Electric Tankless Water Heater Reviews

Interested in finding out how you can save some money on your utility bills? Many homeowners are choosing to upgrade their water heating systems thanks to the cost-saving potential of electric tankless water heaters.

A lot of homeowners opt for electric tankless water heaters since they tend to be less expensive than their gas-fired counterparts. On average, electric tankless water heaters can save the consumers somewhere around $50 per year compared to traditional storage tank heaters.

Aside from saving money, users are also attracted to the relatively small size of electric tankless water heaters. The compact size of these devices makes them an excellent option for even the tiniest of living spaces. Additionally, for eco-conscious homeowners, tankless water heaters are an attractive choice because they eliminate the need for a large, empty water storage tank to sit in a landfill once it has stopped working.

Electric tankless water heaters do not need a storage tank because they heat water directly once a hot water tap is turned on. When hot water is required, the electric elements built within these units' heats up the cold water that has passed through your pipes, so you receive an instant, constant supply of hot water without having to wait for a storage tank to fill up. The size of the tank—or tanks—you need depends on your home size and water usage.

Keep reading for a list of the five best electric tankless water heaters that you can find on the market. 

Navigation
My Top 5 Best Tankless Electric Water Heater Reviews for 2017
Quick Look at My Top Choices
Are Electric Tankless Water Heaters Better Than Natural Gas or Propane?
Pros & Cons
Are Electric Models More Energy Efficient?
What Size Do I Need?
Do I Need To Upgrade My Electrical System?
Conclusion

My Top 5 Best Tankless Electric Water Heater Reviews for 2018

IMAGE

MODEL

Kilowatts

MAX GPM

MY RATING

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ECOSMART ECO 27

27kW

6.0 GPM

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Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 29

29kW

5.66 GPM

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SioGreen IR8000

18kW

4.6 GPM

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Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12

12kW

1.5 GPM

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RHEEM RTE 13

13kW

4.0 GPM

Quick Look at My Top Choices

1. EcoSmart ECO 27

The EcoSmart Eco 27 has received rave reviews from users who believe that this is one of the absolute best electric tankless water heaters available. The Eco 27 is a heating powerhouse that is well-suited for almost any home size and is even a great option for homeowners who live in cold climates.

Unlike many of its competitors, the Ecosmart Eco 27 has patented self-modulating technology that allows for energy usage to be adjusted based off of actual water usage in the home.

In cold climates, some electric water heaters are unable quickly produce large amounts of hot water, but with the Ecosmart, you can rest assured that you and your family receive up to three gallons of hot water per minute; which provides enough water for a large hot tub. For users who live in warmer areas, you can benefit from having up to six gallons of hot water delivered throughout your house within just one minute.

The Ecosmart offers a high degree of precision and accuracy. This electric water heater features a built-in temperature control that lets is users easily adjust heating settings in increments of one degree.

Buyers also appreciate the 99.8% energy efficiency rating that comes with this product. This rating means that your electricity is being conserved whenever possible. Saving energy equals saving money, and that is something any homeowner can appreciate.

Features:

  • ​​​​​Self-modulating technology that accurately adjusts energy levels based off of actual usage.
  • Compact, wall-mounted design that frees up valuable space.
  • Electric tankless heater only turns on when hot water is needed, which means you can save up to 50% in water heating costs.
  • Elements within the Ecosmart are easily replaceable.
  • Suitable for a household in cold climates where water temperature can reach as low as 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

  • Copper and stainless steel construction that is easy to replace and promotes the longevity of the product.
  • Easy cleaning and maintenance that can be done without having to call in the help of professionals.
  • Supports the addition of a remote thermostat that is waterproof and can be used anywhere throughout the house.

Cons

  • This tankless electric water heater requires that you have at least 200 amp total service available.
  • There can be a short waiting time of a few seconds before the hot water starts flowing.
  • The lifetime warranty covers parts but does not include labor.
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2. Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 29 kW

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 29 kW boasts itself as the most technologically advanced water heater that is available on the market. The Tempra Plus promises to give its users a satisfactory experience every single time you use it by eliminating temperature fluctuation.

Unlike some other tankless water heater options that are available, the Tempra Plus uses Advanced Flow Control technology that can accurately adjust water flow, so the temperatures remain consistent. No more showers that end up leaving you rinsing off in chilly water or having to worry about touching scalding water while doing the dishes.

