warranty for it is 8 years.
The multi-level security system consists of an RCD on the cable, a thermal sensor for protection against overheating and a valve against excess pressure in the tank. The power of the device is 2 kW, it works from a household network of 220 V. It is possible to turn on not all heating elements at the same time, thus regulating the power.
Quiet, in operation it is not heard at all.
Simple control, you can adjust the power.
Flat body, nice design.
Atlantic Steatite VM 050 D400-2-BC
Water heaters of the French brand Atlantic for the CIS are assembled in Georgia under the supervision of specialists with a quality guarantee. The boiler is guaranteed for 2 years, and the tank for 7 years. The shape of the body is a classic "barrel". On the front surface there is a thermometer showing the degree of heating of the water inside. The power of the heating element is 1.5 kW, the maximum temperature is 65 degrees. Below the tank there is a mechanical rotary switch, which can be used to set the operating parameters of the device. The boiler is pressure, it can distribute prepared water to several consumers at once.
Simple, without unnecessary "bells and whistles".
Good thermal insulation.
Timberk SWH FSK7 50 V
The vertical water heater itself is quite light, since the outer casing is made of high-quality impact-resistant plastic. The inner tank made of SUS 304 stainless steel is capable of operating without losing its properties even in very hard, aggressive water. The heating element is double, it heats water to a temperature of 75 degrees in just 1 hour. For easy maintenance and repair, the lower cover of the casing is removed.
The heater power is 2 kW. There is protection against overheating, dry start, as well as against excess pressure inside the tank.The degree of heating can be set independently using a mechanical regulator or set to a preset Comfort mode, in which the water is heated to 57 degrees.
Double heating elements quickly heat the water.
Compact and lightweight.
Electrolux EWH 50 Megapolis WiFi
The installation of this Electrolux water heater is universal. The design is bright due to contrasting side panels and a display (with touch keys) to match them. The heater has a USB port for connecting a remote control program from a smartphone. Operating modes can be set each time or programmed based on the user's schedule and habits. In Bacteria Stop Technology mode, the boiler heats the water to values at which the internal tank is disinfected.
A 2 kW heating element heats water up to 75 degrees in 105 minutes. Among the protective options, there is: a temperature sensor that turns off heating when the temperature reaches 75 degrees, and vice versa, turns on heating when the water cools down to +4 degrees (freeze protection).
Ability to control from your phone (optional).
High power, fast heating.
Polaris SIGMA Wi-Fi 50 SSD, 2021
This model deserves attention. The water heater is designed with the latest technology, has all the necessary safety and comfort options, and at the same time costs much less than similar models from other manufacturers. The power of the device can be set at 0.8, 1.2 or 2 kW. You can control the boiler either from the panel on the front panel of the device or from the remote control or smartphone (when connecting a special application).
The stainless steel tank is tungsten welded, making it extremely durable. The warranty on the internal tank is 8 years.Polyurethane foam thermal insulation 2.5 cm thick perfectly prevents the treated water from cooling.
All security options are available.
Control from remote control or phone.
Heats up quickly and stays warm for a long time.
How to choose a 50 liter storage water heater
It would seem that a 50 liter boiler is just that, a boiler, suitable for the capacity, attractive, and affordable. What else can you look at and choose from? Devices can vary greatly in technical characteristics and operating conditions. Even at the same price, what is good for one buyer may not be suitable for another. To choose the best option for your situation, you need to look at all the characteristics listed below.
Type according to water points
Boilers are either non-pressure or pressure. Based on this type, it depends on how many water collection points the device can provide with prepared water.
Gravity (one point)
Water is supplied to the user essentially by gravity, due to the pressure that is formed naturally, without additional effort. Such boilers operate on a section of pipe cut off from the water supply system using a valve. There is no pressure inside the tank. Such a boiler provides water for only one consumer. Typically these are devices with a volume of up to 25-30 liters.
Pressure (two points)
This type of device cuts directly into the water supply system and the pressure that is in the system also applies to the tank. Due to this pressure, water can be distributed throughout the house: hung on the shower boiler, faucet in the bathroom and kitchen. Due to working under high pressure, the quality of the tank, its strength, plays a big role.
Wall installation method
When there is little space and you have to save every centimeter of free space, the issue of placing a water heater comes to the fore. The same volume of 50 liters can fit in spaces with completely different geometries. Manufacturers are trying to solve the consumer’s problem and offer all possible options: horizontal tanks, vertical tanks and universal installation. Installation recommendations are mandatory. For example, you cannot buy a vertical heater and hang it sideways.
Horizontal
Horizontal boilers may not differ in size from vertical ones, but thanks to the ability to place them under the ceiling, above or below the sink, they can save space. The eyeliner here is usually lateral, less often from below.
