If you have found that your water outlets have become temperamental in their output, then purchasing an electric hot water heater is a great solution as they can help provide unlimited hot water while allowing you to adjust the temperature accordingly.
However, with so many electric hot water heaters available on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is going to give you the best performance which is why we have gathered the best models on the market.
We have also provided an FAQ and Buyers Guide, so you can learn what to look out for when conducting your research.
Whether you are looking for a unit with a compact design, energy-efficient, or both, there are plenty of options available that are going to give you brilliant results for years to come.
Here are the best electric hot water heaters available on the market that you should consider:
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
Our first recommendation is the Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater which provides a continuous flow thanks to the unlimited supply meaning that you are not wasting any energy when not needed, while the small and sleek design saves plenty of space and doesn’t require any venting thanks to the auto-modulation which makes this a great eco-friendly option.
This unit has a single electronic switch that activates the hot water heater and boasts silent operation when it is in use, while the digital temperature display is easy to read and the interior solid copper heating system performs all the power work.
What makes this our top pick is that this unit offers an output water temperature of 68° to 140 °F and requires a minimum recommended electric service of 200 A, making it accessible for the majority of households.
It comes with an amazing 3-year parts warranty and a 7-year leakage warranty that is included with the purchase, while the customer service team is on hand to assist you with any queries or questions you may have.
Pros
- Provides a continuous flow thanks to the unlimited supply meaning that you are not wasting any energy when not needed, while the small and sleek design saves plenty of space and doesn’t require any venting thanks to the auto-modulation which makes this a great eco-friendly option
- Has a single electronic switch that activates the hot water heater and boasts silent operation when it is in use, while the digital temperature display is easy to read and the interior solid copper heating system performs all the power work
- Comes with an amazing 3-year parts warranty and a 7-year leakage warranty that is included with the purchase, while the customer service team is on hand to assist you with any queries or questions you may have
Cons
- High price point
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
Our second selection is the Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater which is a convenient hot water heater that is a 4-gallon point-of-use mini-tank that can easily fit under your sink to provide hot water when you need it thanks to its 98% thermal efficiency.
This unit boasts long-lasting quality as it is incredibly easy to maintain and is made from premium glass-lined materials to promote a long service life while the independent installation is incredibly easy to achieve thanks to the 36-37 inch cord that plugs into a 120-volt outlet, so you can have a large hot water source.
This unit has an extremely fast recovery rate that eliminates the long wait for hot water at your sink as it can supply up to two sinks at any one time.
It can be easily mounted on a shelf, wall, or the floor as it comes with everything you need to set it up however you want, and then the unit needs to simply be tapped into the cold water line to provide hot water at various outlets.
Pros
- It is a convenient hot water heater that is a 4-gallon point-of-use mini-tank that can easily fit under your sink to provide hot water when you need it thanks to its 98% thermal efficiency
- Boasts long-lasting quality as it is incredibly easy to maintain and is made from premium glass-lined materials to promote a long service life while the independent installation is incredibly easy to achieve thanks to the 36-37 inch cord that plugs into a 120-volt outlet, so you can have a large hot water source
- Can be easily mounted on a shelf, wall, or the floor as it comes with everything you need to set it up however you want, and then the unit needs to simply be tapped into the cold water line to provide hot water at various outlets
Cons
- Can take a while for the water to be fully heated
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Our third choice is the EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater (see also ‘Ecosmart 11 In-Depth Review For 2021‘) which provides endless on-demand hot water thanks to the continuously monitored water temperature and controlled flow rates that ensures efficiency and consistent performance at all times within one degree of your selected temperature.
This unit comes in a convenient size as it is 90% smaller than a traditional tank heater and can either be installed at the point of use or on a wall without compromising on the performance, while also boasting a 99% thermal energy efficiency that will always maintain your water temperature even when it is not being used.
This unit is a 13-kilowatt tankless electric water heater that is ideal for providing hot water for an office break room, small sink, a bathroom, or other point-of-use or low-flow applications as it provides between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons per minute depending on the inlet water temperature.
It can fit into most spaces thanks to its compact size, making it accessible for the majority of households, so you can be assured that it will fit comfortably in the space.
Pros
- Provides endless on-demand hot water thanks to the continuously monitored water temperature and controlled flow rates that ensure efficiency and consistent performance at all times within one degree of your selected temperature
- Comes in a convenient size as it is 90% smaller than a traditional tank heater and can either be installed at the point of use or on a wall without compromising on the performance, while also boasting a 99% thermal energy efficiency that will always maintain your water temperature even when it is not being used
- It is a 13-kilowatt tankless electric water heater that is ideal for providing hot water for an office break room, small sink, a bathroom, or other point-of-use or low-flow applications as it provides between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons per minute depending on the inlet water temperature
Cons
- The water supply line fittings can be difficult to install
Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater
Our penultimate recommendation is the Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater which boasts an external digital thermostatic control with an LED display that is always within one degree of accuracy, so you can be assured of the best performance at all times.
