We don’t lie to you, it is not that expensive, money-consuming, or space-taking to have a water heater these days. Modern models are also safer and even easier to install.
Another good news is that you can determine the most reliable water heater on your own after reading this buying guide. But first, here are our suggestions due to years of research and tests:
Here are the most reliable water heaters you can buy in 2024:
- Compact Design (Electric Water Heater): Airthereal EVT-14K
- Fast Heating (Electric Water Heater): Ecosmart ECO 24
- Easy To Install (Electric Water Heater): Titan N-120
- Most Powerful (Propane Water Heater): Rinnai V75Ip
- Best Budget Option (Propane Water Heater): GASLAND BS158
- Energy-Efficient (Propane Water Heater): Camplux 16L
| 6 Most Reliable Water Heaters | ||
|---|---|---|
Compact Design | Airthereal EVT-14K
| |
Fast Heating | Ecosmart ECO 24
| |
Easy To Install | Titan N-120
| |
Most Powerful | Rinnai V75Ip
| |
Best Budget Option | GASLAND BS158
| |
Energy-Efficient | Camplux 16L
| |
Compact Design: Airthereal EVT-14K
- Space-saving - 15.87 x 11.14 x 2.87 inches of measurement
- Modern, stylish looking - minimalist, square-shaped design with a digital display
- Easy to use - touch function buttons
- No complaint
We've never seen any water heater engineered with such a slim profile as the Airthereal EVT-14K before.
With only 2.87 inches thick - which is almost 2x thinner than its competitors, it helps save up to 90% of your bathroom space than a traditional tank water heater. It also carries some popular advantages of electric water heaters, like energy efficiency and low maintenance.
Besides, the minimalist, square-shaped design with a digital display and touch function buttons brings a uniquely modern, stylish look.
Like other picks here, it meets all safety requirements, such as electrical leakage protection, dry-heating protection, and high-temperature protection. So, just rest assured to use it!
| Airthereal EVT-14K Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 15.87 x 11.14 x 2.87 inches |
Maximum Operating Pressure | 108.78 PSI |
Temperature Range | 86°F - 131°F |
Maximum Power Output | 14 kW |
Highlight Features | 15.87 x 11.14 x 2.87 inches of measurement minimalist, square-shaped design with a digital display touch function buttons |
For those seeking a slim and compact electric water heater to fit your narrow bathroom, then the Airthereal EVT-14K is a great option.
Fast Heating: Ecosmart ECO 24
- Fast-heating – 24kW maximum power output
- Consistent water temperature retention and energy-saving - Patented Self-Modulating Technology
- Dependable - the manufacturer's lifetime warranty
- Work noisily
- Require professional plumbers and electricians to install
The next pick is the Ecosmart ECO 24!
What we liked the most about this wall-mounted electric water heater is the enormous amount of maximum power output (24,000W), allowing for delivering hot water to the faucet nearly instantly.
On the other hand, its consistency in water temperature retention is amazing thanks to the adoption of Patented Self-Modulating Technology.
This feature is also proven-test to be 99.8% more efficient and save up to 60% of the operation cost than a typical tank water heater.
Although the price is a bit steep, it strikes back with the manufacturer's lifetime warranty.
| Ecosmart ECO 24 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17 x 17 x 3.75 inches |
Temperature Range | 80 - 140° F |
Maximum Power Output | 24 KW |
Highlight Features | 24kW maximum power output Patented Self-Modulating Technology the manufacturer's lifetime warranty |
The Ecosmart ECO 24 is our favorite wall-mounted electric water heater because of its fast heating and energy efficiency.
Easy To Install: Titan N-120
- Allow you to install it on your own – simple constructions
- Durable & long-lasting - copper-brass inner casing & steel outer
- The design isn’t aesthetic
If you prioritize the price and practicality of an electric water heater over aesthetics and fancy features, then we highly recommend the Titan N-120.
It is as small as a phone book. The design is simple enough for you to try installing it on your own and save on calling the white-gloves.
It can produce unlimited hot water without increasing your monthly energy bills as much as a traditional tank water heater would do. Furthermore, it's incredibly durable - lasting around 7-8 years on average and up to 15 years, according to many customers' feedback.
| Titan N-120 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 4.8 x 9.6 x 12 inches |
Highlight Features | simple constructions copper-brass inner casing & steel outer |
We find the Titan N-120 is among the easiest-to-install electric waters on the market based on its simple constructions.
Most Powerful: Rinnai V75Ip
- Powerful & consistent - 7.5 GPM of hot water flow rate
- Smart & convenient - Control Smart Wi-Fi Technology and voice-commanding function
- Vague instructions
The Rinnai V75Ip is a fantastic option for those who want a powerful central water heater that can consistently supply hot water for kitchen sinks, showers, and other appliances at the same time.
Its hot water flow rate is 7.5 GPM while propane water heaters on average provide only around 2-4.5 GPM. Rest assured, it still works efficiently and very safely.
But there's more, it adopts Control Smart Wi-Fi Technology and voice-commanding function, allowing you to control all the settings from distance.
| Rinnai V75Ip Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.32 x 30.51 x 12.8 inches |
Maximum Operating Pressure | 50 PSI |
Temperature Range | 98ºF - 140ºF |
Highlight Features | 7.5 GPM of hot water flow rate Control Smart Wi-Fi Technology and voice-commanding function |
The Rinnai V75Ip is designed to be the most powerful and reliable propane water heater for multiple uses.
