Best Electric Hot Water Heaters (2024 Update)
When it comes time to replace an old or faulty hot water heater, many homeowners consider going electric for the increased efficiency and potential energy savings. But with so many electric water heater models on the market, how do you know which one is the best choice for your home? There are a few key factors to consider before making this major purchase.
First, look at the tank capacity and first hour rating. The tank capacity indicates how much hot water the heater can store, while the first hour rating tells you how much hot water it can supply per hour. Choose a capacity that fits your household’s hot water needs. Also, consider the electrical requirements and make sure your home’s electrical system can handle the load.
Next, determine what type of electric water heater is best – storage tank or tankless on-demand. Storage tanks continually keep water hot, while tankless heaters only heat water as needed. Tankless heaters save space and can lower energy bills but have a higher upfront cost.
Installation type is another consideration. Electric heaters can be wall-mounted, freestanding, or installed outdoors. Make sure you have the necessary space and electrical hookups. Also, consider smart electric water heaters with WiFi connectivity for greater energy efficiency and convenience.
By taking the time to evaluate your specific needs, you can find the perfect electric water heater to provide reliable hot water for years to come. What size tank makes the most sense for your home? Will a tankless design provide more energy savings over time? Asking the right questions ahead of time will lead you to the best option.
10 Best Electric Hot Water Heaters
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Ideal for providing hot water in outdoor installations with high demand and limited space, using propane fuel.
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The product is ideal for providing on-demand hot water using natural gas and condensing technology.
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The product is ideal for providing hot water for outdoor use in a natural gas-powered environment.
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The product is ideal for residential or commercial use in providing hot water.
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5
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The product is ideal for providing hot water on demand in a variety of locations and settings.
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6
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This product is ideal for providing hot water storage for residential or commercial use.
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7
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The product is ideal for residential use, providing an electric water heating solution with a capacity of 50 gallons.
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8
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It is ideal for those in need of a 50-gallon tall electric storage water heater.
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9
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The product is ideal for providing hot water in small spaces or for point-of-use applications.
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10
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It is ideal for outdoor installation and provides continuous hot water supply with high efficiency.
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1. Rinnai Ru199ep Condensing Tankless Hot Water Heater, 11 Gpm, Propane, Outdoor Installation
Looking for an efficient and reliable water heating solution? Look no further than this endless hot water system. Designed for use throughout the house, this system provides an uninterrupted flow of hot water, ensuring that you never run out during your morning shower or evening bath. With a compact and durable design, this system is easy to install, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their existing water heating system.
In addition to its endless hot water capabilities, this system is also incredibly energy and space efficient. Its space-saving design ensures that it only heats water when necessary, helping to conserve energy and reduce your monthly utility bills. And with a hot water flow rate of up to 11 gallons per minute, you can enjoy a powerful, constant stream of hot water whenever you need it.
This hot water system is also equipped with Circ-Logic technology, which allows you to pair it with an external pump to reduce wait time for hot water via scheduled or on-demand recirculation. This means you can enjoy instant hot water, without the need to wait for the system to heat up.
And with a 15-year residential warranty for the heat exchanger, as well as 5- and 1-year warranties for labor and parts respectively, you can rest assured that this system is built to last. Plus, with WiFi monitoring, you can easily keep track of your hot water usage and ensure that your system is always running at peak efficiency.
2. Rheem Rtgh-84dvln-2 Natural Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater, Silver , Gray
Introducing the newest addition to your home's heating system – the hot water heater that doesn't make you wait. With its high-tech features, this hot water heater is designed to provide you with instant hot water without wasting any time or resources.
One of the key benefits of this hot water heater is its low operating cost. Its energy-efficient design means that you'll be saving money on your energy bills every month, without sacrificing the comfort of hot water. Additionally, this heater is designed to conserve water, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
The compact, space-saving design of this hot water heater makes it the perfect option for those who are looking to replace their old, bulky tanks. Its small size means that it can fit into tight spaces, without taking up too much room.
Another great feature of this hot water heater is its advanced water and gas leak detection system. In the event of a leak, the unit will automatically shut down and provide an error code, ensuring that you and your family are always safe and protected.
3. Rheem Tankless Outdoor Natural Gas Water Heater Non-Condensing 9.5 Gpm
Looking for a water heating system that can provide a continuous flow of hot water? Look no further than this tankless gas water heater! With its advanced technology, this water heater ensures that you never run out of hot water, even with back-to-back showers.
Not only does this tankless gas water heater provide an endless supply of hot water, but it's also incredibly cost-effective and energy-efficient. It automatically adjusts the amount of energy required to heat the water you need, reducing energy consumption and helping you save money on your utility bills.
