Best Electric Tankless Water Heater – The 5 Top Models in 2023

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Best Electric Tankless Water Heater

Think of easy installation, affordability, less maintenance, and low energy consumption. The best electric tankless water heater should offer you countless benefits. This article will guide you on factors to consider when choosing tankless electric heaters for various purposes. Additionally, we will review the five best tankless electric heaters you can purchase for your home. Let’s dive deeper. 

While boiler tanks remain the most popular water heating method for many homes, we cannot resist technology. Electric tankless water heaters have started to dominate the market. The heaters come with various benefits like saving space, and instant water heating, among other benefits as named above. Besides electric water heaters, the market has a wide variety of tankless gas heaters. However, the cost of gas heaters is relatively high. Also, they are arguably not as efficient as electric heaters. As such, electric models are the go-to home water heating method. 

But wait! Are there different types of electric tankless water heaters? Let’s discuss this further in the next topic. 

Table Of Contents

Types of Electric Tankless Water Heaters

There are two main types of electric tankless water heaters. The choice may vary depending on your home size or the number of members in your household. Below are the two types: 

  • Whole house electric tankless water heaters. 
  • Point of use (POU) electric tankless heaters. 

Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heaters

You will be fortunate to consider swapping the traditional water boiler tank with the whole house electric water heater. The system is straightforward to install since you will not need to do additional plumbing.

Imagine heating the only required water volume, which flows through the piping to where the tap is turned on. There will be no heat loss since heated water takes less time to reach the user. That’s precisely what the whole house’s electric heating system does. 

Once you turn on the tap, the cold water enters the heater and passes through the heat exchanger in the centralized location to get instant heat. After the water attains the set temperature, it flows out for use. 

The Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters You Can Choose 

When choosing electric tankless water heaters, the decision is up to you, depending on the household’s needs. Also, you can make decisions based on your region’s climate or brand types. Let’s dive deeper and learn the best five electric tankless water heaters you can choose to enjoy a hot water supply at your home: 

  1. Best Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater: Stiebel Eltron Heater
  2. Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for Cold Climates: Rheem RTEX-24
  3. Best Rinnai Tankless Water Heater for Large Household: Rinnai V65eP Non-Condensing Propane Heater
  4. Best Ecosmart Tankless Water Heater: EcoSmart ECO Heater
  5. Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for Shower: ECOTOUCH Point-of-Use
  6. Related: Ultimate Review Of Best Portable Water Heaters In 2023
  7. Related: Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for RV – 5 Top Picks in 2023

Point-of-Use Electric Tankless Water Heater

The point-of-use tankless heaters are installed very close to the faucets. Because the devices are installed to serve one location, you are guaranteed instant hot water anytime. The advantage of point of use is that water doesn’t lose heat as it travels through the pipes

But what factors should you consider when choosing the electric tankless water heater model? Read on to the next topic. 

Related: Heat Pump Water Heater Vs. Tankless Water Heater

Features to Consider When Buying Electric Tankless Water Heater

Purchasing the best electric tankless water heater isn’t just visiting the shop and requesting any device. No! There are several features you should consider. Features should be based on what is your household favorite. And below are the most popular. 

The Heater Flow Rate 

Electric tankless water heaters don’t hold water. So how do you calculate their capacity? Usually, their volume is calculated as flow rate. That is gallons per minute (GPM). This gives the specific gallons of water the heater can heat within a particular time. 

Now considering you have a large household, you will need a heater with a higher GPM to supply the home with sufficient hot water. On the other hand, if your family is smaller, you don’t need a higher GPM heater that will consume much energy and raise the energy bills. 

The Heater Warranty

Warranty is one of the critical factors you should look for when purchasing HVAC devices. You enjoy the coverage benefits if the devices develop some fault. Typically, the warranted devices are more expensive, but you can enjoy coverage of three to twelve years. 

Most warranted heaters have high heating capabilities and fuel efficiency. 

The Heater Durability

Most manufacturers add a feature known as anti-scaling in their heaters. The anti-scale mechanisms reduce the rate at which minerals and other deposits build up in the heating elements. Rather than being deposited on the component, minerals are converted to harmless products and discharged; thus, the heater lifespan increases. Different manufacturers have various techniques to apply anti-scaling in their devices. 

The Heater Technology

Most heaters nowadays are more advanced in technology. They have digital displays and control buttons that allow you to adjust and monitor the water temperature levels. With these digital devices, you can set a vacation mode if you are not around to save energy. 

Fortunately, some manufacturers have heaters that can be turned on remotely. For instance, you can turn on the device to get hot water ready before arriving at the shower room. 

