Customer Reviews

Bosch GL4Ti Ariston Pro Ti Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great product, the only real drawback is that with San Diego California's extremely hard water, it needs
cleaned and a new anode rod screwed in every six months - I am finally breaking down a buying a wet/vac to make the job much easier. That being said, it is perfect for my condo that has never had proper hot water to the kitchen (in 20 years time). As my condo hot water heater is common to the entire wing, I made sure when purchasing this 4 gallon water heater that I could plumb the "hot" water into the "cold" intake of the water heater, and thus boost my "hot" water coming into my kitchen to a proper temperature for my sink, dishwasher, and front-load washer. To me it is so very well worth cleaning and servicing the unit every six months to have the luxury or proper hot water in my kitchen, and to know that when the condo hot water is on the fritz, I have hot water for my sink and appliances anyway. Since this unit has a convenient on/off switch on the front, I simply turn the unit off when I leave for the day, and turn it on when I want.

In my kitchen the water has to run almost 5 gallons before it gets hot so having a point of use heater is wonderful and very convenient. The square Ariston fits under a sink better than the taller GE models, is relatively inexpensive, and pretty easy to install. Unfortunately, I've just thrown out my fourth unit because of a rusted/failed tank that leaked under my sink damaging the cabinets. I admit it's my fault but here is the drawback to these units: If you don't replace the anode rod every 6-9 months the tank will fail, even with soft water. The warranty is void if you go past 12 months without replacement so here I am at 14 months and a bad unit. The Anode can be purchased online for about $21 from [...] including shipping. Replacing the anode requires that you drain the unit of four gallons since the heating element/anode assembly come out the front, not the top. You must be confident in your home repair skills because there are bolts and a couple wires to remove and you have to make sure the gasket is good (doesn't come with the anode). Otherwise you must call a plummer or handyman to do the job but I would recommend ordering the part for them since even the stores that sell the unit don't stock the anode. If you disconnect the water lines you must replace the washers or buy new lines to prevent leaks. Its a messy job but don't put it off or you'll be sorry. Best to order the anode way before replacement time so the task doesn't get put off.

Was confused as to the benefits between the GL and the GL Ti units. So I called and spoke with a Technical person at Bosch directly. He told me that the GL is a retail unit while the GL Ti is the EXACT SAME wholesale unit. He also told me that they both are built with the Titanium (Ti) Glass liner. While the Ti has an 8yr warranty on the Glass unit, and the regular GL has only 6 years, I see little gain in the extra 2 years for the Ti, unless the price for both are very close. Bottom line same units. This applies to the 2.5, 4 and 6 gallon models.