Best Budget Option: GASLAND BS158
- Easy to transport - 17.3 x 11.8 x 5.2 inches of measurement & 14.78 pounds of weight
- Provide endless and instant hot water - 41,000btu/hour maximum power output
- Easy to hang - mounting brackets
- Wish the hose was higher quality
The GASLAND BS158 is the cheapest option in its class that you can find. But take note that it's on-demand hot water flow rate is just 1.58 GPM - which cannot supply hot water for many appliances at a time.
Instead, it's perfect for garages and bathrooms.
Rest assured, its maximum power output is 41,000btu/hour, so you still get hot water immediately and endlessly.
The compact size and lightweight design, along with mounting brackets allow it to be easily transported, which is perfect for travelers, campers, or RV-ers.
| GASLAND BS158 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.3 x 11.8 x 5.2 inches |
Maximum Operating Pressure | 110 PSI |
Maximum Power Output | 12kW |
Highlight Features | 17.3 x 11.8 x 5.2 inches of measurement & 14.78 pounds of weight 41,000btu/hour maximum power output mounting brackets |
The GASLAND BS158 is the best budget option for campers, RV-ers, or travelers who want a lightweight and compact propane water heater to transport easily.
Energy-Efficient: Camplux 16L
- Space-saving – slim-profile design
- Able to be installed outdoors - anti-freezing drain plug and anti-freezing protection construction
- Energy-efficient technology
- Inaccurate manuals
- Short shower head supply hose
The Camplux 16L is our pick for camping and remote cabins.
It boasts a slim profile and lightweight design - which is easy to store or transport.
The installation process, on the other hand, takes no longer than 5 minutes. Particularly, it can be installed outdoors thanks to the anti-freezing drain plug and anti-freezing protection construction.
| Camplux 16L Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.32 x 7.87 x 27.56 inches |
Maximum Operating Pressure | 110 PSI |
Temperature Range | 45-167 degrees F |
Maximum Power Output | 32 KW |
Highlight Features | slim-profile design anti-freezing drain plug and anti-freezing protection construction Energy-efficient technology |
But the best part is the adoption of energy-saving technology, which can lower the total fuel consumption to 11.5%.
How To Choose The Most Reliable Water Heater?
Warranty
Water heater warranties normally range from three to twelve years.
Though longer-warranty versions normally cost a little more, we've discovered that they contain bigger elements or burners that can speed up water heating and thicker insulation for reduced heat loss.
Select a water heater with the best warranty available within your budget!
Durability
To us, durability is key to keeping a water heater performing consistently. And, there are some certain features affecting the appliance’s durability.
Tank
Corrosion frequently happens in the water heater’s tank and is also the most common cause of decreasing lifespan.
To prevent it, you should opt for a glass-lined tank.
Drain valve material
Drain valves are placed next to the appliance bottom to connect to a drain hose. Their primary function is to drain the excess water.
When it comes to the drain valve material of water heaters, there are two primary options: brass and plastic. We highly recommend choosing brass drain valves for extra durability.
Anti-scale
Some manufactures promote features that are meant to decrease mineral scale accumulation at the tank's bottom by whirling the water.
Though scale can affect the life of the heating element, you don't need to spend a lot of money to acquire a long-lasting water heater. Simply search for one with a 12-year guarantee, which usually comes with a longer or thicker element.
Tank Capacity
The measuring unit of a traditional tank water heater capacity in gallons.
To guarantee that your home has adequate hot water, first off, you must establish how much hot water is required on average. A bigger tank is required for a larger family unless you use a tankless water heater.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a tank water heater is the recovery rate, which is the total gallons of hot water produced in an hour while replenishing the tank. The higher the recovery rate required, the higher the demand for hot water.
If you want to utilize a tank water heater, the following suggestions can help you determine the right size for your needs:
Minimum Hot Water Capacity Recommendations | Gas Water Heater | Electric Water Heater |
Family of 5+ | 50 Gallons | 80 gallons |
Family of 3 to 4 | 40 gallons | 50 gallons |
Family of 2 to 3 | 40 gallons | 40 gallons |
Family of 1 to 2 | 30 gallons | 30 gallons |
Which Brands Make The Most Reliable Water Heater?
Airthereal
Since 2018, Airthereal has constantly looked for the best methods to improve the indoor quality of one's home. They at the current gain certain success in their mission path.
Ecosmart
This privately owned manufacturer distinguishes itself from the rest for adopting the most advanced technology in tankless water heating in its water heater lines. It is also arguably the leading brand in green energy technology.
Titan Tankless
Titan Tankless is recognized by its unparalleled tankless water heater lines, which is a worthy result of 36 years of non-stop development of the best water heating technology that helps users save up to 60% on their electric bills.
To prove the quality of their products, Titan Tankless promises a 30-day return policy and 10-year warranty to their customers.
Rinnai
In North America, Rinnai is considered the No.1 brand for tankless water heaters. They have had over 100 years of history and are known for safe and quality products, along with helpful customer support.
FAQs
Are tankless water heaters better?
If you need 41 gallons (or less) of hot water per day, choosing a tankless water heater is more energy-efficient than tank models, according to Energy.gov.
What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
To know if your hot water heater is going out, you can check if the water has a metallic odor or rust deposits.
Should I replace my 15-year-old water heater?
If your 15-year-old water heater still works fine with no issues, you don’t have to replace it. But on the contrary, it'd be better to replace the appliance rather than fixing it.
How much does it cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater?
It cost around $320 to $2200 to replace a 50-gallon water heater.
What size water heater do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
For a 3-bedroom house, a 40- or 50-gallon water heater is ideal.
Conclusion
The market of water heaters is vast, which could be a little bit challenging for new shoppers to find a good one. We hope that our sharing as above helped you figure out the right order to choose the most reliable water heater for your needs, budget, and needs.