The Tempra series of Steibel Eltron electric tankless water heaters are favorably known for their low energy consumption. Gas tankless water heaters can be quite expensive to install in your home because you often have to enlist the help of a professional. With the Tempra Plus, the installation will be much more of a breeze because you don't have to worry about creating an outside vent for this electric-style heating system.

Electric tankless heaters usually cost less than their gas-using counterparts, so you will save money upfront after purchasing your Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 29kW, and will continue to see savings in your electric bill long after your initial installation of this tankless heating system. Compared to standard tank water heating systems, the Tempra Plus can help save an extra 20% in utility usage. 

Features:

  • Digital temperature display that allows for you to adjust the water temperature output to be heated between 86 and 125 Fahrenheit.
  • Advanced Flow Control technology automatically adjusts the flow of output so that water temperatures remain consistent.
  • The Tempra Plus 24 has a robust heating system that is well suited for large homes and houses that are in relatively cold climates.
  • Has a max power of 24 kW on 240 V, which is excellent for powering the entire house. For average size houses, there is no need to purchase multiple electric water heaters so that you can adequately heat the water throughout your home.
  • The Tempra 24 has a Compact and sleek design that is suitable for a great deal of residential and commercial needs.

Pros

  • The Tempra Plus 24 is built with two electric heating modules that are equipped to handle heavy water heating demands.
  • Steel coated encasings protect the product parts and are designed to resist corrosion and help to boost up the functional lifetime of your electric tankless water heater.
  • The small and compact design makes the Tempra Plus 24 a fantastic electric tankless water heating option regardless of if you own a large single-family home or a single-bathroom condominium.

Cons

  • The Limited warranty coverage only lasts for three years and is relatively short in contrast to some of the Tempra Plus 24’s competitors who offer lifetime coverage.
  • Compared to some other electric tankless water heater reviews, The Tempra Plus 24 has had some complaints in regards to having a relatively low water pressure.
  • While it is an attractive option in contrast to gas-powered tankless water heating systems since there is no need for a vent in your home, the Tempra 24 Plus has some power operating features that may require you to make upgrades to your home's electrical system.
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3. SioGreen IR8000

The SioGreen IR8000 is a cutting-edge tankless water heating system that is an excellent option for many homeowners. This tankless heater is a powerhouse that, depending on where you live, can efficiently process up to 4.5 gallons of water per minute.

The unique infrared technology that is in the SioGreen sets it apart from other electric tankless water heaters. This heating system uses a coil-less technology that uses quartz infrared energy to efficiently create enough heat that will thoroughly warm up your water without passing it through any metal.

Since this system does not use metal as a heat conductor, there is no corrosion. The coil-less design makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who are trying to deal with the calcium and limescale deposits that are often left behind from hard water areas or homes that receive their water supply through a well.

Another advantage of heating water through tankless, infrared technology is that it minimizes the chances of algae or bacteria growing in water that may be left sitting stagnantly in large metal storage tanks.

Thanks to its tankless electric design, the SioGreen IR8000 only heats up the water you are using. Since the water you need to use gets heated up on demand, you will save on water usage—a significant advantage for both your wallet and your ecosystem. 

Features:

  • Hot water is only processed as needed. The power modulation that is in the SioGreen IR8000 does not create a surplus of warm water that will be left sitting in a storage tank.
  • Quartz infrared technology heats water without passing it through any metal coils. Without metal parts, your electric tankless water heater won't experience corrosion, so the product can continuously operate for many years without needing any significant fixes.
  • Unlike tankless water heaters that run off of gas, the electric operating design of the SioGreen IR8000 means that you won't have to have any costly vents installed in your home.
  • If a problem should occur, the SioGreen IR8000 has a Safe Recovery mode that will isolate any issues and will reduce processing capacity, but you will still have access to hot water without the system shutting down completely.

Pros

  • The SioGreen IR8000 only uses the exact amount of power necessary to heat water as it is needed. Since there is no surplus, you're not using any extra electricity so you should see a drop in your utility expenses.
  • Thanks to the infrared heating technology, you don't have to worry about the costly maintenance expenses that may come along with the more traditional electric tankless water heaters that use metal-coils to produce hot water.
  • Compact design means that you can install this tankless water heater almost anywhere that hot water is needed.

