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Many people are making the switch from a traditional hot water tank to a point of use or on-demand electric tankless water heater — and for good reason.
There are several benefits to using these systems in your home including monthly electricity savings, cheaper up-front costs and easy installation.
In general, these products are used as point of use solutions under a sink or for single appliance use. When you are looking for the best electric tankless water heater for your home, it’s easy to be intimidated by the many different models on the market.
Every home and homeowner is different, which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide with tankless water heaters reviews to help you identify the right make and model for your needs.
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Stiebel Eltron’s flagship product, the Tempra Plus, is one of the best electric tankless water heater models on the market. With one of the highest GPM flow rates available at 4.0 GPM and the ability to raise the temperature 50F, this model provides the best performance you can expect from this type of heating system.
We love that even though this tankless electric water heater is the most powerful you can find, it is not much more expensive than a unit half its size. This makes the model all the worthwhile when paired with its modulating power technology and advanced flow control.
The Tempra Plus is one of the only one of its kind to also have advanced flow control. You can limit the amount of flow when hot water is not required, resulting in even more energy savings. Think of it as Eco Mode.
For more information on advanced flow control, have a look at this short video:
While this unit is the most powerful you will find in electric tankless, it is not powerful enough to provide hot water to an entire home. We would recommend installing a unit in each room that requires hot water. It is powerful enough to run a shower and a bathroom sink; a washing machine and laundry sink or a dishwasher and a kitchen sink.
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Cons:
The bottom line: If you want the best electric tankless water heater available, and don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, this is the unit for you.
Read the full in-depth review: Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 36 kW.
The EcoSmart ECO ranks second on our list of tankless electric water heater reviews. The model (Eco 36) boasts one of the best GPM flow rates available at an impressive 3.5 GPM with a temperature rise of 40F. It may not be as powerful as the Tempra Plus, but this instantaneous electric water heater is generally sufficient to supply an entire room, such as a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.
If you are looking to power your entire house with an EcoSmart ECO 11 installation, you will need to purchase several units – ideally one for each room.
As you’ll see with the rest of the items on our list, both the EcoSmart ECO and the Tempra Plus are in their own class. Their performance is roughly similar and sufficient for any’s room needs. When it comes to design, the EcoSmart isa clear winner, If you need to place this in a laundry room, it will have an elegant and modern feel even if it is exposed.
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The bottom line: If you want the best electric tankless water heater available, and don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, this is the unit for you.
Read the full in-depth review: Ecosmart ECO 36 36kw 240V.
Rheem’s top model, the Rheem RTEX-18, offers some of the best value. In addition to the peace of mind you get when buying from a company that has been around for decades, you get most of the features available from premium models at a lower price. The premium brands usually cost more, but with this model, you can get the big brand for less.
Rheem claims that this unit is a 4 gpm system, but real-world tests with cold incoming water, reflected in rheem tankless water heater reviews, have found that 3.0 – 3.5 GPM is more reasonable to expect. Of course, 3.5 GPM is a sufficient flow rate to power the needs of almost any room in the house.
The challenge with this is that it may take up too much space under a sink. In addition, it isn’t the most visually appealing unit either. But these might not be factors for you, if you have lots of hidden space to place the unit.
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The bottom line: If you want good value and a good brand for an affordable price, this unit is for you.
If you live in an area with particularly hard water, or you are looking for a heating system for an RV or tiny home, you should consider the SioGreen IR260.
This model was made with non-metallic materials, meaning that limescale doesn’t build up in the unit. Thanks to this innovative technology, this is one of the only heating products on the market that doesn’t require any maintenance.
Of course, this tremendous advantage is not without its downside. The SioGreen IR8000 isn’t capable of very high flow rates at a 50F temperature rise. It is definitely best suited in late spring to early autumn or in warm climates that don’t require a high-temperature rise.
Infrared technology in these systems is a relatively new technology and we expect to see improvements over the coming years. After all, the maintenance aspect of going tankless can be a challenge for many people.
It is also worth noting that this model is visually appealing and looks as high-tech as it is. This product is advertised as a whole house tankless water heater, but we think you’d be disappointed if you purchase a single unit for an entire house.
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The bottom line: If you don’t want to bother with annual maintenance and don’t require a lot of power, this unit is for you.
Read the full in-depth review: Rheem RTEX 18
Rounding out our list of electric water heater reviews is this Bosch model – a compact, highly efficient unit that uses very little energy and it is backed by a premium brand.
