Choosing the right water heater can make a huge difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. With so many options on the market, finding the best one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve analyzed real customer reviews to identify the top five water heaters that deliver reliability, performance, and value. Whether you’re looking for a traditional tank, a tankless model, or an energy-efficient heat pump, these picks are backed by firsthand experiences from homeowners who have put them to the test. Read on to find the perfect water heater for your needs!
1. BOSCH Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
Helpful Review: This is my 3rd time purchasing these tanks… I bought one 2 years ago so I could use it with my off grid solar.. 2 years it’s been and it’s still going strong, so I decided to buy 2 more.. 1 to replace my 40 gallon electric hot water heater and another for a spare ( prepping)… I don’t know what some people are complaining about on the few bad reviews, I mean don’t you people have any brains or common sense?.. it’s a 7 gallon hot water heater, you can’t expect a 20 minute hot shower but I can get a 10 to 12 minute shower and I like pretty warm showers… Plus on top of that it uses less than 1\3 of the electric my 40 gallon heater did, plus I can run it on solar or a small generator, it takes about 35 minutes to fully recover, and seems well built and judging from the other one I put in 2 years ago seems quite reliable..
My only complaint is I bought them returned.. one was brand new and never installed so I put that one in my preps.. the other however was installed by a sloppy plumber who marked it up with pipe dope and gouged it quite a bit.. I installed that one, it works great but should’ve been less than 204.00 in my opinion which was marked as like new.. but anyways no fault of the hot water heater, just incompetent people, but I saved 160 dollars buying 2 of them though so I can live with it having a few marks back in a closet where no one can see it anyways…
I highly recommend these water heaters from having one for over 2 years now and it has been 100% problem free and I have 2 of them operating in my home, one does my downstairs bathroom and kitchen and the other does my upstairs bathroom and laundry room.. the money you’ll save on electric over the life of the tank will pay for itself…
2. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Helpful Review: After my old water heater leaked in my mobile home, I decided to switch to a tankless model. Traditional water heaters started at $300+, but I found the EcoSmart 11kW unit for under $250. It’s compact, easy to install, and perfect for a single person. Installation was straightforward—I upgraded my breaker to 60A, learned to solder pipes, and made the necessary adaptations. Though the warranty is voided if self-installed, I took the risk and saved money.
The unit provides endless hot water, with showers staying hot at 120°F. It’s energy-efficient, saving on electricity costs, and takes up minimal space. However, the water temperature fluctuates slightly, likely due to cold incoming water, but adjusting the shower dial solves this issue. Another minor downside was the lack of clear wiring documentation, which should have been included.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with this purchase. It’s affordable, reliable, and a great alternative to traditional water heaters. If I ever upgrade to a larger home, I’d consider the EcoSmart 27kW model. For now, this unit is perfect for my needs. I highly recommend it—5 stars!
3. Rheem 18kW Tankless Electric Water Heater
Helpful Review: A 10+ year old Rheem tank water heater needed to be replaced—not because it was broken, but because it had reached the end of its service life. Draining it only confirmed it was time for an upgrade. After extensive research, I decided to go tankless. I was initially hesitant—was this really a better option? The idea of on-demand hot water was appealing, as were the potential cost savings. But which model to choose?
In the end, I settled on an 18kW Rheem. EcoSmart is also highly reviewed, but I read that it’s essentially a rebranded Rheem (similar to how DeWalt and Black & Decker are related). Installation was incredibly easy, and the unit is compact, freeing up space—another great bonus. It cost half as much as a traditional tank heater. However, if you can’t do the installation yourself, be prepared for higher costs. Running new electrical wiring and making plumbing adjustments is necessary, but manageable. Expect to spend around $60 for a valve kit, $50 for SharkBites and PEX, plus additional costs for 8-gauge wire (which can add up for longer runs). This model requires two 40-amp breakers.
Performance-wise, the water heats up instantly, easily handling two simultaneous showers or a shower plus the dishwasher and laundry—I’ve tested it myself! Another advantage is the cleaner water, as there’s no stagnant supply sitting in a tank. Draining my old tank to remove it was an eye-opener.