Fuel Efficiency

The new heaters have remote switching on and off features that allow you to save energy. Forget about that; there are vacation modes and other technological advancements to reduce energy consumption. As such, you must be extra keen when choosing the heater brand. You need the most efficient heater to save your household expenses. 

Your Area Climate Vs. the Heater Capability

Your home climate can play a more significant role in determining the heater’s GPM rating. The colder it is in the region, the harder it will be to heat the water to the desired temperature. As a result, the heater lowers its GPM to reach the desired temperature. 

On the other hand, the heater will work less to heat the household water if you live in tropical areas. As a rule of thumb, consider the coldest month of your region while determining the heater flow rate. 

Installation & Maintenance

Installing point-of-use heaters can be easier than whole-house electric tankless heaters. However, the choice will depend on your household and several other factors. Also, maintenance of some electric tankless heater brands will require more effort. For instance, if your heater has no anti-scaling feature, you must regularly clean the heating element to avoid mineral and deposit build-up. 

Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters Comparison Table

HEATER  GPM RATING TECHNOLOGY USED PRICE
Stiebel Eltron Heater 4.50 Digital temperature control $795
Rheem RTEX-24 5.9 ON/OFF dial control & Digital temperature display $578
Rinnai V65eP Non-Condensing Propane Heater 6.5  Non-condensing and anti-scaling $681
EcoSmart ECO Heater 2.5 Super energy efficient (saves up to 60% power) $424
ECOTOUCH Point-of-Use 1.5 Smart self-adjustments.  $119

Best Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron Heater

Stiebel Eltron 239223 Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 29 Plus – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White, 23

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Stiebel Electron Heater is our first product with unique German technology. Let’s see its specifications. 

Specifications

  • GPM rating: 4.50
  • Dimensions: ‎4.63 x 16.63 x 14.5 inches
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Color: White
  • Wattage: No specification
  • Heat Output: 28.8KW
  • Voltage: 240V
  • Material: Copper
  • Weight: 1 pound

Description

Stiebel electron tankless water heater has advanced flow control German technology that automatically heats and maintains desired temperatures. The heater is designed with a great feature of a slight flow reduction if the hot water demand exceeds its capability. The reduction of flow to other outlets lets hot showers operate with hot water without interruptions. 

Since the heater doesn’t store hot water, they have a high-efficiency degree. They push water to the outlets on demand and terminate heating once you turn off the taps. 

Pros

  • Less costly to install and maintain. 
  • Reduced energy consumption. 
  • Technological support. 
  • Continuous supply of instant hot water. 

Cons

  • Some users believe it requires more GPM rating. 
  • Users say it’s not user-friendly.

Check the Stiebel Eltron Heater‘s latest prices on Amazon

Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for Cold Climates

Rheem RTEX-24

Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, Gray

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Rheem RTEX-24 is our second amazing tankless water heater. Let’s learn its specifications: 

Specifications

  • GPM rating: 5.9
  • Dimensions: ‎18.25 x 14.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Color: Gray
  • Wattage: No specification
  • Heat Output: 24KW
  • Voltage: 240V
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Weight: 17.8 pounds

Description

The flow rate of 5.9 gallons per minute and the instant heating make the Rheem heater the perfect brand for cold climates. Rheem’s gray color matches various house paints to bring the best outlook. Additionally, it’s only 18.25 x 14.5 x 3.5 inches making it ideal for smaller houses. 

The device has an ON/OFF control with adjustable digital temperature displays. Self-modulating power control is another feature the Rheem brand carries for its users. It offers on-demand, continuous, and consistent hot water for large households without reducing its GPM capabilities. 

Rheem heater doesn’t require venting, and it has a powerful performance. It only uses the actual amount of power to reach the desired temperature, rendering it energy smart. 

Pros

  • Easy to install. 
  • A value for your money
  • Temperature controls
  • Saves space

Cons

  • Some customers complained of missing parts. 
  • Some users complained of too much troubleshooting. 

Check the Rheem RTEX-24‘s latest prices on Amazon

Best Rinnai Tankless Water Heater for Large Household

Rinnai V65eP Non-Condensing Propane Heater

Rinnai V65eP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater, Outdoor Installation, Up to 6.5 GPM

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Rinnai V65eP is our third and the most amazing product for homeowners. Let’s see its specifications: 

Specifications

  • GPM rating: 6.5
  • Dimensions: ‎13 x 30.51 x 17.32 inches
  • Power source: Propane gas powered
  • Color: White
  • Wattage: N/A
  • Heat Output: N/A
  • Voltage: N/A
  • Material: No manufacturer’s specifications
  • Weight: 47.5 pounds

Description

Although Rinnai has no electric tankless water heater, you can take advantage of this propane-powered device and have a consistent flow of hot water at your home. It heats only when necessary and works to conserve energy. However, the device requires outdoor installation due to its size of 13 by 30.51 by 17.32 inches. 

