When it comes to choosing the best electric tankless water heater for your kitchen sink, there are a few key factors to consider. Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, are a great option for providing hot water in smaller areas like a kitchen sink without having to heat and store large amounts of water like a conventional tank water heater. Electric tankless heaters in particular can provide an energy-efficient and space-saving solution for a kitchen sink’s hot water needs. When selecting the best model for your needs, you’ll want to take into account flow rate, power requirements, activation flow rate, and overall quality and durability. This article will discuss the pros and cons of electric tankless water heaters for kitchen sinks and provide recommendations on some of the top models to choose from.
Page Contents
- 1 Benefits of Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Kitchen Sinks
- 2 Reviews of the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Kitchen Sinks
- 3 Key Considerations for Selecting an Electric Tankless Water Heater
- 4 Installation Tips for an Electric Tankless Water Heater
- 5 Maintaining Your Electric Tankless Water Heater
- 6 Cost of an Electric Tankless Water Heater
- 7 Pros and Cons of Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Kitchen Sinks
- 8 Conclusion
Benefits of Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Kitchen Sinks
There are several benefits that make electric tankless water heaters a good choice for kitchen sink applications:
– Endless hot water – Tankless heaters provide hot water on demand by only heating water as it flows through the unit. This provides a continuous supply of hot water for as long as needed without running out.
– Energy efficiency – Because they don’t store heated water, tankless heaters avoid standby heat losses associated with storage tank heaters. This makes them more energy efficient.
– Compact size – Tankless units are much smaller than conventional tank heaters, making them ideal for tight kitchen spaces.
– Lower operating costs – The increased efficiency and lower energy usage of tankless heaters lead to lower monthly utility bills.
– Longer lifespan – Tankless heaters can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance, whereas tank heaters average 10-15 years.
– Reduced risk of leaks – With no water storage tank, there are fewer parts that can corrode and leak over time.
Considerations for Kitchen Use
While electric tankless water heaters make sense for kitchen sinks in many ways, there are some special considerations to factor in for this application:
– Flow rate – The sink will likely need a heater with a higher flow rate (measured in gallons per minute or GPM) to keep up with tasks like washing dishes. Look for a heater with at least 1.5 GPM.
– Point-of-use model – For just a sink, a smaller point-of-use model will be the best choice over a whole-house tankless unit.
– Activation flow rate – Select a unit with a low activation rate (around 0.3-0.5 GPM) so that even a small water flow will switch it on.
– Temperature settings – Choose a model that allows adjusting temperature settings to get the right hot water temp at the sink.
– Installation – Smaller electric models are simpler to install under a sink than gas tankless heaters which have venting requirements.
Reviews of the Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Kitchen Sinks
Based on key criteria like flow rate, activation flow rate, and temperature range, here are our picks for the best electric tankless water heaters for kitchen sink use:
Rheem RTE 13
With a flow rate of 1.3 gallons per minute and an activation flow of just 0.4 GPM, the Rheem RTE 13 provides solid performance for a kitchen sink. It’s compact 13 kilowatt stainless steel construction allows for under sink installation and its digital temperature controls let you adjust the hot water from 85 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for tasks like washing dishes. The RTE 13 also has a durable copper heat exchanger and overcurrent protection. Its price tag of approximately $250 falls more on the budget side of the spectrum while still providing reliable point-of-use hot water.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus
As a higher priced but still compact option, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus tankless water heater is a great choice for larger kitchens that need more hot water capacity. With a flow rate of 1.5 GPM and activation flow of 0.3 GPM, it can handle dish washing and minor multitasking needs. The Tempra 15 Plus has an advanced flow control to maintain temperature and ergonomic temperature controls. Stiebel Eltron is known for its innovative German engineering and provides a 7-year warranty on the Tempra models. Priced around $350, it’s on the upper end but provides great quality and performance.
EcoSmart ECO 11
For those looking for an even more budget-friendly electric tankless water heater, the EcoSmart ECO 11 provides a solid compact unit at an affordable price of approximately $160. With 1.1 GPM of flow and a 0.3 GPM activation rate, it meets basic sink needs while minimizing upfront costs. The ECO 11 has simple temperature control and adjustable copper heating elements to help regulate temperature and prolong the unit’s lifespan. EcoSmart provides reliable customer support and a 2-year warranty. While not as advanced in terms of features and power as pricier models, the ECO 11 is an economical option for modest kitchen demands.
Key Considerations for Selecting an Electric Tankless Water Heater
To select the electric tankless water heater that will best suit your kitchen sink, keep the following criteria in mind as you compare different models:
Power Supply
Make sure to choose a unit rated for the voltage in your home, either 120 or 240-volts. Higher voltage models like 240-volt can provide more hot water capacity and faster heating but may require professional electrical upgrades.
