Top 8 Best Tankless Water Heaters for Tiny House Living

For most of us, without a warm hot shower to start with, no day feels quite right. Hot showers on rainy, frigid nights, no matter how much you may want to live off the grid, is something you never want to give up. A good warm shower is one comfort that you can’t do away within a small house setting, which is why tankless water heaters are so common in the small house culture. 

Our primary concern when it came to selecting our small house water heater was the cost. Finding the right way to heat water can be a little challenging for small dwellers and those living off the grid. For a tiny house, much of the water heaters you would find in a typical home just won’t cut it. 

According to customer ratings, personal impressions, and best selling units, we have curated a list of the top 9 tiny home tankless water heaters on the market today.

But if you are in a hurry and simply want the best for you then may we suggest the top choice of our list, EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater. 

Now, let’s get started folks;

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8 Best Jack Stands for a Tiny House

1. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater

The EcoSmart ECO 27 is one of the biggest water heaters in the tankless water heater series of EcoSmart. So if you are looking for the EcoSmart brand and you want to ensure your residential use of power and efficiency. ECO 27 is what you’re going to need. This machine is easy to clean and maintain with only a Phillips screwdriver without fiberglass insulation and pipe wrenches, making this one of the simplest electric versions available. 

In smaller households, it is also applicable. In this last example, since the system will conveniently guarantee that two showers are adequately supplied if used at the same time the temperature of the incoming water is of no concern. 

The self-modulating technology is one of the best features of this unit, ensuring that electricity is only needed as water runs, saving homeowners only over half of their energy costs for residential water heating.

Key Features

• Endless hot water
• Save up to 50% in water heating costs according to the Department of Energy
• Compact design, more storage space
• Digital temperature control 80 – 140° F
• Field replaceable elements
• Advanced self-modulating technology

Things may offend:  As the automated indicator is not 100 percent reliable, we’ve heard different concerns. However, for quick repair, long-term reliability, and continuous performance, the stainless steel and copper parts are perfect.

Go for this one if you want protection and stability.

2. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater

An outstanding example of what a tankless water heater can be is the EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater. This model is a device for electric heating. That means that as natural gas units do, it does not require burners and flames. And as such, the construction is affordable and simple and does not require complex exhaust and ventilation systems. Since this model clocks in at a mere 6.5 pounds, it can be put in your home almost anywhere. 

This model can heat up to 2 gallons per minute of water. This tankless water heater can fulfill the needs of most small homes if you live in a warm-weather environment by concurrently providing clean, steamy water to two sinks and a tub. 

However, if you live in an environment where the incoming water temperature drops below 72 degrees while turning on the hot water tap, you will have to be more selective; in cooler climates, this tankless water heater can only power a single shower or two sinks.
Key Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Save up to 60-percent on your water heating cost with an ECOSMART electric tankless water heater
• Never run out of hot water with an ECOSMART tankless water heater
• Patented Self Modulating Technology and design
• ECOSMART tankless water heaters are 99.8-percent energy-efficient. Uniform Energy Factor:0.98

Things may offend:  We have not seen any major pitfalls, but we have read feedback from several individuals, such as a certified specialist plumber must mount it for EcoSmart to honor its lifetime warranty. 

However, if anything goes wrong with your investment, you can rest assured that it will be secured by the lifetime warranty of EcoSmart.

Go for this one if you want to purchase it now.

3. Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater

You’ll come across the Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater several times while looking for the right RV water heater. 

Among many outdoor aficionados, the water heater is popular. It features a lightweight, tankless (portable) style that helps you to take it outdoors comfortably. 

It supplies hot water up to 114 degrees automatically making it easy to change both water temperature and flow rate to top out at 1.32 gallons per minute. 

For those campers who have no access to a hose or pressurized water, this machine also comes with a 6L water pump. 

Its lightweight and highly portable architecture is another thing you have to love about this tankless water heater. 

As all outdoor enthusiasts will nod in agreement, most outdoor-designed water heaters typically come in larger sizes, making them almost difficult to carry. The Camplux 5L measures just 11.4 x 5.5 x 14.6 inches and has just a 10-pound lightweight feel.

Key Features

• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 5.5 x 14.6 inches
• Batteries: 2 Lithium-ion batteries required.
• Wattage: 10 KW
• Hose Length: 5 Feet
• Special Features: Portable

Things may offend:  No essential drawbacks were seen but some customers had problems with the instructions on it. They claimed it was not straight forward. But, you can always take help from experts and professionals. 

