What Is the Gledhill ES 90L Direct Unvented Cylinder?

The Gledhill Stainless ES 90L Direct Unvented Cylinder, model SESINPDR090, stores and heats domestic hot water for properties that use electricity rather than a boiler-fed heating coil.

Gledhill describes it as a 90-litre model, while its actual stored water capacity is approximately 93 litres. Its compact size makes it particularly useful where installation space is limited.

As an unvented cylinder, it connects directly to the incoming mains water supply. Therefore, it can provide strong hot water flow to suitable showers, baths and taps without requiring a separate cold water storage tank in the loft.

The property must still have enough incoming mains water pressure and flow to achieve good performance. A qualified installer should check this before installation.

Who Is the Gledhill ES 90L Direct Cylinder Suitable For?

The Gledhill ES 90L Direct is designed for smaller properties and households with moderate hot water requirements.

It may be suitable for:

• Flats and apartments
• Studio properties
• One-bedroom homes
• Smaller two-bedroom properties with modest hot water use
• Annexes and converted outbuildings
• Holiday lets
• Electric-only properties
• Homes without a gas, oil or electric boiler heating the cylinder
• Replacement installations where cupboard space is limited

Household habits vary, so capacity should not be selected only by the number of bedrooms. Your installer should also consider the number of occupants, shower type, bath size and how often multiple outlets may be used.

Gledhill ES 90L Direct Cylinder Features and Benefits

Compact 90-Litre Design

The compact design makes the cylinder easier to position in smaller airing cupboards, utility areas and dedicated hot water cupboards.

Direct Electric Water Heating

A 3kW immersion heater heats the stored water. This means the cylinder does not depend on a boiler-fed heating coil.

Mains-Pressure Hot Water

The cylinder takes its water supply directly from the mains. When the incoming supply is suitable, this can deliver better hot water pressure than a traditional gravity-fed cylinder.

Duplex Stainless Steel Inner Vessel

Gledhill manufactures the inner cylinder from Duplex stainless steel. This material provides strength, durability and resistance to corrosion.

Insulated to Reduce Heat Loss

The cylinder uses approximately 40mm of insulation to help retain the stored water temperature and reduce unnecessary heat loss.

No Cold Water Storage Tank Required

Unlike many traditional vented systems, an unvented cylinder does not normally require a large cold water storage tank in the loft.

Long Manufacturer Cylinder Warranty

The cylinder is supplied with a manufacturer’s cylinder warranty, subject to Gledhill’s current terms, registration requirements, correct installation and servicing conditions.

How Does a Direct Unvented Cylinder Work?

A direct cylinder heats water using one or more electric immersion heaters fitted into the cylinder. It does not contain the boiler-fed heating coil found inside an indirect cylinder.

Cold mains water enters the cylinder and is heated by the immersion heater. The cylinder then stores the heated water until it is required at a shower, bath, basin or kitchen tap.

Because the system operates under mains pressure, it requires safety controls and correctly installed discharge pipework. These components help control pressure, temperature and thermal expansion.

Does the Gledhill ES 90L Provide Good Water Pressure?

An unvented cylinder can provide strong hot water performance because it uses the property’s incoming mains water supply.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved shower flow
• Faster bath filling
• Strong flow at kitchen and bathroom taps
• No reliance on gravity from a loft tank
• No separate shower pump required in many suitable installations

However, the cylinder cannot create water pressure that is not already available. The final performance depends on the property’s incoming pressure, flow rate, pipe sizing and plumbing layout.

An installer should test the dynamic pressure and flow rate before recommending an unvented hot water system.

Is a 90-Litre Unvented Cylinder Big Enough?

A 90-litre cylinder can be a practical choice for one person, a couple or a smaller household with controlled hot water use.

It may suit a home that mainly uses a shower rather than regularly filling a large bath. However, a larger cylinder may be more appropriate when several people need hot water within a short period.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cylinder Capacity

• Number of people living in the property
• Number of bathrooms
• Whether the property has a bath
• Bath size and expected filling volume
• Shower flow rate
• Frequency of simultaneous hot water use
• Available installation space
• Expected reheating time

Choosing a cylinder that is too small may result in stored hot water running out during periods of heavy demand. Choosing a cylinder that is unnecessarily large may take up more space and store more heated water than the household needs.

Gledhill ES 90L Direct Technical Specification

Please note: Product specifications can change. Always check the latest Gledhill installation instructions and technical data before purchasing or installing the cylinder.

Gledhill ES 90L Installation Requirements

An unvented hot water cylinder must be installed and commissioned by a suitably qualified installer who is competent to work with unvented hot water systems.

The installer should check:

• Incoming mains water pressure
• Available mains flow rate
• Hot and cold pipe sizing
• Electrical supply for the immersion heater
• Available installation and maintenance space
• Expansion vessel positioning
• Discharge pipe route
• Drainage and tundish requirements
• Building Regulations compliance
• Manufacturer commissioning instructions

The cylinder must not be installed as a standard DIY plumbing project. Incorrect installation could affect safety, performance and warranty cover.

