The 4 Best Water Heaters for Safety and Efficiency

There are numerous makes and models of water heaters on the market today, but not all of them are created equal. Here are four top-tier safe and efficient water heaters that plumbers and contractors should consider.

1. Rheem RTE 13 Electric Tankless Water Heaters — 4 GPM

Highly regarded as offering the best overall performance, the Rheem RTE 13 provides hot water continually on demand. It’s compact, so the unit will fit in even the smallest spaces discreetly out of view. Standout features include low-flow activation, indicative LEDs, and no venting is necessary for operation.

2. Bosch GL4S Ariston 4-Gallon Point-of-Use Indoor Electric Mini-Tank

The energy-efficient Bosch GL4S Ariston electric mini-tank water heater cuts down on water consumption and provides instant hot water on-demand at lightning fast speed. No need to run a gallon or two down the drain in waste with this unit strategically placed under the sink or in the bathroom. Another top feature is that there’s no hard-wiring necessary, just a 120V outlet.

3. Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG Indoor Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas

One of the most durable and energy-efficient water heaters is the Takagi Indoor Tankless Water Heater that operates with natural gas and comes with a generous 10-year heat exchanger warranty. Weighing in at less than 20 pounds and offering and Energy Factor of .81-.81, this unit has a 6.6GPM max flow rate. Reviewers on Amazon give the Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG a 4.8 out of 5 stars.

4. Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater

The Ecosmart ECO 18 water heater is a mid-range tankless model that heats just over 2.5 gallons of water per minute. This unit boasts self-modulating technology that reduces the cost of water heating up to 20%, and it maintains digital temps at 1-degree increments for maximum control. Even though its capable of heating ample water for two showers at the same time, the Ecosmart ECO 18 is compact in design.