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In my own experience, taking into account water heaters has been an essential component in maximizing both the amount of space available and the amount of money spent on utilities on a monthly basis. The transition to a tankless water heater has proven to be a game-changer, despite the fact that conventional water heaters have their own set of benefits.
One of the most attractive features is the provision of hot water on demand, which is exactly tailored to meet the requirements of the household. On the other hand, deciding whether to go with a gas or electric type of vehicle becomes a very important decision point. During the course of my investigation, I discovered that high-end gas versions have a larger power output, but they also come with a higher price tag and present additional difficulties when it comes to installation.
In addition, worries regarding safety have been a big factor in the decision of many households to switch away from gas choices. It is interesting to note that electric water heaters that do not require a tank have emerged as a convincing option, that is not only safe but also efficient in terms of energy consumption. Choosing an electric tankless water heater is a wise investment for both convenience and sustainability because of the inherent efficiency of electric versions, which adds another layer to the rationale for selecting such a water heater.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
Either an electric part or a gas burner makes tankless water heaters work. This power source heats the water as it runs through a pipe to the unit. This makes sure that there is always hot water available. Tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed, unlike traditional water heaters that store and heat water all the time. This on-demand heating system not only gives you instant comfort and ease, but it also gives you a steady flow of hot water. Because they don’t need a storage tank, tankless water heaters use less energy and take up less room, which makes them a popular choice for modern homes.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters Comparison Table
Installing an electric tankless water heater can save energy and lower your energy bills because it doesn’t have a tank and only heats the water that is needed, when it is needed. Most likely, you’ve already come to that decision since you’re reading this. Here are some of the best electric portable water heaters on the market to help you choose the right one.
Features | Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 8/10 | Ecosmart ECO 27 | Rinnai RU199iN | Thermomate 18kW | Rheem RETEX-36 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating Capacity (GPM) | 1.0 – 2.5 | 3.0 | 11.1 | 4.5 | 6.6 |
Energy Efficiency | High | High | Super High | High | High |
Installation Type | Point-of-Use | Whole House | Whole House | Point-of-Use | Whole House |
Special Features | Compact Design, Easy Install | Self Modulating | Wi-Fi Capable | Digital Display | Self Modulating |
Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal | Check Deal |
Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters let you get hot water whenever you need it, anywhere. They can be powered by gas or electricity, use less energy, last longer, and take up less room than tank models, making them perfect for places with limited space. Tankless water heaters don’t waste energy because they only heat water when it’s needed.
Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 8/10 Point of Use Tankless Electric Water Heater

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Point of Use | Designed for specific applications such as sinks or showers |
Tankless Design | Instantaneous hot water without the need for a tank |
Electric Heating | Powered by electricity for energy efficiency |
Temperature Control | Precise temperature control for comfort |
Compact Size | Space-saving design suitable for small spaces |
Check Price |
The Stiebel Eltron Electric Water Heater is the best water heater I’ve ever used. As a result of its small size and easy placement, it can be used in both home and business settings. With a heating capacity of 0.75 to 2.18 gallons per minute and high-tech features like adjustable temperature control and flow-based power modulation, like those in the Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 8/10, it makes sure that the temperature is set correctly and that the most energy is used efficiently.
The Good
- Tankless design saves space and energy
- Electric heating for efficiency
- Precise temperature control
- Compact size for installation flexibility
The Bad
- Limited flow rate for larger applications
- Installation may require electrical upgrades
Ecosmart ECO 27

Feature | Description |
---|---|
High Capacity | Capable of heating water for multiple fixtures simultaneously |
Tankless Design | Instantaneous hot water without the need for a tank |
Energy Efficiency | Energy-efficient operation for reduced utility bills |
Self Modulating | Modulates energy usage based on demand for optimal efficiency |
Digital Temperature Control | Precise temperature adjustment for comfort |
Check Price |
In terms of performance, the Ecosmart ECO 27 stands out. With a heating ability of 3.0 gallons per minute and self-modulating technology, it does a great job of giving homes hot water quickly. The Rinnai RU199iN Super High-Efficiency Plus, on the other hand, is the best of the best. It can heat 11.1 gallons of water per minute and is controlled easily through Wi-Fi, making it both high-performance and convenient.
The Good
- Energy-efficient operation
- Self-modulating for optimal energy usage
- Digital temperature control for convenience
- Tankless design saves space
The Bad
- Professional installation recommended
- May require electrical upgrades
Rinnai RU199iN Super High-Efficiency Plus

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Super High-Efficiency | High-efficiency operation for reduced energy consumption |
Condensing Technology | Utilizes condensing technology for maximum efficiency |
Low NOx Emissions | Environmentally friendly with low nitrogen oxide emissions |
Wi-Fi Capable | Remote monitoring and control via Wi-Fi connectivity |
Multiple Venting Options | Versatile venting options for various installations |
Check Price |
The Rinnai RU199iN Super High-Efficiency Plus tankless water heater is amazing because it can heat 11.1 gallons of water per minute. This makes it perfect for homes with high-demand water heating needs. Its high performance makes sure that there is always a lot of hot water, even in big homes or businesses.
With Wi-Fi, it’s easy to control and watch from a distance, and users can easily change settings and keep track of how much energy they use. It also uses very little energy, which lowers utility costs and has a small negative effect on the environment. This makes it a reliable and environmentally friendly choice for water heating options.
The Good
- Super high-efficiency operation
- Condensing technology for maximum efficiency
- Environmentally friendly with low NOx emissions
- Wi-Fi capability for remote control
- Versatile venting options
The Bad
- Professional installation required
- Wi-Fi connectivity may require additional setup
Thermomate 18kW Tankless Electric Water Heater

