15 best gas boilers for home
Since gas in Russia costs an order of magnitude lower than electricity, many owners of private houses turn to the installation of gas boilers. However, economic parameters are far from the only advantage of units of this type over others - they include high thermal power, optimal level of efficiency, minimum amount of harmful emissions, as well as the possibility of heating large premises (on average, from 150 to 300 square meters).
Of course, like any other technique, gas boilers have disadvantages. These include the strict coordination of the installation with the federal service of Gaztekhnadzor, equipping the house with a chimney to remove (a small amount) of combustion products, as well as the introduction of automation to detect gas leaks.
In our rating you will find 15 of the best and highest quality gas boilers, the purchase of which will provide you with warmth and hot water for many years. Before that, we advise you to study some of the nuances of choosing a gas boiler for a house or apartment.
The right choice - double-circuit or single-circuit?
As you know, according to the number of circuits, gas boilers are usually divided into single-circuit and double-circuit. Which one is better? The correct choice depends on the main purpose of the device.
Single-circuit ones are designed exclusively for the operation of the main coolant (radiators, pipes, etc.), that is, they are bought to provide heating. Most often, such devices are installed in summer cottages and in places where there is no water supply. In this case, a boiler is bought for a single-circuit boiler to heat water in an autonomous water supply system.
Double-circuit boilers are 2 in 1 devices. They can both heat the house and provide hot water supply. The coolant and the boiler in such a device are collected in one unit. If hot water is not consumed, the heating medium circulates in the heating circuit. As soon as the user opens the hot water tap, the system switches the valves so that the coolant is directed to the second circuit. This is the most popular type of gas boilers, which are installed in most apartments and private houses.
Heated power
The more powerful the boiler, the higher its cost. In order not to overpay extra money and eliminate additional costs in the future (the more powerful the boiler, the more it consumes resources), it is important to calculate what kind of gas boiler you need in terms of power. An approximate calculation is as follows: for 10 sq. m. of a well-insulated room (ceiling height up to 3 m) should account for 1 kW of the boiler's thermal power. For a poorly insulated room, another 30-50% is added to the heat output.
For a country house of 50 sq. m. it is enough to purchase a gas boiler with a capacity of 7 - 12 kW. But for a house with an area of 200 sq. m. you will need a more powerful device: 23 - 25 kW. Most modern double-circuit gas boilers are produced with a thermal power of 24 kW.
There is one more important detail when choosing the boiler power. If you take a device that is too powerful for a small room (for example, a 24 kW boiler for a one-room apartment of 40 sq. M.), Then the boiler will quickly heat up the coolant and turn off. As soon as the water cools down, the boiler will start up again. Constant switching on and off will occur very often, which will lead to accelerated wear and increased gas consumption. In turn, a boiler with a lower power will provide a smooth combustion, and on-off will occur much less frequently.
Which company to give preference to?
The highest quality and most reliable gas boilers are manufactured by Italian, German and South Korean companies. Even taking into account the fact that many companies locate their production in China, purchasing a gas boiler of a popular brand is better than buying a little-known device.
To facilitate your choice, we list a list of the best manufacturers of gas boilers:
- Navien (South Korea)
- Bosch (Germany)
- Ariston (Italy)
- Baxi (Italy)
- Buderus (Germany)
- Vaillant (Germany)
- Protherm (Slovakia)
- Viessmann (Germany)
- Kiturami (South Korea)
Voltage stabilizer for a gas boiler - is it necessary or not?
After purchasing a gas boiler, it is advisable to install a voltage stabilizer. Especially if your network suffers from frequent power surges. The fact is that in the event of a boiler failure due to a power surge, it will not be possible to exchange the device under warranty. The requirement for the quality of the network is spelled out in each warranty agreement. Therefore, it is better to spend an extra 3-5 thousand rubles for a device with a capacity of up to 1 kW (and a powerful stabilizer for the boiler is not needed) than to end up losing tens of thousands of rubles.
