After a wknd of not working I fill my tank with 500 ltrs of cold water from my Ibc tank which is not insulated. So when I do this i will turn the heater on for a longer period of time. This will get me between 45 and just over 50 degrees.
You guys who buy the immersion heaters, do know theres a thermostat inside which you can adjust. I have mine in the highest setting. Just a thought because im not doing anything special and surely cant be the only person getting hot water.
Immersion heaters used to give you hot water for baths in the past and you cant tell me you all had luke warm water for baths did you. (yes its a smaller tank, but the point being they give hot water).
Some from what ive gathered have for some strange reason fitted their heaters half way down their tanks because of short arms (their reasons not mine) and others have bought a 14inch length to fit in a large volume of water and so yes, ones who have done this will have little chance.
I also made sure i bought a bigger tank than needed for several reasons. This gives me an advantage I agree. Also combined that my element is 27 inches long (
) and is as far down in the tank as possible also helps. Finally sorting your tarrif out plays a difference in price and thats why i dont mind running mine for perhaps longer than some others.
All im reporting is what ive found to work for me.