The main feature of this type of water heater is that the horizontal section has a large area. A layer of prepared hot water and new, not yet heated water come into contact over this area. The finished water cools quickly. If there is intensive consumption, the user will notice it. If the flow rate is not large, then the water will have time to heat up in the boundary layer without any problems.
Vertical
Initially, water heaters were vertical. At the moment, budget models are made the same way, since the technologies have been developed to the point of automation. But not only cheap, but also top-end boilers are vertical.
In this case, the contact area of the water layers is minimal. The liquid coming from the water supply has virtually no effect on the temperature of the already prepared liquid. It is believed that water cools more slowly in vertical tanks.
Manufacturers spend a lot of money to solve this problem.In some models, the flow of cold water is swirled so that it first warms up and only then mixes with the rest. In another embodiment, a tank is used, consisting of two tanks connected to each other. This solution is often found in flat vertical boilers.
Vertical/horizontal
There are also universal models that can be mounted at your discretion. Such water heaters are structurally ready for any situation. Only if the manufacturer himself declares that the device is suitable for any type of mounting does the user have a choice. Such a heater will work correctly and safely.
Control
The simplest models have only one power key. In more advanced water heaters, you can adjust the temperature, and in some cases there is a choice of power and operating modes.
Mechanical
The heating power and/or temperature is controlled by a rotary switch, which is connected to a simple electromechanical thermostat. This type of control is simple, there is nothing to break or get confused here.
Electronic
More expensive models have electronic control. The user sets the operating parameters, and the automation controls their compliance with the real ones. The heating accuracy can reach 0.5 degrees. Using electronic control, you can set different operating modes, activate additional options, and conduct self-diagnosis of equipment (if provided).
Tank inner lining
Since the vast majority of 50 liter water heaters are pressure water heaters and operate at high pressure, the tank is made of steel for greater strength. The inner surface of the tank is in constant contact with water, which is why it is exposed to corrosion and hardness salts.High temperature accelerates these destructive processes. To extend the life of the boiler, manufacturers try to protect the tank from scale and rust. To do this, either the tank is made of alloys that are not subject to corrosion, or is coated with special protective compounds.
Glass ceramics
Modern coating, inert to aggressive environments. The water in such a tank does not absorb foreign odors. The coating material does not dissolve in water. In general, a tank with such a coating behaves like a glass or ceramic container. Caring for the coating is simple; it is enough to wash it from time to time, mechanically removing any deposits that have formed. Glass ceramics costs a little more than traditional enamel. A tank with such a coating lasts a long time, up to 8-10 years without problems. But the main drawback is that the coating behaves like ceramic in everything. It is fragile and can crack and crumble under mechanical stress on the walls of the tank. It is also sensitive to temperature changes. If you quickly use up boiling water and pour ice-cold tap water into a hot tank, microdefects may appear on the glass ceramics.
Enamel
Enamel is applied to metal like paint. Durability depends on the quality of adhesion of the coating to the tank material. Manufacturers “etch” the steel chemically or prepare it mechanically for better adhesion. If the enamel is applied firmly and has no gaps or microdefects (for example, cracks or bubbles), then the tank will last a long time. Enamel is more elastic than glass ceramics and is not so susceptible to mechanical damage. But the same applies to temperature changes.
Stainless steel
The most effective way to solve problems is to use a material that, in principle, is not subject to corrosion and to which scale does not “stick” very quickly. Is this stainless steel. It has the necessary properties throughout the entire depth of the material, so it is not afraid of scratches, cracks and other microdefects. Manufacturers carefully select materials for tanks: some use steel with antibacterial additives, others with increased strength.
The weak point is the weld on the water tank. During welding under the influence of extremely high temperatures, an alloy appears with new properties, not always as desired. It may rust. To avoid this effect, special welding techniques are used. Stainless steel tanks are the most expensive. But the service life with proper operation and care reaches 20-30 years.
Power consumption
The power determines how quickly the heater will make the water hot. 50 liter boilers are usually equipped with a 1.5-2.5 kW heating element. At a maximum water temperature of 75 degrees, the heating rate at 1.5 kW will be about 2 hours, and at 2.5 kW one hour. If a given volume of water is enough for the user to spare, and there is no need for constant urgent heating, then the point of having a super-powerful heater is lost. On the one hand, high power is an indicator of fast and efficient operation, on the other hand, it is a load on the network. You need to choose a water heater that is able to pull the network in the house. There are boilers in which the power can be adjusted, for example, turned on not at maximum, but only at half. This is a good solution for a home with a weak network.
Mains voltage
50 liter water heaters usually consume up to 2.5 kW, therefore, they are suitable for working with a conventional 220 V network. Such devices do not cause network “sag”, therefore they operate stably in a narrow input voltage range. If the network is unstable, it is better to place a filter in front of the heater to avoid emergency shutdowns.
