Are you currently planning to buy an electric tankless water heater?
In this review, we have spent days researching and have unearthed the best, highly-rated electric tankless water heater for every need.
As a result, this post is one-stop-shop, and an all-inclusive guide that will help you make an informed decision before buying an electric water heater for your RV.
To make your life even much easier, we have also included why we think these electric tankless water heaters deserve to be on this list.
So without any more chitchat, let’s jump right into it.
Top rated
This water heater is a favorite among RV guys for good reason. Bosch is a great company that you can always trust.
We love how quickly this tank heats water up, it runs off 120 volts and puts out 1440 watts and give you INSTANT hot water, you’ll never see a complaint after installing this little guy.
Another great thing about this water heater is the size and ease of installation, it can be mounted on a wall or on the floor and only weighs 30 pounds.
This tank puts out 150 psi and you can control the temp from 65-145 degrees.
We think this is the perfect little tank for a sink or shower in your RV
How it performs
This tankless heater has ample hot water on demand, for most people that are use to waiting several minutes for warm water will not experience this anymore. You will truly be surprised at how efficient it is for such a small unit.
Outstanding reheat time and standby time is amazing, this was a huge upgrade from older units with and without tanks.
Specs:
Tank volume: 7 gallons
Water pressure range: 150 PSI
Temperature range: 65-145F
Electrical Requirements: 12 A/120V
Dimensions: 17.5W x 17.5H x 14.5 D
Weight:29.5
Water fittings: 3/4″ Male NPT
Relief Valve: Included
Wire type: Hard wired
Highlights:
- Low lapse time between cold water and hot water
- Has enough power for hot showers
- Very compact and simple installation
- Six year warranty
- Great replacement for most Rv’s if you want a hard wired unit
Like our last option, this is another small electric water heater that gets the job done. The bid difference between the two is gallon size : 6 gallons vs 7 gallons and this option does not required to be hard wired.
That’s right, this is truly a plug and play option, it can be moved and hooked up to an outlet to give you hot water.
While this unit is very small it truly does pack a punch with its 1440 watts for heating.
One great feature that will ensure this heater will last is the glass lining which not only increases durability but also insulation.
How it performs
This is highly praised for its super easy of installation, profitability and lightening quick heating time.
When heating water in an RV sometimes results waiting several minutes and wasting several gallons of water.
With this unit that is in the past, you will have how water in 3-5 seconds depending on the demand and distance.
The only downside I’ve found when using this unit is during installation, you have to make sure you check on your water line size. For some people, you’ll have to convert line size from 3/4″ to 1/2″ line.
We really like the easy dial that allow you to turn and select you’re desired water temperature.
Overall I would suggest this unit if you want to replace you’re current age heater and want something you can pick up, move and plug in.
Specs:
Tank Volume: 6 gallons
Recovery Rate at 90F Rise: 6.8GPH
Water Pressure Range:150 PSI
Temperature Range: 50-140F
Electrical Requirements: 12A/120V
Dimensions: 15.75″W X 18″H X 15.5″ D
Weight: 26 pounds
Water Fittings: 1/2″ NPT
Relief Valve: Included
Wire Type: Plug-In
Highlights:
- Excellent portability
- Fast heating time (within seconds)
- Low price for output
- Plug and play
The Ariston 8 Gallon water heater is another superb option.
This tank is highly efficient and designed to ensure no wasting of water. It is designed with titanium glass lined and insulated with CFC free foam.
Unlike the other tanks we have reviewed, this one has a power wattage of 2000 watts to give it an extra boost in heating power.
Most people will agree that this tank will do everything a normal sized tank can do.
How it performs
First off the installation of this tank is a breeze. As recommended earlier, always make sure you’re using the right line size fittings. Although this is a 1/2″ line tank it comes with a 3/4″ reducer in case your line size is different.
The tank is small and can be tucked away anywhere you need it, either mounted on the wall or on the floor or under the sink.
Performance wise this tank is perfect, you have instant hot water and enough heating power to take a nice shower.
Overall we think this is a nice choice for any sized RV and will perform greatly for even an RV with a whole family.
Specs:
Tank Capacity: 8 gallons
Regulation Temp: Knob
Dimensions: 17.50″W x 17.50″H x 15.25″D
Weight: 29.5 pounds
Max Water Pressure:150 psi
Power: 2000
Temperature Range:65-161F
Highlights:
- Most powerful heater reviewed
- Compact size and ease of installation
- Immediate hot water
- Broad range for water regulation
- Great replacement for standard tank
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Tankless water heaters 101
What is an RV Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters are still a new concept that aims at creating a more energy-efficient home or RV. Unlike the traditional water heaters, which constantly heat and reheat the water to maintain its warmth for long, tankless water heaters generate water that is already warm, using electric coils or high powered gas burners. While this requires a lot of energy, the fact that the water is not continuously reheated means electric tankless water heaters use less power overall.
What to Look for in Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Before buying or upgrading a tankless water heater for your RV, perhaps you should have an idea of what you want in your next water heater.
As we have mentioned, tankless water heaters, or demand-type water heaters, are much more energy efficient compared to the traditional ones, because there is no loss of heat from still water. Also, because it doesn’t use a tank (tankless!), demand-type water heaters are much smaller and pose less spillage risk.
Below are a few key things you should look for in an electric tankless water heater for RV:
Electric or Gas
Tankless water heaters come in two forms: electric- and gas-supported. Which one you get will depend on where you live and the electric grid you are on. Typically, gas-supported tankless water heaters are less expensive per unit, plus they also have comparatively higher flow rates.
