10 Best Electric Tankless Water Heater 2021 – Review and buying Guide

On a snowy winter’s day, the last thing that you may need is cold water. If you are experiencing a situation like this, you must install the best electric tankless water heater in your household. 

There are several types of water heaters obtainable out there, but not all are manufactured equally. Most importantly, they may not be suitable for you. 

For a moment, imagine having the ability to deploy the hot water heater almost in any corner of your home or office without having to worry about space, gas leakage, and other aspects. 

Transitioning your current storage water heater with a brand new and innovative system is something that most homeowners and entrepreneurs should deliberate on. 

Tankless water heating units are gaining popularity in the entire globe swiftly because consumers are on the lookup for exceptional options to heat their water quickly and energy-efficiently.  

Tankless heaters that operate on electricity are the most budget-friendly options for homeowners looking to modernize their system. Just like a gas-powered unit, the best whole house electric tankless water heater will allow you to save heaps of money on energy bills. 

It also provides you limitless hot water on demand as there are no limitations of a container. Irrespective of whether you live alone in a mobile home, studio apartment, or in a bustling house with numerous bathrooms, there are tankless water heaters to satisfy your specific needs. 

Selecting and buying the best electric tankless water heater 2021 meets your needs and fits in your budget can be an intimidating task. Please don’t panic, though; Our Team have spent countless hours researching to assist you in finding your perfect system. 

We have curated a list of top-rated models that are easier to use and install, save power consumption, and offer the best value for your hard-earned money. Our team have also collected information about their delivery capacity, size, features, and many other aspects. 

After reading our valuable guide, we are 100% sure that you will be able to make a truly educated verdict about which electric unit is the right option for you.   

10 Best Electric Tankless Water Heater

1. Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 – Best Overall

Are you on the outlook for a practical water heating solution? Then, the Rheem 240V heating chamber might be the perfect option for you. It is a small and energy-smart device that offers extraordinary results. 

It is straightforward to control and works fast. As it functions without a boiler, so it is highly suitable for offices, RVs, and houses with limited space. However, you can install it in any kind of space conveniently.  

As long as you won’t utilize it beyond its capacity, it will provide an endless supply of warm water for your whole house. This energy-efficient device can be used for heating water in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, and anywhere else where you may need warm water. 

With Rheem RTEX 13, it’s super-easy to control your water temperature. The front face of this particular heater boasts user-friendly controls. The external adjustable digital thermostatic control empowers you to change the water temperature according to your specific requirement promptly. 

This system is not just more comfortable to control, but accurate at the same time. When you fine-tune the water temperature on the controls, you will witness that the results match up. It means you will get the precise temperature that you want. 

External controls go up in increments of 1°f, so you can be very specific about how warm you would like the water. The good news is that you won’t have to wait for prolonged periods to acquire warm water. 

To keep the water warm, this best tankless electric water heater uses two copper immersion heating elements. When water flows through the heating components, it becomes hot immediately. 

The field-serviceable copper immersion heating components are resilient, so you can expect to use it for a long time. This superior-quality system features self-modulating power control. 

When it comes to power saving, the Rheem 240V heating chamber is 99.8% energy-smart. This 13kW model utilizes a 240V breaker and 6AWG wire size. It flaunts a water flow rate of up to 3.17 gallons per minute. 

If there’s only one bathroom in your house, then it’s an impressive flow rate. This compact model can be effortlessly mounted onto any wall, so it takes much less space. 

This smart appliance with a sleek exterior and LED controls can enhance your residence’s beauty. You can use it as a single point of use or for multiple applications. 

Specifications:

2. Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 36 KW

If you are looking for the best electric tankless hot water heater at an economical price that will provide the best value for your money, then Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 36 kW is an incredible option for you. 

This product is exclusively adapted for low flow applications. It features a small compact design that allows you to mount it anywhere, whether under the sink or behind the furnace. 

It arrives with advanced control systems that let you monitor and regulate water temperature and flow. A reputed brand manufactures Stiebel Eltron 36 kW, so it is made to last longer. You can stay rest assured that you won’t have to experience cold water surprises. 

