When the word water heater comes to mind, a wide range of choices splurges through. As several brands came up with water heaters in many sizes and types, choosing the right ‘type’ becomes tough. No matter where you look, whether online or in physical stores, you will come across head-spinning choices.
Therefore, to help you find the ‘best water heater’ that will serve your needs, we have brought this article. We have extensively researched the water heater market and picked up the top ones with high-fi specs. Here you will come across tank-style, tankless, electricity, gas, indirect, energy-saving, water-saving and many other types of water heaters to match your household.
Best Water Heater Review
[wptb id=1148]
1. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The first place holds the EcoSmart Electric tankless water heater on our list, the sister-concern brand of the ever-popular Rheem. As its name suggests, this water heater is economically smart for holding some fantastic features. Firstly, the self-modulating design serves as an energy-saver, which saves up to 99.8% energy while heating the water for you. This, in return, saves 60% of the water heating cost from your utility bill.
This extraordinary tankless water heater saves 90% more space inside the bathroom than traditional water heaters. Yet, it produces hot water without making you wait as conventional heaters do. Within a minute, this water heater can heat 1.3-3 gallons of water depending on the temperature of inlet water. With its digital temperature control, you can set and control the temp at your own pace. The temperature sets between 80-140 degrees Fahrenheit, and once the pre-set temperature is reached, the heater turns off by itself to prevent over-heating.
Key Features:
- Temperature control is 80-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Has a digital display for temperature.
- Energy factor: 0.98.
- Max amperage: 57.
- Voltage use: 240.
- Kilowatt: 13.
2. Camplux Propane Tankless Heater
Have you ever dreamt of having endless hot water wherever you travel? Then, Camplux is there to make this happen. One unique feature of this Camplux Propane Tankless water heater has made the life of a wanderer easy! It is a portable heater that one can carry while you camp in the forest, or hike in the mountains. A 2D cell battery-run water heater it is, yet has so many praiseworthy features to hang on!
Since it is battery-run, so it works amazingly with low 3psi pressure to provide 1.32 gallons of water per minute. There is no hassle of installation; just plug one of the 5-foot hose with a tap and turn it on to enjoy hot water from another hose. You can hang it on the wall with its handle. This tiny magical heater has the highest temperature setting of 46 degrees Celsius without wasting any of your energy-power!
Moreover, it is packed with safety features like overheat protection, anti-freeze protection, flame failure protection, dry combustion protection, and what not! So, isn’t this a worthy heater in every possible way?
Key Features:
- Requires only three psi water pressure.
- Works with 2D cell-power battery.
- 1.32 gallons of water per minute.
- Highest temperature: 46 degrees Celsius.
- Made for both outdoor and indoor use.
3. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
Everyone gets a sense of reliability when they hear Bosch because it is a brand that never forgets users’ convenience in its products. Similarly, this mini electric tank-style water heater is also equipped with countless helpful features. Even though it is electricity-run, this water heater is 98% thermally efficient, which means your energy-cost will not bother you anymore! It is a 4-gallon tank heater that supplies hot water for two sinks at most.
For installing, you can either place it under the sink, mount it on the wall, or floor near to a 120-volt outlet- it is that convenient. It is a sink-water heater made with enough efficient CFC-free foam insulation and maintenance-free premium glass-lined material. The classic box-design with ceramic color will match up with any household interior. Even if it doesn’t match, just install it under the sink. There are two other gallon sizes, 2.5 and 7 so that you can buy according to your hot water requirement.
Key Features:
- 98% thermally efficient.
- Has CFC-free foam insulation.
- Can be mounted anywhere.
- Temperature range: 65-145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros:
Very efficient and energy-saving.
Has low maintenance.
Comes in three preferred gallon sizes.
Has independent mounting.
Maintains safety with pressure release valve.
Cons:
– Works with only two sinks at most
4. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 plus Tankless Water Heater
If you overlook this water heater because of its high pricing, then you are going to lose one of the exclusive heaters of all! This is the perfect tankless water heater for long hot showers on those chilly days. It supplies endless hot water at a constant temperature in an eco-friendly way. It prevents overheating with the presence of auto-modulation, which in return helps 99% energy saving.
