Modern storage heater comparisons

TheElectricCow

Good morning to all - I'd like to ask the forum for anyone willing to share their experiences with any specific models of their modern storage heaters, ideally to help draw some comparisons between the various options out there at the moment.

For a bit of background, I currently live in a very new (building itself is under 2 years old) and well insulated 1 bed flat, fitted with rather nice modern dimplex panel heaters with plenty of controllability features. Personally, I can't justify the cost of using standard electric heating for myself (and I have a strong preference for a much cooler environment than most people anyway) so outside of when I'm having guests over and the DFS sessions I'm quite happy to generally not use it. Absolute lowest inside temperature during the coldest part of the weather we've had was 11c. This isn't a huge bother to me with appropriate clothing, although I'm aware I'm far from typical and it doesn't often get nearly that cold.

That said, I have been looking into getting storage heater(s) installed for next winter as I think there's likely to be room in my budget to maintain slightly warmer temperatures if heated at an appropriate off peak rate. I would consider myself an "energy savvy" consumer and already have a sound understanding how SHs work, the different types, and what sort usage/tariffs I'd need to get cost savings.


Enough about me though, my main concern is how the different brands and models of the modern options compare to each other, particularly in terms of what features and performance are the best value for money. I've had a look at some previous posts here but those are a little more general than what I'm interested in, and I'd rather not highjack the current discussion running on storage heater recommendations where it seems the user there could benefit more from good basic advice rather than a more in depth talk on the complexities of different models.

There are two comparisons I'm especially interested in, but would welcome any input relating to other options, models, or brands.
1. The differences between a "smart" modern style storage heater and an HHR, in practical terms e.g. how long does each retain heat for, how much heat can be felt escaping on minimal output etc. Examples of each heater type would be the Dimplex XLE or Elnur SSH for standard "smart" ones, and Dimplex Quantum or Elnur ECOHHR for HHR models. 

If anyone happens to have a newer non HHR model and an older non programmable box of bricks, is there any noticeable difference in excess heat leakage when charged?

2. Any opinions between Dimplex and the vaguely equivalent Elnur models would be great to hear! Dimplex seems to come highly recommended, although the Elnurs appear to be a bit more budget friendly from what I've seen so far. Both seem to have similar functions, programs, and controllability options, although one difference I have noticed that for Dimplex XLE models the manual states are supposedly not suitable for a single supply, while the equivalent Elnur is (could be problematic for me I intend to make use of the existing unrestricted heating circuit rather than adding an extra one, and then having the programming be done on the SH itself). The HHR models for both brands appear to be suitable for a single circuit connection if wired correctly.

Any other recommendations would also be appreciated

Initial cost is the main concern here, but I'd really like to avoid as much wasted/leaked energy as possible, so I'm trying to determine whether something like a Quantum would be necessary for my needs or if I would get away with the retention on a less pricey non HHR model.

ariarnia

my only experience was back in 2008ish before i moved in with OH. i was in a little 2 room (not 2 bedroom!) flat with an old style storage heater with the big bricks and it was a complete nightmare.

i ended up turning it off and using an oil filled rad in the bedroom/living area because i was out at work all day so only really needed heat for a coupe of hours in the evening before bed and could never rely on there being heat left in them when i got home (a combination of the heaters leaking heat and the walls not keeping it in). the only good thing was if i ran out of work cloths then you could guarentee a pair of trousers on them would be hot and dry the next morning! 

i no not much help to you as storage heaters have come a long way since then but i still see my old type for sale cheap as 'refurbished' sometimes on ebay. i guess becayse they arent that complicated a machine. 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

similar thread HERE, might help.

TheElectricCow

ariarnia said:

my only experience was back in 2008ish before i moved in with OH. i was in a little 2 room (not 2 bedroom!) flat with an old style storage heater with the big bricks and it was a complete nightmare.

i ended up turning it off and using an oil filled rad in the bedroom/living area because i was out at work all day so only really needed heat for a coupe of hours in the evening before bed and could never rely on there being heat left in them when i got home (a combination of the heaters leaking heat and the walls not keeping it in). the only good thing was if i ran out of work cloths then you could guarentee a pair of trousers on them would be hot and dry the next morning! 

i no not much help to you as storage heaters have come a long way since then but i still see my old type for sale cheap as 'refurbished' sometimes on ebay. i guess becayse they arent that complicated a machine. 

Thanks for the input, I came to a similar conclusion myself while researching possible options that the old style ones would simply leak too much heat to be of much use as a replacement for the panel heaters I've got. Had looked at used/refurbished older ones but decided that without an E7 circuit already in place and with the trouble of actually transporting them from wherever they currently lie they probably wouldn't be a worthwhile purchase.

frugalmacdugal said:

Hi,

similar thread HERE, might help.

Thanks for the link, I've been watching that thread with some interest and found a few of the comments there quite helpful, especially relating to the Dimplex Quantums - Didn't want to jump in on that one and redirect the conversation too much though as I felt it wouldn't have been very helpful to the OP who is still getting the hang of immersion heaters and meter readings. I mean absolutely no disrespect to them with that of course, everyone has different levels of knowledge, just don't want to confuse matters more by adding further layers of discussion that may not be relevant to them while they get the basics of how to use SHs worked out

EssexHebridean

Interesting - so the XLEs are essentially Quantums without the additional insulation to make them HHR? And an attendant price saving as a result. 

TheElectricCow

EssexHebridean said:

Interesting - so the XLEs are essentially Quantums without the additional insulation to make them HHR? And an attendant price saving as a result. 

That's certainly what they seem to be, I am curious if there may be any more too it than that or if it is literally just the added insulation factor that makes the difference.