This particular water heater is renowned as a durable and energy-efficient unit that permits you to optimize your house’s power source highly. It means you can save a huge amount on electricity bills in the long run. 

This device flaunts 3 heating modules, so it is highly suitable for houses with high hot water demands. It boasts an energy-efficiency rate of 99%. It offers a minimum power of 27kW on 208V and a maximum capacity of 36kW on 240V. 

This machine can supply 4 gallons of water per minute at the temperature rise of 82 F. There’s a dial selector that easily permits you to fine-tune the water temperature output. It also has a digital display that shows you the temperature you have set.  

It is equipped with anti-scalding technology that averts the appliance from generating hot water that reaches scalding levels. 

If we talk about its warranty, it features two warranty policies: a 7-year anti-leak warranty for water elements and a 3-year warranty for electric and heating components. 

If you live in a warm climate, this machine will provide hot water for 3 to 4 bathrooms at once. However, in a cold climate, it will provide water for 2 bathrooms only. 

Specifications:

3. Rheem RTEX-18 18kW 240V

If you need a superior quality best electric tankless water heater, you should consider obtaining Rheem RTEX-18. 

This pro classic energy-smart heater provides an endless stream of hot water quickly and on-demand for a single point of use. It means you can take advantage of it to acquire water in bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, and other applications. 

This machine is a perfect choice for houses or offices with one or two bathrooms. It can also be installed in RVs, travel trailers, and mobile homes. 

If we talk about its design, it features a compact design that enables you to fix it in any house corner. It is a small yet extremely powerful device that is environment-friendly at the same time. 

The unit can provide 4.4 gallons of water per minute. A great thing about it is that it is threaded for easy installation, usage, and replacement. 

An external digital thermostatic control allows you to rapidly adjust the water temperature in increments of 1°F, ranging from 80 degrees to 140 degrees. 

Not just that, it is 99.8% energy-efficient, so it will help you to save a lot of money on power expenses. To keep the water hot, it utilizes two durable copper immersion heating elements. Water becomes hot instantly when it flows through these heating components. 

Specifications:

4. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater

The best electric tankless water heater 2021 has low heating expenditures as it is equipped with advanced technology. This unit offers an endless supply of hot water without any delay, making it more capable of purchasing. 

It features an on-demand heating mechanism that heats the cold water as it travels through the pipeline. It is highly suitable for large houses and offices.  

If we talk about its efficiency, this appliance is exclusively made with copper and stainless steel elements. These sturdy components tend to heat up the water quickly. They also remain rust-free for prolonged periods.

Just because of such elements, it becomes much more dependable than other models available in the market. It’s super easy to install, use, clean, and replace. 

EcoSmart ECO 27 boasts a very impressive design and structure. It permits you to save a lot of space and also provides you the exact accuracy. 

Its sleek and compact size is 4X less than any standard tank storage heater. The great thing is that you can deploy it at any desired place, such as in the bathroom, cabin, or attic, etc. Its conspicuous design will add a natural gloss to your room. 

This best tankless electric water heater is armed with self-modulation technology that is intended to provide higher efficiency while heating the water. The heater contains modern sensors that heat the water only when they sense the water flow. 

It can deliver warm water continuously at a very cost-effective price. If you want to reduce your water costs by 50% and power expenses by 30%, you must buy it.  

The heater flaunts a digital temperature control with 1-degree increments that is excellent for the fastest heating. It provides an opportunity for users to control water temperature according to their needs. It has a 0.3 GPM heating efficiency. 

Specifications:

5. Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V

Are you looking for a tankless water heater that takes small space, provides endless hot water, and helps you save electricity? Doesn’t it sound too good to be true? Rheem RTEX-24 features all the qualities mentioned above and many others. 

It offers a never-ending supply of warm water on-demand, so you won’t have to wait for many hours to take a shower, wash clothes, or clean utensils. It can be utilized as a single point of use and for multiple applications. 

This unit is armed with self-modulating technology that promises not to waste electricity. It boasts a flow rate of up to 5.9 GPM to be an ideal option for larger households. 

