Warmth without worry this winter

Winter in Bangladesh may be fleeting, often arriving late and leaving early, but when the chill settles into the concrete jungle of Dhaka, the necessity of a reliable hot water supply becomes undeniable. Gone are the days of boiling kettles; the modern Bangladeshi household now looks to the "geyser" – our colloquial term for water heaters – as an essential appliance.

But with a market flooded with options ranging from sleek Italian imports to robust local tanks, how does one choose?

The Shift in Winter Needs

While the biting cold might not last for months, the demand for instant comfort is higher than ever. Md Nazrul, a salesperson at Fixit BD, notes a trend driven by climate patterns.

"The winter months are reducing in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka," Nazrul observes. "But the intensity of the need during those few weeks is high. The average household now requires two geysers to cover different bathrooms and kitchen needs comfortably."

Buyers are therefore seeking efficiency—appliances that heat quickly and retain heat long enough for short but intense winter use.

Image

Storage vs. Instant

For most Dhaka apartments, the choice narrows to two main types: the electric storage geyser and the instant (tankless) water heater.

Storage geysers remain popular for families. These units heat water and store it in an insulated tank, ready for use. Brands like Shameem (Tropica) and RFL are common, with floor-mounted or wall-hanging cylinders.

"For my family of four, a 40-50 litre storage geyser is the safest option," says Mr Sakif Raiyan, a resident of Mirpur. "The 30-litre units run out too fast if two people shower back-to-back."

Instant shower geysers—compact boxes attached to showerheads—are handy for kitchens or small flats due to space-saving designs, but they demand a heavy instantaneous power load, which can be tricky with fluctuating voltage.

Image

The Capacity Conundrum: 30L or 45L?

One common dilemma is choosing the right size. Is a 30-litre tank enough, or should you spring for 45 litres?

Md Nazrul from Fixit BD offers an insider tip: "There is not much difference between the price of 30L and 45L water heaters. A 30L unit costs around Tk 8,700, while a 45L unit is about Tk 9,500."

For a mere Tk 800 difference, upgrading seems logical, but Nazrul adds a caveat: "For a 30L geyser, you can run 20-25 litres at once; about 5 litres remains or mixes with incoming cold water, dropping the temperature."

Aesthetics and Placement

In the cramped real estate of Dhaka's flats, every square foot counts, and placing a bulky metal cylinder is a design challenge. "Open spaces above the washroom or storage spaces are made for putting in geysers," explains Nazrul. Modern designs favour false ceilings or lofts inside bathrooms.

This has driven demand for horizontal geysers from brands like Haier and Ariston. Unlike tall cylinders, these sleek, elongated units fit low loft spaces and remain invisible while working. “It keeps the bathroom looking clean, unlike the old days where a giant drum hung over the toilet,“ noted Sakif.

For flats without false ceilings, the balcony is a viable alternative, but ensure the unit is weatherproof if exposed.

"The winter months are reducing in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka," Nazrul observes. "But the intensity of the need during those few weeks is high. The average household now requires two geysers to cover different bathrooms and kitchen needs comfortably."

From Local to Luxury

The market is segmented by price and prestige. Local brands like RFL and Shameem are workhorses—accessible, rugged, and easy to service. RFL’s "Glossy" series, Walton’s IoT-enabled water heaters and Shameem’s "Tropica" line are popular for spare parts availability and durability. Nazrul says RFL units often sell for around Tk 7,500-9,000.

Image

For those willing to spend more, Ariston and other international brands like Transcom Digital, Miyako and Haier offer superior enamel coatings, copper heating elements, advanced safety features and Polyurethane Foam (PUF) insulation that resists corrosion from iron-heavy supply water.

A water heater is more than a seasonal appliance; it is an investment in daily well-being. Storage geysers remain popular as they heat water and instantly store it in an insulated tank. Horizontal geysers from brands like Haier and Ariston are on the rise as they contain tall cylinders, sleek and elongated units which fit low loft spaces and remain invisible while working.

Whether you opt for budget-friendly floor mounts or sleek horizontal heaters, assess your family's usage.  Also, check warranty lengths, spare-parts availability, energy ratings and safety certifications before buying; a longer warranty and easier servicing often save money. Professional installation and periodic maintenance like flushing sediments and checking valves and insulators extend lifespan and efficiency, so factor serviceability into your choice and prioritise certified electricians. This small diligence pays off long term. every winter.