In industry, steam generation is key to a wide variety of processes, from food production to chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, there are many ways to generate the steam needed for such processes, hence this comparison of electric vs. pyrotube steam boilers.
Of the different technologies used to generate steam, electric boilers are the most common. electric boilers and shell boilers are two of the most widely used options. But key features such as energy efficiency tip the balance clearly in favor of one of them.
Factors such as operating efficiency, environmental impact, safety and maintenance costs are some of the characteristics to be analyzed when comparing electric vs. pyrotube steam boilers.
In this article we will compare in depth electric steam boilers versus firetube steam boilers, highlighting the pros and cons of each technology so that you can make an informed decision.
A brief introduction to both technologies: electric boiler vs. firetube boiler
To understand the qualitative advantages of electric steam boilers over shell boilers, it is first important to understand how both technologies work.
Each has a specific design and operating methodology that responds to different industrial needs, as you will see below:
Electric steam boilers

Electric boilers operate by using electrical resistances to heat water and generate steam.
Electricity passes through the resistors, which convert the electrical energy into heat. This heat is transferred to the water inside the boiler vessel, raising its temperature to boiling point and generating steam.
This process is straightforward and highly efficient, as all electrical energy is converted to heat without significant losses associated with combustion.
These boilers are also known for their compact and modular design, which makes them ideal for installations with space limitations or where a clean, emission-free environment is desired.
Pyrotubular boilers

Pyrotubular boilers generate steam from the transfer of heat between the hot gases produced by the combustion of a fuel (such as natural gas, diesel or biomass) and the water contained in a tank.
Hot gases produced by the combustion of a fuel flow through a series of tubes that are surrounded by water. As the hot gases flow through the tubes, heat is transferred to the water, raising its temperature until it begins to boil and generate steam.
Pyrotubular boilers have several disadvantages compared to electric boilers, including their high level of pollutant emissions, which require additional control systems to comply with environmental regulations, increasing the cost of steam generation.
Qualitative advantages of electric boilers for steam generation
Now that you have the necessary context to compare both technologies, in this section we will focus on the qualitative advantages that electric boilers have over firetube boilers for steam generation:
Clean and sustainable process
Electric boilers, since they do not use fossil fuels, have a totally clean process and do not generate direct emissions of polluting gases such as CO₂, NOx or fine particles.
This makes them ideal for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In addition, they can be powered by renewable energy, which reinforces their sustainable aspect.
2. Superior energy efficiency
Thanks to their design, electric boilers convert almost 100% of the electrical energy into heat, eliminating the thermal losses associated with combustion processes.
This high efficiency translates into less energy waste and more controlled operating costs.
3. High level of security
By not using flammable fuels, electric boilers are not only cleaner and more sustainable, but also eliminate the risks associated with leaks, explosions or fuel storage.
This creates a safer environment for workers and reduces the need for additional safety measures.
4. Easy installation
These boilers are compact, quiet and easy to install in small spaces.
Its operation is fully automated, which facilitates the control of the parameters, reducing the need for specialized personnel.
5. Reduced maintenance
With no combustion-related parts, such as burners or chimneys, these boilers require less maintenance and have a lower frequency of breakdowns.
In summary, the qualitative advantages of electric steam boilers over firetube boilers can be summarized in this table:
Feature | Electric steam boilers | Pyrotubular steam boilers |
Environmental impact | No direct emissions, compatible with renewable energies. | Emissions of CO₂, NOx and other pollutants. |
Energy efficiency | High: almost 100% conversion of electrical energy into heat | Average: thermal losses associated with combustion |
Security | High: no flammable fuels and no explosion risk | Medium: risks associated with combustion |
Installation | Compact and easy to install in small spaces | Bulky, requiring chimneys and additional systems |
Maintenance | Low maintenance: fewer parts and no combustion residues | High: frequent cleaning due to combustion residues |
From Giconmes we want to invite you to know our steam generators for industrial use, which will allow you to achieve greater cost savings and better energy efficiency, using a renewable and natural source such as steam and electricity for the generation and transfer of heat for different industrial uses and at different pressures.