Waiting for a warm-water shower? Why wait when you can get warm-water almost instantly by just turning on the tap.
If you ever dream of instantaneous hot water, a point of use water heater might work like a charm for you.
This comprehensive guide is all you need to know about the best point of use water heaters available on the market right now.
What is a Point of Use Water Heater?
Point of use water heaters are small heating appliances that are designed as tankless or mini storage tank modules. These modules heat water instantly and supply hot water to a single fixture using electricity or gas. Point of use water heaters are generally located near the faucets; thus, they receive their name from it.
These water heaters are very popular in commercial and residential sectors having limited space and require hot water. These modules are designed to deliver limited hot water supply to lavatory sinks, small apartments, cottages, and RVs. They provide hot water with high efficiency while utilizing minimum resources.
How Does a Point of Use Water Heater Work?
A point of use water heater generally comes with or without a tank. A water heater with a tank is usually connected to the water supply line and can store water. When water is required at a certain faucet, the heater stores the water before delivering it to the faucet.
A tankless point of use water heater works differently. Since it doesn’t have a tank, it heats the water whenever there is a call of the water. The temperature of the water is generally controlled by the flow rate of the water. A higher flow rate might yield a lower water temperature, while a slower flow rate would provide high water temperatures.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Point Of Use Water Heaters
Comparison Chart of the Best Point of Use Water Heaters
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Characteristics of Our Favorite Models
Out of the plethora of products available on the market, we’ve conducted extensive research and picked out only a few. We’ve selected our favorite models based on the following:
Energy Efficiency
The most important characteristic of point of use water heaters is that they are energy efficient. When compared with a standard unit, these provide high levels of energy efficiency at affordable prices. They consume significantly fewer resources; thus, we can expect reduced power consumption and utility bills.
Digital Display
With a digital display, you can monitor and control water temperatures as you require. A large number of water heaters come with digital displays and touch controls, which are highly convenient.
Build Quality
To ensure the long-lasting operation of your water heater, make sure it is composed of high-quality building material. Modern water heaters provide a durable body made of stainless steel or other alloys to ensure the durability of the device. Furthermore, they also feature high-quality heating elements, which ensure the optimum performance of these devices. Some water heaters come with different linings that act as a coating against rust and corrosion.
Warranty
Before purchasing a water heater or any other electrical appliance, make sure to check the warranty of the product. Some water heaters come with a 5-year limited warranty while others offer no warranty at all.
Review of the Best Point of Use Water Heaters
Looking for an efficient point of use water heater? This all-inclusive review will help you find the right fit for you based on your liking. All you need to do is follow this guide until the end. Listed below are some of the best point of use water heaters categorized on the basis of features, specifications, and reviews.
Best Overall:
Stiebel Eltron 074050
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A fair number of recent buyers have recommended this product. They believe that it is very reliable and efficient, considering the power consumption of the device. Several users reported ease of installation for this device. Apart from several users reporting inefficient heating of water, this device acts as a charm for the majority of users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We admire the compact design of this water heater. It supports a single tank that can efficiently deliver hot water almost instantly to your tap. Its power consumption suggests that it consumes 50% less power than a standard tank unit. Reduced power consumption means less bills, which ultimately saves you a lot of money.
Who Will Use This Most
A single tank water heater suggests it is designed for serving a small kitchen or bathroom. However, you can expect reduced power consumption as compared with a standard tank module. Its safety design, paired with hydraulic control, ensures smooth, silent operation without any inconvenience. It’s an ideal water heater for homes, specifically bathrooms, and kitchens.
Bottom Line
Tired of bulky, inefficient standard tank designs? This water heater might surprise you with its reduced power consumption and compact design. Available at a low price, this little fellow can be adjusted anywhere you desire. Available in a variety of models, this water heater promises versatility and reliability.
Runner-up:
ECOTOUCH Electric Tankless Water Heater
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent reviews are fairly positive for this product. However, there are users complaining about the wall-mount design of this device. Other than that, the majority of reviews are satisfied with the performance of the product. They love how energy-efficient it is and are also fond of its durable build.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This water heater features a convenient digital display and a touch control panel. This assures an easy-to-use operation compared to a mixer tap and other similar operations. Another feature that appeals to us is the smart self-adjustment capability that allows a 98% energy efficiency promised by the manufacturer.
