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Ecotemp L10 Review (January 2024) ~ Outdoor Tankless Water Heater

Find out all you need to know about the Ecotemp L10 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater and determine whether it’s the right unit to meet your specific needs.

Eccotemp L10 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
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The Ecotemp L10 At A Glance

Top Perk > Versatility

The greatest attributes, which sets the EccoTemp L10 apart from its competitors is its versatility and ruggedness.

Although the Ecotemp L10 is seemingly designed for outdoor purposes, it can also be applied inside the home as a “point of use” water heater. This makes it the best option if you are looking for a unit that can fit into any occasion. It is packed with a good number of features that makes it highly effective and versatile.

This system is portable and performs really well in providing hot water on demand. You will find it invaluable if you are the type that loves camping outdoor or maybe you have a cabin in the woods.

With this unit, you don’t ever have to worry about raising goosebumps again due to cold water. You can enjoy the same luxurious kitchen or bathroom experience even while you are staying out in the cold.

  • 9/10
    Value - 9/10
  • 10/10
    Portability - 10/10
  • 8.6/10
    Efficiency - 8.6/10
  • 9/10
    Performance - 9/10
  • 8.6/10
    Construction - 8.6/10
  • 8.8/10
    Installation and Maintenance - 8.8/10
9/10

Eccotemp L10

  • Cost: $$$
  • Model Number: L10
  • Weight: 27 pounds
  • Size: 8 x 14 x 25.5 inches
  • Tank Support: Includes 9′ CSA approved gas regulator and hose for use on a standard 20lb grill style tank
  • Requirement: Includes stainless steel rain cap; 74,500 BTU’s
  • Safety: 20 minute automatic safety shutoff timer (resets when water stops, then starts again)
  • Gas type: Liquid propane, CSA regulator for use with standard 20 lb. grill propane tank
  • Power Source: Liquid propane
  • Water Flow Rate: 2.6 gallon per minute (GPM)
  • Maximum Pressure: 80 PSI
  • Similar model: L5
  • Warranty: Yes, 1 Year Warranty Heater

 

DETAILED REVIEW

Introduction

One of the challenges you are likely to face when you decide to stay outdoor for a while, especially during the cold season, is having enough hot water every time you need it. Whether it’s a camp or an old cabin structure in the woods, the fear of growing goosebumps when the “extra cold” water touches your skin will always be imminent whenever you want to do the dishes or take a shower. Luckily, there’s a way out; the best one at that.

By packing a tankless water heater along with your “essentials” you can still have the same bathroom and kitchen experience you at home while in the woods. Gone are the days of tanked water heaters. Who has the time and energy to bear such burden? With a tankless heater, you will be able to get hot water on demand to meet your needs.

One tankless heater we believe to be the best for outdoor applications especially in rugged situations like camping or cabin habitation, is the Eccotemp L10 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water heater. Believe it or not, this system is all that you will ever need when you are out there in the cold.

Powered by liquid propane and designed to withstand harsher conditions than most average outdoor heater, the Eccotemp L10 is one unit that promises to deliver continuous flow of hot water to meet your needs. It is specially designed for off-the-grid areas such as camps, cabins, farmhouses, lake homes, summer cottages, RVS and so on. Though the system is meant to be installed permanently in the outdoor, whenever it’s not going to be in service for a while, it’s advisable to dismantle for storage.

At a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, you would agree that this system is perfect to meet your outdoor shower and kitchen needs. You can use it with the standard 20 pounds liquid propane tank and enjoy the same luxurious kitchen or bathroom experience even while you are staying out in the cold.

A garden hose adapter is also provided with the appliance. After purchase, all you need to do is to connect the hose and your gas line, and you’re good to go…it does sound simple, right?

And don’t worry about the surrounding temperature getting too low, because this unit is built to operate even in extreme cold conditions.

We believe the Eccotemp L10 is the best propane water heater in the market right not, which is why we have it in our list of the best tankless heaters currently available.

Performance

The Ecotemp L10 relies on internal sensors and live burners to carry out its heating functions. The sensors detect the flow of the incoming water and then ignite the burners to heat it. This is not surprising considering the fact that this unit is powered by propane, and only requires 2 “D” cell batteries to ignite the flame.

Anyway, this is why it’s basically designed for the outdoor.

However, you need to be careful around the device because of the open flame it produces. But then, this shouldn’t be a big deal if you have any experience operating a stove, because there’s really not much difference between both scenarios.

Since this machine runs on batteries, you don’t need to be near a power outlet to get it working. Again, this is why it’s the best option for meeting your hot water needs when you’re leaving off-the-grid.

 

The Ecotemp L10 features a compact construction and weighs only 27 pounds which makes it easy and convenient to carry about. Like we indicated earlier, this unit is meant to be permanently installed out in the open and can be there for as long as 3 months even under harsh conditions below freeze temperatures.

And as expected, no additional venting is required to set up the unit.

 

Efficiency

In terms of efficiency, the Ecotemp L10 is better described as a power horse. This unit has a water flow rate of 2.65 GPM and a heating power of 74, 500 BTU which is quite a lot for an outdoor unit. So you can expect to get hot water on demand to meet all your outdoor needs, whether for shower or when doing the dishes.