Best inexpensive wall mounted gas boilers
The main advantages of wall-mounted gas boilers are lower price and compactness in placement. They are more preferable for rooms with limited space. For example, for an apartment. The disadvantages of wall-mounted models are lower power and shorter service life, in contrast to floor-standing devices.
3 Navien DELUXE 24K
Gas boiler Navien DELUXE 24K is maximum comfort at minimum cost. A double-circuit thermal energy generator is used for sequential heating of premises with a total area of up to 240 sq.m and for meeting domestic and household needs in hot water with a capacity of up to 13.8 l / min at t 35 ° C. A distinctive feature of the heater in the material of the primary heat exchanger is stainless steel. This fact slightly reduces the efficiency of the unit to 90.5%, but prolongs its durability due to the reliability of high-alloy steel.
Comfortable use of the hot water installation is ensured by a convenient display and clarity of instrumentation, an adapted room regulator with a remote control panel. The ease with which operative intervention is carried out in the cyclicity of the boiler operation can significantly reduce the consumption of blue fuel during operation.
The reviews note the stable operation of the electronic circuit under conditions of periodic voltage fluctuations in the supply network, amounting to +/- 30% of 230 V. The uninterrupted functionality is due to the presence of the SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply) protective chip, which complements the microprocessor. The combustion process in a closed chamber takes place without harmful interruptions and stops, which has a positive effect on the service life of the equipment, excluding breakdowns.
2 Baxi MAIN 5 24 F
The gas boiler Baxi MAIN 5 24 F is an example of a double-circuit unit in the line of biothermal heating devices. The engineering and technical solution, which combined the heating circuit with the preparation of water for hot water supply in a single hydrosystem, made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of the wall-mounted unit in comparison with heat generators equipped with separate heat exchangers. At the same time, there was no significant decrease in performance indicators. The boiler has enough capacity to heat an area of 240 square meters and prepare 9.8 l / min hot water at t 35 ° C.
The heat generator is designed to operate on natural and liquefied gas with a wide range of pressure in the fuel pipelines. When connected to centralized gasification mains, the coverage is from 13 to 20 mbar. A high pressure threshold of 37 mbar is allowed when powered by mobile and stationary gas tanks. This indicator indicates the high reliability of the boiler fuel equipment.
Customer reviews emphasize that the most popular options for a gas unit are the ability to connect external control: room regulators, weekly programmers and the provided interface with low-temperature heating circuits (underfloor heating).
1 Vaillant turboTEC pro VUW 242 / 5-3
The leading line of the rating is occupied by not the cheapest in the category, but the most reliable and efficient gas boiler Vaillant turboTEC pro VUW 242 / 5-3. The craftsmanship of German manufacturers knows no boundaries: for more than ten years of production, this model has heard mainly praise for various aspects of the design and operation.
A double-circuit boiler can be used not only as a heater: when a cold water source is connected to it, it copes no less brilliantly with the functions of a boiler. The maximum temperature of the DHW circuit is 65 degrees Celsius, which is more than optimal for home use. 24 kW of power is enough for heating residential areas up to 240 square meters. In this mode, Vaillant turboTEC pro VUW 242 / 5-3 shows the highest efficiency value - about 91%. It is also worth noting the presence of six levels of protection, electronic control with the ability to modulate the flame, as well as a six-liter (generally standard) expansion tank.
The main disadvantages of the model affect the purely marketing side of the manufacturing company. The cost of servicing Vaillant boilers is very high, and the owner will bear the costs both for the purchase of a branded part and for its subsequent installation (approximately 50 to 50). Fortunately, serious breakdowns of units are extremely rare.
The best floor-standing gas boilers from the budget category
Floor standing gas boilers are considered more reliable and durable. They cost more than wall-mounted models, but they gain in power and can heat rooms from 200 sq. m. For the installation of floor-standing boilers, it is recommended to use a separate room (boiler room).