Who Will Use This Most
Its wall-mount design is specifically developed for under-sink operation. It’s basically designed to work efficiently with sinks while mounted to the wall. The durability of this device can be acknowledged by separate electric and water lines. Its safety mechanisms like leakage and over-temperature protection make it ideal for public use.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is an energy-efficient solution to all your hot-water problems. The smart self-adjustment ensures minimum power consumption while supplying consistent hot water. It comes with a digital display and touch control operability that provides significant easy-to-use operation. However, it features a remote control as well, but it’s available with the Black model only.
Best for the Money:
EcoSmart Electric Tankless Water Heater
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There are mixed reviews that we have witnessed regarding the performance of this product; however, most of them are positive. For some users, the product performed flawlessly while others report a few issues. Apart from that, they loved its durable construction as well as the savings it presented on the bill.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this product is the compact design that is specifically built to adjust to small places. Its 0.5 gallons per minute flow rate ensures decent performance. Furthermore, the build quality of this product is also convincing. It features copper and stainless-steel components for long-lasting durability and years of operation.
Who Will Use This Most
Designed with single sink operability, this electric tankless water heater is ideal for single fixtures. Its compact and durable design makes it a strong contender for recreational vehicles and kitchen use. It comes with a digital display that shows output water temperature for adjusting the heating levels.
Bottom Line
If you are tired of inefficient and traditional units, this electric water heater might appeal to you. With its compact design and limited features, it’s cheap and can be installed anywhere you like. It also features a digital display for user convenience. Make sure you are purchasing the product for a warmer climate!
Best Point of Use Tankless Water Heater:
Thermoflow Electric Tankless Water Heater
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users found this to be a decent device, with a lot of them reporting no problems regarding its functioning. They loved the different variants the unit offered as they allowed the unit to meet the diverse needs of the customers. In addition to that, users loved its energy efficiency and the cost it was able to save on their bill.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes this product an attraction for us is the durability that this rectangular, compact water heater has to offer. Featuring a maintenance-free bare wiring heating system, this module offers high durability. Its high-quality bare heating elements provide acid and corrosion resistance while promising 99% heating efficiency.
Who Will Use This Most
These water heaters are designed specifically for residential areas. These modules, with their compact design, allow easy installation in congested areas where a traditional unit won’t fit. Offering a high heating efficiency and a durable build quality, these water heaters are ideally built to supply hot water indoors.
Bottom Line
This is a rectangular compact design water heater for your hot-water needs. Removing all sorts of standby losses, it is the ultimate option for your energy efficient needs. You can save a considerable 60% on your water heating costs while enjoying hot water pouring down your taps.
Best Point of Use Electric Water Heater:
EcoSmart POU 6
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A fair number of buyers are completely satisfied with the product. They believe that it worked flawlessly in warmer climates and provided an easy, energy-efficient solution. They reported being fond of the space-saving design it had and also liked that it came with the easiest installation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this point of use electric water heater is its design and durability. With its ability to fit in the most compact of places, this water heater offers great ease of installation. The build quality is also good and made of high-quality materials. All in all, it offers great durability and reliability.
Who Will Use This Most
This device is best suited for hand sinks; however, with its compact design, it can be used in RVs, restaurants, hotels, motels, offices, and more. It also features a digital panel that displays the temperature of the water. You can adjust it by increasing or decreasing the flow rate. It’s also ideal for public use.
Bottom Line
This electric water heater is a go-to device if you seek a hot water solution. It comes with a fair bit of features like digital panel, ease of installation, durability, reliability and also offers high energy efficiency. If you want a value for money device, then you might want to have a look at this one.
Best Rheem Point of Use Water Heater:
Rheem 20 Gallon Electric Point-of-Use Water Heater
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Once again, we witnessed a mixed rating for this product by recent buyers. However, most of the users are happy with the device and display satisfaction. They love the easy installation it promises for mounting on the walls. Plus, they like how durable it is thanks to the anode rods.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What was convincing about this product was the multiple features it had on offer. Featuring efficiency of .93EF on a 30-gallon variant is quite an achievement. Its build quality also appeals to us the most. It has a premium-grade anode rod for maximum tank protection, while it also features a single stainless-steel heating element.
Who Will Use This Most
With an automatic thermostat, adjusting the temperature of the water is now quite easy for users. It also features an over-temperature protector to limit exceeding temperatures. Additionally, it comes with a temperature and pressure release valve for user safety purposes. Its enhanced-flow brass drain makes sure you get a seamless supply of hot water without any trouble.
Bottom Line
Don’t look further if you need a water heater that is highly efficient and offers a decent warranty. With a 6-year warranty and a highly efficient heating element, this water heater won’t disappoint you. The Rheemglas lining will protect your tank from corrosion, while its high-quality heating element supplies you with endless hot water.