There’s an LED display that allows the individuals to control the temperature with 1-degree increments. When it comes to its design, it has a compact design to mount it anywhere; you desire to save a lot of valuable storage space. 

It’s a 17.8 pounds lightweight water heater. It is equipped with sturdy immersion heating components that are made of copper. Both heating elements and brass top are deliberated for more comfortable replacement and increased durability. 

Once you install it in your house or office, your power expenses will cut down by approximately 30%. The installation process of this machine is super comfortable and adjustable. A sleek design, cost-effectiveness, and high flow rate make this unit a valuable purchase.

If you want to acquire a nonstop stream of warm water, but don’t want to waste your money on power bills, then Rheem 240V is a must-have appliance for you. Its sophisticated design will enhance the beauty of your residence. 

It comes with a little higher price tag, but with constant hot water production along with less power consumption, the whole house electric tankless water heater serves you back right away.

Specifications:

6. Camplux TE27 Whole House Instant Water Heater

If you want to save space, electricity, and money, then you can’t go wrong with Camplux TE27 water heating system. It arrives with a maximum energy output of 87,500 BTU for limitless and on-demand hot water supply. 

There’s a large digital display with touch control that enables you to fine-tune the temperature effortlessly. Moreover, it features a remote control that empowers you to control your unit from any corner of the world. 

You will obtain leakage and overheat protection device with this machine. This appliance is designed to ensure your safety 24/7. It is manufactured of stainless steel components for resilience and higher efficiency. 

Furthermore, this wall-mounted unit has a sleek and stylish design. It flaunts easy to use buttons positioned on the front face of the heater for complete control. If you want, you can also take advantage of the remote control for hand-free management.

Camplux TE27 features a small size, but it can supply an instant and constant stream of hot water throughout the home. The good news is that you can mount it in any angle. It means you are free to deploy it anywhere you want. 

Just because it works on-demand, so no energy is utilized until you turn on the faucet, this feature allows you to keep your electricity expenses lower and manageable. 

The best whole house electric tankless water heater has an automatic shut-off safety feature if the water temperature reaches 153 degrees. This device provides you a chance to set the water temperature between 86 degrees to 125 degrees. 

For activation, it just needs 0.85 gallons per minute of water flow. There is no need to wait and pre-heat the water for taking a shower, washing clothes, or any other activity. 

Specifications:

7. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus is equipped with advanced flow control German patented technology. The prime purpose of integrating this technology is to maintain water temperature for continuous comfort automatically. 

If water demand exceeds capacity, it will automatically decrease the flow. With this electric tankless water heater, you won’t have to deal with interrupted hot showers again. It delivers a nonstop supply of water for your entire house. 

If we talk about its design, this model features a super small, sleek, and compact white design. It saves valuable storage space and doesn’t need a venting system. The eco-friendly machine saves power with auto-modulation technology. 

It can measure water flow electronically. There is a savings monitor that displays how much amount you have saved on electricity expenditures. For easy operation, this heater flaunts electronic flow sensor switches. These switches are positioned on the powerful and durable copper interior heating system. 

The great thing about it is that it’s 99% energy-efficient and totally noise-free. It has a digital temperature display that lets you see the preset temperature. TEMPRA 15 PLUS offers an output temperature of 86 degrees to 140 degrees. 

It performs with the highest standards for dependability and comfort. This particular unit boasts seven years of leakage and three years parts warranties. 

Moreover, it consumes 15 to 20% less power compared to a traditional tank storage heater. However, you can save more energy depending on your individual household needs. 

Specifications:

8. Rinkmo Electric Tankless Water Heater 18KW

Rinkmo has produced a top-notch water heater that is highly suitable for commercial and residential places where you need unlimited, pure, and instant hot water. You can fix it in your apartment, hotel, cabin, beauty salon, café, gym, and so on. 

It features a sturdy sheet metal shell that is fireproof. With this instant electric heater, there is no need to waste time on pre-heating the water. As soon as you activate the tap, the seamlessly warm water will travel with your anticipated temperature. 