An electric-powered tankless water heater will come with electric hookups, however, propane-powered heater are usually easier to install and even though you will have to sporadically replace the propane, it is worth it considering the increased rate of flow.
Gas-fueled systems usually have quick response time as well as high heat output.
Design
The design also matters when it comes to the best electric tankless water heaters for RV. You want a water heater that has a display you know will be able to use.
Warranty
If you are looking to buy electric tankless water heaters for RV, warranty is the most important thing to check. Warranties will vary from brand to brand and model to model. Getting a warranty will ensure you have peace of mind.
When inspecting the right electric water heater to use, make sure you compare warranties and pay attention to the time frame offered. It says a lot when a manufacturer stands behind their product with a decent warranty time frame.
Size
Tankless water heaters are normally sized according to their temperature rise required to achieve a precise flow rate.
As a rule of thumb, a tankless water heater should produce at least 2 to 5 gallons flow rate of hot water every minute. Gas-powered on-demand systems tend to produce a higher flow rate compared to electric systems.
RV Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
Now let’s take you through some of the pros and cons of electric tankless water heaters, so you can see how good these tools are.
Pros
Produces instant hot water
One of the major advantages of tankless water heaters is that they usually produce instant hot water. After releasing the cold waters into the system, the tankless water heater will immediately start to produce a continuous stream of hot water, without the need for a bulky storage tank.
Long-lasting
Another advantage of tankless water heaters is their ability to last longer compared to the traditional units. An average on-demand system can last for decades. This longevity makes tankless units a sound investment for RV and homeowners.
Lower monthly costs
Though on-demand systems cost more when you consider upfront outlays, they are much less expensive in the long run. According to Consumer Reports, tankless units are 22% more efficient compared to the traditional models, and so, they can help you save hundreds of dollars each year.
Saves space
Tankless water heaters, as it is in the name, don’t use tanks to store heated water, thus, they are much smaller compared to the standard model. You will just need to install them on a wall in a modest place in your RV or the basement of your home. For an RV owner, space-saving is sure a welcome benefit.
An infinite supply of hot water
If all of you need to take a shower in your household, the hot water will eventually run out if you are using a standard water heater. But with a tankless water heater, you will never run out of hot water no matter the situation.
Each tankless water heater comes with a maximum flow rate, which essentially means it can only heat a certain volume of water at a given time. This also means that if your hot water usage is below the maximum flow rate, your tankless water heater will provide an endless supply of hot water.
Lower risks of leakage and water damage
One of the major programs facing tank-style water heaters is that over time, minerals from hard water accumulates inside the tank, leading to corrosion and ultimately leaks and flooding.
However, this doesn’t mean that tankless units are immune to problems, as we will discuss later.
Zero tank explosion risk
Traditional water heaters usually have a temperature and pressure relief valve that is supposed to open to discharge pressure and remove the risks of the tank exploding.
But the problem is, over time, sediments and minerals from the water can clog up the tank’s valve, thus preventing it from releasing pressure. While you can avoid this by regularly testing the valve of the tank at least once every year, you will not have these issues with tankless water heaters.
Cons
Coldwater sandwich
Another problem only experienced by individuals using tankless water is a cold water sandwich. This phenomenon occurs when the recurrent use of hot water makes you feel an initial urge to use hot water followed immediately by cold water, which rapidly turns hot again.
When you quickly alternate between hot and cold water, it creates a delay between when the heater starts and when the water starts to flow, thus causing a short spurt of cold water before hot water.
Can RV Tankless Water Heater Have Problems?
Nothing works perfectly without problems, and that is also the case with the RV electric tankless water heaters. Below are some of the problems you should expect to encounter when using RV tankless water heater:
Problem #1: Mineral Buildup
Unfortunately, this is a problem that you cannot avoid when using a water heater, whether tankless or tank-style.
Problem #2: System Overload
Too many instantaneous hot water applications can eventually overload your water heater system.
Problem #3: Ignition Failure
Your RV electric tankless water heater may also fail to ignite. One of the most common issues is usually clogged water valves.
Problem #4: Flame Failure
Flame failure is the most common problem encountered in the electric tankless water heaters. The possible cause might be regulator failure.
Electric Tankless Water Heater vs. Gas
There are many reasons to choose electric tankless water heaters over the gas tankless unit. The first reason is so that you don’t have to refill your propane tank now and then.
More reasons to choose electric over gas-powered units to include:
-Ease of use
-Compact and save space because you don’t need a propane tank
-Readily available power source
How to Install a Tankless Water Heater
So, how do you install an electric tankless water heater in your RV? Below are steps to follow to install the on-demand system in your camper.
Step #1: Find the ideal placement
Step #2: Locate your RV connection points
Step #3: Attach water lines
Step #4: Insert batteries
These batteries (two D cells) are for activating the automatic piezo start off.
Step #5: Attach the showerhead and connect the water heater to power output.
You are good to go!
Conclusion
The electric tankless water heater is a great option for adding hot water to your RV. The unit is pretty much easy to install and is versatile enough to be set up right into your 12V sink system.
The units we have reviewed are almost similar in quality, and to pick the one that fits your RV needs, you will want to pay attention to the maximum temperature rise, special features, and run time.
Also remember to have a good water pump to ensure you have adequate pressure.
Let us know if you still have some questions or if you run into problems installing the unit in your RV.