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Do you want hot water to take a shower but are afraid of paying high energy bills?
If you are, then you are not alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s possible to get hot water without spending a fortune running it.
In this article, we cover the best electric tankless water heater you can buy, which saves you money while giving you optimum hot water.
There are several factors when choosing a hot water heater. This in-depth buying guide and the extensive product review will help you choose the tankless water heater as per your need.
Quick Picks
We may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, when you buy from our link to support us. More
Premium
EcoSmart ECO
This best electric tankless water heater saves up to 60 percent water heating cost than the regular water heater.
Best Overall
Bosch Mini-Tank
One of the most portable electric tankless water heaters which can be installed in RVs and homes. The self-adjusting heating provides the optimal hot water flow.
Best Value
Ecotouch Tankless
A sleek and modern-looking tankless water heater that provides performance without costing a fortune.
5 Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
Product
Name
Detail
Price
- 7 Gallon
- 0.37 to 0.77 GPM
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for the best electric tankless water heater is the Ecosmart Electric tankless water heater. It’s a high energy-efficient water heater which saves up to 60 percent heating cost than the conventional water heater.
The self-adjusting heating provides the optimal hot water flow. Compact and modern design makes it ideal to use in an apartment or bigger houses. It comes with a remote control to easily adjust the desired temperature.
What is an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
An electric tankless water heater provides continuous hot water without using any storage tank. It’s an on-demand water heater, which when powered on, heat the water as the water flows through the heater.
This process is different than other conventional heater types. For example, in storage tank heating, the water is first stored in the tank and then heated.
The downside with this type of heating is that once you used hot water, you have to wait for it to refill the storage tank and let it warm up the water again.
The tankless water heaters don’t have such issues since it continuously warms the running water. The amount of hot water you can get from the tankless heater is dependent on the water flow rate.
What to consider when buying Electric Tankless Water Heater
Hot Water Flow rate
The water flow rate determines how much water you can have for a shower. For an average family size of 3-4 people choose a 1.08 GPM capacity heater.
Digital Display
A bold temperature digital display lets you know the current hot water temperature setting. It makes it easy to control the water temperature.
Easy Clean
A water heater that has a removable filter or option to quickly open the tank helps you clean any mineral or residual buildup inside.
Have a question about buying an electric tankless water heater? Contact us
Electric Tankless Water Heater Reviews
Best on our findings, we’ve found these to be the best electric tankless water heaters.
Any of these water heaters would make a fine choice to get hot water without any trouble – see what sounds best as per your needs.
1. Rheem Electric Tankless Water Heater
Rheem’s water heater is an efficient tankless water heater that can be used both indoor and outdoor. It can provide simultaneous hot water to 2 showers and 2 faucets.
The unit itself has a straightforward design and is easy to install. The compact design of the water heater allows you to connect it to any small to medium size space.
The water heater’s self-modulator adjusts the power to provide the desired water temperature. There are two highly efficient copper heating elements that can provide 4.4 gallons per minute of hot water flow.
You can control the water temperature from 80 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit with a 1-degree increment.
You can set your desired water temperature with a simple turn of a knob. With its wide range of temperature settings and 99.8% energy efficiency, it saves on the power bill.
See More information on Rheem Electric Tankless Water Heater
Pros
Cons
2. Ecosmart Electric Tankless Water Heater
Ecosmart electric tankless water heater is a highly efficient water heater that saves up to 60 percent water heating cost.
It has a self-adjusting heating controller which provides optimal hot water. The compact and modern design of the tankless water heater makes it perfect to use in small apartments or bigger houses.
At an outside temperature of 67-degree Fahrenheit and above, it can provide hot water up to 2 gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate. You can use it for multiple hot water supplies or a single application based on your need.
The robust internal water heating process is sufficient to provide hot water to two sinks and one shower simultaneously. This means in your house; a person can take a shower while someone else can use two pans at the same time without losing access to hot water.
There are different models available based on 8 Kilowatt to 36-Kilowatt power rating. A higher power rating provides more hot water. Choose the size based on your family size and hot water needs.
The installation of the Ecosmart electric tankless water heater is simple. The product manual comes with detailed installation instructions.
For example, to install an ECO 11 mode heater, you will need a 125-amp electrical panel for power input with one 60-amp double pole breaker connection.
For water connection and plumbing, you will need 1/2” compression fittings and an optional 1/2” NPT adapter (included).