Dimensions
For most, this parameter is the main one. A 50 liter tank is voluminous, and you need to find a suitable place for it. It is clear that volume is the product of the length, width and height of the tank. This means that if it is flat, then it is tall. Manufacturers try to satisfy the needs of all customers by offering a wide selection of sizes. You can find models that are “plump” but low, for example, Ariston S/SGA 50 with a girth of 50 cm and only 67 cm in height. Ultra-narrow water heaters occupy a large niche. With a body depth of 25 cm, they can easily fit into any partition. It is more difficult to assemble all the working parts inside a narrow body, which is why such boilers usually cost more.
Protection
Since the device is powered by electricity and is constantly in contact with water, special protection functions are required for safe operation.
Safety valve
The safety valve protects the water heater from excess pressure. It occurs due to heating of water or due to emergency situations (water hammer in the system). The valve is activated and discharges excess water into the sewer. This option is available even in the most inexpensive basic models. The problem may not be visible visually, and excess pressure can damage the tank. It would be better if there was a safety valve.
Check valve
The classic check valve ensures unidirectional water flow. In a water heater, it is open when there is pressure. If the supply stops, the valve closes. Thanks to this design, the tank will not remain empty even if there is no pressure at the inlet.
From turning on without water
Operating a heating element in an empty tank can lead to its overheating and failure. Automation detects this situation and stops heating.
From overheating
Overheating protection is a set of measures. When the temperature reaches the declared maximum, the controller issues a “stop” command for heating. At the same time, if necessary, the safety valve is activated.
From preventing freezing
This function consists of maintaining a minimum positive temperature in the tank if it falls below a predetermined value. This prevents the water from freezing, therefore preventing its expansion, protecting the tank from damage. This option is very necessary if the boiler is installed in an unheated house. No one is safe; they may forget to drain the water before the end of the summer season. Without frost protection, this means 100% failure of the water heater.
Peculiarities
Manufacturers try to make their equipment as attractive as possible to the buyer. For this purpose, all sorts of comfort options are added, just “tricks” that users may like. Some of these features are really necessary and useful, while others are not worth overpaying for.
Connect to a standard outlet
The ability to plug into a regular outlet is an advantage. In this case, there is no need to invite a specialist and pull the power cable from the panel. Most water heaters up to 2 kW operate this way.If there are requirements for increased cable thickness, this is stated in the instructions for the device. These recommendations cannot be ignored.
Thermometer
The thermometer shows the temperature of the water in the tank. In simple models this is an arrow indicator, in expensive ones it is indicated on an LED display. Knowing the actual water temperature is convenient. This allows you to rationally use both water and electricity and turn on the heating only when necessary.
Display
When information is written on the display, it is certainly convenient. But simple models without programmable control and additional options have nothing to display on the screen other than temperature data. Therefore, it is worth overpaying for a display only if there is something to look at on it (data about self-diagnosis, the degree of anode wear, the selected operating mode, and so on).
Remote control
This “trick” is not necessary, but it definitely adds comfort. The ability to control the boiler remotely will be useful for people with limited mobility or owners of a large house. Not only premium, but also affordable models are equipped with a remote control.
Smartphone control
If you have special software, you can use your phone instead of the remote control. This option allows you to integrate the boiler into the smart home system. Manufacturers claim that adaptive intelligent control using proprietary applications can save up to 40-50% energy.
Water filter
Some boilers are equipped with built-in filters. They protect the internal tank from mechanical impurities. Filters need to be changed regularly.
Additional functions
Additional features may be useful. They do not greatly increase the cost of equipment, but expand their functionality.
Self-diagnosis
In this mode, the controller “runs” all boiler systems for operability and safety. If a defect is detected, an error number is displayed on the display, by which the problem can be identified.
Accelerated heating
If necessary, the heater turns on at maximum power and quickly warms up the water. Boilers with the “fast heating” mode prepare a full tank of water for use in 60-75 minutes. If a water heater is purchased as a seasonal option, and its volume is at the lower limit of what is required, this option will be useful.
Eco mode
In “Eco” mode, in some models it is called “comfort”, the water temperature is maintained at 50-57 degrees. Experts have calculated that with such indicators, the accelerated process of scale formation and corrosion has not yet begun, and the bacteria are already dying. Maintaining this temperature requires less energy. At the same time, the water is hot enough to be comfortable to use.
Electrical safety, presence of RCD
When operating an electrical appliance with water, safety must come first. An RCD will save you from electric shock. Some manufacturers install a protective shutdown on the power cable. Such boilers are more expensive than their analogues, but there is no question about it - you have to buy it.
A 50-liter storage water heater can provide hot water to 2-3 people on an ongoing basis or a larger family as a standby option. By purchasing equipment from a trusted manufacturer, the buyer receives a guarantee of quality and reliability. Technical specifications should be chosen rationally: take what you really need, but with a small margin. Such a boiler will have the best price-quality ratio for a particular case.