Best Eemax Point of Use Water Heater:
Eemax EEM12004
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There definitely are several users who reported flawless operation. To add to that, they reported getting consistent hot water supply. Users also liked its self-modulation technology that minimized loss. They were also satisfied with its installation and loved that it was suitable for commercial purposes too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What appeals to us regarding this product is the efficiency that it promises. With the most advanced self-modulation technology, you can expect high energy efficiency. As a result, you might experience reduced utility bills and end up saving a few bucks. All in all, it’s a super-efficient and promising device.
Who Will Use This Most
This Eemax water heater is mainly designed for single lavatory sinks. However, it can be used for residential and commercial purposes too. With a 0.5-gallon per minute flow rate, this water heater provides consistent hot water in warmer climates. It comes with a convincing 5-year leakage and a 1-year warranty for components.
Bottom Line
A compact, lightweight, and unique design make this water heater an eye-catching product. With an uninterrupted supply of hot water, you can experience instant and seamless hot water operation as you desire. You don’t have to wait for the water to get hot anymore, this unit will do it almost instantly.
Best Bosch Point of Use Water Heater:
Bosch Tronic 3000
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Fairly positive reviews suggest that this water heater is worth considering. What they particularly liked about this model is its kW adjustment option to meet the demands of different users. Along with that, they were quite satisfied with its space-saving design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We try to assess the product through all the possible perspectives to create our own justification for every product. In this case, what stands out to us is the high-quality heating elements that are used. Based on a copper heat exchanger with copper-encased heating elements, this product is capable of delivering 98% energy efficiency.
Who Will Use This Most
Bosch water heaters are designed for multiple purposes that can be used for commercial as well as residential use. Its minimum standby energy losses ensure maximum conservation of resources. Furthermore, its ultra-lightweight and compact design make it an ideal addition in homes and offices.
Bottom Line
You would like to invest in this water heater if you seek an energy-efficient device. Not only will it save you stand-by losses but also decrease your utility bills. Its compact design makes it a good choice for small spaces. Additionally, it features a 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Point of Use Water Heaters
There are several advantages and disadvantages of point of use water heaters, which are discussed below. These will help you make a well-informed decision.
Advantages
With a point of use heater, you get to enjoy the following benefits:
Savings
A point of use water heater is super-efficient when it comes to energy saving. A large number of water heaters come with self-modulation and similar technologies that prevent the loss of energy. They can save a considerable amount of your money with their energy-saving mechanisms. As a result, you can expect reduced power consumption bills.
Temperature Adjustment
With such water heaters, you can easily control the temperature of the water. Some units feature temperature adjustment using flow rate while others offer digital displays and touch controls for controlling temperatures.
Instant Hot Water
With water heaters, you can expect an almost instant flow of hot water while turning on the tap. Such water heaters are located considerably close to the faucet than a central heating mechanism. This enables a seamless and reliable supply of hot water.
Disadvantages
Meanwhile, point of use heaters present the following limitations:
Limited Supply
Point of use water heaters can only supply a limited amount of hot water supply. They can operate ineffectively when used over an extended period of time.
Life Expectancy
Point of use water heaters generally have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, which is comparatively low as compared to central heating mechanisms.
How to Install a Point of Use Water Heater
Installing a water heater is not a difficult task if you know what you are doing.
- The first thing to do is to cut off the hot water line to the dishwasher and then the one connected to the sink. Disconnect the hose that is connected to the sink using a wrench.
- Fit the T-fitting properly in the hot water slot using a wrench. This is where the hot water will come and go into the sink and dishwasher.
- Fit the compression fitting and other fittings on to the T. Make sure the connections are tight to prevent any leakages.
- Now connect the metal-sheathed hoses in the fittings using a wrench. One metal hose will take the water up to the faucet while the other will bring water into the water heater.
- Now place the water heater under the sink. Connect the hose that goes to the kitchen faucet with the original hose.
- Connect the water supply line to the valve situated below the sink and tighten them using the wrench.
- Now, bend the copper tubing and tighten it into the compression fitting.
- Turn the water connection back on, plug the electrical line to an electric source, and you are done.
If you are still unsure about the process, be sure to refer to the video below for a full overview of what was just described.
Conclusion
Finding an ideal water heater can be quite a task, especially if you have to search through an ocean of products. This comprehensive review was designed for you to make sure you can find one for yourself, without any inconvenience. There’s no need to wait for warm water when you can get it instantly without any hassle.
