For those wanting to find the best electric water heater on the market, then you can look no further. We understand how important it is to have the most effective, electric water heater for your home helping to provide hot water for the family when you need it. There is a range to choose from and each one will have its own pros and cons that we have tried to summarise for you, along with key features and benefits.

There are alternatives to electric water heaters out there, such as hybrid water heaters and solar water heaters. It is also important to remember you can get tankless water heaters and traditional water tank systems. Take the time to consider your exact requirements and you can rest assured that you have made the best choice for your household.

Contents

Our Recommended Picks
Best Electric Water Heaters Comparison Chart
Summary

Our Recommended Picks

Best Choice

Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

Best Value

Airthereal Electric Tankless Water Heater, 9kW, 240Volts - Endless On-Demand Hot Water - Self Modulates to Save Energy Use - Small Enough to Install Anywhere - for Sink and Faucet, Evening Tide series

Most Premium

A.O. Smith PNS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water Heater, 50 gal

Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

Airthereal Electric Tankless Water Heater, 9kW, 240Volts - Endless On-Demand Hot Water - Self Modulates to Save Energy Use - Small Enough to Install Anywhere - for Sink and Faucet, Evening Tide series

A.O. Smith PNS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water Heater, 50 gal

Check Price

Best Choice

Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

Check Price

Best Value

Check Price

Most Premium

A.O. Smith PNS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water Heater, 50 gal

Check Price

Best Electric Water Heaters Comparison Chart

Best Overall

Runner-up

Also Good

Camplux ME40 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater 4-Gallon with Cord Plug,120 Volts

Also Good

Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) - Eliminate Time for Hot Water - Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted

Also Good

Name

Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

Camplux ME40 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater 4-Gallon with Cord Plug,120 Volts

Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) - Eliminate Time for Hot Water - Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted

Bradford White RE16U6-1NAL

Our Rating

4.9 / 5

4.8 / 5

4.7 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

926 Reviews

Check Price

Best Overall

Name

Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

Our Rating

4.9 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Runner-up

Name

Our Rating

4.9 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Also Good

Name

Camplux ME40 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater 4-Gallon with Cord Plug,120 Volts

Our Rating

4.8 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

926 Reviews

Check Price

Also Good

Name

Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) - Eliminate Time for Hot Water - Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted

Our Rating

4.8 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Also Good

Name

Bradford White RE16U6-1NAL

Our Rating

4.7 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, Gray

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

Ecosmart ECO Electric Tankless Water Heater, 27 KW at 240 Volts, 112.5 Amps with Patented Self Modulating Technology, White

Name

Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, Gray

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 27 KW at 240 Volts, 112.5 Amps with Patented Self Modulating Technology,White

Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

A.O. Smith PNS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water Heater, 50 gal

Our Rating

4.7 / 5

4.5 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

2,180 Reviews

Check Price

Name

Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, Gray

Our Rating

4.7 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Name

Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

Our Rating

4.7 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Name

EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 27 KW at 240 Volts, 112.5 Amps with Patented Self Modulating Technology,White

Our Rating

4.7 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

2,180 Reviews

Check Price

Name

Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

Our Rating

4.7 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Name

A.O. Smith PNS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water Heater, 50 gal

Our Rating

4.5 / 5

Amazon Rating

Number of Reviews

Check Price

Top 10 Best Electric Water Heaters

We have put together a list of the best electric water heaters on the market right now, along with key features and benefits for each. Whilst the pros and cons for each are listed below, it is important to think about your specific requirements as a household to ensure that you get the best possible water heater for your home.

1. Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

The first electric water heater to make it onto our list is this system from the giants at Rheem. Widely known for their quality, efficient water systems you can’t go far wrong with Rheem, particularly as the parts are widely available and plumbers are used to maintaining these water heaters.

This water heater is a 50-gallon model with dimensions of 23.5 x 23.5 x 62.75 inches so it does take up a fair bit of space but not much more than existing water heaters. It is a durable, lightweight water heater that is resistant to rust and corrosion, as well as made to reduce energy consumption which is a bonus for those worried about energy bills and the environmental impact of a water heater. The one real downside of this system is that it isn’t a tankless system and that means it will be too big for some smaller properties, or those wanting to finally get rid of the water tank.

Pros	Cons
Made by Rheem, one of the leading manufacturers of water heaters and other water equipment It is a durable, lightweight water heater that is resistant to rust and corrosion The parts are widely available and inexpensive, reducing the running costs for this water heater	At 50 gallons, it does take up quite a lot of room so those with smaller properties may prefer a tankless electric water heater.

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2. Airthereal Electric Tankless Water Heater, 9kW, 240Volts – Endless On-Demand Hot Water – Self Modulates to Save Energy Use – Small Enough to Install Anywhere – for Sink and Faucet, Evening Tide series

The first of the electric tankless water heaters to make it onto our list and this stylish water heater really does look far better than a large, ugly water tank. At 16.14 x 9.82 x 2.6 inches, it will fit into almost any home making it the perfect choice for apartments or smaller households.

