When it comes to commercial electric tankless water heaters, you need a unit that delivers reliable and efficient hot water to meet the heavy demand of multiple users, appliances, or fixtures simultaneously. These heaters are ideal for restaurants, offices, hotels, and other commercial spaces where the flow rate and performance are critical. Here are the best commercial electric tankless water heaters for 2024:
1. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus – Best Overall Commercial Electric Tankless Water Heater
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is one of the most reliable and powerful electric tankless water heaters on the market, and it’s a top choice for commercial applications. With a high flow rate of up to 7.5 GPM, it can handle large-scale hot water demands, making it perfect for restaurants, hotels, and office buildings. The unit’s Advanced Flow Control technology ensures that even with multiple fixtures running simultaneously, the water temperature stays consistent.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Up to 7.5 GPM (depending on inlet water temperature)
- Power: 36 kW at 240V
- Best For: Restaurants, hotels, large commercial spaces
- Efficiency: 99%
- Advanced Flow Control: Automatically adjusts water flow to maintain temperature
- Digital Temperature Control: Allows precise control of water temperature
- Durability: Designed for long-term commercial use
Pros:
- High flow rate supports multiple fixtures at once
- Energy-efficient, reducing operational costs
- Consistent water temperature even under heavy load
- Compact design for easy installation in small spaces
- Long warranty and reliable brand reputation
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to smaller models
- Requires professional installation due to high power demand
2. Rheem RTEX-36 – Best for High-Volume Commercial Use
The Rheem RTEX-36 is built to deliver instant hot water for high-demand commercial environments. With a maximum flow rate of 8.8 GPM, this unit is ideal for large facilities such as gyms, apartment complexes, or commercial kitchens. Its external digital thermostatic control with an LED display makes it easy to adjust the water temperature in real time, offering both flexibility and efficiency.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Up to 8.8 GPM
- Power: 36 kW at 240V
- Best For: Gyms, commercial kitchens, large office buildings
- Efficiency: 99.8%
- External Digital Control: Allows for precise temperature adjustments (from 80°F to 140°F)
- Durability: Industrial-grade construction for heavy use
Pros:
- High flow rate supports multiple showers, sinks, and appliances
- Digital temperature control for precision
- Can handle heavy usage and high-volume commercial environments
- Highly energy-efficient, saving on operating costs
Cons:
- Requires significant electrical infrastructure, including dedicated circuits
- Larger initial investment, but long-term savings on energy
3. EcoSmart ECO 36 – Best Energy-Saving Commercial Water Heater
The EcoSmart ECO 36 is designed with self-modulating technology, which optimizes the amount of energy used based on water flow and demand. This makes it one of the most energy-efficient options for commercial use. With a flow rate of up to 6.5 GPM, it’s ideal for small to medium commercial spaces like salons, small hotels, and offices. It’s also compact and can easily fit in tight spaces.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Up to 6.5 GPM
- Power: 36 kW at 240V
- Best For: Small to medium commercial spaces, salons, small hotels
- Efficiency: 99.8% (self-modulating technology)
- Temperature Range: 80°F to 140°F
- Compact Size: Saves space and can be wall-mounted
Pros:
- Highly energy-efficient with self-modulating technology
- Ideal for moderate commercial applications
- Compact and easy to install
- Lower operating costs due to optimized energy use
- Lifetime warranty on parts for residential use, extended coverage for commercial
Cons:
- Flow rate might not be sufficient for very large commercial applications
- Requires adequate electrical capacity
4. Bradford White Infiniti K – Best for High-Performance Commercial Applications
The Bradford White Infiniti K Series offers superior performance with its high flow rate of up to 9.8 GPM, making it ideal for very large commercial spaces or businesses with a high demand for continuous hot water. This unit is equipped with built-in recirculation technology, which ensures that hot water is always ready without delay, reducing water waste and improving energy efficiency.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Up to 9.8 GPM
- Power: 36 kW at 240V
- Best For: Large commercial kitchens, hotels, hospitals, and gyms
- Efficiency: High efficiency with low NOx emissions
