When selecting the best 120-volt tankless water heater, it’s important to balance performance, efficiency, and ease of installation. These units are ideal for point-of-use applications like kitchen sinks, bathroom vanities, and small cabins where full 240V power might not be available. Here are the top-rated 120V tankless water heaters in 2024:
1. EcoSmart POU 6 – Best Overall for Point-of-Use
The EcoSmart POU 6 is a reliable 120V tankless water heater that delivers instant hot water to sinks and small fixtures. It’s perfect for bathroom or kitchen applications and operates efficiently with self-modulating technology, which adjusts power based on demand, making it one of the most energy-efficient options in this category.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 1.0 to 1.5 GPM
- Power: 5.5 kW at 120V
- Best For: Sinks, bathroom vanities, low-flow fixtures
- Efficiency: 99.8% energy efficiency
- Temperature Range: 80°F to 140°F
- Self-Modulating Technology: Adjusts energy use based on flow rate
- Compact Design: Fits easily under sinks or in tight spaces
Pros:
- Very efficient, reducing electricity costs
- Provides instant hot water for point-of-use applications
- Compact and easy to install
- No standby heat loss
Cons:
- Limited to small fixtures like sinks; not suitable for showers
- Requires higher flow rates for optimal performance
2. Bosch Tronic 3000 T 2.5 – Best for Easy Installation
The Bosch Tronic 3000 T 2.5 is technically a small tank heater but functions almost like a tankless unit for quick, consistent hot water. It plugs into a standard 120V outlet and has a small 2.5-gallon capacity, making it ideal for point-of-use in small spaces like under a kitchen or bathroom sink. The mini-tank design ensures instant hot water without the need for additional piping.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 2.5 gallons (mini-tank)
- Power: 1.44 kW at 120V
- Best For: Sinks, low-demand fixtures
- Temperature Range: Adjustable up to 145°F
- Easy Installation: Plugs into a standard 120V outlet
- Compact and Space-Saving Design
Pros:
- Plug-and-play installation, no need for professional setup
- Instant hot water due to mini-tank capacity
- Ideal for low-demand applications
- Compact design, easy to mount under sinks
Cons:
- Technically a mini-tank rather than true tankless
- Limited capacity, not suitable for larger fixtures or multiple uses
3. Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 – Best for Durability
The Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 is a compact, durable unit known for its high-quality German engineering. It provides instant hot water for point-of-use applications such as bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, or smaller washbasins. It’s designed to operate on 120V power and offers consistent water temperature, even at low flow rates.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 0.5 to 1.2 GPM
- Power: 3.0 kW at 120V
- Best For: Small sinks, handwashing stations
- Efficiency: High energy efficiency with low power consumption
- Temperature Range: Adjustable up to 140°F
- Durable Design: German-engineered for long-term reliability
Pros:
- Extremely durable, built for long-term use
- Compact design, ideal for point-of-use applications
- Consistent temperature control even at low flow rates
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons:
- Lower flow rate; not suitable for larger fixtures or high-demand applications
- Limited to single sink use
4. Camplux ME25 Mini Tank Water Heater – Best for Versatility
The Camplux ME25 is another hybrid option between a mini-tank and tankless water heater. With a 2.5-gallon capacity and a 120V plug-in design, it works similarly to tankless systems by providing hot water almost instantly. It’s great for use under sinks in kitchens, bathrooms, or even RVs where you need hot water without waiting.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 2.5 gallons (mini-tank)
- Power: 1.44 kW at 120V
- Best For: Kitchen sinks, RVs, small homes
- Temperature Range: 50°F to 140°F
- Compact and Mountable Design: Fits easily in small spaces
- Plug-in Ready: Standard 120V installation
Pros:
- Quick installation, plugs into a standard outlet
- Provides instant hot water for small fixtures
- Compact and versatile for a variety of uses
- Adjustable temperature settings
Cons:
- Limited capacity for high-demand use
- Not truly tankless; relies on a small tank for hot water storage
5. Eemax EEM12004 – Best for Continuous Flow
The Eemax EEM12004 is a fully tankless water heater designed for continuous hot water delivery at point-of-use. It’s great for small spaces, delivering instant hot water to kitchen or bathroom sinks with minimal lag time. The self-modulating technology adjusts power consumption based on the hot water demand, making it energy-efficient and perfect for low to moderate use.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 0.5 to 1.0 GPM
- Power: 3.5 kW at 120V
- Best For: Sinks, handwashing stations
- Efficiency: 99% with self-modulating technology
- Temperature Range: Adjustable up to 140°F
- Compact Design: Space-saving and easy to install
Pros:
- Energy-efficient with self-modulating technology
- Continuous hot water for small point-of-use applications
- Compact design fits easily under sinks
- Easy to install with minimal maintenance
Cons:
- Lower flow rate, best for light-use fixtures
- May not perform well in areas with very cold inlet water
Comparison Table: Best 120V Tankless Water Heaters
| Model | Best For | Flow Rate (GPM) | Power (kW) | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoSmart POU 6 | Small sinks, low-flow fixtures | 1.0-1.5 GPM | 5.5 kW | Self-modulating, compact, 99.8% energy efficiency | $$ |
| Bosch Tronic 3000 T 2.5 | Easy installation, point-of-use | 2.5-gallon capacity | 1.44 kW | Mini-tank, plug-in installation, instant hot water | $ |
| Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 | Durability, small sinks | 0.5-1.2 GPM | 3.0 kW | Durable German engineering, consistent temperature | $$ |
| Camplux ME25 Mini Tank | Versatility, small fixtures | 2.5-gallon capacity | 1.44 kW | Compact, 120V plug-in ready, adjustable temperature | $ |
| Eemax EEM12004 | Continuous hot water, light use | 0.5-1.0 GPM | 3.5 kW | Self-modulating technology, compact design | $$ |
What to Consider When Choosing a 120V Tankless Water Heater
- Flow Rate (GPM):
- The flow rate measures how many gallons of hot water the heater can provide per minute. For point-of-use applications like bathroom or kitchen sinks, look for a flow rate between 0.5 to 1.5 GPM.
- Power (kW):
- 120V units typically come with lower power outputs compared to 240V models. Most 120V tankless water heaters range from 3 to 5.5 kW, which is sufficient for small-scale, low-demand applications.
- Installation:
- 120V tankless water heaters are often plug-and-play, making them easier to install without needing major electrical work. Many units, like the Bosch Tronic 3000 and Camplux ME25, can simply be plugged into a standard 120V outlet.
- Energy Efficiency:
- Most 120V units are highly efficient, often over 99%. Models with self-modulating technology, like the EcoSmart POU 6 and Eemax EEM12004, adjust power consumption based on demand, saving energy and reducing costs.
- Temperature Control:
- Look for models that offer adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to set the water temperature based on your needs. This feature is especially useful for point-of-use applications where precise temperature control is required.
Final Recommendation
- For overall performance and energy efficiency, the EcoSmart POU 6 is an excellent choice for most point-of-use applications.
- If you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution that’s easy to install, the Bosch Tronic 3000 T 2.5 provides instant hot water with minimal setup.
- For long-term durability, the Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 is ideal for small fixtures and offers consistent performance.
- The Camplux ME25 is the most versatile option for those needing a mini-tank heater that mimics the performance of a tankless system.
- For continuous flow and energy efficiency, the Eemax EEM12004 is great for delivering hot water on-demand for low-flow fixtures.
Choosing the right 120V tankless water heater ensures you’ll have instant hot water where you need it, without the hassle of complicated installations or high energy bills.