TOP 15 best Lemax gas boilers: rating 2021-2022 and which double-circuit or single-circuit model to choose

Lemax gas boilers are in greatest demand and are the most common among domestic manufacturers. Almost all models have an excellent efficiency of 90% (the rest - 87%), have one of the lowest gas consumption rates in the class of budget Russian boilers, and a simple and trouble-free design. There are both volatile and non-volatile models on sale, single-circuit and double-circuit, floor- and wall-mounted, with steel and cast-iron heat exchangers.

The cost of all models is within the market average and slightly higher - from 13 thousand rubles for the simplest models.

In the article we will look at the best models of wall-mounted and floor-standing gas boilers Lemax, how they behave in practice, what advantages and, most importantly, disadvantages are noted by the owners, as well as what malfunctions may arise during the operation of boiler units in real conditions.

About the manufacturer

The Lemax trademark belongs to Lemax LLC (TIN 6154001478), registered in 1992 in Taganrog, the manufacturer’s address has remained unchanged to this day. The main activity is the production of gas heating boilers, but the company also produces water heaters and heating radiators. Products are distributed both through official dealers and through regular partner stores.

In addition to a large sales structure (due to demand, the brand is represented in almost all stores), the service structure is also developed, there is a hotline and a sufficient number of competent specialists in almost all regions of Russia.

The photo shows the Lemax Wise model.

In practice, boilers under the Lemax brand have really proven themselves to be reliable and trouble-free, having some of the best technical characteristics on the domestic boiler market. Often in private homes you can find models from 2005-2010 that are still working. The closest analogue is the Siberia model, which sparks debate about which of these two brands is more reliable and has a better price-quality ratio.

Review of Siberia gas boilers Some of the most reliable among domestic models

However, Lemax is the leader in demand, which can be explained by their well-known features. Gas consumption indicators are among the best among domestic models, for example, the maximum gas consumption of the most famous model Lemax Premium-10 with a power of 10 kW is 1.2 m3/hour, for Lemax Leader-16 with a power of 16 kW - 1.9 m3/hour. I would especially like to note the excellent build quality, which is not typical for domestic manufacturers: the gaps are even and minimal, everything is perfectly assembled and fixed, connections and bends do not rust even after 4-6 years of operation.

The device using the example of the Lemax Leader model.

The boiler design is standard for most domestic models: the famous Italian EuroSit automatic system and Polidoro burners. This design means that there is simply nothing to break in it. Steel heat exchangers are made of high-quality steel, which until today does not raise questions, but its thickness is only 2 mm versus 3-4 mm for analogues. Reliable and time-tested, but the fact remains a fact.

A more noticeable disadvantage is the high demands on connection, installation and configuration. Installation of Lemax boilers is somewhat more complicated than its analogues and requires certain competencies. It would not be worth focusing attention on this if it were not for the fairly frequent cases of incompetence of employees of Gorgaz, Oblgaz, etc., who make mistakes in organizing the wiring of boilers, which can lead to problems with the startup and operation of the automation (it may be necessary to replace the damaged wiring with factory).

Boilers are also demanding when it comes to the initial adjustment of the burner: if the gas pressure is too strong, frightening pops are possible when igniting; if the gas pressure is too low, there will be problems with igniting the main burner. It is especially important to comply with the requirements for the chimney: if there is insufficient draft, the draft sensor is triggered and the boiler goes out. Also, the boiler goes out even at the slightest reverse draft. However, this phenomenon is typical for all atmospheric structures that are not protected from backdraft and is only possible if there are errors in the design of the chimney.

Otherwise, the main rule is to carefully comply with all requirements, carry out installation and commissioning work correctly. According to reviews from owners and installation practice, all well-tuned boilers, regardless of the model, operate without problems for 10 years or more.

Device

The main component of the Lemax Premium boiler is a welded container made of steel 2 mm thick (for powerful installations from 70 kW, metal 3 mm thick is used), which forms a water jacket around the gas burner.

Combustion products are removed through a hole in the upper part to which the chimney is connected.

NOTE!

The connections for connecting all communications - heating and water supply systems - are located at the rear, and on the front panel there is a thermometer and temperature regulator (for N series boilers).

