Have you ever had to face a situation in which you were forced to take a shower with bone-chilling, cold water during peak winter season? If yes, then we completely understand your pain. When the winters arrive, water becomes our worst enemy. The simple act of washing hands makes us shudder and shiver. We cannot wait to be done and cover our hands with warm woolen gloves again.
It becomes worse when you have to take early morning showers for work and there is no hot water supply at your home. Tanked water heaters are dangerous, expensive, aesthetically unappealing and require frequent repair and replacement. Compared to that, tankless water heaters are less expensive, more energy-efficient, provide instant and constant hot water supply and can last for decades.
Small tankless water heaters are becoming the need of the hour, especially as the Northern areas of the world continue to be gripped in a deadly cold during the winter season.
The average temperature in winter in most parts of North America varies between 10.4 degrees to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it absolutely vital for homes, offices, public spaces (malls, libraries, museums, airports, etc.) and public transports like trains and planes to install mini tankless water heaters to ensure that people can conveniently go about their everyday lives without feeling the freezing, chilling pain in their bodies.
Things to Consider when Buying a Small Tankless Water Heater
In order to buy the best and smallest tankless water heater, a few things must be considered.
Size
Unlike tanked water heaters, tankless water heaters are mounted on a wall; therefore, it’s important that their size and shape support this functionality. Generally, electric water heaters are around 10 inches high and 7 inches wide. Gas-run tankless water heaters are 20 inches in height and around 10 to 15 inches in width.
When selecting a mini tankless water heater for your home, you must ensure that it is not more than 10 inches in height and 8 inches in width. This compact and small tankless water heater will save space, look decent when mounted on the wall of your basement, washrooms or kitchen and will provide a sufficient amount of hot water for your family’s needs.
Water Flow and Capacity
On average, tankless water heaters produce hot water at the rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute. This is around 7.6 to 15.2 liters every single minute. Tankless water heaters that are gas-fired produce more hot water as compared to the ones that are powered by electricity.
The water flow of your small tankless water heater should be smooth and should be able to guarantee that multiple taps and showers can provide hot water from the same mini tankless water heater instead of installing a separate one for showerheads and another one for the sink taps.
Typically, a showerhead requires a water flow of 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute (GPM), whereas a kitchen sink would need just 1 to 1.5 GPM of water supply. But if your small tankless water heater is only able to produce around 2 gallons of water per minute, then it will only be sufficient for your kitchen sink, and if both the kitchen sink tab and showerhead are being run at the same time, then neither one will receive hot water. Therefore, the water flow of your small tankless water heater should be according to your household usage.
Maximum Temperature
Generally, most tankless water heaters will provide a maximum water temperature of around 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius). This temperature is perfect for warming your body in cold, harsh winters without scaling your skin.
It is to be noted that humans can withstand hot water temperatures as high as 105 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit (41.6 degrees Celsius). Therefore, a small tankless water heater that produces hot water hotter than 122 degrees Fahrenheit will be completely useless even in regions with sub-zero temperatures because it will only burn the user’s skin when set to maximum temperature.
Gas vs. Electric
Tankless water heaters are available as gas-fired tankless water heaters and electric water heaters. Depending on your household’s needs, your preferred method of energy consumption and your safety requirements, you may choose which one of the two is best suited for your home.
Typically, electric tankless water heaters are cheaper to install and are more power-efficient as compared to gas-fired tankless water heaters. However, small gas-fired tankless water heaters can provide more gallons of hot water per minute (more than 8 GPM) as compared to electric water heaters and therefore have a better water flow and capacity.
Some people may prefer to install a small tankless water heater that runs on electricity instead of gas due to safety concerns. Gas leakages are the main reason for houses to catch fire. In such cases, people find it safe to install electric water heaters to provide instant hot water to their families.
Power or Gas Consumption
Before purchasing the right mini tankless water heater for your home, you must take into account the effect that it will have on your utility bills. If you live in an area or state where natural gas is more expensive as compared to electricity, then you may want to consider installing a gas-fired small tankless water heater. On average, a gas-fired small tankless water heater will consume 200,000 BTUs per hour for providing hot water supply to the whole house.
Whereas, a mini tankless water heater that runs on electricity will consume around 4000 Watts of electricity if used for 3 hours every day.
It has been noted that gas-fired small tankless water heaters are around 80% to 85% fuel efficient, whereas electricity-powered mini tankless water heaters are between 98% to 99% energy efficient. Therefore, depending on your household needs and the energy costs in your area, you must opt for a small tankless water heater that is energy efficient and consumes less gas or electricity.
Manufacturer
Small tankless water heaters that have been engineered by the world’s leading tankless water heater manufacturers will be able to provide good quality and long-lasting mini tankless water heaters as compared to the ones that are not known to deliver premium quality products.
