Tim's Sanden Review
Sanden units are one of the top units on the marketplace. Sanden has pioneered the use of carbon dioxide as a refrigerant in heat pump hot water units and has a strong track record with the first unit in market since 2011. The only downside to Sanden is the cost, but for people with the budget looking for a premium unit, Sanden is an excellent choice.
❌ Cost: Sanden units are expensive
✅ Reliability: Sanden's reviews are a little weak but I suspect that's due to lofty expectations that come with a high price tag. Sanden has a great reputation in the marketplace
✅ Refrigerant: Sanden units use carbon dioxide as the refrigerant. Carbon dioxide is, ironically, the best refrigerant on the market
❓ Maintenance: The Owners Manual is a little vague on maintenance requirements
Sanden, along with Reclaim, is considered to be top unit on the market.
Sanden is the pioneer of the the Carbon Dioxide heat pump hot water unit, having launched the Carbon Dioxide heat pump hot water unit in 2011.
Sanden is a Japanese company. The compressors are manufactured in Japan and the tanks are made in Australia with 316 Marine Grade stainless steel.
I really like that Sanden has been in operation for over 80 years, with over 45 years operating in Australia. It shows that the company is durable and will likely continue to be around to honour any warranty claims.
The Sanden units receive 3.8 out of 5 stars on Product Review. Reclaim on the other hand receives 4.8 out of 5 stars. For the same price point, I'd personally probably steer towards Reclaim. But, reviews aren't perfect and Sanden has a well-established reputation as a quality unit.
Sanden Specifications
| Model | Sanden |
|---|---|
| Split/All-in-one | Split |
| Capacity (L) | 160/250/300/315 |
| Tank Material | Stainless steel |
| Tank Protection | Not required |
| Place of Manufacture | Tank - Australia Compressor - Japan |
| Product Review Score | 3.8 from 119 reviews |
| Warranty | Heat Pump - 6 yrs Tank - 5-15 yrs |
| Time in Market (Unit) | 2011 |
| Company Founded | ? |
| Noise Level | 37 dB |
| Maintenance | Owners manual appears not to mention servicing or maintenance |
| Recommended Retail Price (RRP) | $5,750 (est) |
- Sanden units use the best refrigerant on the market: carbon dioxide (ironic, right!)
- Sanden units operate in all climates (-10C to 43C) and should be considered by people living in Tasmania and Canberra (where it gets really cold, brrr).
- Sanden offer the following warranty:
- 6 years parts and labour for the compressor
- Stainless steel tank - 10 year full warranty, with a further 5 years at pro rata. I'd prefer they just keep it simple and offer 15 years, as Reclaim does - keep it simple 😄
- Glass-lined tank - 5 years parts and labour, another 5 years pro rata.
- All valves and connectors supplied by Sanden carry a 2 year parts warranty from date of installation. The TPR valve supplied with the Sanden tank carries a 1 year parts warranty from date of installation.
- The quietest unit on the market (with the Reclaim), rated at 37 dB.
Further Reading
