Compared to a tankless gas water heater, the electric alternative requires far less maintenance and are much cheaper. The electric tankless water heater is the best option for low use households that require an efficient solution.
The best electric tankless water heater is the Steibel Eltron 224199, which requires no venting and can be installed virtually anywhere thanks to a sleek design.
For those that are upgrading from an older tank water heater, opting for a tankless water heater means you may qualify for tax credit. This means you can put the incentive against the cost of the new water heater that you purchase.
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Best Tankless Electric Water Heater
| Electric Tankless Water Heater | Flow Rate | Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Stiebel Eltron 224199 | 4.0 GPM | 24 kW |
| EcoSmart ECO 27 | 3.5 GPM | 27 kW |
| Sio Green IR260 POU | 1.5 GPM | 6 kW |
| Rheem RTEX-13 | 2.14 GPM | 13 kW |
| Bosch Tronic 5000 C | 4.0 GPM | 27 kW |
The benefits of installing an electric tankless water heater include unlimited hot water, reduce energy bills and will increase the value of your home. Instead of holding water in a tank, the electric alternative delivers hot water when its needed by the user. This is why you may see them being referred to as a “demand type” water heater.
As there is no tank holding the hot water and it is on demand, this means there is a constant supply of hot water for all your hot water applications.
Upgrading from your conventional water heater will see so many benefits. Below is a list of the best electric tankless water heater that provide efficient hot water, provide intuitive functionality and are easy to install.
Steibel Eltron Tankless Electric Water Heater
The Steibel Eltron tankless electric water heater is an impeccably made product that is built to last for years to come. It has a streamlined design that will fit regardless of your home’s plumbing system, and it’s easy to use, with a digital display.
Here are some of the specs of the Steibel Eltron Tankless Electric Water Heater:
- Comes in 240 volt or 208 volt versions
- Advanced Flow Control maintains temperature
- Compact design
- Completely silent when in use
- Solid copper heaters
- Digital temperature display
- Water temperature output range of 86 to 140 degrees
The Steibel Eltron water heater is a uniquely efficient design that saves space and money, and ensures that you always have a hot shower without wasting energy. It is the best electric tankless water heater and is available in various amounts of power options to suit your requirements.
Check it OutEcoSmart ECO Electric Tankless Water Heater
The EcoSmart ECO Electric Tankless Water Heater is the best choice if you are focused on value for money when shopping for your water heater. It has all the features you find in the premium examples but at a much more affordable price.
This water heater has an easy-to-use digital display with complete temperature control, and it’s made with copper and stainless steel parts that are easy to maintain and replace if necessary. The design is compact, sleek, and appealing, and it comes in a range of models to suit your plumbing needs.
Here are the notable features of the EcoSmart ECO electric tankless water heater.
- 17 x 17 x 3.65 inch dimensions
- Made with copper and stainless steel
- 27 kW and 240 volt electrical requirements
- Temperature output ranging from 80 to 140 degrees
- Digital display, control temperature in one-degree increments
- Heats up to six gallons per minute
This powerful but affordable water heater can completely change the way your household uses water. The EcoSmart brand develops a variety of products like this one that are designed to help you use water in a more environmentally friendly manner without extra hassle.
Check it OutSio Green POU Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Sio Green Electric Tankless Water Heater is a small but powerful water heater that’s very easy to install and maintain. It’s made using quartz parts instead of metal, so there is no risk of corrosion that you might experience with alternatives.
You can adjust the electric power levels on this water heater, so you can actually take it with you when you move from place to place, unlike many other electric water heaters. It fits in very small spaces and can also work in an RV setting.
Here are the notable features of the Sio Green Electric Tankless Water Heater.
- Made without metals to prevent corrosion and calcium buildup
- 30 day satisfaction guarantee
- Can be adjusted between 5 and 30 amps and 1 and 6 kW of power
- Adjustable digital temperature display
- Efficient infrared heating system
- Less than 20 inches long
The Sio Green Electric Tankless Water Heater is a standout choice for small spaces, such as condos and RVs. Its compact construction and versatile design make it very easy to move from place to place, and the unique quartz construction addresses water damage issues that many other water heaters don’t.
Check it OutRheem Heating Chamber RTEX Tankless Water Heater
The Rheem Heating Chamber is a very sleek electric tankless water heater. It has a modern design and will blend in with your home no matter where you decide to put it. The adjustable digital display is also very intuitive, so you can control exactly how hot you want your water to be.
Here are the notable features of the Rheem Heating Chamber.
- Easy install with limited connections
- Adjustable digital temperature control
- Two copper heating elements
- Electric cable and connectors included for installation
- 8 percent energy efficient
The Rheem Heating Chamber Tankless Water Heater is a very reliable water heater that’s ideal for low use households. The easy to use digital temperature display is a very desirable feature and makes it far easier to make adjustments when necessary.
Check it OutBosch Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater is a large, durable water heater that can heat the water in your entire house. This heater ensures that you will always have hot water, even if someone else is using the water at the same time as you.
