Traditional water heater tanks can be a hassle. From service to the cost of operation, there are many reasons to switch gears. Electric, tankless water heaters are the perfect way to reduce your costs and retrofit your home’s water heating!
However, with the market expanding and more companies and product models entering the mix, it can be intimidating to dive into. So we’ve used our expertise to curate a list of reviews for the whole house electric tankless water heater.
We’ve analyzed the products available and compared characteristics such as power, construction durability, and ease of operation. We then narrowed our sights, selecting models we’re sure are effective products.
Ultimately, a combination of factors will influence your buying decision but we hope that these whole-house electric tankless water heater reviews will aid you in finding a great new water heater for your home!
Best Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heaters:
1. EcoSmart ECO 27 Tankless Water Heater
The top home electric tankless water heater on the list is the EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater. The first thing that jumps out when reviewing the ECO 27 model is the claim of a reduction of heating costs by 50%. The ECO 27 also sports a compact design intended to save space.
Past consumers have noted the ECO 27 to be more efficient than their previous tank water heater. Some also point out that the ECO 27 rarely reaches full amperage draw due to its design.
The EcoSmart ECO 27 is a fantastic option for upgrading your home’s water heater. It’s efficient, compact, and has the ability to you up to 50% of your current water heating expense.
Pros
- Cheaper and more efficient than traditional tank water heaters
- Compact (saves storage space)
- Durable copper and stainless steel construction
Cons
- The model is specific to certain water requirements (you may require a different EcoSmart model for your needs)
2. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Heater
Coming in at the two spots on the list is a model that’s the ideal tankless water heater for a two (2) bathroom house. The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is similar in design to the EcoSmart model just previously reviewed. This model too is constructed of copper heating elements and is built to last.
Consumers enjoy the effective savings of the Stiebel water heater, saving almost half of what the average tank heater home will spend to operate. It’s also said to be simple enough to install if you have a general knowledge of running water lines.
Conclusively, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is a close runner-up to the EcoSmart model in one spot. It’s cheap to operate and powerful enough to handle the job!
Pros
- Saves money
- Has a high maximum amperage draw (150)
Cons
- Due to power requirements, not suited for every home.
3. Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater
Next up on the list is one of the more aesthetically pleasing models in the reviews list, the Rheem RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater. This unit is even more compact than the previously reviewed models and is designed for easy installation and replacement.
Consumers hardly have a negative word about this Rheem model. One thing to note is its power requirements and abilities as it’s not likely to work in too large a home. Repeat Rheem customers note the upgraded water output flow from this newer RTEX-13 model.
The Rheem RTEX-13 is perfect for those with smaller homes and lower water heating needs. Rheem touts the easy-install nature of the RTEX-13 and pretty much anyone is capable of setting this model up.
Pros
- Small, compact, and aesthetically unique
- Energy-efficient and expense-saving
- Easy install
Cons
- Like most of these heaters, it’s not suited for every residential job
4. Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater
At number four we have another Stiebel Eltron model. Like the previous model, this one too is part of the Tempra Plus product line. This model however is the 24 instead of the previously reviewed 36.
This means that its features vary as well as its function. While this model is less aesthetically attractive than its Stiebel counterpart, it’s still full of features that make it worth consideration.
Stiebel Eltron is making a name for itself in the electric, tankless water heater industry. Customers rave about the Tempra 24 Plus’ efficiency. Some users even noted that their electricity bill hadn’t increased all that much after installation either.
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus is the model for you if you’re looking for something with fewer electrical requirements. While it’ll be harder to run various hot water sources simultaneously with this model, it’s still able to handle, for example, three showers at once.
Pros
- Lower electrical requirements
- Control over temperature to the degree
- Long-term warranty for both leakage and parts
Cons
- Heats less than other models at maximum amperage
5. Eemax EEM24018 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Keeping the whole house, electric, tankless water heater reviews rolling is the Eemax EEM24018 Electric Tankless Water Heater. As with the previously discussed products, this unit is rectangular and compact.
Meant to be mounted on the wall for space-saving, this unit is aesthetically attractive as well with the face of the unit sporting a blue color. As is pretty much the standard with these tankless water heaters, it has a digital temperature display and control knob on the front face.
Past users thoroughly enjoy the hot water provided by this unit and call it “great for the price.” Some call it a nice investment for its cost savings over time versus a traditional, gas-fueled tank water heater.
