I Tested And Reviewed 9 Best Electric Hot Water Heater Tankless (2023)

I recently received my order and unfortunately, I was quite disappointed with the condition of the item. Upon unboxing, I noticed that the case face was damaged and three out of the four machine screws that are supposed to secure the heating element were loose and rattling around inside. This was not a good first impression.

It seems that the weight of the heating element and possibly rough handling during manufacturing caused the machine screws to work themselves out, with one even stripping altogether. As a suggestion to the sellers, I mentioned that it would be beneficial to have clip nuts in addition to the brackets to ensure proper support for such a heavy component. I also requested a replacement front cover, but was informed that none were available. However, the sellers did provide a $20 goodwill refund, which I appreciated.

Despite the initial issues, I decided to test the unit and it actually works quite well. The thermostat, however, seems to be a bit inconsistent. I haven't had enough time to fully assess if it is over-reading or not, but it appears to be about 10 degrees higher than the actual water temperature at the tap. To determine if any temperature loss occurs between the heater and the tap (as my unit is currently placed 50 feet away from the tap), I would need to disconnect the hot side, which I am undecided about.

Furthermore, I encountered some difficulties when attempting to increase the indicated water flow. After some trial and error, I discovered that the unit is incapable of delivering more than 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm). It is worth mentioning that the manufacturer does state this limit in some of their product information, but it is a bit misleading as they showcase 1.8 gpm in all the product pictures and claim a theoretical 1.8 gpm in the manual. While the unit provides enough water flow for hand washing, I doubt it would be sufficient for showering. If anyone has the same unit and has had better results, I encourage you to share your experience.

Update: Unfortunately, today my unit failed with an E2 error code. This error code appears as soon as the unit is powered on after resetting via the circuit breaker. I have only been able to clear the code and resume heating once by resetting the breaker, but the unit shuts off with the same error code after less than a minute of operation. I am currently awaiting contact from the seller, although I am not very optimistic as the unit is now out of warranty by three months and it seems that other reviewers have faced customer service issues as well.

I recently purchased this tankless water heater for my kitchen sink and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The size of the unit was perfect for my needs and I found it to be a great value for the price. I was initially concerned about fitting it under my sink, but it fit with ease due to its compact design.

One feature that caught my attention was the inclusion of a remote control. While I personally don't see myself using it often, as there are convenient buttons on the front of the unit itself, it may be useful for others who prefer the convenience of remote operation.

The installation process was a breeze, thanks to the assistance of my plumber uncle. It was done swiftly, which leads me to believe that the installation requirements must be fairly straightforward. This is certainly a plus for those who value quick and hassle-free setup.

Since installing the tankless water heater, I have not experienced any issues with running out of hot water in my kitchen. It provides a consistent and reliable supply, eliminating the frustrating wait time of 5 minutes for the water to heat up. This has greatly improved my overall experience in the kitchen, allowing for more efficient tasks and a better overall user experience.

I recently purchased this water heater and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. We have a household with 3 showers, 5 sinks, and a dishwasher, and this tankless water heater provides us with a continuous supply of hot water. One of the standout features of this unit is its easy installation process. The instruction manual provided is thorough and detailed, making the installation a breeze.

This is actually the fourth tankless water heater I have owned. The first one was unfortunately destroyed in a fire, but the other two are still functioning perfectly at our family cabins. There are several key advantages to using a tankless water heater. Firstly, the compact size of this unit is a major plus. It is as small as a suitcase, whereas a traditional tanked water heater requires a significant amount of space. Secondly, as long as you have power, you will never run out of hot water with a tankless system. In the past, with a tank heater, we would often run out of hot water, especially with three active boys in the house. However, this is no longer an issue with the tankless water heater.

Another advantage that becomes evident over time is the reduction in electricity usage and subsequent lower utility bills. Prior to installing this tankless water heater, my average monthly bill was $120. However, after the installation, it dropped to $90. This significant reduction in electricity consumption is a definite benefit.

There are a couple of drawbacks to consider as well. One is that in the event of a power outage, you will not have hot water. However, power outages are generally infrequent, and even if they do occur, it is unlikely that you would necessarily need hot water at that specific time. Another drawback is that the 24 and 27KW units require three double throw 40 amp breakers and 8 gauge wire for proper functioning. It is important to note that these tankless water heaters are designed to be whole-house units and cannot be simply wired onto your existing tank heater line. This is due to the fact that tankless water heaters require instant power only when hot water is needed, while tank heaters use lower power constantly. To avoid any issues, it is crucial to use the correct size unit for your intended usage and needs.