Go for this one if you want to purchase it now.

4. Rinnai V65IN Tankless Water Heater

Rinnai is a Japanese corporation and the most reliable tankless water heater maker out there. This business specializes in giving its clients warmth and happiness. In almost every respect, the Rinnai V65iN natural gas water heater is superior to conventional water heaters. Instead of pre-heating and storing it delivers hot water on demand, consumes less electricity, takes up less space, and can be put anywhere in your home for quicker water distribution. 

A crucial point to remember, though is that this system would appear to use a voltage capacity of 60Hz for ignition purposes. Rinnai also ensured that factory reset temperatures were supplied with the system. The minimum and maximum temperatures were rated to be respectively 98 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 

By using the Ultra-Low NOx technology, the performance of the V651N is also supported. It makes this computer eco-friendly.

Key Features

• Product Depth 9.27 in / (235.5 mm)
• Product Height 26.9 in / (684 mm)
• Product Width 14.04 in / (356.6 mm)
• Product Weight 45.6 lb / (20.7 kg)
• Gas Type Natural Gas
• Installation Type Indoor Only

Things may offend:  Many clients have complained of limescale build-up within their Rinnai goods, the only problem. The LC code signaling the presence of calcium continually allows the tank to be serviced and washed.

Go for this one if you want to purchase it now.

Read Also: Preparing Your Tiny Home For The Winter

5. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater

The Stiebel Eltron is a tankless water heater that is electrically operated. Depending on the ground-water temperature, it will heat water up to 140 ° F. 

It uses copper tubing that is corrosion-resistant and provides optimum reliability and almost silent service. To ensure a constant temperature and flow rate, water temperature, and flow are controlled using their Advanced Flow Control system. 

When you are looking to use this model to operate a wide variety of fixtures at one time, the sophisticated flow control comes in handy. This furnace, which utilizes microprocessor technology means that all the water that comes out does so at a steady temperature. 

This model will continue to provide hot water at a constant temperature even though there is any fluctuation in the incoming flow. This suggests that no matter when you use it, you can have a fun shower or hot water experience. 

The Stiebel is an outstanding water heater that is tankless. It’s doing its job and doing it well.

Key Features

• Dimensions: 16-5/8” W x 14-1/2” H x 4-5/8” D
• Weight: 17.6 Pounds
• Materials: All Copper Internals
• Water Connections: 3/4” NPT with built-in shut-off valve
• Voltage: 240V / 208V
• Wattage: 28.8kW / 21.6kW

Things may offend:  Users could mount the heater, but small failures can result in variations in the power supply and the inconsistent supply of hot water. Professional support is also mandatory and it can be costly.

Go for this one if you want to purchase it now.

6. Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater

Rheem is one of the most reputable brands of water and air equipment, meaning that all these qualities are fantastic for the goods. It focuses on quality and customer service, and over its many years in operation, it has created numerous creative designs. 

These water heaters are known to be of great benefit because they deliver up to 84 percent efficiency while staying economical. They have a short recovery time as well so it is unusual to run out of hot water. In the good/better/best series, more than 20 versions are produced in sizes from 29 gallons to 98 gallons. The top-rated Rheem gas water heater is the Rheem 240V Series heavy-duty power direct-vent unit. 

This classic tankless water heater looks professional, designed for a single point of use or several applications to serve you unlimited hot water easily and on-demand. Up to 4.8 gallons per minute of water flow can be obtained from this 13KW unit, which is suitable for use in the bathroom, multiple sinks, dishwasher, or washing machine.

Key Features

• Dimensions 12.63″ H × 8.25″ W × 3.63″ D
• Weight 8.5 lbs
• Energy Factor 0.99
• Water connections ½” NPT
• Voltage 240 V
• Power 13 kW
• Current 54 A

Things may offend:  We haven’t seen flaws or read a bad review until now. But you have to use a single point to get the best output. 

Go for this one if you want to purchase it now.

7. Eccotemp i12-LP water heater

Next on our list for a small home’s best tankless water heater, another Eccotemp product, is their i12-LP model. In a compact, trendy kit, it incorporates tried-and-true top features with cutting-edge technology. 

It is made of tempered black glass and has a narrow LED panel with commands below. You can track and regulate the temperature through this interface, or even lock the thermostat if desired. Since this propane water heater is designed for indoor use, it has an exhaust pipe on top of it. 

All of the water fittings, vent system, and cord are simple to mount and. This tankless water heater is ideal for someone who needs an energy-saving machine that won’t take up much room in a small to medium home. You should not have a high electricity bill for a water heater that is not in operation, since this water heater is on-demand. 

