If you are searching for the best tankless water heater according to consumer reports in 2022 then this post is for you.
Nothing in the world can equate to the sensation, calm, and tranquility you enjoy of a hot bath.
Not only does it makes the blood flow easier, but relieves the symptoms of flu and cold.
Tankless Water heaters take up almost no space in comparison to the water heater with a tank.
With practical design and efficiency, tankless water heaters are taking the heaters market by storm. Now you see them in old homes and new homes alike due to their practicality.
Tankless water heaters are a new thing, most of us, don’t know much about them.
So, it is hard to buy a water heater without a tank unless you got an expert with you who suggests you as per your needs.
We have done the heavy lifting, scrubbed-through dozens of models, and picked a handful of options to make you easily pick one as per your needs.
In this post, I am going to review the best tankless water heater available on the market. These tankless water heaters are personally tested by experts with the help of consumer reports. So without further ado, let’s get started.
Best Overall: Steibel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
Steibel Eltron tankless heater is best for commercial and residential properties. It shares an advanced flow rate that maintains how water flows even when increased supplied, with adjustable temperature control from 68 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The model automatically maintains 3.1 GPM AT 52-Degree F.
7 best tankless water heater consumer reports
I have compiled a list of the 7 best tankless water heaters based on consumer reports 2022.
1. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
- The digital display shows temperature, power capacity
- Temperature range 68-140 degrees F
- Self-modulation energy technology integration
- Advance flow control feature
If you are looking for one of the finest designed and performing tankless water heaters, that can be used for commercial and residential properties, we highly recommend of Stiebel Eltron tankless heater.
Stiebel is one of the pioneers in water heater design and is working since 1924. With the help of German engineering, you are going to get a marvelous experience with it.
The system takes the help of advanced flow control technology, patented by the brand itself. This technology automatically maintains the hot water capacity and temperature.
It reduces the flow if the hot water demands are higher than the capacity so that you get the hot water, no cold water at all.
This Grey Tempra and Tempra plus also has been gone under cosmetic changes. The new Gray Plus model shares the same specs as the old model, but in new housing, a more compact and improved display, and a thermostat to excel the experience.
The new model also integrates Preset temperature memory buttons, an energy monitor showing cost savings, and a flow rate meter.
It also allows you to customize the temperature range, it comes with a temperature range of 68 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit but you can reduce the maximum temperature up to 109 Degree to prevent scalding.
As per the manufacturers, the Tempra Plus show easily achieves 3.1 GPM when the incoming water is 52F. So, as you can see, it’s not just the cosmetics improvements in the latest upgrade, it’s got performance and quality upgrades and improvements.
The tempera Plus model ensures that the least possible amount of energy is used in heating the water. It got sensors that monitor the incoming and outgoing water temperature, along with the flow rate.
The processor onboard processes the data and adjusts the heating element as per your requirements.
I find the latest Tempra plus Gray model is a combination of modern features and good-looking aesthetics. It maintains the regular house or commercial property hot water requirements and got many top features to control and adjust accordingly to your needs.
Pros
- Advance flow control adjusts the hot water flow
- Easily reaches 3.1 GPM when the incoming water is 52F
- Modern housing makes it good looking
- Customize the temperature range
Cons
- Higher price range
2. Ecosmart ECO Electric Tankless Water Heater
- Adjust the amount of energy and temperature
- Thermal auto protection
- Digital interface
- 80-140 degree temperature range
If your water needs are more than regular, you need a powerful tankless water heater, the one that helps you provide more hot water, go with EcoSmart ECO 27.
In our testing and as per consumer reports too, the modern designed Ecosmart water heater is all capable of delivering hot water for a large family even in colder climates.
If you look at the price range, you will be amazed to see that Ecosmart made it possible even for those low on budget to easily buy their products.
If you talk about the hot water delivery capacity, it can easily deliver 3.48 GPM of hot water at 52F temperature.
The modern Ecosmart water heater meets endless water demand. You would not be stuck in the washroom with no hot water, it continuously provides hot water at the set temperature and flow rate.
Due to its self-modulating technology, the system allows the unit to adjust the energy used to the amount of water needed.