The device has a flow rate of 6.5 gallons per minute, which is ideal for a larger household. The Non-condensing tankless hot water heater is only the size of a small suitcase and can fit in a wide variety of spaces at your home. Enhanced scale detection helps prevent severe and long-term damage to the heater. 

It has a one-year residential guarantee for heat exchangers, labor, and parts. The heaters are individually tested for quality before shipping.

Pros

  • Easy to install and maintain. 
  • Value for your money. 
  • Temperature control
  • Smart and more durable.
  • Super efficient. 

Cons

  • The heater is a bit heavy. 
  • The temperature setting is limited to 120 degrees. 

Check the Rinnai V65eP Non-Condensing Propane Heater‘s latest prices on Amazon

Best Ecosmart Tankless Water Heater

EcoSmart ECO Heater

EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 18 KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology

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EcoSmart ECO heater is our fourth and most reliable device. Its specifications are as follows: 

Specifications

  • GPM rating: 2.5
  • Dimensions: ‎‎3.75 x 17 x 17 inches
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Color: White
  • Wattage: 1800 watts
  • Heat Output: 18 KW
  • Voltage: 240V
  • Material: No manufacturer’s specifications
  • Weight: 14 pounds

Description

EcoSmart ECO heater is an easy-to-use device with 2.5 gallons per minute flow capability. This device can never run out of hot water in your home. Luckily, it has a lifetime warranty for residential use, and you can save up to 60% on your water heating bills. 

Manufactured in China, the product offers digital temperature control in 1-degree increments, giving users complete home control of hot water. EcoSmart’s patented and self-modulating technology can be used worldwide in various applications. You can use the device at home, in business environments such as offices or restaurants, and in recreational vehicles. Each EcoSmart tankless electric water heater is dependable for users. 

This EcoSmart electric tankless water heater is configured as a “whole home.” Note that the warranty only covers the cost of the heater. It does not cover labor or any incidental damages.

Pros

  • Technology support.
  • Easy to install 
  • Energy efficient. 
  • Temperature controls. 
  • Warranty coverage

Con

  • Complaints of water pooling around the heat exchanger. 

Check the EcoSmart ECO Heater‘s latest prices on Amazon

Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for Shower

ECOTOUCH Point-of-Use

Tankless Water Heater Electric 5.5kw 240V, ECOTOUCH Point-of-Use Hot Water Heater Digital Display,Electric Instant Hot Water Heater with Self-modulating

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ECOTOUCH Point of Use is the final product that suits best homeowners and business people. Its specifications are: 

Specifications

  • GPM rating: 1.5
  • Dimensions: ‎‎‎11 x 7.5 x 2.35 Inches
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Color: White
  • Wattage: No specification
  • Heat Output: 5.5 KW
  • Voltage: 240V
  • Material: No manufacturer’s specifications
  • Weight: 7.34 pounds

Description

This point-of-use electric water heater supplies endless hot water with instant heating. The device has smart self-power adjustments. For instance, the power will be reduced when the demand lowers. But the same temperature range is maintained by the heating elements. 

The device has digital displays and touches control panels that give the user an easy moment to interact with it. 

Pros

  • Saves energy costs. 
  • Temperature controls. 
  • Instant hot water 

Con

  • Some customers complained of leakages

Check the ECOTOUCH Point-of-Use‘s latest prices on Amazon

Our Verdict

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater has an impressive flow rate of 0.39 GPM and a high-efficiency rating. With these adorable features, we recommend this heater for most small families. Alternatively, you can choose Rheem RTEX-24, a compact unit with a flow rate of 5.9 GPM. This can be ideal for a medium size family or business.

Best Electric Tankless Water Heater FAQs

Can You Have a Tankless Water Heater With Electric?

Yes, you can have an electric tankless water heater. Electric tankless water heaters have both home and business energy-efficient and easy-to-install solutions. You can achieve this if you find a professional to install it. Remember to budget for electrical service requirements because you may need additional wiring. Moreover, maintenance of the HVACs is the key to longevity. 

Are Electric Tankless Water Heater Worth It?

As a rule of thumb, electric tankless water heaters are worth the cost. Here are the reasons. First, the heater has a space-saving design and hot water on-demand system (instant heating). Secondly, they are safe since they don’t experience pressure buildup, which mostly poses explosion dangers. 

Electric tankless water heaters have other long terms benefits. For example, they will save you time due to the instant heating. Also, they are 34% more efficient than tank heaters. Considering the low energy consumption, you can save money as a household. 

How Long Do Electric Tankless Water Heaters Last?