As water is only heated when you need it and not stored in a tank, it can potentially save you up to 50% on your water energy heating costs which is a great saving. It is also easy to maintain due to minimal parts and generally safer to use thanks to a range of advanced safety features including dry heating protection, electrical leakage protection. As a result of not having a water tank, it is important to make sure that these water heaters have enough power to cope with the water usage in your household, particularly at those busy times of the day such as the morning. At 9kW, it should cope with the average household but you can get larger models at 14kW and 18kW.

Pros	Cons
It will provide hot water on-demand without the need for a large water tank It can save up to 50% of water energy heating costs thanks to only heating water when you need it Its dimensions are 16.14 x 9.82 x 2.6 inches, making it easy to install in smaller properties	Larger households may need to go for a more powerful water heater so do your research on what power you need otherwise you may be disappointed!

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3. Camplux ME40 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater 4-Gallon with Cord Plug,120 Volts

We’ve put this mini tank electric water heater on our list because it is a fantastic option for those wanting a water heater in a specific room or in a smaller property like an apartment. You can get it in a range of sizes, from 1.3 gallons up to 6 gallons, and all of them are point-of-use so they will fit under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom.

They come with built-in insulation foam that minimises heat loss and have an elegant design that extends the lifespan of each hot water heater. Very simple to install and use, they require minimal maintenance as you simply plumb them into the cold water line and the sink. This model has dimensions of 11.75 x 22 x 10.38 inches, making it small enough to fit under most sinks. These hot water heaters are clearly designed for smaller households or offices, so do think about your usage requirements for going for one of these.

Pros	Cons
Available in a range of convenient, portable sizes including 1.3 gallons, 2.5 gallons, 4 gallons, and 6 gallons Simple to install as you just plumb it into the cold water pipe and the sink Easy to maintain and has been designed for improved longevity and efficiency	Not designed to provide hot water to multiple rooms in a house as they are point-of-use water heaters.

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4. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) – Eliminate Time for Hot Water – Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted

Bosch has created a mini electric water heater that really packs a punch and that is why it makes it onto our list. At 4 gallons, it is a point-of-use system that will fit under any sink, plugging into the water pipe and a mains socket relatively easily. You can also mount it onto a shelf, wall, or floor and the bracket comes in the box which is a nice touch.

Whilst 4 gallons may not be enough for some households, it has a thermal efficiency of 98% which means reduced electricity bills and improved performance when you need it. The dimensions of this mini electric water heater are 13.75 x 13.75 x 13.5 inches. The manufacturers do claim this will deliver hot water to up to 2 sinks but we advise you to think about how much water you need as it may be that a larger electric tankless water heater will do the job better.

Pros	Cons
Available in either a 2.5-gallon or 4-gallon water heater option A point-of-use electric water heater that can be fitted under the sink, on a wall, or shelf and comes with a mounting bracket in the box. The dimensions are 13.75 x 13.75 x 13.5 inches	Not designed to provide hot water to multiple rooms in a house as they are point-of-use water heaters.

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5. Bradford White RE16U6-1NAL

We go back to the more traditional type of water heater now with this Bradford 6-gallon residential hot water heater. Whilst it is a tank-type of water heater, at 6 gallons and dimensions of 17 x 14 x 14 it isn’t the biggest out there and that makes it a fantastic choice for smaller households.

The manufacturers have gone with automatic controls and a fast-acting surface-mounted thermostat that delivers an automatic temperature control solution to ensure you know exactly what temperature your hot water is at. Designed with superior protection from corrosion and a single element that helps transfer heat efficiently, you can trust it will deliver the performance you need for many years ahead. They have fitted some of the connections to make it easier to install but with any plumbing job, make sure you’re confident in what to do and have all of the relevant equipment otherwise it might be best to get some professional support with the installation and maintenance.

Pros	Cons
At 6 gallons and 17 x 14 x 14 inches, it is a more compact electric water heater that will suit smaller households They have designed it to be easier to install Automatic temperature controls and superior protection from corrosion.	At 6 gallons, this water tank may not be enough for some households and there is an argument for going for a tankless option to provide hot water when you need it.

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6. Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater, Gray

Next on the list of water heaters from Rheem is this electric tankless water heater with an impressive 24kW performance. That is more powerful than many other tankless water heaters on the list and thanks to the quality and experience of Rheem, you know it will cope with busy households.

It has a flow rate of up to 5.6 gallons per minute (GPM), self-modulating power control, and a simple control dial that makes it easy to change the temperature. The digital display clearly shows the current temperature to ensure you get the hot water you and your family need. These on-demand type systems save on energy thanks to not heating up a tank full of water but that does mean you pay a premium in most cases, so you need to take this into account when thinking about your budget for a new electric water heater.