With its digital display, you can pre-set the temperature between 68-140 degrees Fahrenheit in 240-volts. It will serve you the quickest with the least noise. There is no venting needed with this electric heater. The best part is, you can monitor the energy saving on the savings monitor in this heater!
Moreover, If you have the money to invest in a high-end water heater, then don’t hesitate to go for Tempera 24 Plus by Stiebel Eltron. Not just it is highly efficient, but it is energy-saving and space-saving too. Even though there are many Tempra models, but 24 Plus is the most feature incorporated one.
Key Features:
– Has auto modulation mode
– Temperature can be preset within 68 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
– Energy factor: 0.99
– Has savings monitor
– Copper heating chambers
– 7years of leakage warranty
Pros:
– Provides unlimited hot water for shower
– Energy-saving can be monitored
– Digital display makes it easy to set temperature
– Compact design
– Controls water temperature on its own
Cons:
– Very expensive
5. Rinnai RUC98iN Gas Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai undoubtedly manufactures the world’s best gas tankless water heaters with several years of warranty. Those who suffer from electricity disturbance or want to go green with water heaters always look up to gas water heaters. The Rinnai RUC98iN emits ultra-low NOx with concentric or PVC venting compared to other gas heaters. With the mini digital display, you can guide and monitor the temperature easily within 98 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
This tankless heater has a water flow rate of 9.8-gallons per minute with 120-volts, saving 95% of the thermal energy. The compact and easy-to-install design saves lots of space inside the bathroom and convenience in mounting. However, you might need an expert plumber for mounting with accuracy with the gas pipes. Moreover, Rinnai provides a warranty for both commercial and residential use of water heaters, with 5-year and 12-year heat exchanger warranty, respectively.
Key Features:
– Flow rate is 9.8 gallons per minute
– Indoor installation system
– PVC/ Concentric venting
– BTU: 199,000 max.
– For both residential and commercial use
Pros:
– Highly energy-efficient
– Has the unlimited hot water supply
– No nitrogen or carbon emission
– Compact, space-saving design
Cons:
– Installation is tough
See also: Will Vinegar Damage A Hot Water Heater
6. Rheem RTGH-95DVLN Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
Another energy-saving, space-saving and efficient natural gas water heater for you are the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN. It is incorporated with all the special features that will make operating water heater a breeze. As it is a gas water heater, so there is a built-in electric blower with PVC pipe for direct venting. Hence, you don’t have to install a venting system separately. This water heater has high altitude capability up to 9,840 feet above sea level.
Each water heater component is made from high-quality materials, including the heat exchanger made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion and rust-forming. The digital display enables easy temperature control to increase efficiency with safety. It will self-diagnose any safety issue with the in-built maintenance codes decreasing your time spent to maintain the heater. This medicine cabinet-sized water heater will definitely enhance your bathroom’s look without consuming much space.
Key Features:
– Has high altitude capacity up to 9,840 feet
– Uses a direct venting system
– 12-year warranty on heat exchanger
– Exchanger built from stainless steel
– Has a self-diagnostic system
Pros:
– Compact, space-saving design
– 94% energy saving
– Has a digital display for easy monitoring
– Made durably and rust-proof
Cons:
– Not for outdoor use
7. Bosch Mini-Tank Electric Water Heater
As the third water heater in our list was Bosch T4, this model is T7. That means this one has a water flow capacity of 7 gallons per minute, meant for those whose requirement is slightly more. It is the perfect heater for your sinks/ basins as you can enjoy an unlimited supply of hot water at 150 psi water pressure while washing dishes, or face. Moreover, you can save water heating cost up to 98% with this Bosch electric mini-tank water heater.
This mini piece can provide two sinks at a time with proper safety features, such as a pressure releasing valve. You can easily control the temperature with the easy dials, as the temperature sets between 65 to 144 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater is premium glass-lined, and CFC-foam insulated for durable and log-lasting efficiency for years. You can independently install it anywhere you want with an electric point near-by. Enjoy non-stop hot water with Bosch!
