The electric tankless water heater is a kind of heating machine powered mainly by electricity. It is more flexible in installation spots and is able to provide constant hot water for you. In order to help to better choose tankless electric water heaters, we made a detailed tankless electric water heaters reviews for you.
What Is Best Electric Tankless Water Heater on the Market?
What Is Electric Tankless Water Heater?
The electric tankless water heater is a popular and widely used heating machine, electricity is served as the main power source. Compared with gas tankless water heater, it avoids the trouble of getting ventilation facilities, for no direct carbon dioxide is emitted.
6 Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters Reviews
Electric Tankless Water Heaters Reviews
1. Best Electric – Rheem RTEX-13 240V Heating Chamber Residential Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- 4gpm flow rate
The maximum flow rate of this unit reaches up to 4 gallons per minute, which is quite high among electric tankless water heaters. But as the power is low, it is perfect for single bathroom use only.
- Easy operating control panel
Led light and digital control panel make it super easy to operate, the temperature shows on the screen and can be adjusted by simple dial settings. Error codes readout for safety using.
- Short waiting time
It takes about only 15 seconds for hot water to hand sink, less cold water is wasted. Water temperature always stays stable in use, and there is no worry of running out hot water in taking a bath.
Pros:
- Money saver on using and installation
- Easy installation, only takes about one hour
- Less using cost on electricity bill
- The multi-stranded wire makes the connection much easier
- Cheap and affordable price
- Endless hot water supply
- Easy operate
- Perfect for studio family
Cons:
Perfect for one faucet or one bathroom use time only
2. Best For Small Home – EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- 80-140 degrees F temperature range
The temperature range of the heating machine is between 80 and 140 degrees F, which perfectly meets the demand for normal family use. But according to the customers’ reviews, the temperature can not be set as right as EcoSmart promises.
- 6 GPM flow rate
The flow rate of the heating machine is 6 gallons per minute in warm places; when it is used in cold weather or cold areas, it may drop to 3 gallons per minute. It is able to run two showers simultaneously and can work for whole-home in a middle or small size family.
- Easy operating control panel
Temperature is easy to be adjusted one increment so you get the most suitable one for your home and your needs. Self-modulating technology ensures heater draw energy only when using it.
Pros:
- Save about 50% in water heating cost
- Copper and stainless steel components
- Unit is well made, you can easily replace the heating elements
- Saves 12 cubic feet in installation
- Endless hot water supply
- Work for whole home
Cons:
Can not produce pipe hot water at a high flow rate
3. Best Efficient – Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 kW Electric Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- 5 gallons of water flow
This unit has the power to supply about 5 gallons of water per minute, so it is able to support two bathrooms use at the same time. It is able to raise water by 54 degrees F at 3 gallons per minute.
- High energy efficient
Energy-efficient reaches as high as 99%, thus seldom water and energy are wasted. It is regarded as the most technologically advanced electric water heater, built-in advanced flow control modules regulate the water pressure automatically.
- Stable temperature
The advanced flow control system is installed to control constant water temperature at different flow levels, which is quite suitable for people in need of occasional hot water, it can also be used for a commercial heater.
Pros:
- Commercial & residential use available both
- Self-modulating technology to save efficiently
- High-level electronic parts and reliable cover
- Quiet working condition
- Support full power modulation
- Ideal in an area where supplied water is under 45 degrees F
Cons:
Difficult to install, need 240v power and heavy-duty wiring
4. Best Point of Use – Bosch Tronic 2.5-Gallon Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
Features:
- Mini tank for point of use
The water flow of this unit is 2.5 gallons per minute, the compact and lightweight size enable you to install right under the sink for point of use. It can supply up to two sinks at the same time but is not suitable for bathroom use.
- Fast water flow
As it is installed point of use, the distance between tap and heater is extremely short, thus largely reduced the waiting time for hot water, less cold water is wasted and water bills can be reduced to a large extent.
- Simple use
It is easy to operate, you can just plug it into the outlet and no complicated machinery is required. Installation is super easy, takes about one hour and can be wall hung or floor mounted.
