We all love the idea of having instant hot water when we turn faucets on in our homes.
However, if you have a traditional hot water heater featuring copper heat or a gas central heating element, you might have to wait a long time to feel the warm water.
That’s where the benefits of point of use tankless water heaters come into play.
We’re featuring several reviews for the best point of use water heater to help you figure out which one of these units is best suited for your needs.
These reviews not only outline the best point of use tankless water heaters, but also the features and benefits of POU units.
For example, our best overall pick is the Rheem 20V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater.
We believe it’s the best point of use tankless water heater due to its efficiency, compact design, and ease of installation.
Table of Contents
Best Point of Use Water Heater Compared
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Best Overall | #1 Rheem 240V RTEX-13 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | #2 EcoSmart ECO 11 |
| CHECK PRICE | |
Best Budget Option  | Best Budget Option | #3 Bosch Electric Mini Tank |
| CHECK PRICE |
Best for Energy-Efficiency  | Best for Energy-Efficiency | #4 Ecosmart POU 3.5 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | #5 Camplux ME25 |
| CHECK PRICE |
Top Point of Use Water Heaters
#1 Rheem 240V RTEX-13 (Best Overall)
With 99.8% energy efficiency, the Rheem 240v Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater ensures on-demand hot water in small homes and offices.
This unit features a digital thermostat and low profile stainless steel design allowing for eco-friendly and powerful point of use water heating. It fits under the kitchen and bathroom sink to provide endless hot water thanks to its compact design.
No matter if you’re looking for a tankless unit for a small home or RV, Rheem’s compact design makes it an excellent choice. Make sure you’re not using this unit beyond its flow capacity. In doing so, you’re ensuring that you have an endless amount of heated water in your home or RV.
Pros
- 99.8% energy efficient and affordable pricing
- The compact size of this tankless unit makes it excellent for small homes
- Easy installation and can be placed in any small space, including closets
Cons
- It isn’t ideal for families with more than four people
- Flow-rate of 4 GPM slows rise in temperature
- Doesn’t have an Energy Star certification
#2 EcoSmart ECO 11 (Most Features)
If you’re tired of your traditional storage tank system not heating water the way you want, then it’s time to think about a POU system.
Featuring patented self-modulating technology EcoSmart ECO 11 Tankless Water Heater is an excellent option for small apartments with one sink in the bathroom and one sink in the kitchen.
This electric water heater electric tankless unit is also great for any other small point of use application. One of the best features of this efficient heating system is that it can provide instant hot water for up to two sinks and one shower running simultaneously.
Pros
- 99.8% energy efficient
- Self-modulating flow-rate of 2 gallons per minute
- Easy to repair
- Compact design is ideal for small house living
Cons
- A professional contractor must install this unit
- Installation of this unit might take up to three hours
- The gauge wire is thin
#3 Bosch Electric Mini-Tank 2.5-Gallon (Best Budget Option)
Despite its small size, the Boch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater has a four-gallon point of use tank. The small and compact size of this electric water heater tankless unit makes them fit comfortably under any sink. In addition to being easy to maintain and having a 98% thermal efficiency rating, it plugs easily into any 120-volt outlet.
These water heaters can handle more than one sink at a time with the hot water you need. That’s beneficial to those who have a small home with multiple faucets. In addition to being budget-friendly, this unit is also mountable on the wall or floor.
Pros
- 8% thermal efficiency
- Easy to install and set up
- Flow-rate of 0.1 gallons per minute
- Can mount on the floor or a wall
Cons
- Some consumers report that the pressure relief valve leaks
- Others complained of calcium build-up
#4 Ecosmart POU 3.5 (Best for Energy-Efficiency)
The Ecosmart tankless water electric heater is designed for one sink. It requires a one by 30 breaker and 10 AWG wire for installation. This electric point of use model has a maximum flow-rate of 0.5 gallons, making it ideal for low-flow applications where there’s only one sink. That means it’s optimal for a small home or apartment.
No matter if you need hot water in the sink behind your bar or the sink in your bathroom, this is one of the best point of use water heaters for those seeking energy efficiency at an affordable price point. It’s easy to read LED digital thermostat also makes it simple to control.
Pros
- 99% thermal efficiency
- The flow rate of 0.5 gallons of hot water per minute and includes a sink aerator
- Helps consumers save up to 60% on heating water
- Small enough to fit underneath the sink
Cons
- Even though this unit only draws 120v, it requires hard wiring
- Must install and register the product within 30 days of purchasing
#5 Camplux ME25 (Best for Outdoor Living)
Are you an outdoor adventure enthusiast who is tired of dealing with cold water all the time?
The Camplux ME25 is the best point of use mini tank water heater for outdoor living. It can fit under the sink in RVs and is an excellent option for switching from cold water to hot water on boats or outdoor cooking stations.
Even though this model has one mini-tank, it still has many of the same benefits as a tankless point of use model. It has an easy-to-use thermostat for controlling the temperature and ensuring hot water is always available.
Pros
- 95% energy efficient
- 2.5 gallons for the storage tank
- Glass-lined tank type
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- Some consumers report that the measurements aren’t accurate
- Low water pressure flow rate of 0.1 gallons per minute
Point of Use Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide
What is a Point of Use Water Heater?