Key Features:
– Supplies 2 sinks at a time
– Can be wall or floor-mounted
– 8 years of warranty
– Insulated and glass-lined for long-term service
– Includes pressure release valve
Pros:
– Provides hot water at the point of use
– Highly efficient, yet 98% energy-saving
– Has a safety feature
– Can be independently mounted
Cons:
– Cannot be used for high water requirement
8. Rheem RTEX-18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Rheem RTEX-18 tankless electric water heater is a professional home-appliance you could ever invest in. It will serve you endless hot on demand and point of use. This 7-gallon water heater can be used for the entire house’s hot water use without any hesitation. You can easily set the temperature on its digital display starting from 80 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit with a 1-degree Fahrenheit increment.
The heat exchanger is made from durable copper brass that provides efficiency and long-lasting use by preventing corrosion. The water heater is quite compact and has threading for easy wall-mounted installation. Most importantly, this water heater is self-modulated, which means it automatically stops after reaching the pre-set temperature. As a result, this feature saves extra energy consumption and saves some costs from water heating. Do not overlook its amazingly convenient features due to being highly-priced.
Key features:
– Adjustable 80-140 degrees Fahrenheit
– Digital screening for temperature control
– Self-modulated
– Heating chambers made from copper immersion
Pros:
– Reliable and efficient
– Saves over-energy consumption
– Compact and easy to install
– Durable for long term use
Cons:
– Highly-priced
9. Rheem RTGH-95DVLP-2 Tankless Water Heater
Do you have a large family, and have not come across your desired water heater yet? Then we have got this for you, the Rheem RTGH-95DVLP-2, as this is proved to be the best water heater for a large family! It might be costly upfront, but it will save your maintenance and utility costs to the greatest extent in the long run. RTGH has an Energy star and water-sense certificate, which makes it energy-saving and water-saving.
This water heater can save 11,000 gallons of water every year. RTGH model has a built-in recirculation pump that prevents the water from cooling off and reheat again. It means energy is not used to reheat the water. Moreover, the heater has a bunch of safety features such as a gas control valve, igniter coil, high-temperature limit switch, and many more. The entire heater, both externally and internally, is made from stainless steel. It gives assurance for several years of non-corroding use.
Key features:
– Installation is wall-mounted
– Has recirculation pump
– Energy-star and water-sense certified
– 199,900 gas consumed per hour
– Can serve for five bathrooms at once
Pros:
– Perfect for large water usage
– Saves 11,000 gallons of water per year
– Saves energy and water bill
– Made durably with stainless steel finish
– Requires less maintenance
Cons:
– Price is too much
10. Rinnai V65IN Tankless Water Heater
Another heart robbing water heater from evergreen Rinnai, which is the V65IN. It is another heater for large water requirements and can use for up to 5 fixtures for 6.5 GPM water! However, the water flow varies with inlet water temperature. This heater runs with natural gas and is SCAQMD approved for maintaining air quality with the lowest NOx emission. Its energy factor rating is 0.82, which means it has an energy-saving capability of 82%.
This water heater’s smart technology includes wi-fi capability that makes you connect the operation of it with your device. You can control and manage the water heater temperature throughout the day. Staying anywhere, you can schedule your heater and turn it on. You can also use the voice activation module with the wi-fi to use the heater. Moreover, V65IN has 180 months of heat exchanger residential warranty. This compact and reliable Rinnai will serve you endlessly with hot water.
Key Features:
– Energy factor is 0.82
– Has wi-fi connectivity
– Works with 5 fixtures at once
– Works in natural gas
– SCAQMD approved
Pros:
– Emits lowest NOx
– Suitable for a large family
– Energy saving
– Controlling is easy with a device connected via wi-fi
Cons:
– Not water-sense certified
11. Bradford White BWC RE350S6-1NCWW
The Bradford RE350S6 is a 50 gallons tank-style water heater perfectly suitable for a medium to large family depending on their daily hot water requirement. This heater works efficiently and effectively with 4,500 watts. You will never feel the lack of hot water in your house once Bradford RE is installed. The heater is built robustly enough to serve you for years. Magnesium anode heating rod is its heating component that is immune to corrosion and rust.
This heater is bulky and huge, just as a tank-style water heater would be, so it is beneficial for larger bathrooms. Although this model is 240 volts, there are other three power-consuming ones available which you can pick according to your convenience. You will get full customer support from Bradford if any defect is found.
