Warm water is one of the most comforting pleasures in winters. The most economical and hassle-free way to get hot water in your home or office is to install a water heater. Water heaters are either electric or gas-powered; it depends upon your preference that either you want a tankless water heater or a one with a water tank for storage purposes.
Choosing the right water heater can be a confusing task considering the large variety and different models in the market. We have selected the best electric heaters with tank and without a tank, natural gas heaters with tank and without a tank, and the best portable natural gas heater for your RV trips, camping trips, and other outdoor adventures. We have done considerable research on water heaters so we can offer you only the best available in the market.
Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters (Comparison)
| Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceEcoSmart ECO 11
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 | ECOTOUCH Electric Tankless Water Heater
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 | Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
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 | Westinghouse 52 Gal Water Heater
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 | Ariston Andris 4 Gallon Water Heater
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 | Rinnai RUC98iN Tankless Water Heater
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 | Takagi T-H3-DV-N Tankless Water Heater
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 | A. O. Smith GCR-40 Tankless Water Heater
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 | Bradford Natural Gas Water Heater
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 | GASLAND Tankless Water Heater
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As the name suggests, these heaters do not have a storage tank; they consume electricity to heat the water. These heaters are ideal for small to medium families and for people who do not want to get in the trouble of handling propane or natural gas cylinders. Electric heaters are easy to operate, provide hot water on demand, occupy less space, and last for a good 10-12 years.
1. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology
- Type: Tankless and Electric
- Water Flow: 2 GPM
- Voltage: 240 volts
More features: This tankless water heater is eco-friendly product. It’s a perfect water heating system for a family of 3 people. The water flow can reduce if there are more than one faucet on it.
Heating Capacity: EcoSmart 11 offers a heating capacity of 2 gallons per minute. It is a tankless water heater and supplies hot water on demand. You can install it at a point of use or for the whole house if you have a small family of a maximum of 3 people. Please keep in mind that the flow rate may reduce when more than one faucet is running on hot water.
Temperature Range: It is suitable for a temperature range of 67 degrees Fahrenheit or above. For temperatures lower than this, the heater would face problems heating the water. Either the temperature will drop, or it will supply you with a slow flow rate than 2 gallons per minute. Make sure you confirm the average temperature in your area before going for this unit.
Power Consumption: The wattage is 13000 watts, and it uses 240 volts to function. It is 99.8 per cent effective and has a uniform energy factor of 0.98. You can save up to 60 per cent on your water heating cost.
Temperature Controls: The heater is easy to operate, comes with a conventional rotator control adjustment for temperature. The current temperature of the water is shown on the digital panel. On/off feature is also easy, and all you have to do is to press the button for 3 seconds.
Installation: Everything you need to install the unit is included in the purchase. You must have a 60-ampere power supply and 6-gauge copper wire. To get the warranty (lifetime), you must get it installed from a certified professional. Remember not to install the heater very far away from the major point of use.
Technical Details: The plumbing connections are ½ inch compression fitting with the option of ½ inch adapter included. You would need a 125-ampere electric panel for installation with a 60 amp double pole breaker connected to 6 gauge copper wire.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a very excellent water heater for single or couple use. Lifetime warranty, energy saving, easy operation, and quick hot water on demand makes it the best tankless electric water heater. If the temperature range suits you, you must get this heater and say goodbye to cold water in winter.
2. ECOTOUCH Electric Tankless Water Heater Point-of-Use Hot Water Heater Digital Display for Energy Efficiency 5.5kW at 240V, White
- Type: Tankless Electric
- Water flow: 1.5 GPM
- Voltage: 240
More features: It’s easy to install and super easy to use due to the simple mechanism. The water heater comes with digital display for more efficient work.
Heating Capacity: As the name suggests, it is a point of use water tankless water heater. It offers a flow rate of 1-1.5 gallons per minute. It means that it can provide you with 1.5 gallons of hot water at one point of use in one minute, depending upon the pressure of the supply water. It is ideal for sinks; however, you can also use it for showers if the water supply pressure is fast in your area.
Temperature Range: The heater is suitable for a temperature range of 67-109 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature range, it will supply you with a reasonable flow rate of 1.2 -1.4 gallons per minute. Temperatures lower than this range will impact the temperature and flow rate of the water.
Power Consumption: The specified power is 5.5 kW, which is less than the model discussed above. It means that it will consume less energy for running, but it also has a low flow rate as compared to EcoSmart 11.