It comes with a remote to control the temperature and flow of the water. It’s one of the best electric tankless heaters for the whole house.
See More information on Ecosmart Electric Tankless Water Heater
Pros
Cons
3. Bosch RV Electric Tankless Water Heater
If you are searching for a portable electric tankless water heater that can be installed in RV, then look no further. Bosch electric tankless water heater is a convenient and compact size water heater.
It provides up to 7 gallons per minute of hot water flow, and the small compact design allows you to fit it right under the sink. It’s a point-of-use electric tankless water heater system and comes in three different sizes:
2.5 Gallon Mini Tank (ES2.5)
4 Gallon Mini Tank (ES4)
7 Gallon Mini Tank (ES8)
Multiple water heating size options provide hot water for a family of 5 and above. The quick heat technology heats water right when you need it.
The compact and lightweight design of the heater allows you to install it on the floor, shelf or wall mount it (except the 7-gallon model).
It’s also a perfect tankless water heater for outdoor vehicles such as RVs. You can install it closer to the sink or under the sink which saves precious indoor RV space.
You can use it as a standalone heating source near a single sink or can supplement it with an existing heater. The high energy-efficient heating system means it uses less electricity and saves the heating bill.
See More information on Bosch RV Electric Tankless Water Heater
Pros
Cons
4. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
Stiebel Eltron is an electric tankless water heater with a sleek design and high-power heater. The small and compact design allows it to install in any tighter space and doesn’t need ventilation.
Compared to other heaters, it uses 15 to 20% less heating energy, which means more savings on electricity bills. Its 99% energy efficiency factor has one of the highest ratings among the electric tankless water heater.
It’s expensive to buy but cheaper to run. This means once you recoup the initial investment, it will be far less costly to use for a more extended period.
There are two series of Stiebel water heaters, Tempra and Tempra plus. Both sets come with different water heating capacities. If you plan to use the tankless heater for the whole house, use a 29 or 36 model as it can provide over 4 gallons per minute of water flow.
The main difference between the Tempra and Tempra plus is the use of advanced flow technology in the Tempra plus model. The advanced flow control in the plus model self-maintains constant water temperature.
You can install it to provide hot water supplies to the multiple bathrooms and kitchen without getting a slowdown in hot water flow. The product manual comes with detailed installation instruction, which is easy to follow.
The bright LED unit at the front displays the water temperature. You can also set the water temperature by using a temperature-setting knob.
The device is easy to maintain and very energy efficient. The unit uses copper sheathed heating elements which are housed in the copper cylinder for efficient heat transfer.
This electric tankless heater comes with a 7-year leakage and 3 years parts warranty. It’s ideal for a whole house electric tankless water heater.
See More information on Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
Pros
Cons
5. ECO TOUCH Electric Tankless Water Heater
Eco touch water heater is an under $150 electric tankless water heater. It has a sleek look with a bright LED temperature display at the front.
The 5.5 KW electrical heating system provides hot water with a flip of a button in a short time. It’s a point-of-use water heating system that you can install near the sink for instant and endless hot water use.
The unique design and interior lining make it highly thermally efficient, which saves on electricity. It can provide hot water up to 1.2 gallons per minute flow rate at 60-degree Fahrenheit to 109-degree Fahrenheit temperature range.
This means no waiting to preheat the water or standby energy loss. The tankless design of the heater means you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water. The smart modulation of electrical control adjusts the power to stable temperature water.
The heater self-adjusts the power based on the water temperature and flow rate. This means you get the optimal temperature for regular use.
The electric tank has a sleek and compact design which allows you to install it anywhere near the sink. The unit comes with multiple safety protections. For example, over-temperature control, dry heating protection, leakage protection, and separate water and electricity line.
The Installation is effortless as it comes with detailed instruction. The installing hardware is included.
See More information on ECOTOUCH Electric Tankless Water Heater
Pros
Cons
Gas Vs. Electric Tankless Water Heater: What’s The Difference
The main difference between Gas vs. electric tankless water heaters is a different heating source and the heat transfer efficiency. The more efficient the heating source, the faster and more hot water you will get.
The output of hot water depends on the water flow rate, which is the speed of the water flows inside the pipe. A tankless water heater provides 2 to 5 gallons (7.5 to 15 liters) of water per minute.
