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Last updated: 24 Mar 2023
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The Best Tankless Water Heaters of 2023

Are you considering making the switch to a tankless water heater in your home? You’re likely looking for great energy efficiency and endless hot water. With the plethora of tankless water heaters available on today’s market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for you. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up some of the best tankless water heaters so that you can weigh all the aspects essential to selecting your new system with ease. Whether you’re looking for an energy-saving solution to your hot water needs or just want something that won’t take up much space in your home, investing in a tankless water heater can be one of the best decisions you make when it comes to comfort and efficiency. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best tankless water heaters of 2023.

Our Top Picks for Tankless Water Heaters in 2023

1

Bosch Electric Mini Tankless Water Heater

– Best Overall
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Key Features

The Bosch Tronic 3000 T is the hero you need for your instant hot water needs! You can use this tankless heater for three different applications. Use it under a single sink or with your shower, as a supplement to an existing water heater located far from your target tap, or for cold-water sandwiching. Although marketed as a tankless water heater, the Bosch Tronic 3000 T has a hidden mini-tank inside. It’s available in 3 different sizes: 2.5, 4, and 7 gallons. It packs a seamless 98% thermal efficiency and can be connected to two sinks at a time. Moreover, you can mount it on the wall and the floor (bracket included). This option is the best overall on our list.

Pros
  • 98% thermal efficiency
  • On-demand hot water within a 30-seconds
  • Easy installation
  • 6-year warranty on repair/maintenance
Cons
  • The warranty only applies if you get it installed by an authorized dealer
2

Rheem Tankless Water Heater

– Most Energy Saving
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Key Features

The Rheem 240V is a modern tankless heater that comes with an LED display and an adjustable digital thermostatic control for the breeziest operation. It’s efficient, easy to install, threaded for easy replacement, and has an excellent rate of water flow. This tankless water heater is 99.8% more energy efficient than conventional ones. It features self-modulated power control to save energy within your whole house.

It consists of two heating elements made of immersed copper for up to 3.17 GPM water flow, maximizing the hot water you receive. Apart from its digital control panel, this water heater also displays the temperature rise on its LED screen for extra clarity. It also features +/- 1-degree accuracy controls. The installation is super simple as well – NPT adapters and instructions are included.

Pros
  • Ideal for both single point-of-use or multiple applications
  • The water temperature can be turned up to 140 degrees
  • Digital controls make the whole operation hassle-free
  • The 3.17 flow rate comes in very handy
Cons
  • Turning up the temperature may throw inconsistencies and inaccuracy if the heater runs for a long time
3

EcoSmart Tankless Water Heater

– Best Price
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Key Features

You will save up to 60% of heating costs with this electric tankless water heater which is designed to heat up to 2 gallons of water per minute. The best part? It comes with a lifetime warranty and never lets you run out of hot water! This water heater’s digital temperature control lets you set the temperature according to your preference. The EcoSmart ECO 11 tankless heater is wall mountable and saves you a lot of floor space. It features self-modulating technology so it only uses the minimum amount of energy required. However, try not to rely on their customer support for any unexpected flaws, as they’re not very responsive.

Pros
  • The heater comes with a lifetime warranty
  • It’s very energy efficient with Uniform Energy Factor standing strong at 0.98
  • The model operates on a patented self-modulating technology
Cons
  • Not the best choice for areas with hard-water conditions

Premier Tankless Water Heaters Buying Guide

How Did We Pick the Best Tankless Water Heater?

We were able to choose the best tankless water heater for the typical hot water needs of an average person. There are dozens of different models and sizes available. In order to pick the best tankless hot water heating unit or system, keep in mind a few critical factors before finalizing your purchase.

What Are the Different Types of Tankless Water Heaters?

Electric

If you decide to stick with an electric tankless water heater, analyze the amperage, voltage, and circuit breaker requirements carefully before buying. Most of the devices will vary from 110V to 277V. Each model has different requirements for their electric element. Make sure that your house’s electricity system can manage the water heater and heating element you’re going for.

Make sure you have a circuit available that will handle the tankless water heater. Consult an authorized electrician to verify that you know the specs of your house systems. Doing so will optimize the usage of electric models and your particular electric tankless water heater model’s electric element.