I have come across some negative reviews of this product, but upon reading them, it is evident that these individuals did not do their research or thoroughly read the manual. For example, one person complained that the water only became warm, but they were using a 6KW unit for their entire house. It is important to choose the appropriate unit size based on your specific requirements.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the time it takes for hot water to reach the faucet is similar to a tank heater. This is simply a result of the laws of physics and cannot be avoided.

We recently purchased a tankless water heater to replace our old 38-gallon tank, and it has been one of the best appliance purchases we've made. As a family of six in a two-bathroom house, we were constantly running out of hot water and having to wait for the tank to reheat. With the tankless water heater, we can now fill the bath and have everyone take a bath or shower within an hour without any issues.

The installation process was fairly easy for us as skilled DIYers. The unit is light and easy to install on the wall. However, we did encounter some challenges with the mounting holes not being suitable for the stud layout in our USA house. We had to use a combination of wood screws and drywall anchors to securely mount the unit. The plumbing was straightforward, and we replaced the flex lines with PEX for added durability. We also insulated the hot side, although it may not have been necessary.

One aspect that requires attention is the electrical setup. Unlike our old tank heater, which only required one 220 volt 30 amp breaker circuit, this tankless water heater needs three separate 220 volt 40 amp circuits to run. This meant we had to make adjustments in our breaker box and hire a professional electrician to properly wire the unit. The cost for the electrical work was $1200, which seemed a bit high but is apparently the going rate in our area.

In terms of usage, we initially set the temperature at 119 degrees, but the water was only warm and not super hot. We gradually increased it to 125 degrees and eventually maxed out the thermostat to get the perfect shower temperature. It is important to note that as an on-demand water heater, there may be a slight delay in getting hot water initially, especially if it hasn't been used for a while or in the morning. However, once the hot water starts flowing, it stays hot indefinitely, and we haven't experienced any issues with it running cold.

I recently installed this unit in my sister's nail salon, specifically under the kitchen cabinet to replace the old tank. The installation process was straightforward, as it comes with brackets to hang on the wall. The instructions mention the need for a ground wire, but since it's an old building, I wasn't able to provide one. However, I managed to ground it to one of the water copper lines that go into the ground using a clamp.

In terms of performance, the unit delivers satisfactory results. The kitchen sink, which is located about 10 feet away, receives enough hot water. The pedicure bowl, on the other hand, is around 20 feet away and while it gets warm, it's not as hot as the kitchen. Adjusting the water flow can help increase the temperature. After running the pedicure bowl for about a minute, the water remained consistently warm.

The overall appearance and feel of the unit are great. However, its longevity remains uncertain. For now, it functions perfectly fine.

In my personal experience, I live alone in a house and decided to replace my large gas bill and water heater with this compact unit. Since my home has rigid copper plumbing and the winter has been mild, it has been able to meet my needs. It's important to note that this unit is not designed for large houses but rather for small places with single-use and non-coincidental usage. It can provide scalding hot water in my upstairs shower, but this is due to the use of a water-saving showerhead and regulating the flow. It may not be suitable for individuals who require a higher water flow. It's essential to follow the application guide and understand your usage and needs.

With a power draw of only 22 amps at maximum capacity, this unit will serve its purpose for this year. However, I plan to upgrade to a 60 amp unit from the same manufacturer in the future to achieve stronger showers with increased water flow. It's important to note that this upgrade will result in higher heating costs due to the increased water usage.

For my current purposes and research, this unit has been fantastic. I have also installed Niagra 3 flow water savers on my lavatory and kitchen sink. Using the low flow setting in the bathroom vanity can result in water that is scalding hot upstairs. However, adjusting to a medium flow provides a nice and warm water temperature. In the kitchen, it takes a bit longer to heat up with the low flow setting, and the temperature is not as hot as upstairs. Nevertheless, it can get hot if I let it run, but I don't need it to be that hot and waste water just to heat the pipes for hotter water.

I recently installed the EcoSmart ECO 11 on September 12 and overall, the installation process was relatively straightforward. However, running the 6 gauge wire proved to be a bit challenging and I would recommend hiring an electrician if you're not experienced in this area.