Typically, electric tankless water heaters have a lifespan of around 20 years. Fortunately, this is twice a longer lifespan than tank heaters. However, you should practice maintenance to ensure your heater ages slowly while delivering benefits like efficiency. Maintenance entails cleaning the heating elements to eliminate minerals and other sediments. 

Are Electric Tankless Water Heaters As Good As Gas?

Electric tankless water heaters are estimated to be around 98% efficient, while gas tankless water heaters are around 85%. Considering their efficiency, electric tankless water heaters are as good as gas

Moreover, electric tankless water heaters don’t burn fossil fuel, unlike gas tankless water heaters. This makes electric heaters even better for home safety and health. Gas tankless electric heaters don’t have options like the point of use which can be set inside the bathroom. 

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Electric tankless water heaters come with various benefits. Below are the benefits you can enjoy with electric tankless water heaters as a homeowner or a business person: 

  • Efficiency – most electric tankless water heaters come with technological advancements like digital controls and display screens. With these features, you can set the water temperature range and activate the ON/OFF feature to save energy. Also, the fact that hot water doesn’t have to travel; through pipes makes them the best choice because heat isn’t lost within the lines. 
  • Durability – most electric tankless water heaters last for around 20 years. This long lifespan is accelerated by features such as the anti-scaling, which prevents minerals from building up and clogging the heating elements. 
  • Reduced energy cost – electric tankless water heaters don’t store water after heating. This makes them consume less energy as they heat only the amount of the required water and switches off when the faucet is turned off. They are 34% more energy efficient than tank heaters. 
  • Easy to install – no extra plumbing is required for the electric tankless water heaters. If you have the existing plumbing, you mount the heater on the wall next to the electrical outlet, and you are good to enjoy hot water. 
  • Space saving – the electric tankless water heaters don’t take much space like the tank heaters or the tankless gas heaters. Their benefit is that they don’t have a tank or a gas burner which can take up more space in the house. 
  • Less maintenance – think of cleaning the whole tank and the heating elements. The worst is if you use hard water. All the minerals and sediments build up within the tank walls, and you can spend time cleaning them. However, electric tankless water heaters have only the heating elements. Fortunately, some models have anti-scaling features that make maintenance even more manageable. 
  • Less wait time for the hot water – an electric tankless water heater heats the water instantly. As such, you don’t have to wait for the hot water, therefore saving time. 
  • Safety – electric tankless heaters are safer because they are not prone to pressure build-up. In most cases, once pressure builds up in the tank heaters, they pose explosion dangers. 

What is the Downside of an Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Electric tankless water heaters are costly to purchase and install. Also, you can face the trouble of inconsistent water temperature if you have multiple outlets turned on. The heater heats slowly because the required water volume exceeds its heating speed. 

On the other hand, you cannot access hot water during power outages, unlike gas tankless water heaters or tank heaters that store hot water for later use. 

Do Electric Tankless Water Heaters Need a Vent?

Electric tankless water heaters don’t need venting because they don’t burn propane, natural gas, or other fossil fuels. However, on other safety measures, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you install your electric tankless water heater safely. 

Where Should a Tankless Water Heater Be Installed?

There are several factors to consider while choosing a location to install your tankless water heater. Look at the list:

  • Where there is good venting to expel the exhaust fumes if you use gas heaters; however, electric heaters don’t require venting. 
  • There is a warm spot because if water freezes inside the tankless water heater, you may need to disassemble it to fix the problem. 
  • Inside the house but in a safe location like the pantry, under the sink, or the stairs. 
  • Outside, ensure the heater is away from direct sunlight, rain, pets, children, or insects. 
  • In-demand location – the closer you install the heater to where the water is needed, the better. It helps save energy because heat will not be lost in the piping. 

Can I Install a Tankless Water Heater Myself?

Installing a tankless water heater yourself is not recommendable unless you have plumbing and electrical engineering skills. It’s advisable to find a professional to install the heater for you. The professional will advise you on the local plumbing and electrical codes when souring the heater and apply them when installing it. 

How Big of an Electric Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?

The size of the electric tankless water heater depends on your household number. Mostly, 5 to 10 gallons per minute rated heaters fit most households. But have a professional inspect your home and advise you on the heater size to choose. 

Can a Tankless Water Heater Heat the Whole House?

Yes. Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water for the whole house. The only thing you do to have hot water in the whole house is to install faucets where necessary. 

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need for a Family of 4?

You can choose a tank with around 9 to 11 gallons per minute flow rate for a family of four members. On the other hand, choose a size of around 20 to 28 Kilowatts. However, if you live in colder climates, you may need a heater with a higher flow rate to maximally heat the freezing water. 

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