Owner reviews of Lemax gas boilers: advantages and disadvantages

The best and most famous models: characteristics and prices

Floor-standing

Premium

A non-volatile boiler unit with a steel heat exchanger, this is one of the most successful and popular models among the entire Lemax line of heating boilers. The series is represented by models with a power of 7.5; 10; 12.5; 16; 20; 25; thirty; 35; 40; 50; 60; 70; 80; 90; 100 kW. There are also double-circuit boilers; they come with the prefix “B”, for example Lemax Premium-16V, and cost an average of 5 thousand rubles. more expensive than a single-circuit analogue.

The model is characterized by excellent efficiency - 90% and low gas consumption, for example, the maximum figure for the 10 kW version is 1.2 m3/hour, for the 16 kW version - 1.9 m3/hour. It is known among experts as a win-win and hassle-free option, which is recommended in the top three options for budget floor-mounted aspirated air conditioners.

One of the disadvantages is the rather thin (2 mm) steel of the heat exchanger, although due to its high quality, in practice boilers last a standard 10-14 years. Otherwise, the boiler has all the previously described disadvantages that are also characteristic of other Lemax models: demands on the initial setting and chimney, maintaining cleanliness, large dimensions, the burner flame goes out if there is a backdraft in the chimney (despite the presence of protection against blowing out).

Please note that the maximum permissible operating pressure is only 1 bar, so it is not recommended to use the model in closed systems, where the operating pressure is usually 1.5-2 bar.

Leader

Still the same non-volatile model, but with a cast iron, much more durable, corrosion-resistant heat exchanger (service life from 25-30 years). They are distinguished by a higher operating pressure - 4 bar, have the same efficiency of 90% and the same fuel consumption indicators. The model is presented exclusively in single-circuit versions with a power of 16, 25, 40, 50 kW. Models with the “N” prefix are equipped with an updated, more advanced version of the EuroSit automation – 820 NOVA SIT, in which the thermostat now has a temperature designation, and it is possible to connect external control (for example, a room thermostat).

How to choose a room thermostat and save up to 30% per month on heating

The disadvantage is that the build quality is not as excellent as in the case of other models, namely the quality of fastening and fixing elements. It is also worth noting the relatively high price, for which some more advanced European analogues can already be considered.

Wise

One of the best Lemax gas boilers for heating a private home. It is an energy-dependent aspirated unit with a cast iron heat exchanger, characterized by a modulated burner and the presence of automatic ignition.

Despite the same maximum gas consumption figures, the model is known for its truly low consumption; in practice, the 16 kW version is often in the range of 0.9-1.2 m3/hour. This is achieved thanks to energy-dependent functional automation and a modulating burner, capable of maintaining the most optimal fuel combustion mode - continuous combustion at minimum power.

Unlike any other boilers of the brand, Wise is well adapted to both power fluctuations and gas pressure differences, which makes it easier to set up. It is possible to connect external control and organize weather-dependent operation. This is the only model that is devoid of almost all of the characteristic disadvantages described earlier. The only significant drawback is the high price, comparable even to the most reliable and functional Japanese and Italian gas floor-standing boilers. Available in 16, 25, 35, 40 and 50 kW versions.

Wall mounted

Prime-V

Mounted double-circuit convection boiler with a closed combustion chamber. Available in versions with heating capacity 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, 28, 32 kW.

A special feature of the model is its design, consisting entirely of foreign European components. The primary (main) heat exchanger is copper, the burner has the ability to modulate the flame, the combustion chamber is a closed type, the presence of a layer of heat and sound insulation - all this made it possible to achieve one of the best efficiency indicators for standard convection boilers - 92.5%, which, of course, is positive also affected gas consumption. For example, a model with a power of 18 kW has a maximum gas consumption of 2.04 m3/hour, which is less than many European models.

The main disadvantage of Prime-V is its cost, comparable to the same European and Japanese models. In fact, the direct competitor is the most widespread, efficient, proven and problem-free Italian BAXI ECO-4s, which has almost the same design with a copper heat exchanger and flame modulation, absolutely the same functionality and a slightly larger set of safety systems. However, it is slightly inferior in terms of gas consumption, hot water temperature and adaptability to voltage drops in the electrical network and gas pressure drops.