As it works on-demand so that it won’t use energy 24/7. It means you can save your precious time and money. This premium quality unit is packed with numerous safety features. It is highly recommended for households with tiny babies. 

With this heater, you won’t have to worry about dirty water, high cleaning costs, leakage, burnout risk, unstable water temperature, and scaling. The best tankless electric water heater comes with a space-saving design that empowers you to deploy it in non-traditional regions such as the basement, garage, or a closet. 

For its installation, you won’t have to fulfill any complicated requirements. This noise-free machine uses robust temp sensors and smart flow sensors. It promises that the temperature will not fluctuate when you take a bath or wash dishes. 

Rinkmo 18KW 240V is an energy-efficient model, so you will witness that your water heating expenditures have reduced up to 60%. It is 99.8% energy-efficient so that you can acquire on-demand warm water in just 3s. 

It allows you to produce water without direct contact with metals. Rinkmo is equipped with smart modulating technology that adjusts water temperature automatically. 

You can set the temp by just pressing the buttons. The buttons let you switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.   

Specifications:

9. Titan Electric Tankless Water Heater 

All the Titan heaters are crafted by Niagara Industries, an organization reputed for manufacturing premium quality products. Titan N-120 is also produced by them and is equipped with advanced technologies. 

This ultra-modern model works with a little amount of energy, making it more budget-friendly. It flaunts a flow sensor technology that helps you to save up to 40% more electricity. 

Moreover, it’s self-modulating technology functions by turning on the heating system only when the water flow is detected. That’s why; it eliminates standby energy loss. This cost-effective heater requires a minimum water flow of 0.5 GPM for activation. 

With this system, you can expect low-temperature fluctuations. Its microprocessors check incoming and outgoing temperatures 20 times per second, which results in a stable climate and less power loss. 

This high-quality unit can produce 4 GPM to meet the hot water demands of a medium-sized household with a minimum of two bathrooms. In colder climates, it works effectively for smaller apartments with one bathroom. 

Thanks to its resettable thermostat manual option that eliminates the danger of scalding. This feature is also responsible for avoiding uncontrollable temperature rise. 

Additionally, Titan N-120 is designed with a digital display that makes it easier for users to set temperature. The display screen lets you watch when the heater is on and when it’s on standby mode. 

If you are based in a locality with hard water, this device is great at preventing limestone deposits.   

The best tankless electric water heater is extremely lightweight. It is around 8X smaller than a conventional heater. Due to its compact size, you can hang it on a wall to save floor space. 

It boasts a simple yet attractive design to enhance the beauty and worth of your property. One of the most fantastic features of Titan SCR2 N-120 is its warranty period. The machine vaunts a 10-year water-carrying components warranty and a 1-year parts warranty.   

Specifications:

10. ECOTOUCH 9KW 240V on Demand Water Heater

Taking a bath after a long, tiring day at the office will surely freshen up your body and mood. This tankless water heater and a constant and never-ending supply of hot water can be obtained easily, even at 166 degrees. 

ECOTOUCH 9kW 240V delivers you no waiting warm water. It doesn’t store water and take a long time to heat it. The most exciting thing is that you won’t have to deal with temperature fluctuations. 

It is designed to provide you maximum comfort and instant hot water. Smart self-modulation technology is incorporated in it that decreases power input when water flow reduces. It can automatically adjust the electricity input and water temperature in real-time. 

So, it is guaranteed that you will acquire comfortable hot water at an ideal temperature. It is 99.8% energy-efficient; thus, it will help you cut down your energy costs to a great extent. 

ECOTOUCH 9KW 240V is manufactured with patent heating technology and microcomputer control. Both features help it in keeping outlet temperature stable according to your specific need. 

The durable and distinctive heating components prevent any corrosion inside the pipes. So, you can expect to use this heater for up to 20 years. 

During the manufacturing process, this product has gone through strict tests to ensure 100% safety. Its electricity and internal lines run separately, so the chances of leakage are minimal. 

