10 Best Electric Water Heaters 2026 in the United States

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is a tankless electric water heater designed to deliver continuous hot water on demand, making it a solid choice for households needing a steady supply without running out. With a powerful 36kW heating element and a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute, it can comfortably support one or two fixtures simultaneously, though it might struggle for larger homes or multiple bathrooms in use at once. Its small capacity of 0.39 gallons means it doesn’t store hot water but heats it instantly, saving space and offering flexibility in installation since it mounts on the wall.

The unit is energy-efficient thanks to self-modulation technology, which adjusts power use based on demand, helping reduce electricity bills compared to traditional tank heaters. The digital LED display allows precise temperature control up to 140°F, enhancing user convenience. Safety is addressed with a maximum pressure tolerance of 150 PSI and built-in advanced flow control to prevent overheating. Installation requires hard wiring at 240 volts, which might need professional help.

This water heater offers good durability with copper components and comes from a reputable German brand. It is well-suited for individuals or small families seeking an efficient, space-saving option for consistent hot water, but larger households might find the flow rate limiting.

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 29 Plus is a tankless electric water heater designed to provide an on-demand, continuous supply of hot water without the need for a bulky tank. It stands out with its compact size (about 16.6" wide and 14.5" high), making it a good fit for homes with limited installation space. Since it heats water only when needed, it is highly energy efficient and avoids standby heat loss common in traditional tank heaters.

This model has a strong heating power of 28.8 kW and a flow rate of around 3 gallons per minute, which should comfortably support multiple bathroom fixtures at once for most households. The unit includes useful features like dual temperature memory presets and an LED display for easy adjustment. However, it requires a significant electrical setup: 240-volt hard-wiring with three dedicated 40 amp circuit breakers and at least a 200 amp main service, which might mean higher installation costs or electrical upgrades in some homes.

Its capacity is technically 0.39 gallons since it’s tankless, so it’s not about storing hot water but heating it instantly. The first hour rating (FHR) concept doesn’t apply the same way here, but its flow rate gives a practical sense of how much hot water it can deliver continuously. Safety-wise, the unit is made in Germany with high-quality copper components and includes modern safety features. This water heater suits those looking for space-saving, energy-efficient hot water solutions and who are willing to invest in a proper electrical setup.