Flow Rate
Flow rate or GPM indicates the maximum hot water output. For light kitchen use, 1 to 1.5 GPM models offer a good balance of capacity and price. Higher flow rates will cost more but provide more simultaneous use capabilities.
Activation Flow Rate
The activation flow rate is the minimum water flow required to turn the unit on. Look for an activation flow rate around 0.3 to 0.5 GPM or less to ensure even a small trickle of water will trigger heating.
Temperature Settings
Select a model with adjustable temperature controls that allow setting the right temperature for washing dishes and other kitchen tasks.
Safety Features
Choose a unit with overheating protection that will safely shut off the heater in the event of excessively high temperatures. Leak detection is another useful safety feature on some models.
Warranty
Opt for a unit with a good warranty (5 years or more on the heat exchanger) to protect your investment in the long run.
Dimensions
Double check that the tankless water heater model you select will physically fit in the desired under sink installation location when mounted.
Installation Tips for an Electric Tankless Water Heater
When installing your electric tankless water heater for your kitchen sink, keep these tips in mind:
– Check existing wiring and breaker capacity to ensure adequate electrical service is available. Upgrade to a 240-volt circuit if needed for a larger capacity heater.
– The unit will need to be securely wall mounted. Make sure to use the provided mounting bracket.
– Follow all local codes and the manufacturer instructions for proper condensate draining.
– Use unions and flexible water heater hoses to simplify connecting to existing sink supply and drain lines.
– Insulate hot and cold pipes for increased efficiency.
– Run the sink hot water to purge air from the lines when the new heater is installed before use.
– Program the temperature setting on the digital controller for optimal washing and rinsing temperatures.
– Consider installing a small recirculating pump if longer delays to get hot water are an issue.
Maintaining Your Electric Tankless Water Heater
To keep your electric tankless water heater operating at peak performance, be sure to follow these maintenance practices:
– Flush the heat exchanger annually to prevent scale buildup using the manufacturer’s descaling solution if recommended.
– Check and clean the flow sensor to prevent obstruction.
– Inspect supply lines and drain valves for leaks annually. Replace worn components as needed.
– Clean the air intake filter regularly. Clogged air filters will reduce efficiency.
– Confirm electrical connections are clean and tight. Use a non-contact voltage tester annually for safety.
– Verify the temperature and flow settings yearly or when needs change. Adjust as required.
– Replace the heating elements approximately every 5 years or when they show signs of wear.
– Call a service professional for periodic full system inspection and any necessary repairs.
Cost of an Electric Tankless Water Heater
When budgeting for a new electric tankless water heater installation, be sure to factor in these average costs:
Equipment Costs
– Tankless water heater unit: $150 to $450 depending on size, flow rate and features
– Electrical upgrades to 240-volt supply if needed: $200 to $400 in parts and labor
– Misc parts like unions, valves, condensate drains: $50 to $100
Installation Costs
– Installation work: $200 to $500 depending on complexity
– Electrical work for 240-volt upgrade: $150 to $300 labor
Total Installed Cost
– Very basic total installed cost: Approximately $500 to $800
– Larger capacity with electrical upgrade: $800 to $1500
So in summary, installing an electric tankless water heater for a kitchen sink can range from around $500 for a basic unit up to $1500 if electrical service upgrades are required. Get multiple estimates to find the best deal.
Pros and Cons of Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Kitchen Sinks
Here is a quick overview of the key advantages and disadvantages of using an electric tankless water heater for your kitchen sink:
Pros:
- Compact size fits under sink
- Provides endless hot water on demand
- More energy efficient than tank heaters
- Lower operating costs
- Easy temperature adjustment
Cons:
- Upfront costs higher than some compact tank models
- May need electrical upgrades adding to installation costs
- Flow rate may not allow for simultaneous uses
- Risk of scale buildup requiring annual flushing
For the right application, an electric tankless water heater can be a smart upgrade for a kitchen sink. Weigh the pros and cons carefully for your specific situation.
Conclusion
Installing an electric tankless water heater for your kitchen sink can provide an endless supply of hot water on demand while taking up minimal space. When selecting a model, be sure to consider the flow rate, activation flow rate, temperature settings, and physical dimensions to find the right heater for your setup. Units like the Rheem RTE 13, Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 Plus, and EcoSmart ECO 11 provide reliable performance at reasonable prices. With proper installation and ongoing maintenance, an electric tankless water heater can be a durable and energy-saving upgrade for your kitchen.