The Crown MS2-50 is the only listed product specifically identified as an indirect water heater, making it the clearest match for homeowners seeking residential indirect hot water storage. The other listed heaters are electric storage or point-of-use models, which may suit smaller applications but are not indirect tanks. The CMI stand is an accessory, not a water heater. Compare the options below by type, capacity, and intended use before choosing.
| Product | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Crown MS2-50 Mega Stor | Indirect water heater | Residential systems seeking an indirect tank |
| ThermoMate 18-Gallon | Electric point-of-use tank | Small locations needing a larger local reserve |
| CAMPLUX 10-Gallon | Electric point-of-use tank | Under-counter or booster applications |
| VEVOR 6-Gallon | Electric point-of-use tank | Small supplemental hot-water needs |
| CMI Heavy-Duty Stand | Water-heater support stand | Buyers who need an elevated tank platform |
Crown MS2-50 Mega Stor Indirect Water Heater
Best for: Homeowners specifically comparing residential indirect storage tanks. This is the most directly relevant product in the list because its name identifies it as an indirect water heater. The listed features describe a vertical tank with a stainless-steel tank cylinder and heat exchanger made of 444 stainless steel.
The product also features insulation intended to keep stored water hot during standby and adjustable feet for uneven floors. Those details may matter when planning a tank location, but they do not replace checking the installation manual, dimensions, connections, and required clearances for the particular home.
- Choose this if: You want an indirect tank rather than a small electric point-of-use unit.
- Why it stands out: Its listed construction includes both a stainless-steel storage cylinder and heat exchanger.
- Limitation: The supplied product information does not state tank capacity, dimensions, or required boiler compatibility. Confirm these details with the manufacturer or installer before purchase.
Indirect systems use a separate heat source to heat stored domestic water through a heat exchanger. A qualified installer can determine whether the home’s boiler and hydronic system are appropriate for a particular indirect tank.
ThermoMate 18-Gallon Electric Point-of-Use Tank
Best for: Buyers who need a relatively large local electric hot-water reserve for a sink, appliance, or other point-of-use location. This is a storage water heater, but it is not an indirect tank: the listed product uses a 120-volt, 1,500-watt electric heating element.
The manufacturer describes an 18-gallon capacity, a built-in adjustable thermostat with a stated range of 90°F to 150°F, and a factory setting of 125°F. The listing says the unit is 25.5 inches tall and can be installed independently or used as an in-line booster with a larger hot-water source. It also identifies an INCOLOY-800 heating element.
- Choose this if: A point-of-use electric tank better fits the job than a boiler-connected indirect tank.
- Why it stands out: Among the listed point-of-use tanks, its stated 18-gallon capacity is the largest.
- Limitation: The listing specifies hard-wired 120-volt installation. Confirm electrical requirements and available space before choosing it.
The product description’s stated shower duration is manufacturer-provided guidance, not a guarantee of the amount of usable hot water in every home. Actual delivery depends on incoming water temperature, thermostat setting, flow, and other conditions.
CAMPLUX 10-Gallon Electric Storage Heater
Best for: Buyers looking for a compact electric storage tank or a local booster for a fixture or short pipe run. The CAMPLUX is a point-of-use electric model rather than an indirect water heater. Its listed capacity is 10 gallons, and the product information gives dimensions of 14.75 inches wide by 24.5 inches high.
The listing describes a built-in thermostat adjustable from 90°F to 150°F, insulation intended to reduce standby heat loss, and a claimed heating time of about 60 minutes. It is presented for stored hot water or booster use and for locations where running long hot-water pipes is impractical.
- Choose this if: You want a smaller electric tank for an under-counter or similar application.
- Why it stands out: Its stated dimensions and 10-gallon capacity make it a middle option between the 6- and 18-gallon electric models listed here.
- Limitation: The approximately 60-minute heating time is a product claim; actual recovery can vary with water temperature and installation conditions.
Check the required electrical connection, plumbing arrangement, and installation clearances. A point-of-use tank does not provide the same system design as a boiler-heated indirect tank.
VEVOR 6-Gallon Electric Point-of-Use Heater
Best for: A small supplemental hot-water source for a sink, guest bathroom, studio apartment, or other light-demand application. The listing describes a 6-gallon electric storage tank with a 1,600-watt heating element and 120-volt power. It is not an indirect tank and should be compared with other electric point-of-use models, not treated as a direct replacement for one.
Listed features include an LED display, knob control, top outlet, and a 20-millimeter foam insulation layer. The product information also describes an enamel interior and built-in dry-heating, overheating, and overpressure protections.
- Choose this if: You need a small local reserve for handwashing, dishwashing, or light cleaning.
- Why it stands out: It is the smallest stated tank capacity among the listed electric water heaters.
- Limitation: A 6-gallon tank may not meet the demand of multiple simultaneous fixtures or extended hot-water use. Match capacity to the actual application.
The listing mentions use in RVs and studio apartments. Before installation, verify the unit’s dimensions, mounting and plumbing requirements, and suitability for the specific site.
CMI Heavy-Duty Water Heater Stand
Best for: Buyers who need a support platform for a water heater, not a tank. This galvanized-steel stand is included as an installation accessory for comparison. It is not an indirect water heater, does not store hot water, and cannot serve as a substitute for a tank.