If you look at the size of it, it is 99% smaller than traditional water heaters. The dimensions if you check, can easily be installed on the wall easily, no dedicated space is needed here.
As the manufacturers mention, the unit saves 99 percent thermal energy, you would not be getting piled up the electricity bill.
More importantly, and I think the aspect that marks a difference is its overloading and overheating protection. You won’t end up with a burnt water heater due to over-heating or overflowing.
Its digital interface is impressive and intuitive, delivers the temperature range you require, and helps you adjust the range too.
If you sum it up, you can clearly see that the model meets the ample hot water needs of a large family. It comes at a reasonable price too, the only thing you might miss if you compare it to the first contender is the good looks.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature range with a digital temperature control display
- Temperature range 80-140-degree F
- Conserves up to 99 percent of energy
- Reasonably priced mode
Cons
- Must be installed within 30-days of purchase by a professional
3. Eccotemp i12-NG Tankless Water Heater
- Compact 16×16 size
- Energy factor up to 0.96
- Intuitive LED Display
- Remote control feature
If you have a small home, and a small family too, and looking for a compact, easy to install but efficient tankless water heater, go with the Ecotemp-designed i12-NG tankless water heater. This water heater is an ideal option for 1-2 bedroom homes, as well as mobile homes.
With a 3GPM of flow rate, it fills the needs of one shower and one faucet at the same time. The temperature to rises as the water flow increases, 35-40-degree F temperature rise at a 3GPM flow rate.
Another worth mentioning aspect is its child safety. It is a UL-listed child-lock technology integrating a water heater, to prevent kids from getting into it.
Its stand-apart feature is its compact construction. WITH 16 x16 inches dimensions, it can easily be installed even in the tiniest washroom. With an intuitive LED display, it displays information such as temperature, GPM, temperature rise, and many others.
It is a gas-operated water heater, in comparison to electric-powered ones, it conserves energy and has concentric and PVC options, with an energy factor of 0.96.
As per the consumer reports, the model is seamless to install and comes with easy-to-follow-through manuals, to help easily install it.
As per manufacturers, the modern and compact designed model is a smarter and more durable option. As per the brand, it lasts up to twice as long and heats water only when needed.
Pros
- Compact, saves space
- UEF-rated, energy efficient
- More durable than traditionally designed models
- Never runs out of hot water again
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Low GPM
4. Rinnai Indoor Tankless Hot Water Heater
- 5 GPM flow rate
- Provides continuous hot water to up to 4 fixtures
- Slim design
- 40-Percent energy saving
If you have a big home, with multiple fixtures of water needs, and looking for a powerful tankless water heater that catches up with the needs of the home, go with Rinnai designed Indoor tankless hot water heater.
This water heater with a water flow rating of 6.5 GPM, going to help up to four fixtures simultaneously.
Despite its high Water flow rating, this model shares minimum footprints. The suitcase-sized compact designed water heater is easier to move with you when you switch your home, or when you feel like installing it somewhere else.
I loved the way it conserves energy. Most of the time, high GPM rating water heaters don’t comply with energy saving rating, though almost qualify the criterion, squeaking short still.
But, it is rated by Uniform Energy Factor, as conserving up to 40 percent of the energy and saves you lots of money.
With the Rinnai-designed hot water heater, I can assure you that you never run short of water. It can help you run up to two shower heads at one time, one washing machine, and one kitchen basin with no shortage of hot water at any fixture.
As long as the construction and durability are concerned, the brand claims to be double as durable as other conventional water heaters.
It surely going to last longer, and make you enjoy a longer lifespan compared to any of the models enlisted.
The only drawback of this is the lack of modern digital temperature controls. It does not let you control the temperature, nor has it come with modern additional nuts and bolts.
Pros
- Fits the needs of the water supply of a large home
- Space-saving design, easier to move
- Enhanced scale detection lessens serious damages
- Good for up to 4-fixtures
Cons
- No individual faucet temperature settings
5. CAMPLUX ENJOY OUTDOOR LIFE 5L 1.32 GPM Outdoor Tankless Heater
- Compact 11.4 x 14.6 inches
- CSA approved model
- 32 GPM water flow
- 3 PSI water pressure
If you are looking to buy a tankless water heater for your outdoor use like camping, family on vacations, mountains, or cabins, I highly recommend buying a COMPLEX ENJOY OUTDOOR TANKLESS water heater.
