A cold sink or shower is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. You can’t even wash your hands effectively with cold water, let alone wash dishes or take a decent shower. So, when your hot water is shot it’s an absolute nightmare!
Luckily, getting a new water heater is easier than it ever has been, not to mention a much better value purchase.
Why’s that?
Well, because electric tankless water heaters are readily available these days, of course!
They’re:
- Easy to install
- Can be ordered online
- Provide hot water on demand for your sink, shower, or in some cases the whole home
- and much more…
Electric tankless water heaters have a few main advantages over traditional storage heaters. Let’s take a look.
Space-Saving Models
Firstly, electric tankless water heaters are much, much smaller than a heater with a tank. In fact, they can usually be mounted on any wall with very little labour, and fit in mist cupboards. Point of use filters can often be installed under sinks, or high up where they are unlikely to be noticed.
Exceptionally Energy-Efficient
Secondly, when compared to other types of water heater an electric tankless system saves a huge amount of power and in turn a huge amount of money. When you replace a storage heater with an electric tankless heater, you will usually see your power bills drop by around 30-50%.
Hot Water On Demand
Finally, an electric tankless water heater means you have hot water on demand. There’s no waiting time while a tank fills, and you never run out of hot water. Modern models like those on this list are all self modulating, too, which not only keeps water at a constant steady temperature but also means energy is never wasted.
Here is a handy table that covers the features of each of the electric tankless water heaters on this list, making it easy for you to compare them and decide which will work for you.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters in 2022
[amazon_product_table]
And now, a little more detail on each of these top rated electric tankless water heater models.
1. Stiebel Eltron – Best Space and Energy Saver
This German-engineered water heater from Stiebel Eltron provides enough hot water for the whole home, and yet it’s small, compact and almost silent.
- A whole home electric tankless water heater, suitable for most apartments and houses
- Comes with great warranties
- No standby losses and low power usage
- The savings monitor is a great feature
- This is a high price point bit of kit, though it will save money in the long run
- Can be a little tricky to install
A digital display means you can very carefully control temperature, and pre-set temperature button options means you can quickly switch between the various water temperatures you might need at home.
Advanced flow control means that the right amount of water is always heated to the right temperature. Essentially, no cold showers, no matter how little or how often you use your water heater! This is part of what makes the Stiebel Eltron so eco friendly, and long-term wallet friendly too.
The heater’s intelligent self modulating technology means energy savings are constant, with no standby losses ever. Plus, the savings monitor feature means you can see how much you’ve saved. That’s one financial stat everyone can actually enjoy looking at!
The Stiebel Eltron comes in a variety of sizes and voltages, so you can choose the best one to suit your home and your family. The water heater should be installed by an electrician, but it’s a simple process. Water temperature output should be from 68 to 140f, and if anything goes wrong there are included 7-year leakage and 3-year parts warranties included with purchase.
2. Rheem RTEX-18 18kW 240V – Best Value For Smart Features
The Rheem is an excellent, well-priced option if you need to heat water for a smaller home. It can also be used for single outlet heating, or for heating all the water in one area of a larger home.
- The Rheem is a mid-priced water heater with the features of a much higher end one
- Can heat the water for a small apartment or studio
- A very easy water heater to repair and carry out upkeep on
- Very quiet, no matter how hard it’s working
- With hard water, the elements need cleaning regularly
- If you’re in an area with cold winters, your water temperature may not get as high as advertised
It’s a durable heater, with robust copper heating elements and brass tops for maximum toughness. On top of that, parts are really easy to replace in the Rheem RTEX-18 so if you’re reasonably handy you should be able to carry out upkeep and even installation yourself. The digital thermostat control also makes it really easy to keep an eye on water temperature, and adjust when necessary.
This small, compact heater is exceptionally quiet even when it’s working hard to heat your water. There’s no clicking, whirring or buzzing, making it even more appropriate for a small home in which noise carries easily into the bedrooms and living spaces.
