The Best Water Heater: Complete Reviews And Buying Guides 2022

Customers can choose between three types of hot water heaters. These appliances can be more modern hybrid types or traditional heaters. Each has benefits to consider.  

Storage

The most popular type of water heater is the one with a storage tank. They have an insulated tank heated by electricity or natural gas.

Within the system, gas units heat the water using heating elements and regulate the temperature with a thermostat. When the hot water runs out, you have to wait for an hour for the tank to refill and reheat. 

Tankless 

Tankless water heaters warm water just when needed. It indicates that they wait to start warming water until you ask.

Tankless heaters use electricity or gas to work. When you open the tap, cold water flows to the heater via a water pipe. The system will heat the water using an electric oil or a gas burner.

Tankless water heaters provide an infinite hot water supply, in contrast to tank water heaters. They do, though, have speed limits. Most people have a hot water production rate of five to six gallons per minute.

Hybrid 

The idea behind hybrid heat pump water heaters is that it is simpler to utilize. They use the heat extracted from the air to heat the water.

A hybrid heater compresses the surrounding air, releases cool air, and keeps the heated air to heat water. 

Because the hybrid heater employs electrical coils to work when there is a high demand for hot water, it gets the name. This machine performs best in warm regions since it collects the air's heat.

After selecting which type of water heater to go for, you need to consider other factors. Each of them contributes to the overall performance of the machine. 

Gas vs. Electric

Cost is the main difference between gas and electric equipment. A 40-gallon gas heater typically costs from $1,300 to $2,600, not factoring in installation costs. 

Otherwise, spend between $950 and $1,500 for a similar-sized electric machine. 

Gas is less costly to use than electricity, although running costs vary with electricity and gas prices. Electric heaters typically cost $42 a month to operate, compared to roughly $30 for gas counterparts.  

Vents

You can install your electric water heater almost anywhere because it doesn't need vents. Meanwhile, when setting up a gas machine, you must consider the vent installation. 

Burning gas water heaters release moisture and gasses. To get rid of these wastes, the machines need a ventilation system. Thus, their locations in your house will be limited since the vents take up space. 

Size

Consider your demand and your family size to decide how big your water heater should be. The bigger the machine, the more water you can use. 

Often, a 40-gallon water heater is enough for a 4-person family. If your family has more members, add ten gallons for each. 

Although tank water heaters may supply water to multiple locations simultaneously, they take more time than tankless heaters to heat water, which may result in an unpleasant cold bath.

A standard Tankless Water Heater can heat up to five gallons of water per minute. But this rate may limit the amount of hot water that enters your house, particularly if several taps are utilizing hot water all at once.

Efficiency 

The unit's efficiency rating reveals how much of the power a water heater consumes to heat water. For example, a heater with an efficiency rating of .70 uses 70% of its energy to work. 

An electric water heater has a higher efficiency rating than a gas model. I'm so impressed with the rate of .98 of this Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater.

However, operating a gas heater will be far less expensive than using an electric machine since gas is much cheaper.

Due to the difference in electricity and gas rates, this efficiency rating doesn't accurately reflect how much you should expect to spend on the appliance. Instead, use it to compare heaters of the same type. 

Displays

The digital controls on modern water heaters enable owners to set the water heater to turn off at specific times. This feature is excellent, especially for families who are on vacation. 

Although a digital display could add to the appliance's initial cost, it enhances the water heater's efficiency, eventually leading to cost savings.

• RHEEM Tankless Water Heater - Best Gas Overall 

• Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater - Best Electric Overall 

• Rheem 11kW Water Heater - Best Budget 

• Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater - Best Point Of Use  

Rheem RTGH-84DVLN Tankless Water Heater

The Rheem RTGH-84DVLN Tankless Water Heater is designed to provide energy-efficient, continuous hot water for your home. Unlike traditional tank-type water heaters, this model heats water only when you need it, reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. This tankless system is compact, allowing for flexible installation in tight spaces like utility closets, attics, or storage rooms. Additionally, the Rheem RTGH-84DVLN includes a Water Savings Setting, which can reduce water waste by up to 1,100 gallons per year, aligning with Rheem's sustainability commitments.

The heater features modulated technology, automatically adjusting energy consumption to heat the necessary amount of water, further enhancing efficiency. Rheem's emission reduction technology ensures better air quality, meeting or exceeding government standards across all 50 states. Users can easily control water temperature via a remote electronic thermostat, which offers detailed diagnostics for maintenance needs. Enjoy the benefit of continuous hot water, even during back-to-back showers, with this innovative and eco-friendly tankless water heater.

Pros:

• Provides continuous hot water, ensuring no interruptions during use.
• Reduces energy consumption through modulated heating technology.
• Promotes better air quality with advanced emission reduction technology.
• Compact design saves valuable space and allows for flexible installation.
• Includes a Water Savings Setting, significantly reducing water waste.

Cons:

• Initial installation cost may be higher compared to traditional tank-type water heaters.
• Requires a specific installation location with adequate venting.

