Stiebel Eltron Hot Water Heat Pumps: Independent Review

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Stiebel Eltron hot water heat pump manufacturer or any heat pump installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another.

At a Glance: Stiebel Eltron Solar Choice Heat Pump Score Card

• Efficiency:
  • The Coefficient of Performance (COP) for WWK 222 is 3.9 and for WWK 302 is 3.6 for Zone 2 climate zone which includes Alice Springs. Performance may be worse for customers in NSW or Victoria which are Zone 3 or Zone 4 under AS/NZS 4234. These values are difficult to compare to other brands as there as not all brands follow testing conditions set out in AS/NZS 4234. For this COP rating we gave them 2 points, indicative of good but not top-tier efficiency.
• Warranty Offer:
  • Stiebel Eltron offers a tiered warranty structure with a 5-year coverage for the condenser and tank, a 2-year warranty for the sealed refrigeration system, and a 1-year warranty on the T&P relief valve. This warranty covers both the parts and associated labour. We score this warranty 3 points out of 5.
• Customer Reviews:
  • With an average online customer review score of 3.4 stars, the feedback indicates general satisfaction but also room for improvement. This gives us a score around 2 points, reflecting mixed customer experiences.
• Functionality:
  • The Stiebel Eltron hot water system includes a smart element in the ‘H’ models for rapid hot water recovery. They do not have the other key functionality we look for including Wifi application, quiet option under 45dBA, stainless steel tank or environmentally friendly refrigerant. This scores 1 points, reflected a relatively basic hot water solution.

$$$ Stiebel Eltron lands in the middle range price-wise. Their products aren’t the most affordable on the market, but they also aren’t the most expensive. Expect a range of $3,500 to $4,500 for their models.

Uncover essential details in the comprehensive sections below; find out what you need to know before you buy.

Stiebel Company Background

Stiebel Eltron was founded in Germany in 1924, and are a global manufacturer and distributor of hot water and air conditioning solutions. In 2022, the company exceeded 1 billion Euros in turnover for the first time, indicating they are one of the most financially stable companies in the heat pump industry.

Steibel Eltron’s manufacturing facility for their heat pumps is located in Slovakia. Their heat pump products are distributed into several markets around the world, including Europe which has clearer standards for testing and publishing product information.

A licensee first brought Stiebel Eltron products to the Australian market in 1995 and established Stiebel Eltron Australia in Melbourne. In 2012, Stiebel Eltron acquired the licensee and their local products are now sold entirely by the German parent company who have over 100 years of experience. The company now has showrooms and local support in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. 

Product Range Overview

Stiebel Eltron’s heat pump line-up in Australia features two primary models, the WWK 222/222H and WWK 302/302H. These units are tailored to meet different household sizes and hot water demands, with design features and capacities that cater specifically to the unique needs of various users. The addition of a smart element in the H variants enhances hot water recovery capabilities, making them suitable for periods of high usage.

• WWK 222/222H: This model is suitable for smaller to medium-sized households, boasting a 220-litre water storage capacity. The WWK 222H variant includes a smart element designed to activate during periods of high hot water demand. This feature ensures that households have access to a continuous supply of hot water, even when usage peaks.
• WWK 302/302H: Aimed at larger households, the WWK 302 model features a larger 302-litre tank, accommodating the greater water needs typical of more extensive domestic settings. The 302H version, like its 222H counterpart, is equipped with a smart heating element. This addition proves especially valuable during times of peak water usage, providing efficient hot water recovery and ensuring that larger households can enjoy an uninterrupted hot water supply.

Key Features of Stiebel Eltron Heat Pumps

• Made in Europe: Stiebel Eltron has 6 manufacturing facilities in Europe and their heat pumps are made by their factory in Slovakia. They are one of the few true manufacturers in the heat pump space with most brands offering solutions that are manufactured by a third party in China.
• Active Defrost: These heat pumps have an active defrost feature and are designed to function well at temperatures between -5 and +42°C. At cold temperatures the active defrost cycle will enable the heat pump to operate efficiently, rather than relying on an accompanying inefficient electric element.
• Noise Level: The heat pumps are operating at an average sound pressure level of 45 dB (A).
• Solar PV System Integration: Offering the capability to connect with your solar system. A cable connects the Stiebel Eltron heat pump to your solar inverter which can then tell your heat pump to turn on when there is surplus solar power. Customers would utilise this to heat their water beyond the set temperature of 61°C to the max temperature of 65°C which provides the home with additional hot water and may reduce grid energy usage at other times.
• 40% Additional Tank Insulation: Stiebel Eltron claim that their tanks have 40% additional insulation than other tanks which reduces the rate at which water cools. There are no clear standards on this and most manufacturers do not disclose much information regarding their insulation so we have been unable to verify this claim.

How Much Does Stiebel Eltron Heat Pump Cost?

*Prices are indicative only and exclude freight, installation and any rebates that might apply.

The main difference between the standard and H models (WWK 222/302 versus WWK 222H/302H) lies in the smart element. In H models, this element is activated when a significant amount of hot water is used, assisting the heat pump in heating the top 80 litres of water in the tank. This feature is intended to support efficient hot water recovery for households with substantial hot water usage.

Stiebel Eltron Heat Pump Warranty Information

Stiebel Eltron provides a tiered warranty structure that guarantees coverage for different system components:

• Condenser and tank: A 5-year warranty is offered for the essential parts that are necessary for the heat pump to function and be efficient.
• Sealed Refrigeration System: This comes with a 2-year warranty that covers the compressor, evaporator, valves, and related pipework. This section of the warranty focuses on the parts that are in charge of the refrigeration cycle, which allows the heat pump to draw heat from the surrounding air.
• Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: A 1-year guarantee is also included for this safety function, which releases pressure if the tank’s pressure goes too high.
• All Other Electrical Components: These are covered for 1 year, ensuring that any manufacturing defects outside of the major mechanical components are addressed. Particularly if you’ve had any issues directly after installation.

It mentions on thier website that the warranty includes the labour associated with repairing or replacing products, although this is not specifically mentioned on their warranty document.

See more the full warranty information here

Stiebel Eltron Heat Pumps Pros and Cons

Pros

• Quality German brand with owned manufacturing facilities in Europe
• Strong warranty backed by local Australian support staff
• Active defrost enabling efficient operation in colder climates

Cons

• Use R134a refrigerant which has a Global Warming Potential of 1,430
• Priced towards the higher end of the market

Verdict: Is the Stiebel Eltron Heat Pump Worth It?

Stiebel Eltron heat pumps offer a balance of quality, efficiency, and innovative features suitable for varied Australian climates. Their pricing and warranty are competitive, though not the cheapest or most comprehensive on the market. Stiebel Eltron are one of the few true manufacturers in the heat pump world with their manufacturing facilities located in Europe and the Australian market supported by a local support team.

While these heat pumps are robust and backed by a stable company with extensive experience, potential buyers should consider whether the mid-range price justifies the features and efficiency offered compared to other models on the market that may offer higher efficiency or more advanced features for a similar price.

Technical Specifications

This table provides a clear overview of how each model compares across the range:

See the Stiebel Eltron data-sheet here for more information. 

• About
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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

James Shand has maintained a firm grasp on the renewable energy market's pulse for over half a decade. His journey has taken him from collaborating with some of Canada's largest solar distributors to his present position, where he is in close communication with manufacturers and installers throughout Australia, facilitated by one of the nation's leading solar comparison companies, Solar Choice. He is academically accomplished, holding multiple bachelor's degrees in business, science, and marketing.

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