A branded cheap water heater has high performance, has stylish original body, is one of the necessary design elements of the interior of the room. In the rating of water heating devices, they are very popular cheap instantaneous gas boilers world famous brands: English Edisson, Italian Zanussi, Superlux, German Bosch, Vaillant, Roda, Russian Gazlux, Neva, Serbian Gorenje. A high-quality, inexpensive, flow-through household gas appliance for heating water is capable of providing an infinite amount of hot water to a tap. Also, a high-performance modern gas boiler can be used as a powerful auxiliary heater in an autonomous heating system. An original device for heating water of this type is provided with a multi-level system of safe operation for a long period, and can operate in several modes.

We recommend purchasing a high-quality flow-through type water heater with a proprietary manufacturer's warranty in special stores or dealerships!

When it becomes necessary to take a shower or a bath, we do not think about how to ensure that the water is heated to the required temperature. Gas instantaneous water heaters, as well as similar models that run on electricity, are one of the convenient options for increasing the water temperature. Where there is a possibility of connecting to the main gas, you can installgas water heaters. Many are designed from the inside so that the gas burner regulates the gas supply automatically. In a short time, water, getting into the gas column, has time to warm up to the required temperature. In a matter of seconds, hot water starts pouring out of the tap. Gas boilers have both advantages and minor disadvantages. There are limitations to using more than one source at the same time. When opening taps in the bathroom and in the kitchen together, do not rely on the rapid heating of the liquid. To avoid such a situation, it is necessary to purchase gas flowing storage water heaters.

The principle of operation of gas flowing water heaters

The purpose of buying a gas water heater is to constantly have hot water on hand. At home or a stainless steel tank of various capacities is mounted, equipped with a heating element or heating element, as well as a personal circuit with a temperature sensor. The set temperature rises quickly enough, then the water heater turns off and the water cools down. The repetition of the processes begins after the temperature has dropped to a certain point. Gas flow-through boilers are subject to temperature fluctuations, but here everything happens quite reliably and predictably. It is necessary to correctly calculate the volume of the tank, taking into account all the nuances. The mistake in choosing it can be worth the deprivation of amenities at the wrong time.

By choosing gas instantaneous water heaters among the huge assortment, one should take into account all the pluses and minuses of their owners. We recommend that you carefully study the power consumption of the units, estimate the monthly consumption of the consumed water - multiply these values. And after that, you can find out the amount of payment for the service. The main costs will be only for the purchase and installation of a water heater, and maintenance and payment for increased comfort will be within reasonable limits.

It is difficult to do without hot water in an apartment or house. If there is no central hot water supply, then the issue is solved by installing an electric or gas-type water heater. Electric devices are not very economical and serve much less, gas water heaters are much more widespread, they are more economical and efficient to use. When choosing this equipment, they pay attention to a number of important factors:

• Product power: the column's ability to deliver the required volume of hot water - there are 10-11, 13-14 and 16-17 liters per minute;
• The ability to adjust the flow of water and its temperature;
• Manufacturer - the better the device, the longer it will work and the faster it will heat the water.

In our ranking of the top 10 dedicated to the choice of gas water heaters, we examined the most popular models that have a good price-quality ratio. It includes products that have received only positive reviews among consumers.

This water heater is quite large in size. You can use two taps at the same time - this will not affect the efficiency of work and the temperature of hot water. Ignition is carried out using a piezoelectric element, which ensures easy activation of the device. A work indicator and a gas level sensor are provided inside. If it works, then the column is automatically turned off.

The burner is made of high quality stainless steel. The copper heat exchanger has a long service life - about 15 years. The device does not overheat during operation. It is quite easy to connect the Bosch WR 10-2P to the water supply system, besides it does not weigh too much - it can be easily hung on the wall. The water heater is connected to the gas supply exclusively by a specialist of the gas company. For its price range, this is one of the best water heaters.

Benefits:

• Works reliably and stably;
• With timely maintenance, no complaints arise;
• Long service life;
• Acceptable price.

Disadvantages:

• The piezoelectric element does not always work;
• A significant number of control sensors, which are usually not needed or quickly fail during operation.