I highly recommend going tankless, and this model has been excellent for our household. I’ve read about potential technical issues, but so far, everything is working perfectly.
4. Ranein Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater
Helpful Review: I got this about 3/4 weeks ago it’s been installed 3 weeks or so. My dad installed and I was helping. It was easy to install and hook up. The packaging comes with everything basically, you need to hook up. I’m pretty sure we had to buy the shut offs. But either way it’s cheap and works great. I have 5 kids almost 6-11 years old plus 3 adults. So far no problems with it heating and keeping temperatures. It’s quiet and definitely space saving!!! So now I can use the bathroom closet instead of having a big tank taking up all the space. This is the propane not natural gas. Sorry for the long review but wanted to let people to know some details cause
I was hesitant my own self after reading some of the reviews. Questions for will it work or not work cause I was told by Lowe’s a few years ago I need a 9-11gpm for the people I have in household. It’s actually by faucets and the rating they have and how many you have and want running at the same time. So I bought all my fancy faucets (waterfall, rain shower head) etc from Amazon as well and they do take a good bit of water output so I just checked the output and f it, let’s give this a try. My main concerns was the reviews like “I got propane but it won’t work it’s only for natural gas” or “it leaks upon installation or after a few days” I’ve had it for almost 3 weeks and it’s been good to us no leaks nothing. I’d definitely recommend this tankless heater.
5. Stiebel Eltron 239223 Tankless Water Heater
Helpful Review: I replaced my 75-gallon gas water heater with a 29kW electric tankless unit in preparation for a solar roof next year. With just two people in the house and multiple EVs, this size made the most sense without overloading our 200-amp service. The biggest advantages have been unlimited hot water, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. We can take two showers at once with no issues, though running the washing machine at the same time requires some timing. The unit uses no power when not in use, which is great for extended absences, and the preset temperature control makes filling our soaking tub effortless.
Another benefit was the flexibility in placement. Our old water heater was on the opposite side of the house from where we used hot water most, causing long waits. Since a tankless unit doesn’t need a flue, we installed it beneath the kitchen, giving us near-instant hot water where we need it most. The only downside is that unlike my old gas unit, it won’t provide hot water during a power outage, but I haven’t lost power in five years, so it’s a minor concern.
To reduce potential sediment buildup, I installed a whole-house filtration system after the water softener and before the heater. Since the unit required six breakers, I also added a dedicated 125-amp sub-panel. Overall, the system has been flawless, and I’m very happy with the switch to tankless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size water heater?
For tank heaters, a 30–40-gallon unit suits 1–2 people, while a 50–80-gallon unit is better for larger households. For tankless heaters, size depends on flow rate—typically, a 7+ GPM unit is ideal for multiple bathrooms.
Which is more energy-efficient: tank or tankless?
Tankless water heaters are generally more energy-efficient since they heat water only when needed, whereas tank heaters continuously maintain hot water, leading to standby energy loss. Heat pump water heaters are another efficient choice, especially in warmer climates.
How long do water heaters last?
Tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years, while tankless models can last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Heat pump and solar water heaters generally fall in the 10–20-year range.
What maintenance does a water heater require?
For tank models, flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup. Tankless units should be descaled yearly, especially in areas with hard water. Heat pump and solar models may need periodic filter cleaning and system checks.
How much does installation cost?
Tank water heaters cost $500–$2,000 installed, while tankless models can range from $1,000–$3,500 due to electrical and plumbing upgrades. Heat pump water heaters cost $1,500–$4,000, and solar systems can exceed $5,000 but may qualify for tax incentives.
Will a tankless water heater work for my household?
If your home has high hot water demand (multiple showers, appliances running simultaneously), a larger tankless unit (8+ GPM) or multiple smaller units may be needed. Homes with low to moderate demand typically do well with a standard tankless system.
Do I need a professional to install a water heater?
While DIY installation is possible for some models, professional installation is recommended, especially for tankless and heat pump units that require electrical and plumbing modifications. Incorrect installation can void warranties and pose safety risks.
