Best Water Heaters in 2023: Buying Guides and Reviews

When looking to buy a hot water heater, there weren't many choices available in the past. Gas and electricity were the only two options. But thanks to the advancement of technology, there are more choices than ever. You can also think about tankless or hybrid water heaters when it comes to buying the best water heaters.

You might feel you are facing a difficult decision because of all the available possibilities. Continue reading to discover the elements to take into account when selecting the ideal hot water heater for your residence. We conducted extensive research on the best water heaters across a range of categories. We delved deeply into the specs, features, and customer reviews to compile this list of best options. For more options, you can check other product review article about the best gas water heaters, the best electric water heaters, the best tankless water heaters or the best propane tankless water heaters.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater
• Best Budget: EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
• Best Performance: EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
• Best Tankless Electric: Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 20 Plus
• Best Tankless Gas: Rinnai V65eN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

How to determine which is the best water heaters for your need? Let's consider the following criteria that can help you make the right choice.

Types of water heater

Tank Water Heater

The most popular kind of water heaters are those that use storage tanks. They use electricity or natural gas. In the tank, the water is maintained at a certain temperature day and night, waiting to be used. When it is out of water in the tank, users should wait for the heater to heat up the water again. 

Tankless water heater

Tankless style heaters are totally different from the tank model in terms of operation. Though they also use gas and electricity to boil the water, tankless water heaters only heat water if needed, as opposed to continuously heating water in a tank. When the hot water faucet is opened, cold water enters the heater via a pipe and then it is swiftly heated. They provide an unlimited source of hot water, not like a tank water heater.

Hybrid water heater

The theory behind hybrid water heaters is that it is simpler to utilize heat that has already been generated than to create new heat. 

A pump of water heater will compress the surrounding air, exiling the cool air and keeping the heated air to heat water, this is like how a refrigerator works because it employs electrical coils to heat the water when there is a significant demand for hot water.

Gas vs Electricity

Both gas and electric models have their own pros and cons, any comparison is limited by many extra considerations. An electric water heater is the ideal choice if environmental protection is important to you because they are far more efficient and don't necessarily rely on fossil fuels to function.

Compared to its natural gas cousin like the Rinnai V65eN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, the price of running an electric water heater might be significantly higher.

But A gas water heater will function even if there is no power. Electric water heaters like Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 20 Plus, especially those with the Energy Star certification, can come with federal and even state tax incentives that might help you save money later on.

 

Sizing and Capacity

Water heaters are available with capacities from 20-100 gallons. A four-person family may be handled with a 40–50 gallon tank. Each extra usage requires an additional 10 gallons of capacity. You must discover the greatest tank capacity for your family when selecting the finest hot water heater for your home. A simple computation based on the inhabitants of your home is as follows:

• 20 to 35 gallons for 1 to 2 persons.

• 35 to 50 gallons for 2 to 4 persons

• 50 to 60 gallons for 4 to 5 persons.

• 60 or more gallons for 5 or more persons (add 10 gallons per person).

Rating efficiency

All water heaters have Rating efficiency. It shows how much of the energy consumed by the device to heat water. 

Given the variance in gas and electricity prices, this rating isn't a reliable guide of how much you should spend for the appliance. For instance, a gas unit will have a much lower efficiency rating than an electric model, but as gas is far less expensive than electricity, running a gas tank heater will be much less expensive.

Digital Screens

Like other equipment in a house, water heaters that include digital controls can enable users to schedule the water heater to turn off at specific times. It enhances the hot water heater's efficiency, which ultimately results in cost savings.

1. How long is the lifespan of a water heater?

A tank hot water heater will typically last 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters have a 20-year lifespan.

2. What indications to know whether your hot water heater is failing?

A failed water heater will make annoying noises within the tank, the temperature of the water drop, produce rust water, and water spill at the base of the tank.

3. Is it possible to take a shower even with a leaky water heater?

Taking a warm shower will not be hampered by a leaking water heater. But if the situation gets worse, you can still have a shower but should turn off the heat water first. Simply you won't have any warm water to use later.

Getting the best water heaters will help your house always have enough hot water for showers, culinary duties, whether it runs on gas or electricity. To pick the best water heaters. For your home, you can refer to the models we have carefully reviewed above and read other customer reviews on the store pages.