Finding the best budget tankless water heater doesn’t need to be a challenge. There are lots of options available no matter where you look, so it’s important to do your research to find the best fit for your needs. These best tankless water heater reviews should give you a solid understanding of what’s available to meet your needs. The top picks listed here have the most efficient and up-to-date technology. If you’re looking for the best budget tankless water heater, you may want to consider the runners-up. Read on for the best tankless water heater reviews!
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Tankless Water Heaters: Our Top 7 From each Energy Type
- 1.1 #1. Stiebel Eltron 224199 240V Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater
- 1.2 #2. (Runner-up) EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
- 1.3 #3. Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
- 1.4 #4. (runner-up) Rheem RTGH-95DVLN 9.5 GPM Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
- 1.5 #5. Bosch 830 ES LP Therm Propane Tankless Water Heater
- 1.6 #6. (Runner-up) Rinnai V65EP 6.6 GPM Outdoor Low NOx Tankless Propane Water Heater
- 1.7 #7. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
- 2 Tankless Water Heater Cost & Buyers Guide
Best Tankless Water Heaters: Our Top 7 From each Energy Type
We put in countless hours and research as well as personal experience to help speed up the buyers process. We hope you enjoy!
Have any burning questions? Let us know…
#1. Stiebel Eltron 224199 240V Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus is my pick for the very best electric tankless water heater. Its sleek design means it can fit anywhere, and its digital display and auto-modulation make it a breeze to use. Not to mention the savings: the Tempra Plus promises savings of 15-20% on your hot water. There is also no venting required, making it ideal for indoor use.
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FAQ’s
Q: How many gallons per minute can the Tempra Plus heat?
A: On average you can expect about four gallons per minute of continuous hot water.
Q: What does the warranty cover?
A: If the parts prove to be defective, Stiebel Eltron will replace them for up to three years.
Q: How many breakers are required for the Tempra Plus?
A: It requires two fifty-amp breakers.
Our Take:
Though one of the pricier models, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus is one of the best electric tankless water heaters. It comes equipped with the most up-to-date technology and is efficient enough to heat water for multiple fixtures at one time without compromising water temperature or flow. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, installation is straight-forward, and it’s on-demand functionality means it only operates when it needs to. If you’re looking for an advanced replacement for a traditional water heater, give the Tempra Plus a try.
#2. (Runner-up) EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The runner-up for the best electric tankless water heater is the EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater. This is another compact, wall-mounted electric water heater. It can handle roughly three gallons of water per minute in the northern United States, and up to six gallons per minute in the southern United States.
Finally, the digital temperature control means you can set the water temperature exactly where you want it to be.
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FAQ’s
Q: How much power does a tankless water heater require?
A: The model uses three forty-amp double pole breakers.
Q: What kind of maintenance is required for a tankless water heater?
A: You must change out the cartridges every three to six months to prevent sediment buildup.
Q: Can the heater be used along with a traditional tank?
A: Yes, it can be run on the backside of a traditional tank.
Our Thoughts:
Given its relatively low price, the EcoSmart ECO 27 packs a wallop. Designed with cold climates in mind, the ECO 27 model promises savings of up to fifty percent on water heating costs, and its compact size and copper components mean durability and easy replacement. The system also comes with an optional remote control for super-easy use. With its advanced features and durable materials, this unit is ideal for someone looking to invest in a tankless water heater for long-term use.
#3. Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
If you’re looking for the best gas tankless water heater, this one is my top choice and one that I personally had installed in our home.
The Rinnai Ultra Series Condensing tankless water heater is designed for indoors, and has innovative technology with recirculation capability, so you’ll have an endless supply of hot water. It’s roughly the size of a small suitcase, but still compact enough to fit virtually anywhere you need it.
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FAQ’s
Q: What does the recirculator on a tankless water heater do?
A: It recirculates the hot water back to the water heater, so there will always be hot water available.
Q: How is the temperature controlled?
A: The unit comes with a mounted controller, and an optional remote is also available.
Q: Is it affected by colder tap water?
A: No, it works equally efficient in colder temperatures.
Our Thoughts:
If you have some extra money in your budget, the Rinnai RUR98iN model might be worth looking into. It’s WiFi compatible so you can control it with an optional accessory remote, and the recirculation technology will ensure you have hot water on demand. This heater is a bit more intricate and may require professional installation so is ideal for someone looking to make a long-term investment in their home. It’s also built for commercial use.