This automatic device, the heater is able to turn on and off by itself. Productivity is about 14 liters per minute, making it one of the optimal for centralized water supply systems, which produces about 9-11 liters per minute. The temperature is regulated only once - in the future, the water heater will maintain it on its own.

It is very simple to operate the device - there is only one handle on the case, which is responsible for temperature control. This heater does not have a display, so the water needs to be adjusted according to the sensations. To the left of the rotary knob is a special indicator light. If it lights up, it means that there is a need to replace the batteries in the piezoelectric element. When it flashes from one to five times in a row, you must call the master. The water supply at the heater is lower, which makes it easier to connect the device. Near the water inlet, the device has another knob that adjusts the amount of water entering the heater. Essentially, this is a standard regulator valve.

Benefits:

• Attractive appearance;
• High build quality;
• Ease of management.

Disadvantages:

• The copper radiator is quite thin - leaks quickly appear in some models;
• The batteries in the piezo ignition are discharged rather quickly;
• It becomes clogged with limescale if the water is hard.

This is the only heater in this rating that has a manual ignition system. Its design provides a handle that allows you to adjust the amount of flame, to the right of it there is another handle, which is responsible for the supplied volume of water. A digital display is installed under them, where the hot water temperature is displayed. It turns on when the tap is opened.

A coarse filter is installed at the water inlet, which traps debris, which prolongs the life of the heater. The model has a low weight, due to which it can be easily hung on the wall. It is forbidden to connect to the gas line yourself. The heater works almost silently.

Benefits:

• Copper heatsink is tin plated for longer life;
• High power level - about 19 kW;
• Weight is only 5 kg;
• The presence of automatic protection against overheating;
• Display showing water temperature and possible errors.

Disadvantages:

• The system of automatic shutdown at low water pressure works;
• After some time of work, it begins to publish claps;
• The need to turn on manually;
• The temperature has to be regulated all the time.

This is a fairly compact design with a small flat body. The heat exchanger is made of copper, the ignition is set to automatic. It is an upgraded 4510 model. The capacity remains the same at 10 liters per minute. To this has been added the modulation of the burner flame depending on the water pressure. There is no need to constantly monitor and regulate the temperature.

On the front side of the case there are two regulating knobs: one is responsible for the flow of incoming water, the second is for setting the temperature. There is a digital display in between for more precise adjustments. In addition, the design provides a significant number of sensors that ensure the reliability of operation and the safety of its use. They are responsible for the size of the flame, water temperature, draft, there is a gas control system that does not allow leaks.

Benefits:

• Simplicity of construction;
• Maintainability;
• Low cost of spare parts;
• Acceptable cost;
• Small dimensions;
• The convenience of use.

Disadvantages:

• Components periodically fail;
• Short service life of the heat exchanger.

The maximum thermal power of this device is 17.3 kW, the effective throughput is 10 liters per minute. This is one of the best gas water heaters, it is additionally equipped with an electric ignition system, well suited for domestic water supply systems. The design has a small size, high performance. The column has a long service life and can be repaired if necessary. It houses a back draft valve that does not allow combustion products to enter the room - this makes the column absolutely safe during operation.

An ionization electrode is also provided, which shuts off the gas supply if the flame suddenly goes out. The column can completely provide three parsing points with water at once. Another advantage is the ability to work with natural or liquefied gas.

Benefits:

• There is an electric ignition system;
• Open combustion chamber;
• Wall-mounted column, gas and water are supplied from below;
• There are a number of functions that are responsible for safe operation;
• There are two knobs in the design - one is responsible for the maximum heating temperature of water, the second regulates the magnitude of the burner flame.

Disadvantages:

• Condensation forms on the cold water pipe during the summer months;
• If the column is idle for about 7 hours, then the heat exchanger heats up very much from the wick - because of this, boiling water comes out for several seconds after turning on the water;
• Cracks appear on plastic parts during operation, this leads to the need to replace them.