One common issue that some users have encountered is leaks when connecting the unit. I believe this can be easily avoided by using the washers that are included with the unit. It's worth noting that the instructions don't explicitly mention the washers, so some may have overlooked them. These washers are located inside the red and blue protector caps on the input and output of the unit and are necessary for a proper seal. So, make sure not to throw them out.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the input and output on the ECO 11 (and ECO 8) are 1/2 inch, while most water connections are 3/4 inch. Therefore, you'll need to add an adapter to both the input and output. I made the mistake of purchasing brass adapters initially, but later had to return them as they are not suitable for "potable" water connections. Stainless steel adapters are the recommended choice, so save yourself the hassle and go for those instead.

To connect the unit, I found that using steel-wrapped washing machine hoses worked best for me. You could also consider using PEX pipe, although I can't personally vouch for its effectiveness as I haven't used it before. Additionally, I installed the 3M Aqua-Pur filter, which I found easiest to attach at the cold water input just before connecting the washing machine hose. I didn't end up using the isolating valves, as I experienced some leaks while attempting to install them. Since I live alone, I decided to simply disconnect the washer hoses and use a separate set for the annual tank flushing process. This also gives me an opportunity to inspect the original hoses for any signs of wear and tear.

Living in South Florida, the incoming water is already quite warm, so I haven't needed to set the thermostat to its maximum temperature. The unit works great, and when tested at the kitchen faucet, the water temperature reached 143 degrees, even though the thermostat is capable of reaching 140 degrees. For my personal needs, I keep the thermostat set at 104 degrees, which is the perfect temperature for a comfortable shower. I find that there's no need to mix hot and cold water when I can have the desired temperature right away. This approach is also more cost-effective, as there's no need to heat the water to a higher temperature unnecessarily. However, if you do need hotter water for specific purposes, adjusting the thermostat is a simple task.

I recently had the Ecosmart tankless water heater (model 27) installed in my home and I must say, it has been worth every bit of the hassle it took to get it professionally installed. One thing that I think Amazon should stress is the importance of considering the inlet water temperature in your geographical location when choosing the right size unit for your home. In my case, living in Michigan with a winter inlet temperature just above freezing, the only Ecosmart unit that would work year-round here is the model 27.

Initially, we purchased the model 11 and had it installed, and it worked well for all the outlets upstairs. However, the outlets in the basement, where the unit is installed, didn't have enough time to heat up before reaching the faucets due to the cold inlet temperature here. So, we had to swap it out for the larger model 27, which required us to upgrade our electrical system from a 100 breaker box to a 200. This was a pricey investment, but a necessary one.

Fortunately, I had licensed friends who were able to handle the installation, as Ecosmart requires licensed contractors in order to honor the lifetime warranty on the unit. Since the installation, we have seen a decrease in both our electric and gas bills, and the value of our home has increased. Plus, the warranty is transferable to the next homeowner, which is a great selling point if we decide to move in the future.

The only adjustment we had to make was getting used to letting the water run for about 20 seconds before it becomes hot. However, once it's hot, we never run out, even with a household of 2 adults and 2 teenagers. This is truly priceless.

I should note that the installation did cost more than I anticipated. I used sharkbite fittings and valves, which worked great and didn't leak. I also used 10 ft of 3/4 inch copper pipe, although I only needed 6 ft. For the electrical conduit or flex pipe, I recommend using 1 inch diameter. I used Webstone EXP E2 service valves for flushing the water heater and could have done without the pressure relief valve. I have the temperature set to 122°F and it's plenty hot, although it does take a minute or two to get hot water, slightly longer than when we had a tank water heater. Some rooms receive hot water faster than others.

To address our hard water issue, since we have a well, I installed a Pentek 3G Whole House Water Filtration Housing and an Aqua-Pure AP420 Hot Water Protector and Scale Inhibitor filter. I also used various sharkbite valves for changing the filter and hooking up our ice maker and fridge. All of these additional components were definitely worth the extra cost and labor.

In terms of energy use, we have seen a small reduction, although we are always home during the day and have a large family. I have had to change the AP420 filter twice since the installation.

The Ecosmart tankless water heater is an excellent investment for those looking for unlimited hot water and energy savings. The unit has a simple and space-efficient design, making it both functional and visually pleasing. With this water heater, you no longer have to worry about running out of hot water during showers or other household tasks.

One important aspect to consider when purchasing this unit is to make sure you size it correctly for your needs and take into account your area's ground water temperature. This will ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Additionally, pairing the water heater with the "Spa Fire-Hydrant" shower head can further enhance its water-saving capabilities.