- Recirculation Technology: Provides instant hot water and reduces wait time
- Durable Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger: Long-lasting and low-maintenance
Pros:
- Very high flow rate for large-scale commercial use
- Recirculation technology reduces water waste
- High durability and reliability
- Handles extreme usage in large commercial environments
- Easy to service and maintain
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost due to advanced technology
- Requires professional installation with robust electrical setup
5. Bosch Tronic 6000 CWH27 – Best for Compact Commercial Applications
The Bosch Tronic 6000 CWH27 is a reliable and compact unit, perfect for commercial spaces where space is at a premium but demand for hot water is still high. With a flow rate of up to 4 GPM, it’s great for small to medium-sized businesses, such as coffee shops, salons, or laundromats. The thermal efficiency of this unit is remarkable, and it features a smart modulating control system to maintain water temperature consistently.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Up to 4 GPM
- Power: 27 kW at 240V
- Best For: Small commercial applications, salons, coffee shops
- Efficiency: High efficiency with smart modulating control
- Compact Size: Ideal for tight spaces or areas with limited installation space
Pros:
- Compact and easy to install
- Modulating control ensures constant water temperature
- Ideal for small-scale commercial use
- Energy-efficient and cost-effective
- Durable build for long-term commercial use
Cons:
- Lower flow rate may not be suitable for large commercial applications
- Limited to light to medium commercial demand
Comparison Table: Best Commercial Electric Tankless Water Heaters
| Model | Best For | Flow Rate (GPM) | Power (kW) | Efficiency | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus | Large commercial spaces, hotels | 7.5 GPM | 36 kW | 99% | Advanced Flow Control, digital control | $$$$ |
| Rheem RTEX-36 | High-volume, heavy commercial use | 8.8 GPM | 36 kW | 99.8% | Digital thermostatic control, high durability | $$$$ |
| EcoSmart ECO 36 | Energy-saving, small to medium use | 6.5 GPM | 36 kW | 99.8% | Self-modulating, compact size, energy-efficient | $$$ |
| Bradford White Infiniti K | High-performance large spaces | 9.8 GPM | 36 kW | High Efficiency | Recirculation technology, stainless steel heat exchanger | $$$$$ |
| Bosch Tronic 6000 CWH27 | Compact, small commercial spaces | 4 GPM | 27 kW | High Efficiency | Modulating control, compact, energy-efficient | $$$ |
What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Electric Tankless Water Heater
- Flow Rate (GPM):
- For commercial applications, a higher flow rate (usually 6 GPM and above) is crucial, as it determines how much hot water can be delivered to multiple fixtures simultaneously. Large spaces like gyms and hotels may need 8-10 GPM, while smaller businesses can suffice with 4-6 GPM.
- Power (kW):
- Larger commercial spaces will need more power. Models with 36 kW or higher are ideal for high-demand environments. If your business has lighter hot water needs, a smaller unit like 27 kW may work well.
- Efficiency:
- Look for units with high efficiency (99% or higher) to keep energy costs low, especially in businesses where hot water usage is constant. Self-modulating technology, like in the EcoSmart ECO 36, further optimizes energy use.
- Installation Requirements:
- Commercial electric tankless water heaters often require dedicated circuits and sometimes electrical upgrades. Ensure your building’s electrical system can handle the power requirements.
- Durability & Maintenance:
- Commercial environments require heavy-duty systems. Units like the Bradford White Infiniti K with stainless steel heat exchangers are built to last in high-demand settings. Consider models that offer recirculation technology to reduce water waste and maintain instant hot water.
Final Recommendation
- For large-scale commercial spaces like hotels, gyms, or commercial kitchens, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus or the Rheem RTEX-36 are outstanding options due to their high flow rates and consistent performance.
- For businesses that prioritize energy savings and have moderate water demand, the EcoSmart ECO 36 is an excellent, efficient choice.
- For extreme demand and environments requiring high-performance and durability, the Bradford White Infiniti K offers top-tier performance with advanced recirculation technology.
- For smaller businesses or compact installations, the Bosch Tronic 6000 CWH27 provides a great solution with excellent efficiency in a smaller package.
Choosing the right commercial electric tankless water heater ensures your business runs efficiently, saving energy and providing reliable hot water whenever it’s needed.