This could be exactly what you need if you have very modest heating needs. If you are looking for a simple unit to install in your summertime cabin or cottage for a small bathroom, this is the best small electric water heater. For less than $200, you can enjoy hot water just like at home!
If you are looking for the best electric hot water heater for whole house needs, however, this may not be the system for you.
That said, this model can also be suitable for providing hot water to a sink. Anything more than that and this will prove to be insufficient. That said, there is no need to spend a lot of money if your needs are modest.
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The bottom line: If you want a small, simple and affordable unit for the summertime, this is the perfect unit for you.
Read the full in-depth review: Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater.
Key Features:
Best Suited For: Kitchen, bathroom, Cabin, Studio, 1 bedroom apartment
Description: AB WiseWater’s model isn’t premium grade, but makes our list of best electric water heater reviews because it works well enough to provide unlimited hot water when you need it.
The temperature range on this wall-mounted unit reaches a peak of 125F, which may not be as hot as you’d like for a shower or even a cup of coffee. It’s economically priced, however, and fairly easy to install.
Properly installed, this model is energy efficient and can save you up to 50% on your energy bill. 3 GPM is high enough to provide a steady flow of hot (or warm) water even while other devices are being used. You’ll be able to enjoy a hot shower on demand without waiting for your tank to replenish.
Install and use this model at the point of use (bathroom, kitchen, etc) and you’ll have the supply you need for years to come.
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Key Features:
Best Suited For: Beachfront properties, Cabin Resort, Kitchen, Bathroom, Hospital, Commercial property
Description: With this model, you can finally enjoy back-to-back hot showers in your busy household. If you need a system for your beachfront property, bathroom, kitchen, or even your yacht, the iHeat Stainless Steel is a dream come true.
The iHeat model is a compact wall-mounted unit made of durable stainless steel. While it’s lightweight, compact and pretty easy to install, you may require copper piping and adapters to install it.
Once installed at the point of use (ie your kitchen sink, shower, etc) the iHeat provides unlimited hot water on demand, to a peak of 105 degrees C. You can control the temperature setting, beginning at the default setting of 32 degrees.
Admittedly the 2GPM is lower than many of the products in our review, but you’ll still enjoy an on-demand supply with this product. Its energy-efficient design can also save you up to 60% on your energy bill.
The best part about the iHeat is that it can be installed and used for any number of applications. As we mentioned, it’s small and weighs only 8 lbs. The waterproof touchpad prevents shorting out, among other safety features, and the iHeat is covered by generous warranties for the element, components and against leaks.
Some users warn that this unit may stop working effectively after 6 – 12 months of use.
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Key Features:
Best Suited For: Kitchen, Bathroom, Studio, 1 bathroom apartment or home, Office
Description: Enjoy a limitless stream of hot water on demand in your home with this stylish, sophisticated product!
The Eemax EEM24018 is a step up from some of the more economical systems on the market. What really makes it unique is the self-modulating technology, which regulates energy output based on our need.
This highly energy-efficient unit also has a higher temperature range that reaches a peak of 140F. You can adjust the temperature in increments of 1 degree, which gives you even more control.
Economical, stylish and energy-efficient, the EEMAX is an incredible bargain that delivers unlimited hot water once it reaches the activation point. You might want to purchase more than one because it works so well!
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Key Features:
Best Suited For: 1 -2 Bathroom Household
Description:
The Marey ECO150 is a premium quality, energy-efficient tankless water heater for 2 bathroom house living condition. Compact, and lightweight, you can install it at the point of use and it will work almost instantly. The activation mechanism can produce hot water even when the pressure and flow rate is as low as 5gpm/5Psi.
Because of its smart control technology, you can easily adjust the heater’s temperature and optimize your energy use. The LED Display gives you control of the temperature, along with safety features to prevent scalding or overheating.
Some users have experienced water leakage from the back of the unit. It also requires a 1 x 70 amp double pole breaker to work effectively. Luckily, there is a 5 year warranty included. with your purchase.
Powerful enough to work on up to points of use simultaneously, this tankless electric hot water system is an affordable model. You’ll have hot water on demand for your whole family at a price you can afford!
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We understand that there are many electric tankless water heaters for sale on the market, which is why we’ve put together a buying guide.
