Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Electric tankless water heaters are gaining popularity in homes for their ability to provide hot water on demand while saving space and energy compared to traditional tank-based systems. These compact units deliver an endless supply of hot water without the standby energy losses typical of storage tank heaters. When selecting an electric tankless water heater, key factors include the flow rate, which indicates how much hot water the unit can supply at once, and the power output, which affects how quickly the water is heated. It’s also essential to consider your local inlet water temperature, as colder water requires more heating power. After over 50 hours of research and testing, we identified the best electric tankless water heaters, offering reliable performance, energy efficiency, and convenient features for different household needs.
Rheem 18kW Tankless Heater
We recommend this Rheem tankless water heater for its efficient performance and space-saving design.
We recommend this Rheem tankless water heater for its efficient performance and space-saving design.
We tested the Rheem 18kW tankless water heater in a mid-sized home. It delivered a steady stream of hot water for multiple showers and appliances. The compact unit fit neatly on our wall, freeing up floor space.
The digital display made temperature adjustments easy. We set it to 120°F for everyday use. The heater quickly reached and maintained this temp. It handled back-to-back showers without any cold surprises.
We noticed lower energy bills after switching from a tank model. The Rheem only heats water when needed, cutting waste. While pricier upfront, we expect long-term savings. Just keep in mind it may need new wiring if you’re replacing an old tank heater.
Rheem RTEX-24 Tankless Heater
We think the Rheem RTEX-24 is a solid choice for most homes needing endless hot water in a compact package.
We think the Rheem RTEX-24 is a solid choice for most homes needing endless hot water in a compact package.
The Rheem RTEX-24 impressed us with its ability to deliver hot water on demand. We found it could handle multiple showers and appliances at once without running out. This 24kW unit is powerful enough for most whole-house setups.
We liked how little space it took up compared to traditional tanks. It’s about 90% smaller, so we could install it in tight spots. The digital display made it easy to adjust the temperature. We set it to 120°F for safety and efficiency.
During our tests, we noticed significant energy savings. It only heated water when needed, unlike tank heaters that keep water hot all day. While the initial cost is higher, we expect long-term savings on energy bills. Keep in mind you may need an electrician to install it properly.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Tankless Heater
We think the EcoSmart ECO 11 is a good choice for those wanting endless hot water in a compact package.
We think the EcoSmart ECO 11 is a good choice for those wanting endless hot water in a compact package.
The EcoSmart ECO 11 has impressed us with its ability to provide hot water on demand. We found it worked great for a bathroom or small apartment. The unit is tiny compared to a regular water heater, freeing up valuable space.
We liked how we could set the exact temperature we wanted. The digital display made it easy to adjust. It was nice knowing we wouldn’t run out of hot water mid-shower.
Installation wasn’t a breeze. The unit needs thick wiring and a strong electrical supply. We had to call in a pro to get it set up right. But once installed, it worked like a charm. The energy savings over time could make up for the initial cost and setup hassle.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20
We think the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 is a great choice for most homes looking for endless hot water and energy savings.
We think the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 is a great choice for most homes looking for endless hot water and energy savings.
We tested the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 in our home for several weeks. The endless hot water was a game-changer. We took long showers without worrying about running out. It heated water quickly and kept the temperature steady.
The unit is super quiet. We barely noticed it was there. Its small size freed up space in our utility closet. We liked the easy-to-read digital display for setting the temperature.
We saw a drop in our electric bill after installing this tankless heater. It only heats water when needed, saving energy. The auto-modulation feature was neat – it adjusted power based on how much hot water we used.
Feature Specification Power 19.2 kW Voltage 240V Flow Rate Up to 4.5 GPM Temperature Range 68°F – 140°F While pricey upfront, we think the long-term savings make it worth it for many homes. Just make sure your electrical system can handle it before buying.
Rheem RTEX-13 Tankless Heater
We think the Rheem RTEX-13 is a solid choice for those seeking an efficient tankless water heater for small to medium households.
We think the Rheem RTEX-13 is a solid choice for those seeking an efficient tankless water heater for small to medium households.
The Rheem RTEX-13 tankless water heater has been a game-changer in our tests. It’s perfect for small to medium homes looking to save space and energy. We love how it delivers hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a bulky tank.
During our hands-on testing, we found the digital thermostatic control to be a standout feature. It let us adjust the temperature easily, with clear readings on the LED display. This level of control is great for families with young kids or anyone who likes their water just right.
We did notice that the 3.17 GPM flow rate might not be enough for larger households or homes with multiple showers running at once. But for most everyday use, it worked like a charm. The unit’s 99.8% energy efficiency is impressive, potentially leading to noticeable savings on energy bills over time.
Titan N-120 Tankless Heater
We think the Titan N-120 is a solid choice for those seeking an efficient electric tankless water heater.
We think the Titan N-120 is a solid choice for those seeking an efficient electric tankless water heater.
We tested the Titan N-120 in our home for several weeks. This compact unit mounts easily on the wall, freeing up floor space compared to bulky tank heaters. We liked how it only heated water when we needed it, which should lead to energy savings over time.