Having lost the main competitive advantage of domestic models - price, Prime-V directly competes with the best foreign models, which makes the choice in terms of price-quality ratio not so clear.

Parapet

Patriot

One of the most common and successful parapet energy-independent gas boilers. It has a good efficiency of 87% for parapet models and low gas consumption, for example, 1.2 m3/hour for a 10 kW model. Available in versions with a capacity of 6; 7.5; 10; 12.5; 16; 20 kW. The design provides only a steel heat exchanger made of the same 2 mm steel, Italian EuroSit automatics. Despite the combustion chamber being a closed type, the device remains as simple, understandable and reliable as possible.

The only noticeable drawback is the problem inherent in almost all parapet models with the flame being blown out by the wind, after which you have to manually start the boiler. This happens much more often than in the case of traditional gas boilers. Therefore, the choice of a parapet boiler is generally controversial, despite the fact that Lemax Patriot is one of the best of them. In our opinion, installing a parapet model is justified in garages, utility rooms, small apartments or houses for temporary residence.

Is it worth considering a parapet gas boiler for heating a house or apartment?

Specifications

Let's look at the parameters of Lemax Premium boilers:

Official website: where to view all models and operating instructions

A snapshot of the official website of Lemax Russia.
In Russia, the official website of the manufacturer is located at https://lemax-kotel.ru/.

By going to the “Catalogue” menu section, you can see all available models and their descriptions, detailed technical specifications. Under each model there is a “Documents” tab, where you can find an electronic copy of the operating instructions (aka boiler passport), which describes in detail all the features of the device, installation requirements and connection diagrams, the algorithm for turning on and adjusting the operation, maintenance features, there are clear schematic images.

Which boiler model is ultimately better to choose?

The optimal, most popular and, perhaps, one of the best on the market in terms of price-quality ratio is the non-volatile floor-standing Lemax Premium with a steel heat exchanger. For this price you can get a boiler unit with excellent characteristics, build quality, reliability, but with the most basic functionality, large dimensions, installation and commissioning requirements, and a service life of 10-15 years (2-year warranty).

However, if the budget is not so limited, we recommend choosing cast iron models: the non-volatile Lemax Leader or the volatile Lemax Wise. The first is almost the same, but cast iron “Premium”, and Wise is a functional, durable, but expensive model.

Wall-mounted models can be considered if space saving or a closed type of combustion chamber with a coaxial (side) chimney is required. However, we recommend paying attention to foreign wall-mounted convection boilers of similar cost.

The main thing in choosing is to determine the required boiler power. For an average house in the climatic zone of the Moscow region, with a masonry of 2 bricks and a ceiling height of 2.7 m, the minimum required power of heating equipment is calculated from a simple rule: 1 kW for every 10 m2 of area. We also recommend a reserve of 15-20% (25-30% for dual-circuit models).

For example, having the above-described house with an area of ​​150 m2, the minimum required power is 150/10 * 1.2 (20% reserve) = 18 kW.

If the house is well insulated (for example, polystyrene foam 10 cm thick) or is located in the extreme southern point of a country with a warm climate, the result can be adjusted downward by 5-30%.

How to accurately calculate the required boiler power Individual calculation, formula and correction factors

Rating of the TOP 15 best gas boilers Lemax 2021-2022

How to turn on and light: brief instructions

Designation of boiler control elements.
If on volatile models with electronic controls, starting the boiler is intuitive and consists of pressing several buttons, then on budget non-volatile models with EuroSit automation this is a more complex algorithm:

1. Before lighting the boiler, make sure that the gas supply valve is open, check the draft in the combustion chamber, for example with a match.
2. Set the mechanical thermostat (rotator) to the “Off-0” position, and then counterclockwise all the way to the “⭐” position.
3. Press and hold the magnetic valve button (the start button in the center of the thermostat) for 30 seconds, then press the piezo ignition button near the thermostat once without releasing the start button. At this moment the pilot burner should light up; if this does not happen, repeat the steps. If the wick burns steadily, continue to hold the trigger button for 30-60 seconds, after which you can gradually release it.
4. Rotate the thermostat to set the desired power level (1 – minimum temperature, 2 – maximum temperature).

