Looking for the perfect water heater for your home? Selecting the right one is essential for providing your household with sufficient hot water, but the choice can be overwhelming. In this article, we explore the top five water heaters of 2023, examining key aspects such as price, warranty, tank size, energy efficiency, and unique features. Whether you're seeking an economic option or a high-tech model with smart connectivity, our detailed reviews will guide you to the water heater that best fits your needs and budget.
Selecting the best water heater for your home involves considering factors such as cost, energy use, fuel type, and personal preference. You'll also need to explore the various types available to choose the one that fits your needs.
How We Chose the Best Water Heaters
We formed our list of the top five water heaters by initially identifying competitors that fulfilled basic criteria. Then, we examined 23 widely available models, rating them on 25 diverse attributes. This allowed us to narrow down our selection to the top five, with considerations for price, warranty, tank size, glass-lined tank, Energy Star certification, and digital display. Our editorial team solely determined the ratings.
The 5 Best Water Heaters of 2023
- Rheem Performance Platinum Series Gladiator 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater
- Rheem Performance Standard 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater
- Stiebel Eltron SHC Mini-Tank Electric Water Heater
- EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5
- Rheem Performance Standard 38-Gallon Electric Water Heater
Rheem Performance Platinum Series Gladiator 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater
The Rheem Performance Platinum Series Gladiator 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater, priced at $799.00 with a 12-year warranty, is designed to comfortably heat water for a four-person household. Key features include remote temperature control, built-in leak protection, auto water shutoff, and Wi-Fi connectivity compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Nest. The EcoNet app provides control and monitoring. It has two 4,500- or 5,500-watt stainless steel heating elements, a self-cleaning function for sediment management, and a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating of .92 to .93, enhancing its lifespan and energy efficiency.
Rheem Performance Standard 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater
The Rheem Performance Standard 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater is priced at $439.00 and comes with a six-year warranty. Though lacking some features of the Platinum or Performance Plus Series, it offers comparable performance with its 40-gallon capacity. The model has lower standby heat loss due to its inner tank design, and it can deliver 54 gallons of hot water in the first hour, powered by two 4,500-watt heating elements. Note that this model does not meet state regulations in Washington and cannot be sold there.
Stiebel Eltron SHC Mini-Tank Electric Water Heater
The Stiebel Eltron SHC Mini-Tank Electric Water Heater, priced at $237.19 with a six-year warranty, offers a 2.65-gallon capacity. This point-of-use model serves as an alternative to conventional heaters or enhances hot water delivery in specific rooms. It can plug into a standard outlet, be easily mounted, and is best installed by a plumber, even inside cabinets. With a UEF rating of .99 and low standby energy usage, it heats water to a maximum of 140°F using a 1,300-watt element.
EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5
The EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5, priced at $169.00 with a six-year warranty, has a 2.65-gallon tank and is designed for point-of-use hot water boosting in homes or RVs. Its recovery time of 15 minutes is quicker than some competitors, and it has a UEF of .98. The model plugs into a standard outlet, features a glass-lined tank to resist corrosion, and offers a six-year limited leak warranty with a two-year parts warranty. Weighing 17 pounds, it can heat water between 50°F and 140°F but lacks Wi-Fi or smart home connectivity.
Rheem Performance Standard 38-Gallon Electric Water Heater
The Rheem Performance Standard 38-Gallon Electric Water Heater, priced at $539.00 with a six-year warranty, is an economical choice for a household of four. It includes a six-year limited tank and parts warranty, plus a one-year in-home labor warranty. The model utilizes copper elements, which are less durable than stainless steel, and has a slightly lower gallons-per-hour rate and UEF rating. Despite lacking smart home connectivity, it features an over-temperature detector and an automatic thermostat, offering savings compared to other more expensive Rheem models.