Haven't been able to find any documentation showing a quantifiable measurement of the heat loss between the two yet, but if anyone happens to have an XLE I'd love to know whether they're hot to the touch on the outside. I wonder whether it's a case of the XLEs simply not having enough insulation to meet the technical requirements for being a HHR, or if they have no better heat retention than a standard older style SH.

Scot_39

EssexHebridean said:

Interesting - so the XLEs are essentially Quantums without the additional insulation to make them HHR? And an attendant price saving as a result. 

As OP post looks like the xle cannot be wired single feed, so need 2 connections that the OP doesn't have already.

One site quotes maybe c£150 less, at high power units like for living areas small cf £900, but lower down range a higher percentage.

Bit worried OP might not have a suitable feed for charge - even for single feed though.

EssexHebridean

Scot_39 said:

EssexHebridean said:

Interesting - so the XLEs are essentially Quantums without the additional insulation to make them HHR? And an attendant price saving as a result. 

As OP post looks like the xle cannot be wired single feed, so need 2 connections that the OP doesn't have already.

<snip>

This is one of the reasons why I’ve said that the XLE models appear to be Quantums without the HHR credentials. Quantums also ideally need the second feed. 

Scot_39

TheElectricCow said:

...

Both seem to have similar functions, programs, and controllability options, although one difference I have noticed that for Dimplex XLE models the manual states are supposedly not suitable for a single supply, while the equivalent Elnur is (could be problematic for me I intend to make use of the existing unrestricted heating circuit rather than adding an extra one, and then having the programming be done on the SH itself). The HHR models for both brands appear to be suitable for a single circuit connection if wired correctly.

Any other recommendations would also be appreciated

Initial cost is the main concern here, but I'd really like to avoid as much wasted/leaked energy as possible, so I'm trying to determine whether something like a Quantum would be necessary for my needs or if I would get away with...

Have you had an electrician review your system..

As you may need rewiring for single feed charge units regardless

As my old ones in a c25+ yr old build are individually isolated with own mcbs at the split time restricted consumer unit and wired direct via dedicated spurs.

A quick google seems to confirm this - See the section - talking about single wired elnur ssh or hhr models at 

https://www.storageheatersales.co.uk/about-storage-heaters#:~:text=supply circuit must come directly,regulations and be tested/certified.

And specifically 

Note:- In all cases when using a single supply connection for Elnur Ecombi HHR & SSH storage heaters, if a heater is required in a new location where no previous storage heater circuit exists, the new single
supply circuit must come directly from the Distribution Board, solely serve the new storage heater, have a 20amp MCB and RCD protection.

All new Electrical installations must be undertaken ....

As to cost - the quantum rf only appear c£150 more than the xle elnur ssh, and the elnur hhrs closer still.

So c£750 cf c£900 at the high power end.

Given OP out all day - would the risk be worth the savings.

And given a 1 bed flat - and a min heat requirement   would OP need more than 1 ( living room ) or 2 ( add Hall or bedroom).

(My 2 bed house has only 3 nsh, living room and halls, the bedrooms have panel convection - never use them, just rely on heat from nsh until doors closed at night.)

Read somewhere hhr vs old can can help with epc rating - do the non hhr xle/ssh storage panels ?  If true the x x £150 may pay for itself at resale time.

EssexHebridean

We got an improved EPC because of the single Quantum as it marks you “up” on heating controls”. For us I suspect it made a difference between high E and low D. 

TheElectricCow

Scot_39 said:

Have you had an electrician review your system..

As you may need rewiring for single feed charge units regardless

As my old ones in a c25+ yr old build are individually isolated with own mcbs at the split time restricted consumer unit and wired direct via dedicated spurs.

A quick google seems to confirm this - See the section - talking about single wired elnur ssh or hhr models at 

https://www.storageheatersales.co.uk/about-storage-heaters#:~:text=supply circuit must come directly,regulations and be tested/certified.

And specifically 

Note:- In all cases when using a single supply connection for Elnur Ecombi HHR & SSH storage heaters, if a heater is required in a new location where no previous storage heater circuit exists, the new single
supply circuit must come directly from the Distribution Board, solely serve the new storage heater, have a 20amp MCB and RCD protection.

All new Electrical installations must be undertaken ....

Thanks for this, it has certainly given another angle to give some consideration to. Haven't yet had an electrician look at things, but I've got all the original certification documents and having done a few small wiring jobs I'm somewhat familiar with the home circuitry.

Currently there are two 1500w heaters in the open kitchen/living room which are wired to the CU on their own heating circuit with what I've now found to be a 16amp MCB. The others in the flat wired to a separate circuit with a 20amp MCB. Each individual heater is wired via a 13amp switched fused spur.

The initial plan was to replace either one or both of of these from the living room with storage heater(s) of the same power rating, which I hadn't considered may cause an issue as there wouldn't be any additional load over the currently installed system. However, I wasn't aware of the requirement for each storage heater to need to be wired on its own individual circuit, so it looks like I'll need some further assessment to see how suitable the in place circuits really are, and the extent of any necessary rewiring. 

Was hoping for a relatively simple installation without any alterations needed to the circuits, but it's looking like that may not be the case.


Edit:
Further to the point about insulation in XLE style heaters, I have found this relevant quote from Dimplex:

Our Quantum is specially classified as a ‘high heat retention’ storage heater which features smart controls that take exactly the correct amount of charge. In addition, Quantum has a highly insulated core to store the heat for longer and has a fan to extract the heat more evenly. It features a direct acting heating element to provide extra heat if required. Our XLE storage heater, although not classified as a high retention storage heater is a more conventional design and boasts superior insulation properties over traditional storage heaters.

They don't seem to quantify the actual effect of the "superior" insulation in any way though.