The Eemax EEM24018 Electric Tankless Water Heater is a great option for homes where two or three things may call for hot water simultaneously. More than one can be utilized at once for those who like the product but feel it may not completely do the job by itself.
Pros
- Self-modulating technology saves energy when possible
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance
Cons
- Again, only suited for certain homes’ water requirements
6. Marey ECO150 Tankless Water Heater
Making the list at number seven is the Marey ECO150 Tankless Water Heater with Smart Technology. This unit is perhaps the most contemporarily designed model reviewed thus far. With a sleek, white body and crisp LCD panel, this unit is suited for installation in almost any space.
Perhaps the best feature of these tankless, electric water heaters is their simple operational control, and this unit certainly meets the standard.
As with many of these tankless water heaters, consumers are satisfied and some are even astonished at the efficiency of these units. Consumers have noted up to four showers running simultaneously while maintaining hot water from this unit.
The Marey ECO150 is the electric, tankless water heater for those looking for something that’ll more mildly use electricity. The amperage drawn from this model is low yet consumers still have nothing but satisfaction!
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing design
- Flow-switch activation (keeping water warm)
- Low maximum amperage draw
Cons
- Requires professional installation
7. Marey ECO180 18kW 4.4 gpm 220V Self-Modulating Multiple Points of Use Tankless Electric Water Heater
Capping off our top ten electric tankless water heater reviews is the Marey ECO180 Tankless Electric Water Heater. This is a stronger edition of the Marey ECO unit reviewed at the seven spots.
Despite being a similar model but stronger, this unit takes on a different aesthetic as well. While it’s still contemporarily designed, this unit sports a sleek, brushed metal finish in comparison to the ECO150’s glossy, white appearance.
As with a few of the products in the latter half of this list, there are some mixed reviews about the Marey ECO180. We of course have some folks who are satisfied with its efficiency, but there is a notable amount of reviews claiming inefficiency and issues with the electrical requirements.
The Marey ECO180, while at the end of the list, is yet another awesome electric, tankless water heater to replace your traditional heater. The key is ensuring the unit has the capabilities for your needs and that you have the electrical stock to fit its needs.
Pros
- Self-modulating technology
- 5-year warranty
- Generally low amperage draw
Cons
- N/A
8. Bosch Thermotechnology – WH27 Tronic 6000 C Electric Tankless Water Heater
The next model in review, the Bosch WH27 Tronic Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater, is suggestively the whole house electric tankless water heater. This unit from Bosch is the first on the list of reviews in which the temperature control is not up to the user.
That being said, you won’t find a digital display or control knob anywhere on the unit. While the unit is well designed for the eye, the lack of temperature control can be a hard pill to swallow for some.
The consumer reviews are a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to the Bosch WH27. While there are plenty of satisfied customers who love the job it does, others call its performance patchy and inconsistent.
The Bosch WH27 is a great electric water heater model for those who aren’t overly concerned about controlling the temperature down to a specific degree. While you won’t have control over that, this model pours out a constant temperature making up for the lack of control.
Pros
- Runs on its own without your input
- Temperature output is constant
Cons
- No control over the specific degree of water temperature
- Requires professional installation
9. Sio Green IR260 POU Infrared Electric Tankless Water Heater
Preparing us for the halfway point of the list is a whole house, an instant water heater, and the Sio Green IR260 POU Electric Tankless Water Heater.
The tankless water heater from Sio Green doesn’t heat the water by bringing it into contact with metals, allowing for the prevention of corrosion, limescale deposits, and calcium buildup; this saves you the hassle of maintenance and parts replacement.
Customers claim this unit to be a powerful model for homes where there’s a maximum of one or two people. Users located in warmer climates note that the success of the product largely has to do with the warmer water inlet, something not present in colder regions.
The Sio Green IR260 ROU is the perfect, instant water heater for small homes or specified zones of water use. In this manner, it’s capable of operating and producing hot water on its own but can also be utilized as a booster to your current water heater.
Pros
- Compact design (space saver)
- 4 Varying power levels for increased control
- Can be used as a booster to traditional water heaters as well
Cons
- Only suited for smaller homes or zones of water use
10. Thermoflow Elex 12 Tankless Water Heater
Next up is the Thermoflow Elex 12 Tankless Water Heater. This unit by Thermoflow has the nicest digital display panel of all of the units reviewed in this list. The display is clear, easy to read, and has large control buttons surrounding it.