Water heaters tankless electric models are ideal for those who don’t like to wait a long time for their hot water. The time you have to wait for hot water depends on how far the faucet is from the hot water heater. Installing point of use water heaters means that these heaters are close to the faucet, thus cutting down the wait for hot water. Electric tankless water heaters are typically installed under the sink. However, some point of use water heaters can be installed on the floor or walls.
Because faucets are typically installed far away from water heaters, that means it’s difficult to get hot water quickly. Therefore, installing several point of use water heaters helps users receive the desired water temperature without having to wait. Tankless point of use water heaters are an excellent application for small homes, under the sink in bars, in offices, and strip malls.
Types of Point of Use Water Heaters
- Point of use tankless water heater: As soon as a faucet turns on, a tankless point of use hot water heater begins to work. That means there’s a very short wait for hot water. Some of these water heaters deliver hot water within seconds.
- Point of use tank water heater: These water heaters are similar to a traditional water heater because it has a tank. However, the point of use tank water heater is considerably smaller. The main reason they’re smaller is to help consumers install them where they’re using their water the most. Not only do these water heaters offer water temperature control at the sink, but also in one or two other locations as well.
Benefits of POU Water Heaters
They last longer
We learn from the U.S. Department of Energy that the average life expectancy for a traditional whole house storage water heater is between 10 and 15 years. However, a tankless heater can provide hot water for 20 years or longer. In addition to lasting longer, this type of water heater is between eight and 34 percent more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters with high energy consumption. That kind of durability makes this water heating system appealing for those looking for an excellent way to ensure they have a hot water supply year after year.
When choosing a point of use tankless water heater, make sure it has the water flow you want and capacity for the size of your home. For example, if you have a large household, it might be best to choose more than one unit or one that’s larger. There are several different sizes of point of use water heaters. They each have the power to provide just as much hot water as a traditional unit that’s going to run water through pipes.
Higher water temperature
Choosing a point of use water heater means you’re placing the hot water heater closer to the source. So, that means you’re not waiting as long to heat water. If you’re used to feeling warm water when you turn on the faucet, this type of device is a lot better compared to traditional hot water heaters.
The main reason is that the point of use tankless hot water heater Is closer to the faucet and heats cold water faster. These water heaters work exceptionally well for those living in older buildings with older hot water heaters. Installing a tankless point of use hot water heater is a quick upgrade for those older units.
No standby heat loss
Point of use tankless water heaters don’t waste energy heating hot water in a storage tank. The main reason is that no storage tank is required. Some types are made with a mini-storage tank, but that isn’t a requirement for instant hot water. So, if your home or family is larger and uses a lot of water, you may benefit from the mini tank.
These heaters create hot water on demand, which means they don’t waste energy keeping water hot that you don’t need. Homes typically have one traditional storage tank hot water heater delivering water to every fixture in a home. Throughout the day, that hot water heater keeps water hot using a heating element even when no one is using any.
Less water waste
It isn’t uncommon for people waiting for water to heat to let their faucets run for several minutes. In doing so, that causes water waste. We learn from a study conducted by the Florida Solar Energy Center that there’s an average of 22.6% heated water waste in domestic households. That’s where the benefit of having a POU system that provides heated water instantly comes into play.
Even if you decide to install a POU system to supplement a central water heating system, it still provides water efficiency benefits. For example, a POU system continues providing heater water until the central water heating system kicks on. Then, as soon as the water is heated from the central system, the POU system shuts off. You might also have a large home where you need to heat water in multiple locations. Installing a POU system at every faucet helps you save a substantial amount of water. Not only is that good environmentally, but financially as well.
Heats water in faucets no matter the distance
Suppose a traditional hot water heater is installed far from sinks or showers, which poses a significant challenge. For example, we learn from Plumbing & Heating Mechanical Magazine that there can be up to 50 feet of pipe between hot water tanks and faucets. Installing a point of use water heater, like a Stiebel Eltron point of use water heater, solves that problem. Compared to a traditional system, a point of use tankless hot water heater can heat water that’s further away from the source.
Where to Use a Point of Use Water Heater
- Washing machine and dishwashers: These appliances require a substantial amount of heated water to run. When your home has a point of use tankless water heater dedicated to serving the washing machine or dishwasher, that helps ensure your clothes and dishes are cleaned thoroughly.
- Shower: Those living in your home might love having water that heats instantly in showers better than anywhere else. Unless you install a point of use water heater, you might have a long wait for the water to heat if the shower is located far from a traditional water heater.
- Kitchen and bathroom sinks: These fixtures have the same heating benefits as showers. When you install a point of use tankless water heater under the sink, it delivers heated water immediately.
Conclusion
Now that you have a bit of a better idea of which point of use water heater is the best, you might have fewer questions regarding which to choose. We love the Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 not only for its efficiency but also for its compact size and ease of installation. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we name the Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Heater 2.5-Gallon as the best in that category.
However, if you want a point of use water heater that’s ideal for outdoor living, we name the Camplux ME25 Mini Tank Electric 2.5-Gallon as the third runner-up. When choosing a point of use water heating system, make sure it’s durable, has a good warranty, easy to read thermostat, and that it’s at least a 120 amp unit.
Check out the links on this website to find out more about the Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13.