The gas-powered tankless water heater provides more hot water per minute than the electric tankless water heater. So, for high hot water usage, for example, taking a shower and washing dishes, the gas tankless water heater is more suitable.
But the gas-powered tankless water heaters are bulky and need a secure connection of gas line to the water heater. The electric water heater is compact and can be easily installed.
For high hot water usage, you can break down your task so you can get enough hot water for each activity or install multiple heaters.
There are several benefits of using an electric heater over a gas heater. Here are common reasons you should choose electricity over gas.
- Cheaper and simple installation of electric heater
- No fumes or risk of carbon monoxide generation
- No drastic ventilation modification required in your home
- Highly portable and energy efficient as you can use solar panels in outdoor areas
- Long lasting as there are no combustible parts
Types of Water Heater
Before you go out and buy a tankless water heater, it’s essential to know the different types of the water heaters so you can pick the right one.
There are different types of water heaters based on the heating source and the storage types. Some common types of water heaters are:
Storage Tank Water Heater
This is the most common type of water heater. The water is stored in an insulated tank, and then it’s heated and stored till required.
It’s mostly heated by natural gas as it’s cheaper than electricity but has a higher upfront cost.
Hybrid Water Heater
The hybrid water heater uses hot air to heat the water. These are highly efficient and use up to 65 percent less energy than regular heaters.
The downside of a hybrid water heater is that you can’t use it in cold spaces
Tankless Water Heater
The heating coil inside the panel heats the water as cold water pass through it. There is no storage tank, so it provides limited hot water flow. Depending on the input water temperature, the hot water output may vary a bit.
Condensing Water Heater
This is a large-capacity storage water tank, often more than 55 gallons. These heating tanks use gas to heat the water.
The hot burned gas fumes are recirculated through the pipe and pass through the water to transfer the fuming heat. This increases the heating efficiency of the tank.
Solar Water Heater
The solar water uses solar lights to heat the water. This saves money as you don’t have to use electricity or gas to heat the water. But its use is limited to summer days or sunny areas.
Benefits of Electric Tankless Water Heater
There are several benefits of an electric tankless water heater. Some of the common benefits are:
Eco-Friendly
Tankless water heater only heats the water when required. This is better than the storage tank system where you have to store the hot water and keep it warm whether you use the water or not.
The on-demand heating reduces the carbon footprint as you only use energy when you need it.
Compact Space
The electric tankless water heater is a compact size. This is because there is no storage tank to hold the water. The small size of the tankless heater allows you to fit it anywhere.
Unlike the tank water storage system which has to be placed on the floor, you can wall-mount the electric tankless water heater which saves space.
Increased Life
The tankless water heaters are durable and last longer. This is due to a simple design layout and a less complicated operating process.
Some good quality electric tankless water heaters may last up to 20 to 25 years whereas the tank heater lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Safer To Use
There is no storing of hot water, which removes the risk of bursting the tank due to corrosion or high pressure. You can easily clean the heating pipes in the electric water heater, which makes it far safer to use.
Saves Energy
Electric tankless water heater saves on the energy bill as you only use it when you need hot water. This is far more economical than maintaining constant heat in the storage tank, which continuously loses heat.
Continuous Hot Water
With an electric tankless heater, you can get uninterrupted hot water. This is far different than a storage-tank water heater where your use is limited based on the tank size.
Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost
The price is an essential factor when buying any appliance. The installation cost includes the purchase of the unit and the labor to install the device properly.
You may be tempted to install it yourself and save the labor rate of professional installation. But if you don’t have any expertise or required skill in installing a water heating units, then you should not take a risk and let the professional do the job.
Some manufacturers and retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, or Costco provide you with either free or reduced-price installation service when you purchase the heating unit. Explore this option, as you may be able to get a massive discount on professional installation costs.
You can also look at your local directory to find a qualified plumber or installer at a reasonable price. Always get the written quote and research some reviews or ask for references before hiring the technician.
The cost may vary depending on the time it will take to install the unit. It’s dependent on the place’s home layout. Many installers charge $110 to $150 per hour, and in most cases, it may need a minimum of 3 hours to install the water heater.
How To Choose The Best Electric Tankless Water Heater
There are different types of electric tankless water heaters available in the market. We have reviewed some of the best kinds of tankless water heaters, and you can choose them based on the following factors.
Hot Water Flow Rate
Look out the water flow rate reading on the water heater based on your need. For a more prominent family or if you need something where you can have multiple uses then pick a water heater with higher hot water output.