Every space in which it is mounted will light up, and you will never have to think about having to keep it out of sight.

Key Features

• Sleek, modern design with black tempered glass front panel
• Equipped with child locking technology
• Pulls about 2 watts idle and 1.07 Amps during operation
• Fully automatic temperature controls
• Horizontal Stainless Steel vent kit included

Things may offend:  Reviews of this amazing heater are better on the internet than any other heater. This might not however be large enough for a large household where water is used at one time in several locations. But for small to medium-sized dwellings, it is big enough.

Go for this one if you want to purchase it now.

8. Eccotemp FVI12-LP Liquid Propane Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Finally, Let’s talk about the Eccotemp FVI-12-LP High Capacity Propane Tankless Water Heater. The FVI-12 is not a powerhouse of water heater, but if your hot water needs are low this can be a nice unit, especially for the price. According to the Eccotemp website, this unit can achieve a maximum flow rate of 4.0 GPM with a 45° Fahrenheit temperature rise. However, the Amazon page lists the flow rate at 3.5 (and 3.6) GPM.

The Eccotemp FVI-12 has two model types, one burns natural gas and the other propane. For most households, this heater will struggle to keep up and may not withstand the demands of everyday use. 

Speaking about efficiency, it can save you energy because unlike storage type water heaters, tankless units do not have standby losses. It can be a solution for those who live off the grid. It is fueled by a 20 lb propane tank

and only draws 2 watts at idle and 110 watts when running.

However, if you own a cabin or vacation home, this heater is a nice low-cost option.

Key Features

• Power Source Propane
• BTU Output 74,500
• Actual Width 15.25 inch
• Application Residential
• Flow Rate 4.8 gallon per minute
• Gas Connection Size 1/2

Things may offend Not that much bad or good reviews about this product. But some of the users have claimed that they had to keep flashing the tank every three months. It may seem irritating, but if you think, it helps to keep it sanitized.

Go for this one if you want to purchase it now.

Considerations Before You Buy a Tankless Water Heater for your Tiny house

You must look for these qualities in your water heater before you purchase them;

• Power source for Your Water Heater:  you have to be certain about the power source of your Water Heater. They come in;
• Electric: Electric versions are cheaper machines, but everyday heating costs are more costly, at around 4000 watts per hour. If you’re using an off-grid energy scheme, this can make electric water heaters hard to fuel. 
• Gas or Propane:  Heaters for gas or propane water will run on propane, natural gas, and even both, providing you plenty of versatility for living in a small building. 

• Solar: Solar water heaters can sound fancy, but in fact, they are the most simple form of heating possible, using sunlight to keep your water warm. 

• Wood: Few small house owners want to retain the old school, and you’d need a wood-fired water heater in this situation. This may either mean boiling a pot of water with a wood fire or heating copper coils by convection methods.

• Budget: For small gas-fired units, costs vary from about $170 to more than $2,000 for high-output heaters that can provide two showers at the same time; $1,000 is about the norm.
• Maintenance: Sign up to get an annual service given by a pro, including washing or replacing filters for water and air and testing the burner. A vinegar flushes every 500 hours prevents mineral accumulation from clogging the heat exchanger in places of rough water. Either pro or a homeowner will do the 20-minute job
• The need for warm water:  Such water heaters are versatile. They can heat the entire water supply of your home or provide only one remote bathroom with hot water. Usually smaller units serve only one faucet at a time, and if you only want to compliment the current hot water supply, this is not a concern. However, you’ll need a larger unit or few smaller units if you want whole-house tankless water heating.
• Location: You would need to select a water heater that fits into your current room, similar to the fuel source. Owing to improved insulation and other energy-efficiency upgrades, many newer water heaters are still bigger than older ones.

Read Also our another comprehensive article of : 7 Best Vented Propane Heaters for Tiny Houses

Final Words

Although certain tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere you choose, others can only be installed directly within or outside your house, and it is important to decide what you want before buying, or else you can end up with a tankless water heater put in a position that it can’t accommodate. 

One of the most important things to bear in mind is how you can mount your tiny house water heater. Some units can only be mounted on the exterior of your house especially propane or natural gas ones. Generally, interior units are smaller. Some are simply meant for a single tap, normally a tub, to supply warmth. 

We’ve researched to help you find the right tankless electric water heater for your lifestyle, whether it’s in an RV, a house, a tiny apartment, a cruise, a cabin, or anywhere!