10 Best Tankless Electric Water Heaters for 2023

Tankless electric water heaters use heating elements that run on electricity to heat the water as it flows through the unit. When a hot water faucet is turned on, cold water flows into the unit where it is heated by the heating elements and then delivered to the faucet or appliance.

One of the main advantages of electric water heaters is that they are more energy efficient than traditional storage water heaters. This is because they only heat water when it is needed, rather than constantly heating a large amount of water in a tank, which can lead to standby heat loss. Tankless electric water heaters are also smaller and more compact than storage water heaters, which can be an advantage in homes with limited space.

Tankless water heaters offer efficient, energy-saving alternatives to conventional water heaters with storage tanks. Instead of storing and heating water in anticipation of demand, tankless water heaters generate warm water as needed. Also referred to as instant water heaters, these appliances save space while ensuring that you never run out of hot water while showering, washing your hands, doing dishes, or doing any other household task.Many homeowners prefer to avoid gas for safety reasons. Gas tankless water heaters typically aren’t as efficient as electric models, so that’s another reason to choose an electric tankless water heater. Here are the best electric tankless water heaters available based on specifications, features, and customer reviews.

10 Best Tankless Electric Water Heaters for 2023：Tested and Reviewed

• Best Electric:Stiebel Eltron 239223 Tankless Water Heater
• Best Natural Gas:Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater
• Best Budget:Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
• Best Point-of-Use:Rinnai V75iN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
• Best Propane:Rinnai V65eP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater
• Best Energy Saving:EcoSmart ECO 27 Tankless Water Heater
• Easiest to Use:Tankless Water Heater Electric 18kW 240 Volt
• BEST FOR SMALLER HOMES:Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater
• BEST POINT OF USE UNIT:EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
• MOST VERSATILE:Stiebel Eltron 230628 240V

While traditional water heaters remain the best choice for some, tankless models save space and can help reduce monthly heating bills. Before switching, shoppers should choose between a gas or electric model. High-end gas models are usually more powerful but are also more expensive and challenging to install.

Stiebel electron tankless water heater has advanced flow control German technology that automatically heats and maintains desired temperatures. The heater is designed with a great feature of a slight flow reduction if the hot water demand exceeds its capability. The reduction of flow to other outlets lets hot showers operate with hot water without interruptions. Since the heater doesn’t store hot water, they have a high-efficiency degree. They push water to the outlets on demand and terminate heating once you turn off the taps.

The Rinnai RL75iN is our pick for a natural gas tankless water heater since it offers reliable performance, impressive heating capabilities, and the ability to be installed in just about any indoor space, including an attic or crawl space. The Japanese manufacturer of water heaters is frequently praised for its reliability, and it doesn’t hurt that the heat exchanger on the RL75iN carries a 12-year warranty.

While this model is compatible with Rinnai’s Re-Circ technology, you need to purchase additional components to take advantage of the hot water recirculation feature, which slowly and constantly circulates the water in the hot water pipes back into the water heater for reheating. It’s something to consider, since a common complaint about this model is it wastes a fair amount of water before sufficiently heating up sink or shower water.

Its compatibility with home Wi-Fi networks means it’s easier to control and monitor, even if you install it in an out-of-the-way location. If that feature is important to you, you need to purchase a separate control module.Despite the prospects for adding to the listed price, we still recommend the Rinnai RL75iN as a top-performing natural gas tankless water heater and a worthwhile upgrade if you need to supply piping-hot water to multiple fixtures.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra is among the most powerful electric tankless water heaters on the market, providing a maximum of 7.5 GPM, which should be sufficient to provide enough water for four showers running simultaneously. It can heat water to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) maximum recommendation for household water temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Auto modulation minimizes temperature fluctuations, and the unit runs virtually silently. Preferred temperature can be preset into memory using the digital display.This 36 kW model requires a 240V supply and three 50 amp breakers. There are many Stiebel Eltron models in the Tempra range, offering high-quality solutions for installations of all kinds. Safety is recognized by independent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification.

