From the kitchen to bathroom, there is always a constant need for hot water in the home. But the thing is that one process of water heating is usually more expensive than the other. And there are other important considerations too. Here is the reason why some people are precisely interested in the best tankless electric water heater reviews.
Obviously, there are some perceived but interesting benefits of using this specific type of water heater over others. In fact, some home owners actually acknowledge this as an upgrade from what they have been using.
However, everyone is never at the same pedestal with regard to sufficient understanding of the differences between available options. Most times, there are people who are first time buyers. And then there are other that have some existing experience on how electric water heaters work. Besides, if you are following the recommendation of a trusted acquaintance, you’ll probably have a better understanding of what you are looking for.
In terms of affordability, we set our focus to bring you only the best budget electric tankless water heaters under $1000. From here you are sure of finding one or two models that are within your current budget.
Meanwhile, there are other important considerations you need to think through before making the commitment to buy tankless water heater online or offline.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide
If you are one of those experienced users that have bought and used this type of water heater before, you may want to skip this section. Probably, you are looking for a replacement or considering one because of an emerging need. On the other hand, you could be a first time buyer moving into a new home. Whatever the case, here are major factors you need to understand.
Electric vs Gas Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are usually powered by two main energy sources. First is electricity while the second source is gas. This core difference in power source determines how they function. Under gas powered water heater, you’ll see condensing and non condensing units. With condensing units, there is never a need for venting. But the non condensing units require venting in order to work properly.
At its core, this venting system is what sets gas powered water heater apart from the electric counterparts. However, the thing about the venting system is that it can be harmful to the atmosphere in your home.
In most cases, electric tankless water heater has been proven to be less expensive.
Tankless Water Heater vs Tank Water Heater
This one is a little bit easy to understand. The tank option makes use of dedicated storage space where water is heated. On the other hand, tankless water heater makes use of electrical heating system that supplies hot water to required points of usage. Examples include your kitchen faucets and bathroom shower. Electric tankless water heater is also known to save money with regard to energy efficiency while working with zero storage space requirements.
Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
The quantitative capacity of electric tankless water heater is usually measured in gallons per minute. Practically, this relates to the level of heat rise during usage. For most of the models you’ll find in the market, expect something like 4 – 20 gallons per minute with 25 – 50 degrees heat rise. This is one key area where electric tanless water heaters differ from each other.
Water Heater Wattage
From one model to the other, the level power needed to function at full capacity differs a lot. For some reasons, a lot of the models reviewed here use 4000 watts.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heater Comparison
From the above information, you’ll now have increased understanding of the key factors that can be used to think through tankless water heater comparison. However, there are other differentiating factors we’ll be highlighting through the reviews in this water heater buying guide. So as you are reading through from the first to the last, take of the differences. Fortunately, you’ll be able to find one that matches your preferences perfectly well.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus
Do you need a water heater with adaptive control circuit? Here it is in front of you. With the digital temperature control system, you can control the flow of hot water within your home. In addition to the sleek and clean design, 4.0 gpm flow rate makes it capable or serving average small family homes.
When I mention flow control, here is what it means in practical terms. You can decrease the flow rate especially in those moments when it is not required as much.
This makes it possible to take proactive measures towards saving energy and cutting bills in your home.
From this particular brand Stiebal, Tempra Plus is one of the best selling models they have built so far. If you look at stiebel eltron tempra 36 plus price, it doesn’t cost as much when you think of the potential vale that can be derived from using it. Here is the reason why many past users have confirmed it to be of good value for the money. Electric service requirement is about 300A. In terms of voltage, you’ll need like 240 or 280 for this little machine.
From the date of purchase, you’ll 3 good years of warranty on this product. Please note that this one is for medium sized family homes with less 4 – 10 persons. All you need is to ensure that there is sufficient water running in your system.
At 52 degrees water temperature, you can expect to fill around 4.5 gallons per minute.
Before proceeding to buy stiebel eltron tempra 36 plus, take note of the fact that installation has two sides to it. There is the electrical and plumbing part of it. Interestingly, the installation manual will guide you on how to go about it. But to get the right the first time, consider engaging with an expert experienced in these kinds of work.
Pros
- Zero noise from mechanical switches
- Advanced flow control system
- Relatively easy to install
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
Bosch WH27 Tronic Water Heater
On the very first impression, one key emphasis I saw about this tool is the ease of installation. Coming from one of the most reputable makers of home electronic products in Europe, Bosch has got a promising product worth considering. For people that may be interested in gas powered Bosch, they have great models too. Examples in this category include GreenTherm 900 and Therm C 1210 condensing water heater.