Cons

  • Some SioGreen IR8000 electric tankless water heater reviews complain of issues regarding not correctly obtaining desired water temperature while still maintaining adequate water pressure.
  • When upgrading to this tankless water system, installation of existing plumbing and electrical connections can be difficult.
  • This product may not have enough power to be suitable for homeowners who live in very cold climates.
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4. ​Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12 E Series

The Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12 E Series is an attractive electric tankless water heater option for many homeowners because of its compact design and affordability. Compared to some other electric tankless water heaters that are available, the Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12 is available at a price point that does not come with a ton of financial burden right at the forefront.

This product has a small design that makes it easy to install just about anywhere in your home where you may need to have access to hot water. The housing unit is polished enough that this tankless heater can remain unsealed in your bathroom or kitchen without it becoming an eyesore.

The DHC-E features a knob that allows you to adjust temperatures between 86 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a built-in control system that does not allow this heating system to reach above 125 Fahrenheit so that you don't have to worry about water the occurrence of scalding water temperatures.

Electricity bill savings are also a great benefit of the DHC-E. Unlike with traditional water heater storage tanks, you don't have to worry about producing extra hot water, which uses more energy, and therefore causes your utility bills to rise. Since you'll be using less power, you'll get the benefits of being more eco-friendly while saving money at the same time. 

Features:

  • Built-in self-modulating technology saves on energy because it adjusts electricity usage based off of the actual amount of water needed.
  • The Steibel Eltron DHC-E12 E Series is suitable for homeowners who live in both warm and cold climates.
  • ​With a 99% efficiency rating, you can expect to see electric savings of up to 20%.
  • ​Under normal usage, there is a three-year residential and commercial parts warranty.
  • Front panel temperature knob and display allows you to quickly switch from temperatures low enough for comfortable hand washing to temperatures that are hot enough to satisfy commercial health code use.

Pros

  • Compared to other gas and electric tankless water heaters available on the market, the DHC-E12 has modest electrical requirements that make it easy for many homeowners to install.
  • Water only gets processed through this tankless heater on an as-needed basis, and hot water comes out almost instantaneously upon demand.
  • This heater is small and compact, so it seamlessly fits into tight space and can be wall-mounted.

Cons

  • The plastic outer layer of the DHC-E12 is relatively brittle; some cracking of the external casing may occur if not handled carefully.
  • This particular Stiebel Eltron model isn't designed to handle the needs of a large home with multiple hot water sourcing needs.
  • Some users have reported experiencing a delay of a few seconds before the hot water begins coming out of the faucet.
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5. Rheem RTE 13

If you've been researching tankless water heaters for any length of time, you've probably come across the Rheem brand. Rheem's been around for a long time, and their products have a reputation for long-lasting quality.

While the Rheem RTE 13 might not look as fancy as some of the other electric tankless water heaters that are available on the market, this product is solidly constructed and is available at a modest price point.

This water heater is suitable for use in residential and commercial settings, but keep in mind that it operates best when used as a point-of-use heater. Many users have used to Rheem RTE 13 to electrically heat water for their boats, motorhomes, and garages with great success. You can also use it in your home as long as it is located near the fixtures that it feeds into, and is hooked up to no more than three units.

Like a lot of other electric tankless water heaters, the RTE 13 has a small size that can comfortably fit in almost any space, and it can also be a great way to cut back on some of your utility costs. 

Features:

  • The Rheem RTE 13 features modulating power consumption, which enables it to provide a steady, continuous water supply while still saving you on energy usage.
  • The front panel has red and green LED lights that indicate when the tankless heater has an active element or is in standby mode.
  • ​Water flow rate of up to 4 gallons per minute.
  • The RTE 13 has a temperature-adjusting knob that enables you to quickly and easily adjust water temperature settings to your liking.
  • Energy-star certification indicates that this product is highly rated for its energy efficiency.

Pros

  • Energy-star certification means that you are likely to see a decent amount of savings in your utility bills after purchasing this product.
  • You can adjust the water temperature to nine different settings depending on your usage needs.
  • The RTE 13 comes equipped with a 6-gauge prewired power cable to help make installation a breeze.