This unit comes with the most advanced self-modulation with an adjustable power to meet your hot water demand, while the durable copper immersion has two heating elements that make it incredibly easy to use.
It also has a flow rate of up to 4.4 GPM making it an ideal choice for the home.
This unit boasts simple installation as it has a bottom ¾ inch NPT water connections meaning that you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money paying a professional to install it for you if you don’t want to.
It has been threaded for easy replacement, simple installation, and a digital temperature display, making it a great choice for those who are unfamiliar with using an electric hot water heater.
Pros
- Boasts an external digital thermostatic control with an LED display that is always within one degree of accuracy, so you can be assured of the best performance at all times
- Comes with the most advanced self-modulation with an adjustable power to meet your hot water demand, while the durable copper immersion has two heating elements that make it incredibly easy to use
- Has been threaded for easy replacement, simple installation, and a digital temperature display, making it a great choice for those who are unfamiliar with using an electric hot water heater (see also ‘ What Is The Average Cost To Replace A Hot Water Heater?’ )
Cons
- Can only handle one faucet and shower at any one time
Agust Electric Hot Water Heater
Our final selection is the Agust Electric Hot Water Heater which is an excellent unit as it is safe, durable, and boasts longevity thanks to its stainless steel structure that ensures this product will never rust, while the anti-leak plug and multiple safety protective functions protect you from any scalding, leaks, or other injuries.
The premium plastic shell is resistant to corrosion making this unit ideal for any environment including kitchens, offices, schools, hospitals, and RVs among much more.
This unit is also energy-saving as it has a digital display and automatic heat preservation to ensure that you have hot water when you need it as it has a 98% thermal efficiency while the maximum temperature is 167℉.
It has built-in smart chips that heat up to your pre-set temperature and provides automatic insulation when the pre-set temperature is reached.
It is incredibly easy to use thanks to the easy-to-operate knob temperature adjustment design which means you can easily control the temperature, while you also receive all the equipment and accessories needed to install the unit with ease.
This unit has a fast recovery rate meaning that there is no long wait for hot water, while also being capable of supplying up to two sinks at one time, while the compact design makes it accessible for the majority of spaces within the home or professional environments.
It comes with a one-year warranty to provide you with extra peace of mind, while the customer service team is available 24/7, so they are always on hand to assist if you have any queries.
Pros
- It is an excellent unit as it is safe, durable, and boasts longevity thanks to its stainless steel structure that ensures this product will never rust, while the anti-leak plug and multiple safety protective functions protect you from any scalding, leaks, or other injuries
- It is incredibly easy to use thanks to the easy-to-operate knob temperature adjustment design that means you can easily control the temperature, while you also receive all the equipment and accessories needed to install the unit with ease
- Comes with a one-year warranty to provide you with extra peace of mind, while the customer service team is available 24/7, so they are always on hand to assist if you have any queries
Cons
- The temperature control can be extremely sensitive
Buyers Guide
Now that you know the best electric hot water heaters on the market, you may still be wondering which one is going to be the best option for you.
In this buyers guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to look out for when conducting your own research.
There are certain factors that you always need to look out for with the main elements being the material that the electric hot water heater is made from, the size of the unit, any returns policy or warranty period, and your budget.
The more detailed and specific you can be with your criteria and requirements, the better the choice that you make will be.
Material
The first thing you should always consider is what materials the unit is made from.
Depending on where the unit will be placed, you want to make sure that the materials are highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and long-lasting wear to ensure that it is reliable and durable for years of regular, hard-wearing use.
The options in this list are made from premium materials to ensure that you get the best performance for the longest period of time.
Size
The next element you should think about is the size of the unit.
Electric hot water heaters come in all shapes and sizes, so knowing the measurements of your space is a great place to start as it means that you can be assured that the unit will fit properly in your space.
It will also make the installation process a lot easier and quicker, especially if you plan on installing the unit yourself.
Warranty
Another important factor is whether the unit comes with a warranty period or returns policy. This is ideal for those who want to ensure that they are covered and get long-lasting use out of their unit.
Warranty periods are great as they can provide you with coverage for any damage to the unit, as well as any issues you may have when the unit is up and running.
If you are experiencing any issues, the brand’s customer service team is always on hand to offer expertise and advice when needed.
Budget
When it comes to purchasing an appliance such as this, it’s imperative that you consider your budget.
As you can see from the options in this list, the price points can vary greatly, so having an idea of how much you plan on spending will ensure that you are choosing a unit that is within your financial means.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Electric Hot Water Heaters Expensive to Run?
Electric hot water heaters are not that expensive to run. The expense with electric hot water heaters is in the initial payment and installation, but on average, they cost around $42 per month to run.
Can you Shower with an Electric Water Heater?
Electric hot water heaters have many benefits. One of these is that you are able to shower using one, whilst also using another appliance such as a faucet with no issues.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Electric Water Heater?
As with any appliance, there are pros and cons that come with electric hot water heaters. Here are the main pros and cons that you should be aware of:
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Low upfront costs
- Safe and easy to operate
Cons
- Can be costly to operate
- Power outages can occur
- Takes time to heat up