5. Neva 4511

The model is a classic instantaneous water heater, which is produced by the well-known Russian company "Baltgaz". The products are equipped with an automatic ignition system - just open a hot water tap. It works offline, so you don't have to connect the device to the mains, the main thing is to change the batteries in a timely manner. On the front panel there is a viewing window and two control knobs. One is responsible for the water pressure, and the second allows you to select the required temperature. The heater's productivity is 11 liters per minute, that is, this power will be quite enough to provide two points of water intake at once. The products have a heat exchanger made of copper, the gas burner has 10 sections at once. The nozzles are made of brass.

There are two temperature sensors at once - working and emergency. The gas control system and the traction sensor installed on the combustion chamber are responsible for the safe operation of the products. If the chimney is clogged or the draft has decreased for another reason, then it will simply turn off the column. The product runs on natural gas, but it can also be converted to liquefied fuel, but this will require replacing the nozzles with special nozzles with a smaller diameter passage. The fuel consumption is not too high - 2.2 cubic meters of gas per hour. The efficiency of the equipment is high: it is 87%. The column is mounted to the wall, does not take up useful space. The body is made of galvanized painted steel, the weight of the device is only 10 kg with overall dimensions of 56.5x22.1x29 cm.

Benefits:

• Simple enough construction;
• Autonomous automatic ignition system;
• It can work even at low pressure in the water supply system;
• Compact overall dimensions.

Disadvantages:

• Quite a lot of noise;
• The burner flame is not modulated smoothly.

Differs in reliable operation, the kit includes everything you need for mounting to the wall. It is equipped with an automatic ignition system and a hydrodynamic generator, which ensures the stable operation of the device. On the front side there is a multifunctional indicator board that allows you to control the level of water heating and possible errors in the operation of the equipment. The power of the structure is controlled, which allows to reduce gas consumption; batteries are not provided in the automatic ignition system.

The heat exchanger is made of lead and tin free alloys. All plumbing fittings are made of polyamide, which is additionally reinforced with fiberglass. A sensor is provided that protects against backdraft, there is an outlet temperature limiter, which increases the safety of the device. The column has a valve, due to which you can change the volume of supplied water.

Benefits:

• Compact device;
• Reliable build;
• Stable work over time;
• The temperature can be adjusted to within a degree;
• The water is heated smoothly, without surges;
• The burner goes out when the hot water tap is closed.

Disadvantages:

• The hydrogenerator makes a loud whistling sound;
• Reacts sharply to pressure drops in the water supply system;
• There is no protective cover at the bottom.

3. Bosch W 10 KB

Reliable and safe design, capable of providing two or three points of draw-off with hot water at once. With its help, you can quickly and comfortably heat water to the required temperature. Ideal for domestic use. The system has reliable protection against overheating, and is also equipped with a reliable technology for protecting the room from the penetration of flue gases. An atmospheric burner made of stainless steel is installed here. Copper heat exchanger. The average productivity of the device is 10 liters per minute at a hot water temperature of 25 degrees. The power of the water flow and its temperature are regulated manually. The column is capable of operating at low water pressure in the system - from 0.15 bar. If there is no access to the natural gas system, the device can be converted to liquid fuel.

The flame control sensor is ionization, which allows you to control the water temperature with an accuracy of one degree. The ignition system is electronic and runs on batteries. The mass of the device is insignificant - only 10.5 kg with dimensions of 400x850x370 mm. There is also a system responsible for traction control, which is able to automatically turn off the device, there is a maximum temperature sensor. It prevents water from heating above a certain threshold. The copper heat exchanger is equipped with turbulators to prevent deposits and scale formation.

Benefits:

• Acceptable cost;
• Heats water quickly to the specified parameters;
• The column can work even at low pressure;
• Compact overall dimensions;
• High quality production;
• Attractive appearance;
• Long period of operation.

Disadvantages:

• It ignites with a very loud click;
• Batteries are not included.

2. Electrolux GWH 12 NanoPlus 2.0

In geysers of this series, only the most modern technologies are used, with the help of which it is possible to ensure comfortable and absolutely safe operation of this device throughout its entire service life. The water heater fully complies with all the requirements that apply to similar equipment. It has a battery-operated electronic ignition system. The controls are intelligent and intuitive. Multilevel safety control - for this, a large number of different sensors are provided: gas leaks, combustion products entering the room, maximum water heating temperature, and so on.