Pros:
- Fast recovery on hot water
- Easy installation and use
- Compact design
- Can be wall hung or floor mounted
- Easy to maintain and has a glass-lined tank for long service life
- Endless hot water
Cons:
- not suitable for large home use
- Lack of consistency of water temperature
5. Best For Portable – Sio Green SIO14 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- 3 GPM water flow
The flow rate of this tankless water heater is quite low, around 3 gallons per minute in minimum temperature, in cold regions, it is able to support one sink but not a shower. But in warm regions, it is capable of supporting one bathroom and one sink at the same time.
- No corrosion
It is made with patented technology, so it creates heat without direct contact with metals. It is the best point of use electric tankless water heater used for a tiny home or small homes. Endless hot water supplies and there is no worrying about running out of hot water.
- Compact shape
It weights light, only 26.9 pounds. You can use it anywhere you want because of its small compact shape. It uses 110 volts or 220 volt and advanced technology enables it to heat water only when need it.
Pros:
- Endless hot water supply
- Automatic power technology equipped
- Easy installation
- It can be used widely for RV, sink, and storage, etc.
- Little maintenance required
- No corrosion
Cons:
Temperature shows on degree C but not degree F
6. Best Smart – Marey ECO150 220V/240V-14.6kW Tankless Water Heater
Features:
- Little water pressure required
This unit needs small water pressure and can provide constant hot water. It requires 220v-240v and 70 amp double pole breaker.
- Easy operation
Smart technology is equipped inside the machine, easy and simple adjustment of LCD panel enables you to get demanded hot water temperature, less energy is wasted in the whole process.
- No standby loss
The heating machine heats water only when you need it, thus eliminates the standby energy consumption of conventional tank units.
Pros:
- Smart technology
- Suitable for small tiny home use or point of use
- Energy efficient
- Less electricity power required
- No standby loss
Cons:
Must be installed by plumber or electrician
What Should You Consider When Buying an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
If you are planning on purchasing an electric tankless water heater some of the essential aspects you should consider are:
· Power
When purchasing an electric tankless water heater, you should consider choosing the amount of power that will best suit your needs. Usually, most retailers sell electric tankless water heaters with voltages including; 110, 120, 208, 220, 240, and 277 voltages. The different range in voltage allows you to pick a model that will best suit your needs.
When it comes to amperage, different electric water heaters have several requirements in terms of amps draw. Therefore, you should consider ensuring that you will be capable of supporting the electrical demand for your new electric tankless water heater.
A circuit breaker is another vital aspect you will need to consider when purchasing a new electric tankless water heater. Always ensure that you have circuits or a circuit that will be capable of supporting your electric water heater. It is highly advisable to install your electric tankless water heater on its own circuits or circuit. In case you would like more clarification on this, you might consider contacting your brand or any licensed electrician for better assistance.
· Size
In addition to size, your location and demand are the main aspects you will need to consider when purchasing a tankless water heater. You should consider assessing the location in which you would want your hot water. For size, you should consider evaluating the number of fixtures that will be requiring hot water; usually, every fixture has its demand. Moreover, the flow rate is a vital feature you will need to consider since tankless water heaters are well-known in generating temperatures in accordance with the flow rate demanded. Therefore, you should always go for the size that will best suit your needs.
· Application
Some of the applications associated with electric tankless water heaters include; thermostatic, whole house outdoor use, whole-house indoor use, and single point application. In thermostatic application, the electric tankless water heater acts as a booster for temperature loss which is associated with sanitation, long pipes, and dishwashers. This application is ideal for areas where precise temperature control is required, such as hospitals, schools, and laboratories.
The whole house outdoor use application and whole-house indoor use applications are designed to help in serving an apartment, an entire house, cabin, or a condo that are equipped with multiple points of use. On the other hand, a single point application is ideal for places where a single fixture is required.