Temperature Controls: The temperature setting is easy to operate; you can adjust the temperature using the up and down touch buttons. The power button is also a touch button. The digital screen allows you to monitor the actual temperature of the water, heater temperature, and whether water is flowing from your faucet or not.
Installation: All the tools needed to install the system comes with the heater. The heater is compact, saves size, and can be installed in a variety of ways. You can install it in a horizontal, mounted, vertical, or oblique fashion. If you want to save more energy, and enjoy consistent hot water, install the heater near the point of use.
Technical Details: It needs a 10 AWG cable, a 30 double pole breaker, and a 125-ampere electrical panel for installation.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
This model is specific to one point of use. If you are looking for an effective water heater for kitchen or washroom sink use, we recommend you buy this space-saving and efficient water heater.
Best Electric Water Heaters with Storage Tank
Electric water heaters with storage tanks can deliver a variable amount of instant hot water depending upon their capacity. The plus side to them is that they do not need any time to supply you with hot water and keeps water warm for urgent use. Some water heaters with large capacity need a lot of space for installation and proper maintenance as well. We have included the best electric water heaters in our list.
3. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 2.5-Gallon (ES2.5) – Eliminate Time for Hot Water – Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted
- Type: Mini-tank Electric
- Capacity: 2.5 gallons
- Temperature range: 45 – 165 degree F
More features: This water heater is easy to install. You can use it while keeping into a shelf, on the floor or mount on the wall.
Heating Capacity: It has a small heat capacity of 2.5 gallons, and it is perfect for a single point of use. You can use it for your washroom or kitchen sink. You can also get the same model in 4 and 7-gallon capacities. This model is also perfect for RVs, boats, basements, and garages.
Temperature Range: It has an optimum temperature range of 65 degrees to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below this range will impact the working of the heater. Please check the average temperature in your area before buying this unit.
Temperature Controls: The heater allows you to adjust temperatures in three different modes: minimum, ideal, and maximum. While it is easy to operate, it also limits your freedom to select a temperature range as per your mood.
Installation: It is easy to install and easy to manage unit. As the water heating capacity is less, it occupies very little space. You can install it on a shelf, on a wall, or mount it on the floor. It is also perfect for installation under the kitchen cabinet. It is a plug and play device, you don’t need to arrange any electric panels or pole breakers, and all you have to do is to install the heater, plug it and enjoy hot water.
Technical Details: The water fittings are ½ inches male NPT, the relief valve is included, and the electric requirements are 12A/120V.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a simple, easy to operate and the best storage heater with small heating capacity. If you are looking for a single point of use heater without any hassles, you are looking at the perfect model. It comes with an extensive 6-year warranty on the unit and a 2-year warranty on parts.
4. Westinghouse 52 Gal. 4500-Watt Lifetime Residential Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank
- Material: Stainless steel
- Type: Tank water heater
- Capacity: 52 gallons
More features: It comes with a stainless steel water tank for more durability. The product has a lifetime warranty and suitable for residential use.
Heating Capacity: If you are looking for a large capacity of hot water for your entire house, then Westinghouse has got you covered. It comes in different sizes to provide you with instant hot water for whole-house use. A 52-gallon water tank can provide you with 66 gallons of hot water in the first hour.
Temperature Range: The highest temperature limit is 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit can deliver a water temperature between 110-150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Installation: You would need ample space to install this unit and probably need the services of a professional plumber to carry out the perfect installation. The unit comes with multiple wiring configurations for installation versatility.
Technical Details: The tank is made of stainless steel to resist corrosion and rust. It comes with heavy insulation to ensure that the water temperature does not drop. The unit offers 98 per cent thermal efficiency. It has a power consumption of 4500 watts and needs 240 volts connections.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
Westinghouse has been providing quality water heaters for domestic purposes with a lifetime warranty. If you have a medium to a large family and want a large supply of hot water without any waiting, you can buy this water heater without any worries
5. Ariston Andris 4 Gallon 6 Year 120-Volt Corded Point of Use Mini-Tank Electric Water Heater
- Type: Mini-tank Electric
- Capacity: 4 gallons
- Warranty: 6 years
More features: This water heating system comes with a mini tank. It doesn’t need much energy to provide you with the hot water.
