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10 Best Electric On Demand Water Heater 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, Gray

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,116
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation Requirements

Most important from
4055 reviews

Energy Efficiency
Highly efficient with exceptional workmanship.
Size and Installation Requirements
Installation was straightforward and the unit worked perfectly right out of the box.

The Rheem RTEX-24 Electric Tankless Water Heater is a solid choice for those looking for on-demand hot water. With a power output of 24kW and a flow rate of up to 5.9 gallons per minute (GPM), it offers consistent and continuous hot water supply, making it suitable for medium to large households.

The adjustable digital temperature display and self-modulating power control add convenience and efficiency, allowing users to customize their water temperature easily. Its 99.8% energy efficiency rating means it is environmentally friendly and could help in lowering energy bills over time.

The LED display is an added feature that enhances user experience by providing clear temperature readings. Installation is straightforward, thanks to the wall mount design and 3/4

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,116
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation Requirements

Most important from
4055 reviews

Energy Efficiency
Highly efficient with exceptional workmanship.
Size and Installation Requirements
Installation was straightforward and the unit worked perfectly right out of the box.
#2

Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater, Gray

Rating
9.4
Power (kW)
Temperature Rise
Size and Installation Requirements

Most important from
4055 reviews

Power (kW)
Cheaper than Home Depot and pulls about 8kw upon use.
Temperature Rise
It gets warmer before it gets hot in the shower, so you may need to let it run longer to reach the final temperature or adjust while showering.
Size and Installation Requirements
Installed in a tiny house and works wonderfully.

The Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater is a solid option for those looking to efficiently supply hot water on demand. With a flow rate of up to 4.4 gallons per minute (GPM), it can cater to smaller households or applications requiring moderate hot water supply, making it ideal for apartments or homes with limited space.

One of its strengths is the 99.8% energy efficiency, which means it consumes less energy compared to traditional water heaters. This can help save on electricity bills over time. The unit features an external digital thermostatic control with an LED display, allowing users to set temperatures with +/- 1 degree accuracy, which is a handy feature for precise control and comfort. The self-modulating technology adjusts the power based on the demand for hot water, ensuring consistent performance. Additionally, the durable copper immersion heating elements are field-serviceable, which can simplify maintenance and repair.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The maximum flow rate of 4.4 GPM may not be sufficient for larger households or simultaneous high-demand situations, such as running multiple showers at once. Also, while the installation is straightforward with bottom water connections, it may still require professional assistance for optimal setup, especially for those unfamiliar with plumbing. It’s also worth noting that while the product dimensions are compact (14.5 inches wide and 18.25 inches high), its wall-mounted design might not suit every installation preference.

Rating
9.4
Power (kW)
Temperature Rise
Size and Installation Requirements

Most important from
4055 reviews

Power (kW)
Cheaper than Home Depot and pulls about 8kw upon use.
Temperature Rise
It gets warmer before it gets hot in the shower, so you may need to let it run longer to reach the final temperature or adjust while showering.
Size and Installation Requirements
Installed in a tiny house and works wonderfully.
#3

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 36 Plus – Electric, 36kW, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White, Made in Germany

Rating
8.8
Flow Rate (GPM)
Power (kW)
Temperature Rise

Most important from
325 reviews

Flow Rate (GPM)
Delivers hot water within 1-2 minutes, significantly reducing wait time and water waste compared to traditional tank heaters.
Power (kW)
Requires dedicated 3-50 amp breakers, so electrical panel capacity must be checked before installation.
Temperature Rise
The digital display panel allows for easy and instant temperature and flow adjustments, enhancing user control and convenience.
Size and Installation Requirements
Installation is straightforward for those with basic electrical and plumbing knowledge, but professional help is recommended due to wiring complexity.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient operation thanks to advanced flow control and self-modulation technology helps reduce electricity bills.
Warranty and Support
Proven reliability with units lasting over a decade, demonstrating long-term durability and consistent performance.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is a powerful electric tankless water heater delivering 36 kilowatts of heating power, which is quite high for on-demand water heating. It provides a flow rate of about 1.5 gallons per minute, making it suitable for smaller households or limited simultaneous hot water needs, but it might struggle to supply multiple large fixtures at once, like several showers running simultaneously. Thanks to its advanced flow control and self-modulation technology, it adjusts energy use based on demand, helping to save on electricity bills by avoiding unnecessary heating.