Direct Versus Indirect Unvented Cylinders

The main difference between direct and indirect cylinders is how they heat the stored water.

Direct Unvented Cylinder

A direct cylinder uses electric immersion heaters as its main heat source. It is commonly fitted in properties without a boiler or where electricity provides the domestic hot water.

A direct cylinder may suit:

• Electric-only flats
• Apartments without gas
• Annexes
• Properties without a boiler-fed cylinder circuit

Indirect Unvented Cylinder

An indirect cylinder contains an internal coil. Heated water from a boiler or another suitable heat source passes through this coil and transfers heat into the stored domestic water.

An indirect cylinder may suit:

• Homes with gas boilers
• Homes with oil boilers
• Suitable renewable or low-temperature systems
• Properties where the boiler provides the main hot water heating

Always select the cylinder type that matches the property’s heating system and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.

Advantages of the Gledhill Stainless ES Range

Gledhill is a recognised UK hot water cylinder manufacturer. The Stainless ES range is designed to offer reliable unvented hot water performance at a competitive price.

Reasons customers and installers consider the range include:

• Recognised Gledhill branding
• Duplex stainless steel construction
• Direct and indirect options
• Several cylinder capacities
• Compact models for smaller properties
• Mains-pressure hot water
• Insulation designed to reduce heat loss
• Manufacturer technical information and installation guidance
• Replacement models for a wide range of properties

What Should You Check Before Ordering?

Before ordering the Gledhill ES 90L Direct Cylinder, confirm the following information with your installer:

• The existing cylinder is a direct model
• The 90-litre capacity is suitable for the household
• The cylinder dimensions fit the available space
• There is enough maintenance access
• The mains pressure and flow rate are suitable
• The electrical supply meets installation requirements
• A compliant discharge route is available
• The correct accessories and controls are included or available
• The delivery address is within the supported delivery area

Why Buy a Gledhill ES Cylinder from SNH Tradecentre?

SNH Tradecentre supplies plumbing, heating and hot water products to professional installers, property owners and domestic customers throughout Mainland England.

When you order from SNH Tradecentre, you benefit from:

• Competitive online pricing
• Clear VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive prices
• Current stock information
• Delivery information displayed before ordering
• Secure online payment options
• Helpful product specifications
• Access to installation guides and product literature
• A wide selection of Gledhill Stainless ES cylinders
• Support from an established plumbing and heating merchant

The SNH Tradecentre product page includes the latest price, delivery details, product photographs, technical information and ordering options for the Gledhill Stainless ES 90L Direct Unvented Cylinder SESINPDR090.

Check Price and Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the model number of the Gledhill ES 90L Direct Cylinder?

The model number is SESINPDR090.

What is the actual capacity of the Gledhill ES 90L?

Gledhill lists the product as a 90-litre cylinder. Its actual stored water capacity is approximately 93 litres.

Does the Gledhill ES 90L need a boiler?

No. The direct model heats the stored water with a 3kW electric immersion heater rather than a boiler-fed heating coil.

Does the cylinder include an immersion heater?

Yes. The 90-litre direct model includes one 3kW immersion heater.

Can the Gledhill ES 90L provide mains-pressure showers?

Yes, provided the property has suitable incoming mains pressure, flow rate and correctly sized pipework. The final performance will depend on the water supply and installation.

Does an unvented cylinder need a loft tank?

No. An unvented cylinder takes its water supply directly from the mains and does not normally require a traditional cold water storage tank in the loft.

Is the Gledhill ES 90L suitable for a flat?

It can be a good option for a flat, apartment or smaller property with moderate hot water requirements. A qualified installer should confirm that its capacity and the property’s mains water supply are suitable.

Can the cylinder be used with an off-peak electricity tariff?

A suitably qualified electrician or installer may be able to connect the cylinder to an appropriate off-peak electricity arrangement. The installation must follow the electricity supplier’s tariff requirements, electrical regulations and Gledhill’s instructions.

Who can install a Gledhill unvented cylinder?

It should be installed by a suitably qualified installer who is competent and certified to work on unvented hot water systems.

Where can I buy the Gledhill ES 90L Direct Cylinder?

You can order the Gledhill ES 90L Direct Unvented Cylinder online from SNH Tradecentre for delivery to supported Mainland England addresses.

Final Verdict: Is the Gledhill ES 90L Direct Cylinder a Good Choice?

The Gledhill ES 90L Direct Unvented Cylinder is a strong option for smaller homes, flats, apartments and electric-only properties that need a compact mains-pressure hot water system.

Its Duplex stainless steel inner vessel, electric immersion heating, insulated construction and compact capacity make it suitable for many replacement and new installation projects.

However, the correct cylinder size depends on the number of occupants, expected hot water demand, available installation space and incoming mains water performance. Ask a qualified installer to confirm these details before ordering.