Key Features:
– Voltage usage: 240 volts
– Wattage: 4500
– Weighs 150 pounds
– Tank size: 50 gallons
Pros:
– Robustly built with magnesium heating rod
– Easy to install
– Unlimited hot water supply
– Value for money water heater
Cons:
– Not suitable for small bathrooms
12. Rheem RTG-95XLN-1 Tankless Water Heater
The Rheem RTG-95XLN-1 is one of the top rated gas hot water heaters. This compact cabinet-size water heater has so much to offer at a competitive price. Being a gas water heater, it has the lowest NOx emission to keep the environment safe and healthy, yet providing 7.4 gallons of water per minute. The built-in electric exhaust fan provides direct venting of output gas from the heater. So, there is no hassle of installing indirect venting methods.
The thermostat has a digital display that effectively shows temperature settings and maintenance with codes. Hence, maintaining water heaters have never been easy unless Rheem RTG came. It works at a high altitude and 9,840 feet with the highest gas pressure of 199,900 BTU. There comes a remote control thermostat that helps to set the temperature within 100-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features:
– Meets SCAQMD requirement for being NOx-free
– Has blower fan built-in
– -30 degrees F anti-freeze protection
– Works with 199,900 BTU
– For 3 bathrooms home
Pros:
– Eco-friendly and efficient
– Works on high-altitudes
– Digital display makes maintenance and temperature setting easy
– Direct venting system
Cons:
– Water flow is low in low water temperature
13. Rinnai Indoor Tankless Hot Water Heater, RL94IP
The Rinnai RL94IP model is no less than other models of the same brand. In fact, it is much better due to having circ-logic technology that makes it even more energy-saving. It keeps the water heated for a long time, and prevents over-consumption of energy. Moreover, it is SCAQMD approved for being environmentally friendly. So, you and your family can rely on this water heater, thinking it isn’t harmful to health.
With a water flow rate of 9.8 gallons per minute, this heater can work with 5/ 6 fixtures at a time. Eventually, it is suitable for an average household. The compact box design will take a fraction of your bathroom’s wall, so it doesn’t matter what size bathroom you have, you can enjoy RL94IP’s benefits. Lastly, the best part is, it is a wi-fi compatible smart heater. That means you can connect the heater with your device to monitor and schedule the heater’s temperature and other operations.
Key Features:
– Energy factor: 0.82
– Has in-built recirculation pump
– SCAQMD certified
– WIFI capable
– Hot water flow rate of 9.8 GPM
Pros:
– Eco-friendly with lowest NOx emission
– Easy to control and monitor with other devices
– Keeps the recirculation pump
– Has a residential warranty
Cons:
– Not energy-star certified
14. Rinnai RU199iN Tankless Water Heaters
It is the last Rinnai water heater on the list, the RU199iN model. For those who want to directly spend a bit more on a worthy gas water heater, this model is the one. This RU-model has the highest energy-saving of 93% backed up by its recirculation pump. You can save on water and energy bills both when the water is kept warm without the need for reheating with its pump. Moreover, this model is energy-star qualified.
It is wi-fi capable so that you can connect with your device for scheduling and inspection. Any issue can be quickly detected when the device is connected so you can fix the problem up before it gets too late. Moreover, this extraordinary heater has a water flow rate of 11 gallons per minute that can work for 7 fixtures at a time. However, the flow rate also depends on intel water temperature. Lastly, SCAQMD has approved the heater for producing the lowest NOx in the environment.
Key features:
– Energy factor: 0.93
– Wifi capable
– Has built-in recirculation pump
– Is energy-star and SCAQMD qualified
– Includes isolation valves
Pros:
– Very effective for providing 11 gallons of water per minute
– Eco-friendly
– Works for multiple fixtures
– Scheduling temperature and monitoring is easy
– Excellent in energy-saving
Cons:
– Expensive than other Rinnai models
15. Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The fifteenth best water heater in our list of reviews is the second Ecosmart tankless water heater. We bet, the very first one has also caught your mind and this will do the same. As the EcoSmart water heaters are one of the ‘value for money’ tankless water heaters, they leave no effort behind to make it effective for the users. Similarly, this ECO-18 model is one ideal heater for any home application with its 18kw power. It claims to save 60% of the utility cost that comes from water heating.
