Best Water Heater in 2027

The Rheem RTEX-06T is a tankless electric unit, so it heats water only when a tap is open. It lists a max flow rate of 4.8 GPM, the highest of all nine products on this page. Flow rate sets how many fixtures can run at once, so this number matters most for a shared bathroom or kitchen.

It draws 6500 W at 240 V and needs a matching electric supply. The unit is 5.875 in tall, the shortest of the group, and weighs 4 lb. That suits tight spaces. The listing says it is 90% smaller than a traditional tank heater and is meant for point-of-use installation.

The maker's listing does not give a temperature range, UEF or safety certification, so check those before you buy. Point-of-use also means it may suit one bathroom or a sink better than a whole house. The listing says it holds temperature within 1 degree of the setting.

The APUS AP-AWH-Q13NG is the only gas unit among the top five. It is a 95,000 BTU natural gas tankless model with a max flow rate of 4.42 GPM. The listing says that is enough for two showers and one sink at the same time. Gas heating suits homes that already have a gas line.

Temperature is adjustable from 95 °F to 140 °F, and the listing says it holds within ±1°F of the setting. It lists a UEF of 0.81 and up to 98% thermal efficiency. UEF is a rating of how much of the energy becomes hot water, so a higher number means less waste.

It weighs 19.18 lb and stands 20.55 in tall. It runs on 120 V and includes freeze protection, which helps in cold spaces. The listing also gives a 2-year coverage period. Note that it still needs a gas line and venting, which the data does not detail.

The GE GE20P08BAR is a storage heater, not a tankless one. It holds 18 gal, tied for the largest tank on this page, and plugs into a standard 120 V supply. The data says no hardwired install is required, so setup is simpler than for the high-power tankless units.

A tank stores hot water, so the 18 gal limits how much you can draw before it must reheat. That is fine for a sink, a laundry room or a small apartment, which is how the listing describes its use. It can also work inline as a booster for long pipe runs or a washing machine.

It weighs 54 lb, the heaviest of the models that list weight, and stands 25.75 in tall. The listing mentions an adjustable thermostat and a stainless steel heating element, but no temperature range or UEF is published. For a whole household, it is likely too small to serve as the main heater.

The Orbek 14kW 2.0 Model is an electric tankless heater with a power input of 14000 W, tied for the highest on this page. More power lets the unit heat more water per minute. It lists a max flow rate of 3.38 GPM, which the listing says suits two to three points of use, such as a bathroom and a kitchen.

Install needs planning. The listing calls for a 240 V supply, a 60 amp two-pole breaker, 6 AWG wire and a panel of at least 150 amps. Many older homes may need electrical work first. Water connections are 1/2 in NPT, and the unit is 14.2 in tall.

Safety is a clear point. The data lists it as ETL certified, and the listing names leakage, over-temperature and dry-heating protection. The temperature range runs from 86 °F to 140 °F, with stability within 1°F claimed. Weight and UEF are not published, so compare those with care.

The Westinghouse 14kW is an electric tankless heater that adds smart features to the usual high-power setup. The listing says it works with Alexa and Google Home and has a mobile app. It also restores your last temperature after a power outage, which saves resetting it by hand.

Power input is 14000 W, tied for the highest listed. Max flow is 3.4 GPM, and the listing says that covers two water points at once with a 62 °F inlet and a 105 °F outlet setting. Those conditions matter, because colder incoming water lowers the flow you can get at the same temperature.

It is ETL certified, and the listing names four layers of protection plus an IPX4 rating. It is 12.59 in tall and needs a 240 V circuit with a 60 amp breaker and 6 AWG wire. Plan to rinse the removable inlet filter every 6 months. The weight is not published.