When you’re looking for a 30-amp tankless water heater, you’re likely aiming for a unit that offers point-of-use or small application heating. These heaters are often used for sinks, bathroom vanities, or outdoor kitchens, where the demand for hot water is limited to one or two fixtures. Here’s a rundown of the best 30-amp tankless water heaters that provide reliability, efficiency, and ease of installation:
1. EcoSmart ECO 11 – Best Overall 30-Amp Tankless Water Heater
The EcoSmart ECO 11 is one of the most popular 30-amp tankless water heaters for point-of-use applications. It provides self-modulating technology, which means it adjusts energy usage based on the amount of hot water needed. This makes it both energy-efficient and effective for small spaces like bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, or low-flow showers. It’s compact and easy to install, making it a great option for areas where space is limited.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 1.3 to 3.1 GPM (depending on inlet water temperature)
- Power: 13 kW (draws 30 amps)
- Best For: Bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, low-flow showers
- Efficiency: 99.8% energy efficiency
- Temperature Range: 80°F to 140°F
- Self-Modulating Technology: Adjusts energy based on demand
Pros:
- Highly energy-efficient, minimizing electricity costs
- Ideal for point-of-use applications like sinks and showers
- Compact design, fits easily in tight spaces
- Self-modulating for optimized energy usage
- Easy installation for DIY homeowners
Cons:
- Limited to smaller fixtures, not suitable for whole-house use
- Performance drops in colder climates with low inlet water temperatures
2. Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 – Best for Durability and Longevity
The Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 is a reliable German-engineered tankless water heater that operates on 30 amps and is ideal for point-of-use applications like bathroom or kitchen sinks. It’s designed to be durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for continuous, everyday use in both residential and light commercial settings. This unit provides instant hot water while being compact and easy to install.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 0.5 to 1.5 GPM
- Power: 3 kW (draws 30 amps)
- Best For: Small sinks, handwashing stations, bathroom faucets
- Efficiency: 99%
- Temperature Range: Adjustable up to 140°F
- Durable Construction: Designed for long-term use
Pros:
- High build quality and long-term reliability
- Ideal for low-flow applications and small sinks
- Instant hot water for handwashing and small fixtures
- Compact design fits in tight spaces
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons:
- Lower flow rate, suitable only for small-scale applications
- Not suitable for showers or high-flow fixtures
3. Bosch Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon Mini-Tank – Best for Small Capacity Heating
Although not a “true” tankless water heater, the Bosch Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon Mini-Tank operates similarly for point-of-use applications by delivering instant hot water. It plugs into a standard 120V, 30-amp circuit, and its 4-gallon capacity ensures a steady supply of hot water. It’s ideal for under-sink installations in bathrooms, kitchens, or RVs where you need immediate hot water but don’t want a large, cumbersome unit.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 4 gallons (mini-tank, not tankless)
- Power: 1.44 kW (draws 30 amps)
- Best For: Under-sink installations, kitchen or bathroom sinks
- Temperature Range: Adjustable up to 145°F
- Easy Installation: Plugs into standard 120V outlet
Pros:
- Instant hot water for small fixtures
- Simple plug-in installation, no need for special wiring
- Compact and easy to install under sinks
- Great for small spaces, RVs, or outdoor kitchens
Cons:
- Limited hot water capacity compared to true tankless units
- Requires recovery time after water is depleted
4. Eemax EEM12004 – Best for Continuous Hot Water
The Eemax EEM12004 is a great option for delivering continuous hot water to small applications like bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, or workshops. It operates on a 30-amp circuit and offers self-modulating technology, which optimizes energy usage based on water flow. It’s highly efficient and can heat water instantly, making it perfect for point-of-use installations where you don’t need a large amount of hot water at once.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 0.5 to 1.0 GPM