First thing first, this option is easier to move and provides a constant supply of hot water up to 1.2 GPM. W
ith minimum footprints and a lightweight range of 10lb, it allows easier maneuverability. It got handles on its casing that make it easier to install on the walls and easier to move too.
It comes with Oxygen depletion sensors, in case you install it indoors, and the oxygen supply shorts inside, the sensors will start sounding an alarm to help you and others around learn about oxygen depletion.
Well, it is an outdoor water heater without tanks but you can install it indoors too with good ventilation maintained.
For most outdoor water sensors, it is hard to start on at low water pressure. But this one starts even at 3 PSI water pressure and works great with a Complex 12V water pump. I am pretty amazed to behold the temperature ranges and adjustability feature.
The max temperature range you can take is up to 114.8 Degree F, which is 46-degree C, and a minimum 46-Degree F, 8-Degree C.
With overheat protection, flame failure device as well as anti-freezing protection, this tankless water heater makes an ideal option for the outdoors.
In other words, everyone can tune to their desired temperature range and enjoy water showers inside or outsides.
It is a gas-powered water heater, going to save you lots of money compared to electric-powered water heaters, as you know electricity is expensive.
It is a CSA-approved product, so go without thinking twice about the safety, and thousands of positive reviews too speak for themselves.
In short, I can say this is one of the finest water heaters you can get your hands on. The model is compact, slim designed, and can easily be used outdoors, install it anywhere you like, with all safety features.
Pros
- Good for outdoors, like Cabins RVs
- Oxygen depletion feature enabled
- Runs on even 3 PSI water pressure
- Allows temperature adjustments up to 114-degree F
Cons
- The water output is low at 1.32GPM
6. Rheem Residential Tankless Water Heater
- Self-modulated power control
- Conserves 99.8% of energy
- 17 GPM water flow rating
- Digital controller
The Rheem-designed electric tankless water heater is another great addition to the list. This modern, compact, and efficiently designed and performing water heater shares all the nuts and bolts a premium constructed model should offer.
Take an example of its energy conservation. This tankless water heater conserves 99.8 percent of the energy compared to a conventional water heater. It is a self-modulated power control water heater that provides hot water only when it is needed.
Its water flow rating is superb as well, along with the construction. It got two heating elements made of immerse copper that is the source to provide water flow rating up to 3.17 GPM.
It got a digital control panel, LED display, adjustable thermostatic control, and many other advanced features that make this one different from others.
The LCD screen is vivid, clearer, and sharper than regular ones and helps you behold things displayed at the highest level of clarity. With +1/1 degree accuracy controls, I find this one stands head and shoulder with many of the models at the same price range.
Pros
- Vivid LCD and LED controls
- Digital temperature controller
- 17 GPM water flow rating
- Conserves 99.8% of energy compared to traditional models
Cons
- If it is running for a long time, turning the temp up can lead to inconsistent temperature
7. Noritz NR66ODNG Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
- 5 GPM rating
- 7 x 17.6 x 26.6 dimensions
- Propane gas powered
- For Outdoor
For a family who has to shift more than usual due to a job or business, this is the right tankless water heater. The reason why I picked the model despite its not ample number of reviews is its impressive water flow rate in the small minimal casing.
Yes, it shares smaller footprints compared to larger-sized water filters 6.6 GPM rating but has only 10.7 x 17.6 x 26.6 dimensions which make it easier to take around when you shift.
The second biggest reason for picking this model is its adaptability with natural constant gas connection or propane gas.
Yes, even when you are moving in an RV, you can have this water heater running, just connect it with propane gas and that’s it.
One more thing I particularly liked about the model is its easier installation. The model is seamless to install just read through the user manual, and there it is installed.
Its Water supply flow rating is one of the most amazing aspects and suits the needs of a large number of people even on the go.
So, if your requirements are what is mentioned here, I can say this model really fits your needs and make your life way easier than ever before.