Cons

  • Homeowners who reside in colder climates may find that the RTE 13 lacks enough power to heat up water to their liking during winter months.
  • Installation may be difficult for someone who hasn't had a lot of experience with electric and plumbing installation.
  • Some users who have hard water have complained of the RTE 13 struggling with efficiently.
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Are Electric Tankless Water Heaters Better Than Natural Gas or Propane?

Any homeowner who is interested in saving some money should seriously consider upgrading to an electric tankless water heater. Electric water heaters will save you space, offer you a significant amount of cost-saving potential, and are much more eco-friendly than their natural gas and propane counterparts.

With the current water heater technology that is available, there isn't a reason to put up with all of the space your natural gas or propane water heaters are taking up. Electric tankless water heaters weigh less than ten pounds and can easily be wall-mounted so that your water-heating source is entirely out of your way.

Electric tankless water heaters are the winner when it comes to energy-efficiency. Some estimates state that households that use less than 40 gallons of hot water each day can expect to see savings in energy efficiency of up to 14 percent.

Another draw of opting to go with heating your water electrically is the attractiveness of not using fossil fuels. Eco-friendly homeowners should consider how much more beneficial electric water heaters are for the environment.

When compared side-by-side, while natural gas and propane water heaters may save you a little bit of money upfront, electric tankless heaters are the clear winner for energy and cost-saving efficiency. 

Pros & Cons

  • Electric tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient than natural gas and propane storage heaters
  • When compared to gas-using tankless heaters, you can almost always purchase the electric version at a lower price.
  • The small size of these heaters makes them suitable for use just about anywhere.
  • When purchasing tankless water heaters, some homeowners find that they need to upgrade their electrical system.
  • Some electric tankless heaters are not suitable for homes that are in chilly climates.
  • If hooked up to multiple fixtures that may need to use hot water at the same time, electric heaters may have a harder time keeping up with demands than a few of the non-electric options that are available.

Are Electric Models More Energy Efficient?

At first glance, it may seem that tankless gas heaters are more efficient and offer better savings because the price of gas is often lower than electricity. Since gas prices often fluctuate, though, it's hard to predict where the cost of gas will stay in the long-term.

Since the price of gas can be so unpredictable at times, using electricity as the power source for your water heater can be desirable because the energy bills tend to remain more constant. With electric tankless heaters, it is easier to predict where your operating costs will be over many years. If gas prices surge, owning a gas tankless heating unit will become considerably more expensive.

Electric tankless water heaters almost always achieve a 98-99% efficiency rating, whereas their gas counterparts usually fall somewhere in the realm of 80-85% efficiency.

If your goal is to achieve the maximum amount of energy-efficiency, electric tankless heaters are the clear winner. 

What Size Do I Need?

To accurately determine what size of electric tankless water heater you should purchase, you need to calculate how much hot water you think you or your household will use at any given time.

Once you have a rough estimate of your usage, you can determine your gallons per minute (GPM). The different fixtures and appliances you plan on hooking your water heater up to will affect the GPM. For example, a dishwasher typically uses somewhere around 2 GPM, but a kitchen faucet may need up to 7 GPM.

Based off of where you live, you'll also have to determine the average groundwater temperature so that you can figure out your home's required temperature rise. Since water temperatures vary depending on the time of year, you'll want to calculate this measurement based off of the coldest months.

Once you've determined your estimated GPM and groundwater temperature, you can conveniently select the best tankless water heater that is built to suit your needs. 

Do I Need To Upgrade My Electrical System?

Some electric tankless water heater reviews indicate that there have been a decent amount of users who did not properly evaluate the current state of their home's electrical system before purchasing their tank upgrade. You can easily avoid this issue by planning ahead of time.

Before you go out and make this purchase, be sure to check and see if your house has sufficient electrical capacity to be able to accommodate a new electrical water heating system. Older homes may not have electrical systems in place that can handle the demand of tankless water heaters, so if you find yourself in this situation, you will need to make electrical upgrades before buying your new water heater. 

Conclusion

If the practical size, energy-efficiency, usage personalization, and eco-friendly aspects of electric tankless water heaters have you excited, then purchasing this design of water heating system is highly recommended.

With this guide of some of the best electric tankless water heaters that are available on the market, you are well on your way to making a purchase that has the potential of saving you a decent chunk of change in the long run.