As with the Marey ECO150, this unit is contemporarily designed and appears more like a modern thermostat than a water heater.
Some users have had no issue with the Elex 12 while others haven’t been able to get theirs just right – even with professional help. Another noted negative (for some) is the inlet/outlet fittings are on the back of the unit instead of the bottom or sides.
As long as you carefully read the requirements for the Thermoflow Elex 12, it’s a great water heater. It’s a bit of a downer that the inlet/outlet fittings stem from the back of the unit, though this is likely intended to make it reasonable to install the heater in a public, accessible space.
Pros
- Low activation flow ensures your water stays warm
- Self-modulating technology
- Durable construction
Cons
- No 1/2″ NPT adapters included
- Inlet/outlet fittings on the back instead of the bottom or sides
Tips on Choosing
Research
Research for something such as an electric tankless water heater is very important. When it comes to electric numbers, and verbiage all have very specific translations to application.
If you’re unsure about things such as electrical requirements, the nature of your groundwater inlet, etc., it’s in your best interest to take your time and learn about them.
While it may not serve you beyond choosing a water heater, just knowing how terms and numbers translate will give you a better understanding of your home as well as the product and its feasibility in your home.
Use a professional
In the same breath that research is important, it’s even more important to know when to take your questions to a professional. Some things aren’t meant for every person, and anything involving electricity has the potential for danger.
Professionals will not only be able to answer your questions, but they’re also more likely to be able to help you find the right product for your home, alleviating a lot of stress from you. Additionally, professionals should almost always be used to install whichever unit you end up buying.
Don’t cheap out
While one of the major draws of an electric, tankless water heater is its cost savings, sometimes it’s going to require some heavier upfront costs. This last tip is all about really getting to know the products that draw your attention to learn the ins and outs of each one.
By doing so, you leave yourself less vulnerable to choosing a poorer quality product based on its attractive price. Remember, cheaper rarely means better and you’ll typically always get what you pay for.
Factors To Consider
Your water use
Your home’s water use is the most important factor to consider when buying an electric, tankless water heater. This means taking stock and notice of how much water typically runs at the same time in your home, how often hot water is needed, and even things such as the finishes and faucets of your showers/sinks/etc. have.
Understanding your home’s water needs is the best way to narrow your buying options from the start, instantly decreasing some of the product choice burdens.
Electrical requirements
The next most important factor to consider is the electrical requirements of the product models you’re interested in. While the models you’ve selected to compare may be fit for the job of heating your water, your electrical power may be outdated or not up to par for the unit.
As we see from the reviews list, each model has a different kilowatt, volts, breakers, and wiring requirement. You may have to do some electrical retrofitting as well before getting the electric, tankless water heater.
Distance from the water source to the unit
The distance from the source of the water (e.g. sink, shower, etc.) to the electric water heater is also something to keep in mind. Some units, such as the Marey ECO180 reviewed last, have specific distances that cannot be placed further than the source of the water.
This is due to the capabilities and power strength of the units. In the case of the Marey ECO180, the unit isn’t to be placed more than 50′ from the water source, otherwise, it’ll be rendered ineffective.
User-friendliness
The last factor to consider before buying your electric, tankless water heater is its user-friendliness. While most models we’ve covered provide a way in which the user can control the exact temperature output of the heater, some don’t.
This can be an annoyance for those looking to gain direct control over their water’s temperature. The installation also plays into user-friendliness.
While it’s recommended to have a professional install any unit you decide to go with, some are easier to install than others, and thus are more user-friendly.
Making The Decision
In conclusion, the best whole house, electric, tankless water heater for your home is going to depend on a few factors. No one water heater is the universal best heater because of the role of your home’s electrical infrastructure and the requirements for heating your home’s water properly.
The goal of these whole houses, electric, tankless water heater reviews is to aid you in figuring out what it is that you have to be cognizant of in the buying process. With the help of these reviews, you’re more than ready to get started with the process of analyzing and buying an electric, tankless water heater for your home.
After all, who’s really a fan of traditional, gas-fueled, tank water heaters? They take up space, use up energy just by standing by and keeping their water warm, and require ventilation. The electric, tankless water heater models remove all of these hurdles and save you money and expense in the long run.
What’re you waiting for? Make the switch today!