The listing gives platform dimensions of 21 by 21 by 18 inches and describes the stand for 30- to 50-gallon tanks. It also states a capacity of up to 50 gallons and identifies potential uses for other equipment. Check the stand’s specifications and the water heater manufacturer’s installation instructions to confirm that a particular setup is appropriate.
- Choose this if: Your installation requires a raised platform and the tank’s size and installation instructions allow this type of support.
- Why it is included: A stand can be part of a storage-tank installation plan, although it does not affect how the tank heats water.
- Limitation: It is an accessory, not a water heater. The listing’s broad application claims should not replace local code requirements or equipment instructions.
Do not select a stand based only on nominal tank capacity. Confirm the loaded weight, footprint, floor condition, and required clearances with a qualified installer.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Residential Hot-Water Storage Tank
Do you need an indirect tank or an electric storage heater?
An indirect water heater stores domestic hot water and heats it through a heat exchanger connected to a separate heat source, commonly part of a hydronic heating system. It is not the same product category as a point-of-use electric tank, which heats its own stored water with an electric element. Start by deciding which system type suits the home and existing equipment.
The Crown MS2-50 is the only listed model identified as indirect. The ThermoMate, CAMPLUX, and VEVOR products are electric storage heaters. They may be useful for local hot-water needs, but the supplied information does not establish them as replacements for a boiler-connected indirect tank.
What tank capacity fits the household’s demand?
Estimate how many people and fixtures may draw hot water at the same time, and consider the duration of typical uses. A small point-of-use tank can support a nearby sink or light-duty application, while larger household demand generally requires a system sized for the home. Do not choose by gallon capacity alone: recovery rate, incoming water temperature, thermostat setting, and usage patterns also affect available hot water.
The listed electric models range from 6 to 18 gallons. Their capacities are not a direct measure of equivalent performance to the Crown indirect model because its tank capacity is not provided in the supplied product details. Obtain complete specifications before comparing systems.
Will the tank fit the installation location?
Measure the proposed location, including height, width, depth, doorways, and access for service. The CAMPLUX listing supplies dimensions of 14.75 inches wide by 24.5 inches high, while the ThermoMate listing gives a 25.5-inch low-profile height. The VEVOR listing does not provide dimensions in the supplied details. Verify dimensions for any model before planning cabinetry or a mechanical-room layout.
Also check plumbing connections, drainage needs, electrical access or heat-source connections, ventilation where applicable, and manufacturer-required clearances. A tank that fits physically may still be unsuitable if its connections or service access cannot be accommodated.
Which energy source and connections are available?
Indirect tanks require a compatible separate heat source and a correctly designed connection to the heating system. Electric storage heaters require an electrical supply that meets the product requirements. The two systems have different installation needs, so compare them with the existing equipment and consult a qualified plumber or heating professional.
For the electric products listed here, the ThermoMate and CAMPLUX descriptions specify 120-volt operation; the VEVOR listing specifies 120 volts and 1,600 watts. The ThermoMate description also says hard-wired. Confirm the exact electrical requirements and whether the home’s circuit is appropriate before purchase.
How important are insulation and recovery time?
Insulation can reduce heat loss while water waits in the tank, but product descriptions do not provide a standardized comparison across these models. The Crown listing says its insulation keeps water hot for hours during standby. CAMPLUX describes 24-hour insulation, while VEVOR lists a 20-millimeter foam insulation layer. Treat these as product claims, and review full technical documentation for comparable performance data.
Recovery time is also important when hot water is used repeatedly. CAMPLUX states that its 10-gallon unit heats in about 60 minutes. The supplied descriptions do not provide equivalent recovery data for every product, so avoid assuming that one model will recover faster based on capacity or marketing language alone.
What installation and safety details should you verify?
Use the manufacturer’s installation instructions and applicable local requirements. Confirm tank support, plumbing, pressure-relief provisions, electrical or heat-source connections, and service clearances. The VEVOR description lists built-in dry-heating, overheating, and overpressure protections, but product features do not eliminate the need for correct installation.
If considering the CMI stand, verify that the heater’s footprint and loaded weight are suitable for the platform and that the installation is permitted. The stand listing describes support for 30- to 50-gallon tanks, but the actual heater instructions and local code should guide the final setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an indirect hot water storage tank?
An indirect tank stores domestic hot water and heats it through a heat exchanger connected to a separate heat source. It differs from an electric point-of-use tank, which heats stored water with an electric element inside the unit.
Which listed product is an indirect water heater?
The Crown MS2-50 Mega Stor is the only listed product identified as an indirect water heater. The supplied information describes a stainless-steel tank cylinder and heat exchanger, but does not state tank capacity or required boiler compatibility.
Can a point-of-use electric tank replace an indirect tank?
Not automatically. The listed electric tanks use their own electric heating elements and are intended for point-of-use or supplemental applications. Whether one can meet a home’s needs depends on demand, installation, and the system design.
Which listed electric heater has the largest capacity?
The ThermoMate has the largest stated capacity among the listed electric heaters at 18 gallons. The CAMPLUX is listed at 10 gallons, and the VEVOR is listed at 6 gallons.
Is the CMI product a water heater?
No. The CMI product is a stand intended to support equipment such as certain water heaters. It does not heat or store water.
What should I verify before buying an indirect tank?
Confirm tank capacity, dimensions, heat-source compatibility, connection requirements, installation clearances, and system sizing with the manufacturer’s documentation and a qualified installer. The available Crown product details do not provide all of these specifications.