10 Best Electric Water Heaters 2026 in the United States

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.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus is a tankless electric water heater designed to provide on-demand hot water without the drawbacks of traditional storage heaters. One of its standout features is the Advanced Flow Control technology, which maintains a steady water temperature, ensuring that showers or hot water tasks can be completed without interruption. This makes it highly suitable for households where multiple hot water needs are common.

In terms of size, its compact design allows for easy installation in various spaces, making it a great choice for homes with limited installation areas. The unit's energy efficiency is another strong point; it uses auto-modulation to save energy and even includes a savings monitor to track energy costs, appealing to environmentally-conscious users and those looking to reduce utility bills.

The Tempra 24 Plus also offers user-friendly operation with digital temperature controls and presets, making it easy for anyone to set their desired hot water temperature. With a decent warranty of 7 years for leaks and 3 years for parts, customers can expect reliable long-term performance. There are some considerations to keep in mind. The heater requires a minimum recommended electric service of 150 amps, which may necessitate electrical upgrades in older homes. Additionally, while it can provide hot water continuously, its maximum temperature limit of 140°F might not be sufficient for all users, especially in areas with colder climates or higher hot water demands. The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus is an excellent choice for those seeking an efficient, space-saving solution for hot water but may require additional considerations for installation and service requirements.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Trend is a compact electric tankless water heater designed to provide endless hot water on demand, making it a good choice for those wanting continuous flow without running out. Its 24 kW power and 240V operation mean it can handle a decent-sized household's hot water needs, though it requires a strong electrical service (recommended 150 A), which might need upgrading in some homes. Since it heats water as you use it, there's no storage tank, saving space and avoiding standby heat loss, which helps with energy efficiency. The unit features auto-modulation, adjusting power based on your hot water demand to reduce energy waste.

Its size (about 16.6" wide and 14.5" high) and wall-mount design make it ideal for smaller installation spaces. The LED digital temperature display is easy to read, and the heating elements inside are made of solid copper, known for durability and efficient heat transfer. The heater provides water temperature control between 68°F and 140°F, suitable for most household needs. The 7-year warranty against leaks and a 3-year parts warranty reflect confidence in reliability. Installation requires some electrical know-how due to its power demands, which might mean professional help is needed. It operates silently, adding to comfort.

If your household has very high simultaneous demand (multiple showers, appliances at once), its flow rate might limit how much hot water can be delivered at once, so checking your usage patterns is important. This heater is well-suited for homeowners looking for energy-efficient, space-saving, and reliable hot water on demand, especially in homes with adequate electrical infrastructure.