The Most Important Features of Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Some of the vital features you will need to consider when purchasing an electric tankless water heater include;
· Flow rate
Flow rates usually determine how efficient an electrical tankless water system really is, and it is often measured in GPM or gallons per minute. The gallons per minute number will help you to determine whether or not the specific electric tankless water heater unit will be suitable for your home. The gallons per minute flow rate tends to represent the amount of water a particular water heater can heat within a minute. As a result, the flow rate is by far, one of the most essential feature one need to consider when purchasing an electric tankless water heater.
· Energy efficiency
An electric tankless water heater offers incredible energy efficiency compared to the conventional system via the self-modulating technology that uses the least possible energy in heating up your water. Usually, the self-modulating technology allows a tankless water heater unit to activate within a flow rate of approximately 0.25 GPM, and then it modulates the energy consumption in accordance with the temperature of your water hence offering maximum efficiency. Once the water ceases to flow, the system will cut off alimentation with the energy. Therefore, an electric tankless water heater equipped with self-modulating technology will help in reducing your water bill by approximately 60% and your electrical bill by 20%.
· Heating power
Electric water heaters have been designed to heat your water instantly, and it requires an incredibly high surge load to carry that out. Usually, most electric tankless water heater units will require either 208 or 240 volts single-phase circuits along with sufficient amperage to aid in supporting the operation. Usually, the exact amount of power required for a system will highly depend on the flow rate of the unit as well as its heating capacity. Furthermore, a small, medium and large heater that runs on 240 voltages will require 50 amps, 100 amps, and 150 amps respectively.
Electric Tankless Water Heater Pros And Cons
-Pros:
1. Support constantly hot water
One feature of an electric tankless hot water heater is that it is able to support endless hot water for you. Unlike the tank water heater, no water is stored in the tank. So you do not need to worry about running out of hot water any longer.
2. Energy efficient
All the electric tankless hot water heater starts working only when you use hot water, thus it is able to save 60% energy cost compared with a tank water heater.
3. Environmental friendly
The heating time and using time are quite short, so there is less electricity used in the whole working process, thus it proves to be an eco-friendly type.
4. Easy installation
As it is powered by electricity, there is no need to install venting kits, so you can install it anywhere you want. It is able to be installed either indoor and outdoor based on your needs.
5. Space Saver
The tankless water heater is designed to be compact and light-weighted because it has no tank, it occupies an only small piece of land of yours. Even for a small tiny home, electric tankless hot water can still be installed and used.
-Cons:
Low water flow
The electric tankless water heater is normally not as powerful as natural gas tankless water heater, for most of the times, several electric types equal to one gas type. The average flow rate of it is around 2.5 gallons per minute, able to meet the demand of one bathroom use only. Therefore, most of the electric tankless water heaters are used point of use.
How to Buy the Best Electric Tankless Water Heater?
Top electric tankless water heaters are able to save a large number of user costs for you, and they are more energy-efficient. Price is the primary thing that you should and would consider most, but there are also many other factors that need to be taken into consideration.
1. Size
Tankless water heaters do not need a tank for preheating, that you do not need to worry about the capacity. You should estimate the average water amount your home need per day, and choose the suitable one based on it.
2. Flow rate
The flow rate of the electric tankless hot water heater represents the power of the heating machine, and also gallons of water it provides per minute, known as GPM. Besides, you should also pay attention to the British Thermal Units (BTU), normally the higher BTU is, the larger flow rate is.
3. Energy efficiency
High energy-efficient tankless electric water heater saves about 60% energy costs for you each month, and heating bills will be saved to a large extent accordingly. The normal thermal efficiency of an electric tankless water heater is 78-85%.
4. Location
You should choose the best electric tankless water heater based on your home location, if you live somewhere cold, then you need to get a large water flow type, for the temperature and flow rate will frequently drop 2-3 GPM when in cold areas.
5. Smart functions
Many smart functions such as self-diagnostic and overheat sensor etc help to turn off the machine automatically in dangerous situations. For outdoor installation, there should also be freeze protection, especially in cold areas.
Electric Tankless Water Heater Cost
Electric tankless water heater costs include two aspects, one is the price of the heating machine, while the other is using costs.