One of the great features of this water heater is its easy and convenient control. With a simple turn of a dial, you can easily adjust the water temperature to your desired level, ranging from 85ËšF to 140ËšF. This allows you to customize your hot water experience, ensuring that you have the perfect temperature for your needs.
This tankless gas water heater is also designed for outdoor use, with freeze protection up to -30 degrees. This makes it ideal for use in cold climates or for outdoor activities such as camping or RVing.
In terms of specifications, this tankless gas water heater is fueled by natural gas and has a maximum flow rate of 6.6 gallons per minute. It also has a compact and space-saving design, measuring just 18.3 x 9.6 x 27.5 inches.
4. Ariston 12 Gal Pou Electric Water Heater
Introducing a compact and efficient 12-gallon electric water heater that guarantees instant hot water at point of use. This water heater is designed to offer years of trouble-free service, thanks to its durable glass-lined heavy gauge carbon steel tank that can tolerate high temperatures.
For maximum recovery efficiency and direct heat transfer, this water heater features an immersed screw-in heating element that transfers heat directly to the water. With a maximum temperature capability of 160 degrees, you can enjoy hot water whenever you need it.
This versatile water heater can fit any installation condition, making it a perfect choice for both residential and commercial use. Its easy-to-wire electrical connections make it hassle-free to install.
Rest easy knowing that this water heater comes with a 6-year limited warranty on the tank, giving you peace of mind. It is hard-wired with a recommended circuit breaker size of 15 Amps, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Upgrade your hot water system with this reliable and efficient electric water heater that guarantees instant hot water at point of use.
5. Bosch 940 Es Ng Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas
The high-performance non-condensing model, with a maximum input of 199,000 BTU, is a top-of-the-line choice for those in need of a powerful and reliable hot water solution. This unit boasts an impressive 9.4 gallons per minute capacity at a 35-degree Fahrenheit rise, ensuring quick and efficient access to hot water whenever it is needed.
The versatile design of this water heater allows for both vertical and horizontal venting, with the option of using either a 3" or 4" stainless steel vent. Its electronic ignition system and patented burner design provide optimal performance and reliability, ensuring that hot water is always available and easily accessible.
6. Bosch Thermotechnology 46-Gallon Low Boy Electric Storage Water Heater, Gray (7738007324)
This water heater is designed with convenience, efficiency, and durability in mind. With dimensions of 26.25" W x 34.50" H x 26.25" L, it is perfect for use in a maintenance closet, access closet under the stairs, or crawl space, making it ideal for replacement projects.
The water heater features two magnesium anode rods for extra tank protection, a dielectric heat trap, and a heavy gauge steel tank for extra years of trouble-free service. Additionally, the tank is glass-lined to help prevent corrosion.
The water heater comes with a 10-year tank and parts limited warranty, giving you peace of mind in your investment.
The HFO foam insulation reduces fuel costs and increases energy efficiency, while double heating elements conserve energy, and the incoloy elements ensure a long-lasting unit.
For added convenience, this water heater has factory-installed electric hot and cold water connections for extended tank life, and an easy-to-use plastic drain valve for maintenance. Factory-installed heat traps also reduce heat loss, and a temperature and pressure relief valve is included. Finally, fully-automatic surface mount thermostats make it easy to adjust the temperature to your liking.
7. 50 Gal. Residential Electric Water Heater, 4500w
This Electric Water Heater is a reliable and efficient option for both residential and commercial use. It features a 50-gallon tank capacity and a water connection of 3/4" NPT. The maximum pressure it can withstand is up to 150 psi, which makes it a durable and long-lasting option.
This water heater is equipped with an electric junction box above the elements, an over-temperature protector, and an automatic thermostat, ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently. The tank and parts come with a 6-year limited warranty, which offers peace of mind to the buyers.
With a voltage of 240VAC and 18.8 amps AC, this water heater has a total wattage of 4500. It meets or exceeds ANSI, NAECA, ASHRAE Standard 90, and ICC Code standards, which are all crucial benchmarks for electrical appliances.
The height to T and P opening, hot side, and cold side connection is 58-5/8", and the overall height of the water heater is 58-5/8". The energy factor of this water heater is 0.95, which indicates its high efficiency in converting energy to heat.
This electric water heater also has a recovery rate of 21.0 gallons per hour at a 90 F rise, which means that it can quickly heat up the water to the desired temperature. The temperature range of this water heater is between 120 Degrees to 160 Degrees F, making it ideal for various applications.
