What are the two general designs of electric boilers?

Electric boilers typically come in two general designs: electrode and immersion.

In an electrode boiler, heat is produced by passing an electric current through water, which is facilitated by electrodes immersed in the water. This technology utilizes electrolytic heating, meaning the current flows through the water, heating it and providing steam or hot water directly. This design is particularly efficient for direct steam generation.

On the other hand, immersion boilers feature heating elements that are directly immersed in the water. These electric heating elements, often resembling those found in conventional electric water heaters, transfer heat to the water through conduction. Immersion boilers are designed to heat water or produce steam through the heating elements that are in contact with the water.

The choice between these designs often depends on specific application needs, efficiency requirements, and space constraints.