10 Best Electric Water Heaters 2026 in the United States

The Westinghouse 24kW tankless water heater is designed for large homes needing a steady flow of hot water without the wait typical of tank heaters. It delivers up to 5.55 gallons per minute, which can comfortably handle two showers and a sink at once, making it a strong fit for busy households. Because it's tankless, it provides endless hot water and saves floor space by mounting directly on the wall with a compact size of about 13 by 17 inches. Energy efficiency is good here, as it heats water on demand rather than keeping a tank hot all day.

The product is equipped with smart WiFi control, allowing you to adjust water temperature precisely and control the unit remotely via an app or voice commands with Alexa or Google Home—this adds convenience especially if you want to manage settings without going near the unit. Safety is well covered with ETL certification and multiple protections against leaks, overheating, and electrical issues, plus an IPX4 rating that guards against water splash. Installation requires a 240V supply and appropriate breakers, which might need professional setup considering the high current involved.

Note that the activation flow is 0.79 gallons per minute, meaning very low water flows might not trigger heating immediately. The unit carries a respectable 4.3 out of 5 rating from users, reflecting reliable performance. For large households looking for a modern, space-saving, and smart-controlled electric water heater, this Westinghouse model offers strong performance alongside good safety features, though installation complexity and electrical requirements might be factors to consider.

The Rheem 8kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater is a compact and energy-efficient option for providing on-demand hot water in smaller households or for limited use points like a single bathroom or kitchen sink. Its tankless design means it heats water continuously, so you don’t have to wait for a tank to refill, which helps save space and potentially reduces energy waste compared to traditional tank heaters. The unit has an 8kW power rating and can deliver a flow rate of up to 1.95 gallons per minute, making it suitable for low-to-moderate hot water needs but likely not enough for whole-house use or multiple simultaneous showers.

The adjustable digital temperature display and ON/OFF dial control offer easy temperature customization. At just over 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide, it fits well in tight spaces and mounts on a wall, which is great if installation space is limited. The maximum operating pressure is 150 PSI, which is standard but something to confirm with your home plumbing setup.

Rheem is a reputable brand known for reliable water heaters, which adds confidence in durability. This unit is a practical choice if you need a small, efficient electric water heater for point-of-use applications, though it may not meet the demands of larger households or multiple simultaneous users.

The Rheem RTEX-24 electric tankless water heater is a strong candidate for those seeking an efficient and space-saving solution for continuous hot water. With a maximum flow rate of up to 5.9 gallons per minute (GPM), it’s well-suited for smaller households or apartments where immediate hot water is a necessity. Its self-modulating power control ensures that the energy consumption aligns with your hot water usage, contributing to its impressive energy efficiency rating of 99.8%. This makes it a cost-effective choice for anyone looking to lower their utility bills while still enjoying ample hot water on demand.

The adjustable digital temperature display with ON/OFF dial control is user-friendly, making it easy to set the desired temperature. Additionally, the compact design (17.63" x 18.25") allows for wall mounting in tight spaces, a significant advantage for those with limited installation options.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The unit requires a considerable electrical installation, including a dedicated 240V outlet, which might entail additional setup costs if you don't already have the proper wiring in place. While the maximum flow rate is decent, larger families or homes with multiple simultaneous hot water demands (like multiple showers running at once) may find it insufficient. Also, it lacks a traditional tank, which means there’s no hot water storage; if the demand exceeds its flow rate, you might experience short interruptions.