It heats only when necessary and works to conserve energy. However, the device requires outdoor installation due to its size of 13 by 30.51 by 17.32 inches.

The device has a flow rate of 6.5 gallons per minute, which is ideal for a larger household. The Non-condensing tankless hot water heater is only the size of a small suitcase and can fit in a wide variety of spaces at your home. Enhanced scale detection helps prevent severe and long-term damage to the heater. It has a one-year residential guarantee for heat exchangers, labor, and parts. The heaters are individually tested for quality before shipping.

A tankless water heater can be a smart upgrade for your home, paying off in energy savings and convenience. You can maximize your savings while minimizing your spending if you shop for a budget option, which costs around $500 for a tankless electric model that can support an average household of three to four people. We recommend the EcoSmart ECO 27 as an affordable choice for an instant water heater.

Instead of a flow switch, as you’d find on some tankless water heaters, the EcoSmart ECO 27 uses a sensor. This prevents a burst of cold water if water pressure drops while the unit is heating.Temperature settings for this model range from 80 to 140 degrees F, which is plenty of heating power for most applications. But that falls short of the maximum 160 degrees F some tankless water heaters are capable of.

The EcoSmart is compact and doesn’t take up much room when installed since it measures 17 inches tall and wide and only weighs 14 pounds.If you’re looking for a space-saving alternative to a conventional water heater but need a tankless version that is easy on the wallet, the EcoSmart ECO 27 is a solid pick in terms of purchase price and long-term energy savings.

The budget-friendly 18 kW Thermomate Tankless Water Heater is an economical solution designed to provide virtually instant hot water for up to three different applications. Despite the low cost, there’s still a digital thermostat adjustable in single-degree increments and self-modulated control for stable temperature output, plus maximum energy savings.

The heating elements run adjacent to the water supply rather than being immersed, reducing scale and corrosion for longer life. There is overheating protection, dry-heat protection in the event of interruption to water supply, and the unit is Electric Testing Laboratories certified for safety.This 18 kW unit requires 240V and two 40A breakers. Combined with a gas heater, it could also provide an efficient solution for hot water and warmth in a garage or basement.

You can adjust the water output temperature in 1-degree increments with the sleek control knob on the front of the unit, and verify it’s set correctly by checking the digital display. You can adjust the target temperature any time you like.

This model, which has a flow rate up to 3.51 GPM, is small enough to be installed for point-of-use applications. Or it can be installed in other locations such as a basement or attic. Keep in mind that it’s not impervious to freeze damage, so it shouldn’t be installed anywhere that temperatures may fall below freezing.As an electric tankless water heater, installation is straightforward. The manufacturer recommends professional installation, but it’s worth knowing that this model is ventless and requires only a connection to two 40-amp double pole breakers.

Rated for a maximum of 3.1 GPM, this affordable unit can provide constant hot water for a shower and low-flow faucet simultaneously. It is one of few electric tankless water heaters that uses the accurate UEF standard, with outstanding efficiency of 99.8 percent.

As with all the models in the EcoSmart range, the ECO 11 has self-modulating technology. The DOE estimates it saves around 50 percent on hot-water costs per year. The digital display provides temperature-control adjustment in 1-degree steps, anywhere from 80 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a 13 kW device requiring 220V and a single 60A breaker.

While often fitted for sink use, it’s equally capable of providing hot water for a low-flow shower. It’s a great choice for remodels and equally good for permanent fitting in boats and RVs. With its renowned reliability and durability (capable of surviving seismic activity), it’s also popular in commercial environments such as offices, warehouses, and gas station restrooms.

The Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12 has an energy efficiency rating of 99 percent. It uses microprocessors for advanced flow control, ensuring constant temperature anywhere from 86 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires a 240V supply and uses a single 50A breaker.

The Rinnai RL75iN is our pick for a natural gas tankless water heater since it offers reliable performance, impressive heating capabilities, and the ability to be installed in just about any indoor space, including an attic or crawl space. The Japanese manufacturer of water heaters is frequently praised for its reliability, and it doesn’t hurt that the heat exchanger on the RL75iN carries a 12-year warranty.

