What's in the range
The water heaters page lists three phase and single phase electric instantaneous heaters, open vented and mains pressure compact storage heaters, and an under sink water boiler.
Its hot water heat pumps are the SHP-O, in Premium and Plus versions, and the WWK. The SHP-O uses R290 refrigerant, and the company says its air-source range can go indoors or outdoors.
STIEBEL ELTRON says all its design, research and development happen in Germany, and its Australian home page says "Since 1924".
Matching the type to your house
An instantaneous heater has no tank. Because there are three phase and single phase versions, the first question is what electricity supply your home has.
Compact storage heaters are small tanks. Ask whether one could look after a basin or kitchen that sits a long way from your main system.
For a whole household, the heat pumps are the option to price. Ask whether the spot you have in mind is inside or out, and what it needs around it.
Watch the anode
STIEBEL ELTRON's warranty page says, for SHP-O heat pumps, anode leaks are covered but "Expiry of sacrificial anode is not covered." The anode is the metal rod inside the tank that corrodes so the tank doesn't. Ask your plumber when yours should be checked, and set a reminder.
What to ask before you choose
- Is my home's supply single phase or three phase, and does that rule any model in or out?
- Do I need an electrician as well as a plumber for this install?
- Indoors or outdoors: where would the heat pump go, and why there?
- Is this domestic use for warranty purposes? The warranty page says periods differ for commercial use.
- What cover does the relief valve get? The warranty page lists it separately.
What we would do
Sort the electrical side out first. With an instantaneous heater, your power supply decides what you can fit, so have the plumber confirm it with an electrician before you pick a model. With a heat pump, the anode check is the job owners forget, and the warranty won't cover a worn-out one. A plumber who specialises in hot water can tell you when to book it.