DirectHot Water Cylinders
Direct-heated hot water storage.
Megaflo Eco 70 Litre Direct Unvented Hot Water Cylinder
£937.00EX VAT · £1,124.40 INCView product
Megaflo Eco 125 Litre Direct Unvented Hot Water Cylinder
£1,084.00EX VAT · £1,300.80 INCView product
Megaflo Eco 145 Litre Direct Unvented Hot Water Cylinder
£1,298.00EX VAT · £1,557.60 INCView product
Megaflo Eco 170 Litre Direct Unvented Hot Water Cylinder
£1,411.00EX VAT · £1,693.20 INCView product
Megaflo Eco 210 Litre Direct Unvented Hot Water Cylinder
£1,512.00EX VAT · £1,814.40 INCView product
Megaflo Eco 250 Litre Direct Unvented Hot Water Cylinder
£1,636.00EX VAT · £1,963.20 INCView product
Megaflo Eco 300 Litre Direct Unvented Hot Water Cylinder
£1,783.00EX VAT · £2,139.60 INCView product
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Sizing, regulations, installation. Our team has been answering these questions for over 25 years.
Our direct hot water cylinders feature integrated electric immersion heaters, providing efficient, independent heating perfect for properties without central heating or requiring separate hot water supply. These systems offer excellent value through straightforward installation, lower costs, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to boiler-dependent alternatives. Built-in electric elements deliver consistent performance with precise temperature control, while advanced insulation ensures energy efficiency. For space-constrained properties, our direct slimline models fit neatly into airing cupboards and utility rooms without compromising heating performance. We stock trusted brands that feature high-quality, corrosion-resistant components designed for long-term reliability. Direct cylinders are ideal for flats, small homes, and properties where independent hot water control is preferred, allowing you to heat water only when needed. For enhanced water pressure, consider our Megaflo hot water cylinders, or explore indirect slimline options for boiler-fed systems.
Direct Hot Water Cylinders FAQs
What's the difference between a direct and an indirect hot water cylinder?
A direct cylinder heats water using its own electric immersion element only, with no coil for a boiler circuit. An indirect cylinder has an internal coil heated by a boiler, with immersion as backup. Direct cylinders suit properties with no boiler or central heating, where electric heating is the sole source of hot water.
What size direct cylinder do I need for my property?
As a rough guide, allow around 35-45 litres per person for a household, though usage patterns and simultaneous demand matter too. A one-bedroom flat typically suits a 100-120 litre cylinder, while a family home may need 150-250 litres. If in doubt, size up slightly — running out of hot water is more common than the reverse, and reheat time on direct models is slower than boiler-fed systems.
Can I fit a direct cylinder myself, or does it need a qualified installer?
The cylinder itself connects into the cold feed and hot draw-off like any unvented or vented system, but the electrical work must be carried out by a competent person under Part P of the Building Regulations. Unvented direct cylinders also require installation by a G3-qualified engineer due to the safety fittings involved. We'd always recommend a qualified heating engineer or plumber handles the full installation.
Are direct cylinders cheaper to run than indirect or combi systems?
Running costs depend on your electricity tariff versus gas prices, but direct cylinders let you heat water only when needed, which suits low-usage households, flats, or holiday homes well. There's no boiler standing losses or pilot light to factor in. For properties with existing gas central heating, an indirect cylinder is usually more economical, so direct models make most sense where there's no boiler at all.
Will a slimline direct cylinder fit my existing airing cupboard?
Slimline direct cylinders are designed with a narrower diameter specifically for tight airing cupboards and utility spaces where a standard cylinder won't fit. Always check the diameter and height against your cupboard space, including clearance for pipework and the immersion heater access point. Our slimline range covers a variety of capacities, so you shouldn't need to sacrifice much storage volume for the smaller footprint.
Do direct cylinders need a header or expansion tank?
Vented direct cylinders need a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed them by gravity, along with a separate feed and expansion arrangement. Unvented direct cylinders connect straight to the mains and don't need a loft tank, but they do require an expansion vessel and safety valves as part of the unvented kit. Which you choose often comes down to your mains pressure and available loft space.