Tankless Water Heater Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

We have given each brand a rating of from 1* to 5*. A rating of 5* means that, if we were shopping for our own home, that is the brand we would choose (if it was available). When more than one brand is available with a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive brand. When an NA appears in the place of a rating, it means that the brand does not have a model available in that group or there was insufficient information to fairly rate it.

We have rated both whole house and point of use tankless water heaters. For an accurate comparison, we have divided the whole house units into three groups based on the fuel they use to heat the water.

BRAND----------WEB ADDRESS-------ELECTRIC-----GAS-----OIL

ADTEC--------adtectankless.com------4*--------NA------NA The Model44A unit has all stainless steel components for durability. They have an external knob to adjust the temperature setpoint. They can be purchased directly from the manufacturer and therefore you can save money.

AMERICAN---americanwaterheater.com--NA--------3*------NA This brand is now owned by AO SMITH. This brand also produces units under the WHIRLPOOL brand for LOWES home improvement stores. These units are available for either interior or exterior mounting. There are three sizes available based on your gallon/minute requirements.

AMERICAN HOMETEC americanhometec.com 4*-------NA------NA These units feature coilless technology which eliminates the problem of scale buildup. The units have either two or three capacity settings and "Smooth Start" technology for energy savings. The AHQ-T16 models are the best bet for most homes. The units are backed by a good warranty.

A.O.SMITH--------hotwater.com-------NA--------3*------NA This brand is available in both exterior and interior mounting models. They are only sold through authorized dealers.

ATMOR--------atmorheaters.com------<1*--------NA------NA These units are made in Israel and are available in Europe and the Carribean. The INLINE range offers units in either 3, 5, or 7 kw sizes. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BOSCH-------boschhotwater.com------<1*--------1*------NA The AQUASTAR 2700ES gas unit can be installed either on the exterior or interior of the home. A wireless remote control is available and the units can be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores. The POWERSTAR electric unit is available in two sizes and has a solid copper heat exchanger. The unit is actually manufactured by applied energy.

BUTANE---------butanegroup.com------NA--------1*------NA This brand is made in Iran and available in Europe and Asia. They offer a variety of wall hung units to fit your individual needs. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

CHANT----------chinachant.com-------NA--------1*------NA These units are made in China and are very basic units. The manufacturers' website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

DUX------------dux.com.au-----------NA--------1*------NA This brand is a part of GWA INTERNATIONAL LTD and is available in Australia. The ENDURANCE PREMIUM models have the best guarantee for this brand but is still not as good as most other brands.

ECOSMART-------ecosmart.com.au------NA--------1*------NA This brand is also a part of GWA INTERNATIONAL LTD and is available in Australia. The units have electronic ignition and are available in three sizes (16, 20, and 26 liter). They have a dealer locator on their website.

EEMAX----------eemaxinc.com--------<1*--------NA------NA These units can be installed by the average do it yourselfer because no soldering is required. You can buy the units online but the warranty is not very good. The series three unit has a supply of .7 to 4 gpm and the series four unit can supply from 1 to 6 gpm. The units turns on in stages for energy savings.

ECCOTEMP-------eccotemp.com---------NA--------4*------NA This brand has models for exterior as well as interior installation. The units have a solid warranty but are only available in 6 or 6.3 gpm models.

ECOSMART-------ecosmartus.com-------5*--------NA------NA These units are available in a wide range of sizes and are backed by a very good guarantee. They feature a modulating control that monitors incoming water temperature, flowrate, and your desired temperature at a rate of 60 times per second. They make units for radiant floor heating and pool heating as well.

ETERNAL---eternalwaterheater.com----NA--------5*------NA This brand is from GRAND HALL and is a hybrid type of water heater. At flowrates less than .5gpm, the system operates like a conventional storage water heater. When the flowrate exceeds .5gpm, the unit operates like a modulating tankless water heater. This eliminates the disadvantages of both types of system. The unit has a stainless steel burner and heat exchanger for durability.

EVERHOT--------bradfordwhite.com----NA--------2*------NA These units are sold only through dealers. They have interior and exterior mounted models. These units have a lime accumulation sensor built into the heat exchanger to let you know that buildup of sediment is becoming a problem.

EXCEL----------excelamerica.com-----NA--------1*------NA This brand offers both vented and vent free units. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

FERROLI--------ferroli.techne.it----NA--------1*------NA This brand is available in Europe and China. The PROMETEO units are basic units with either standing pilots or electronic ignition (CIP models). The warranty is not as good as other brands.

GE-------------geappliances.com-----NA--------2*------NA This brand is available in both indoor and outdoor mounted units. The natural gas units are available in two sizes (9.4 gpm and 7.5gpm) while LP gas models are available at 9.4 gpm. All units use standard electronic control including ignition. The units are only available through authorized dealers. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

HUBBELL--------buytankless.com------1*--------NA------NA These units are manufactured in the USA and can be purchased online from the manufacturer. The units are available in a variety of sizes and feature copper heat exchangers for durability. The units use press-fit water connections for ease of installation. The warranty on the heat exchanger is not as long as many brands.