It has a jacket diameter of 20-3/8" and comes with two elements. This water heater is compliant with UL, AHRI, and Low Lead standards, making it a safe and environmentally friendly option.
8. Bosch Thermotechnology Tronic 5000t 50-Gallon Tall Electric Storage Water Heater (Es50t)
The 20.25" W x 59.75" H x 20.25" L dimensions of this tank make it the perfect size for a maintenance closet, access closet under the stairs or crawl space. Its size also makes it ideal for replacement projects. The tank is built to last with two magnesium anode rods that provide extra protection, as well as a dielectric heat trap. The heavy gauge steel tank adds extra years of trouble-free service, while the glass-lined steel tank helps prevent corrosion.
This tank comes with a 10-year tank and parts limited warranty, providing peace of mind for the purchaser. In addition, the HFO foam insulation reduces fuel costs and increases energy efficiency. The double heating elements help conserve energy, while the Incoloy elements ensure a long-lasting unit.
For added convenience, the tank comes with factory-installed electric hot and cold water connections that help extend the tank's life. The easy-to-use plastic drain valve allows for easy maintenance, and the factory-installed heat traps help reduce heat loss. A temperature and pressure relief valve is included, and fully-automatic surface mount thermostats make it easy to control the temperature of the water.
9. Rinnai Ru199en Condensing Tankless Hot Water Heater, 11 Gpm, Natural Gas, Outdoor Installation
The Endless Hot Water system is the perfect solution to enjoy a constant stream of hot water throughout your home. This efficient and durable unit is designed to conserve energy, making it both space and energy-efficient. With a hot water flow rate of up to 11 GPM, this system ensures optimal water pressure for a powerful and continuous stream.
This unit is equipped with Circ-Logic, allowing for instant heating of water. By pairing it with an external pump, you can reduce the wait time for hot water via scheduled or on-demand recirculation. The Endless Hot Water system is easy to install, though professional installation is recommended for best results.
This hot water system is built to last, offering a 15-year residential warranty for the heat exchanger, 5-year warranty for labor, and 1-year warranty for parts. Additionally, it features Wifi monitoring, allowing you to keep an eye on the system's performance and ensure optimal functioning.
Best Electric Hot Water Heaters FAQs
Can an electric hot water heater be used in cold climates?
Yes, an electric hot water heater can be used in cold climates. However, the performance of the hot water heater may be affected by the temperature of the surrounding air. In cold climates, the temperature of the incoming water can be significantly lower, which can result in the hot water heater taking longer to heat the water to the desired temperature. Additionally, if the hot water heater is located in an unheated space, such as a garage or basement, it may need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
To ensure optimal performance of an electric hot water heater in cold climates, it is important to properly insulate the pipes and tank, and to install the heater in a location that is not exposed to extremely cold temperatures. It is also important to regularly maintain the hot water heater, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, to ensure it continues to operate efficiently. Overall, with proper installation and maintenance, an electric hot water heater can provide reliable hot water even in cold climates.
How easy is it to install an electric hot water heater?
Installing an electric hot water heater can be a challenging task, but it can be done with some knowledge and experience. The first step is to ensure that the power supply to the heater is turned off. Next, you will need to disconnect the old heater and drain it completely. The new heater should be placed in the same location as the old one, and the pipes and wiring should be connected correctly. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and to use the correct tools and materials.
If you have never installed a water heater before, it may be best to hire a professional to do it for you. This will ensure that the installation is done correctly and that there are no safety hazards. It's also important to remember that electric water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently and safely. Overall, installing an electric hot water heater is not a simple task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be done effectively.
How long does it take for an electric hot water heater to heat up?
The time it takes for an electric hot water heater to heat up depends on various factors such as the size of the tank, the temperature of the incoming water, and the wattage of the heating elements. Generally, it takes around 1 hour for a 50-gallon electric hot water heater to heat up from cold to hot water temperature. However, the heating time may vary depending on the above-mentioned factors.
The electric hot water heater works by heating the water through one or two heating elements located at the bottom or the middle of the tank. The heating elements use electrical energy to heat the water, and the thermostat controls the temperature of the water. Once the temperature of the water reaches the desired level, the heating elements turn off automatically.
It is important to note that the electric hot water heater may take longer to heat up if it hasn't been used for a while or if the thermostat is not set at the desired temperature. It is recommended to set the thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and save energy.
What are the benefits of choosing an electric hot water heater over a gas one?
There are a number of benefits to choosing an electric hot water heater over a gas one. Firstly, electric heaters are generally considered to be more efficient and cost-effective than gas heaters. This is because electric heaters do not require a pilot light, which can waste energy and money. Electric heaters also have a longer lifespan than gas heaters, which means that you will not need to replace them as often.
