Say Goodbye to Cold Showers! Keep the Hot Water Flowing With These Top Water Heaters (2024)

Our Top Picks

The Rheem Performance Plus Electric Tank Water Heater is well-equipped to supply hot water for showers, washing hands, or doing dishes. This 50-gallon model is the right size for a family of 3 to 5 individuals, and it comes with a 9-year warranty for peace of mind. While electric water heaters aren’t as energy-efficient as gas versions, this model has a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating of 0.93, qualifying it as an energy-efficient electric water heater.

The simple design of this popular electric water heater makes it very easy to install. While it has a short list of features that don't include newer innovations like Wi-Fi integration or the option to receive an alert on your smartphone if a leak is detected, it does have LED indicator lights to give you at-a-glance notice if one or both of the 5,500-watt elements are operational. The lower element, which is more likely to fail first, is made of stainless steel for durability. The glass-lined water tank has a self-cleaning design that helps to reduce sediment build-up, along with a long-lasting anode rod.

The first-hour delivery rating for the Rheem Performance Electric Tank Water Heater is 62 gallons, enough to supply several showers with hot water. You adjust the water output temperature from 90 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit using a dial knob rather than digital controls. While digital controls are preferred by some users who want a fast and precise way to adjust the temperature, the knob on this model does just fine.

_{Heating Source: Electric | Type: Tank | Tank Size: 50 gallons | Heating Power: 5,500 watts | Flow Rate: Not applicable}

If your home has a natural gas water heater, our top recommendation is the Rheem Performance model. It has push-button ignition for the pilot light, a factory-installed pressure relief valve, and a simple-to-use dial for setting the water temperature or turning the unit to vacation mode to conserve energy. The temperature range spans 45 to 160 degrees, but it’s worth noting that you only have set intervals to pick from, rather than making a specific temperature selection using a digital control like you may find on more advanced water heater models.

This 40-gallon model is capable of outputting 68 gallons of hot water in the first hour of use; it’s the right size for households of two to four people. If you need an even longer-lasting supply of hot water, the Rheem Performance series also includes models with larger storage tanks—up to 98 gallons. Regardless of which tank size you choose, you’ll get the peace of mind that comes from having a glass-lined tank and an anode rod to attract minerals or particles of iron and limestone that may be in your water supply.

A filter-free burner also cuts down on maintenance tasks, but keep in mind that while it has a low NOx burner, it doesn’t qualify as an ultra-low NOx burner, as required in some states. But for under $600, this gas water heater makes an excellent buy and is noted for its ease of installation and reliability.

_{Heating Source: Gas | Type: Tank | Tank Size: 40 gallons | Heating Power: 36,000 BTU per hour | Flow Rate: Not applicable}

The Rheem Performance Electric series is frills-free but an easy-to-install choice for a hot water heater. This 40-gallon model supplies up to 53 gallons of water in the first hour of use. It will meet the needs of small households of 2 or 4 people, but you can size up the tank if you have more frequent demands for hot water. It has a UEF rating of 0.93, which isn’t impressive enough to earn it Energy Star certification, but it is on par for the size and price point of this electric water heater.

This budget electric water has two 4,500-watt elements. Unlike the Rheem Performance Plus series, which has a stainless steel lower element, both elements in this model are made of copper. Copper elements are more affordable but less durable. However, the screw-in elements can be replaced if needed. There are two thermostats to adjust the burners independently; a panel on the water heater covers each thermostat dial, and you’ll need a small screwdriver to make the adjustments. This is a bit more work than what you’ll find on some water heaters with digital temperature controls, but in most cases, you won’t need to adjust the water temperature too often.

Other maintenance-friendly features of this economic model include a glass-lined tank and anode rod for reducing sediment and corrosion. This model lacks other bells and whistles, but for less than $450, it supplies your home with hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry.

_{Heating Source: Electric | Type: Tank | Tank Size: 40 gallons | Heating Power: Two 4500-Watt elements | Flow Rate: Not applicable}

Natural gas water heaters offer better efficiency than electric models but do cost more initially. If you’re looking to offset the investment, pick an economical but efficient model like the Envirotemp 40-gallon Natural Gas Water Heater. It has a 35,500-BTU low NOx gas burner and essential components like an anode rod, ceramic tank shield, and push-button pilot ignition. LED status indicator lights are also helpful in checking the status of the appliance, while a self-cleaning dip tube means you can drain the tank less often.