While this model is compatible with Rinnai’s Re-Circ technology, you need to purchase additional components to take advantage of the hot water recirculation feature, which slowly and constantly circulates the water in the hot water pipes back into the water heater for reheating. It’s something to consider, since a common complaint about this model is it wastes a fair amount of water before sufficiently heating up sink or shower water.

Its compatibility with home Wi-Fi networks means it’s easier to control and monitor, even if you install it in an out-of-the-way location. If that feature is important to you, you need to purchase a separate control module.Despite the prospects for adding to the listed price, we still recommend the Rinnai RL75iN as a top-performing natural gas tankless water heater and a worthwhile upgrade if you need to supply piping-hot water to multiple fixtures.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra is among the most powerful electric tankless water heaters on the market, providing a maximum of 7.5 GPM, which should be sufficient to provide enough water for four showers running simultaneously. It can heat water to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) maximum recommendation for household water temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Auto modulation minimizes temperature fluctuations, and the unit runs virtually silently. Preferred temperature can be preset into memory using the digital display.This 36 kW model requires a 240V supply and three 50 amp breakers. There are many Stiebel Eltron models in the Tempra range, offering high-quality solutions for installations of all kinds. Safety is recognized by independent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification.

It heats only when necessary and works to conserve energy. However, the device requires outdoor installation due to its size of 13 by 30.51 by 17.32 inches.

The device has a flow rate of 6.5 gallons per minute, which is ideal for a larger household. The Non-condensing tankless hot water heater is only the size of a small suitcase and can fit in a wide variety of spaces at your home. Enhanced scale detection helps prevent severe and long-term damage to the heater. It has a one-year residential guarantee for heat exchangers, labor, and parts. The heaters are individually tested for quality before shipping.

A tankless water heater can be a smart upgrade for your home, paying off in energy savings and convenience. You can maximize your savings while minimizing your spending if you shop for a budget option, which costs around $500 for a tankless electric model that can support an average household of three to four people. We recommend the EcoSmart ECO 27 as an affordable choice for an instant water heater.

Instead of a flow switch, as you’d find on some tankless water heaters, the EcoSmart ECO 27 uses a sensor. This prevents a burst of cold water if water pressure drops while the unit is heating.Temperature settings for this model range from 80 to 140 degrees F, which is plenty of heating power for most applications. But that falls short of the maximum 160 degrees F some tankless water heaters are capable of.

The EcoSmart is compact and doesn’t take up much room when installed since it measures 17 inches tall and wide and only weighs 14 pounds.If you’re looking for a space-saving alternative to a conventional water heater but need a tankless version that is easy on the wallet, the EcoSmart ECO 27 is a solid pick in terms of purchase price and long-term energy savings.

The budget-friendly 18 kW Thermomate Tankless Water Heater is an economical solution designed to provide virtually instant hot water for up to three different applications. Despite the low cost, there’s still a digital thermostat adjustable in single-degree increments and self-modulated control for stable temperature output, plus maximum energy savings.

The heating elements run adjacent to the water supply rather than being immersed, reducing scale and corrosion for longer life. There is overheating protection, dry-heat protection in the event of interruption to water supply, and the unit is Electric Testing Laboratories certified for safety.This 18 kW unit requires 240V and two 40A breakers. Combined with a gas heater, it could also provide an efficient solution for hot water and warmth in a garage or basement.

You can adjust the water output temperature in 1-degree increments with the sleek control knob on the front of the unit, and verify it’s set correctly by checking the digital display. You can adjust the target temperature any time you like.

This model, which has a flow rate up to 3.51 GPM, is small enough to be installed for point-of-use applications. Or it can be installed in other locations such as a basement or attic. Keep in mind that it’s not impervious to freeze damage, so it shouldn’t be installed anywhere that temperatures may fall below freezing.As an electric tankless water heater, installation is straightforward. The manufacturer recommends professional installation, but it’s worth knowing that this model is ventless and requires only a connection to two 40-amp double pole breakers.

