It can be challenging to choose a tankless water heater. There are many different models and brands and a ton of difficult-to-understand industry jargon. So we reviewed the top water heater companies on the market: Stiebel Eltron vs Ecosmart.
The best tankless water heater will be discussed in this post, assuming that you have already decided to use one and are looking for the best model. Check out this comprehensive evaluation if you’re seeking a high-quality product from a reputable seller.
EcoSmart Water heaters
Ecosmart was established in 2008. The company aims to “develop and distribute high-quality, consumer-beneficial green energy products.”
Even though EcoSmart is a young business, its affordable rates, excellent customer service, and general quality are helping them grow in popularity. The company specializes in water heating goods, including pool and spa heaters, and offers a large and expanding selection of tankless water heaters to suit all home requirements [1].
EcoSmart Water heater features
- Endless on-Demand Hot Water; Consistent hot...
- Save Space; EcoSmart tankless electric water...
- Save Energy; EcoSmart tankless electric water...
- Energy efficient
The self-modulating heat sensor in the Ecosmart water heaters helps maintain the inline electric water heater running at the ideal energy level, making them energy-efficient. For instance, some tankless water heaters typically have the water not be as hot since they can’t keep up with high water demand. Ecosmart heaters modify the water flow to ensure you always receive the ideal temperature [2].
- Installation and maintenance are simple.
The Ecosmart and other electric tankless heaters do not require venting. Because of this, you may install it where you need it most—in a crawl space, a closet, or even beneath the sink.
The heater exchanger and the hardware are made of copper and stainless steel, making it simple to locate new parts should one of them break. Though we advise installing a filter, people with hard water or those who utilize wells can still use a tankless water heater. A filter will guarantee that the water isn’t damaging the heat exchanger, even if you want to perform a flush once a year.
- Technology that Self-Modulates
The device will automatically adjust the flow rate to meet demand, ensuring that your temperature is constant and doesn’t dip while you’re in the shower [3].
For example, while you are in the shower, someone turning on a faucet may cause the water pressure to decrease but not the temperature. On the other hand, incoming water that is already warm will require less energy to heat, saving you from needless electricity waste.
Stiebel Eltron Water Heaters
Dr. Theodor Stiebel established Stiebel Eltron in 1924 to produce his ground-breaking immersion water heaters. The business, which is still family-owned after more than 90 years, is well-known in Europe for the superior engineering and production of solar thermal equipment, electric tankless water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and other goods [4].
The company has designed the Tempra series to enhance user experience. This model incorporates high-end features one might expect from a high-end tankless water heater. In addition, it has sophisticated flow control and temperature flow control, starting with the digital display.
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater Features
- CONTINUOUS FLOW – Advanced Flow Control...
- SPACE & ENERGY SAVER – Its small, sleek...
- EASY OPERATION – Electronic switch...
- Utilizing less energy
One of the most popular Stiebel Eltron brand, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus 24 kW, is very energy efficient [5]. However, this heater only activates when hot water is required, unlike standard tank-type versions, which operate continuously. Consequently, you end up saving a sizable sum on your monthly electricity expenses.
- Modern Flow Control
The advanced flow control is useful when using this model to run several fixtures simultaneously. The heater uses microprocessor technology to ensure that all the water it emits flows at the same temperature.
This device will continue to provide hot water at a constant temperature even if the incoming flow fluctuates somewhat. This guarantees that wherever you use the hot water, you will enjoy a comfortable showering experience. In addition, the flow control regulates and stops any uncomfortable temperature variations from happening while using your hot water.
- Electronic Temperature Control
With its built-in digital temperature control, the Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater allows you to adjust the temperature to your liking. The computerized control enables you to raise the temperature from 86 degrees F to 140 degrees F [6]. You just need to turn the knob to the desired setting to choose your ideal temperature. The digital display will show the temperature once you have adjusted it to your preferred setting.
- Rate of Flow
This Tempra Plus model has a maximum constant flow capacity of 4 gallons per minute. The GPM flow rate of this appliance is medium-rated in comparison with other tankless water heaters. As a result, it can run many fixtures while maintaining a consistent temperature simultaneously. This distinguishes it as the best product in this category.
- Ease of installation
It is possible to install the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus without using any venting at all. You can use this unit for domestic and business purposes because it has a modern design and is protected by a strong steel casing.
However, you must ensure that this device receives a 200A main service and a few 60-ampere circuits [7]. Another factor is that this heater uses a lot of power during operation despite being energy-efficient. Therefore, before buying, consider whether you can fulfill its needs.
- Warranty
Upon purchase, a 3-year limited guarantee is provided for this electric Stiebel Eltron water heater. This one comes with a far better warranty when compared to the vast majority of other tankless water heaters. Furthermore, you can be certain of its high quality because this product is from a well-known German company.
Stiebel Eltron vs Ecosmart
These are the two leading electric tankless water heaters manufacturers, so it makes sense to compare them to find out which one prevails. The Stiebel 36 Plus Tempra and the Ecosmart ECO 27 are the two most well-known brands in the comparison [8]. Remember that if you get one above the other, you can’t possibly be mistaken. So, to determine which one best meets your demands, the two brands were compared.
| Ecosmart ECO 27 | Stiebel 36 Plus Tempra | |
| GPM | 6.6 | 8.0 |
| Activation flow rate | 0.30 GPM | 0.77 GPM |
| Min. required breaker(s) | 3 x 40 A Dual Pole | 3 x 50 A Dual Pole |
| Water Connections | 3/4″ NPT | 3/4″ NPT |
| Warranty | Lifetime on exchanger | 7 years on the exchanger |
There are several things where they compare favorably. The Stiebel Eltron 36 Plus is preferable if you require high GPM. However, they resemble each other greatly in other respects. The Ecosmart ECO 27 excels because a lifetime warranty covers the heat exchanger.
Their usage of technology is also strikingly similar. They both perform a remarkable job of conserving energy and delivering the ideal temperature using self-modulating technology.
The key considerations are your budget and your perfect GPM. The Stiebel Eltron 36 Plus costs extra but has a greater GPM. Although it doesn’t provide you with as much GPM, the Ecosmart ECO 27 is less expensive.
Conclusion
All prospective clients must thoroughly understand tankless water heaters before purchasing one. No single tankless water heater is not made to fit all situations. Before spending your hard-earned money on a remedy that creates more issues than it resolves, various factors need to be considered. Fortunately, Stiebel Eltron and Ecosmart make high-quality water heaters. Installing either in your home is always a good choice.
Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
