The dimensions of gas columns are directly related to their parameters and technical capabilities. The consumer is interested in the maximum compactness of these water heaters, because you have to place them most often in the kitchen, where every centimeter is registered. It is also profitable for the manufacturer to produce small-sized models - less materials are required for their production. Creating home water heaters, developers seek to find the optimal ratio of their characteristics and dimensions.
How to choose?
When choosing a water heater, it is impossible to rely on only one criterion. If the consumer needs a small-sized modification, which can fit in a previously prepared cabinet, he will have to give up power. Dimensions - the value is secondary, all the same, the primary parameters that determine the volume of hot water per minute, the number of serviced water intake points and heating temperature. Experts advise when buying a heater to pay attention to such factors:
- The number of water intake points. What will be connected to the domestic hot water supply - a bathtub, a kitchen sink or all at once. There are models that are designed for only one point, there are those that can easily serve three at once, but their dimensions will be more serious.
- The condition of the plumbing. The larger and more powerful the modification, the higher the quality requirements for pipes, joints and plumbing equipment.
- Price. Small low-power versions are several times cheaper than their powerful "brothers". So, for example, Zanussi GWH 6 FONTE at 11.8 kW and with a capacity of 5.6 l / min can be bought for about 6,000 rubles. But the Vaillant MAG model at 19.2 kW has a capacity of 14 l / min and costs about 22,000 rubles.
- Design. This is a subjective indicator, affecting only the aesthetic perception of the user.
- Gas pressure stability and diameter of gas pipes.
- The minimum water pressure at which the device is able to work.
Old models of water heaters differ from modern devices not only in their capabilities. Today, water heaters are fully automated and do not cause the user any inconvenience. They are completely safe, and in addition - compact and outwardly attractive. Instead of bulky devices in the kitchen came stylish and compact appliances, silent and inconspicuous. They are easily placed in the cramped kitchens.
Power selection
This parameter affects the dimensions of gas equipment more than others. Power is the first thing a buyer should pay attention to. That it affects the performance of the device - how quickly and to what extent it can heat water. Among the technical characteristics of the model, power is necessarily indicated, according to its size, the consumer can judge its capabilities. The entire arsenal of gas heaters manufactured by manufacturers is divided into three categories:
- Low-power - 17–19 kW. They are distinguished by their small size, but you can’t count on connecting more than one water intake point.
- Average power - 22-24 kW.
- High power - 28–31 kW.
If you plan to service two points, at least modifications from the middle range are needed.
How to choose performance?
Performance is also required in the technical documentation. It is measured in l / min. The higher the indicator, the more opportunities a particular model has and the more comfortable the user will feel when taking a shower or bath. When choosing performance, you need to consider the number of connected points. The throughput of one mixer is 6–7 l / min, therefore:
- 10 l / min is enough for the kitchen and wash basin;
- for shower and kitchen or for kitchen and bath with shower - 13 l / min;
- for the kitchen, shower and two bathtubs - 15 l / min.
What are the standard sizes?
Water heaters from dozens of manufacturers are represented on the market - European, domestic, Chinese. Comparing the technical characteristics, you can see: each brand and even each model within the same series can differ in size. Manufacturers are not limited by standards in terms of size, each is guided by the parameters of the devices and expediency. The characteristics indicate three parameters - height, width and depth. Choosing an option for a specific area, you need to measure the parameters of the place prepared for installation in advance so that the purchased device fits. Nevertheless, there are sizes that are more common than others, they are conditionally and can be called standard for average gas-fired water heaters:
- 700x450x250 mm is the most popular size;
- 760x350x250 mm and 655x350x220 mm are common sizes.
A feature of modern speakers is complete safety and low demands on placement conditions. They can easily be placed between kitchen cabinets or built into one of them. It is sometimes difficult to choose an option that meets both technical and overall requirements. It is more convenient when you first buy a water heater, and then assemble cabinets, knowing the dimensions of the equipment. That is why you should not take ready-made kitchen furniture, it is better to make it to order.
Small gas water heaters
Manufacturers believe that consumers are more attracted to compact water heaters. In principle, they are right, this device is not used in any way, except for its intended purpose, you will not put anything on it, such as, for example, a microwave. Therefore, the less space the device takes, the better. Here, models can be evaluated by the ratio of dimensions - power, similar to the way all products are evaluated using the price-quality formula. Small versions are presented on the market in a wide range. The most common sizes:
- 550x328x182 mm;
- 590x340x140 mm.
Accommodation in the kitchen
The most rational and aesthetic option is to install the appliance between kitchen cabinets. It will harmoniously fit into the kitchen interior without discordant with the decor. It is important to decide what is primary - the dimensions of the column or the dimensions of the furniture. If, for example, there are narrow cabinets in the headset, it will be difficult to fit a powerful device in one of them.
In addition to aesthetics, it is important to consider the point of fire safety. Although water heaters have protection against all possible troubles, operational rules provide certain requirements for their installation:
- the gap between the water heater and the cabinet walls is at least 3 cm;
- cabinet walls located in close proximity to the gas device must be made of non-combustible materials.