However, their series of high quality electric tankless water heaters, Bosch WH27 Tronic seems to be most outstanding model. Through our research, the sales stats uncovered align with the last statement as well.
At a 55 degrees F temperature rise, you can expect to get around 3.5 GPM in terms of heating capacity.
Even though it has the capacity to deliver almost an endless flow of hot water to different usage points, you can only have one applicable use at a time. Looking at electrical requirements, 120 amps is the suitable consumption capacity for this machine. And then there is a requirement for 240 volts outlet.
For proper installation, please consider calling in an electrician. The only exceptional case is if you have proper electrical wiring around the spot you want to install it.
Regardless of the fact that there is no visible warranty information on this, this product has been proven to have really long life span up to 10 years.
Pros
- Good for residential and commercial uses
- Very fast heating machine
Cons
- Noticeable delay when starting sometimes
EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
If you are one of those green technology-conscious home owners, EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater is very likely to match your peculiar preferences 100%. When a product like this one is selling more than majority of its competitors in the same or lower price range, it doesn’t happen by accident. As more and more people buy and get satisfaction from it, more people recommend it for prospective buyers as well.
This is what I was able to find out about this model from EcoSmart. The other interesting thing is that EcoSmart ECO 27 also one of the bestsellers from the same brand.
All these points to how it has been delivering good value to end users like you.
Going by the weather temperature in your area or season at that matter, you should expect to get 3 – 6GMP during usage. From your shower, to kitchen and even washing machine, you are sure of getting enough hot water to serve your needs. This relates to why it is sometimes called on-demand water heater.
Among the outstanding features of this model is a sensitive self modulating technology, this means that it actually adjusts to its process in response to the varying weather conditions. On a deeper technical level, this helps to conserve energy while saving you money.
For home owners specifically interested in the best electric tankless water heater under $500, here is one great option that is within your reach right now. Amperage draw is 113A.
The weight is about 16.8 pounds while dimension stands at 3.6 x 17 x 17 inches. Inside Amazo.com, you can find this product mostly in whit color.
At the very point of purchase, you’ll receive a remote that comes with it. For further information especially on your intended personal uses, EcoSmart has a chart on their website. Using that source, you’ll be able to take into account your washing machine, dishwasher, bathroom and other areas.
Pros
- Outstanding self modulating technology
- Higher 6GPM max
- Digital control settings
Cons
- Stronger wiring required
Sio Green IR260 POU Electric Tankless Water Heater
Sio Green water heater comes in different models, just like what you can see with other brands. Based on the technical functions of this product, it is designed to heat only the water you want to use at each particular point in time. This means you’ll be saving money time with it.
For full functional capacity, Sio Green IR260 POU will use 120 volts only. In comparison to other models in the same category, this is an indication of how it consumes lower power.
As different companies continue to advance their water heating technology, Sio Green claims that heating without direct contact with any metal actually results in lower consumption of energy. So it is not just about the money for buying the best electric tankless water heater, power consumption and ongoing bills are also worth taking into account.
Depending on your personal preferences, you can use the thermostat to adjust the temperature as you like. To make it easier, the LCD screen helps with these setting options.
Interestingly, you don’t have to worry about any form of venting during usage. So if you are looking for non power vent water heater, look no further.
Go check Sio Green IR260 POU on Amazon.
Thinking about the best electric tankless water heater comparison, this Sio Green model is practically cheaper than other popular ones like Eemax EEM 24027 and Stiebel Eltron 224199 which sells above $400 each. However, all these do almost the same thing.
The weight is 6.75 pounds with a dimension of 14.3 x 12.8 x 4.4 inches. Is there a need for battery on this one? No the perfect answer. If you care a lot about where this product was made, Amazon indicates made in USA.
Pros
- Impressive lightweight
- Serves well for bigger houses
- Non venting water heater
- Lower power consumption
Cons
- Absence of auto stop feature
Rheem 240V 2 Heating Chambers RTEX-18 Residential Tankless Water Heater
From what I have seen, this brand seems to be carving out a niche specifically within the water heating technology space. If you look at it from commercial and residential water heating products, you’ll have countless models to choose from. Before proceeding I want to reiterate the fact that water temperature affects heating speed to a lot of times. So if a manufacturer claims 6GPM or lower, you are likely to get heating outcome that doesn’t match.
But that is not to say that it doesn’t work at full capacity. That aside, what Rheem claims you can obtain from this machine is 4.4GPM. In that same line, you may want to test fully to find out.