The whole house electric tankless water heater is approved by ETL and qualified for UL, so that you can expect exceptional performance from this unit in the coming years. It flaunts a compact size so that you can mount it at your desired place. 

The installation process of this model is uncomplicated and straightforward. Additionally, it boasts a modish and trendy design that blends impeccably in any décor. A touch control panel and digital display on this heater make the temperature setting job effortless.

Specifications:

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Best Electric Tankless Water Heater – Buying Guide

If you are thinking about replacing your old heater with a new electric water heater, consider these essential aspects.

Power

Before buying an electric heater, think about the amount of power that will impeccably meet your needs. Typically, electric units are available with 110v, 120v, 208v, 220v, 277v. A wide variety of voltages enable you to choose a machine that will best suit your needs.  

If we talk about amperage, different heaters have various requirements. That’s why; you should ensure that your current power system is capable of supporting the new unit’s power demands. 

Also, consider the circuit breaker and make sure you have circuits that can support the new device. It is better to deploy it on its circuit or circuits.  

Installation

It is true that the best whole house electric tankless water heater is less expensive and can be mounted anywhere in the house.

However, bear in mind that some apartments or homes are not constructed to provide the heater with the power requirements that it needs to function correctly. 

Deploying a unit in such a house will only sky-rocket the installation costs because upgrading the electricity system is super-costly. Moreover, electric heaters don’t generate exhaust gases, so there is no need to install a venting system. 

Size

Before ordering the appliance, it is critical to consider your location, water demands, and heater size. Deliberate on where you would like to install the heater. 

If you want to hang it in tight spaces such as a kitchen or bathroom, then opt for a smaller unit that will allow you to save space. 

For assessing the size, think about the total number of fixtures, you will be used to obtain hot water. Furthermore, the flow rate is also an imperative factor that should not be overlooked at any cost. 

Design

The best tankless electric water heater features a simplistic design. Many folks don’t like simple designs, so they need to understand that such designs are more comfortable to troubleshoot. 

You will be able to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain it on your own. Additionally, the electric models have a sleek and compact design so that they can fit anywhere. 

Cost And Efficiency

The best electric tankless water heater is known to be extremely energy-efficient. Many units are up to 98% energy-smart, which means there is no power loss. 

They are armed with self-modulating technology that utilizes a lesser amount of power to heat the water. This technology supports the machine to activate within a flow rate of 0.25 gallons per minute. Then, it reduces the power consumption according to the water temperature. 

Once you turn off the faucet, it will automatically stop using the energy. They can decrease your electricity bills by 20% and water costs by 60%. 

However, don’t forget that they need a hefty amount of electricity to function correctly. The good thing about them is that they don’t generate greenhouse gases, so they are environment-friendly. 

Flow Rate

The flow rate determines how efficient the machine is. The flow rate of an electric water heater is measured in gallons per 60 seconds. 

The total GPM number will help you determine whether or not a particular system is suitable for your residence. The flow rate also tells you about the amount of water the heater can heat within 60 seconds.

Heating Power

They are crafted to heat water immediately, so they need a high surge load to support the operation. Many tankless systems need either 208v or 240v circuits along with adequate amp. The precise amount of power is reliant on the water flow rate and heating capacity of the machine.  

Safety

You will never buy a heater that is capable of heating the water only. You will opt for the one that flaunts several convenient features, and the safety feature is also included in them. 

We recommend you purchase a system equipped with self-protection systems, including temperature lock, self-modulating technology, and much more. 

Warranty

When it comes to warranties, purchase a heater that safeguards you from leaks and parts failure. It is crucial to understand that you will utilize the product for at least 12 to 15 years. So, an extended and reliable warranty can save you from burning money in repairs and maintenance. 

What Are The Diverse Types Of The Best Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Whole House Tankless Heaters

We need hot water for our bathroom to shower and kitchen for washing utensils in our day-to-day. Therefore, we need a superior quality whole house electric tankless water heater. 

Only one electric unit will fulfill all the hot water demands of your entire household. If there are three to four bathrooms in your property, you should opt for a machine with a large flow rate. A heater with a lower flow rate is suitable for small houses with one bathroom and one kitchen only. 

