Yes—tankless electric and gas models can offer faster hot water on demand, save space, and reduce standby energy loss compared with traditional tank heaters. This guide highlights five well-suited options for typical American homes, apartments, and small offices. It explains who each model is best for, what to look for during installation, and practical trade-offs. Whether you want compact electric units for point-of-use needs or a robust gas option for whole-house use, these picks help you choose what fits your plumbing, electrical capacity, and hot-water demand.
Overview at a glance:
| Product | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 14kW Electric | Electric Tankless | Small homes or two-point needs | Fast 3s heating, smart WiFi, Alexa/Google | Requires 60A circuit and 6 AWG wire |
| NOVIEEX 18kW Electric | Electric Tankless | Mid-size homes with multiple outlets | High flow up to 4.9 GPM, space-saving | Electrical service needs upgrading considerations |
| ThermoMate 14kW Electric | Electric Tankless | Residential indoor use, 1–2 fixtures | Self-modulating, robust build | Dedicated circuit and copper wiring required |
| MIZUDO 120k BTU Gas | Gas Tankless | Whole-house with several outlets | Flexible indoor/outdoor installation | Gas line and venting considerations |
| Jflapil 110V Electric | Electric Under-Sink | Under-sink or compact kitchen/bath use | Compact, quick instant heat | Lower flow and capacity than larger units |
Westinghouse 14kW Electric Tankless – 2 Points of Use
Best for compact spaces and two-point use, this model delivers hot water in about 3 seconds with up to 3.4 GPM when inlet water is cooler. It supports two simultaneous fixtures, making it suitable for a small apartment or a bathroom plus sink setup. It requires a dedicated 60A double-pole breaker and 6 AWG wiring. Smart features include WiFi compatibility for voice control via Alexa and Google Home, plus temperature memory after power outages. Best for tech-connected homes that want remote management; avoid if your electrical service is limited or you lack available 60A capacity.
18kW NOVIEEX Electric Tankless Heater
Best for mid-size homes needing robust hot water at multiple outlets, the NOVIEEX 18kW unit can deliver up to 4.9 GPM. It requires two 40A double-pole breakers and two sets of 8 AWG wires, with a compact wall-mount profile that saves space. It’s well-suited for apartments, garages, or small homes with two to three simultaneous fixtures. The main caution is to verify electrical service capacity and ensure proper wiring before installation to avoid tripping breakers or overheating.
ThermoMate 14kW Electric On-Demand
Best for indoor residential use requiring up to 3.4 GPM, the ThermoMate 14kW unit needs a dedicated 60A double-pole breaker and 6 AWG copper wiring. It is designed to provide continuous hot water for 1–2 fixtures, such as a shower plus sink, depending on inlet temperature. Its heavy-duty cast aluminum heating element and integrated safety features support durability. Choose this if you want a reliable, self-modulating electric unit; avoid if your electrical service cannot support a 60A circuit.
MIZUDO 120,000 BTU Gas Tankless
Best for whole-house needs with multiple outlets, this gas unit supports up to 5.1 GPM. It offers flexible indoor/outdoor installation with conversion capabilities. The smart WiFi and app control streamline management, monitoring energy use, and maintenance alerts. It’s well-suited for homes with higher hot-water demand and dedicated gas supply. Caution: Gas installations require proper venting and professional setup to ensure safe operation and compliance with local codes.
Jflapil 110V Tankless Under-Sink
Best for compact under-sink needs, this 110V unit provides instant heating with an LED display and precise temperature control. It supports temperatures from about 82°F to 131°F and a flow around 0.3–0.5 GPM depending on setting. It’s ideal for small apartments, kitchens, or bathrooms where space is extremely tight. Limitations include lower flow and capacity compared to larger electric models, making it less suitable for multiple simultaneous fixtures.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a tankless water heater?
- Fuel type and installation: Electric units are easier to install where gas lines and venting are not available; gas units deliver higher flow for whole-house use but require venting and gas line work.
- Flow rate and temperature rise: Determine the number of fixtures you want to run simultaneously and estimate the required GPM at your inlet water temperature to pick a model with suitable capacity.
- Electrical capacity: If selecting an electric unit, verify the available service panel amperage and wire gauge. A 60A circuit is common for many 14kW/18kW units, but some homes may need panel upgrades.
- Space and installation: Wall-mounted, compact designs fit tight spaces. For apartments or storage closets, point-of-use models can be ideal, while whole-house systems suit larger homes.
- Smart features and control: WiFi, app control, and compatibility with voice assistants add convenience and energy management opportunities but require reliable network connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do tankless water heaters save energy?
- Can a tankless heater supply hot water to multiple fixtures at once?
- What electrical or gas requirements should I plan for?
- Is professional installation recommended?
- How do I choose between electric and gas models?
- Do these units require annual maintenance?
Yes, because they heat water on demand, reducing standby energy loss compared with storage tanks. Savings depend on usage patterns and the size of the unit.
Yes, but performance depends on the unit’s GPM rating and the inlet water temperature. High-demand households may require multiple units or a larger model.
Electric units typically need a dedicated 60A circuit with appropriate wire gauge; gas units require proper venting, gas supply, and compliance with local codes.
For electrical upgrades or gas venting and piping, professional installation is strongly advised to ensure safety and code compliance.
Electric models are simpler where electrical capacity is ample but may have lower maximum flow, while gas models handle higher demand but require venting and gas line work.
Routine checks for mineral buildup, venting integrity (gas), and electrical connections help maintain efficiency and safety.