Flow-Through Heater FAQs

The Thermoblock is typically found in consumer espresso machines. The Heliflex lightweight Thermoblock alternative has been designed to improve preheating time and maintain consistent coffee temperature without changing machine design. Flow-Through Heaters consist of a tube brazed to the surface of a high-power heating element. Liquid (water) is pumped through the tube, taking it quickly across the full element surface, optimizing the energy transfer. This provides quick, precise and efficient, liquid heating.

	Thermoblock	Eichenauer Heliflex
Ø water tube (WT)	5mm (wall thickness 0,5 mm)	6mm (wall thickness 1 mm)
Ø tubular heater (TH)	6,5 mm	10 mm
Material WT/TH	Stainless steel- copper	Aluminum-Aluminum
WT length	About 1100 mm	494 mm
TH length	About 490 mm	440 mm
Weight	512 gr	125 gr

Flow-through heaters heat liquid (water) as it moves through a tube brazed to a high-power heating element. As the liquid passes along the heated surface, heat is transferred quickly and efficiently, allowing for quick, precise and efficient, liquid heating and accurate temperature control.

A flow-through heater is ideal for coffee, espresso, and steam applications when you need:

Continuous flow heating - In espresso machines and beverage systems, water needs to be heated instantly as it moves through the system. Flow-through heaters provide consistent, on-demand hot water without relying on a stored tank, which helps maintain steady brewing and steaming performance.

Space savings - Flow-through heaters eliminate the need for large boilers or tanks, making them perfect for compact espresso machines, countertop equipment, and integrated beverage systems where space is limited.

Faster response times - Because water is heated as it flows, flow-through heaters allow for near-instant heat-up. This means quicker startup times, faster recovery between shots, and more responsive steam generation compared to traditional boiler systems.

Consistent temperature control - Maintaining precise water temperature is critical for many applications such as superior espresso quality. For example, flow-through heaters help deliver stable, repeatable temperatures shot after shot, improving taste consistency and reducing variability.

Reduced scale buildup (in some designs) -Since water isn’t sitting in a tank for long periods, there can be less opportunity for scale to accumulate.

For OEM coffee and espresso equipment manufacturers, flow-through heaters offer greater flexibility in system design and integration

.