Instant Water Heaters

5 products

  • Compact Instant Water Heater

    DexPro Delux Inline Instantaneous Water Heater

    DexPro Delux Inline Instantaneous Water Heater

    From £80.00 GBP
    From £80.00 GBP
  • 3.5 kW instant water heater perfect 35

    Perfect 35 Instant Water Heater - 3.5kW

    Perfect 35 Instant Water Heater - 3.5kW

    £99.00 GBP
    £99.00 GBP
  • Instant Water Heater Perfect 50

    Perfect 50 Instant Water Heater - 5.0kW

    Perfect 50 Instant Water Heater - 5.0kW

    £104.00 GBP
    £104.00 GBP
  • Perfect 5.5Kw instant water heater

    Perfect 55 Instant Water Heater - 5.5kW

    Perfect 55 Instant Water Heater - 5.5kW

    £109.00 GBP
    £109.00 GBP
  • Redring Powerstream RPS Instant Water Heater

    Redring Powerstream RPS Instant Water Heater

    Redring Powerstream RPS Instant Water Heater

    From £120.00 GBP
    From £120.00 GBP

Instant electric water heaters, also known as tankless or on-demand electric water heaters, are a popular choice for their efficiency, compact size, and ability to provide a continuous supply of hot water. They are defined by their core function: heating water only when it is needed, without relying on a large storage tank.

Their product categories are typically distinguished by their intended application and power output. Here is a breakdown of the main types:

1. Point-of-Use Instant Water Heaters

These are small, low-power units designed to be installed very close to a specific faucet or outlet (e.g., a hand washbasin in a restroom, a kitchen sink). Their purpose is to provide hot water quickly to a single, nearby point, minimizing the time it takes for hot water to travel through pipes.

  • Power Output: Typically range from 3 kW to 6 kW.
  • Key Features:
    • Compact Size: Extremely small and lightweight, allowing them to be discreetly installed inside a cabinet or under a sink.
    • Energy Savings: Eliminate energy waste from long pipe runs and standby heat loss.
    • Application: Ideal for applications with low flow requirements, such as hand washing or a single-basin sink.

2. Whole-House Instant Water Heaters

These are larger, more powerful units designed to meet the hot water demand of an entire home. They are installed at the main water inlet and can supply multiple faucets, showers, and appliances simultaneously.

  • Power Output: Typically range from 18 kW to 36 kW.
  • Key Features:
    • High Flow Rate: Designed to handle the flow rate required by multiple hot water outlets running at the same time.
    • Advanced Controls: Often feature digital temperature displays and precise electronic controls to set the desired temperature.
    • Space-Saving: Despite their high power, they are still much smaller than a conventional storage tank, saving significant space.
  • Limitations: They require a very high-amperage electrical connection, which may necessitate a costly electrical panel upgrade. Performance can be affected by the temperature of the incoming cold water, especially in colder climates.

3. Integrated Tap Instant Water Heaters

This category combines the heating unit with a dedicated tap, offering an all-in-one solution. These are typically point-of-use heaters designed for a single sink.

  • Power Output: Low to medium power, similar to point-of-use heaters.
  • Key Features:
    • Sleek Design: The heater and tap are a single, coordinated unit, which can be aesthetically pleasing and easy to install.
    • Temperature Control: The tap often includes a control for adjusting the water temperature, offering a simple user experience.
    • Application: Ideal for single washbasins or kitchen sinks where a full plumbing setup is not practical or desired.

4. Thermostatic Instant Water Heaters

This is a specific type of instantaneous heater that incorporates advanced thermostatic control. These units are designed for safety and convenience, ensuring a precise and stable water temperature.

  • How they work: A thermostatic control system constantly monitors the temperature of the outgoing water and adjusts the heating element's power to maintain the set temperature, regardless of fluctuations in the incoming water pressure or temperature.
  • Key Features:
    • Safety: Prevents sudden temperature spikes, reducing the risk of scalding.
    • Consistency: Provides a more comfortable and reliable showering or washing experience.
    • Digital Display: Often includes a digital interface for precise temperature setting.

Regardless of the category, all instant electric water heaters are defined by their on-demand heating, compact size, and a strong emphasis on energy efficiency.

FAQs

  • Can an electric instant water heater provide enough hot water for a shower?

    Yes, but it depends on the heater's power output (kW) and the temperature of the incoming cold water. For a shower, you need a high-powered unit, typically 9.5 kW or more. In colder climates where the incoming water is very cold, you may need a higher-powered unit to achieve a comfortable shower temperature at a reasonable flow rate. Point-of-use heaters, with their lower power ratings (3-6 kW), are generally not suitable for showers.

  • What is the biggest installation challenge for a whole-house instant electric water heater?

    The biggest challenge is often the electrical requirements. These high-powered units draw a significant amount of amperage and may require a dedicated 240V circuit with heavy-gauge wiring. Many older homes and some newer ones do not have an electrical panel with enough capacity to handle the load of a whole-house unit. This can mean a costly electrical panel upgrade is needed before installation.

  • Do I need to clean or maintain an instant electric water heater?

    While they do not have a tank that needs to be flushed, instant electric water heaters still require some maintenance. In areas with hard water, mineral and limescale buildup can occur on the heating element and within the unit's components. This can reduce efficiency and lead to damage. It's recommended to have the unit descaled or flushed by a professional every 1-2 years, depending on the hardness of your water.

  • Why is the water from my instant water heater not as hot as I set it?

    If your water is not reaching the set temperature, the most likely cause is that the water is flowing too quickly through the unit. Instant heaters need time to heat the water as it passes over the element. If the flow rate is too high, the unit cannot heat the water fast enough. You can solve this by reducing the flow at the faucet. Many instant heaters come with a flow restrictor or require a low-flow tap to ensure optimal performance. In some cases, a power-related issue or a faulty heating element could also be the cause.

  • How much can an instant electric water heater save me on my energy bill?

    The potential energy savings can be substantial, as instant heaters eliminate the "standby heat loss" that occurs with conventional tank-style heaters. The exact amount saved depends on your household's hot water usage, electricity rates, and the efficiency of your old water heater. Many manufacturers claim savings of 10-30% on water heating costs. The savings are often most noticeable in homes with low to moderate hot water use.