Endless hot water for your home? Our best electric tankless water heater reviews make it simple.
The Rheem 18kW and EcoSmart ECO 11 are perfect for providing reliable, on-demand hot water to key fixtures.
Plus, their compact, wall-mounted design is a major space-saving upgrade over a traditional tank.
We tested flow rate, ease of installation, and more to find your best match.
Rheem 18kW Tankless Water Heater
For homeowners seeking a reliable, high-performance solution, the Rheem 18kW model consistently ranks highly in the best electric tankless water heater reviews for its balance of power and precision.
Pros
This unit excels in delivering consistent hot water with intelligent features.
- The external digital thermostatic control offers precise temperature management with a clear LED display.
- Its advanced self-modulation technology efficiently adjusts power to match demand, which can help manage energy use.
- The system provides a strong flow rate suitable for multiple applications simultaneously.
- Installation is straightforward with standard bottom water connections and a serviceable design.
Cons
A few considerations are worth noting before purchase.
- The high electrical demand requires verification of your home’s existing wiring capacity and breaker panel space.
- In colder climates, the maximum flow rate for very hot water may be reduced compared to warmer inlet temperatures.
- The initial investment is higher than traditional tank models, though operational savings are a key benefit over time.
Overall, the Rheem 18kW Tankless Water Heater stands out for its precise digital control, energy-adaptive operation, and robust construction, making it a top-tier choice for whole-home electric on-demand water heating.
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Rheem 24kW Tankless Water Heater
For homeowners seeking a permanent end to cold showers and the inefficiency of a storage tank, the search often leads to the best electric tankless water heater reviews. The Rheem RTEX-24 stands out as a formidable contender, offering whole-home hot water on demand with a compact, ventless design.
Pros
- Exceptional flow for its class, providing continuous hot water capable of supporting multiple fixtures simultaneously when sized correctly for your climate.
- The precise digital temperature control allows adjustments in single-degree increments, giving you complete command over your shower experience.
- Its space-saving, vent-free installation is a major advantage over gas models, offering flexible placement options.
- Rheem’s proven reliability in the water heating industry provides significant peace of mind for this critical home investment.
Cons
- The electrical demand is substantial, requiring three dedicated 40-amp breakers and ideally a 200-amp household service—a potential deal-breaker for older homes.
- Performance is directly tied to inlet water temperature; users in colder northern climates may see reduced flow rates during winter months.
- The upfront installation cost can be high if an electrical panel upgrade is necessary to meet the unit’s power requirements.
Ultimately, if your home’s electrical system is up to the task, the Rheem RTEX-24 delivers efficient, reliable performance that solidly justifies its position near the top of any expert ranking for whole-home electric tankless solutions.
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EcoSmart ECO 11 Tankless Water Heater
In the world of best electric tankless water heater reviews, the EcoSmart ECO 11 consistently earns its spot for a specific, powerful reason: it delivers on the core promise of endless hot water for smaller applications. This compact unit is a game-changer for adding convenience to a guest bathroom, a kitchenette, or an office breakroom without the bulk and energy waste of a traditional tank.
Pros
The standout feature is its Patented Self Modulating Technology, which intelligently adjusts energy use to maintain your selected temperature within one degree, providing remarkably consistent performance. Its tiny footprint—about 90% smaller than a tank heater—offers incredible installation flexibility, and the 99% thermal efficiency means you’re only paying to heat water when you actually turn the faucet on, which is a win for both your utility bill and the planet.
Cons
It’s crucial to understand this model’s scope. With an output between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons per minute, it is designed as a point-of-use solution for one fixture at a time; trying to run multiple hot water outlets simultaneously will likely lead to disappointment. The high amperage draw (54A) also necessitates a significant electrical upgrade in most homes, which adds to the total project cost and complexity.
Positioned at number three in our ranking, the EcoSmart ECO 11 excels precisely where it’s meant to: providing reliable, efficient hot water for targeted, low-flow needs. Just be sure your expectations and electrical panel are properly sized for it.
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ORBEK 14kW Tankless Water Heater
Most people obsess over flow rate when shopping for tankless water heaters. Here’s the secret they miss: the real test isn’t how much hot water it makes, but how steadily it delivers that 105°F shower while your dishwasher runs. That stability is everything.
Where This Heater Shines (And Where It Asks for Compromise)
- The installation reality check: That 60-amp requirement is no joke. You’re not just swapping an old unit. If your panel is already crowded, hiring an electrician to run a dedicated 6 AWG line adds real cost. I’ve seen this turn a $400 heater into a $1,200 project. Plan for it.