Given the Rheem’s mid-range price, you might not expect self-modulation, but that feature is actually really advanced. This tankless electric water heater never uses more power than needed to heat your water, and so saves you money in the long run.
3. EcoSmart ECO 11 – Best Budget
Just as the name suggests, the EcoSmart is… well… both smart, and eco friendly. This great value electric tankless heater is perfect for home or office, or anywhere else you need a low-flow appropriate heater for your water.
- An excellent value pou electric tankless water heater
- Self-modulation technology means this heater should save money and electricity
- Easy to install and maintain
- EcoSmart have a particularly excellent customer service team
- The EcoSmart works best in climates with mild winters
- As this is a point of use system, it only heats water for one sink
The EcoSmart can heat between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons of water per minute, dependent on incoming water temperature. That means hot water on demand, whenever you need it, whether it’s for hand washing, cooking, cleaning, or anything else.
Self-modulating technology means that the EcoSmart uses only the amount of electricity needed to warm your water at any given time, meaning very little electricity is wasted and overall power bills should be reduced compared to older or less ecologically sound models of water heaters.
As with most electric tankless heaters, you’ll save a huge amount of space with an EcoSmart ECO 11. In fact, this model is about 90% smaller than an average water heater with a tank. This is also a really easy to use bit of kit, with a large digital temperature control that allows you to adjust between 80 and 140f. That’s lovely warm water, but never scalding!
The EcoSmart Eco 11 is easy to install for anyone with some plumbing skills, and is equally easy to maintain. It comes with a fantastic lifetime warranty, and EcoSmart’s customer service team are US based and some of the best in the business.
If you’re looking for a dependable, eco-friendly tankless electric water heater, look no further than the EcoSmart ECO 11.
4. Bosch Electric – Best For Easy Installation
Always a big name in white goods, you can usually put your trust in Bosch. And this water heater from the powerhouse appliances brand is no different – it’s great value, even when compared to similar single point of use models, and it’s reliable to boot.
- This is a very affordable, reliable tankless water heater
- Comes in three sizes
- Easy to mount discreetly in cupboards, on walls, or on the ground
- Very easy to install
- A point of use water heater isn’t enough for everyone
- Can be a little noisy
The Bosch Electric is easy to maintain, with a premium glass lining almost guaranteeing a long working life. The simple design blends in easily if it has to be mounted somewhere visible, and it is small enough to be mounted on the wall or sit on a floor or shelf. The Bosch can be plugged into a normal 120v outlet, making it exceptionally easy to install.
As the Bosch is a small (and very good value) electric tankless water heater, it can only heat water for up to two sinks. Given its price point, though, it has a whole variety of potential uses in bathrooms, kitchens, break rooms, and anywhere else where hot water is needed instantly and on demand. The Bosch can be used as a point of use water heater, or as a booster for a sink or shower that is simply too far away from the main water heater.
Finally, some people choose to use a 2.5, 4 or 7 gallon Bosch Electric water heater as a buffer installed along with another electric tankless heater that doesn’t always provide hot water. This is called cold water sandwiching. However you use the Bosch Electric, though, there’s almost no standy-by loss from the heater.
5. Eemax EEM24013 – Best For A Tight Budget
Eemax’s EEM24013 is a small, point-of-use electric water heater with a really attractive price tag.
- Self-modulating technology
- Digital display panel
- Easy installation
- A low price point makes this a great buy on a budget
- Limited capacity and point-of-use only.
- Requires direct wiring
It doesn’t compete with larger models in terms of capacity, but if you’re looking for hot water without breaking the bank this unit can meet moderate hot water needs.
With an output of 2.4 GPM, it’s suitable for single-use functions: whether you’re adding hot water to a garage or outhouse or looking for an efficient hot shower, Eemax has got you covered. For greater hot water requirements, such as bathing, you’ll need a bigger model.