The 40-gallon tank of this budget gas water heater has a 65-gallon first-hour delivery rate, making it a good choice for three- to four-person households. Larger families can size up to a bigger tank while still capitalizing on the economy of the Envirotemp water heaters. An electronic gas valve makes for simple temperature adjustments, and a vacation mode ensures maximum savings when you’re away. The biggest tradeoff for the economical price is a shorter warranty period. You’ll only have 3 years of coverage, compared to 6 years or more for some other models.

_{Heating Source: Gas | Type: Tank | Tank Size: 40 gallons | Heating Power: 35,500 BTU | Flow Rate: Not applicable}

A tankless water heater saves space and energy, making it an appealing choice for homeowners who want a streamlined and efficient option. The Ecosmart ECO 27 is a top choice because of its easy-to-use control panel, highly adjustable temperature output, and small footprint. It measures 17 by 17 inches and can be installed on the wall in a closet or basem*nt.

Flow rate is one of the biggest considerations when it comes to choosing a tankless water heater. The greater the flow rate, the more plumbing fixtures that can be in use at once (like sinks, showers, or appliances like a dishwasher). The ECO 27 offers a flow rate between 2.7 and 6.5 GPM, depending on incoming water temperatures. At a minimum, you can expect it to keep up with hot water demands from a shower and sink simultaneously. In colder climates, don’t count on it to heat water for much more than a single shower; if you need more hot water simultaneously, you may need to upgrade to a larger model in the Ecosmart ECO series.

A popular feature of this tankless hot water heater is its digital temperature control, which allows you to read and adjust the target temperature in 1-degree increments. Temperature settings range from 80 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. As water passes through this tankless water heater, a stainless steel heating element warms the water to your ideal temperature before passing it through your pipes to the plumbing fixture in use. The steel heating elements inside the unit carry a lifetime warranty, so you can expect years of reliable performance from this tankless water heater.

_{Heating Source: Electric | Type: Tankless | Tank Size: Not applicable | Heating Power: 27 kilowatts | Flow Rate: Between 2.7 and 6.5 gallons-per-minute}

If you have a natural gas connection and want a space-saving hot water heater, consider a tankless version like this Rinnai model. This non-condensing gas water heater is about the size of a small suitcase and mounts on the wall in your basem*nt or utility closet, but it can also be installed in attics or crawl spaces, as long as a vent is available for hot exhaust. It offers a flow rate of up to 7.5 gallons per minute; even in the coldest climates, you can count on this model to supply hot water to at least two showers. Set the water heater to a temperature that suits your needs, ranging from 98 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reviewers agree that the supply of hot water from this model is consistent—once it begins. The fact that the water heater has a minimum activation rate of 0.4 GPM means that some low-flow faucets aren’t sufficient to trigger the tank’s heater. In addition, there can be a little lag as you wait for hot water to begin flowing from a fixture. This isn’t a unique problem for tankless water heaters, which don’t keep hot water ready and waiting for use. Most people don’t mind waiting a short while for hot water in exchange for energy savings and the fact that the hot water won’t run out due to a depleted tank. This unit has a UEF rating of 0.81 and an ultra-low NOx burner that meets the strictest of emissions standards.

_{Heating Source: Gas | Type: Tankless | Tank Size: Not applicable | Heating Power: 180,000 BTU | Flow Rate: 7.5 gallons per minute}

When picking a water heater for a large family, you need to choose a model that is capable of keeping up with frequent and simultaneous hot water demands. If that’s your situation, we recommend the A.O. Smith Signature 100 Series 74-gallon Natural Gas Water Heater. This high-capacity water heater heats quickly and delivers 125 gallons of hot water in the first hour of use, meaning that you can run multiple showers back-to-back or at the same time without worries over losing hot water. The low NOx burner has 75,100 BTU to heat water rapidly as the tank refills. It’s recommended for households of 5 or more people.

Despite having such excellent capacity, this gas water heater has a short tank design. It’s more compact for fitting into utility closets or tight spaces and installs easily, according to reviewers. Other features to point out include a self-cleaning dip tube and anode rod to protect against corrosion and reduce maintenance tasks.

An electronic gas valve allows for better control over temperature settings. However, that’s one area where reviewers sometimes express dissatisfaction since the water is hotter than expected. An analog dial allows you to pick a setting that suits your preference for performance and energy efficiency, or you can set the unit to an energy-saving vacation mode when you’re away.