Pros
- 5 Gallons per minute water flow rating
- Compact and slim designed model
- Runs on natural gas as well as propane gas
- Good for outdoors
Cons
- Pricier
- Takes time in heating water
Consumer Reports Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide
Before we move and you pick any of the models we reviewed, stop. There are a few things you should be aware of so that you could get the right benefit for your purchase.
In this tiny section, we are going to pinpoint some of the important attributes a user should look into before giving a final shot to any of the models.
Type
There are basically two types of water heaters available.
Electric Powered
Electric-powered tankless water heaters are the most famous, followed, and purchased models around. They are easier to use and manage, and can easily be controlled and used in any home.
Before you buy one, keep an eye on the amperage, voltage, circuit breaker, and many other requirements.
Most Of the units will vary from 110V to 277V. Each model will have a different range of requirements and use, and managing the water heating element.
Gas powered
Gas-powered tankless water heaters are mostly used outdoors. They are easier to use in outdoor conditions, as you are not required to have an electric connection.
They are also used in RVs, remote locations, camping, and many other outdoor conditions, where it is hard to get an electric power supply.
Here too there are a few things like gas types, venting, and requirements. Whether or not the gas unit connects to the type of gas you got the connection of. Is it run on natural gas or on propane gas?
Flow rate
Flow rate determines the amount of hot water your home will be having. It is measured in GPM, gallons per minute. Each product can have a different temperature limit and flow rate.
Like, if you are a big home, with multiple fixture hot water requirements, the flow rate should be high. One shower can have a requirement of 3-4 gallons per minute flow rate, while a dishwasher may have 1.5 gallons per minute at 100-degree.
In many water heaters, you get the modern technology onboard that controls the flow rate when there is more demand for water than produced.
Rather than providing you with cold water, the system reduces the water supply so that you enjoy hot water, at a little reduced speed.
Selecting the right Size
Along with the right Gallons per minute, it is the size that is as important as the right type and GPM. Don’t worry, once you know the right GPM, which can easily be learned through the number of water fixtures you have, it would not that hard to decide the right size of the tank.
And more importantly, in many cases, the bands themselves mention the right size along with the GPM and water temperature to help you pick the right size.
The temperature rise
The temperature rises too can make or break the entire use or benefit of a water heater. It is the difference in the temperature of the incoming ground water and desired water temperature.
For instance, if the groundwater coming is 52-Degree F and the desired hot water is 100-F, the difference is 48-degree F, which is the rise of temperature.
The more GPM numbers you are needing for your fixtures, the more temperature rise it will require. Like if the incoming temperature at your place is 67-degree F, warmer than around, that means, the same water heater would not be able to generate the same number of GPM at both locations.
Additional Features
Water heaters are designed to do one thing, heat water. But, it is the additional features or aspects that help you in getting the desired results smoother and better way.
Many water heaters include a digital thermostat that helps you learn the precise temperature readings.
In some water heaters, you also see an LCD display, to help you learn multiple readings at one place like temperature, GPM, temperature rise, and many others.
In some models they allow you to adjust the temperature range from the digital controller.
Wrap Up
It is no big deal to buy a great tankless water heater. It is just the research and careful consideration of the features that make or break your buying decision. In this long guide, we tried to provide you with handy information regarding the top tankless water heaters.
This information is gathered after thorough testing as well as scrubbing hundreds of web pages online. We also took help from the consumer reports and tried to make your decision easier and simple.
We are hopeful that this guide will make you pick the right tankless water heater that fits your needs requirements and budget range.
FAQs
What should a person know before buying a tankless water heater?
Before you pick a tankless water heater there are a few things you should take care of. Such as looking for the fuel type the water heater will utilize, and is the type of fuel preferable for you? The second thing is mounting position, size, and water flow rate.
Last but not the least, the purpose for which you are buying it. Will it be used for home or residential use or commercial scale?
How do tankless water heaters work?
Conventional water heater required a tank or storage to heat up water and provide. On the contrary, the tankless models work without having storage or tank.
Tankless models can either be gas-powered or electric-powered. In both situations, the cold water runs through the tankless unit and heats up water momentarily. And then water flows out of the hot water tap.
You can see that here the water is heated on spot, so there would be no shortage of water as long as you buy a right-sized water heater that provides the required Gallons per minute of water.
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