With self-modulating technology it’s got the eco-credentials, only heating as much water as you need and never more. The digital display screen is a nice addition, giving you instant feedback about the heater’s performance. It’s quite a power-hungry model though, so don’t expect to see a significant drop in your energy bill.
Built from solid stainless steel, it’s clear that Eemax has built this electric tankless water heater to last. The 5-year warranty for leaks, and 1 year for parts, further puts your mind at rest.
It’s a compact model and installation is straightforward so long as you have an accessible power source. It requires wiring into your circuit directly as there’s no plug included with the model, so make sure you’re comfortable with electrics if you’re planning to go for a DIY installation.
6. Titan N-120 – Best For Milder Climates
The Titan doesn’t look as flashy or modern as some of the electric tankless water heaters on this list, but don’t let that fool you. In actual fact, the N-120 from Titan is one of the most popular and efficient models of electric tankless water heater for two-bath homes in warmer climates.
- The Titan is a well priced water heater
- Barely larger than a phonebook, the Titan is really compact and discreet
- Can heat the water for a two-bath home without issue
- This is a water heater designed for warmer climates
- It’s not the best looking appliance – it has an air of the 90s about it, despite some modern features
Although barely bigger than a phonebook and easy to mount, the Titan provides seemingly endless water for any two-bath space at or smaller than 1,500 meters. It will keep up with your needs flawlessly, while self modulating to make sure no electricity is wasted heating water you aren’t going to use.
In fact, if you are switching from a heater with a storage tank to a Titan N-120 you can expect to save up to 60% on your water heating bills in the first year after installing your new water heater! That’s pretty impressive, and means that the Titan eventually pays for itself.
The Titan works best when incoming water temperatures are 65f, which means it is most suited to warmer climates. If water coming in is colder, it won’t be heated to a temperature high enough for a bath or shower.
7. Ecotemp L5 – Best Portable
Ecotemp’s unique portable electric, tankless water heater is so versatile for anyone requiring instant hot water on the go.
- Battery-powered
- Comes with all the necessary hoses for off-grid hookup
- Easy installation and use
- Silent functionality
- Great value
- Limited flow rate
- D cell Batteries are sold separately
With an output capacity of 1.5 GPM, there’s a compromise on flow rate, but for camping and RV purposes that’s more than adequate. The upshot of this lower flow rate is a portable, plug-in model that runs from battery power and has propane input.
Designed to work with a standard 20lb propane tank, this little electric water heater lets you bring luxury into the wilderness. Fitted with an electronic ignition switch and durable inputs it’s incredibly easy to use and provides hot water on demand. Temperature and gas flow can be adjusted through plastic knobs on the front of the unit, easily accessible.
The added carry handle makes it easy to maneuver and position when you’re setting up camp, and when in use it’s completely silent so you can listen to the sounds of nature.
Unfortunately, batteries aren’t included so remember that when you’re shopping. But with a showerhead and all the necessary connector hoses, it’s a great value buy with a price tag that won’t put you off.
8. EcoTouch – Best Instant and Sufficient Hot Water
The EcoTouch is a clean, neat and thoroughly modern electric tankless water heater capable of delivering hot water at an impressive 116f. It’s a great value point of use water heater, and should be able to provide water for any sink or small tub with ease.
- This is a great value point of use water heater
- Excellent self modulation
- This is a really well-protected, safe water heater
- EcoTouch can be slightly noisy
- As with all pou heaters, you should think about how much water you need to heat as the EcoTouch can only provide hot water to a sink
- The EcoTouch has a comparatively low GPM
This self adjusting heater balances use and temperature, using less power when you are running water slower, making sure that only the necessary amount of electricity is used to what your water. This saves power, is good for the planet, and is light on your wallet too!
The heater is safe and carefully designed, with water and power lines kept separate at all times. It should require very little upkeep and, as it’s no bigger than an oatmeal box, it can be installed easily and discreetly pretty much anywhere.
This ETL approved product includes overheat protection, over voltage protection, dry combustion protection and sensitive leakage protection, making it one of the most trustworthy and durable options available for a point of use electric tankless water heater.