3 Protherm Wolf 16 KSO
The non-volatile "floor-standing", presented by the Slovak company "Proterm", is surprisingly small in size. At only 39 cm wide, almost 75 cm high and 46 cm deep, it can be easily installed in any small room. In the "Wolf" series, 2 modifications are presented, differing only in thermal power of 12.5 and 16 kW, sufficient for heating a private house with an area of 30 to 150 sq. m.
The fact that the main production site of Protherm is located at the Vaillant plant, the world famous German manufacturer of gas boilers, will tell a lot about the quality of manufacture. Floor-standing units are made of steel 3 mm thick, equipped with temperature and emergency controllers, a draft stabilizer, and a SIT gas burner device (Italy). The design is easy to install and operate, and therefore does not cause complaints from users. However, it must be taken into account that the 2-year warranty for the unit applies only if installed by a certified specialist.
2 ATON Atmo 30E
A powerful single-circuit boiler of Ukrainian origin, which has everything you need to provide stable heating of premises up to 300 square meters. Actually, ATON Atmo 30E fulfills its main task beyond praise - the absence of a second circuit for heating water allowed Ukrainian craftsmen to pay more attention and funds to improving and fine-tuning the heating function.
For normal operation, the boiler requires 3.3 cubic meters of gas per hour. This is quite a lot (especially for a budget model), however, almost all of the energy from the combustion of fossil fuel (the unit efficiency is 90%) is converted into thermal energy, which, in combination with 30 kW of power, results in such a vast heated area.
In general, the presence of the principle of economy is felt in the model: the designer has cut off almost all "civilized" functions, leaving the boiler only the most necessary - a thermometer, gas control and a thermostat to protect against overheating. This step has led to a noticeable increase in the level of reliability, since fewer components lead to fewer possible (elementary) failures.In general, ATON Atmo 30E is an ideal boiler for a large country house, not burdened with additional functions and the need to work as a boiler.
1 Lemax Premium-25B
Lemax Premium-25B is an inexpensive floor-standing convection-type gas boiler. Produced in Taganrog. Able to efficiently heat a house up to 250 sq. m. with an efficiency of 90%. The low cost of the device is due to the steel structure of the heat exchanger. Such material is more susceptible to corrosion than copper and cast iron heat exchangers. However, the developer has provided a special heat-insulating coating with inhibitors, which should significantly reduce the corrosion of the heat exchanger.
The boiler is equipped with everything necessary for the safe operation of the system: heat exchanger overheating sensor, thermometer, gas control. There is auto ignition - ignition is carried out automatically. This indicates a higher reliability and efficiency compared to piezo-ignited devices. The nominal pressure of natural gas is 13 mbar, that is, the boiler will operate at full capacity even at low pressure indicators in the gas network (which is not uncommon in Russia). This is the best indicator in our review of budget floor standing boilers.
It is worth noting that the Lemax boiler is designed for an open heating system, therefore, when buying it, a chimney must be provided in the house for the removal of combustion products.
Most user reviews speak of Lemax's "indestructibility" and almost silent operation. It is an economical and hassle-free boiler at an affordable price, with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. One of the best deals in the budget segment.
The best floor standing gas boilers: price - quality
Here are the most optimal in terms of price and quality floor standing gas boilers. The most popular units among buyers.
3 Buderus Logano G124 WS-32
The Logano line includes 4 standard sizes (from 20 to 32 kW) of low-temperature boilers, which are considered more profitable and safer than high-temperature boilers. In addition, low temperatures in the heating system create the most comfortable conditions for a person, while excluding strong temperature drops in an apartment or private cottage. The unit can be built into the heating system using underfloor heating, and if the heat loss at home is too high, it is possible to supplement it with radiators.
Additional heat savings are facilitated by the special design of the cast-iron heat exchanger and thermal insulation 80 mm thick. In order for buyers to individually assemble the heating device, the company offers an extensive selection of additional parts and assemblies, which, I must say, are very expensive. For example, the AW 50.2-Kombi flue gas control system is offered to buy for almost 9.5 thousand rubles, and for a floor-standing water heater Logalux SU you will have to pay at least 50 thousand rubles. Nevertheless, consumers are satisfied with the economy, ease of operation and durability of the model and recommend it for purchase.