IMMERGAS-------immergas.com---------NA--------1*------NA This brand is made in Italy and is available throughout Europe. The CAESAR STAR units use fan assisted sealed combustion for efficiency. They have a copper heat exchanger and electronic flame modulation. they can be installed either indoors or outdoors (with an optional antifreeze kit). The JULIUS STAR is a non-sealed combustion unit that uses 1.5 volt batteries for ignition therefore no electrical connections are needed. The SUPER CAESAR models have a higher capacity at 17 liters/minute.

KOSPEL---------kospel.pl-----------<1*--------NA------NA This brand is made in Poland and is available in Europe. They offer a variety of units and sizes of units to fit the needs of most homes. The units feature copper heat exchangers and modulating control.

LORENZETTI---lorenzetti.com.br------NA--------1*------NA These units are made and sold in Brazil. They offer either natural or forced exhaust units. The manufacturer's website is not much help and the warranty is not as good as most comparable units.

MIDEA------global.midea.com.cn------NA--------1*------NA This brand features both indoor and outdoor units in a variety of models. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

MONITOR--------monitorproducts.com--NA--------1*------NA The MWH180 series units include a remote control and they are available in either interior or exterior mounted models. They are only sold through dealers but they have a dealer locator on the manufacturers' site.

NAVIEN---------navianamerica.com----NA--------1*------NA This brand has 98% efficient condensing units (the highest efficiency available). They have stainless steel heat exchangers for durability and a built in leak detector. They are vented with PVC pipe instead of metal. They are for indoor mounting only. There is no information about purchasing them on the manufacturer's site.

NORITZ---------noritz.com-----------NA--------1*------NA These units are available in either exterior or interior mounted units.

PALOMA-------palomatankless.com-----NA--------1*------NA This brand has exterior and interior units available and a remote digital controller.

QUIETSIDE------quietside.com--------NA--------1*------NA These units are available in four sizes to match the needs of your home. They are high efficiency (condensing units) and feature a remote controller. They are available in the U.S. and Canada.

RACOLD---------mtsil.com------------NA--------NA-----<1* This brand is a subsidiary of MTS GROUP. The units are manufactured in India. Their gas fired instantaneous units can be mounted internally or externally. They are non-condensing units with an efficiency of 80%. The warranty on the units is not long enough.

RHEEM----------rheemtankless.com----NA--------3*------NA This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. Indoor and outdoor models are available and they also include a remote controller.

RICHMOND--richmondwaterheaters.com--NA--------1*------NA This brand is built by RHEEM MANUFACTURING which is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. The ENCORE series units are available for either indoor or outdoor mounting. They include a remote control. They can be purchased at home improvement centers.

RINNAI---------rinnai.us------------NA--------3*------NA The LS series units are available in either interior or exterior mounting models. They have optional wired and wireless controllers available. They are only sold through dealers but there is a dealer locator on the manufacturer's site. They also offer four new models with efficiencies of up to 95% that feature condensing technology. The warranty on the heat exchanger of this brand is not as good as many other brands.

RUUD-----------rheem.com------------NA--------3*------NA This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. Indoor and outdoor models are available but only through authorized dealers. They also include a remote controller.

SEISCO---------seisco.com-----------3*--------NA------NA This brand has online pricing and ordering.

S.E.T.S.-------buytankless.com------2*--------NA------NA This brand is now referred to as SETS by HUBBELL. It was purchased by HUBBELL ELECTRIC HEATER COMPANY. They have a variety of sizes of units available. They have online pricing and buying but they must be installed by a licensed electrician and plumber for the warranty to be honored. They have a flow switch that senses amount of water flowing through the unit and regulates the current to the heating elements accordingly.

SIME-----------sime.it--------------NA--------1*------NA This brand is a part of the SIME GROUP. The units are made and sold in Italy. The ONDA BF units are sealed combustion units while the ONDA OF units are natural draft units that are battery powered.

SKYE-----------tankless.com---------4*--------NA------NA This brand is available in North America. The FORTIS series units feature digital temperature control and an optional remote controller. The units are backed by an outstanding warranty.

STATE------statewaterheaters.com----NA--------3*------NA This brand has sixteen models available in interior and exterior units. They are backed by a strong guarantee.

TAKAGI---------takagi.com-----------NA--------2*------NA The FLASH series units are available in indoor or outdoor units. They have a dealer locator on their website by state and zip code.

TANKLESS-------hotwaterheater.com--<1*--------NA------NA This brand has a variety of units but the warranty is not very good.