A liquid crystal display can be found on the front of the case, which informs the user of the temperature of the water in the system and the remaining battery charge. The burner is made of high-alloy stainless steel, which can withstand high temperatures for a long time, as well as its significant drops. Gas consumption is insignificant, the column works almost silently, is capable of heating water even at low pressure in the system. The productivity of the device is increased - it is about 12 liters of water per minute. The chimney diameter is 110 mm, so absolutely all combustion products will immediately enter the hood.

Benefits:

• Quiet work;
• Heats water almost instantly;
• Economically consumes battery power;
• Ignition functions without interruption;
• Digital temperature indicator.

Disadvantages:

• It is not advisable to use alkaline batteries.

A common everyday situation: you decided to buy a household appliance for autonomous hot water supply, but you don’t know which is better - a gas water heater or a boiler. Indeed, both types of heaters can boast many advantages, although they work in different ways. To help you understand this problem, we will compare the pros and cons of various water heaters and find out which one is better to choose in a given situation.

Types of water heaters and criteria for their comparison

All water heating devices for household needs are divided into 2 groups: storage boilers and flowing water heaters. The first is a tank of a certain volume, where water is heated in various ways up to a maximum of 75 ° C, after which it can be used. Flow heaters (they are also columns) are designed to raise the temperature of the flow passing through the heat exchanger on the fly.

The main element of the storage water heater is a tank with a capacity of 35 ... 200 liters

The stores sell 3 types of water heating devices for private houses and apartments:

• electric and gas water heaters;
• storage boilers running on electricity or natural gas;
• indirect heating boilers.

Usually, users are interested in which option is better - a gas water heater or an electric water heater, since these 2 types are the most popular.

The secret to popularity is pretty simple. These household appliances are superior in quality to the others: they are more reliable, more efficient and cheaper. It is more difficult to install an electric water heater - the device consumes a lot of power, therefore it is not suitable for installation in an apartment with old wiring or with a small electricity limit.

Due to the absence of a tank, the dimensions of the flow heaters are much smaller

A gas storage water heater for hot water also cannot be attributed to a popular household appliance. The column is more convenient to use, and it's easier to install it. In turn, the indirect heating storage boiler is used in conjunction with another heat source -. These DHW tanks hold 100… 300 liters, take up a lot of space and are offered in 2 versions: floor-standing and wall-mounted.

We will compare an electric boiler and a gas water heater according to 3 criteria:

• equipment price;
• the complexity of installation;
• ease of use.

But first, it does not hurt to disassemble all the advantages and disadvantages of these water heating devices.

Pros and cons of electric boilers

The principle of operation of these devices is as follows: the entire volume of water in the tank is heated by an electric heating element to the temperature set by the user. Its optimal value is 55 ° С, the maximum is 75 ° С. Heating from zero requires 1 to 3 hours of time, depending on the initial temperature in the water supply.

When the maximum temperature threshold is reached, the electric boiler is able to immediately provide a large flow of hot water with a simultaneous demand from several consumers. The duration of work before cooling depends on the capacity of the tank and the flow rate. Considering these features, we list the strengths of storage heaters operating on electricity:

1. The ability to satisfy the demand for high water consumption from several consumers at the same time.
2. The operation of the device does not depend on the pressure in the water supply and the initial temperature of the water.
3. Installing and connecting the boiler is much easier than any other water heater. No permits are required for installation, chimney ducts and ventilation with three air changes are also not needed.
4. Long service life. In most models from different manufacturers, the heating element is protected by a ceramic shell and will not burn out from scale formation.

Reference. The theoretical efficiency of electric heaters is traditionally the highest, efficiency \u003d 99%. Although in practice, this advantage is difficult to assess in comparison with.