Rated for a maximum of 3.1 GPM, this affordable unit can provide constant hot water for a shower and low-flow faucet simultaneously. It is one of few electric tankless water heaters that uses the accurate UEF standard, with outstanding efficiency of 99.8 percent.

As with all the models in the EcoSmart range, the ECO 11 has self-modulating technology. The DOE estimates it saves around 50 percent on hot-water costs per year. The digital display provides temperature-control adjustment in 1-degree steps, anywhere from 80 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a 13 kW device requiring 220V and a single 60A breaker.

While often fitted for sink use, it’s equally capable of providing hot water for a low-flow shower. It’s a great choice for remodels and equally good for permanent fitting in boats and RVs. With its renowned reliability and durability (capable of surviving seismic activity), it’s also popular in commercial environments such as offices, warehouses, and gas station restrooms.

The Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12 has an energy efficiency rating of 99 percent. It uses microprocessors for advanced flow control, ensuring constant temperature anywhere from 86 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires a 240V supply and uses a single 50A breaker.

Features to Consider When Buying Electric Tankless Water Heater

Purchasing the best electric tankless water heater isn’t just visiting the shop and requesting any device. No! There are several features you should consider. Features should be based on what is your household favorite. And below are the most popular.

The Heater Flow Rate

Electric tankless water heaters don’t hold water. So how do you calculate their capacity? Usually, their volume is calculated as flow rate. That is gallons per minute (GPM). This gives the specific gallons of water the heater can heat within a particular time.

Now considering you have a large household, you will need a heater with a higher GPM to supply the home with sufficient hot water. On the other hand, if your family is smaller, you don’t need a higher GPM heater that will consume much energy and raise the energy bills.

The Heater Warranty

Warranty is one of the critical factors you should look for when purchasing HVAC devices. You enjoy the coverage benefits if the devices develop some fault. Typically, the warranted devices are more expensive, but you can enjoy coverage of three to twelve years.

Most warranted heaters have high heating capabilities and fuel efficiency.

The Heater Durability

Most manufacturers add a feature known as anti-scaling in their heaters. The anti-scale mechanisms reduce the rate at which minerals and other deposits build up in the heating elements. Rather than being deposited on the component, minerals are converted to harmless products and discharged; thus, the heater lifespan increases. Different manufacturers have various techniques to apply anti-scaling in their devices.

The Heater Technology

Most heaters nowadays are more advanced in technology. They have digital displays and control buttons that allow you to adjust and monitor the water temperature levels. With these digital devices, you can set a vacation mode if you are not around to save energy.

Fortunately, some manufacturers have heaters that can be turned on remotely. For instance, you can turn on the device to get hot water ready before arriving at the shower room.

Fuel Efficiency

The new heaters have remote switching on and off features that allow you to save energy. Forget about that; there are vacation modes and other technological advancements to reduce energy consumption. As such, you must be extra keen when choosing the heater brand. You need the most efficient heater to save your household expenses.

Your Area Climate Vs. the Heater Capability

Your home climate can play a more significant role in determining the heater’s GPM rating. The colder it is in the region, the harder it will be to heat the water to the desired temperature. As a result, the heater lowers its GPM to reach the desired temperature.

On the other hand, the heater will work less to heat the household water if you live in tropical areas. As a rule of thumb, consider the coldest month of your region while determining the heater flow rate.

Installation & Maintenance

Installing point-of-use heaters can be easier than whole-house electric tankless heaters. However, the choice will depend on your household and several other factors. Also, maintenance of some electric tankless heater brands will require more effort. For instance, if your heater has no anti-scaling feature, you must regularly clean the heating element to avoid mineral and deposit build-up.

How We Chose the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters

We researched the best electric tankless water heaters in a variety of categories and chose options with high customer satisfaction. The list factors in maximum temperature, maximum flow rate, efficiency rating, and special features included by the top brands.