TEMPRA-----steibel-eltron-usa.com---1*--------NA------NA These units are available in six sizes to suit almost every need. They are microprocessor controlled and the heating elements are energized in stages for very good temperature control. Their website has a dealer locator by state.

TITAN----------titanheater.com-----<1*--------NA------NA This brand is from NIAGARA INDUSTRIES. They use dual electronic temperature for very good temperature control. The warranty on the units is not very good.

TOYOTOMI-------toyotomiusa.com------NA--------NA------5* These units have a stainless steel heat exchanger for durability and are about 88% efficient. They are backed by a strong warranty policy.

VIRIDIAN---viridiantankless.com----<1*--------NA------NA This brand is from NOBLE INNOVATIONS INC. and is available in the U.S. They offer two sizes of units (24 & 28.8kw) to match the needs of most homes. The units feature electronic temperature control and a "smart" control board. The heat exchange section is made of stainless steel for durability. The units use patented "JALIX" heat tubes which are longer low wattage elements with a spiral indentation inside them for enhanced heat transfer. This brand is to be sold by dealers but they do not have a wide network of distributors yet.

WAIWELA--------waiwela.com---------<1*--------NA------NA These units are available in two sizes. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

BRAND------------------WEB ADDRESS---------RATING

AMERICAN HOMETEC -----americanhometec.com----4* These units feature coilless technology which eliminates the problem of scale buildup. The units have either two or three capacity settings and "Smooth Start" technology for energy savings. The AHQ-C10 models are the best bet for point of use applications in most homes. The units are backed by a good warranty.

BOSCH-----------------boschhotwater.com-----<1* The POWERSTAR AE series is available in four different models in varying temperatures and flow rates. They are available at home centers and hardware stores but the warranty is not very good when compared to other brands.

BRADFORD WHITE--------bradfordwhite.com------1* The KWICKSHOT range features both thermostatic and flow controlled models. They feature NiChrome heating elements for durability. They have very easy installation with their compression fittings instead of sweat connections. They have a dealer locator by city/state, area code, or zip code on their website.

CHRONOMITE------------chronomite.com--------<1* This brand features both standard and low flow models. The units are mostly used for commercial and industrial applications. They offer an optional stainless steel housing for durability but the warranty on the units is not very good.

DAALDEROP-------------daalderop.nl-----------2* This brand is available in Belgium and the Netherlands. The CLOSE IN BOILY is a good solution for kitchen sinks while the CLOSE IN COMPACT is ideal for dishwashers. Both of the units are backed by a very good guarantee. They have a dealer locator on their website to help you to find a stockist.

ECOSMART--------------ecosmartus.com---------5* This brand offers small tankless units as well as single shower tankless water heaters (power showers). They feature an advanced modulating control system and are backed by a very good guarantee.

EEMAX-----------------eemaxinc.com----------<1* Their single point unit offers .5 gal/minute flow and is available in various voltages. The unit is easy to install with compression fittings instead of sweat connections. They offer optional braided stainless steel flex connectors to make the piping easier. The SERIES TWO models are for a typical bathroom and offer flowrates of up to 3gpm. They feature staged thermostatically controlled elements. You can purchase their units online but the guarantee is not very good.

KOSPEL----------------kospel.pl-------------<1* This brand is made in Poland and is available throughout Europe. The units feature copper shielded heating coils that are controlled by the water flow.

RACOLD----------------mtsil.com-------------<1* This brand is manufactured in India and is a subsidiary of MTS GROUP. The warranty on the ETERNO units is not very good.

REDRING------------- applied-energy.com ---3* This brand is made in the U.K. The POWERSTREAM models are available in sizes 9.5, 10.8, and 12kw. They can provide hot water for two outlets. They are backed by a very good guarantee and have a dealer locator by postcode on their website.

SANTON----------------santon.co.uk----------<1* This brand is made in the U.K. and is a part of HEATRAE SADIA which is a division of the BAXI GROUP. The POWER PACK range features 7kw and 9kw models with a copper heat exchanger for durability. The guarantee is not very good when compared with the other brands.

SETS by Hubbell----- sets-systems.com -----4* The SETS brand was purchased by HUBBELL ELECTRIC HEATER COMPANY in June 2008. They offer a 11kw unit (MODEL 110-2) and a 14kw unit (MODEL 145-2). The units feature twin elements and a copper heat exchanger. They are backed by a very good warranty but must be installed by a licensed plumber.

STIEBEL ELTRON------ stiebel-eltron.de------3* This brand is available worldwide. The MINI units are available in three models and are flow controlled. They feature world famous German engineering backed by a solid warranty.

TANKLESS--------------hotwaterheater.com-----2* This brand offers a wide variety of units backed by a good warranty. They must be installed by a licensed plumber or electrician for the warranty to be honored.
Return from tankless water heater ratings to home