We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Electric Water Heaters 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater - Tempra 20 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

Capacity: 19.2 kW
Energy Efficiency: auto-modulation tech
Size and Installation Space: 16.63"W x 14.5"H, wall mount
First Hour Rating (FHR): continuous flow design
Warranty: 7-year leak, 3-year parts
Safety Features: ANSI, CSA, NSF, UL certified

Chosen by 1443 this week

Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater, Gray

Capacity: 4.4 gallons/min
Energy Efficiency: 99.8%
Size and Installation Space: 14.5"W x 18.25"H
Warranty: by Rheem
Safety Features: included

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

Capacity: 4 Gallon
Recovery Rate: fast recovery
Energy Efficiency: 98% thermal efficiency
Size and Installation Space: 13.75 x 13.75 x 13.5 in
Warranty: 6 year unit, 2 year parts
Safety Features: 150 PSI, 140°F max temperature
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater - Tempra 20 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,443
Capacity
Recovery Rate
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
2167 reviews

Capacity
Provides unlimited hot water with the ability for simultaneous showers, making timing the only minor limitation when running multiple appliances.
Recovery Rate
Delivers continuous hot water flow efficiently, adjusting power usage to actual demand for cost-effective operation.
Energy Efficiency
Consumes no power when not in use, allowing instant hot water even after extended absences.
Size and Installation Space
Compact, vent-free design allows installation close to points of use, drastically reducing wait time for hot water.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Trend is a compact tankless water heater designed to provide on-demand hot water without the need for a storage tank. Its continuous flow feature means you won’t run out of hot water during showers, making it suitable for small to medium households. With a 19.2 kW power rating and a maximum flow rate of about 2 gallons per minute, it can handle multiple bathroom uses but may struggle with very large households needing simultaneous showers.

This model is energy-efficient thanks to its auto-modulation technology, which adjusts power based on water flow, reducing wasted energy. It’s also a space saver, with a slim design that mounts on the wall and requires no venting, making installation easier in tight spaces. The digital LED display allows easy temperature control between 68° and 140°F. While tankless heaters don’t have a traditional First Hour Rating (FHR), its continuous flow design compensates by providing hot water as needed.

The Tempra 20 Trend has strong safety features and certifications (ANSI, CSA, NSF, UL), ensuring reliable operation. You get a 7-year warranty against leaks and a 3-year parts warranty, which shows the brand’s confidence in durability. One thing to note is the electrical service requirement: it needs a 240V supply and a 125-amp minimum service, which might require an upgrade in some homes. This heater is ideal if you want endless hot water in a small package and are comfortable with the electrical requirements. It’s quiet, efficient, and backed by solid warranties, but its flow rate means it’s better suited for moderate, not very high, hot water demand.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,443
Capacity
Recovery Rate
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
2167 reviews

Capacity
Provides unlimited hot water with the ability for simultaneous showers, making timing the only minor limitation when running multiple appliances.
Recovery Rate
Delivers continuous hot water flow efficiently, adjusting power usage to actual demand for cost-effective operation.
Energy Efficiency
Consumes no power when not in use, allowing instant hot water even after extended absences.
Size and Installation Space
Compact, vent-free design allows installation close to points of use, drastically reducing wait time for hot water.
#2

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Recovery Rate
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
2167 reviews

Capacity
Provides unlimited hot water on demand, allowing simultaneous showers without running out.
Recovery Rate
Delivers hot water much faster than traditional tanks, cutting wait times from several minutes to about 1-2 minutes.
Energy Efficiency
Consumes no power when not in use, enabling instant hot water even after extended absences.
Size and Installation Space
Compact, wall-mounted design saves space and can be installed near points of use for faster hot water delivery.
Warranty
Highly reliable and durable with solid copper heating elements and strong warranties backing the product.

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.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Recovery Rate
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
2167 reviews

Capacity
Provides unlimited hot water on demand, allowing simultaneous showers without running out.
Recovery Rate
Delivers hot water much faster than traditional tanks, cutting wait times from several minutes to about 1-2 minutes.
Energy Efficiency
Consumes no power when not in use, enabling instant hot water even after extended absences.
Size and Installation Space
Compact, wall-mounted design saves space and can be installed near points of use for faster hot water delivery.
Warranty
Highly reliable and durable with solid copper heating elements and strong warranties backing the product.
#3

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Plus – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White, 20.2

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation Space

Most important from
2167 reviews

Capacity
It provides a continuous flow of hot water, even when running two showers simultaneously.
Energy Efficiency
The heater only uses the hot water necessary, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Size and Installation Space
Installation is straightforward, and the unit doesn't take up much room.

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.

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation Space

Most important from
2167 reviews

Capacity
It provides a continuous flow of hot water, even when running two showers simultaneously.
Energy Efficiency
The heater only uses the hot water necessary, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Size and Installation Space
Installation is straightforward, and the unit doesn't take up much room.

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.

FAQ