The majority of the featured units offer water temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The selected water heaters have a range of flow rates between 1.5 and 7.5 GPM to accommodate the water needs of different households. Most units have an efficiency rating of 99 percent and above. Additionally, we prioritized water heaters with digital thermostats, durable metal components, and self-modulating technology. A few units are also UL and CSA certified for reliable performance.

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Electric tankless water heaters come with various benefits. Below are the benefits you can enjoy with electric tankless water heaters as a homeowner or a business person:

• Efficiency – most electric tankless water heaters come with technological advancements like digital controls and display screens. With these features, you can set the water temperature range and activate the ON/OFF feature to save energy. Also, the fact that hot water doesn’t have to travel; through pipes makes them the best choice because heat isn’t lost within the lines.
• Durability – most electric tankless water heaters last for around 20 years. This long lifespan is accelerated by features such as the anti-scaling, which prevents minerals from building up and clogging the heating elements.
• Reduced energy cost – electric tankless water heaters don’t store water after heating. This makes them consume less energy as they heat only the amount of the required water and switches off when the faucet is turned off. They are 34% more energy efficient than tank heaters.
• Easy to install – no extra plumbing is required for the electric tankless water heaters. If you have the existing plumbing, you mount the heater on the wall next to the electrical outlet, and you are good to enjoy hot water.
• Space saving – the electric tankless water heaters don’t take much space like the tank heaters or the tankless gas heaters. Their benefit is that they don’t have a tank or a gas burner which can take up more space in the house.
• Less maintenance – think of cleaning the whole tank and the heating elements. The worst is if you use hard water. All the minerals and sediments build up within the tank walls, and you can spend time cleaning them. However, electric tankless water heaters have only the heating elements. Fortunately, some models have anti-scaling features that make maintenance even more manageable.
• Less wait time for the hot water – an electric tankless water heater heats the water instantly. As such, you don’t have to wait for the hot water, therefore saving time.
• Safety – electric tankless heaters are safer because they are not prone to pressure build-up. In most cases, once pressure builds up in the tank heaters, they pose explosion dangers.

What is the Downside of an Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Electric tankless water heaters are costly to purchase and install. Also, you can face the trouble of inconsistent water temperature if you have multiple outlets turned on. The heater heats slowly because the required water volume exceeds its heating speed.

On the other hand, you cannot access hot water during power outages, unlike gas tankless water heaters or tank heaters that store hot water for later use.

Reasons to Buy a Electric Tankless Water Heater

Convenience

Tankless water heaters are on-demand appliances. For large families, or families that place a high demand on hot water needs, this might be the most important reason to buy a tankless water heater. Hot water can always be generated instead of having to wait for an entire tank of water to heat up after a series of showers has depleted the supply.

Environmentally Friendly

Because there is no tank of standing water needing its temperature to be maintained, tankless water heaters can decrease their overall demand for power resources. Electric tankless water heaters have no standing pilot lights or intermittent heating needed to maintain hot water readiness. They’re especially friendly to the environment if the electricity used to power them is obtained from renewable sources.

Long Lifespan

Tank style water heaters have a life expectancy that tops out at about 15 years. With proper maintenance a tankless water heater can be relied on for up to 20. Although there are more parts that have the potential to fail, most parts are replaceable or repairable in contrast to a tank style water heater.

Maintenance

More maintenance is required for tankless water heaters than for tank heaters. At a minimum full maintenance of the unit needs to be completed annually. Compared to a tank heater that only needs to be flushed once a year and have the anode rod replaced every three years, that sounds like an inconvenience. The glaring difference is that tankless water heater maintenance can easily be performed by the homeowners. Replacing an anode rod is usually a hired plumber’s job.

Space Saving

Living space and storage space are often primary concerns for homeowners. It’s no mystery that replacing a 40-gallon water tank with a 20-by-15 inch appliance will save a generous amount of valuable space.

Frequently Asked Questions