Outdoor Tankless Heaters

These units are constructed to be installed outdoors. You can mount it on the outside wall of the bathroom or kitchen.

They are equipped with freeze protection systems that protect them from being frozen in an extremely cold climate. Some of them are armed with a rain cap that increases the service life of the machine. 

Portable Tankless Heaters

They are lightweight and feature a small flow rate. You can carry and deploy them anywhere you want without overthinking. They are highly suitable for traveling and camping. If you wish, you can also install it on your recreational vehicle. 

Point Of Use Tankless Heaters

These heaters are perfect for single rooms and single points of application. As the name suggests, it has a smaller size to provide hot water for a single point of application. They are durable, energy-efficient, and eliminate heat loss entirely. 

The good thing is that they are effortless to install. For instance, if there are three bathrooms in your house, you will have to deploy 4 single-use units. 

Where Should You Install The Electric Water Heater? 

Guest House 

Individuals put a lot of stuff in their guest houses, such as minibar fridges, furniture, bed, etc. An electric water heater functions wonderfully in such spaces. You can easily mount it onto the wall. 

Cabin Or Cottage

You can install the electric heater in your cabin, cottage, or any other place you want. However, make sure to select the correct size according to the amount of family, friends, or guests you anticipate to stay over in the cottage. 

For enjoying baths and showers, you should pick a whole house or a point of use unit. The tankless heaters drain in a few moments, but storage heaters take a long time to drain.  

What Is The Difference Between Gas And Electric Tankless Heaters?

Energy-Efficient

Nowadays, both electric and gas heaters available in the market are energy-efficient. However, the gas machines are more efficient compared to electric ones. 

Environment-Friendly

You are well aware that the gas heater operates with natural gas or propane. Both fuel types are clean and don’t harm the environment much. However, when you use them to obtain hot water, they release carbon dioxide gas. 

The electric systems don’t emit carbon dioxide, but they still negatively impact the environment when utilized for prolonged periods. 

Installation

Electric units are easier to install than the gas ones because they don’t require a venting system and pipelines. Also, you can hang them anywhere you want. On the other hand, before installing the gas unit, you have to deliberate on the ventilation system.  

Cost

The electric machines are cheaper compared to gas ones. The low price makes them a perfect budget-friendly family option. However, in the long run, the expenditures of gas are less expensive than electricity. 

So, the prices of both units are the same. Electric devices have a higher purchase price, and the gas heaters demand more money for maintenance. 

Flow Rate And Power

Electric heaters are less powerful, and their average flow rate is around 3 GPM. However, gas-powered systems are more powerful and can provide around 9 GPM. They can supply water for multiple bathrooms and faucets at once. 

How To Find A Perfectly Sized Electric Heater For Your House? 

Sizing is a crucial step in the buying process. If you fail to find the appropriate size of the heater, you will have to return it. That’s why; before purchasing the unit, it is critical to find the exact size for your house’s hot water demands. 

For this purpose, you will need the assistance of two calculations. Initially, you have to grab information about the temperature rise, which is the difference between groundwater temp and heated output temp. 

Secondly, you have to determine the flow rate, which is the total amount of hot water that an electric system can heat within a specific time. It is measured using gallons per minute. Once you know these things, you can move on to the actual procedure. 

Peak Demand

It is one of the simplest and easiest ways to determine the number of gallons per minute you need. First of all, know about your house’s peak demand flow rate. 

You have to learn about when your family utilizes the warm water the most. Many families need hot water in the morning when everyone takes a shower, makes coffee, and so on. 

While calculating the peak demand, estimate the GPM of every single appliance that you will be using in the peak hours. 

Temperature Rise

To assess the temperature rise, subtract the incoming water temperature from the output temperature that you want. 

For instance, if the incoming water temp is 50 degrees and you want the output temp to be 120 degrees, then the temp rise will be around 70 degrees. You must calculate this to evaluate how powerful the heater should be. 

Frequently Asked Questions