The weaknesses of the storage type water heater are the limitation of the total volume of hot water supplied and the long heating time of the next portion, when the supply in the tank has been fully used. The disadvantage can be aggravated by the wrong choice of the boiler by volume, then 2 options are possible:

• the device with a too large tank heats up longer, and in standby mode it consumes more energy wasted;
• a small container is an insufficient supply of hot water, which will not be enough for all needs and you will have to constantly wait until a new portion heats up.

The last significant drawback is the significant size of the storage tank, which plays an important role in the apartment. It is not easy to allocate space in the kitchen or in the bathroom for an 80-liter apparatus, as a family of 4 needs approximately this amount.

Advantages and disadvantages of gas water heaters

The strong point of flow-through household gas water heaters lies in the ability to momentarily heat water, you just have to open the corresponding tap on the mixer.

Moreover, the column continues to supply hot water indefinitely as long as the valve is open. It is these qualities that make flow gas heaters so attractive in the eyes of users.

Let's pay attention to other advantages of gas water heaters:

1. Open chamber models are independent of the power supply.
2. Turbocharged devices with a closed chamber are economical and efficient, since they are equipped with a multi-stage or modulation burner, whose power is automatically regulated depending on the load.
3. The gas heater takes up little space due to its small size. It is not a problem to harmoniously fit it into the interior of any kitchen.

The very best columns are not as efficient as electric heaters. Their efficiency does not exceed 90%, although in practice this is invisible.

The flow-through device fits equally easily in the boiler room of a private house and in the kitchen of an apartment

You may ask: if everything is so good with gas water heaters, then why do many owners of private houses and apartments buy and install electric boilers? This is due to the shortcomings of the columns, of which there are few, but they are quite significant:

1. The device gives out the amount of water specified in the passport, heated by a certain amount (delta). For example, a 21 kW Neva 4511 gas water heater can provide a flow rate of 11 l / min when the water is heated at 25 ° C. If water comes into the house with a temperature of only 10 ° C, then heating it to 35 ° C will be enough for only one consumer. And with a delta of 40 ° C, the flow rate becomes much less - 7 l / min. To increase it to at least 8.5 l / min, you need more power - 28 kW and a more expensive heater.
2. You can't just buy, install and connect a gas water heater. It is necessary to coordinate the installation of gas-using equipment with the management company and carry out the project, and to connect to it, hire an installation company whose personnel has the appropriate "crusts" and permits.
3. When gas is burnt, combustion products are formed, which require removal into or through a coaxial pipe.
4. When the pressure in the water supply falls below a certain level, the water heater will turn off.

A chimney is required to remove combustion products from the column

Now that all the pros and cons are well known, let's move on to choosing a water heating device.

What to choose - a boiler or a column

The first thing that worries the average user when choosing any product is the price. But an electric storage water heater and a gas water heater are completely different devices in their principle of operation. This means that a comparison of their cost can be carried out only on one basis - the ability to provide hot water for a family of 3 people.

For example, let's take fairly reliable devices of the middle price category - a flow heater from the NEVA brand and a Gorenje 50 liter boiler. That's what came out of it:

Notes:

1. If we take a gas water heater from the Gorenje brand for comparison, then it will cost even less than the Neva - about 135 USD. e.
2. The table shows the electric power of the boiler, but it is almost equal to the heat.

Output. At the price of the equipment, a water heater that runs on natural gas clearly wins.

Comparison of the complexity of installation and connection

This criterion plays an important role, because it is associated with certain costs - financial and time. When comparing, we will not take into account the supply of cold and hot water, it is present in both cases. Features of the installation of different water heaters are described in the comparative table:

Output. Although some difficulties arise when installing a heavy and bulky boiler, in general it is much easier and cheaper to install and connect it than a gas water heater. The storage heater, if desired, can be installed by hand.

Convenience during operation

Having analyzed all the pros and cons of the operation of household water heating devices, we will collect them in one list:

1. The column heats up the water immediately after opening the tap, which is very comfortable. The boiler takes time to prepare water - from 1 to 3 hours, depending on its temperature and the volume of the tank.
2. The accumulator gives a high flow rate and provides several consumers at once. When tapping at 2-3 points, the column does not have time to heat the water and its temperature drops.
3. The flow-through gas heater heats the water for an unlimited time. The duration of supply from the boiler depends on its capacity.

