For a great overall option, you want the ANDRIX HT-1500. 1500w of power can heat 5 gallons of water in 10 minutes with ratings for up to 10,000 hours of use thanks to components made from high-end materials.
This product comes with a wide range of uses, including heating small pools. Andrix includes a stick-on digital thermostat (including the battery) so you can read the water temperature easily.
An electric immersion heater, or bucket heater, is a low-power and travel-friendly tankless water heater that resembles a boiler in operation.
You can use an immersion heater to heat up a bucket or barrel of water, small pools, and kettles, making them a great alternative for off-grid water heaters in low-demand situations.
Additionally, they can keep large containers of personal or commercial liquid products, such as honey or candle wax, from freezing in the winter.
Immersion water heaters can also heat oils, salts, acids, and other solvents found at construction sites, warehouses, and farms.
Standard immersion heaters generating 1000w can warm up 5 gallons of water in 30 minutes. Products that produce higher wattage will heat the water faster, and they can heat a larger amount of water – up to 40 gallons.
What Are The Different Types Of Immersion Water Heaters?
The three main types of immersion water heaters, categorized by how they attach to the desired vessel, are over-the-side, flanged, and threaded.
Over-the-Side
Over-the-side immersion water heaters fit, as the name suggests, over the side of the container you use to heat water, so removal is quick and easy. This makes it a great option if you regularly travel with the heater, or if you need to clean the container regularly.
Threaded
A threaded immersion water heater, or screw plug heater, screws into the vessel to semi-permanently secure it. While this limits their portability, it does provide a sturdy connection. These are mostly found for use to prevent freezing.
Flanged
The long, oval-shaped flanged immersion water heaters provide the most versatility thanks to the simple and universal design, making it the most common type of immersion heater.
To install a flanged immersion heater, you bolt it to the top of the container so that it becomes completely submerged except for the power cord and heater element.
What Do You Look For In The Best Immersion Heater?
Safety Features
New immersion heaters must come with safety features, such as an automatic shut off feature when the temperature exceeds a certain temperature.
Standard immersion heaters generate between 1000w and 1500w.
1500w units will heat the water faster than the 1000w units. High-end 1500w immersion heaters can heat 20 gallons in 20 minutes, and budget 1000w units heat 5 gallons in 30 – 60 minutes.
Furthermore, 1500w devices can support larger amounts of water, up to 40 gallons, but 1000w devices may not have the power to heat a container that large.
How Does An Immersion Water Heater Work?
The immersion heater consists of a resistance heating wire housed in a protective ceramic jacket and a metal sheath that encloses the jacket.
Sheath material usually consists of stainless steel and nickel plating.
A heating element can be found in an enclosure at the top of the device with a power cord at the end.
Install an immersion water heater using the following steps(in order):
Step One: Verify device has no power.
Step Two: Fill Container.
Step Three: Submerge immersion heater in container except for the power cord.
Step Four: Stabilize the heater and secure it if possible.
Step Five: Turn on power to the immersion heater.
When powered, electrical currents activate the heating element and send heat through the heating wire and ceramic jacket. The heat moves outward and the immersion rod makes the sheath hot. Any water that enters the sheath of the immersion water heater will become warm before draining through the holes in the casing and back into the container.
Want a visual explanation? Watch this video of using an immersion electric water heater:
Safety Tips
Immersion heaters are safe! However…
Any time you operate a product that utilizes direct heat, you should use caution and always read the instructions, but especially with immersion water heaters, considering they operate by literally submerging an electric object in water.
Follow these tips for safely operating an immersive water heater:
Do not power the unit until it is fully submerged (except for the power cord).
Only plug the device into a grounded outlet.
Verify approved materials
Properly secure device while in use, keeping the heat off of the container.
Best Immersion Water Heaters Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
For a great overall option, you want the ANDRIX HT-1500. 1500w of power can heat 5 gallons of water in 10 minutes with ratings for up to 10,000 hours of use thanks to components made from high-end materials.
This product comes with a wide range of uses, including heating small pools. Andrix includes a stick-on digital thermostat (including the battery) so you can read the water temperature easily.
The Dixmus 1000w produces 1000w of energy, enough to heat 5 gallons in under 30 minutes, and it can function with wooden, plastic, and glass containers. Its minimalist design helps keep installation simple and quick, and you can transport it easily.
This product will not heat large containers, doesn’t work with metal, and it has exposed coils that get hot.
If you want hot water quickly and a product that will last, you want the Pong-Dang AJT13K. With 1300w of power, it can heat 5 gallons of water in just about five minutes, and the titanium keeps it protected so that it lasts for as long as you need it throughout a wide range of uses.
You can keep the electric heater submerged at all times, allowing you to install it at the bottom of the container horizontally- no hanging required!
For someone who wants to heat large amounts of water, you can consider the 1500w Gesail. It can heat 20 gallons in 20 minutes, and the simple installation will help speed things up even more.
Gesail includes extra safety features to protect users from shock if the handle accidentally gets submerged, and the power cord has a convenient red light indicator. .
The PETTA DG1500w produces 1500w of power, enough to handle both small and large capacity jobs, such as tubs and small pools. The high-end materials protect the device and help keep it safe, as part of numerous safety features.
To operate, simply set the digital thermometer/timer, and the heater automatically turns off at the end of the countdown (up to 999 minutes).
Pros
Powerful enough to heat bathtubs
Digital controls
Cost-Effective
Cons
Not for use with metal
Short power cord (4.9 ft.)
Moderate – long wait time for hot water
FAQs For Immersion Water Heaters
Are immersion water heaters safe?
Yes, immersion water heaters are safe!
If used properly, modern immersion heaters don’t create a significant fire hazard.
How many gallons of water can an immersion water heater heat?
Most manufacturers rate their products based on how fast they heat up 5 gallons. Some higher wattage products can accommodate 40-gallon tubs and pools.
How long does it take for immersion to heat water?
Low wattage products (1000w) will take 30 – 60 minutes to heat up 5 gallons, and they may never produce enough heat to support more than 20 gallons.
Some premium high-watt units (1500w) can heat a 20-gallon tub in just 20 minutes.
Can you heat a pool with a portable immersion heater?
Yes! High-watt immersion heaters can support small pools.
