5 Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters for your Home: Review and Buying Tips

Electric tankless water heater

Check out the best electric tankless water heaters, designed for the whole house water heating, utilizing on-demand or tankless technology with the continuous, and endless supply of hot water.

The review covers top selling brands such as EcoSmart, Eemax, Titan, Stiebel Eltron and Rheem, and its advanced features and specs, which makes them preferable models to buy.

5 Best electric tankless water heaters: Model review

The best electric tankless water heaters reviewed here include the most popular brands among North American customers, all designed small and compact for the indoor wall-mount installation (easy and fast) - freeing up the floor space for other use.

All the models can be used in the whole-house applications that are usually installed in the central location, or as the point-of-use often installed under or above the sink, for smaller water usage and fast hot water delivery.

The models have an attractive appearance which allows installation almost anywhere inside the house, utilizing quality elements that provide reliable and long operation, and heating power in the range from 24 kW to 27 kW. The price range for the reviewed models is from $300 to $700.

• EcoSmart ECO 27*
• Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus*
• Titan SCR4 N-210*
• Rheem RTEX-27*
• Eemax*

* (available on amazon.com)

EcoSmart ECO 27 review

EcoSmart ECO 27

EcoSmart ECO 27 is one of the best selling electric water heaters online - also the most affordable. This 27 kW strong model comes with the patented self-modulating technology allowing power modulation from its minimum to the maximum of 27 kW, working only with the needed power, not more, not less.

Or simply stated, if the water flow is low and only one fixture is used, provided power will be low, while for the multiple applications with the high hot water demand, power will increase accordingly and to its maximum, if it is needed. Such technology saves energy and money.

With the water flow rate of 3 GPM and a maximum of 6 GPM, ECO 27 can easily supply enough hot water from 2 to 4 showers reaching the maximum temperature of 140 F. The temperature is controlled by the digital thermostat which allows temperature change from 80 F to 140 F, where the large display is used to monitor the process.

According to the manufacturer, EcoSmart ECO 27 can save up to 50% on water heating costs, and with the lifetime warranty it makes it the best selling water heater, having numerous positive reviews; excellent performance, consistent hot water, savings, great replacement for the tank-type unit, fresh water, long warranty, etc.

Rheem RTEX-27 review

Rheem RTEX-27

Rheem RTEX-27 water heater with the maximum water flow of 7.0 GPM is ideal for the high demanding applications or multiple low flow fixtures, where the homeowners can run a shower, dishwasher and washing machine at the same time. It has a stylish look and is built strong for long-term use.

It is equipped with the digital temperature control to set up the temperature between 80 and 140 F and LED display to monitor the operation. Also, the durable copper immersion-type heating elements can provide more or less energy, depending on its advanced self-modulation technology.

It comes with the 5-year warranty.

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 review

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24

Tempra 24 Plus, from the reputable German manufacturer Stiebel Eltron, is one of the most advanced electric tankless water heaters, equipped with the true flow modulation, thermostatic control and heavy-duty electronics, and higher price that justifies the quality.

Tempra 24 Plus water heater doesn't work like many other electric appliances in the ON/OFF mode. Tempra implements the advanced microprocessor technology for the energy saving performance and showers without or significantly reduced temperature fluctuation or "cold water sandwiches."

Tempra 24 Plus is equipped with several flow and temperature sensors that monitor the water flow and incoming water temperature. The collected information is immediately sent to the microprocessor which then modulates the power by engaging the heating elements and in stages. This is the way how Stiebel Eltron water heaters are maintaining precise output temperature of hot water.

Tempra 24 Plus also features the advanced flow control technology that is adjusting the water flow rate to ensure that the desired output temperature is met. The unit comes with a warranty of 3 years.

According to the user reviews the proper installation is very important due to the large power (Amps) requirements and hard water. The most praised features include the stylish design, reliable heating, steady temperature even when more hot taps are open, or where there is cold incoming water, heavy duty, and high-quality parts when compared to the competitors.

Titan review

Titan SCR4 water heater

Titan SCR4 N-210 is the tankless water heater that comes with the advanced features such as the next generation of high speed electronic integrated circuitry and dual Microtemp thermistor with the manually resettable thermostat to protect the system from high temperatures.

This Titan model can operate efficiently in any part of the country as it is resistant to mineral deposits and hard water. The reason for this is that the heating elements are built from the durable Incoloy (industrial-grade nickel-chromium heat-resistant alloy), housed inside the rugged copper/brass chambers.

With 21 kW at 240 V of the heating power, it is ideal for the whole house applications with high hot water demand. The energy loss is minimal since the energy efficiency is 99.5%. 

Titan provides a 10-year manufacturer's warranty against leakage on all water carrying parts, and one year on all other components.

Eemax review

Eemax tankless water heater

Eemax HA008240 is another good quality residential electric tankless water heater for a variety of applications.

Eemax HA008240 is equipped with the high-adjustable thermostat and microprocessor for the precise outlet temperature. And, thanks to the computer-controlled micro-processing temperature control no more high temperature and scalding water.

This 8 kW-unit features staged heating modules, which saves the energy as it is used for the amount of water flow that is requested. It provides up to 3 gpm of hot water.

To protect the heating element from burnout, Eemax is equipped with the high-temperature limit switch and reset button. It is LEED certified.

Warranty is one year on parts and five on the tank against leaking.

Things to consider before buying an electric tankless water heater

Before buying the electric tankless water heater, you should consider the following electric requirements:

• Amperage - as there are different requirements for the Amps draw, from a manufacturer to the manufacturer, it is necessary to support the electrical demands of the electric water heater.
• Circuit breaker - it may be necessary to provide a separate circuit for your new electric tankless unit.
• Voltage. Keep in mind that there are models that support 110 V, 120 V, 208 V, 220 V, 240 V, and 277 V. Before you purchase an electric water heater, always check the specs first.

Electric tankless water heaters can easily replace an old storage tank type in the retrofit applications, but you have to consider the appropriate, heavier wiring. Electrical reconnection might need to be inspected by a licensed electrician.

Keep in mind that larger electric tankless models usually require 120 Amps, which could overload many residential electrical panels. You should provide heavy duty wiring and according to the electrical codes properly designed circuit breaker.

Electric tankless water heaters: Benefits

• Economical to use in the whole-house and point-of-service applications, providing savings up to 30%.
• A good alternative when replacing the tank-type water heater in new homes or as the retrofit.
• The best electric tankless water heaters have a small size and modern look that allow installation in almost any part of the house, cottage, apartment, condo or office.
• Lightweight design provides easy handling and fast installation on the wall, above or under the sink.
• Simple design makes it less expensive than the gas models.
• Electric tankless water heaters do not need venting and gas piping making it less risky to install and operate.
• Great savings due to the on-demand and modulating operation.
• Endless and continuous hot water.