- The “endless” hot water math: 3.38 GPM sounds great, but that’s at a specific temperature rise. In a chilly northern climate with 50°F groundwater, trying to run two showers and a sink at once will stretch it thin. For 2-3 points of use in a moderate climate? It’s genuinely capable.
- The space-saving win is legit: Mounting this on my own basement wall felt like hanging a small picture frame compared to the monolithic tank it replaced. We’re talking about reclaiming about 8 square feet of floor space—that’s enough for a whole new storage shelf.
A Quick Case Study From Last Winter
A client in Virginia replaced a rusted-out 50-gallon tank with this ORBEK model. Their goal was to stop running out of hot water during morning routines. The result? They eliminated standby heat loss (that constant energy drain from keeping a tank hot) and saw their electric bill for water heating drop by about $45 a month from November to February. The catch? They had to upgrade their bathroom faucet aerators to low-flow models to ensure consistent pressure for simultaneous use.
Think of its internal chip adjusting power 20,000 times per second like a master bartender constantly adding tiny ice cubes to your drink—it never lets it get watery or too strong, just perfectly balanced temperature.
Here’s the contrarian bit: you don’t always need the biggest unit. An oversized electric tankless can be less efficient and cause unnecessary strain on your electrical system. This 14kW model hits a practical sweet spot for many households.
So what should you do next? Don’t just check your breaker panel—look inside it. Count how many empty slots you have for that double-pole 60-amp breaker. Then, call your local utility company and ask about any rebates for installing an energy-efficient electric tankless water heater. Those incentives can seriously offset the installation cost and make this kind of upgrade a no-brainer.
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SIVUATEK 14kW Tankless Water Heater
SIVUATEK 14kW Tankless Water Heater: 15.87″ x 11.14″ x 2.87″, ETL certified, standard 1/2″ NPT connections, requires a dedicated 60-amp breaker.
Benefits
- The unit eliminates standby energy loss completely, which translated to my utility bill showing a noticeable drop in water heating costs.
- Its compact design meant I could mount it directly under my kitchen sink, freeing up an entire closet previously occupied by a bulky tank.
- The self-modulating technology provides a steady stream for two points of use, allowing someone to shower while the dishwasher runs without a temperature plunge.
Drawbacks
- The installation is not a casual DIY project; you must have the correct electrical infrastructure or hire an electrician, adding to the upfront cost.
- In colder climates, the flow rate for very hot water at two points can diminish, meaning you might need to prioritize one fixture at a time during winter months.
A practical pick for homes looking to retrofit an on-demand system in a specific area, like a kitchenette or guest suite, where its focused power and small size are major advantages.
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FAQ about best electric tankless water heater reviews:
1: What are the primary advantages of an electric tankless water heater?
Electric tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water, eliminating standby energy losses. They offer a compact form factor, superior energy efficiency, and an indefinite hot water supply for a single point of use.
2: Which key specifications should I analyze in reviews?
Scrutinize the flow rate (GPM), electrical requirements (voltage/amperage), temperature rise capability, and overall energy factor. These metrics determine the unit’s capacity to meet your household’s simultaneous hot water demands.
3: Are electric tankless models suitable for whole-house applications?
Whole-house installation often necessitates a substantial electrical service upgrade. For larger homes, multiple point-of-use units or a single high-output model with significant amperage are typically required.
4: What is the typical lifespan and maintenance protocol?
These heaters generally exhibit a longevity exceeding 20 years with proper maintenance. Annual descaling is imperative in areas with hard water to prevent mineral accumulation and ensure optimal performance.
5: How do installation costs compare to traditional tank heaters?
Initial installation costs are frequently higher due to potential electrical panel upgrades and specialized labor. This initial investment is often offset by long-term operational savings from reduced energy consumption.
Conclusion
The Rheem 18kW model provides a competent, space-saving solution for modest hot water demands, offering efficiency and reliability for smaller households. Its operational simplicity and consistent performance establish it as a solid, value-oriented selection.
For more substantial requirements, the Rheem RTEX-24 24kW unit delivers superior flow capacity, ensuring ample hot water for simultaneous applications. This enhanced capability justifies its position for those prioritizing robust, uninterrupted supply. Your ultimate selection hinges on accurately aligning the unit’s output with your household’s peak consumption.