When talking about operation, don't forget about equipment maintenance. In this regard, an electric storage water heater is more reliable, since it only needs to periodically clean the tank and replace the anode. Gas water heaters are complex devices, and not everyone can repair them.

Output. It is still more convenient to use flow-through devices, provided that they have enough thermal power for all needs. Maintenance and repair is another matter; in this regard, the maintenance of the boiler will be cheaper.


The work of servicing a gas-using water heating apparatus should be entrusted to a specialist

So which is better to choose - a flow heater or a storage heater? The answer depends on many conditions:

1. If you are limited in time and money, it is better to install a boiler. The higher price of the equipment is compensated by the costs of connection and paperwork required for commissioning the dispenser.
2. When gas is not supplied to an apartment or a private house, it makes no sense to buy an instantaneous water heater.
3. With high water consumption for hot water needs, it is more comfortable to use the boiler, you just need to accurately guess the time when it reaches its maximum temperature.
4. Having no more than 2 points of water intake (for example, in an apartment) and just as successfully guessing with the sequence of use, you can just as successfully use a gas column for heating. This is more convenient than waiting for a 50-liter tank to warm up.
5. A gas water heater is the only alternative when the electricity limit does not allow connecting heating equipment to the network or there are frequent outages.

There is one more factor that can be assessed in different ways - the price of gas and electricity. In the Russian Federation, the cost of gas is low, and therefore it is more profitable to install a column. In Ukraine, the picture is different: there the price of natural gas is comparable to that of electricity, any gas-using equipment will significantly “beat the pocket” of the owner of a private house or apartment.

Leading European and domestic companies produce automatic and semi-automatic flow gas boilers. Modern speakers bear little resemblance to those used in the 60s of the last century. When right after washing it was necessary to run and turn off the boiler. Modern semi-automatic dispensers differ from fully automatic models only in the principle of ignition used.

When deciding on the choice of a suitable water heater, the following aspects must be considered:

• cost;
• ease of use;
• principle of operation;
• pros and cons of each model.

To begin with, in order to decide which is the best automatic or semi-automatic gas water heater, you should briefly consider how each model works, as well as learn about the existing advantages and disadvantages. Only then can an informed decision be made.

Column machine - what is it

Despite the stylish name, this term means a flow-through type gas boiler, in which the burner is ignited using an electronic unit, without human intervention. Otherwise, automatic gas water heaters work in the same way as semi-automatic ones.

All built-in functions: flame modulation, automatic temperature control and others are present regardless of the type of ignition used. For this reason, it would be a hasty and erroneous opinion to argue that a semiautomatic device is definitely worse.

How automatic speakers work

The technical and operational characteristics of water heaters are based on their internal structure. In other words, the principle of operation of an automatic gas water heater directly affects the ease of use, efficiency and other operating parameters. Switching on and off the boiler running on batteries or mains is as follows:

• there is only one gas burner in the device;
• when the hot water tap is opened, water enters the reducer connected to the gas valve and the electric ignition unit;
• the created pressure drives the rod, giving a signal to supply gas and generate a spark that ignites the gas;
• after closing the DHW tap, boilers with automatic on and off completely dim.

In water heaters of the latest generation, ignition is carried out using a hydraulic turbine. Auto-ignition uses electricity generated from the movement of water. The rest of the work of the column is identical to the one that runs on batteries.

On the outside of the casing there is a mechanical or sensor control unit: two levers that change the pressure of gas and water supplied to the burner and heat exchanger. The settings are permanent and do not change during the heating process. When the pressure changes, the intensity of heating the liquid changes.

The geyser with automatic water temperature control has a modulating burner. The consumer sets the required intensity of DHW heating, which radically changes the purpose of the control automation. Sensors monitor any changes and, with less or more water pressure, automatically adjust the burner operation so that the set temperature is at the DHW outlet. As a rule, such speakers have an electronic control board.