It has a very powerful flow sensor to keep temperatures consistent and has an external temperature control that you can adjust on your own as well. Here are some of the notable features of the Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater.
- 9 kW power use for whole house application
- Durable polymer encased elements
- Built-in flow sensor
- Works for both residential and commercial use
- External temperature control knob
- 97 percent thermal efficiency
This is one of the best choices if you want a tankless electric water heater for a large home. Although this heater is quite big, it’s still relatively easy to install and works in many different settings. Bosch is a very reliable brand of home appliances and technology, and their electric tankless water heater is no exception.
Check it OutElectric Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide
There are many things to consider when shopping for an electric water heater. Electric tankless water heaters are a great way to lower your water and electric bills while still enjoying a pleasant hot shower.
Unlike water heaters with tanks, they are very energy efficient, and they also are small and don’t take up much space. They only heat the water as needed, so you don’t waste energy. There’s also no limit to how much hot water you have, because it heats the water continually. Due to the small size, many people tend to use them as an under sink water heater too, which provide instant hot water and can be hidden within the cabinet.
However, since electric tankless water heaters are quite a large financial investment, you should always make sure that the one you are purchasing is of great value so that you can reap all these benefits.
If you are upgrading from an old conventional water heater, you may also qualify for a tax incentive by upgrading. This means you will be able to put some of this tax credit towards a better water heater. Here are the things you should look for when shopping for an electric tankless water heater.
Size
The size of your electric tankless water heater is an important consideration to make when doing your shopping. Ideally, the water heater should be very compact so you can install it anywhere in your home.
This is particularly important if you are planning on installing it in a small space, like a bathroom or closet, or if you are planning on using the electric tankless water heater in your RV. Compact water heaters are also more aesthetically pleasing and won’t be an eyesore in your space. Look for a heater that has a sleek design that you like and will be happy to have in your home.
Digital Display
While not necessarily essential, a very helpful feature you should look for when shopping for an electric tankless water heater is a digital temperature display. This makes it easy for you to see exactly what temperature the water is and adjust it as needed.
There should be a knob or buttons near the display that make it easy to change the temperature. You should also consider the increments with which you can adjust the temperature. Ideally, you should be able to adjust it in increments of one degree or smaller for total control over your water.
Consistent Flow Rate
For the most comfortable experience showering or washing your hands, you will want to make sure that your water heater puts out water at an even rate. It’s also important that the water heater maintains the temperature, regardless of how much water is being used.
Some lower quality water heaters aren’t able to maintain their temperature when they get close to their maximum water output. The best quality water heaters are designed to ensure that this doesn’t happen, with flow control measures.
Temperature Output
When looking at water heaters, the temperature output is something that can make a difference in your experience with it. The wider range of temperature outputs available, the more control you will have over your water. Some water heaters have potential temperature outputs as high as 140 degrees.
Ease of Installation
While all water heaters are going to require some installation, it’s important that the installation process isn’t too difficult or confusing. The water heater should come with instructions on how to set it up and where everything needs to be connected.
Ideally, the heater should be very easy to mount and attach as well. Some heaters even come with the cords and attachments you need to get everything set up, which adds even more convenience. If you are unsure what this process is going to entail, look up a how-to installation video on YouTube to learn more about what you will need to do to set it up.
Materials Used
The materials used in the electric tankless water heater you purchase should be very durable. Copper and stainless steel are common choices because they are incredibly long lasting. However, metals do come with some risk of corrosion.
Because of this, some companies are starting to develop water heaters that are made without any metal. This might be something to consider if you are worried about the quality of your water.
Electrical Requirements
Every home has slightly different plumbing and electrical systems. Before purchasing a tankless water heater, it’s important to check your home’s specifications to determine what type of water heater you need.
In particular, you will need to look at the amperage and the kilowatts of output that the water heater has. You will also need to look at your home’s breakers and the required wire size of the heater, as well as the minimum water flow the heater requires in order to work.
Noise Output
Some water heaters can be quite noisy while they are working. This can be very irritating for you, the other residents in your home, and your neighbors. To avoid this, you should look for a water heater that operates silently. Technology is improving rapidly, and companies are figuring out how to develop water heaters that aren’t loud or clunky.
Inlet Water Temperature Requirements
The inlet water temperature is the temperature of the water that comes into your home. The inlet water temperature varies widely depending on where you live. You can look up the inlet water temperature for your area online.
Before purchasing your water heater, you will need to look at what the required inlet water temperature is for the specific product that you are purchasing. Ideally, the inlet water temperature requirement should be rather low, so that it will work well in both cold and warm climates.
Conclusion
An electric tankless water heater is a great investment for your home. It will allow you to take more comfortable showers without spending extra money on your electric and water bill.
Electric tankless water heaters may be a big investment up front, but they really pay for themselves over time. When shopping for your electric tankless water heater, use the features mentioned in this guide to ensure that you get the biggest bang for your buck.