The heater has a smart self-modulating feature that helps to shut-off auto to prevent overheating and excess power consumption. You can preset your desired temperature within 80-140 degrees Fahrenheit from its digital controller. You don’t have to wait for minutes for hot water with eco-smart, as it serves within specs of seconds and continuously.
Key Features:
– Wattage: 18k
– Has digital temperature control
– Max amperage 75
– Self-modulating
Pros:
– Very useful in saving energy
– Cuts water heating cost up to 60%
– Digital controller makes easy temperature setting
– Inexpensive
– Provides continuous water without making you wait
Cons:
– Only for low-water requirements
16. Reliance 6 6 SOMS K Electric Water Heater
This model, the 6 SOMS K is the highest-selling water heater of the brand, and that’s why we have included it. It is a 6-gallon tank-style water heater with 6 years of parts warranty. There is no crazy installation hassle with this water heater. So if you want to avoid plumbing costs, then buy this one as one can DIY with it following the manual guide. You can locate this small heater anywhere you want due to its size. Whether with a kitchen sink or bathroom basin, this water heater will effectively do its job with loyalty.
This heater suffers no stand-by heat loss due to the presence of a foam insulation system. Hence, the efficiency rate is relatively high in serving your hot water. The most interesting part is that you can convert it into a recirculation tank system to store hot water. Hence, you can carry this mini hot water tank in boats, yachts and for any short trips.
Key Features:
– Hot water capacity: 6 gallons
– Can be turned into recirculation pump for storing hot water
– Has 6 years of warranty
– Uses 120-volt power
Pros:
– Easy and quick installation
– Can be easily maintained
– Durable and corrosion-proof
– Has value for money
– Can be carried outside
Cons:
– Hot water capacity is limited
17. Stiebel Eltron Mini-Tank Electric Water Heater
Another Stiebel Eltron mini water heater for those who don’t want to spend on high-slow rate heaters. As you can see its size, the tank can only serve 2.5 gallons of water, making it suitable for small hot water usage. You can either use it with your kitchen sink or basin. The size is quite compact and lightweight that makes it mountable at any corner of your house. However, its work is quite fast as it gives hot water on-point without making you wait for it.
Internally, it is made from glass-lined steel for the highest durability and corrosion-free use. With its thermostat dial, you can easily set your desired water temperature between 30-60 degrees Celsius. Moreover, this heater has exceptional frost-free technology too. You can highly rely on this water heater for safety, durability, and efficiency within a minimum cost.
Key features:
– Glass-lined steel made internally
– Temperature range: 30-60 degrees C.
– 18 minutes of recovery time
– Installs with a bracket placement
Pros:
– Very lightweight and compact
– Easy to install
– Adjusts temperature easily
– Can be installed in RVs and food trucks too.
Cons:
– Temperature range is minimal
18. Tankless Water Heater Electric ECOTOUCH Hot Water Heater
Yet another low-flow water heater with 1 gallon per minute with only 240 volts for petty needs. This one is from ECOTOUCH that promises to provide hot water at the point-of-use and immediately. This mini water heater is pumped up with multiple safety features for users’ tension-free use to avoid harm, over-heating, combustion, freeze, and leakage. It does all these things and still saves 98% energy, which in return saves water heating bills.
Moreover, the heater works at a stale temperature of 114 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the outdoor temp. But be assured, you are going to enjoy lukewarm water whatever the season is. You can monitor the temperature on display anytime once you install this compact and light heater on the wall. If you were looking for such a low use water heater till now, then buy this electric tankless water heater by ECOTOUCH.
Key features:
– Has self-modulation feature
– Serves 1-gallon hot water per minute
– Saves 98% energy
– Easy temperature monitor on the display
Pros:
– Has tons of safety features
– Effortless to mount
– Suitable for sink/ basins
– Durably made and convenient to use
– Provides hot water immediately
Cons:
– Does not come with remote control
19. Stiebel Eltron 4 GALLON WATER HEATER
The last on the list is another Stiebel Eltron mini water heater for those who don’t want to spend on slow water-rate heaters. Unlike the previous one, the tank can only serve 4 gallons of water, making it suitable for small hot water usage. You can either use it with your kitchen sink/ washing machine or basin. The size is quite compact and lightweight that makes it placeable at any corner of your house. However, its work is quite fast as it gives hot water on point-of-use without making you wait for it.