Pros and cons of electronic speakers

Automatic flow-through gas water heaters have several positive aspects that explain their popularity and demand among domestic consumers:

• Efficiency - in the process of heating water, the columns burn the same amount of gas as semi-automatic models. The costs are lower due to the fact that there is no constantly burning ignition wick.
• Ease of use - automatic gas flow-through boilers turn on independently when opening the hot water tap and turn off immediately after closing it. On the external front panel there is an LED display connected to the temperature sensors and showing the temperature.
  It is not difficult to set up an automatic gas water heater, just turning the knobs to change the water pressure or gas pressure, focusing on the digital heating value. Electronically controlled models are equipped with a touch panel for added comfort.

Boilers with flame modulation function have automatic temperature control, but this plus applies to similar models with semi-automatic ignition. If we talk about the shortcomings, then the price of equipment comes to the fore. The cost of a gas water heater will be 30-50% more. The reason for the high price is associated with the ignition unit and the electronic temperature controller present in the device.

A second drawback is associated with the listed nodes. As statistics show, most often, water heater breakdowns occur due to faults in the ignition unit and the regulator. The causes of malfunctions range from the most commonplace: the batteries have run down (they will have to be changed every few months) to complex ones: the spark production unit has failed.

Popular models of automatic speakers

Below is a list and a brief description of the best water heaters, according to consumers. The top of the best speakers includes exclusively foreign models, presented in premium and budget versions:

• Hyundai H-GW1-AMW-UI305 / H-GW1-AMBL-UI306 - a simple classic model with electric ignition and basic functions. Changing the heating temperature is carried out using rotary mechanical knobs. Differs in beautiful and stylish appearance.
• Ariston Gi7S 11L FFI - the column is equipped with a touch control, can operate on natural and liquefied gas. The body is made of stainless steel. There is a turbocharged modulation burner, a closed combustion chamber.
• Electrolux GWH 10 High Performance - ignition from the mains. The control unit is mechanical. A screen for displaying the heating temperature is installed on the external panel.
• Ariston NEXT EVO SFT 11 NG EXP - gas water heater with flame modulation. It operates from a household power supply of 220 V. It has a closed combustion chamber, an anti-freeze system. Touch panel control.
• Edisson P 24 MD - model with modulating heating control. There is a convenient temperature memory function. The column will automatically heat the water to the parameters used when it was last turned on. There is a self-diagnosis system and multi-stage protection against overheating and gas leakage.
• BOSCH WTD 18 AME - a column with a closed combustion chamber and forced removal of combustion products. Combustion modulation is carried out within 60-100% of the rated power.

The average cost of a column of an automatic machine with flame modulation, depending on the manufacturer and the presence of built-in functions, is in the range of up to 30 thousand rubles. The budget atmospheric column is sold starting from 7-10 thousand rubles.

Semi-automatic column - what is it

As already noted, the main difference between flowing boilers is in the principle of ignition. The semi-automatic geyser has two burners. The main one works to heat water. The additional one is used as an igniter and is constantly on.

The main difference is that human intervention is required when starting the water heater. After lighting the wick, the column works as an automatic machine. The igniter is ignited with matches (in older models) or a piezoelectric element.

How does a semiautomatic column work

There are no significant differences in the internal structure compared to automatic water heaters. The only difference is in the features of the ignition. Semi-automatic geysers work as follows:

• Switching on - before using it, you must light the wick. The igniter will burn continuously and ignite the main burner. To turn on the semi-automatic column, you need to perform the following steps:
  1. put gas on the igniter;
  2. wait 10-15 seconds;
  3. set fire to the wick using the piezo ignition button;
  4. without pressing the gas supply button, wait another 20 seconds;
  5. release the key, the wick should continue to burn.
  Automation of semi-automatic water heaters works like. When heated, static electricity is generated, which clamps the valve. After reaching the required temperature, the wick will continue to burn until the gas supply is manually turned off.
• After lighting the wick, you can also light a semi-automatic geyser like an automatic machine. It is enough to open the hot water tap and the main burner will start. After the DHW is closed, the fire goes out.

The principle of operation of semi-automatic geysers and their internal structure is in many respects identical to automatic water heaters. The only difference is that the ignition is carried out by means of a constantly lit wick.

Advantages and disadvantages of a semiautomatic device

Despite certain difficulties in operation, flow-through semi-automatic gas boilers have still not lost their relevance and are in constant demand, thanks to several advantages:

• simplicity of the device;
• lack of expensive electronics;
• low cost compared to automatic speakers.

Water heater malfunctions are rare. Breakdowns are mainly associated with wear of gaskets and debris of internal components due to poor-quality water. There are only two downsides:

• It is less convenient to use semi-automatic gas flowing water heaters than automatic counterparts. You will have to light the wick every day in the morning, which is left to burn constantly.
• The igniter consumes about 0.8 m³ of gas per day.

The existing disadvantages make you think about the advisability of connecting a semiautomatic speaker. Despite this, as the statistics show, about 35-40% of all speakers purchased by a domestic buyer do not have automatic ignition.

The best semi-automatic speaker models

Recognized leaders in the production of hot water equipment produce boilers with piezo ignition. The popularity of the columns provides an acceptable cost, simple and reliable design and trouble-free operation. Below is the top - water heaters, compiled on the basis of positive consumer reviews:

• Vaillant AtmoMAG exclusiv 14-0 RXZ - a powerful column for the simultaneous provision of two points of draw-off. Throughput 14 l / min. On the outer front side there is a mechanical control unit and a piezo ignition button.
• Teplox GPVS-10 is a flow-through column powered by a wick. The water heating temperature is displayed. There is a "summer-winter" mode. Adjustment is carried out using twisting knobs that change the pressure of water and gas.
• Mora Vega 10 is a simple and reliable speaker for household needs. Suitable for providing DHW for one point of consumption. Throughput 10l / min.

• BOSCH WR 15-2P - semi-automatic column with flame modulation function. Atmospheric combustion chamber. Productivity15 l / min. Suitable for multiple taps.
• Baxi SIG-2 11p is another model with automatic maintenance of the set temperature by modulating the flame. The column in automatic mode maintains the set temperature of water heating. Changes the combustion power at pressure drops in the supply pipeline. The display shows the temperature of water heating.

High-quality semi-automatic water heaters from a European manufacturer with flame modulation will cost only 10-12 thousand rubles, which is significantly cheaper than the cost of an automatic column.

Conclusion - automatic or semi-automatic?

There is no definite answer to this question. Otherwise, manufacturers would completely remove from production the type of water heater that is worse. Before making a decision, you should remember what is the difference between an automatic gas water heater and a semiautomatic gas water heater and compare the characteristics of both models:

• Cost - The price of a semi-automatic speaker is almost 50% cheaper. If there are no extra funds and you need a budget model of a gas boiler, then there will be no better option. An automatic gas water heater of good quality starts from 25-30 thousand rubles.
• Efficiency - modulation of the flame in the column is available both in the automatic column and in the semi-automatic analogue. A constantly burning wick spends about 0.8 m³ per day, which is quite wasteful, additional costs per month will amount to 24 m³.
• Ease of use - the automatic device differs from the semiautomatic device in the principle of ignition. The constant need for a wick somewhat reduces the comfort of using models with piezoelectric elements.
• Ease of operation - even using the operating instructions supplied by the manufacturer, it is not easy to learn how to use a semi-automatic dispenser. Automatic water heaters work independently of the person. They turn on and off when opening / closing the DHW tap.
• Reliability - the undisputed leadership is occupied by semi-automatic boilers, in which there is simply nothing to break. Only some gaskets are subject to wear and can be easily replaced with technical skills on their own. Automatic boilers have a sensitive ignition unit and automation that requires repair on average every 4-5 years.

Based on the criteria described above, it becomes obvious that it is better to buy a column that is suitable for individual operating conditions. If there are no extra funds to buy a water heater, and the need for daily ignition of the burner does not cause inconvenience and difficulties, you can safely purchase a semi-automatic boiler. Only when choosing, you need to pay attention to the flame modulation function in the design. In this way, you can neutralize the gas costs associated with the constant operation of the igniter.