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Tankless Design | Instantaneous hot water without the need for a tank |
Electric Heating | Powered by electricity for energy efficiency |
Compact Size | Space-saving design suitable for small spaces |
Digital Display | LCD display for easy temperature monitoring and control |
Overheat Protection | Built-in safety feature to prevent overheating |
Check Price |
It is possible to achieve satisfactory results with the Thermomate 18kW Tankless Electric Water Heater when it comes to smaller jobs, such as instances involving point-of-use. It is capable of heating up to 4.5 gallons of water per minute and features a digital display that is simple to read, allowing for the monitoring and modification of the temperature. This is a reasonable solution that does not compromise efficiency.
The Good
- Tankless design for instant hot water
- Electric heating for energy efficiency
- Compact size for space-saving installation
- Digital display for easy temperature control
- Built-in overheat protection for safety
The Bad
- May have limited capacity for high-demand situations
- Electrical requirements may need consideration during installation
Rheem RETEX-36 Performance Tankless Water Heater

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Tankless Design | Instantaneous hot water without the need for a tank |
Self-Modulating | Modulates energy usage based on demand for efficiency |
Easy Installation | Simplified installation process for convenience |
Digital Temperature Control | Precise temperature adjustment for comfort |
High Flow Rate | Provides high flow rate for demanding applications |
Check Price |
The Rheem RETEX-36 Performance Tankless Water Heater is great for homes that need a strong solution for all of their hot water needs. With a heating capacity of 6.6 gallons per minute, it guarantees consistent performance and low energy use, meeting the needs of whole-house uses. From personal experience and study, these water heaters have been shown to be dependable, effective, and flexible ways to meet a range of hot water requirements.
The Good
- Tankless design for instant hot water
- Self-modulating for energy efficiency
- Easy installation process
- Digital temperature control for convenience
- High flow rate for demanding applications
The Bad
- Initial cost may be higher than traditional heaters
- Professional installation recommended
Key Features to Look for in the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters
When you’re looking for the best electric tankless water heaters, make sure you pay attention to these important features:
- Flow Rate and Water Temperature Rise: Figure out how much flow and temperature rise your home needs to get the hot water it needs. Look for a unit that can raise the water temperature enough based on the temperature of the water coming in and has a flow rate that can give hot water to multiple fixtures at the same time.
- Energy Efficiency: If you want to save money on electricity and running costs, choose an electric tankless water heater with good energy efficiency. To get the most out of your energy use and cut down on standby losses, look for units with a high Energy Factor (EF) number, Energy Star certification, and new heating elements or technology.
- Size and Installation Needs: Think about the electric tankless water heater’s size and installation needs, such as its physical measurements, electrical requirements, and ability to work with your home’s electrical system. Pick a unit that fits the room you have, the voltage you need, and where you want to install it, whether it’s inside or outside.
- Temperature Control and Settings: Look for a unit that lets you precisely control the temperature and has settings that you can change to get the hot water you want. For comfort and ease of use, choose a model with digital displays, temperature presets, and controls that are easy to use.
- Durability and Build Quality: Look at the electric tankless water heater’s materials, structure, and warranty to see how durable and well-built it is. Look for units that are made of materials that won’t rust, like copper or stainless steel, and that come with a guarantee that covers problems and defects.
- Safety Features: Make sure the electric tankless water heater has the safety features you need to protect yourself from overheating, electrical problems, and changes in water flow. This will give you more safety and peace of mind. Look for things like automatic shut-off, temperature and pressure relief valves, surge protection, and fault recognition systems.
- Scale Prevention and Maintenance: Pick a unit that has built-in features or measures to avoid scale buildup. This will keep the heating elements and other parts inside the unit in good shape for longer. To get the best performance over time, look for types that can clean themselves, remove scale, or work with water softeners.
- Remote Control and Connectivity: Some electric tankless water heaters have features for remote control and connectivity, which let you check on and change settings from afar using a smartphone app or Wi-Fi. Think about how important these features are to you and pick a model that has the amount of smart features and connectivity options you want.
Questions and Answers
Only a certain amount of water may be heated at a time by a tankless water heater. In the event that you require more hot water than the unit is able to produce—for example, if you run the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower all at the same time—the temperature of the water will fluctuate since the heater is attempting to supply all three areas at the same time.
In comparison to conventional water heaters that use the same fuel type, tankless water heaters, whether they are powered by gas or electricity, operate with greater efficiency. We gave a gas model an Excellent rating for its yearly energy consumption cost, but we gave an electric model only a Fair rating. However, both models received a Very Good rating for their energy efficiency.