2 Navien GA 23KN
Last June, Navien Rus LLC was awarded the Company of the Year award in the Best Supplier of Engineering Equipment category. A month later, the company celebrated with a 3-day conference the sale in Russia of the millionth hinged boiler. In addition, over the past 4 years, the brand has gained 46.6% of the votes and has repeatedly confirmed the title of "Brand No. 1" in the category "Boilers for heating". What is remarkable about his products, that they vote for it not only by word, but also by wallet?
First of all, buyers are attracted by the quite reasonable price for the unit, the appearance of which alone speaks of the unsurpassed quality inherent in South Korean technology. They are not disappointed even after getting acquainted with the technical characteristics, in particular, the presence of a 2nd circuit, a closed combustion chamber and an electronic control system with a remote control included.Despite the "overseas" origin, the model is fully adapted to Russian operating conditions and is designed to operate with a minimum gas pressure and water supply - 4 mbar and 0.1 bar, respectively.
1 Baxi SLIM 2.300 Fi
If you are looking for a high quality and modern gas boiler from a trusted manufacturer, then the Baxi SLIM 2.300 Fi is one of the best options. This is the most expensive device in our review, with a price tag of about $ 2,000, which is quite acceptable for those who do not like to skimp on quality.
Double-circuit "Baxi" is able to heat a cottage up to 300 sq. m. with an efficiency factor of 90%. It can work in a closed heating system due to the built-in circulation pump. The built-in expansion tank will maintain the optimal pressure in the heating system, taking in excess when heating and making up for losses when cooling the heat carrier. Baxi SLIM 2.300 Fi is one of the best boilers for underfloor heating.
The material of the primary heat exchanger is the best here - cast iron. As you know, cast iron is resistant to corrosion, durable and reliable. Additional functions include an air vent, safety valve and pump blockage protection.
Baxi SLIM 2.300 Fi is one of the best selling floor standing gas boilers in the middle and high price segment.
The best wall-mounted gas boilers of the condensing principle of operation
During the operation of a gas boiler, condensate forms, which can be used to generate heat energy. This is exactly what happens in boilers of the condensing principle of operation, where additional energy from the condensate is generated using a special heat exchanger (economizer). This will undoubtedly increase the efficiency of the device.
Installing a condensing boiler allows you to save up to 20% on gas bills. Thus, the efficiency of a conventional convection boiler is on average 92%, while a condensing boiler is capable of operating with an efficiency of 109%. True, the purchase of a condensing model will be much more expensive than a convection model and, perhaps, such a decision will be justified when heating sufficient areas.
Below we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best condensing gas boilers of wall and floor types.
3 Baxi POWER HT 1.450
Distinctive characteristics of the model are high power indicators of 45 kW, efficiency of 107.5% and the ability to maintain 100% power when the inlet pressure drops to 5 mbar. The device implements all modern protection methods, including protection against freezing, overheating, as well as gas control and a self-diagnosis system. The built-in microprocessor constantly monitors the status of the sensors and in the event of abnormal situations (for example, a drop in water pressure, overheating or cut off the gas supply) automatically turns off the boiler. It is also worth noting the presence of an auto-ignition, an air vent and the ability to connect a warm floor.
Baxi POWER HT 1.450 is one of the most reliable premium floor standing boilers. The obvious disadvantages of the device include only the high price.
2 Baxi Duo-tec Compact 1.24
Baxi Duo-tec Compact 1.24 is one of the most affordable condensing gas boilers. Despite the low price, the power of the device is 24 kW with an efficiency of 105.7%. This is an excellent model for installation in a country cottage or summer cottage, since the boiler can operate on liquefied gas with a minimum consumption of 1.92 kg / h. If desired, Baxi Duo-tec Compact 1.24 can be connected to the underfloor heating system. The built-in expansion tank will compensate for the expansion of the coolant. The Duo-tec Compact series is characterized by easy installation, simple operation and the ability to adapt to the gas quality. They work with a power modulation ratio of 1: 7.