Use our guide to make identifying the best tankless water heater for your home easier. Our tankless water heater ratings are based on the different unique needs a homeowner may have.
A on-demand water heater is a system that heats your water directly without using a storage tank [1]. The way this works is that when the hot tap is turned on, the cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, and the electrical element heats it.
When you choose this type of system, you can rest assure you will have a continuous supply of hot water to showers, dishwashers and washing machines.
We love that these systems don’t produce standby energy losses, as opposed to traditional storage heaters. This saves you lots of money in the long run. After all, water heating accounts for 9.5 percent of a home’s electricity consumption [2].
There are a wide array of benefits to investing in an inline electric water heater. Tankless hot water heaters save space, money and more. Consider the positive changes these systems can provide:
● More affordable to install
These systems are a lot cheaper and easier to install than a gas tankless hot water heater as gas systems come with the costs of venting systems and additional gas lines [3].
● Versatile installation
You can install these tankless heaters outdoors and indoors! Really wherever the system will be of most use to you. You are not limited to installation in particular areas. If you are looking to install one outdoors in a colder climate, you can use an anti-freeze kit [4].
● Additional storage space
Because electric tankless water heaters are tank-free, they take up a lot less space than a traditional model. It is compact so it can fit in smaller spaces and help you save room in your home.
● Doesn’t produce greenhouse gases
Tankless electric water heaters don’t produce greenhouse gases like a natural gas powered system [5].
● Uses less energy
Did you know that a hot water tank could easily account for almost 25% of a family of four’s energy bill? [6] That is more than the air conditioning and other appliances combined. Fortunately, these inline systems use a lot less energy than, for example, gas tankless water heaters.
● Lasts longer
Electric tankless water heaters last around 10 years longer than traditional tank systems [7].
● Lower energy bills
At the end of the day, heating water accounts for 14% to 18% of our utility bills – this is why it’s ideal to invest in a heating system like an electric on demand water heater that will help you save on electricity and costs [8].
● You’ll never run out of hot water
With electricity operated heating systems you never run out of hot water, because the system heats it, quite literally, on demand.
● Could even improve the resale value of your home
The truth of the matter is that these systems are well worth the initial investment. A Zillow home listing analysis actually found that homes with these systems sold 43 days faster than anticipated [9].
These systems are ideal for a lot of situations… but, not all of them. When looking to buy electric tankless water heater systems, you should definitely keep their restrictions in mind in any of the following situations.
These systems may not always be needed, but there are specific situations where they are particularly useful:
A Guesthouse or Pool House
This is a compact space to begin with, so everything in these rooms needs to be the miniature version of what you would put inside your home. You probably already have a mini bar fridge, smaller furniture, and most likely a small 2-piece bathroom.
An electric heating system works magically in these spaces, as it gives you access to hot water, without having to give up the equivalent of an entire closet space for a traditional 50-60 gallon tank [10]. A small electric tankless water heater is ideal in these situations.
That said, the best model for shower needs will be a whole house electric tankless water heater.
A Cabin, Vacation Home, Lake House or Cottage
Do you have a cozy little retreat that you use over the warmer months? This could be the perfect solution, depending on the amount of family, friends, and guests you expect to stay over.
Your standard unit is perfect to keep your sinks and faucets running hot water. However, if you’re looking at showers and bathtubs, you’re going to want to explore whole house options or a point of use electric tankless water heater for shower needs. To find the right system, be sure to consider our best whole house electric tankless water heater reviews.
A lot of vacationers love these units when it comes to close up shop for the season and winterize the home. A traditional water tank takes forever to drain (to prevent freezing), whereas a tank-free heater is drained in a few seconds.
These systems are ideal for a lot of situations — but not all of them. When looking to buy electric tankless water heater systems, you should definitely keep their limitations in mind:
Back-to-Back Showers For the Whole Family
Most of the models out there are not really for shower or bathtub use. This is particularly true for a family home where multiple people will be taking a shower, often one right after another, to get ready in the morning.
Hot water is already a precious enough commodity in the morning and this is asking too much of most of these systems.
Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Next to the shower or bathtub, your dishwasher and washing machine are going to be the biggest drains on the hot water in your home.
If your dishwasher has a heating element built into it, you can likely go tankless for this kitchen. However, if that’s not the case, you could struggle to get the water warm enough and put way too much pressure on the unit.