This unit weighs 27 pounds and has a rated voltage and heat input of 3 volts and 20kw respectively. The rated efficiency is 85%.

Temperature of water can be anywhere between 800F to 1500F which is even more than what is obtainable from many indoor heaters. In order words, you can enjoy the same shower and kitchen experience you have indoor with the Ecotemp L10 when you are out in the cold.

Interestingly, this unit can handle simultaneous usage with little or no change in its flow rate. It all depends on how severe temperature is outside. So you can use hot water as the demand comes without ever worrying about decreased efficiency.

This unit also comes with a manual temperature control that enables you adjust temperature according to your specific needs. However, you can still accomplish this by altering the water flow.

This Ecotemp L10 also comes with an automatic shutoff timer which shuts off whenever the heater is not in use. This way, energy wastage is prevented.

Installation

Expectedly, installing the Ecotemp L10 is a breeze especially if you have any DIY skills. You don’t have to worry about messing up any venting system or complex circuitry; just connect your portable heater to your garden hose and you are ready to start using hot water.

An installation manual is provided with contain clear instructions with picture illustrations. Even if you are unskilled with electronics, you will feel like a pro after installing this unit.

The system comes with all the necessary fitting (NPT) and accessories you need to set it up right out of the box, so you don’t have to make extra orders for parts or visit any hardware store around. All you need is to have the right tools in place and get your propane tank ready and you are good to go.

See installation video here:

 

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Elegant design
  • Easy installation and maintenance
  • Electric ignition to avoid pilot light
  • Doesn’t require electricity
  • Comes with a safety shutoff
  • Powered by liquid propane and uses battery or electricity for ignition
  • Highly portable
  • Works well up to 5,500 feet elevation
  • Great customer care
  • Energy efficiency of 79%
  • Comes with a great warranty
  • Can handle any incoming water temperature
  • Works with standard garden hose and BBQ propane tanks

Cons

  • Takes 20 minutes to automatically shut off after use
  • Low water flow
  • Not suitable for permanent use
  • Reduced performance at low pressure
  • Water can take a little time to heat up

Frequently Ask Question

Q: How long does a 20 gallon propane tank last with this unit?
[su_spoiler title=”A: 3-6 months depending on usage, water flow and temperature.
Q: Can the 20 minute timer be bypassed?
A: Yes. Turn it off and then back on to reset the timer.
Q: Can this unit be installed inside the house even though it says outdoor?
A: Not this model. Eccotemp does make one for indoor use. Check their site.
Q: Will this unit work above 9000 feet elevation?
A: In the owners’ manual, it states they tested to 6000′ but do not recommend use above 4000′
Q: Does this work when temperatures drop to below freezing?
A: Yes it can as long as the water in the pipes is not frozen. When it freezes below about 20 you have to drain it to protect the coils.
Q: Is this water heater always consuming propane even if is not the hot water on
A: No. If the hot water is not running then the propane is not being used.
Q: How long will this run continuously?
A: 20 minutes.
Q: Will it work in an RV for the shower & sinks?
A: Yes, it will work fine.
Q: Does the water flow start when you press the button on the shower head, or does it automatically flow when you turn the water supply on?
A: Water flow starts when you turn shower head on.
Q: What is the energy star rating of this water heater?
A: This unit does not have an Energy Star rating.
Q: How many BTU's?
A: 74,000 BTU.
Q: What is the shipping dimension?
A: The shipping dimensions on the heater are 36″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H.
Q: Can this unit be mounted flat?
A: No way!
Q: can I use this to heat up a swimming pool?
A: No, it’s not recommended.
Q: Is it possible to vent from the side of the unit?
A: This unit cannot be vented from the side without modification. Any modification would void the warranty.
Q: Important. Does tank have window that shows the flame on the front of the unit?
A: Yes
Q: How many gallons per minute
A: The Eccotemp L10 Portable Tankless Water Heater delivers up to 2.6 GPM.
Q: For the complete installation, what is needed and what comes with the heater?
A: hook up water and gas. Every other thing is included.
Q: Could this be installed in a shed?
A: Yes but it will require venting.
Q: Is this unit for outdoor use?
A: Yes, it is.
Q: Does this unit have a pilot light?
A: No,it doesn’t. It fires with A spark.
Q: Can I use natural gas?
A: The Eccotemp L10 is not available as a NG model.
Q: Can this unit be mounted horizontal on the floor of an RV or does it have to be mounted upright?
A: It needs to be upright.
Q: Are the water connections NPT or G fittings?
A: They’re 1/2″ NPT.
Q: Is it possible to deactivate the 20 minute shutoff?
A: No.
Q: Does this freeze in the winter
A: Yes it will if it’s below freezing.
Q: What does the L10 mean?
A: L refers to litres. 10 refer to the flow rate per minute. You can figure out the rest.

 

The Bottom Line

If you’re not happy with your current water heater, then the Ecotemp L10 will make a good replacement. It is the best propane water heater for your outdoor shower. It comes at a price which is reasonable for a product of its quality and reputaion. As long as there’s water supply, it promises to deliver hot water on demand for as long as you need it.

Believe it or not, this unit is a good catch; one that will give you the best value for your money.

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