The Rheem RTGH-84DVLN Tankless Water Heater is a sustainable and efficient solution for modern homes, offering continuous hot water, energy savings, and space efficiency. Despite a higher initial cost, its long-term benefits in energy and water savings make it a smart investment for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 PlusTankless Water Heater

The Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater offers a seamless blend of efficiency, technology, and convenience for homeowners seeking a reliable hot water solution. With its advanced Flow Control patented technology, this unit ensures continuous hot water by automatically adjusting the flow to maintain temperature consistency. Its sleek, compact design not only saves space but also eliminates the need for venting, making it an eco-friendly choice. The heater is equipped with an electronic switch for noise-free operation, a digital temperature display, and memory buttons for ease of use. The Tempra 24 Plus model, operating at 24kW and 240V, provides a water temperature range from 68° to 140°F and requires a minimum recommended electric service of 150 A. It also includes safety features such as a maximum temperature limit to prevent scalding. The unit comes with Stiebel Eltron’s 7-Year Leakage and 3-Year Parts Warranties, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Pros:

• Advanced Flow Control technology ensures consistent water temperature
• Compact design saves space and requires no venting
• Eco-friendly with auto-modulation and electronic water flow control
• Easy operation with digital temperature display and memory buttons
• Reliable performance backed by 7-Year Leakage and 3-Year Parts Warranties

Cons:

• Requires a significant electric service (150 A minimum)
• Higher initial cost compared to traditional water heaters

The Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater is an excellent investment for those seeking a durable, efficient, and space-saving hot water solution. Its advanced technology ensures uninterrupted hot water, while its eco-friendly design offers energy savings. Despite the higher initial cost and electric service requirements, its benefits and warranties make it a reliable choice for any household.

Rheem Performance RTEX-11 Tankless Electric Water Heater

The Rheem Performance RTEX-11 is a highly efficient 11 kW tankless electric water heater, perfect for point-of-use applications. It provides an uninterrupted supply of hot water, making it ideal for various applications, from single to multiple point-of-use setups. This tankless water heater is designed to save space, energy, and money while eliminating the need for venting. Its sleek and compact design, 90 percent smaller than traditional tank heaters, allows for versatile placement, even under a sink. Unlike traditional tanks that continuously draw energy to maintain water temperature, the RTEX-11 only consumes energy when hot water is needed, enhancing its efficiency.

Pros:

• Provides continuous, endless hot water supply

• Compact size, 90 percent smaller than traditional tank heaters

• Energy-efficient, only drawing power when hot water is flowing

• Saves space, easily fits under sinks or in small areas

• No venting required, simplifying installation and reducing costs

Cons:

• May not be suitable for whole-house applications in colder climates

• Higher initial cost compared to traditional tank heaters

The Rheem Performance RTEX-11 Tankless Electric Water Heater is a space-saving, energy-efficient solution for point-of-use applications. Its compact design and ability to provide endless hot water make it a practical choice for various settings, despite the higher initial cost and potential limitations in colder climates.

Bosch Tronic 3000 T Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater

The Bosch Tronic 3000 T Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater offers a 4-gallon point-of-use solution, fitting neatly under your sink to provide hot water right where you need it. With a thermal efficiency of 98%, it ensures efficient heating. The compact dimensions of 13.75 W x 13.75 H x 13.5 D inches make it a perfect fit for small spaces.

This electric water heater is built for durability, featuring premium glass-lined material that ensures a long service life. It operates on 12A and 120VAC, making it easy to maintain.

With a 36-37" cord that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, this water heater can be installed independently or in-line with a larger hot water source, providing flexibility in installation.

The Bosch Tronic 3000 T eliminates long waits for hot water at your sink, delivering on-demand hot water and capable of supplying up to two sinks simultaneously.

This mini-tank water heater can be easily mounted on a shelf, wall, or floor, with a bracket included. Installation is straightforward, requiring only a connection to the cold water line directly at the sink.

Pros:

• Convenient and compact design
• High thermal efficiency (98%)
• Long-lasting glass-lined material
• Flexible independent installation
• Fast recovery rate for on-demand hot water
• Easy and versatile mounting options

Cons:

• Limited to providing hot water to only up to two sinks
• Requires a 120-volt outlet for operation

The Bosch Tronic 3000 T Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater is an excellent solution for those needing a compact, efficient, and reliable hot water source right at their sink. Its easy installation and fast recovery rate make it a practical choice for small households or offices, ensuring you never have to wait long for hot water again. Despite its limited capacity to serve only up to two sinks, its benefits in convenience and efficiency make it a valuable addition to any space.

1. How often should I flush a water heater? 

You should flush the heater at least every year. This method helps you avoid some potential issues that Sediment may cause in the future. 

You can learn how to drain and flush a water heater tank from this video:

2. Can a leaking water heater explode?

Yes, although it's a rare case. It happens with pressure relief valves on broken or clogged electric or gas heaters. The water heater may explode if too much pressure rises, technically shooting the appliance like a rocket.

3. How much do I pay to replace a hot water heater?

The cost of installing a water heater ranges from roughly $804 to $1,547, including the cost of the appliance itself, labor fees, contractors, and home repair specialists.

The price of tankless heaters is much higher than that of tank heaters. They are, therefore, towards the top of this category and may be pricey to replace.

4. What are the signs my heater is going out? 

Signs of a malfunctioning water heater include:

• Banging noises within the tank

• A drop in water temperature

• Rust-colored hot water

• Water accumulating at the base of the tank

5. Can I still shower if my water heater is leaking?

Yes. Even if the leak is terrible and you want to shut it off, you can still take a shower but expect no hot water.

 All the products I mentioned in this article are worthwhile. I really love this RHEEM Tankless Water Heater. Its tankless design is perfect for my limited space. It also does an excellent job of reducing energy consumption and promoting air quality.  

 I highly recommend this Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater if you prefer electronic water heaters. It's a good space and energy saver. 

 It comes down to your personal preference to determine the all-rounder.

 Hopefully, you can select the best model from my list. Thank you for reading!