TL;DR
This guide reviews two top portable electric water heaters, the Ecosmart ECO 11 and StiebelEltron Tempra 24 Plus, highlighting their efficiency and compact designs for small spaces.
Top Picks
- Budget: Ecosmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater - Compact and efficient for small living spaces. Buy on Amazon
- Premium: StiebelEltron Tempra 24 Plus - Reliable performance with continuous hot water supply. Buy on Amazon
Quick Summary
Portable electric water heaters are becoming increasingly popular for their efficiency and space-saving designs. They are ideal for small living spaces, such as tiny homes, RVs, and apartments, where traditional tank water heaters may not be feasible.
Table of Contents
- TL;DR
- Quick Summary
- Key Buying Factors
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Top Product Reviews
- Price Guide
- Personalized Recommendations
- Community Insights
- Final Verdict
Key Buying Factors
Before making your purchase, consider these essential factors:
Efficiency
Look for models that provide on-demand hot water to save energy and reduce costs.
Size and Installation
Ensure the heater is compact enough for your space and can be easily installed without extensive modifications.
Electrical Requirements
Check the electrical load requirements to ensure compatibility with your home’s electrical system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ experiences - here are key pitfalls to watch out for:
Ignoring electrical capacity
Many electric tankless heaters require significant electrical capacity; failing to check your home’s electrical system can lead to installation issues.
Choosing the wrong size
Selecting a heater that doesn’t match your hot water needs can result in inadequate supply.
Neglecting maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for tankless heaters to prevent scale buildup and ensure longevity.
Top Product Reviews
Our detailed analysis of the best options available:
Ecosmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Ecosmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater is designed for efficiency and compactness, making it ideal for small living spaces such as tiny homes, RVs, and apartments. Users on Reddit have praised its ability to provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a bulky tank and the associated risks of leaks. The overall sentiment is positive, with recommendations highlighting its reliability and performance in various settings.
Features
- On-demand hot water supply eliminates the need for a storage tank.
- Compact design allows for installation in tight spaces.
User Experiences
- Users have reported that the ECO 11 efficiently heats water for single-use applications, such as showers and dishwashing, without running out of hot water, provided the flow rate is managed properly.
Pros
- Compact and portable, making it suitable for small spaces.
- Efficient and cost-effective in providing hot water on demand.
Cons
- Requires a significant electrical load, which may not be suitable for all homes without proper electrical upgrades.
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for tiny homes, RVs, and apartments where space is limited and hot water demand is moderate.
Price-Performance Ratio
The Ecosmart ECO 11 offers a good price-to-performance ratio, particularly for users who need an efficient and compact solution for hot water without the bulk of traditional tanks.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
StiebelEltron Tempra 24 Plus
The StiebelEltron Tempra 24 Plus is a highly recommended electric tankless water heater, particularly suited for small homes with one bathroom. It is noted for its reliability and efficient performance, providing continuous hot water supply without the need for a bulky storage tank. Discussions on platforms like Reddit indicate that while electric tankless heaters can be niche, the Tempra 24 Plus is often favored by contractors for its capacity and efficiency in smaller residential settings.
Features
- Compact design suitable for limited spaces
- Continuous hot water supply without the need for a storage tank
User Experiences
- Many users praise the Tempra 24 Plus for its ability to deliver consistent hot water, especially in smaller homes. One user mentioned that it was more than sufficient for their one-bathroom home, highlighting its efficiency and reliability.
Pros
- Efficient and reliable hot water delivery
- Space-saving design ideal for small homes
Cons
- Requires significant electrical capacity (100 amps) which may necessitate upgrades to existing electrical systems
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for small homes with one bathroom where space is a constraint and a continuous supply of hot water is needed.
Price-Performance Ratio
While the initial setup cost may be higher due to electrical requirements, the long-term savings on energy bills and the convenience of on-demand hot water make it a worthwhile investment for appropriate use cases.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
Price Guide
Find the best option for your budget:
Budget ($500 - $600)
Premium ($800 - $1,200)
Personalized Recommendations
For Beginners
For Enthusiasts
For Professionals
For Budget conscious
Community Insights
Overall Trends
- Users appreciate the efficiency and space-saving designs of electric tankless water heaters.
- There is a general preference for gas models in areas with access to natural gas due to lower operating costs.
Top Picks from the Crowd
Controversial Opinions
- Some users argue that electric tankless heaters are not as effective in colder climates compared to gas models.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, portable electric water heaters like the Ecosmart ECO 11 and StiebelEltron Tempra 24 Plus offer efficient and compact solutions for hot water needs, particularly in small living spaces. The Ecosmart ECO 11 is an excellent budget option for those needing a reliable heater for limited hot water demand, while the StiebelEltron Tempra 24 Plus stands out as a premium choice for its continuous hot water supply and reliability. As the market for these products continues to grow, consumers should consider their specific hot water needs, electrical capacity, and space constraints when making a decision.
Sources
Based on Reddit community discussions:
- Tankless water heater… yay or nay? 🤔 from r/homeowners - Score: 152, Comments: 401
- I know we’re not plumbers but what do we think about HP water heaters? from r/HVAC - Score: 103, Comments: 174
- Need a new water heater, what’s the best brand for reliability etc? Current one leaking like crazy 4 spots from 2009 from r/BuyItForLife - Score: 102, Comments: 149
- Heat pump water heater (hybrid) are they worth it? from r/heatpumps - Score: 41, Comments: 120
- Is electric tankless water heater the best choice for a vacation house? switch between both? from r/Plumbing - Score: 41, Comments: 115
- What’s your opinion on electric tankless water heaters from r/solar - Score: 45, Comments: 107
- Electric tankless water heaters. Are any of them actually good? from r/askaplumber - Score: 40, Comments: 92
- Mini hot water tank?! from r/HomeImprovement - Score: 28, Comments: 42
- What tankless water heater do you have for your tiny house? from r/TinyHouses - Score: 37, Comments: 30
- Propane Tankless Water Heaters - Which brand actually WORKS? Camplux, Joolca, EcoTemp, Gasland? from r/overlanding - Score: 9, Comments: 55
Note: Product information and prices are subject to change. Please verify details before making a purchase.