Another advantage of electric hot water heaters is that they are more environmentally friendly than gas heaters. Electric heaters do not produce any harmful emissions, which means that they do not contribute to air pollution or global warming. In addition, electric heaters are much safer than gas heaters, as there is no risk of gas leaks or explosions.
Finally, electric hot water heaters are generally easier to install and maintain than gas heaters. This is because electric heaters do not require a gas line or venting, which can be difficult and expensive to install. Electric heaters also require less maintenance than gas heaters, as they do not have any mechanical parts that require regular servicing.
What are the safety features of the best electric hot water heaters?
The safety features of electric hot water heaters are designed to prevent accidents and protect users from harm. One of the most important safety features is the automatic shut-off, which is activated if the water temperature reaches a dangerous level or if there is a malfunction in the unit. This feature prevents overheating and potential fires. Another important safety feature is the pressure relief valve, which releases excess pressure to prevent explosions. Additionally, electric hot water heaters often have a thermostat that can be adjusted to control the temperature and prevent scalding. Other safety features may include a drain valve, a temperature and pressure relief valve, and a safety switch. It is important to choose a hot water heater that has been certified by a reputable organization and to have it installed by a professional to ensure that all safety features are properly functioning.
What are the top-rated electric hot water heaters on the market?
There are several top-rated electric hot water heaters available on the market. One of the most popular options is the Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal Electric Water Heater, which has a 12-year warranty and can provide enough hot water for a household of up to five people. Another highly-rated option is the AO Smith Signature Premier 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater, which also has a 12-year warranty and is designed to be energy efficient. For those looking for a tankless option, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 kW Tankless Electric Water Heater is a great choice, as it can provide hot water on demand and is highly efficient. Other top-rated electric hot water heaters include the Bradford White AeroTherm Heat Pump Water Heater and the Westinghouse Electric Water Heater. Ultimately, the best electric hot water heater for your needs will depend on factors such as your household size, budget, and energy efficiency preferences.
What is the average cost of an electric hot water heater?
The average cost of an electric hot water heater can vary depending on several factors such as the brand, size, and features. Generally, a basic electric hot water heater with a capacity of 40 to 50 gallons can cost between $300 to $700. However, if you prefer a high-end unit with advanced features such as energy efficiency, digital controls, and self-cleaning capabilities, the cost can go up to $1,000 or more. Additionally, the installation cost can also add to the total price, which typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the complexity of the installation and the location. It is important to note that while the initial cost of the electric hot water heater may seem high, the energy savings over time can make it a worthwhile investment.
What is the lifespan of an electric hot water heater?
The lifespan of an electric hot water heater can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and quality of the unit. Generally, a well-maintained electric hot water heater can last between 8 to 12 years. However, if the unit is not properly maintained, it may only last for 5 years or less. Regular maintenance such as flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, checking the anode rod, and inspecting the heating elements can help prolong the life of the unit. It is also important to note that the quality of the hot water heater can impact its lifespan. Investing in a high-quality unit with a longer warranty can provide added assurance of its longevity. Overall, it is recommended to replace an electric hot water heater every 10 to 15 years to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
What size electric hot water heater do I need for my home?
The size of the electric hot water heater that you need for your home depends on a variety of factors such as the size of your home, the number of people living in it, and your hot water usage habits. As a general rule, the average household requires a 40-50 gallon electric water heater. However, if you have a large family or a home with multiple bathrooms, you may need a larger tank size, such as 60-80 gallons. It is also important to consider the efficiency of the water heater, as this can impact your energy bills. A high-efficiency water heater may cost more upfront, but it can save you money in the long run. It is recommended to consult with a licensed plumber to assess your specific needs and help you choose the appropriate size and type of electric hot water heater for your home.
Which electric hot water heaters are the most energy-efficient?
When it comes to choosing an electric hot water heater that is energy-efficient, there are several options available. One of the most popular types is the tankless electric hot water heater. These units are highly efficient as they only heat water on demand, which means they use less energy than traditional tank heaters that heat and store hot water continuously, even when it's not needed.
Another option is the heat pump electric hot water heater, which uses a heat pump to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water, making it more energy-efficient than traditional electric heaters. Hybrid electric hot water heaters are also energy-efficient as they combine a heat pump with a traditional electric heating element to provide hot water efficiently.
It's worth noting that the most energy-efficient electric hot water heater for your home will depend on your household's hot water usage, climate conditions, and available space. It's essential to consult with a professional plumber or electrician to help you choose the right unit for your home.