You can precisely set the temperature using its digital LED display, with a maximum output temperature of 140°F, which covers most household needs. Its compact wall-mounted design (about 16.6 by 14.5 inches) makes it space-efficient, but installation requires hard wiring and professional help, which adds to initial setup complexity. Made with copper components and featuring high energy efficiency, it supports smart home integration, which can be handy if you want remote control or monitoring.

This model is well-suited for those seeking an energy-efficient, compact electric on-demand heater for small to medium water demands. However, it may not be ideal if you require hot water for many fixtures at the same time.

Rating
8.8
Flow Rate (GPM)
Power (kW)
Temperature Rise

Most important from
325 reviews

Flow Rate (GPM)
Delivers hot water within 1-2 minutes, significantly reducing wait time and water waste compared to traditional tank heaters.
Power (kW)
Requires dedicated 3-50 amp breakers, so electrical panel capacity must be checked before installation.
Temperature Rise
The digital display panel allows for easy and instant temperature and flow adjustments, enhancing user control and convenience.
Size and Installation Requirements
Installation is straightforward for those with basic electrical and plumbing knowledge, but professional help is recommended due to wiring complexity.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient operation thanks to advanced flow control and self-modulation technology helps reduce electricity bills.
Warranty and Support
Proven reliability with units lasting over a decade, demonstrating long-term durability and consistent performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric On Demand Water Heater

Choosing the right electric on-demand water heater can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency and ensure you have a reliable supply of hot water whenever you need it. These heaters only heat water as it is needed, which can save energy compared to traditional tank water heaters. To make an informed decision, you need to consider several key specifications that will determine the heater's performance and suitability for your needs.
Flow Rate (GPM)Flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), indicates how much hot water the heater can produce at a time. This is important because it determines whether the heater can meet your household's hot water demands. Lower flow rates (1-3 GPM) are suitable for small households or single-point applications like a single shower or faucet. Medium flow rates (3-5 GPM) can handle multiple fixtures simultaneously, making them ideal for average-sized homes. Higher flow rates (5+ GPM) are necessary for larger homes with multiple bathrooms and high hot water usage. To pick the right flow rate, consider the number of people in your household and the number of hot water fixtures you expect to use at the same time.
Power (kW)The power rating, measured in kilowatts (kW), indicates the heater's capacity to heat water. Higher power ratings mean the heater can heat water more quickly and to higher temperatures. For small households or low hot water usage, a heater with a power rating of 10-15 kW may be sufficient. For average households, a power rating of 15-25 kW is typically adequate. Larger households or those with high hot water demands may require a heater with a power rating of 25-30 kW or more. Choose a power rating that matches your hot water needs and ensures the heater can keep up with your usage patterns.
Temperature RiseTemperature rise refers to the increase in water temperature that the heater can achieve. This is important because it affects how hot the water will be when it reaches your fixtures. A higher temperature rise means the heater can provide hotter water, which is essential in colder climates where incoming water temperatures are lower. For warmer climates or lower hot water needs, a temperature rise of 30-40°F may be sufficient. In colder climates or for higher hot water demands, look for a temperature rise of 50-70°F or more. Consider your local climate and desired water temperature when choosing the right temperature rise.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency indicates how effectively the heater converts electrical energy into hot water. Higher efficiency ratings mean lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. Look for heaters with an energy efficiency rating of 90% or higher for the best performance. Some models may also have energy-saving features like modulating technology, which adjusts the power output based on the hot water demand. Choose a heater with high energy efficiency to save on energy costs and reduce your environmental impact.
Size and Installation RequirementsThe physical size of the heater and its installation requirements are important considerations, especially if you have limited space. Compact models are ideal for small spaces or point-of-use installations, while larger models may require more space and specific installation conditions. Check the dimensions of the heater and ensure you have enough space for installation. Additionally, consider the electrical requirements, such as voltage and amperage, to ensure your home's electrical system can support the heater. Choose a model that fits your available space and meets your installation requirements.
Warranty and SupportThe warranty and support provided by the manufacturer can give you peace of mind and protect your investment. A longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and reliability. Look for heaters with warranties of at least 5-10 years on the heating elements and other major components. Additionally, consider the availability of customer support and service options in case you encounter any issues. Choose a heater with a strong warranty and reliable support to ensure long-term satisfaction and performance.

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