The installation process is relatively straightforward and can be done by a moderately experienced DIY'er with basic plumbing tools and some soldering knowledge. However, the electrical work may require the use of two Double-Pole 40-Amp Breakers and sufficient-sized service to handle the unit. If you have the space or are willing to upgrade your electric service, this water heater is definitely worth considering.

It's important to note that professional installation is required to qualify for the lifetime warranty. If you choose to have it professionally installed, it's recommended to obtain quotes for both plumbing and electrical work and compare them to the cost of the unit. If the installation ends up being more expensive than the unit itself, it may be more cost-effective to forgo the warranty and purchase a replacement unit in case of any future issues.

In terms of long-term usage, it's worth mentioning that the heating elements may need to be replaced over time. It's recommended to have spare elements on hand to avoid any inconvenience or shipping delays. Additionally, investing in the recommended 'Aqua-pure' scale inhibitor can help prevent scale buildup and extend the lifespan of the heating elements.

After using the Ecosmart tankless water heater for over a year, the reviewer expresses extreme satisfaction with the product. Despite a heating element issue caused by a plumbing change, the reviewer highlights the efficiency and cost savings they have experienced. In fact, their electric consumption has dropped by 20-30% compared to the previous two years. The unit has already paid for itself and the reviewer highly recommends it.

At the five-year mark, the reviewer has replaced two heating elements but continues to be impressed with the performance and cost-effectiveness of the water heater. They mention that there is no going back to a standard tanked unit and that they will replace it with an identical unit if it ever breaks. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of having a spare heating element on hand and expresses their overall satisfaction with the product.

Even after a decade of use, the reviewer still highly recommends the Ecosmart tankless water heater. They have experienced multiple heating element replacements but note that the unit is still running strong. They mention that the heating elements are now available for purchase on Amazon, making it easier to obtain replacements. The reviewer expresses their love for this product and plans to purchase it again for their future home.

I am thoroughly impressed with this water heater. It operates silently without any clicking relays and provides hot water at the desired volume. With a dishwasher, kitchen sink, laundry sink, bathroom sink, and bathtub all dependent on this unit, we have never experienced a shortage of hot water. The set temperature is displayed when the valve is opened, making it easy to monitor.

However, I did notice that when using the bathtub faucet, which has no restriction like the sinks or shower head, the water flows through the heater faster than it can reach the set temperature. To resolve this issue, I partially closed the hot water valve at the bathtub, allowing the heater to keep up without inconveniencing us with slow water flow.

Installation was straightforward, and the unit efficiently delivers hot water to the farthest bathroom in just 1-2 minutes. It is suitable for a 2,500 sq ft 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house. When installing, make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendation of using 8 AWG wire for dual 40 Amp Circuit Breakers. Additionally, it is essential to vent/open all the faucets before powering on the unit to avoid error codes.

What sets this water heater apart is its energy-saving feature. It only activates when hot water is used, resulting in electricity savings. The LED screen displaying the temperature also only lights up when hot water is flowing. Overall, I am highly satisfied with this unit.

Before purchasing this water heater, it is crucial to do thorough research and understand what you are getting. Unlike traditional tank heaters, this unit does not keep water hot all day and night but only consumes energy when a hot water faucet is turned on. Take into account your house's electrical capacity and ensure you have enough amps to support this electric water heater. If you are not confident in your DIY skills, it is advisable to hire an electrician for installation.

Furthermore, it is essential to know the temperature of the water coming into your house. Winter temperatures can vary, and relying solely on charts may not provide accurate information. Checking the water temperature with a thermometer is recommended. This particular heater may not be suitable for colder climates like Chicago in the winter, where a larger unit would be necessary. However, it works perfectly fine for a household of three with two bathrooms.

I strongly recommend reading the instructions thoroughly and conducting additional research online. Prior to purchasing, I discovered that the unit should be cleaned with vinegar every six months. To make maintenance easier, I installed the unit with a flush system, which proved to be a simple process. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, is recommended for all water heaters, even traditional tank ones.

In my experience, using well water in central Texas with a temperature of around 60 degrees in winter and much warmer in summer, this water heater performs exceptionally well. We can comfortably shower and run another water faucet simultaneously with the temperature set at 120 degrees. Our fixtures have limiters, allowing a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute, except for the bathtub, which can push out around 7 gallons per minute. Filling our large 6-foot soaker tub takes approximately 10 minutes with the faucet opened about 75%.

Having used this water heater from February to August without any issues, I would not hesitate to purchase it again and recommend it to friends and family. However, it is crucial to ensure that the electrical requirements and water temperature align with the specifications of the unit.