That said, some modern front-loading washing machines are built with tankless heaters in mind so that they can operate in a good range of efficiency. However, you need to be absolutely positive that you buy the right unit. Not all modern washers are built this way, even if they’re energy-efficient and boast how little water they use.
Any time you are looking to add appliances into the mix, chances are high that you need a whole house mode.
Solar-Powered Homes
Just to be clear about exactly what we’re talking about here, there are solar water heaters available on the market today and they certainly have their place. But, right now, we’re talking about trying to use electric tankless water heaters in a solar-powered home.
If you have (or you’re building) a solar-powered home, you’re already aware of the fact that you need to be mindful of the usage and efficiency of all your appliances, and how much demand you’re putting on your home’s own little power grid.
As of right now, it’s not really possible to heat the water with a solar thermal panel, so you’ll need to look into other options.
Cold Environments and Climates
If you’re living in a colder or more northern community and pipes freezing are an issue that you have to think about every year, you need to be very careful how and when you use this system.
You especially need to think twice about keeping the unit outside or in poorly insulated poorly heated rooms.
There are several factors that need to be considered to help you identify the best tankless electric water heater for your home:
The Best System For Your Home
There are many different system models on the market and it’s up to you to identify the best for your home. If you are looking for some more education on these specific units, you can consult our Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide to make your decision process go smoother.
Incoming Water Temperature
These systems work best when they don’t need to raise the temperature more than 30 F. Even the most powerful units aren’t capable of producing a temperature rise of 50 F with any reasonable flow rate.
If you live in the Northern United States or Canada, you may want to consider buying a tank, or opting for a gas powered unit that is capable of a higher temperature rise. If you live in the Southern United States or plan to use the heater during spring and summer months, this type of system is ideal.
If you live in the blue zone, you should consider a gas powered tankless water heater
Flow Rate Needs
Different appliances and faucets require different amounts of water. For example, a bathroom sink will use far less hot water than a washing machine or a dishwasher. These systems will be rated in terms of their flow rates, and it’s an important factor when deciding which unit to buy. In general, the higher the flow rate, the more expensive the unit and the more energy it will use.
| Demand Type | Size |
|---|---|
| Bathroom Sink | 0.5 GPM |
| Standard Shower | 2.5 GPM |
| Low-Flow Shower | 1.5 GPM |
| Dishwasher | 1.0 GPM |
| Washing Machine | 1.5 GPM |
| Kitchen Sink | 0.5 GPM |
| Laundry Sink | 1.0 GPM |
Size
These water heaters come in a variety of sizes – do you want a small tankless water heater or a large electric tankless water heater? It’s important that you measure the space you plan to install the unit, before you purchase. In especially tight spaces such as under a kitchen or bathroom sink, you may need to opt for a smaller unit to preserve space.
The capacity is another size factor to consider, as it’s important to decide if you need a high capacity electric tankless water heater or not.
Brand
Be aware of what company you are buying your device from. Shop the top tankless water heater brands to ensure quality and, in most cases, warranty.
Materials Used
Traditionally, these systems use metal materials that will build up limescale and require annual maintenance. It’s suggested that for your system to work properly it must be maintained and cleaned of limescale at least once a year. This is done by flushing and removing the mineral deposits that have built up [11].
Fortunately, there are newer technologies being used, such as infrared, that build up much less scale and require less maintenance, but for a higher price and generally smaller flow rates.
Depending on how hard the incoming water is, you may want to opt for an infrared electric tankless water heater that will require far less maintenance and won’t be likely to break down
Is this something the average DIYer can tackle? Maybe, but this is a pretty advanced process.
Gas tankless water heater installation is best left to professionals. That said, when it comes to electric hot water heaters, installation is doable if you’ve worked with plumbing and electrical systems before. You should also have a strong background in carpentry to frame and box the actual unit.
You will also need access to the following tools and materials:
Your best bet is to probably watch a few installation videos on YouTube or home improvement sites to see the steps and decide if this is something that is truly within your comfort zone. If not, call in a professional.
Like any appliance or major purchase for your home, the life you get out of an on demand heater will depend on the TLC and ongoing maintenance you give it over the years.
A well-maintained unit will operate at maximum efficiency over a long period of years. However, a neglected unit will see its interior eroded and clogged with mineral deposits, which will make it work much harder than it should and greatly shorten its lifespan.
