When my old water heater quit on me in the middle of a cold winter shower, I realized it was time to stop putting off the upgrade. I started researching and testing different models to figure out which ones actually perform and which ones are just hype. I tried premium tankless systems, compact under-sink heaters, and everything in between—testing for heating speed, temperature consistency, energy use, and ease of installation.
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering the same thing I did: which water heater is actually worth your money? Whether you need something powerful for a large family home or just want hot water at a remote sink, I’ve got you covered.
What to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Water Heater
Before jumping in, here are a few key questions to ask:
- Do you need hot water for your whole house, or just one faucet?
- Are you connected to gas or limited to electric power?
- Do you want instant hot water (tankless) or prefer a simpler setup?
- How cold is your incoming water (important for heater sizing)?
- Are you more concerned about upfront cost or long-term energy savings?
These questions will help you narrow down your choices quickly and avoid overspending on something you don’t need.
Types of Water Heaters
| Product | Type | Power Source | Tank Size / Flow Rate | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinnai RX199iN | Tankless | Natural Gas | 11 GPM | Whole-home |
| Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus | Tankless | Electric | 6.0 GPM | Whole-home (electric) |
| EcoSmart ECO 11 | Tankless | Electric | 2.3 GPM | Point-of-use, small home |
| Bosch Mini-Tank 2.5 Gal | Mini-Tank | Electric | 2.5 gallons | Under sink / garage |
| Rheem RTEX-13 | Tankless | Electric | 3.17 GPM | Small to mid-sized use |
Our Top Picks
| Category | Product | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall (Gas) | Rinnai RX199iN | Powerful and consistent for whole-house heating |
| Best Electric | Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus | Efficient and super quiet |
| Best Budget | EcoSmart ECO 11 | Affordable and compact |
| Best for One Sink | Bosch Mini-Tank 2.5 Gal | Instant heat under any sink |
| Best for Small Homes | Rheem RTEX-13 | Good value and performance |
Best Water Heaters Reviews
Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Best for: Whole-home use with multiple bathrooms
Why We Like It: This unit can handle heavy demand. I ran two showers and a dishwasher without any change in water temperature. It’s gas-powered, offers up to 11 GPM, and includes recirculation features for near-instant hot water. Setup needs a pro, but after that, it runs like a dream.
Pros:
- High flow rate for large homes
- Recirculation ready
- Energy-efficient with Wi-Fi control
Cons:
- High installation cost
- Venting and gas hookup required
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus Tankless Electric Water Heater
Best for: Whole-house electric systems
Why We Like It: This German-built unit stood out for its whisper-quiet operation and digital temperature controls. I liked the stable temperature, even when running two fixtures at once. It’s great for homes without gas access and can support two bathrooms in warm climates.
Pros:
- Quietest unit I tested
- Energy-saving self-modulation
- Sleek digital interface
Cons:
- Needs 240V wiring and high-amperage breakers
- Not for homes with high simultaneous demand
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Best for: Point-of-use, guest suites, or studio apartments
Why We Like It: Small but surprisingly capable. I installed this in a detached office, and it gave me consistent hot water for both a shower and a sink. It’s perfect if you’re tight on space or budget and don’t need a high flow rate.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Self-modulating for energy savings
- Compact wall-mounted design
Cons:
- Can’t handle more than one use at a time
- Struggles in colder climates
Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater – 2.5 Gallon
Best for: Under-sink setups or garages
Why We Like It: I installed this under the kitchen sink in a workshop. It was up and running in minutes and delivered instant hot water. Great for reducing water waste when you don’t want to wait for hot water from a distant heater.
Pros:
- Plugs into standard outlet
- Very fast heat-up time
- Durable build
Cons:
- Only good for one sink
- Can overheat if left idle
Rheem RTEX-13 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Best for: Small homes or apartments
Why We Like It: This mid-range unit worked well in a one-bathroom setup. I appreciated the easy-to-read temperature dial and its decent 3.17 GPM output. It’s a dependable choice if you want simple installation and decent capacity without going full premium.
Pros:
- Great balance of price and performance
- Easy install
- Adjustable temperature dial
Cons:
- GPM drops in cold climates
- Limited for multi-use situations
Other Things to Consider
Filtration: Hard water can damage heating elements. A basic inline filter can help extend the life of your unit.
Battery Backup: Not needed for electric heaters, but if you’re using a gas unit, a backup battery may help keep the ignition going during power outages.
Weight and Size: Tankless units save space. Mini-tanks are heavier once filled, so mounting strength matters.
Noise Level: Most of these models are quiet, but Stiebel Eltron stood out for being virtually silent.
Price: Mini-units start around $150. Premium tankless models can cost over $1,500 plus install fees. Balance upfront costs with long-term energy savings.
Accessories: Some models come with remote controls, thermostats, or optional Wi-Fi modules for smart home integration.
FAQs
What size water heater do I need?
It depends on how many people live in your home and how many fixtures will be used at once. A small home might get by with 2–4 GPM, while a larger household will need at least 6–10 GPM.
Are tankless water heaters really energy-efficient?
Yes, especially if you go for a self-modulating electric model. They only heat water when needed, unlike tanks that heat continuously.
Can I install a tankless heater myself?
Electric models like EcoSmart and Rheem can be installed by skilled DIYers, but gas models like Rinnai should be installed by licensed pros.
How long do water heaters last?
Tankless models can last 15–20 years if properly maintained. Mini-tanks typically last 8–10 years.
Do I need a recirculation pump?
Only if you want instant hot water at distant fixtures. It’s optional, but really convenient in larger homes.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Get?
If you want endless hot water for your whole home and don’t mind the price, go with the Rinnai RX199iN. It’s the best all-around performer.
If you’re limited to electric and want quiet, smooth performance, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus is excellent.
For budget buyers or smaller setups, the EcoSmart ECO 11 gives solid value.
Need something for just one faucet? The Bosch Mini-Tank delivers instant results.
For small homes or apartments, the Rheem RTEX-13 is a great middle ground.
Choosing the right water heater really depends on your setup, budget, and how much hot water you need. Hopefully, these hands-on reviews help make the decision easier.
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