Pros	Cons
Rheem offers a wide range of tankless water heaters from 3.5kW, up to this 24kW powerhouse of an electric water heater With a flow rate of 5.6 GPM, it will deliver hot water for your family whenever you need it A simple, yet effective control dial and digital display make it easy to control the temperature	One of the premium water heaters on our list so do think about whether you need to spend this much, as there are smaller and cheaper water heaters out there

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7. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 24 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White

The Tempra series of tankless water heaters from Stiebel Eltron come in an impressive range of sizes, from a small 12kW water heater, up to a powerful 36kW option. We’ve looked at the 24kW which is still at the higher end of electric tankless water heaters and will support most households. Starting with the design, the manufacturer has gone with a simple and clean style that means it won’t look out of place in any kitchen or bathroom in the house.

You will save a load of space, with dimensions of 4.63 x 16.63 x 14.5 inches making it one of the smallest units on the market for this power level. It offers a temperature output of anywhere from 68 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. By only heating water when you need it, you will save plenty of money on energy bills but do factor in the cost of the unit when budgeting. It is tough to find cons with this unit but some people have found they needed to get a plumber to help them, so build this into the cost if you think you won’t be able to cope, as it does increase the overall price a great deal.

Pros	Cons
You can choose from a range of water heaters from 12kW, up to 36kW depending on your household usage requirements It offers a temperature output of between 68 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit An energy-efficient hot water system that only heats water when you need it	More expensive than some other systems on our list and if you need a plumber to assist with the installation then this can add to the cost

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8. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 27 KW at 240 Volts, 112.5 Amps with Patented Self Modulating Technology,White

EcoSmart is another leading manufacturer of electric tankless water heaters and this 27kW is perfect for most households who don’t want the hassle of a large water tank taking up space. Throw in the fact that tankless systems only provide hot water when you need it, meaning you reduce your energy bills and it really does sound like the way forward for most people.

These water heaters are approx 90% smaller than traditional heaters and can be installed on a wall or at the point of use depending on what is better. With dimensions of 17 x 17 x 3.75 inches, it will fit almost anywhere in the home. EcoSmart has created a hot water heater that is 99% thermal energy-efficient and this means you will save up to 50% in water heating costs. This model will deliver hot water at a rate of between 2.7 GPM and 6.5 GPM depending on the inlet water temperature, so you should think about the water temperature before investing. If you live in a particularly cold place, you may find the performance for the price isn’t as good as you need.

Pros	Cons
EcoSmart has created a tankless electric water heater with a 99% thermal energy-efficiency At 17 x 17 x 3.75 inches, it can be installed either on the wall or at the point of use It will deliver between 2.7 GPM and 6.5 GPM depending on inlet water temperature	Do check the inlet water temperature first as you may find it doesn’t deliver the performance you need considering its premium price

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9. Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater, 50-Gallon

This electric water heater from the giants at Rheem is a fantastic option for those wanting a more traditional system for their hot water. Widely known for their quality, efficient water systems you can’t go far wrong with Rheem, particularly as the parts are widely available and plumbers are used to maintaining these water heaters.

Pros	Cons
Made by Rheem, one of the leading manufacturers of water heaters and other water equipment It is a durable, lightweight water heater that is resistant to rust and corrosion The parts are widely available and inexpensive, reducing the running costs for this water heater	At 50 gallons, it does take up quite a lot of room so those with smaller properties may prefer a tankless electric water heater.

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10. A.O. Smith PNS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water Heater, 50 gal

The final hot water heater to make it onto our list is this system from A.O. Smith, a less well-known manufacturer but one that comes with fantastic reviews from real-world customers. At 50 gallons, it will certainly store enough water for the average household and at 24 x 24 x 50 inches, it is the average size for a water tank like this so it should fit in most homes.

Where this hot water heater stands out is in the quality of the materials used. At every phase of design and construction, the manufacturer has used quality, premium materials to prevent damage and corrosion, whilst maximising hot water output. These all mean it is a fantastic long-term investment for any home needing a new hot water heater for their family. If you’re looking for a durable hot water system then look no further, but we do advise getting some professional assistance with installing this hot water tank to ensure it is done safely and effectively.

Pros	Cons
An impressive and effective hot water heater with plenty of positive reviews from customers It has a capacity of 50 gallons which should be enough for the average household It is a durable, long-lasting system made with quality materials	The only real downside of this system is the size, but that is what you expect from a hot water heater that uses a tank and the benefits should outweigh this inconvenience for most

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Summary

Thank you for taking the time to read our article about the best electric water heaters on the market right now. As you can see, they broadly fall into two categories: those with a tank and those without and this is very much a personal preference based on your individual requirements. If space is an issue or you want a more energy-efficient solution then tankless water heaters are great, but they do come at a premium.

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