Water Storage Heaters in Singapore: How Many Litres to Get & Which Brands Deliver

Hot water is one of those luxuries most of us expect — especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or when you want that relaxing shower. Choosing the right storage (tank) water heater can make a big difference to comfort, electricity bills, reliability, and how long the unit lasts.

This guide helps you understand:

• How to choose the right capacity (litres)

• What features to look out for

• Trusted brands in Singapore

• Installation & maintenance tips

What Is a Storage Water Heater?

A storage water heater (sometimes called a tank heater) stores a fixed amount of water, heats it up in advance, and maintains its temperature so hot water is ready on demand. It contrasts with “instant” or tankless heaters, which heat water as it flows through them.

Key pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Hot water ready when needed	Takes up space (tank)
Simultaneous use possible (multiple showers)	Standing heat losses, more electricity to maintain hot temp
Relatively simpler plumbing & controls	Longer recovery time if tank empties

How Much Capacity Do You Need?

Getting the right tank size depends on:

1. Household size

2. Number of bathrooms/showers

3. Whether baths are used

4. Simultaneous demand (e.g. two showers + kitchen + laundry)

5. Space and placement for the heater

Here are common guidelines as used locally in Singapore (Taken from Joven Website):

Some caveats:

• If you only have one or two small showers, you might get by with smaller tanks.

• Check for “recovery rate” (how fast the heater brings cold water back up to hot) — a larger tank may take longer to recover.

• If you have rainshower, cater for larger capacity storage heater

Key Features & What To Look For

When picking a storage heater, consider:

• Tank material & inner lining: Stainless vs enamel vs copper — affects durability, corrosion, taste.

• Insulation: Good insulation (thick foam, good casing) reduces heat loss and electricity usage.

• Safety features: Overheat protection, pressure relief valve, automatic thermostat, leakage protection.

• Shape & size: Slim or flat tanks help in tight spaces. Wall-mounted vs floor tanks.

• Controls & functions: Maybe a timer, digital temperature display, Wi-Fi or smart features (you may struggle to justify fancy features unless you use them).

• Warranty & after-sales service: Brands that support parts and servicing locally tend to last longer.

Recommended Brands in Singapore

From local reviews, retailer offerings, and homeowner feedback, here are some of the trusted names — good track record, parts/service network, variety of models:

Brand	Strengths / Notes
Rheem	Wide range of capacities (20‑100 L etc.), slim models, good warranty options. Widely available.
Joven	More value‑oriented, reliably known locally.
Fujioh	Decent quality, good for homes with usual demand.

Installation & Placement Tips

• Place the tank near the shower or bathroom to reduce heat-loss through pipe run.

• Make sure the structure (roof ledge or ceiling) can handle the weight of a full tank.

• Provide easy access for maintenance (element replacement, flush, safety valve).

• Use safety support brackets for wall‑mounted tanks.

• Mind the cold water inlet and hot water outlet slope for better flow.

🧹 Maintenance Tips

• Flush tank every 1‑2 years to remove sediment.

• Check the anode rod (if applicable) for corrosion.

• Inspect insulation and piping for leaks.

• Test safety valves periodically.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right water storage heater is a balancing act between comfort, cost, space, and usage patterns. Oversizing wastes energy; under‑sizing leads to inconvenience.

For landed homes or multiple bathrooms, it often makes sense to go for a larger tank with good insulation, or even multiple units. Pick a trusted brand, ensure safety features, and align the installation well — these make all the difference for long‑term satisfaction.