To ensure that your small tankless water heater is of good quality and can continue to deliver instant hot water for years, you must select the brand that has been recognized for manufacturing quality products. A trustworthy, reliable, and environmentally responsible tankless water heater manufacturer will guarantee you efficiency and effectiveness.
Price
You should consider your budget and the needs of your household when deciding on which small tankless water heater to buy for your house. On average, the price of a small tankless water heater that runs on electricity is between $200 and $600. However, the price can vary due to the brand name and value, the design, functions and capacity and also the power consumption ratings.
Gas-fired mini tankless water heaters can be anywhere between $150 and $1000 depending on their performance, water output and fuel consumption.
To pick the best smallest tankless water heater for your house, you must go for the one that is within your budget and offers you great value for money.
Service Or Replacement Period
Tankless water heaters, regardless of whether they run on natural gas or electricity, are a long-term solution and one-time investment for your hot water needs. Unlike the tanked water heaters (geysers), tankless water heaters can last for up to 20 years and do not require frequent maintenance, repairs or replacements.
Compared to that, tanked water heaters need to be replaced after every 10 years and require frequent maintenance because the buoyant sand and dust particles in the water settle at the bottom of the tank as residue and have to be filtered out in order for the water heater/ boiler to work at its maximum efficiency.
Warranty
Before you consider purchasing a tankless water heater for your home, it is very important that you check for its warranty period. Generally speaking, mini tankless water heaters come with 6 to 10 years of limited warranty. Some brands may even offer up to 12 years of manufacturer’s warranty on their gas or electric tankless water heaters.
Having an extended warranty period on your small tankless water heater will ensure that your product can be repaired and replaced free of charge for up to 5, 10 or 12 years. This will make you more confident about your purchase and save you from paying for the repair or replacement costs out of your pocket.
The Best Small Tankless Water Heaters
1) Noritz NRC66DVNG Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater
In case electricity is expensive in your area, and you might prefer to use a gas-fired mini tankless water heater instead of an electric one, then the Noritz NRC66DVNG gas-fired tankless water heater is an ideal option for you.
- Endless hot water
- Can be vented with Schedule 40 PVC Pipe and Fitting
- High Efficiency
- Low Nox
- Remote thermostat & 6' power cord included
Its advanced heat exchanger design and built-in controller allows it to monitor and regulate water temperature depending on the supply of natural gas. It has water connections on the top (inlets and outlets) to regulate the hot and cold water supply and gas connections at the bottom to ensure that a smooth supply of natural gas is delivered to heat up the water in Noritz tankless water heater.
It has a flexible vent piping that acts as a heat and pressure relief valve, keeping your internal spaces smoke-free. Its 40-gallon water capacity makes sure that you have sufficient hot water for bathing, washing and cleaning. Noritz gas-fired mini tankless water heater provides a 6.5 gallons per minute water flow, and its remote thermostat and 6 inches power cord allow you to regulate the temperature remotely.
Noritz’s innovative technology has made this gas-fired small tankless water heater Wi-Fi enabled. You can switch them on and off remotely. With over 60 years of experience in producing quality water heater/ boilers, Noritz small tankless water heaters are an energy-efficient solution for homes that need a constant and instant supply of hot water for their household needs.
Dimensions: 6.7 x 13.8 x 23.6 inches
- Gas-fired tankless water heater
- Small and compact design
- 5 gallons per minute hot water output
- 40 gallons water capacity
- The maximum temperature output is 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with flexible vent piping
- Water inlets and outs
- Single ½ inches gas connection
- Remote thermostat and 6-inch power cord
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Built-in controller and advanced heat exchange design
- Reduces plumbing and wiring costs
- Energy efficient
- Constant supply of hot water for household needs
- Lightweight as compared to standard tankless water boilers (11.42 pounds or 5.2 Kgs)
- Low fuel consumption (minimum 15,000 to max 120,000 BTUh)
- 12-year heat exchanger warranty
- Is not ideal for small spaces like small washrooms, kitchens, etc.
- Gas leaks can cause a fire
- Gas prices are volatile. The operational costs could become high in the long run
- Expensive (Around $1000)
- Only 5-year warranty on parts and 1-year warranty on labor
- Not compact
- Old design
- Only available in white color
2) Ecosmart POU 3.5 Point Electric Tankless Water Heater
Ecosmart’s electricity-powered mini tankless water heater is ideal for providing instant hot water for one sink. On cold winter nights, dishwashing will not seem like a bone-chilling task anymore. Just switch on the water heater and within 5 seconds, enjoy an immediate supply of hot water in your sink taps.
- Can provide hot water for one sink at 0.5 GPM in warmer...