Heating Capacity: This hater provides a heating capacity of 4 gallons for one point of use. You can use this heater for your washroom sink, kitchen, garage, basement, RVs, and boats. 4 gallons of hot water are perfect for washing dishes, having a face wash, or a shave just before going somewhere.
Temperature Range: The suitable temperature range for this heater is 65-161 degrees Fahrenheit. It can accommodate slight variations in this temperature range, but a significant difference can impact the working and heating abilities of the Ariston water heater.
Temperature Controls: As compared to Bosch, it allows you to adjust the temperature according to your desired level using a conventional rotator control system.
Power Consumption: The heating element has a maximum power consumption of 1440 watts and draws 12 amperes of current. Its power consumption will add a very negligible expense to your electricity bill.
Installation: Installation is simple and easy; you can install it under the sink, on a shelf, or just mount it on the wall. If you are aware of the plumbing connections, you can do it yourself with the help of the detailed instruction guide and video demonstrations. You do not need to have any special connections for this; it is a plug and function water heater. It comes with a wall bracket and rubber feet.
Technical Details: The tank is made from durable titanium and is lined with glass to increase the insulation abilities. CFC free foam insulation is also placed to increase its ability to keep the water heated for a longer time. It can handle a maximum water pressure of 150 PSI.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It may not be as great as Bosch, but it is a reasonable water heater for a single point of use or to be used as a booster unit with another large heater.
Natural Gas Water Heaters
Natural gas heaters use natural gas or propane to heat water. Just like electric water heaters, they also come with tanks or without tanks. We have included the best of both on our list for you.
Best Tankless Natural Gas Water Heaters
Tankless natural gas water heaters can provide on-demand hot water for entire home use or point of use. Natural gas water heaters have the benefit of providing hot water when there is an electric blackout. They may add a separate expense head in your monthly bills but can significantly reduce the electricity charges.
6. Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Twin Pipe
- Type: Tankless/Gas
- Capacity: 9.8 gallons/min
- Temperature range: 98 – 140 degree F
More features: This product doesn’t come with a water tank. Furthermore, it works on natural gas. You can install it without using any particular instruments.
Heating Capacity: Rinnai offers a heating capacity of 9.8 gallons per minute. It is enough for a medium to large family or for medium-sized business facilities. For domestic use, a couple of people can bath; you can do dishes, and carry out other water-related tasks with hot water without facing any pressure drops.
Temperature Range: For domestic use, the temperature range is specified at 98-140 degrees Fahrenheit, for commercial use it is 98-185 degrees Fahrenheit. You must check the average temperature in your area before buying this heater.
Temperature Controls: You get an interactive and digital temperature control mechanism. You can adjust the temperature according to your preferences. The operating temperature is visible on the display screen. Turning the unit on and off is also easy and done with the help of the touch button.
Energy Consumption: It has a gas burn rating of 15,200 to 199,000 BTU and an energy factor of 0.95. It makes it a very economical heater. The actual usage depends on the gallons of water you consume and the temperature of the water. When the unit is on standby, it consumes just 2 watts of electrical power. When working at full power with the lowest temperature, it can consume up to 146 watts of electric power.
Installation: Rinnai instructs that this unit should be installed indoor and by a certified professional to avail of the warranty. All the equipment needed to install the unit is included in the purchase.
Technical Details: All the connections are ¾ inches, and the unit can be used with PVC or twin-pipe solutions.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
This is simply the best natural gas tankless water heater. It comes with a 12-year residential warranty and a 5-year commercial warranty. The heater offers an excellent flow rate that can be used for a medium to large family.
7. Takagi T-H3-DV-N Condensing High-Efficiency Natural Gas Indoor Tankless Water Heater, 10-Gallon Per Minute
- Type: Tankless/Gas
- Water flow: 10 gallons/minute
- Best for: Indoor
More features: This tankless gas water heater comes with a digital display where you can adjust the temperature. It also displays the water flow and other details.
Heating Capacity: Takagi offers almost the same heating capacity as Rinnai. 10 gallons per minute are enough for a large family, a small business or restaurant washrooms, and a kitchen.
Temperature Range: The unit operates at a temperature range of 212-365 degrees Fahrenheit (100-185 degrees Celsius). It can heat the water in this temperature range.
Temperature Controls: You get a digital display to monitor the working temperature and a control panel to adjust the temperature. All the controls are easy to operate.