If the water heater does not harmonize with the interior of the kitchen, the column can be hidden in one of the cabinets. The main thing is that not only the height and width coincide, but also the depth of the model - so that the cabinet door can easily be closed. It is also important to fulfill all fire safety conditions:
- the device must not touch the walls of the cabinet;
- there should be enough space in the cabinet for ventilation;
- in the cabinet there should be no upper and lower horizons - only the door hiding the device;
- you can add a bottom panel, but always with ventilation holes.
The best mini speakers
Consider the most popular models.
BOSCH WR 10-2P
Attracts customers with its compactness and stylish design. Estimated cost - 10 000 rubles. Consumers note the following benefits:
- silent work;
- accuracy of flame control - if the water is turned off, the fire will go out immediately;
- safety - if the flame goes out, the gas supply stops;
- heat exchanger made of high quality copper;
- convenient control panel - there is a power regulator, water flow switch, burner status indicator;
- reliable ignitor - can burn for a long time.
The BOSCH WR 10-2P provides separate adjustment of the combustion rate and water flow, which is a plus. The equipment provides stability of hot water under pressure drops and pressure inconsistency. There is an ionized flame control, an integrated traction control device, a limiter for the outlet water temperature - this will protect users from burns.
Features of technical equipment:
- gas burner made of stainless steel;
- there is the possibility of conversion to liquefied gas;
- gas valve adjustment - the required number of kW is easily installed;
- the material of the water reinforcement is polyamide reinforced with fiberglass.
Technical specifications:
power, kWt | 17,4 |
Camera type | open |
Ignition | piezo |
Maximum temperature ° C | 60 |
Weight, kg | 11,5 |
Colour | white |
Performance | 10 |
Dimensions (HxWxD), mm | 580x310x228 |
Vaillant atmoMAG pro 11-0 / 0 XZ C +
Economical German model with impeccable technical performance. Advantages and design features:
- Heat exchanger made of high quality copper alloy coated with a special SUPRAL compound. This coating is Vaillant's own development. This composition allows you to extend the life of an already durable heat exchanger, creating an additional obstacle to corrosion processes.
- Adaptability to work with any gas mains - modern or outdated. There is a gas regulator to ensure stability. Pressure drops from 13 to 20 mbar are smoothed out automatically, without reconfiguration.
- Automatic burner made of stainless steel. Maintains temperature stability regardless of flow.
- Automatically changes the gas flow depending on the volume of water flowing through the heat exchanger. Power is adjustable in the range from 40 to 100% of the value selected by the user. As a result, the consumer always receives a stream of hot water at the outlet, the temperature of which does not depend on pressure, while gas is also saved. Such burners are called modulation. They are made of chromium-nickel alloy.
- Equipped with backdraft protection. To prevent combustion products from entering the room, a special sensor monitors the presence of draft. When the monitored parameters increase to critical values, the gas supply stops.
Estimated cost - 13 000 rubles. Technical characteristics of Vaillant atmoMAG pro 11-0 / 0 XZ C +:
power, kWt | 17,4 |
Camera type | open |
Ignition | piezo |
Maximum temperature ° C | 55 |
Weight, kg | 10 |
Colour | white |
Performance | 11 |
Dimensions (HxWxD), mm | 634x310x230 |
NEVA 4510-M
Mini version from a domestic manufacturer. It works on any type of gas. Traditional installation - vertical installation and connection of communications from below. The ignition is performed on batteries, so the device does not need to be connected to the mains. The batteries last for a long time - an economical gas ignition system was used. Work is possible even with minimal pressure in the gas pipeline - from 0.1 atm. The disadvantage is inferior in reliability to European counterparts.
The approximate cost of 7,000 rubles. Technical specifications:
power, kWt | 17,9 |
Camera type | open |
Ignition | electric ignition |
Maximum temperature ° C | 60 |
Weight, kg | 10 |
Colour | white |
Performance | 10 |
Dimensions (HxWxD), mm | 565x290 × 221 |
Reviews
Bosch WR 10-2P: Mikhail R., Krasnodar Territory
Small and very quiet. The wick burns constantly, but there is no need to change the batteries. There are enough shortcomings. After three years of operation, the heat exchanger flowed. The igniter goes out due to the fact that the nozzle and pipe are regularly clogged. The contacts on the temperature sensors are oxidized. A good device, but the quality of materials and components would be better.
Vaillant MAG OE 11-0 / 0 XZ C +: Rodion U., Vladimir Region
Excellent automation, quickly heats water and no boiling water at the start. Worked for more than a year. Previously replaced all the pipes and installed a filter so as not to clog the new apparatus with rust and sand from common pipes. The disadvantage is a bit noisy if it works at full capacity.
Choosing a water heater, the consumer always welcomes compactness. Of the two models with the same technical characteristics, in 99% of cases, the buyer chooses the option with smaller dimensions. Assessing the equipment and capabilities of miniature versions from well-known brands, we can state: they are not inferior to more cumbersome options. The only difference is performance limitations, which affect the number of service points.