Bespoke Vs. Standard Hot Water Cylinders: How To Choose

Choosing the right hot water cylinder for your home or business involves several factors. These include efficiency, reliability, and cost. The market for hot water cylinders continues to be vast with both standard (or “off-the-shelf”) models and bespoke options being available. If you are a homeowner and business owner, you have to consider the previously mentioned variables when deciding which type of cylinder is best for you.

In this article, we cover the differences between bespoke and standard hot water cylinders. Throughout, we break down the pros and cons of both types of cylinder to help determine which option is suitable.

The difference between “Standard” and “Bespoke” Hot Water Cylinders

Let’s define our terms;

A “standard cylinder” is one model from a range of mass-produced cylinders. The manufacturer designed it to be both practical and affordable. They tend to be readily available “off the shelf”.

“Bespoke cylinders” are made-to-order, usually as one-offs or small batches. Each customer designs them to be optimised for functionality and efficiency within their intended purpose. They tend to come at a premium-cost and can take a few weeks to be delivered.

At Newark Cylinders, we focus on making Bespoke Cylinders. We do not offer our own standard cylinders. This article is intended to remain as impartial as possible and to highlight the pros and cons of both cylinder types. The purpose of this article is to help you make an informed decision on which of these two options is the correct solution for you.

Why Choose a Bespoke Hot Water Cylinder

Are bespoke cylinders ever necessary?

Standard cylinders have a valuable place in the market. Homeowners often choose quick and inexpensive fixes when they can.

However, for those special jobs with unique challenges, a custom cylinder can become necessary. Homes with limited space, strange pipe layouts, or complex systems often need custom-made cylinders. Standard cylinders may not meet these specific needs.

What should I consider when choosing between bespoke and standard cylinders?

As discussed, various factors must be considered when deciding whether a bespoke or standard cylinder is a suitable choice.

• Long-term planning – Eventual saving costs
• Ease of installation – A standard cylinder may simply match existing pipework. However, a bespoke cylinder can reduce alterations and fit perfectly into tricky spaces.
• Futureproofing – Bespoke allows for added heat sources like solar or heat pumps.
• Space-saving – Bespoke cylinders can be made to fit tight or awkward spaces
• Pressure requirements – Installations required to handle higher pressures, may only be possible with a bespoke solution.
• Longevity – Thicker materials extend lifespan

Learn more about the factors to consider when choosing a bespoke or standard hot water cylinder here.

What are the options and customised features for a bespoke cylinder?

Because of the nature of being a bespoke hot water cylinder, several variables that can be considered when designing a hot water tank.

• Size & shape – Custom heights, diameters, and shapes from 8L to 1,500L.
• Material – Choose copper or stainless steel
• Pressure ratings – Custom wall thickness for higher pressure needs.
• Coil system – Single or multiple coils for heat efficiency (1.1m² to 6m²)
• Multi-heat source – Compatible with solar, heat pumps, wood burners, and boilers.
• Connections – Custom placement for easier installation and maintenance.
• Insulation & finish – Thicker insulation for efficiency; optional metallic-silver casing.

Find out more about the options available for bespoke cylinders here.

Industries That Benefit from Custom Hot Water Cylinders

Besides being used for domestic purposes, including multi-unit residential builds, the option to design a bespoke hot water cylinder can be an ideal solution for a variety of commercial and industrial premises. This is particularly beneficial when it has been determined that standard cylinders are not suitable or the best option for the application.

Bespoke hot water cylinders can be designed for and installed into:

• Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, cafés)
• Healthcare Facilities (hospitals and nursing homes)
• Schools and Universities
• Leisure and Fitness Facilities (gyms, spas, and swimming pools)
• Marine Industry (ships, yachts, and offshore platforms)
• Retail and Commercial Buildings (shopping centres and office buildings)
• Public Service Facilities (Fire and Police Stations, and Community Centres)

By tailoring hot water cylinder designs for each of these premises, Newark Cylinders can meet the unique requirements of these industries, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and optimal performance.

Conclusion

As thoroughly explored, installing a bespoke or standard cylinder can be beneficial, yet also a hindrance. Standard cylinders are quick, cost-effective and are often mass-produced, making them easier to replace. In comparison, custom-made hot water solutions can be expensive yet are versatile. Among the benefits of bespoke cylinders, the ability to future-proof for additional sustainable heating solutions, and specific connection sizes and positions is valuable.

If you’re still unsure, consulting with a specialist can help you determine the best fit for your home or business.

Examples of Bespoke Cylinders

For many years, Newark Cylinders has designed and manufactured thousands of bespoke hot water solutions. Our “made-to-order” service is a key aspect of our business and allows to utilise our extensive expertise to create customised hot water cylinders, buffer vessels, thermal stores, header tanks, and more.

Look at some recent examples of bespoke cylinder solutions by Newark Cylinders.

60L Low-Loss Header Tank (Shell Size: 1200 x 250mm)

Next Step Heating required a design that included a 4x 2″ and 8x 1¼” BSP connections positioned at 180° apart. The tank also included ½” air vent and drain off connections, and a metallic silver casing.

320L Pressurised Buffer Vessel (Shell Size: 1775 x 500mm)

High Hills Engineering came to Newark Cylinders with a buffer vessel design that included 15 direct connections and multiple stat pockets, all meticulously placed to meet the customer’s specifications.

If you have a bespoke hot water storage solution requirement, contact our sales team today.