The appearance of the controls may vary slightly depending on the automation (630 EuroSit, 710 MiniSit or 820 NovaSit). The detailed algorithm is always described in the operating instructions.

How to completely turn off the boiler

1. Turn the thermostat to the “⭐” position. The main burner should turn off, but the pilot burner (wick) will burn.
2. To completely turn off the gas supply, turn the thermostat knob to the “Off-0” position, and then do not forget to turn off the gas supply valve.

Instructions for connecting and starting

The boiler is installed in a well-ventilated room with a volume of at least 8 m3. A layer of sheet non-combustible material is first laid on the floor, a sheet of metal is placed on top, then the boiler itself is installed. After this, the appropriate communications are connected - coolant, gas and water.

It is necessary to place an expansion tank at the top point of the system to protect the boiler from loads during expansion of the heating agent..

The gas connection is made in compliance with all safety rules; the tightness of the connections must be checked with a soap solution.

Before the first start, it is necessary to check the presence of traction. Then, turn the control knob to turn on the ignition position. Press the control knob all the way down, simultaneously press the piezo ignition button and hold it for 10 seconds to 1 minute.

The pilot burner will light, after which the knob is held pressed for about another minute..

After this, it is rotated and installed in the desired position. If the ignition attempt is unsuccessful, it can be repeated no earlier than after 1 minute.

Download instructions

Download instructions for Lemax Premium boilers.

Known malfunctions of Lemax boilers

Serious service complaints for Lemax boilers are rare. However, as with any other equipment, breakdowns are possible, the most common of which are a thermocouple that converts thermal energy, a weak electric current sufficient for the operation of the automation, as well as a draft sensor necessary to control draft and emergency stop of the boiler in its absence .

It is worth noting that often the thermocouple does not necessarily need to be replaced. If its contacts have oxidized, you need to carefully clean it with sandpaper and check the operation again. Otherwise, the service life of boilers is limited only by the life of the heat exchanger.

Now let's look at the most common questions that are usually not related to a malfunction (click to expand the answer):

+ Why does the main burner go out?

There can be many reasons, we have already listed all of them in one of the previous articles. Usually the cause is low gas pressure, clogging, weak draft, but most often the cause is reverse draft, when the burner flame blows out during strong gusts of wind. This happens due to errors in the design of the chimney: its overall height and height relative to the roof ridge are insufficient, and the lack of a protective deflector on the headband.

+ The boiler does not turn on, the wick or main burner does not light

If you checked the draft, it is there, there are no backdraft phenomena, most likely the problem is a clogged ignition nozzle. It is necessary to disassemble the boiler, removing the burner module and carefully clean the igniter first (blow it out, pierce the clogged hole with wire), and then the burner. Be careful not to allow even the slightest scratches or deformations; before disassembling, always photograph the position of all components. If there is no spark when igniting, the piezo ignition is faulty, but first you should try to carefully clean all contacts with sandpaper.

How to clean a gas boiler yourself: detailed instructions

Basic problems and solutions

For the convenience of considering the most common malfunctions, we will compile a table:

Service

Maintenance requirements are quite simple, typical of all gas boilers.

1. Annually inspect all connections and components of the heating system, the boiler itself, and light cleaning of the burner module.
2. Every 2-4 years it is advisable to mechanically clean the heat exchanger; a feature of Lemax boilers is a removable top panel, which makes the task easier.
3. Every 4-7 years we recommend cleaning the boiler heat exchanger to remove scale.

All points can be completed either independently or with the involvement of specialists (which, of course, is more effective and safer).

Price range

The cost of Lemax Premium series boilers ranges from 17,500 rubles. up to 32,000 rub . This price is typical for large cities in the central regions of Russia; for remote settlements the cost will increase due to logistics conditions.

When purchasing a boiler, you must take into account that the basic package does not include a chimney and additional devices, so they will have to be purchased separately. You should also immediately conclude a warranty agreement in order to be able to seek help in case of unexpected breakdowns.

Prices: summary table