Keep Your Water’s Temperature How You Like it with the Best Tankless Water Heater
Nothing in the world can match the tranquility you get from a hot water bath, the feeling is unrivaled - the ladies would agree! However, you do need a seamless, functional, and immaculate water heater to get going - nothing is as disappointing as you running out of hot water as soon as you start enjoying the shower. While those bulky, tanked heaters have done the job for a long while, they still demanded ample space to fit in. Thankfully, tankless water heaters were invented and we could say goodbye to the hassle for good! Nonetheless, we've put together a list of Best Tankless Water Heaters in 2021. A heads up: we're very critical and we had to move mountains plus a couple of water heaters with tanks out of the way to get here.
Our Top Picks for the Best Tankless Water Heaters
Bosch Electric Mini – Tankless Water Heater
– Best Tankless Water Heater Overall
This tankless water heater can be used for three different applications; use it under a single sink or with your shower, you can also use it as a supplement to an existing water heater that’s located a bit far from your target tap, or you may use it for cold-water sandwiching. Nonetheless, the Bosch Tronic 3000 T is the hero you needed for all your instant hot water needs! Although marketed as a tankless water heater, the Bosch Tronic 3000 T has a hidden mini-tank inside and 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 as well as the floor (bracket included).
- It offers 98% thermal efficiency
- Provides on-demand hot water within a 30-seconds bracket
- It’s very easy to set up, just plug into a 120 Volt outlet for easy installation
- Comes with a 6-year warranty on repair/maintenance
- The warranty only applies if you get it installed by an authorized dealer
Rheem Tankless Water Heater
– Energy Saving Tankless Water Heater
The Rheem 240V is a modern, tankless water heater that comes with an LED display and an adjustable digital thermostatic control for the breeziest operation! It’s very energy-efficient, super easy to install, threaded for easy replacement, and has an excellent water flow rate! This tankless water heater is 99.8% more energy-efficient than conventional ones as it features self-modulated power control to save energy. It consists of two heating elements that are made of immersed copper for up to 3.17 GPM water flow. Apart from having a digital control panel, this water heater also displays the temperature on its LED screen for extra clarity as well as +/- 1-degree accuracy controls. The installation is super simple as well – NPT adapters and instructions are included.
- 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
- Turning up the temperature may throw inconsistencies and inaccuracy if the heater runs for a long time
Rinnai Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
– Noiseless Tankless Water Heater
This is an easy-to-install water heater that will not only reduce your electricity bill but will also provide you with an unlimited on-demand hot water supply! The flow rate on this heater is massive and it’s one of the most popular tankless water heaters in the market! Featuring condenser technology, this tankless water heater is super efficient as it uses power energy to heat up your water! It features a silent mechanism which is always nice. It offers a flow rate of up to 10 GPM and supports dual 3″ PVC vents, followed by a confusion-free manual for installation. However, if you aren’t knowledgeable enough to install it by yourself, know that the installation and setup part may cost you some bucks.
- Its fuel type is natural gas – helping you save on your electricity bills
- The flow rate of up to 10 GPM can be super-useful for larger families
- You may turn the temperature up to 185°F
- You may have to install a separate temp regulator to adjust the water imbalances due to other taps
Titan Electric Tankless Water Heater
– Easiest Tankless Water Heater to Use
This water heater has digital buttons on the control panel for simple use. It heats water very quickly so you can enjoy a long, hot shower whenever you want. Plus, its built is super-sturdy and it will last for years before shooting any spoils! This tankless water heater saves a lot of energy, thereby slashing your electric bill. One of the more versatile and popular models, the Titan SCR2 N-120 tankless water heater has a digital control panel which makes it easy to operate. It covers most aspects very smoothly, however, you should avoid using too many hot water taps simultaneously. Nonetheless, it’s an ideal and economical candidate for your hot water needs!
- It has 2 digital buttons for increasing/decreasing the temperature
- This water heater takes 2-3 minutes for the water to get hot and running, depending upon the distance from the heater to tap
- It does not require a lot of space, has a very compact design
- The temperature goes into a fluctuating mode if you turn on other taps/hot water taps in the home
EcoSmart Tankless Water Heater
– Best Priced Tankless Water Heater
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 how water! This water heater features a digital temperature control that allows you to set the temperature according to your preference. The EcoSmart ECO 11 tankless water heater is wall mountable, saves you a lot of floor space, and features self-modulating technology so only uses that amount of energy that is required. However, try not to rely on their customer support for any unexpected flaws, they’re not very responsive.
- 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
- Not the best choice for areas with hard-water conditions
Best Tankless Water Heaters Buying Guide
How Did We Pick the Best Tankless Water Heater?
We were able to choose the best tankless water heater by the typical needs of an average person. But there are dozens of different models and sizes available, so in order to pick the best tankless hot water heating unit or system, you will need to keep in mind a few critical factors before finalizing your purchase.
What Should A Person Know Before They Purchase A Tankless Water Heater?
Before you even pick a tankless water heater, it is quite essential to consider the following:
- The type of fuel that the water heater will utilize
- The mounting position, size, and water flow each unit offers
- The purpose for which the water heater will be used
Below is our guide to tankless water heaters. We will briefly explain how a tankless water heater works, explain what you need to know before you purchase one, and let you in on the units' operating features so you're fully equipped to make an informed decision.
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. So make sure that your house electricity system can manage the water heater you're going for.
Make sure that you have a circuit available that will handle the tankless water heater. Consult an authorized electrician to be sure that you know the specs of your house systems.
Gas-fired
On the other side, if you decide to purchase a gas-fired water heater, there are a couple of gas type and venting requirements you need to consider, like your house's gas type - propane or natural gas.
Inspect your gas line to ensure it will satisfy the requirements of your brand-new gas-fired tankless water heater.
How to Choose A Water Heater With The Right Flow Rate?
It's important that you choose a water heater with a flow rate that aligns well with the taps in your home. Each product has its own temperature limit and flow rate. If the water doesn't get hot enough, or if the flow rate is too low or too high, the heater won't do the job 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 will 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 Go About The Maintenance Chore For 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. You should also be able to find a couple of tips online about what things you can do to make sure your heater withstands the wear and tear season after season.
Moreover, most manufacturers also provide a repair/maintenance warranty for their customers, just in case things end up going south. And more often than not, they do! So, make sure you've got all those ends secure.
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, you'll be running out of hot water all the time. The tankless system heats water as you need it, and 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 it. On the contrary, the tankless system only heats the water when you need it, making these compact gadgets more energy-efficient.
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. They come in both wall-mount and floor-mount options. So, they're very handy in that sense.
Tankless Water Heater FAQ
A: Like any other product, tankless water heaters can vary in their price. You would be able to find them from under $400 and all up to over $3,500. And if you aren't equipped to deal with the installation process on your own, you're looking at a couple more hundred bucks.
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. And then the water flows out, and it is delivered heated and ready to be used. And because of this, the tankless water heaters are able to distribute a continuous supply of hot water, unlike traditional water heaters. By owning a tankless water heater, you won't need to wait for hot water anymore; you'll be able to get it straight away in a couple of seconds.
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 system was installed properly and efficiently.
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.
A: Tankless water heaters can save you a lot of 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 be 25% – 35% more energy-efficient. 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.