Top 11 Tips for Choosing the Best Water Heater

The interior of the water heater tank typically contains a heating element and a magnesium anode rod. The magnesium rod helps prevent corrosion on the tank walls.

However, even if the rod is missing, the heater will still function. Many places remove the magnesium rod for resale. When purchasing, you should ask the seller to open the tank and check whether the magnesium rod is intact inside.

The magnesium anode rod is installed in the water heater to protect vulnerable spots and areas that are not covered by the enamel coating. This helps prevent rust and corrosion at exposed points within the tank. Without the rod, these areas are more susceptible to damage due to the high temperature and could result in the tank’s core being damaged, leading to potential electrical hazards and safety risks.

Water heaters are essential household appliances used daily for bathing and other hygiene tasks. However, they also come with electrical hazards, especially direct water heaters. Therefore, a good water heater must not only be durable but, more importantly, provide top-notch safety features for users. These include:

• Flow switch
• ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) for electric shock protection
• Automatic temperature control
• Insulated construction to prevent electric shocks
• Electrical isolation
• Temperature sensors

It's advisable to choose a water heater with an ELCB instead of a CB (Circuit Breaker) for enhanced safety. ELCB can detect leakage and cut off the power supply, preventing short circuits or fires. While CB-equipped heaters are cheaper, they only disconnect the electricity after an incident has already occurred.

Choosing the right water heater capacity depends on the number of people in your household. However, besides the number of people, it's also important to consider your household's water usage habits, such as whether you prefer showering or bathing, whether the hot water is just for showering or for other purposes, and if you have one or more bathrooms. The more usage needs and bathrooms you have, the larger the tank capacity you'll need.

Most customers select the tank size based on the number of people in the household. This is generally an accurate approach that you can apply to your own family. Here's a general guide:

• For 1-2 people, a 15-liter tank is ideal.
• For 2-3 people, a 20-liter tank is recommended. Recently, Ferroli launched a 25-liter Caldo water heater, which meets the higher demand for families of 2-3 members.
• For 3-4 people, a 30-liter tank should suffice.
• For larger families with over 4 members or households with bathtubs and multiple bathrooms, a larger water heater with a capacity ranging from 50 to 150 liters is recommended.

Water heaters are one of the most sought-after household appliances due to their many benefits in everyday life.

Currently, the price of water heaters ranges from 3 to 6 million VND, with some high-end models priced over 10 million VND. However, if your usage needs are basic, a water heater priced around 5 million VND will likely be sufficient for you.

The higher-priced water heaters on the market typically offer advanced features. These smart functions, along with their stylish and elegant designs, make the products in this price range more appealing to consumers.

Safety should always be a priority when purchasing a water heater. Therefore, you should choose a model with multiple protective features from reputable brands for peace of mind. These products, manufactured to high standards using advanced technologies, tend to have higher prices but offer exceptional quality. Premium water heater brands like Ariston, Panasonic, and Ferroli are trusted by many consumers.

Here are the top 5 trusted water heater brands in the market:

• Centon: With over 20 years of experience, Centon produces water heaters using British technology, imported from Malaysia, and offers high-quality products with great design.
• Ariston: A brand produced in Vietnam but based on Italian technology, known for its successful development of both direct and indirect water heater models.
• Ferroli: Known for producing both direct and indirect models, Ferroli offers affordable options with Italian technology and European origins.
• Electrolux: A Swedish brand that guarantees long-lasting quality and reliability.
• Panasonic: Produced in Malaysia, Panasonic water heaters are trusted for their durability, quality, and manufacturing technology.

To ensure quality during use, it's advisable to select reputable brands such as Ariston, Electrolux, Panasonic, Centon, Beko, Atlantic, Kangaroo, and Ferroli. Price comparison is also an essential step. Researching the price of water heaters will help you purchase a quality product at the most reasonable price.

Moreover, buying from trustworthy dealers with excellent warranty and after-sales service is crucial. When purchasing from official agents, you can be assured of the quality of the product. Currently, the price differences are not significant. By buying from official dealers, you ensure that the product is genuine, user-friendly, and made by the brand you choose. Additionally, consumers will benefit from manufacturer policies and other perks offered by the brand.

By using genuine products, consumers can enjoy the excellent quality of the product, reflecting both the brand and the personal style of the buyer.

For electronic products, manufacturing defects are sometimes unavoidable. Even the smallest error in the production line can result in a malfunction, and manufacturers might not detect these issues until the product reaches consumers. It's only at that point that defects become apparent.

To provide customers with peace of mind, most major global water heater brands such as Ariston, Electrolux, Panasonic, Centon, Beko, Atlantic, Kangaroo, and Ferroli have robust warranty policies in place. Faulty products are immediately recalled and replaced with fully functional ones. Depending on the price and type of the water heater, warranties typically range from 6 months to 3 years.

When purchasing any electronic product, a solid warranty is crucial for your peace of mind during usage. Therefore, always opt for water heaters from reputable stores. Pay attention to warranty duration, the quality standards the product meets, and how the warranty process is handled in case of defects. These details are essential when choosing a new water heater for your home.

When buying a water heater, be sure to choose genuine products with warranties of 12 months or more from reliable electronics centers to ensure product quality, safety, and durability.

Key specifications to consider when purchasing a water heater:

• Power: To avoid overloading the electrical circuit, it's important to select a heater with the right power for your household's needs and the electrical system. For smaller households, a heater with a power range of 1,500W to 2,500W is ideal, while larger families or those with higher usage should consider heaters with 3,000W to 4,000W.
• Tank Capacity (for indirect models): Choose the capacity based on your household size and bathroom space. For example, a 30-liter tank is suitable for a family of four.
• With or without a pump: Some models come with a built-in pump, so be sure to check if this feature is included.
• Size: Select a heater that fits the size of your bathroom. If space is limited, compact direct-heating models are a great choice. You can check the dimensions of different models online beforehand to save time when shopping.
• Features: Look for a water heater with quick heating capabilities, so you don't have to wait long for hot water. Also, choose a model with safety features like leak detection and automatic power shutoff to prevent electrical hazards or fire risks.

Direct water heaters operate by instantly heating water through a heating element, without the need for a storage tank (or with a very small tank). This allows for rapid heating, making them ideal for locations with a strong and stable power supply. These models are compact, easy to install, and provide hot water nearly immediately.

Indirect water heaters, on the other hand, come with a larger storage tank. They heat water in one go and store it for multiple uses, making them more energy-efficient. These units can supply hot water to various areas, such as sinks and bathtubs, and are often designed to be mounted on walls to save space and enhance the aesthetics of the room.

Many brands, such as Ariston, Panasonic, Centon, and Electrolux, manufacture water heaters in Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and China. Despite their origins, these are genuine products that offer higher quality compared to counterfeit or substandard options on the market.

To avoid purchasing fake items, pay attention to the barcode label: it should be clear, sharp, and distinct with no blurring. Genuine labels will include key details like brand, power rating, voltage, and operating pressure. Authentic products will also indicate their country of origin, such as 'Made in Japan' or 'Made in Italy'.

While imported products from Japan and Europe are highly regarded for their quality, they tend to come with a higher price tag.

When purchasing a water heater, consider whether the product is enamel-coated. Enamel coatings help minimize corrosion caused by accumulated sediment on the surface. However, enamel-coated models generally come at a higher price than those without it.

Pay close attention to areas of contact to ensure the surface is free from corrosion, scratches, or peeling paint. Well-known brands usually offer products that maintain their paint and finish better over time.

Copper casing lasts longer than plastic but may corrode in water with high iron content. If your water source is high in iron, it’s advisable to opt for a plastic-cased heater instead.