- Requires 1 x 30 amp breaker and 10 AWG wire
- For one sink at 0.5 GPM in colder climates the POU 6 is...
- Amperage Draw 29 amp. kW - 3.5 kW
- Connection Fittings 1/2" NPT
- Max temperature rise @ .5 GMP is 47.8°F Max temperature...
Its beautiful compact design saves space and makes installation under the sink easy and hassle-free. Made with Grade-A durable plastic and fitted with copper wires and pipes, Ecosmart tankless water heaters guarantee longevity, making the product last for decades.
These small tankless water heaters are 100% energy efficient and only utilize electricity when the water needs to be heated. Its high-tech, self-modulating technology ensures that once the water has been heated to the maximum temperature, the heater automatically shifts to a standby mode and saves electricity.
It is 90% smaller than the standard electric tankless water heaters but works better than them and ensures and an endless supply of hot water for hand and face washing in small spaces like offices, public washrooms, studio apartments and recreational vans (RVs).
Its digital temperature control allows you to adjust the water temperature between 80 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the Department of Energy, this mini tankless water heater can save up to 50% of your water and heating costs.
Dimensions: 3 x 11 x 6 inches
- 90% small than average tankless water heaters
- Lightweight (4 pounds)
- Low power consumption (3.5 kW)
- Fixed flow rate between 0.5 to 1.5 gallons per minute
- Endless supply of hot water for the sink
- High-tech, self-modulating temperature control
- Shows digital water temperature readings between 80 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Durable, waterproof plastic exterior
- Long-lasting copper pipes and wiring
- Can last for up to 20 years
- Easy installation
- Supports wall mounting
- Saves 50% on water and electricity bills
- Perfect to be installed at homes, offices, malls, airports, restaurants and RVs
- Made in the USA
- Limited and fixed water flow
- Only works for the sink
- Not suitable for showerheads or washing machines
- 1-year limited warranty only on electronics and heating elements. Does not cover plumbing costs or accidental damages.
- Only available in white color
- Can only be mounted horizontally. Not ideal for narrow spaces.
3) Bosch Thermotechnology 7736505871 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heater is perfect to be installed under a sink and provides instant hot water for washing your hands or dishes in freezing temperatures.
- ELECTRIC TANKLESS WATER HEATER: 9.5 kW under-sink tankless...
- FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION: Can be installed in a 360 degree...
- EFFICIENT DESIGN: Ultra compact and lightweight design with...
- DURABLE PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION: Roundagon Bosch DNA design...
- IDEAL SIZE: Measures 6.6" x 12.8" x 2.9", making it the...
It only consumes 9.5Kw of electricity, and its intelligent flat design allows you to rotate this mini tankless water heater for installation. You can mount it on the wall either vertically or horizontally, depending on the space you have under your sinks.
It is extremely lightweight and weighs only 5.46 pounds (2.48 Kgs), making it portable and very safe for overhead installations, too. The Bosch electric mini tankless water heater offers 98% efficiency, and there is zero loss of heat when the heater is on standby mode. Moreover, it does not require an additional temperature or pressure relief valve because its intelligent design allows automatic pressure and temperature regulation.
Bosch electric small tankless water heater is made from durable and long-lasting plastic that helps it to blend seamlessly with most interior decors. It’s 100% waterproof, and its small size makes it ideal to be installed in public washrooms at airports, hotels, shopping malls, and offices.
Bosch Tankless water heater has an activation flow rate of 0.3 to 0.7 gallons per minute ensure that water is not wasted during hand washing at sinks.
Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.6 x 2.9 inches
- Small tankless water heater
- Electricity powered
- Consumes only 9.5 Kw of electricity
- 98% efficiency rate
- Lightweight (5.46 pounds)
- Compact design
- 360-degree installation
- Zero heat loss on standby
- No need for a temperature or pressure relief valve
- 3 to 0.7 GPM water flow
- Instant hot water in taps
- Copper wirings that ensure durability
- Environmentally-friendly
- Affordable
- Can only supply hot water to sink taps
- Low capacity
- Lower water flow
- Not suitable for showers or washing machines
- Only available in white color
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a gas-fired or an electricity-powered small tankless water heater, you must make sure that water capacity and hot water output meet the needs of the users. Most small tankless water heaters are only able to deliver a fixed water flow of 0.5 to 1.0 gallons per minute which is not sufficient if you want hot water in multiple taps and showerheads at the same time.
However, these mini tankless water heaters are ideal to be used for sinks. Before purchasing your smallest tankless water heater, make sure that it is energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and allows you to save up on your water and energy (gas or electricity) costs.
We hope that with the small tankless water heaters that we have mentioned above, you will be able to find the perfect fit for your household or business needs. It’s time to kill the chill with these best small tankless water heaters.