#4. (runner-up) Rheem RTGH-95DVLN 9.5 GPM Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
A close second for the best gas tankless water heater is the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN Indoor tankless heater. This budget-friendly model has a digital display system and comes with a digital remote control, and its intelligent electronic controls are built to ensure more energy efficiency and safety. If you have a higher water demand, the model comes with EZ-Link cable to connect two tankless units together.
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FAQ’s
Q: How much gas does a tankless water heater use?
A: Roughly 199,000 BTU or 200 CF.
Q: How many times does the heater need to be serviced?
A: It depends on the quality of the water, but typically it needs to be flushed once a year.
Q: Does it require a dedicated circuit?
A: No, it plugs into an outlet.
Our Thoughts:
The Rheem RTGH-95DVLN model is a more technologically advanced tankless heater, with a number of options available for add-ons and upgrades. What’s most appealing is the digital self-regulating technology: the digital display and self-diagnostic capabilities make it easier to install and maintain, and the tank’s estimated lifespan of twenty years might make this a worthy investment.
#5. Bosch 830 ES LP Therm Propane Tankless Water Heater
The Bosh 830 ES LP wins my vote for the best propane tankless water heater. With at least 83% thermal efficiency, and a flow of 8 gallons per minute, this heater offers advanced high-efficiency use with only 175,000 BTU’s of power required. And at 74 pounds, it’s a tad lighter than other gas heaters out there.
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FAQ’s
Q: How many amps are needed?
A: The unit uses 120 volts.
Q: How expensive is it to run?
A: It depends on usage, but is Energy Star certified.
Q: Does it use an AC or DC current?
A: It uses AC for the ignition source.
Our Take:
With a long lifespan and efficient operation without eating up too much power, the Bosch 830 is ideal for busier households, and with Intelligent Cascading it can also support larger homes with multiple bathrooms. This is a newer model, so it comes equipped with advanced controls but requires very little power, making it an ideal choice if you’re in the market for a top of the line, efficient propane heater.
#6. (Runner-up) Rinnai V65EP 6.6 GPM Outdoor Low NOx Tankless Propane Water Heater
Second in line for the best propane tankless water heater is the Rinnai V65 EP model. With enhanced scale detection to prevent long-term damage and a built-in error code indicator, this model keeps itself in check, and the price is right. It’s also compatible with any Rinnai-brand controller for a wider temperature range, and the temperature lock prevents accidental changes to the water temperature.
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FAQ’s
Q: Can a tankless water heater operate two showers at once?
A: Yes, this unit can efficiently heat enough water for two shower heads.
Q: How much propane does a tankless water heater require?
A: This unit uses less propane than a tank heater because it is only used when the water is running.
Q: Does a tankless water heater require a pilot light?
A: No, this unit starts on electricity.
Our Thoughts:
At a low cost, this lightweight and compact unit is easy to install and will maintain water temperature even with heavy use. With an output of 6.5 gallons per minute, the Rinnai V65EP heater is ideal for smaller homes and the enhanced scale detection makes it perfect for those looking for their first tankless water heater.
#7. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
Last but not least is my pick for the best mini-tankless water heater: the Bosch Tronic 3000 T. This compact, electric mini-tank supplies up to two sinks at once and can be mounted on a shelf, floor, or wall and ensures hot water on demand. It can be plugged in to a 120-vault outlet or installed in-line for larger water sources.
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FAQ’s
Q: Do I need to connect an expansion tank to a tankless heater?
A: This unit does not require an expansion tank.
Q: How long does it take for a tankless water heater to recover?
A: This unit can recover enough to supply more hot water in under ten minutes.
Q: What happens to the cold water if I connect a tankless heater to the hot water line?
A: Cold water in the hot water line will flow into the unit and mix with the hot water.
Our Take:
With its miniature design and multiple installation options, this unit wins the prize for best mini-tankless water heater. It’s ideal for small spaces that don’t require high water usage, including campers. With a simple hookup and improved thermostat, you don’t need to be an expert or break the bank to use it. It’s also low-cost, making it my pick for the best budget tankless water heater.
Tankless Water Heater Cost & Buyers Guide
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