Here’s some effective ways to maintain and care for your inline hot water heater. These steps should be done about once every year, and they are an absolute must if you’re in an area that has hard water.
Step 1. Safety First
The first step is to make sure that everything can be done safely and ensure that you turn off the power breaker in your fuse box.
Step 2: Close the Valves
Next, you will want to turn off the 3 valves attached to this unit. You should see:
Make sure all 3 are closed.
Step 3: Purge the Pressure
Remove the caps slowly from the purge valves on the cold and hot valves using the t-shaped handles.
The previous step is important, because you need to make sure the hot water valve is shut tightly. Ensure that the rubber washers are in place.
Step 4: Attach the Hosing Lines
You might need to check the unit’s manual for specific instructions to do this properly. You might even need a sump pump and connect hoses that will flush the water from the unit using the cold and hot water valves [12].
If your unit didn’t come with hosing lines, you can buy them at most hardware or plumbing supply stores. Your lines need to be long enough to comfortably extend between your unit and your bucket.
Step 5: Open the Purge Port Valves
Twist them perpendicularly to the cold and hot valves.
Step 6: Use a Safe Cleaner to Flush
This system is most likely going to be the source of your family’s water. Make sure you’re not using any toxic or harsh cleaners to clean the pipes within the unit. Consider 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) of undiluted white vinegar as a safe choice [13].
Now, follow your manual’s instructions for your unit’s flushing and draining procedure. Allow for this to take up to 45 minutes.
Step 7: Close the Purge Port Valves
Turn the “T”-shaped handles once the flushing process is finished.
Step 8: Disconnect the Hoses
Now remove the hosing lines from your unit’s water valves.
Step 9: Replace the Caps
Put the purge port valve caps back onto the purge valves. Twist them tightly and firmly, without damaging them or the washers.
Step 10: Restart the Unit
Once again, the exact safe procedures and the step-by-step process will vary from model to model. Check your manual to see how to restart yours.
Key Takeaway Here: Never Throw Out Your Manual!!
In many cases, you will rotate and open the valves until they are parallel with the main valve that leads into the house.
Step 11: Get the Air Out
Now, turn on the hot water tap on your taps and fixtures slowly to let the air pass out of the pipe. This could take a few minutes, until you see and hear the water running without any bursts of air pockets.
What is the best location for tankless water heater systems?
The best location is wherever suits your home! Your system can be installed just about anywhere. To save space, mount it in a small space like inside a closet or under a sink. The location will also be determined based on if it’s a point of use system or electric tankless water heater for whole house needs.
Is an electric tankless system the best system for your home?
At the end of the day, this is determined by your home’s unique needs and preferences. Is being energy efficient important to you? Are you concerned about greenhouse gas emissions? Do you need a point of use system for your shower or a stronger system for your entire home? These are all things to take into consideration.
Truthfully, are electric tankless water heaters any good?
Not only are these systems effective, but they are also energy efficient — which will help you cut down your bills. According to the US Department of Energy, on demand water heaters are 8 to 34 percent more energy efficient than traditional water heating systems [14].
What are other names for these systems?
An electric tankless hot water heater is also known as:
Whatever way you put it, this is a system that heats your water as you need it effectively and efficiently.
Which electric tankless water heater is the best ?
The best electric on demand hot water heater for your home depends on your house and its purpose. if you are looking for a system to heat all the water in your residence you will want to go with a whole home electric tankless water heater. if you need it for a specific appliance, you can invest in a point of use system.
Buying an electrically operated system is a much simpler task than going with a whole house tankless gas water heater. It’s vital that when looking for the best electric hot water system for your home, that you purchase the adequate size for your needs depending on the appliances to be used with the system. The main factors to take into consideration are the incoming water temperature (the colder it is, the more power you need) and the flow rates you require.
Despite what all the top manufacturers say there is no tank-free electricity operated system that can adequately provide hot water to an entire house, especially if you don’t live in the south. We highly recommend that you install a separate water heater in each room that requires hot water. You can also extend the life of your water heater by purchasing a whole house water filter at the source.
Whatever you choose, it’s no doubt that these systems are a fantastic investment. They provide you with hot water whenever needed while also keeping energy bills down. They are also slimmer than their traditional counterparts, so they require only a tiny bit of storage space. What more can you ask for?
Identifying the best water heater model for your home isn’t easy, but we hope this information about the top electric water heaters and how to assess them helps you make the right choice for your home.
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