Megaflo Essential Direct Unvented Cylinders
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The Megaflo Essential Direct is Heatrae Sadia's new entry-level electric unvented hot water cylinder, bringing genuine Megaflo mains-pressure performance at a budget-friendly price. It's heated entirely by two 3 kW immersion heaters, with no boiler needed, making it ideal for homes off the gas grid, flats, all-electric new builds and properties on off-peak electricity tariffs. It features Megaflo's newly developed internal expansion mechanism, so no separate expansion vessel is needed, plus 50mm polyurethane foam insulation and a 20-year warranty on the stainless-steel inner tank. Available in 170, 210, 250 and 300 litres.
The Megaflo Essential Direct is also the official replacement for the discontinued Baxi Direct and Baxi Assure Direct cylinders. Looking for an old Baxi code? See the cross-reference table below.
⚠ G3 Competent Person Required
Unvented cylinders must be installed by a G3 accredited competent person under Building Regulations Part G3. All electrical connections must be made by a qualified electrician, and the Benchmark commissioning checklist completed at handover.
ℹ Direct, Indirect or Heat Pump?
This Direct model is heated by electricity only. If you have a system or heat-only boiler, the Megaflo Essential Indirect is usually cheaper to run. For an air source heat pump, choose the Megaflo Essential ASHP cylinder.
🔄 Replacing a Baxi Direct cylinder?
Baxi has discontinued its Baxi Direct and Baxi Assure Direct cylinders and moved its residential range under the Megaflo brand. The Megaflo Essential Direct is the like-for-like replacement in 170, 210, 250 and 300 litre sizes.
Key Features
New Internal Expansion Mechanism
Megaflo pioneered internal expansion, and the Essential introduces a newly developed internal expansion mechanism. Expansion is accommodated inside the cylinder, so there's no external expansion vessel to buy, mount or maintain.
Twin 3 kW Immersion Heaters
Top and bottom immersions let you heat the top section quickly for a daytime boost (as little as 86–112 minutes) or the full volume overnight on cheaper off-peak electricity.
No Boiler, No Gas
A complete mains-pressure hot water solution for off-gas and all-electric homes. There's no flue, no gas supply and no annual gas safety check.
50mm Polyurethane Insulation
50mm of polyurethane foam minimises standing heat loss, keeping water hot between heating cycles.
Stainless Steel, 20-Year Warranty
Stainless-steel inner tank backed by a 20-year manufacturer's warranty. KIWA approved, complying with Water Regulation 4 and Building Regulations G3.
Megaflo Quality, Budget Price
Strong, consistent pressure at every tap and shower at an entry-level price. Ideal for landlords, housing associations, refurbishments and new-build developments.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | 170L | 210L | 250L | 300L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product code | 7894511 | 7894512 | 7894513 | 7894514 |
| Volume (L) | 179 | 193 | 232 | 279 |
| Height (mm) | 1414 | 1516 | 1766 | 2086 |
| Diameter (mm) | 553 | 553 | 553 | 553 |
| Empty / full weight (kg) | 36 / 215 | 38 / 231 | 45 / 277 | 52 / 331 |
| ErP rating | C | C | C | C |
| Standing heat loss (kWh/24h) | 1.63 | 1.69 | 1.84 | 2.10 |
| Mixed water at 40°C, V40 (L) | 204 | 217 | 293 | 366 |
| Immersions (No. × kW) | 2 × 3 | 2 × 3 | 2 × 3 | 2 × 3 |
| Heat-up, bottom immersion (min) | 218 | 232 | 287 | 366 |
| Heat-up, top immersion (min) | 102 | 105 | 86 | 112 |
| Heat-up, both immersions (min) | 105 | 117 | 121 | 112 |
| Secondary return | No | No | No | No |
All connections accept 22mm outside-diameter pipe (compression nuts and olives supplied); thread ¾" BSP male parallel to accept standard ¾" BSP female fittings. Data per Heatrae Sadia/Megaflo; information correct at time of publication.
Baxi Direct Cylinder Replacement Guide
Looking for a Baxi Direct or Baxi Assure Direct cylinder? Find your old code below:
| Old Baxi model | Old Baxi code | Megaflo Essential replacement | New code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baxi 170L Direct | 7798174 | Megaflo Essential 170L Direct | 7894511 |
| Baxi 210L Direct | 7798175 | Megaflo Essential 210L Direct | 7894512 |
| Baxi 250L Direct | 7798176 | Megaflo Essential 250L Direct | 7894513 |
| Baxi 300L Direct | 7798177 | Megaflo Essential 300L Direct | 7894514 |
| Baxi Assure Direct 170DD | 7737167 | Megaflo Essential 170L Direct | 7894511 |
| Baxi Assure Direct 210DD | 7737168 | Megaflo Essential 210L Direct | 7894512 |
| Baxi Assure Direct 250DD | 7737171 | Megaflo Essential 250L Direct | 7894513 |
| Baxi Assure Direct 300DD | 7737175 | Megaflo Essential 300L Direct | 7894514 |
Need a smaller size? The Baxi 125L and 145L Direct (7798172, 7798173) don't yet have a Megaflo Essential equivalent. The Megaflo Eco Slimline Direct covers 100–200 litres, or contact us for a Megaflo Eco 125L or 145L Direct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Megaflo Essential Direct the replacement for Baxi Direct cylinders?
Yes. Baxi has discontinued its Baxi Direct and Baxi Assure Direct cylinders, and the Megaflo Essential Direct is the recommended like-for-like replacement in 170, 210, 250 and 300 litre sizes. For example, the Baxi 210L Direct (7798175) is replaced by the Megaflo Essential 210L Direct (7894512).
What's the difference between Megaflo Essential Direct and Megaflo Eco Direct?
The Essential is the entry-level option, with 50mm insulation, a 20-year tank warranty and a 553mm diameter. Megaflo Eco is the premium range, with 60mm insulation and a 30-year warranty on its duplex stainless-steel tank. It also comes in more versions, including the narrow 491mm Eco Slimline Direct and Solar PV Ready models.
Does it need an expansion vessel?
No. The Megaflo Essential Direct uses Megaflo's new internal expansion mechanism, which absorbs thermal expansion inside the cylinder. That saves wall space, parts and installation time.
Should I choose Direct or Indirect?
Choose Direct if you have no boiler, for example in an all-electric home, an off-gas property or a flat on an off-peak tariff. If you have a system or heat-only boiler, the Megaflo Essential Indirect lets the boiler heat your water, which is usually cheaper to run. For a heat pump, choose the Megaflo Essential ASHP.
Does it include a secondary return connection?
No. The Essential Direct does not have secondary return. If you need one for long pipe runs, consider the Megaflo Eco range.
What size Megaflo Essential Direct do I need?
As a guide, 170L suits a smaller home with one bathroom, 210L a typical 3-bedroom home, and 250–300L larger homes with several bathrooms. For off-peak heating, size up so one overnight heat-up covers the whole day. Check ceiling height too: the 300L model is 2086mm tall. Not sure? Ask our team.
Also in the Megaflo Essential range: Essential Indirect (boiler-fed) · Essential ASHP (heat pump) · Megaflo cylinder buying guide
Need a full system?
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