Installation: It needs to be installed indoor for proper functioning. All the items needed to install the heater comes with it at the time of purchase. There is no clause of warranty violation in case of self-installation.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is not as effective as Rinnai but does the work very well. You get a limited warranty of 1 year on this water heater.
Best Natural Gas Heaters with Tank
A water heater with a tank provides a large quantity of hot water in one go. You don’t have to wait for hot water, and you can use to for the entire house. We have selected the best water heaters running on natural gas or propane with storage tanks.
8. A. O. Smith GCR-40 ProMax Plus High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater, 40 gal
- Type: Tank/gas water heater
- Capacity: 40 gallons
- Material: steel with blue diamond glass coating
More features: It comes with a huge tank that has good water holding capacity. This product is perfect for big families and large offices.
Heating Capacity: A.O. Smith has a solid reputation when it comes to water heaters with storage tanks. You can get 40 gallons of heated water in the first hour of use without worrying about the temperature drop or reduced flow rate. When all the family members have to get ready, you need a large supply of hot water; this heater will make sure that it never lets you down.
Temperature Range: The heater is suitable for a wide variety of temperature ranges. Since it uses natural gas or propane to heat the water, it will provide you with consistent hot water even in the coldest conditions.
Installation: Heaters with storage tanks are always installed outdoor. For better results, make sure you do not install it too far away from the major points of use as it will consume more energy while heating the water, and you may face temperature drops as well.
Technical Details: The tank is coated with blue diamond glass coating provides corrosion and rust resistance. The unit meets all the requirements set by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA).
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a very effective and economical water heart to be used for a medium to large family or small business. The distinctive feature of this heater is that it can work very well, even in icy weather.
9. Bradford White 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater #RG240T6N
- Type: Tank/Gas water heater
- Capacity: 40 gallons
- Efficiency: 99.99%
More features: This water heating system works on natural gas. It comes with a tank that has 40 gallons water holding capacity.
Heating Capacity: Bradford also offers a 40-gallon heating capacity. You get 40 gallons of water for first use once all the water has been heated to the required temperature. Once the water is consumed, the heater starts to warm up more incoming cold water for your use.
Temperature Controls: The temperature is controlled by a microprocessor that monitors and controls burner to provide you with a consistent temperature.
Installation: You will need to hire the services of a professional plumber to install the unit. All the necessary equipment to install the system is included in the package.
Technical Details: It comes with a factory-installed Hydrojet which manages the total performance of the unit and enhances it by providing consistently hot water and reducing gas consumption. The resettable thermal switch prevents burner and pilot operation in case of ongoing flammable vapour burn inside of the combustion chamber.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
Some users have reported that it lasts for only 6-8 years, while others are delighted with its working. It is a reasonable water heater.
Portable Natural Gas Water Heater
A portable natural gas water heater is very useful when you are out on a camping or hiking trip on your RV. We have selected the most versatile natural gas heater for outdoor purposes. Let’s have a look at its features.
10. Tankless Water Heater, GASLAND Outdoors AS150 1.5GPM 6L Portable Gas Water Heater, Propane Water Heater for RV Camping
- Water Capacity: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Water pressure: 2.5 Psi
- Type: portable propane water heater
More features: This portable heater is available in a compact size. It comes with 6 litres water capacity. The product is suitable for RV camping and travelling.
Heating Capacity: The heater has a heating capacity of 1.5 gallons per minute, with just a water pressure of 2.5 PSI. It is perfect for having a bath while out camping on cold water.
Installation: The most important thing for portable water heater units is the ease of installation and putting it down. You need to attach the ¾ inch garden hose adapter to the fitting marked water inlet and the showerhead to the water outlet. Now, insert the gas supply line and regulator to the portable tankless water heater and attach a gas regulator with a hose to the LP cylinder. Install the batteries, turn on the heater, and enjoy a hot water bath. Once you are done with the water usage, drain the pipes before putting the system down.
Technical Details: The gas inlet connector is ½ inches BSP female and 5/8 inches NPT inverted flare male. The garden hose fitting is 1/2″ BSP female X 3/4″ GHT male.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is the best portable water heater. There is nothing to worry about while buying this unit; our side highly recommends it.
To avoid any smell caused by water heater, you should check out these water softeners to use with water heaters.
Conclusion
We have included all the best heaters in all the different categories, so you don’t have to spend hours searching for the right water heater or waste your precious money on the wrong one. All the water heaters listed above have the best features and our most economical.
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