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10 Best Electric Water Heaters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BOSCH Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) - Eliminate Time for Hot Water - Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,429
Recovery Rate
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation Space

Most important from
11145 reviews

Recovery Rate
This water heater provides immediate hot water, solving the issue of long waits and wasted water.
Energy Efficiency
Highly efficient, using significantly less electricity than larger water heaters.
Size and Installation Space
Installation was straightforward and flexible, even in tight spaces.

The BOSCH Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon offers a compact and efficient solution for immediate hot water needs. With a 4-gallon capacity, it's ideal for small spaces like under-sink installations. Its 98% thermal efficiency ensures minimal energy waste, making it a cost-effective choice. The heater’s fast recovery rate is beneficial, providing quick access to hot water, and can supply up to two sinks simultaneously.

Installation is flexible and straightforward with options for shelf, wall, or floor mounting, and the unit plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, avoiding complex electrical work. The heater’s glass-lined interior is designed for longevity, though regular maintenance of the anode rod is crucial to prevent leaks and maintain its durability. It’s important to note that neglecting this maintenance can void the warranty.

Bosch provides a 6-year coverage on the unit and 2 years on parts, which offers some peace of mind but requires attention to upkeep. In terms of size, the heater is compact with dimensions of 13.75 x 13.75 x 13.5 inches, fitting neatly in tight spaces, but potential users must ensure they have sufficient room for installation. Safety-wise, the heater supports a maximum pressure of 150 PSI and a maximum temperature of 140°F, suitable for typical household needs. This unit is ideal for individuals seeking an on-demand, space-saving hot water solution with low energy usage, though it may not be suitable for larger households or situations requiring higher flow rates or capacities. As a point-of-use heater, it's best suited for specific application areas rather than whole-home water heating needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,429
Recovery Rate
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation Space

Most important from
11145 reviews

Recovery Rate
This water heater provides immediate hot water, solving the issue of long waits and wasted water.
Energy Efficiency
Highly efficient, using significantly less electricity than larger water heaters.
Size and Installation Space
Installation was straightforward and flexible, even in tight spaces.
#2

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology

Rating
10.0
Energy Efficiency
Capacity
Size and Installation Space

Most important from
5706 reviews

Energy Efficiency
Delivers reliable, on-demand hot water that efficiently preheats and reduces reliance on propane, making it a smart energy-saving investment.
Capacity
Handles simultaneous water use better than expected, even supporting multiple showers and dishwasher use without noticeable temperature drops.
Size and Installation Space
Compact size fits easily in tight spaces and offers a sleek design that integrates well in various settings.
Recovery Rate
Provides unlimited hot water flow at 2.5 gallons per minute, supporting typical shower needs without sacrificing pressure or comfort.
Warranty
Offers peace of mind with a lifetime warranty on key components, reinforcing its value for long-term use.
Safety Features
The digital temperature control allows precise adjustments, making it easy to maintain comfortable water temperatures and avoid scalding.

The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a compact, tankless electric water heater designed to provide endless hot water on demand, making it a great choice for smaller applications like a single bathroom, office sink, or breakroom. Its 13 kW power supports a flow rate of 1.3 to 3.1 gallons per minute, which means it can supply enough hot water for low-flow needs but might struggle if you want to run multiple showers or large appliances at once. One of its biggest strengths is energy efficiency—it only heats water when you use it, saving you money compared to traditional tank heaters that keep water hot all day. The product is also very small, about 11.5 x 8 x 3.75 inches, and can be mounted on a wall or near the point of use, saving valuable space in tight areas. It has a user-friendly LED display to help you control water temperature within 1 degree, ensuring consistent performance.

Safety is supported through its design and certifications, and you get a lifetime warranty on key components, although labor or extra damages aren't covered. On the downside, it requires a 240-volt power supply with a high amperage draw (54 A), which might mean upgrading your electrical system if it's not already compatible. Also, its limited first hour rating and flow rate mean it's best suited for individual or small-scale use rather than whole-house heating. If you need a reliable, energy-saving water heater for small spaces, the EcoSmart ECO 11 offers strong value, but it’s not ideal for larger homes or heavy simultaneous water needs.