_{Heating Source: Gas | Type: Tank | Tank Size: 74 gallons | Heating Power: 75,100 BTU | Flow Rate: Not applicable}

A heat pump water heater draws heat from the ambient air to warm up water for your shower, sink, dishes, and more. Most models for residential use are equipped with a back-up electrical heating element, so you’ll often hear them referred to as hybrid electric water heater. This model from A.O. Smith is an example of the efficiency and technology that these water heaters are known for. As an Energy Star-certified hot water heater, this model is estimated to only use about $130 of electricity each year. It supplies up to 66 gallons of hot water in the first hour of use and includes features that make it durable for years to come, including a ceramic-fused tank shield, anode rod, and washable filters.

The A.O. Smith Electric Water Heater with Hybrid Heat Pump has four operating modes: Efficiency, Electric, Hybrid, and Vacation. You select the mode that balances performance with energy usage. In hybrid mode, you can expect the most significant savings on electricity. However, two 4,500-watt copper heating elements are ready to take over if the hybrid function isn’t enough to sufficiently warm your water. Using the ‘Electric’ mode could be your best bet in cold weather conditions, since the ambient air may not supply enough transferable heat.

As the hybrid water heater draws heat from the air, it has the added benefit of cooling and dehumidifying the area. Just keep in mind that noise from the compressor is sometimes an issue for homeowners, but isn’t a deal breaker if you’re installing this water heater in a basem*nt or other less-utilized space in your home. Most people agree that it’s no louder than a standard dehumidifier.

Expect to spend more on a hybrid water heater than you would for a standard electric water heater. The A.O. Smith Electric Water Heater with Hybrid Heat Pump retails for three times as much as our best overall pick for an electric water heater. Even still, it offers long-term utility savings and is an efficient choice, especially in warm weather climates.

_{Heating Source: Heat pump, electric | Type: Hybrid | Tank Size: 50 gallons | Heating Power: Two 4,500 watt copper heating elements | Flow Rate: Not applicable}

Final Verdict

Tthe Rheem Performance Natural Gas Water Heater is our best overall, gas pick. We like that it is easy to use and install and heats quickly, thanks to the 35,500-BTU low NOx burner. The 40-gallon tank is the right size for families of 2 to 3 people, but you can pick a model with a larger tank if necessary. But if you’re interested in a continuous hot water supply, consider a tankless water heater. The electric Ecosmart ECO 27, our best tankless electric pick, requires minimal installation space and can supply multiple fixtures with hot water, especially in warmer climates.

FAQ

• What kind of maintenance do water heaters need?

  When it comes to routine maintenance tasks for a water heater, plan to flush the tank annually. This reduces sediment buildup. Tankless water heaters also require a flush each year, which helps to reduce sediment build-up in the heater exchange tubing. James reminds homeowners to take an important step: “Before performing work on a water heater, drain the tank by turning off the power at its circuit breaker and opening an exterior faucet or drain valve. This will allow any remaining water in the tank to be drained out.”

  In addition, most tank waters have an anode rod that attracts minerals and other particles from the water supply. While this helps to slow corrosion within the tank, it means that the anode rod will require occasional replacement. How frequently you need to replace the anode rod is largely dependent on incoming water quality.

  Electric water heaters may also require element replacement. Because of corrosion, the heating element can become defunct. Most water heaters have screw-in elements that allow a replacement element to be installed, rather than requiring the purchase of a new water.
  

• What is better: a tank or tankless water heater?

  Most homes are equipped with a conventional tank water heater, but tankless water heaters have become a popular alternative for their energy efficiency and compact design. When deciding which one is better for your home, James advises homeowners to consider any conversions that would need to take place to accommodate a tankless water heater. For example, he points out that a gas tankless water heater may need a larger gas supply line and vent pipe. Electric tankless water heaters might require a higher amperage electrical circuit. “The biggest benefit of a tankless water heater is, if properly sized to the needs of the home, a continuous supply of hot water,” James says. “Instead of running out of water when the tank of water that was preheated runs out, a tankless water heater heats the water as needed.”

• What is the difference between an electric and gas water heater?

  The biggest difference between an electric and gas water heater is efficiency. James says, “A gas water heater is more cost-effective and is usually the choice over electric, if gas is available. Gas water heaters typically will also recover more quickly than electric during heavy use.”When considering the best water heaters, there are high-performing models of both types, but if you have the set-up for a gas water heater, it usually holds a slight advantage over an electric water heater.

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