1. Electric tankless water heater prices
Compared with gas or propane tankless water heater, the electric type is much cheaper, because most of which is the point of use design, power, and flow rate are not so large. Therefore if you are short of budget, you may consider buying an electric tankless water heater. Most of them are under $1000.
2. Using costs
It is actually the key factor you should think about selecting. The upfront price of the electric tankless water heater is quite cheaper, but the installation costs, maintenance costs as well as heating costs are higher than gas tankless water heaters.
Electric heaters need to be installed by professionals if you lack the knowledge, and it needs regular maintenance. Thus the whole using costs are relatively high.
Top 3 Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Rheem RTEX-13 240V Tankless Water Heater – Best selling type
- EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Best one for middle or tiny home use
- Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 Tankless Water Heater – The most technologically advanced type
Types of Electric Tankless Water Heaters
1. Whole-house tankless water heaters
In daily life, you may need hot water in both bathrooms for taking a bath and in the kitchen for dishes washing. In such a situation, you need to get a whole-house tankless water heater, only one heating machine meets all your demand for hot water for the whole house. But of course the different size of home suits different whole-house heaters. For a large family with three or four bathrooms, you need to get a large flow type. And a small one is perfect for a tiny home with one bathroom only.
2. Portable electric tankless water heaters
Portable tankless water heaters weight light and have a small flow rate, they can be carried and installed anywhere. They are perfect for camping and traveling. You can also use it on RV (recreational vehicle). we have made detailed reviews on portable electric tankless water heaters, you can check it for more information if you have an interest.
3. Outdoor electric tankless water heaters
Outdoor tankless water heaters are installed outdoor, on the outside wall of the bathroom. They are mostly installed with freeze protection systems, helps to produce machines from being frozen by bad weather. Some are also equipped with an enclosure such as rain cap, to prolong service life outdoor electric tankless water heater as much as possible.
Electric vs Gas Tankless Water Heater
1. Energy efficient
Electric tankless water heaters and gas tankless water heaters on the market now are normally designed into energy efficient types, but gas tankless water heaters are 3 times more efficient than the electric type.
2. Price
The purchasing price of an electric tankless water heater is far cheaper than gas type, it is perfect for small budget family use. But for long terms of use, using the costs of gas tankless water heater is relatively cheaper. So basically the whole costs of two types of heaters are the same, one takes much upfront, while the other needs more money on maintenance and heating bills in later use.
3. Installation
The electric tankless water heater is more flexibility in installation, it is not subjected to the pipeline or ventilation system. Thus you can install it anywhere you want. But as for gas tankless water heater, you need to consider ventilation.
4. Power and flow rate
The electric tankless hot water heater is less powerful, and the average flow rate is only around 3 gallons per minute, while the gas tankless water heater is more powerful, it is able to support multiple bathrooms and faucets the same time. Some of the gas heaters reach as large as 9 gallons per minute.
5. Environmental friendly
The gas tankless water heater uses natural gas or propane as a major power, they are both clean sources and do little harm to the environment, but also carbon dioxide is emitted in using period. On the other hand, the electric tankless water heater does not directly emit CO2 but still has a bad influence on the environment if used for a long time.
How Does an Electric Tankless Water Heater Heat Water?
Electric tankless water heaters work by heating water directly without having to use any storage tank. Whenever you turn on your hot water, the cold water will travel into the unit where it will be heated up. This means that an electric tankless water heater will continuously be delivering hot water.
Where to Use Your Tankless Electric Water System
Usually, an electric tankless water heater is relatively small in size; this means that you can install them in a small space including the under-stairs storage areas, pantries, closet, or under the sink. However, you should be careful for you to ensure that the water heater is in a convenient and safe place in case of any maintenance required. You should note that they are meant for indoor installation only.
When Not to Use a Tankless Electric Water Heater
An electric tankless water heater has been designed to supply hot water when needed; however, the supply is not unlimited. The amount of water being heated is ideal for a single individual who is washing dishes or taking a shower. This means that, when someone is taking a shower, you should avoid using a tankless electric shower in carrying out there activities such as washing dishes. This is because it has not been equipped to keep up with that; therefore, you should consider using one unit for one activity.