- Power: 3.5 kW (draws 30 amps)
- Best For: Point-of-use, small sinks, light handwashing stations
- Efficiency: 99% energy-efficient
- Self-Modulating Technology: Adjusts energy usage based on demand
Pros:
- Delivers continuous hot water at small flow rates
- Energy-efficient with self-modulating technology
- Compact design fits in small spaces
- Easy installation with minimal maintenance
Cons:
- Low flow rate, suitable only for small fixtures
- Not recommended for showers or high-flow appliances
5. Camplux TE04 Point-of-Use Mini Tankless Heater – Best Budget Option
The Camplux TE04 is a compact, budget-friendly option for providing instant hot water to small fixtures like bathroom sinks or kitchen faucets. It operates on a 30-amp circuit and heats water instantly at a flow rate of up to 1.32 GPM, making it suitable for point-of-use installations. Its small size makes it easy to install under sinks or in tight spaces where hot water is needed quickly.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: 1.32 GPM
- Power: 3.5 kW (draws 30 amps)
- Best For: Bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, small water fixtures
- Efficiency: High energy efficiency
- Compact Design: Ideal for small spaces, under-sink installations
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to install
- Provides instant hot water for small fixtures
- Compact and space-saving design
- Ideal for budget-conscious buyers
Cons:
- Low flow rate; not suitable for showers or larger fixtures
- Limited to one fixture at a time
Comparison Table: Best 30-Amp Tankless Water Heaters
| Model | Best For | Flow Rate (GPM) | Power (kW) | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoSmart ECO 11 | Small sinks, low-flow showers | 1.3-3.1 GPM | 13 kW | Self-modulating tech, compact, energy-efficient | $$ |
| Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 | Small sinks, durability | 0.5-1.5 GPM | 3 kW | German engineering, instant hot water, reliable build | $$ |
| Bosch Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon | Under-sink, small fixtures | 4-gallon mini-tank | 1.44 kW | Instant hot water, plug-in installation, compact design | $ |
| Eemax EEM12004 | Continuous hot water, small fixtures | 0.5-1.0 GPM | 3.5 kW | Self-modulating, energy-efficient, small-scale use | $$ |
| Camplux TE04 | Budget-friendly, small applications | 1.32 GPM | 3.5 kW | Affordable, compact, easy to install | $ |
Key Factors to Consider for a 30-Amp Tankless Water Heater
- Flow Rate (GPM):
- Flow rate is essential when choosing a tankless water heater. 30-amp models typically have lower flow rates, ranging from 0.5 to 3 GPM, which are perfect for point-of-use applications such as sinks and low-flow showers.
- Power Output (kW):
- 30-amp tankless water heaters generally have a lower kW rating, meaning they are not suitable for large homes or high-demand fixtures. However, they are excellent for small spaces or individual sinks.
- Efficiency:
- Most 30-amp electric tankless water heaters are highly efficient, often above 99%. Features like self-modulating technology (found in the EcoSmart ECO 11 and Eemax EEM12004) optimize energy usage based on the water flow rate, helping to reduce electricity costs.
- Installation:
- Many 30-amp water heaters are easy to install and can be connected directly to a 120V or 240V outlet. Models like the Bosch Tronic 3000 T offer plug-and-play installation, while others like the EcoSmart ECO 11 may require some electrical setup.
- Application:
- Determine if the unit will meet your needs. A 30-amp tankless heater is best suited for single-point applications like a bathroom sink, kitchen sink, or outdoor kitchen. They are not designed to handle multiple fixtures at once or large flow rates.
Final Recommendation
- For overall performance and energy efficiency, the EcoSmart ECO 11 is the best choice, providing reliable hot water for small applications with self-modulating technology.
- If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting unit, the Stiebel Eltron DHC 3-1 is an excellent option for small sinks and low-flow faucets.
- For an easy plug-in installation and instant hot water, the Bosch Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon Mini-Tank delivers great performance for under-sink applications.
- If you’re on a budget and need a simple, affordable solution, the Camplux TE04 offers a compact design and reliable heating for smaller fixtures.
Choosing the right 30-amp tankless water heater ensures instant hot water for your specific needs while maximizing energy efficiency and saving space in your home or business.