Tankless hot water heaters provide an energy-efficient and space-saving solution for continuous hot water without the bulk of traditional tanks. This article reviews the top-rated tankless water heaters in the market, highlighting their features, flow rates, and usability to help you select the perfect fit for your home or RV. Below is a summary table showcasing key details of the five selected products, designed to meet various household needs.
| Product | Brand | Power/Capacity | Flow Rate (GPM) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem RTEX-24 24kW Electric | Rheem | 24kW | Up to 5.9 | Self-modulating power control with digital display |
| EcoSmart ECO 11 13KW Electric | EcoSmart | 13kW | Up to 2.5 (approximately) | Patented self-modulating technology, 90% smaller footprint |
| Rinnai V75IN 7.5 GPM Gas | Rinnai | Natural Gas | 7.5 | High performance supporting up to 5 appliances |
| Orbek 14kW Electric | Orbek | 14kW | 3.38 | Energy efficient with quick 3-second hot water delivery |
| GIRARD RV 42,000 BTU | GIRARD | 42,000 BTUs | Varies (designed for RV use) | Quiet operation with onboard microprocessor control |
Rheem RTEX-24 24kW Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Rheem RTEX-24 is a powerful electric tankless water heater designed to provide up to 5.9 gallons per minute (GPM), ideal for medium to large households. It features an ON/OFF dial control with an adjustable digital temperature display, allowing you precise heat settings. Its self-modulating power control ensures efficient energy usage by automatically adjusting the energy consumption according to hot water demand. The unit’s compact gray design supports easy wall mounting, saving valuable space. This model stands out for combining reliability and smart technology for continuous and consistent hot water delivery.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a 13kW electric tankless heater known for its energy efficiency and compact size. Its patented self-modulating technology continuously monitors water flow to adjust energy use, maintaining temperature within 1 degree accuracy. This unit is 90% smaller than traditional tank heaters allowing for easy installation on walls or at points of use. The heater ensures endless on-demand hot water without standby energy loss, making it a smart choice for smaller homes or point-of-use applications.
Rinnai V75IN Tankless Hot Water Heater, Natural Gas
The Rinnai V75IN is a gas-powered tankless water heater delivering a robust 7.5 GPM flow rate, suitable for households needing to supply multiple appliances simultaneously. It features an energy-saving design that heats water only when necessary, which lowers utility bills. Its advanced scale detection reduces long-term damage risks, prolonging the unit’s lifespan. Compact and durable, the Rinnai can handle up to five appliances at once, making it a powerful solution for comprehensive home hot water demands.
Orbek 14kW Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Orbek 14kW tankless water heater offers instant hot water with a flow rate up to 3.38 GPM, suitable for 2 to 3 points of use simultaneously. It requires a 240V/60AMP power supply and features water-electricity separation technology that minimizes scale and corrosion, enhancing durability. The heater quickly delivers hot water within three seconds, improving comfort and reducing wait times. Its high energy efficiency may cut electricity costs by up to 60% compared to traditional tank heaters, emphasizing eco-friendly operation.
GIRARD Tankless RV Water Heater, 42,000 BTUs
The GIRARD Tankless RV Water Heater is designed specifically for recreational vehicles, providing 42,000 BTUs of continuous hot water. Powered by a quiet brushless motor running on 12V at low amperage, it ensures quiet, efficient operation without draining battery resources. Its onboard microprocessor maintains consistent water temperature and prevents cold spots or scalding through real-time adjustments. Highly efficient, it consumes half the propane of traditional RV water heaters, making it ideal for energy-conscious travelers.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Choosing a Tankless Hot Water Heater
Selecting the right tankless water heater depends on multiple factors to ensure it matches your hot water needs, energy efficiency goals, and installation requirements.
Fuel Type and Power Source
- Electric models like Rheem RTEX-24 and Orbek 14kW are ideal where natural gas is unavailable and generally simpler to install.
- Gas models such as Rinnai V75IN deliver higher flow rates and are suitable for larger households or multiple simultaneous uses, but require venting and gas connections.
- Specialized units like the GIRARD RV heater use propane or 12V power for mobile applications.
Flow Rate and Household Size
- Calculate your peak hot water demand. Larger homes or multiple simultaneous appliances require higher GPM ratings (5+ GPM).
- Smaller units with flow rates around 2-3 GPM suit point-of-use or smaller homes.
Temperature Control and Efficiency
- Look for digital thermostatic control for precise temperature settings, such as on Rheem and EcoSmart models.
- Self-modulating technology, featured in many electric models, optimizes energy use by adjusting power depending on water demand.
Installation and Size Considerations
- Electric tankless heaters are generally more compact and easier to install indoors or near points of use.
- Gas units require proper venting and access to gas lines.
- Consider electrical requirements—a 240V 60AMP circuit is often needed for higher-powered electric models.
Maintenance and Durability
- Choose units with corrosion-resistant materials and scale-minimizing features to extend longevity.
- Serviceable heating elements and accessible digital controls aid in maintenance.