How to Properly Size an Electric Tankless Water Heater
Knowing the gallons per minute rate of your electric tankless water heater is not enough. For you to determine the perfect size, you will have to consider the environment you live within along with the demand for hot water in your home.
One of the easiest ways to determine the number of gallons per minute you will require, you should consider calculating the peak water demand in your household. Peak water demand means the amount of hot water consumption which should be calculated in gallons per minute when using hot water with multiple fixtures along with appliances at a time.
The modern fixtures, as well as appliances, tend to have this vital information disclosed in their manual. However, if you don’t have them you might consider using this; the bathroom or kitchen appliances hot water demand is 0.75 to 2.5 gallons per minute. Shower appliances have a hot water demand of 1.2 to 3.5 gallons per minute while the dishwasher hot water demand is 1 to 2 gallons per minute. The washing machine and tub have hot water demand of 2 and 4 gallons per minute respectively.
You should note that old fixtures and appliances tend to use more water compared to new ones; therefore, you will be able to get accurate data of GPM demand when you time the amount of time taken to fill a one-gallon bucket.
The Costs that Come with an Electric Tankless Water Heater
You will be able to save money while using an electric tankless water heater; however, initial costs tend to be higher than their counterparts tank water heaters. Tankless water heater tends to cost three times more compared to storage heaters. In addition to purchasing an electric tankless water heater, installing it is much more expensive compared to the traditional water heaters. Installing your electric tankless water heater can cost twice as much compared to storage haters; however, this will highly depend on the unit you purchase.
How Efficient Are Electric Tankless Water Heaters?
Electric tankless water heaters are capable of achieving a thermal efficiency rating of 99%. This means that electric tankless water heaters are highly efficient and that 99% of the electricity is used in warming up your water. As a result, you will be able to save a significant amount of energy while using an electric tankless water heater; saving you up to 50% on water heating bills.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters Maintenance
The best part of using an electric water heater is that they are relatively easy to maintain. Furthermore, with an electric heater, you will only have to carry out maintenance at least once a year. If your unit is set to the highest temperature, you will have to carry out maintenance after six months.
Electric Tankless Water heater Problems
1. Expensive
The purchasing price of an electric tankless water heater is not so high, some even take no more than $500, but for some situations, you need to change the wiring system of your home and it takes a large amount of money, not to say the professional installation. Using costs of electric tankless water heater is also not a small deal, though equipped with the high energy-efficient system, the heating costs and water bills are still higher than gas or propane type.
2. Not effective in cold areas
When it is used in cold areas, you may find it not so cost-effective. The temperature and flow rate will drop in cold weather, the original flow rate of it is quite low, so it may not able to support whole house use there.
Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation
Electric tankless water heater installation is not an easy task, the working performance of heater is to a large extent closely related to its installation, if it operates wrong, it may leak out or gets broken easily. So followings are the tips in the installation:
1. Most of the electric tankless water heaters are indoor installation only, it can be installed outdoor if allowed by manufacturers. But make sure there is enclosure outside the machine for outdoor installation or constantly severe weather such as rain and wind will do permanent harm to the heating machine and shorten the service life of it.
2. For indoor installation, it is better to be installed near the application fixture or main power panel. The distance between heater and tap determines to wait time for hot water, and longer waiting time represents higher water bills. Thus if you install it near the point of use, you can use hot water in a few seconds and less cold water is wasted. Besides, when you intend to install it far from the power panel, it means you need to get more tubes on the connection.
3. If an electric tankless water heater is installed in the bathroom, make sure there is a safe distance between machine and shower head, make sure it keeps dry and do not get water on it. And better to install it where it is ventilating and far from moist areas.
4. The electric tankless hot water heater should be installed somewhere that is accessible. Make sure you are able to reach and operate easily.
