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: Quick Insights from Our 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. These values are good but not great and suggest efficient energy use, but they do not reach the top marks (above 4.5) seen in some competitors. For this COP rating we gave them 3 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 all other electrical components. While this coverage appears comprehensive, it does not include labour, which is a significant oversight compared to competitors who offer inclusive labour coverage. This omission is particularly important, as labour costs can be a substantial part of repair expenses. Therefore, despite the potential for a higher score based on the tiered coverage, the absence of labour warranty significantly limits the score to just 1 point in this category.
- 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:
- Key functional features include integration with solar PV systems, a maintenance-free anode, and a smart element in the ‘H’ models for enhanced hot water recovery. These are beneficial but might not cover the breadth of advanced features seen in some high-end models. This scores 3 points, reflecting good but not exceptional functionality.
$$$ 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.
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
- Energy Efficiency: Both the WWK 222/222H and WWK 302/302H models are characterised by their energy-efficient operation. Under normal circumstances, they use only 0.55 kilowatts (EN16147/A15) which is lower than many alternatives, which typically use around 1 kilowatt. The H versions, which have an extra heating element and are intended to increase hot water recovery during times of high demand, use an additional 1.7 kW when in operation.
- Adaptability to Climate: These heat pumps have an active defrost feature and are designed to function well at temperatures between -5 and +42°C. This function keeps the evaporator from accumulating frost during cold weather, ensuring the heat pump keeps its operational efficiency.
- 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 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, these models support energy savings and sustainable energy use.
- Maintenance-Free Anode: The maintenance-free anode in these heat pumps uses electrical currents to prevent tank corrosion, unlike traditional sacrificial anodes that corrode over time and require replacement. This feature reduces maintenance costs for home owners by protecting the tank without the anode wearing out.
- User Interface: The appliance has an electronic control unit with an LCD display. The display shows the top hot water temperature, mixed hot water volume. It also indicates when the unit is idle, heating or engaged in defrosting, as well as the presence of errors and faults. Subject to the power supply and your draw-off patterns, the water is heated automatically to the selected temperature.
How Much Does Stiebel Eltron Heat Pump Cost?
| Model | Price Range |
| WWK 222/222H | $3,500 – $4,000 |
| WWK 302/302H | $3,700 – $4,500 |
*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’s important to note that Stiebel Eltron does not specifically state a clause that covers warranty on labour so there is no indication if this is covered within the warranty period.
See more the full warranty information here
Coefficient of Performance (COP) for Stiebel Eltron Heat Pumps?
The coefficient of performance (COP) is a key measure used to evaluate the efficiency of heat pumps, indicating how effectively a unit converts electricity into heat. For heat pumps, a COP between 3.0 and 5.0 is considered good, as it ensures that the unit can provide effective, year-round heating and cooling.
The COPs of the WWK 222 and WWK 302 models of Stiebel Eltron heat pumps are 3.9 and 3.6, respectively. These numbers are well within the range that residential heat pumps should operate in order to provide high energy efficiency.
While these COP values do not reach the highest marks in the industry, such as the Sanden Eco Plus models with a COP of 6, they still represent a highly efficient option that balances performance with energy consumption.
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. Their COP ratings, while efficient, do not reach the highest efficiency ratings available, which could be a deciding factor for energy-conscious consumers.
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 COP values or more advanced features for a similar price.
Technical Specifications
This table provides a clear overview of how each model compares across the range:
| Specification | WWK 222 | WWK 222H | WWK 302 | WWK 302H |
| Capacity | 220 Litres | 220 Litres | 302 Litres | 302 Litres |
| Power Consumption (EN16147/A15) | 0.55 kW | 0.55 kW | 0.55 kW | 0.55 kW |
| Smart Element Power Consumption | N/A | 1.7 kW | N/A | 1.7 kW |
| Rated Voltage | 240 V | 240 V | 240 V | 240 V |
| Rated Current | 10 Amp | 10 Amp | 10 Amp | 10 Amp |
| Phases | 1/N/PE | 1/N/PE | 1/N/PE | 1/N/PE |
| Installation Type | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (COP) tested at an ambient temperature of 15° | 3.94 | 3.94 | 3.58 | 3.58 |
| Operational Temperature Range | -5 to +42°C | -5 to +42°C | -5 to +42°C | -5 to +42°C |
| Refrigerant Type | R134a | R134a | R134a | R134a |
| Height | 1553-1569 mm | 1553-1569 mm | 1921-1937 mm | 1921-1937 mm |
| Diameter | 690 mm | 690 mm | 690 mm | 690 mm |
| Weight (Empty) | 120 kg | 120 kg | 135 kg | 135 kg |
| Weight (Filled with Water) | 340 kg | 340 kg | 437 kg | 437 kg |
| Active Defrost Function | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitability for High Demand Hot Water Recovery | No | Yes | No | Yes |
See the Steibel Eltron data-sheet here for more information.
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