It is made from glass-lined steel inside for the highest durability and corrosion-free use.
With its thermostat dial, you can easily set your desired water temperature between 30-60 degrees Celsius. Moreover, this heater has exceptional frost-free technology too. You can highly rely on this water heater for safety, durability, and efficiency within a minimum cost.
Key features:
– Glass-lined steel made internally
– Temperature range: 30-60 degrees C.
– 45 minutes of recovery time
– Installs with a bracket placement
Pros:
– Very lightweight and compact
– Easy to install
– Adjusts temperature easily
– Can be installed in RVs and food trucks too.
Cons:
– Temperature range is very limited
Buying Guide for Best water Heater
It might sound easy to buy a mere water heater. But the reality is very different, as you need to have so many compatibility check before finally choosing the right one to have the best benefit out of it! So, the things to consider are:
Tank-style or Tankless: This is a personal preference whether one likes tank-style or tankless water heater for their home. Tankless heaters are modern, which works by immediately heating your water. While tanked are traditional ones, work by storing the hot water inside for later use. Both have different benefits.
However, if your bathroom space is shallow, then go for tankless water heaters for saving space. Also, they have a modern design that will enhance your bathroom’s look.
Tank-style capacity: If you are opting for a tanked water heater, make sure you buy the right gallon size. To determine the required gallon size, you need to know your household’s daily hot water usage at peak time.
If you buy a smaller size, it won’t work efficiently to provide hot water as needed. And you are buying extra-large size than required means paying the unnecessary bill for the hot water you won’t probably use.
Gas or Electric: This factor is determined by the budget you have for your water heater. Usually, an electric water heater has a low upfront cost, but high utility cost throughout its life. At the same time, gas water heaters have a high upfront cost but will save you dollars from utility costs. As 20% of an average American’s monthly expense comes from water heaters, so one should make wise decisions.
Warranty: High warranty means you can get service for more years. On average, the warranty coverage for water heaters is 10-12 years. Therefore, choose a heater with high warranty coverage because you will face technical issues with such appliances.
Digital displays: No matter what type of water heater you buy, the one with an external digital display will solve half of your water heater related problems. On it, you can easily set the temperature and monitor it whether it is overheating or not. In some advanced heaters, you can also have pressure readings, maintenance codes, etc.
Temperature range: Since water heaters’ heating capacity mostly depends on the inlet’s temperature. This means the water heats less at a given temperature during winters as the inlet temperature is low. So, depending on your region, choose the heater’s temperature setting. Not all heater has the same range of temperature.
FAQ
Why tankless water heaters cost so much?
Tankless water heaters are a bit costlier than tank-style ones because they are equipped with more advanced technology to better water heating experience. Basically, you are buying comfort with money. Also, tankless water heaters need the least maintenance, unlike tanked ones too.
Which is the longest lasting gas water heater?
Every water heater we have mentioned in the list are durable and long-lasting. And, gas water heaters are made to be long-lasting. However, the best out of all is the Rinnai RU199iN tankless water heater. It is the most productive gas water heater and made from durable materials, both externally and internally.
What is meant by glass-lined tanks?
A tank is glass-lined means; its components are lined with glass to prevent air and water contact. This makes the component/s corrosion-proof to last long and needs no maintenance.
Does the price of tanked water heaters vary with size?
Yes, the bigger the gallon of a tanked water heater, the higher it will cost. It is fundamental, but one should not compromise their needs just to save a few bucks.
Final Verdict
We hope we didn’t bore you out with the water heater reviews. Even though we handpicked each of them, still they became a vast range of choices. You won’t regret our selection if you buy the right one for your home. Each of their efficiency, durability, and additional cost-saving feature is what attracts the new generation customers most. The manufacturers are also the leading ones in the world for water heaters of this sort.
So, we hope our best water heater review has benefitted you in finding the one which will make the purchase worthwhile.
You Can Also Read:
