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10 Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Flow Rate
Power Requirements
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
4058 reviews

Flow Rate
Never run out of hot water again – perfect for households with high hot water demands.
Power Requirements
The heater requires a robust electrical setup, including three double throw 40 amp breakers and 8 gauge wire.
Energy Efficiency
The unit heats water quickly and efficiently, making it a great value for the price.
Size and Installation
With its compact size, the heater fits easily into small spaces, unlike traditional tank models.

The Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater offers solid performance for households looking for a reliable source of on-demand hot water. One of its strong points is the flow rate, with the capacity to deliver up to 5.9 gallons per minute, which should be sufficient for multiple outlets running simultaneously. The unit's self-modulating power control and adjustable digital temperature display are user-friendly features that allow for precise temperature adjustments and energy savings, contributing to its high energy efficiency rating of 99.8%. This makes it an economical choice in the long run.

Additionally, the unit is compact, with dimensions of 17.63 inches wide and 18.25 inches high, making it easier to install in various spaces. It is designed for wall mounting, which can save floor space in tight utility areas. However, the power requirements are quite high at 24kW and 240V, which means it might require an upgrade to your electrical system if your current setup isn't compatible. This could add to the installation cost and complexity.

The unit also comes with necessary fittings and aerators, which is a plus. In conclusion, the Rheem RTEX-24 is an efficient and high-capacity option suitable for those who need consistent hot water and have the necessary power infrastructure.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Flow Rate
Power Requirements
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
4058 reviews

Flow Rate
Never run out of hot water again – perfect for households with high hot water demands.
Power Requirements
The heater requires a robust electrical setup, including three double throw 40 amp breakers and 8 gauge wire.
Energy Efficiency
The unit heats water quickly and efficiently, making it a great value for the price.
Size and Installation
With its compact size, the heater fits easily into small spaces, unlike traditional tank models.
#2

Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater, Gray

Rating
10.0
Temperature Rise
Power Requirements
Size and Installation

Most important from
4058 reviews

Temperature Rise
Biggest acclimatization is that it'll get warmer before it gets hot in the shower. You'll need to either let it run longer to get to the final temp or adjust as you're showering.
Power Requirements
Pulls about 8kw upon use.
Size and Installation
Great product, installed it in a tiny house and works wonderfully.

The Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater is a solid choice for those looking for an efficient and reliable source of hot water. With a maximum flow rate of up to 4.4 gallons per minute (GPM), it can meet the demands of small to medium households effectively. One of its standout features is the external digital thermostatic control with a precise +/- 1 degree accuracy, allowing users to easily set and maintain their desired water temperature.

Energy efficiency is another strong point, boasting an impressive 99.8% efficiency rating, which can help reduce electricity bills over time. The self-modulation technology adjusts power based on hot water demand, ensuring energy is used only when needed. Additionally, it is compact in size, making it suitable for installations in tighter spaces.

Installation is made easy with the bottom 3/4 inch NPT water connections and threaded fittings, which simplify the process for homeowners and professionals alike. However, it’s important to note that this model is designed for wall mounting, which may require additional considerations for some users. Some users may find that the 18kW power rating is not sufficient for larger households with multiple simultaneous hot water needs. While it serves well for typical use, those with higher demand might need to consider a more powerful unit. Additionally, it may require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.

Rating
10.0
Temperature Rise
Power Requirements
Size and Installation

Most important from
4058 reviews

Temperature Rise
Biggest acclimatization is that it'll get warmer before it gets hot in the shower. You'll need to either let it run longer to get to the final temp or adjust as you're showering.
Power Requirements
Pulls about 8kw upon use.
Size and Installation
Great product, installed it in a tiny house and works wonderfully.
#3

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 20 Plus – Electric, 19.2kW, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White, Made in Germany

Rating
9.7
Flow Rate
Temperature Rise
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
194 reviews

Flow Rate
The ability to provide a continuous flow of hot water, even when running two showers simultaneously, is truly remarkable.
Temperature Rise
The temperature control is precise, ensuring you get the hot water you desire without any fuss.
Energy Efficiency
The heater only uses the hot water necessary, which is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Size and Installation
The installation took about four hours, and the unit's performance has exceeded expectations in terms of convenience and efficiency.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Plus is an electric tankless water heater designed for consistent on-demand hot water. One of its standout features is the Advanced Flow Control technology, which ensures the water temperature remains steady by slightly reducing flow if the demand exceeds the unit's capacity, meaning hot showers are uninterrupted. This heater has a sleek, compact design that saves space and doesn't require venting, making it suitable for whole-house use.

Plus, it's eco-friendly, thanks to its auto-modulation and electronic water flow control, which helps save energy, and the unit even tracks these savings for you. Operating the Tempra 20 Plus is straightforward with a noise-free electronic switch, digital temperature display, and memory buttons for preset temperatures. The unit requires significant electrical power (19.2kW, 240V, and a minimum 125A service) to operate efficiently, so ensure your home can support this. It offers a wide output temperature range of 68° to 140°F.

The installation is wall-mounted, and the heater itself is relatively light at 20.1 pounds. In terms of warranties, it comes with a 7-year leakage warranty and a 3-year parts warranty, indicating confidence in its durability. Some potential users might find its power requirements and installation needs a bit demanding. If you are looking for a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly tankless water heater for your home, the Tempra 20 Plus is a strong contender. Just ensure your electrical system can meet its requirements.

Rating
9.7
Flow Rate
Temperature Rise
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
194 reviews

Flow Rate
The ability to provide a continuous flow of hot water, even when running two showers simultaneously, is truly remarkable.
Temperature Rise
The temperature control is precise, ensuring you get the hot water you desire without any fuss.
Energy Efficiency
The heater only uses the hot water necessary, which is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Size and Installation
The installation took about four hours, and the unit's performance has exceeded expectations in terms of convenience and efficiency.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters

When shopping for an electric tankless water heater, it's important to match the appliance to your household's needs since these devices provide hot water on demand and do not store it in a tank. The right model can offer unlimited hot water, save space, and improve energy efficiency, but picking one that's too small can leave you with lukewarm showers and other inconveniences. Before making your choice, consider the water usage patterns in your home and the installation constraints. Understanding the most important specifications will help you decide which heater best fits your household's requirements and ensures you enjoy reliable hot water whenever you need it.
Flow Rate (Gallons Per Minute, GPM)Flow rate tells you how much hot water the unit can supply per minute. This is crucial because different activities require different amounts of hot water—for example, a shower uses more than a sink. Flow rates are divided into low (1–2 GPM), medium (2–4 GPM), and high (4+ GPM). Smaller homes or apartments with just one or two points of use at a time can opt for lower flow rates, while larger homes or those needing to run multiple showers and appliances at once should look for higher GPM values. Consider your simultaneous water needs to choose a flow rate that keeps up with your household usage.
Power (Kilowatts, kW)The power rating, measured in kilowatts, determines how quickly the water heater can heat the water as it passes through. Higher power means the unit can handle colder incoming water and higher flow rates. Power is often segmented into low (under 12 kW), medium (12–24 kW), and high (24+ kW). Choose a power rating that matches your desired flow rate and local climate—colder regions need more power to heat up incoming water, while smaller homes in warmer climates may need less.
Temperature RiseTemperature rise is the increase in water temperature the heater can achieve as water passes through. This is important because colder incoming water needs a larger temperature rise to reach comfortable hot water temperatures. Units are designed for certain temperature rises at different flow rates—higher temperature rise at a given flow rate means better performance in cold climates. If you live in a cooler region or expect heavy use, seek out models rated for higher temperature rises at your intended flow rate.
Electrical RequirementsInstallations of these water heaters require certain electrical specifications such as amperage and breaker size. This is important because your home’s existing electrical system must be able to support the heater safely. Requirements range from modest (can run on standard circuits) to heavy-duty (requires new dedicated circuits). Check your current electrical setup and consult with a professional if necessary; pick a model that fits your electrical system or be prepared for possible upgrades.
Size and MountingThese units are generally much smaller than tank heaters, but their physical size and required clearance still matter, especially if you have limited installation space. Sizes are typically compact (easy to fit under sinks), medium (wall-mounted for small spaces), and larger models (need more wall space). Check where you want to install the unit and see what physical size fits best without crowding or causing installation issues.
Control FeaturesModern tankless water heaters often come with features such as digital displays, adjustable temperature settings, and remote controls. These controls make it easier to fine-tune water temperature and monitor performance. Some are simple, with manual dials, while more advanced models offer precise and programmable digital controls. Consider your preference for ease of use—if you want more control over your water temperature and status indicators, choose a model with advanced digital features.

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