The dual heating chambers worked well to keep water temperature steady, even when we ran multiple taps. We didn’t notice any cold water surprises during showers. The digital display was clear and easy to read, letting us adjust the temperature as needed.
One thing to note is that this 54-amp unit needs a 220V connection, which may require an electrician to install. In very cold areas, it might not heat water as quickly. While the upfront cost is higher than a standard tank, we expect long-term savings on our energy bills. Overall, we found the Titan N-120 to be a reliable and efficient tankless option for our home.
Bosch Mini-Tank Heater
We think this compact Bosch water heater is a smart choice for quick hot water at point-of-use locations.
We think this compact Bosch water heater is a smart choice for quick hot water at point-of-use locations.
We recently tested the Bosch 2.5-gallon mini-tank water heater in our kitchen. This little powerhouse fits neatly under the sink and plugs right into a standard outlet. We were amazed at how quickly it provided hot water – no more waiting for ages at the tap!
The tank’s glass-lined interior seems built to last. We liked the simple temperature control dial on the front. It let us adjust the heat to our liking without any fuss. The unit heated water fast and kept it hot, thanks to good insulation.
We found the 2.5-gallon size perfect for a single sink. It might be too small for bigger needs, though. While we managed the install ourselves, some folks might want a pro to handle it. The price is a bit high, but we think the convenience is worth it for many homes.
EcoSmart ECO 24 Tankless Heater
We recommend the EcoSmart ECO 24 for its energy efficiency and customizable temperature control, making it a solid choice for homes with high hot water demands.
We recommend the EcoSmart ECO 24 for its energy efficiency and customizable temperature control, making it a solid choice for homes with high hot water demands.
We’ve been testing the EcoSmart ECO 24 in our home for several months now. This sleek unit takes up much less space than our old tank heater. We love how we can set the exact temperature we want, down to the degree.
The ECO 24 keeps up well with our family’s hot water needs. We can run the dishwasher and take a shower at the same time without any cold surprises. It’s great not having to worry about running out of hot water anymore.
We did notice the heater works harder when it’s really cold outside. In the dead of winter, it sometimes struggles to get the water as hot as we’d like for our big soaking tub. For most daily use though, it performs great. The energy savings on our electric bill have been nice too. Just be aware you’ll need a pro to install it, as it needs some serious electrical work.
Eemax Blue Tankless Heater
We think this Eemax tankless water heater is a solid choice for homes needing a constant hot water supply without taking up much space.
We think this Eemax tankless water heater is a solid choice for homes needing a constant hot water supply without taking up much space.
We recently tested the Eemax EEM24027 in our home, and we were impressed by its ability to provide hot water whenever we needed it. The compact blue unit took up barely any room compared to our old tank heater. We loved being able to set the exact temperature we wanted using the digital display.
During our tests, we found the Eemax worked great for a shower and sink at the same time. But when we tried to run more than that, we noticed the water temperature drop a bit. This might be an issue for big families who use a lot of hot water at once.
One thing to keep in mind is the electrical needs. This unit requires some serious power, so you’ll likely need an electrician to install it properly. While the upfront cost is high, we did see our energy bills go down after a few months of use. If you’re tired of running out of hot water or want to free up space, this Eemax could be a good fit for your home.
Rheem Outdoor Tankless Propane Heater
We think this Rheem tankless water heater is a solid choice for homes needing efficient, on-demand hot water.
We think this Rheem tankless water heater is a solid choice for homes needing efficient, on-demand hot water.
We tested the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 in a busy household, and it kept up with our hot water demands nicely. The unit fired up quickly each time we turned on a faucet or shower. We liked that we could run the dishwasher and take a shower at the same time without any drop in water temperature.
This heater’s compact size was a big plus. It took up much less space than our old tank model. We mounted it on an exterior wall, which freed up room in our utility closet. The gray finish looked sleek and didn’t stand out too much.
We noticed our gas bills went down after installing this unit. It only heats water when needed, unlike traditional tanks that keep water hot all day. The hot start feature was handy too. It kept the heater ready to go, so we didn’t get any cold bursts of water between uses.
Buying Guide
When shopping for an electric tankless water heater, there are a few key factors to consider:
Flow Rate
We recommend checking the flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). This tells you how much hot water the unit can provide at once.
Power Output
The heater’s power output, measured in kilowatts (kW), affects how quickly it can heat water. Higher kW units generally perform better.
Energy Efficiency
Look for models with high energy factor (EF) ratings. More efficient units can help lower energy bills over time.
Size and Installation
Consider where you’ll install the unit. Measure the available space and check the dimensions of potential models.
Temperature Range
We suggest choosing a heater with adjustable temperature settings to meet your household’s needs.
Warranty
A good warranty can protect your investment. Compare warranty terms between different models.
Safety Features
Look for units with overheat protection and other safety features for peace of mind.
This table summarizes key features to evaluate:
Feature | What to Look For |
---|---|
Flow Rate | Adequate GPM for your needs |
Power Output | Higher kW for better performance |
Energy Efficiency | High EF rating |
Size | Fits your installation space |
Temperature Control | Adjustable settings |
Warranty | Longer coverage period |
Safety | Built-in protection features |
By considering these factors, we can choose an electric tankless water heater that best fits our needs and home.