It is a pity that the boiler is single-circuit and can only be used for the heating system.
1 Protherm Lynx condensing
In Europe, traditional boilers are practically not used - they were replaced by condensing units like Protherm "Lynx".Models of this line have been produced since 2002 and are still in demand on the market. There are a lot of reasons for the popularity: here is the affordability - hinged condensing boilers with similar characteristics from competitors are 1.5 times more expensive, and rich equipment, and still relevant design.
The system of forced removal of combustion products allows the device to be mounted indoors without a chimney. Fuel consumption is 3.2 cubic meters. m / hour and gives savings of the order of 20 - 30% in comparison with convection devices. Thanks to two preset modes and an automatic control system with an electronic display, setting the desired temperature in a private house is easy. Additionally, the developers have provided the ability to connect an external controller. Users do not complain about any breakdowns, which allows us to judge the high reliability of the Lynx.
The best double-circuit boilers
When choosing a double-circuit boiler, like a single-circuit boiler, you need to pay special attention to power. If the residents of the house plan to take a bath often, the minimum power of the equipment should be at least 18 kW, if the shower is a priority, then it is allowed to install a less powerful unit - from 10 kW. Even before buying, it is advisable to check whether the manufacturer has skimped on the circulation pump, safety valve, diaphragm expansion tank and fittings in the kit.
3 Bosch Gaz 6000 W WBN 6000-18 С
Dispensing hot water usually takes a long time. If you do not want to put up with such inconvenience, take a look at the Bosch Gaz 6000 W WBN 6000-18 C boiler. Its plate heat exchanger is designed in such a way that the water is heated in a matter of seconds. The presence of two separate heat exchangers makes the boiler more efficient (30 ° - 8.6 l / min, 50 ° - 5.1 l / min) and not demanding on water quality.
Among other advantages of heating equipment, one should note the minimum noise level - the sound of a working boiler is compared by many users to the noise of a computer or refrigerator. Efficiency is another Bosch feature. It is proposed to provide it by switching on the "Eco" mode, which provides for heating water only when it is taken. If the most flexible automatic regulation is required, it is possible to connect external regulators to the built-in automatics, allowing the system to be controlled remotely.
2 Ariston CARES X 15 FF NG
The Ariston CARES series are the most compact traditional and wall-mounted gas boilers. The 15-kilowatt tube is intended for installation in heating systems of small private houses, summer cottages and apartments, in the limited space of which its dimensions - 400x700x319 mm - take root very successfully. And it is very handy that the unit setting allows you to set the temperature of the heating circuit with an accuracy of 1 °, thereby providing an ideal microclimate in a small room.
The design is assembled on a modular basis, due to which the number of threaded connections - points of potential leaks - has become minimal. Built-in safety systems such as gas control, anti-freeze mode, safety valve are responsible for the smooth operation and increase the safety of the device. And at the same time, the manufacturer provides all the necessary options for comfortable operation - a large electronic display, auto ignition, status indication and the ability to connect external control. Of course, this unit deserves a place in our rating!
1 Rinnai RB-207RMF
The Japanese are not in vain known as techno-freaks - they even managed to fill the Rinnai RB-207RMF gas boiler with the most modern electronics. It is made unique, first of all, by the algorithm for automatically maintaining the optimal ratio of the gas-air mixture in the working chamber. The process is controlled by a “brain” with sensory sensors.This achieves an unprecedentedly wide range of output power - from 17 to 100% and, as a result, a decrease in gas consumption and an increase in the life of the primary heat exchanger.
The model can be controlled from the "Standard" modification panel (supplied in the basic kit), "Deluxe" or Wi-Fi. With its help, you can program an individual heating and hot water supply mode, which will be maintained in automatic mode, depending on the indicators of the sensors outside and inside the building. Changes in the settings are duplicated by the voice navigator. Two microprocessors are responsible for safety at once, controlling and correcting each other's work. This is not a boiler, but a space rocket, not otherwise!