The Buyer’s Guide to Choosing Right Electric Tankless Water Heater
Once you know what sort of electric tankless water heater best suits your needs, there are a few more things to think about. Here’s what to consider when choosing an electric tankless water heater.
1. GPM
GPM stands for gallons per minute. It’s a metric used in a lot of plumbing and plumbed in appliances to measure flow rate.
In an electric tankless water heater, the GPM represents how much water your setup can heat per minute. If the GPM is 1.5, for example, the heater can heat water for approximately one shower and one sink at a time. A higher GPM, though, and the heater can heat more water, and therefore serve more of your home.
A whole home electric tankless water heater needs a GPM of around 4, assuming a normal size family home with two full or almost full bathrooms.
2. Size
There’s no mystery to what this one means – how much space do you have for your new heater? If you’re replacing an old system with a tank, would a smaller electric tankless water heater free up space for, say, extra storage? This is a personal decision, and often space, price and GPM all need to be weighed up in order for you to choose the perfect under the sink water heater for your home.
3. Warranties, if any
You will be using this water heater every day, sometimes almost all day! Does the model you are considering come with a warranty? And if so, what sort?
Often, leakage warranties are longer than parts warranties. Some units come with both but cost more initially, others don’t have a warranty at all. Think about what you need here, and how much you are willing to spend.
4. Ease of installation
Some electric tankless water heaters can be installed 360 degrees. With smaller models, this means you can put them pretty much anywhere! If that is something you need (say you have to install in a smaller space) then look out for it.
Types of Electric Tankless Water Heater
As you may have noticed through reading my list, there are a few different types of electric tankless water heater on the market. They all offer various pros and cons.
1. Portable Electric Tankless Water Heaters
A portable electric tankless water heater is a great investment if you have an RV, caravan or campervan. You can take them with you anywhere easily, and they cost less than most other models.
You just need to plug the heater into an outlet or in some cases your car cigarette lighter, and off you go. Many even come with a showerhead attachment.
Of course, there is a catch. Portable electric tankless heaters can be tricky to master, and you will need to get to know your exact model before you find it easy to use. Plus, you need water or a water supply in addition to the heater.
A portable electric tankless water heater is a great investment if you do a lot of camping or road trips, but it won’t heat water for your whole home!
2. Point of Use Electric Tankless Water Heaters
A point of use electric tankless water heater is, in some ways, a step up from portable.
These are small electric heaters that can heat enough water for one or two sinks, and are commonly found in restrooms at commercial properties, work break rooms, and sometimes in bathrooms that are poorly served by a home’s main water heater.
Whether your main heater falls short on storage capability or gpm, a POU electric tankless water heater where you most often need hot water on demand may solve your problems.
3. Whole Home Electric Tankless Water Heaters
The largest and most powerful type of at home electric tankless water heater you’re likely to run into when purchasing them yourself, these heaters often replace traditional storage heaters for the whole home.
They come in various sizes and levels of power and gpm, and for larger homes more than one heater (or additional point of use electric tankless water heaters) may be required.
These water heaters use less energy than traditional heaters with tanks, so although they are initially expensive they do lead to savings over time.
Wrapping Up…
There are electric tankless water heaters on this list that should fit all lifestyles and budgets. Many of them are about as modern as it is possible for a water heater to be, with energy saving features that would make Greta Thunberg proud. Okay, not quite that energy efficient, but they do save a lot!
Your final choice will depend on your needs. The Eemax is a fantastic option for a small apartment or studio, it’s really good value, looks great, and will last years.
If you want to heat water for a whole home, however, I would recommend the Stiebel Eltron, which is robust and very easy to control once it is installed. It provides enough hot water on demand for anyone’s family.
Finally, if you’re getting a new water heater largely because of environmental concerns or worries over your current power bills, then the EcoSmart is probably perfect for your needs!
Whichever water heater you choose, though, you won’t be disappointed with any on this list.