Gas-powered

On the other hand, if you decide to purchase a gas-powered tankless heater, consider the gas types and venting requirements. If you’re going with gas units, first think about your house’s gas type – propane or natural gas.

Inspect your gas valve and line to ensure it will satisfy the requirements of a brand-new addition from a selection of gas tankless water heaters. In terms of combustion, gas tankless water heaters don’t rely on an indoor air supply. However, you do still need to vent these types of hot water heaters.

How To Choose a Water Heater With the Right Flow Rate

It’s important to choose a water heater with a flow rate that aligns well with the taps in your home and your water usage. Each product has its own temperature rise limit and flow rate. If the water doesn’t get hot enough, or if flow rates are too low or too high, the heater won’t work properly.

For example, a shower might have a demand of 4 gallons per minute while a dishwasher may only demand 1.5 gallons per minute at 100 degrees.

By discovering the precise flow rate, you’ll be able to avoid any future problems. Also, it never hurts to discuss these matters with your plumber and have a second opinion, just in case. 

How Do You Maintain a Tankless Water Heater?

Doing regular maintenance for your tankless water heater is a must if you care about its longevity. Ideally, you should bring about a maintenance session at least twice a year. Search for some tips online about what you can do to make sure your heater withstands the wear and tear. You want it to bring you hot water season after season. 

Moreover, most manufacturers also provide a repair/maintenance warranty for their customers, just in case things go south.

What Are the Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters?

Endless hot water

A hot water system that utilizes a simple tank can only provide as much hot water as the tank can handle. And since your heater is only as good as your tank’s capacity, your whole house could run out of hot water all the time. The tankless system heats water as you need it. This means you will have hot water on demand, wherever, whenever!

Reduced energy bill fees

Even though tankless water heaters cost more than traditional tank heaters, they can save you cash on your utility bills. Tank heaters continually heat water, even if you are not using them. On the contrary, the tankless system only heats the water when you need it, boosting the energy efficiency of these compact gadgets.

Compact designs

While a regular tank system uses up a significant amount of space, the tankless system can fit in a corner of your bathroom or even beneath your kitchen sink. On-demand water heaters come in both wall-mount and floor-mount options. So, they’re very handy in that sense.

If you’d like to learn more about how a tankless water heater can benefit your home, check out this video from the Twin Home Experts on tanked versus tankless hot water heaters:

People Also Asked

Q: What is the price range of tankless water heaters?

A: Like any other product, tankless water heaters can vary in their price. You can find for anywhere from $200 to over $1,500. And if you aren't equipped to deal with the installation process on your own, you're looking at a couple more hundred bucks. 

Q: How do tankless water heaters work?

A: A tankless water heater is mainly designed to heat up the water so fast that you won't need a storage tank. Tankless water heaters can either be gas or electrically powered. In both situations, the cold water runs into the tankless unit, and it momentarily heats up the water as it passes through, utilizing the unit's heat exchanger and mixing valve. And then the water flows out of your hot water tap, and it is delivered heated and ready to be used throughout your whole house. Because of the heat exchanger and this process, the tankless water heaters are able to distribute a continuous supply of hot water, unlike traditional hot water heaters. By owning a tankless water heater, you won't need to wait for hot water anymore; instead, you'll be able to get hot water straight away in a couple of seconds. The energy efficiency of on demand water heaters can help to make your day easier.

Q: Can I install a tankless water heater by myself?

A: If you have no expertise in tankless water heaters and have never installed something similar before, we would suggest you call a professional to do the job. This way, you will be stress-free and confident that your hot water system was installed properly and efficiently.

Q: How long do tankless water heaters usually last?

A: The gas-burning water heaters have a lifespan of around 15 years - and even higher at times. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, generally have a relatively shorter life span of around 8 years.

Q: Why should I buy a tankless water heater?

A: By utilizing tankless water heaters, you can save money in the long run, but primary costs are a lot more expensive than regular tank models. Even if you're conventional in your water use, the tankless water heater should have 25% – 35% more energy efficiency. According to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy, a gas-fired tankless water heater will save you around $120 yearly, while the electric model will save you up to $50.

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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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