5. Always follow the instructions and use the heating machine safely, do not cover anything on the heaters.
FAQ:
1. Can electric tankless water heater be installed outdoor?
Some of them can be installed outdoor if marked on installation instructions. But make sure that there are enclosure devices outside to protect the machine.
2. Are electric tankless water heaters worth it?
Electric tankless water heaters are energy efficient and have long using life, they last about 20 years with little maintenance. Therefore, if you do not have enough money or do not have a pipeline at home, you can choose electric tankless water heaters. The high quality and high energy efficient electric tankless water heaters are totally worth the price.
3. How good are electric tankless water heaters?
Electric tankless water heaters weight light, they can be highly energy-efficient and space saver. You can install it anywhere you want and it saves money in buying and installing a ventilation system.
For the heating machine or other household appliances, there is no best one but the best suitable one, only the machine fits your needs most can be regarded as best. So you should consider the actual needs of yours and choose the most suitable one.
4. Does electric tankless water heater need ventilation?
No, only propane or gas tankless water heaters need ventilation.
5. Are electric tankless water heaters money saver?
Of course, they are, electric tankless water heaters are able to save 60% energy and 30% money cost at home per month.
6. Do I need special faucets for an electric tankless water heater?
Since electric tankless water heaters are highly susceptible to failure due to hard water, you might be required to upgrade some features, including the faucet. This means that you will only require special taps if you live in an area with hard water. However, if you live within an area with soft water, there will be no need for changing your faucets since they have been designed to fit perfectly with your electric tankless water heater.
7. What is the biggest benefit of an electric water heater?
When it comes to using an electric water heater, the most common advantage associated with it is the lower cost of purchase. Compared to its counterpart, the gas tankless water heater, the electric water heater is less expensive. Some gas units tend to be twice the price of an electric unit. In addition to being affordable, an electric tankless water heater tends to save water and electricity bills significantly.
8. Will this device work on my home’s current electric system?
Usually, an electric tankless water heater requires substantial as well as expensive upgrades in your system. For instance, a unit with four 7,000 watts element has a total electrical load of 28,000. The extra load will require a minimum of 120 amps in which an average home is equipped with a capacity of 200 amps. This means that you will need an upgrade; this upgrade might cost you up to $1,500. Furthermore, an electric tankless water heater will require additional equipment that will be installed at the meter base, and it will cost you approximately $2,000.
9. Why choose electricity over gas?
When compared to gas units, electric tankless water heaters are said to be safe since they do not burn any fuel in order to generate heat. Therefore, this eliminates all the risks such as explosion and carbon monoxide emission. Furthermore, gas units are more expensive and produce noises, unlike electric units.
10. Is an electric tankless system the best system for your home?
If you are an individual who is looking to save both electricity and water bills, then an electric tankless water heater will be best for you. In addition, to be a great way to save some cash, electric tankless water heaters are eco-friendly, which makes them a significant investment that will help in cutting down your carbon footprint.
11. Are electric tankless water heaters any good?
There is no doubt that electric tankless water heaters are great devices worth investing in; they have an excellent rating when it comes to energy efficiency. As a result, you will be able to heat up your water in a much shorter time and at a very affordable cost. Electric tankless water heaters are rated as the best in terms of energy efficiency when compared to their counterpart gas tankless water heaters. Therefore, this makes them a great device worth investing in.
12. What are the other names for these systems?
Electric tankless water heaters are also referred to as demand-type or instantaneous water heater, and they have been designed to offer hot water when needed. The best part of using this unit is that it does not have a standby energy loss that is often associated with the storage water heaters; hence you will be able to save a significant amount of money.
Summary:
All the recommended best electric tankless water heaters above are of different types, some can be used for a large family, some may be used only for a point of use, while there are still some equipped with high technology. On selecting and buying a top-rated electric tankless water heater, you need to think more about your actual needs and budget.
To sum up, we selected three best electric tankless water heaters for you as follow:
| Best Type | Tankless Water Heater |
| Best selling type | Rheem RTEX-13 240V Tankless Water Heater |
| Best one for middle or tiny home use | EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater |
| The most technologically advanced type | Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 Tankless Water Heater |
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