Here is a typical family water usage.
| Family Size | High Demand (Gallon/Hr) | Low Demand (Gallon/Hr) | Gallon / Minute |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5+ | 80 | 80 | 1.34 GPM |
| 3-4 | 80 | 50 | 1.08 GPM |
| 2-3 | 50 | 40 | 0.75 GPM |
| 1-2 | 40 | 30 | 0.58 GPM |
Reduced Mineral Buildup
Water contains minerals which, when heated, tend to stick around the heating source. This water scale buildup reduces the heating efficiency and the life of the heater.
Look for the heating model which allows the easy cleanup option or contains an anti-scale device to reduce the mineral buildup.
Digital Display
A display of the water temperature and other specifications can help you monitor and customize the water heating.
This adds efficiency and increases the flexibility in using the heater.
Heating Capacity
There are two common types of an electric tankless water heaters. The “whole house” tankless water heater and the “point of use” water heaters. The whole house tankless water heater is more prominent and allows several outlets to provide hot water for different use.
The point of use water heater is small and provide a single outlet to get the hot water. You may pick either option based on the water usage.
Also, if you are using a whole house tankless water heater, try to install it closer to the water faucet. It will reduce the hot water travel time as the farther the travel time, the more chance the water will lose the heat.
Water Temperature
The maximum water temperature rating tells you how hot water you can get. Most of the time, you want the water to be in a comfortable heated range.
But if you are planning to use a water heater for multiple other purposes such as dishwashing and cleaning, then you may choose to have a higher degree temperature range.
Electric Tankless Water Heater Drawbacks
We have seen the several usage and benefits of a tankless water heater. But in certain conditions, it might not be ideal to use a tankless water system.
Here are some of the shortcomings of the tankless water heater which you need to be aware of.
- Flat or limited hot water flow rate as compared to a storage tank water heater. This means you have to wait longer if you need deep hot water.
- The hot water is dependent on the input water temperature. If you are living in colder areas or in a cold weather season, the water will be below average temperature. This means you got to wait longer to get the hot water. You may overcome this drawback by installing larger size tankless water heater system.
- Tankless water heater requires a longer time to deliver hot water. In a hot water storage tank, the hot water is always ready to be used. Whereas the tankless water heater has to heat the heating unit first before it starts delivering hot water.
- Tankless water heater gives you a burst of cold water when the water is turned off. It’s due to leftover water in the pipe which did not get warmed up.
- Hard water, which contains higher mineral level, reduces the life of tankless water heater. Not many manufacturers cover it under warranty. So, you often have to clean and flush the tankless water system actively.
Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation
Some small size and simple electrical tankless water heater can be installed by yourself. If you are a DIY type of handy person, then read the instruction manual regarding the installation.
Most of the manuals contain detailed installation diagram and procedures. You can follow it to install the electric tankless water heater.
First, before you install, check that you have all the necessary parts and screws in the heater box. Then find the location where you want to install the heater.
To save energy and not waste it in transferring hot water over a long distance, install the heater closer to the water usage place.
You will need a tool such as a power drill, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, pipes, caulk, pipe insulation, and metals ducts to install the water heater.
Here is the installation process of the EcoSmart Tankless water heater system.
As a safety measure, keep the main water pipe turned off and don’t plug the power cable into an electrical outlet. Check first, if everything is installed correctly. Double-check to prevent any flooding or short-circuiting.
Alternative To The Electric Tankless Water Heater
If your primary objective with an electric tankless water heater is to save on energy costs, there is also an alternative to it if you live in a warmer area. You can use an electric heat pump.
The electric heat pumps are placed on top of the water heater, which captures the hot room air and directs it to the water. This helps heat the water without using any heat source and saves electricity.
As a backup measure, the heat pump also has heating elements if the room temperature is low. These pumps have low operating costs but have a higher upfront investment. But it pays off in electricity savings within a year.
To install the heat pump, make sure you have a higher roof and enough clearance to place the heat pump on top of the storage tank.
Outdoor Electric Tankless Water Heater
If you don’t have enough room or space inside the house, then you can choose the outdoor electric tankless water heater. These heaters have a more compact design and are sealed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
To prevent the outdoor electric water heater from rain, sun, and cold weather, install it under the shed or keep it covered. This increases the life of the heating unit.
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