Best Smart Tankless Water Heaters for On‑Demand Comfort and Efficiency
Smart tankless water heaters deliver on‑demand hot water, optimize energy use, and save space. This guide highlights top, Wi‑Fi capable and high‑efficiency models that suit American homes. Below you’ll find a quick product summary, followed by in‑depth sections that cover performance, installation notes, and smart features.
| Product | Brand | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoSmart ECO 11 | EcoSmart | Electric Tankless | ~1.3–2.5 |
| Westinghouse APOLO‑14kW | Westinghouse | Electric Tankless with Wi‑Fi | ~2.0–3.0 |
| Rinnai RX199iN | Rinnai | Condensing Gas Tankless | ~7+ (up to 11.1 GPM) |
| APUS Tankless Water Heater Propane | APUS | Propane Gas Tankless | ~4.4 |
| EcoSmart ECO 18 | EcoSmart | Electric Tankless | ~2.5–4.5 |
The following selections emphasize reliability, energy efficiency, and remote or smart control options. Each product section provides a concise overview, key specifications, and practical considerations to help you compare models for your home.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Brand: EcoSmart. This compact electric unit uses patented self‑modulating technology and 54 A amperage draw to heat water on demand. It’s designed to be space‑saving—about 11.5 x 8 x 3.75 inches—and is appropriate for installation on a wall or at the point of use. The system heats water only when called, offering high energy efficiency and reduced standby losses. Performance is monitored to keep water within 1 degree of the selected temperature, supporting consistent showers, sinks, and small applications.
Westinghouse APOLO‑14kW Smart WiFi Tankless
Brand: Westinghouse. This 14 kW electric tankless unit delivers instant hot water with compatible smart features. It supports up to roughly 3 GPM in typical setups, with an activation flow of 0.5 GPM. It’s designed for simultaneous use (shower plus sink) while offering remote temperature control via an app and voice assistants. The LED display provides real‑time status updates, and the system is configured for 60 A circuit protection and standard water connections. It targets homes needing space‑savvy, responsive hot water with digital control.
Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Smart Sense
Brand: Rinnai. This compact gas tankless model is suitable for indoor or outdoor installation using Versa Vent, and supports propane or natural gas with a smart sense gas control. It offers up to 11.1 GPM, making it capable of multiple fixtures running concurrently. Its energy efficiency is highlighted by a high UEF rating, and it includes a quick flush feature and a User Interface for control. Optional WiFi control with the Controlr module adds remote management, though the module is not included by default.
APUS Tankless Water Heater Propane Gas
Brand: APUS. A high‑capacity propane unit with 95,000 BTU heating and 4.42 GPM flow. It features 0.66 GPM low‑flow start technology for reliable hot water at low flow, a smart digital display, and precise temperature control that maintains water within a tight band of the set point. The device is designed to support two showers plus a sink without noticeable temperature swings and emphasizes energy efficiency and durable heat exchangers.
EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Brand: EcoSmart. The ECO 18 concentrates on higher thermal capacity, delivering up to 18 kW and self‑modulating operation. It’s designed for climates where incoming water is warmer and supports heating well above 2.5 GPM. The digital temperature control allows precise adjustments in 1‑degree increments, providing consistent hot water for moderate household demands and multi‑point usage, while maintaining energy efficiency by heating only when required.
Buying Guide: Key Factors For Smart Tankless Water Heaters
- Household hot water demand: Evaluate peak simultaneous usage (showers, sinks, dishwashing). Gas models typically deliver higher GPM than electric units, making them better for larger homes.
- Fuel type and installation: Electric units require appropriate electrical service (ampacity and breaker size). Gas units need venting and proper gas supply, with layout considerations for indoor vs outdoor installation.
- Energy efficiency and self‑modulation: Self‑modulating technology adjusts power to match demand, reducing standby losses. Look for high UEF or similar efficiency ratings where applicable.
- Smart features and control: Wi‑Fi or app control, temperature scheduling, and compatibility with voice assistants simplify management and can help optimize energy use.
- Space and placement: Tankless units are compact, but installation space and mounting requirements vary by model. Wall mounting helps free up floor space in utility rooms.
- Maintenance and serviceability: Consider scale prevention features, easy access for flushing or descaling, and availability of support for parts or service in your region.
- Installation complexity and cost: Gas units generally require professional installation and venting. Electric units may need a licensed electrician to upgrade service panels or wiring.
- Warranty and durability: Review warranty terms, replacement policies, and the reputation of the brand for long‑term reliability and customer support.
When choosing a smart tankless water heater, align the selected model with your climate, water temperature, and household water usage. The products above cover a range of electric and gas options, from compact point‑of‑use solutions to high‑flow systems capable of supporting multiple fixtures simultaneously. Always verify local venting codes, electrical capacity, and installation requirements before purchase.