Before you buy Rheem RTEX 18 water heater online, try to confirm the return and warranty information. This will save you some return and replacement headaches assuming anything goes wrong in terms of defect. Hence, it’s hard to find a product that is 100% perfect in most case.
Depending on where you want to install this particular model, the 4 x 15 x 19 inches dimension may pose a challenge for some people. The weight comes out a bit heavier than other at 8.5 pounds.
With 240 volts, this one requires (2) 40 amp breakers and 8 AWG wire.
Please note that having the capacity for endless supply of heated water doesn’t mean you should be heating at all times. If you want to size up things regarding the number of bathrooms in your home and other intended use case, consider getting in touch with the manufacturer directly. Besides, expert input from experienced electrician will also be helpful in this regard.
Expected life span according to past users could reach up to 5 years. The other models from the same brand include the Rhemm RTEX -13 and Rheem RTEX 24.
Pros
- Made by water heating specialist
- Impressive value for the money
- Comparatively affordable
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Makes a little noise while in use
- Slightly bulkier
Stiebel Eltron 230628 Water Heater
Here is another great and affordable tankless water heater from Stiebel. Irrespective of the season or weather condition you may have in mind, this model will give you satisfactory level of water temperature whenever you want. From your dishwasher to washing machine, kitchen sink and bathroom shower, you can have it wherever and whenever you want.
Unlike many others in the same category, there is a clearly stipulated 3 years warranty. That’s if you buy stiebel eltron 230628 water heater on Amazon. This may not be the case from other online sellers or your local retailer.
To get exactly the type of water you want, you’ll a temperature knob that enables users to adjust between 86 – 125 degrees F. unfortunately, one thing considered to be a downside for many people is the 1.5GPM which is lower than what is obtainable from competing models.
However, this operating capacity could be enough for small households or individual users. Under the DHC series, you’ll find others like Stiebel DHC 10-2, DHC 5-2 and DHC 8-2.
The product weighs about 5.95 pounds which is considered lower than others. Wattage is 12,000 watts while 240 volts is the voltage capacity.
Moreover, the gauge wire is thick enough for any intended use case. Perhaps, you may want to inquire about your local wiring code. A trusted electrician could help in this regard. If you have question relating to where it is made, this one is made in Germany, not like many others.
Expected life span on this one is something around 5 – 10 years according to past users found through our research. Contrary to what is obtainable from tank water heaters, you can have the same level hot or warm water that doesn’t cool off gradually while you are taking bath.
Pros
- Not so complex electrical requirements
- Lightweight design
- Self modulating technology
Cons
- 5GPM not enough for bigger homes
Bosch Tronic WH17 6000C
If for any reason you want to multiple Bosch water heater options, here is the second one in ht list. And there is one remarkable thing about this one. It is emphatically referred to as whole house tankless electric water heater. Slight above the heater reviewed above is the 2.4GPM that this model comes with. That aside, it is said to strong and versatile water heater that can serve well for all seasons and weather conditions.
From two to four room apartment, you are sure of getting sufficient heating for your home. Oddly enough, many prospective buyers complain of this product being too expensive.
Assuming you choose to buy Bosch Tronic WH17 6000C, it comes with an inlet filter screen system. So it is not just about putting the water in good temperature.
The safety of your skin is really important. This is because some mineral rich water sources might not be good for your skin. In addition to the inlet filtration feature mentioned above, this heater is also made of polymer case which has been proven to have heat retention capabilities. And then you’ll get a flow sensor as well.
At 18.7 pounds weight, this one is obviously heavier than most of the other models reviewed earlier.
Required wattage is 17,000 watts while voltage is 208 volts. Clearly stated in the product page is 10 years warranty. This is remarkably longer that warranty duration found for other competing models. If you remember, those others were offering something like 3 – 5 years only. In some cases, the actual life span can exceed the stated warranty.
Please note that you cannot install this on existing hot water supply. That is not what it is meant for. In the case that you have a preference for doing your dishes with warm water, you can use this on-demand tool to fill warm water in any appropriate space.
Pros
- Filter screen on inlet
- Long life warranty
- Electronic flow sensor
Cons
- Lower flow rate
- Comparatively expensive
Conclusion
Before now it is very understandable that all water heaters are not created equal. The differences in their individual features determine the capacity for delivering commensurate value for the money. But for people that want only the best electric tankless water heater, I feel very certain that you’ll find good and affordable models here. And the best thing, you can click from here to Amazon, order and have it delivered to your home or office.