Rating
10.0
Energy Efficiency
Capacity
Size and Installation Space

Most important from
5706 reviews

Energy Efficiency
Delivers reliable, on-demand hot water that efficiently preheats and reduces reliance on propane, making it a smart energy-saving investment.
Capacity
Handles simultaneous water use better than expected, even supporting multiple showers and dishwasher use without noticeable temperature drops.
Size and Installation Space
Compact size fits easily in tight spaces and offers a sleek design that integrates well in various settings.
Recovery Rate
Provides unlimited hot water flow at 2.5 gallons per minute, supporting typical shower needs without sacrificing pressure or comfort.
Warranty
Offers peace of mind with a lifetime warranty on key components, reinforcing its value for long-term use.
Safety Features
The digital temperature control allows precise adjustments, making it easy to maintain comfortable water temperatures and avoid scalding.
#3

Westinghouse 27kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, Instant Hot Water Heater, On Demand Hot Water, Smart WiFi Control, Compatible with Alexa & Google Home, (APOLO-27kw)

Rating
9.7
Size and Installation Space
First Hour Rating (FHR)

Most important from
29 reviews

Size and Installation Space
Ensure proper electrical setup with two 40 Amp double pole breakers and 8 AWG wiring to avoid issues like flickering lights during use.
First Hour Rating (FHR)
Functions well as an inline booster for distant faucets, providing reliable hot water even at 60 feet away.

The Westinghouse 27kW tankless electric water heater is a strong choice for homeowners needing unlimited hot water throughout the house. With a flow rate of up to 6.26 gallons per minute, it can comfortably supply two bathrooms plus appliances like dishwashers or washers at the same time, reducing wait times and temperature dips. Its 27kW power ensures fast heating, making it suitable for whole-house use, though it requires a robust electrical setup (three 40 Amp breakers and proper wiring), which might mean higher installation costs if your current panel doesn’t support it.

This model is compact and wall-mounted, saving valuable floor space compared to traditional tank heaters. The smart WiFi control and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home add modern convenience by letting you adjust water temperature remotely or with voice commands in 1-degree increments from 86°F to 140°F.

Safety is well-covered with ETL certification, IPX4 water resistance, and multiple protections like anti-leak, overheat, and dry-fire prevention to ensure reliability and peace of mind. The water connections (3/4" NPT) are standard and should fit most plumbing setups. The activation flow rate of 0.79 GPM means water must flow minimally for the heater to turn on, which is typical but important to consider for very low-flow fixtures. This Westinghouse unit suits those wanting a space-saving, energy-efficient, and smart-controlled tankless heater capable of meeting whole-house needs, especially if you have the electrical capacity to support its power demands.

Rating
9.7
Size and Installation Space
First Hour Rating (FHR)

Most important from
29 reviews

Size and Installation Space
Ensure proper electrical setup with two 40 Amp double pole breakers and 8 AWG wiring to avoid issues like flickering lights during use.
First Hour Rating (FHR)
Functions well as an inline booster for distant faucets, providing reliable hot water even at 60 feet away.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Water Heaters

Choosing the right electric water heater for your home is essential to ensure you have a reliable and efficient source of hot water. There are several key specifications to consider when selecting an electric water heater, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that best fits your needs. Here are the main factors to consider and how to navigate them.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of hot water the heater can store, usually measured in gallons or liters. This is important because it determines how much hot water is available at any given time. For small households or single-person use, a smaller capacity (20-30 gallons) may be sufficient. For larger families or homes with higher hot water demands, a larger capacity (40-80 gallons) is recommended. Consider your household size and hot water usage patterns to choose the right capacity.
Recovery RateThe recovery rate is the amount of hot water the heater can produce in a given time, typically measured in gallons per hour. This is crucial for ensuring that you have a continuous supply of hot water, especially during peak usage times. A higher recovery rate means the heater can replenish hot water faster. If your household uses a lot of hot water in a short period, look for a water heater with a high recovery rate. For moderate usage, a standard recovery rate should suffice.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency indicates how effectively the water heater converts electricity into hot water, often represented by the Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). Higher efficiency means lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. Look for models with a high EF or UEF rating if you want to save on energy costs and reduce your environmental footprint. Consider your long-term energy savings when evaluating this spec.
Size and Installation SpaceThe physical size of the water heater and the space available for installation are important considerations. Measure the area where you plan to install the heater to ensure it fits comfortably. Some models are designed to be more compact and can fit in smaller spaces, while others may require more room. Choose a size that fits your installation space without compromising on capacity and performance.
First Hour Rating (FHR)The First Hour Rating (FHR) measures the amount of hot water the heater can supply in the first hour of use. This is particularly important for households with high morning or evening hot water demands. A higher FHR means the heater can deliver more hot water quickly. If your household has peak usage times, look for a water heater with a high FHR to ensure you have enough hot water when you need it most.
WarrantyThe warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and reliability. A longer warranty can provide peace of mind and protection against potential issues. Look for water heaters with a warranty of at least 6-12 years. Consider how long you plan to stay in your home and your willingness to handle potential repairs when evaluating the warranty.
Safety FeaturesSafety features such as automatic shut-off, temperature control, and pressure relief valves are important for preventing accidents and ensuring safe operation. These features can protect your home from potential water damage and reduce the risk of scalding. Prioritize water heaters with comprehensive safety features, especially if you have children or elderly family members in your household.

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