Tank style Water Heaters have one major drawback and that is no matter how efficient your tank style water heater is, if there’s someone else in the house using a substantial amount of hot water, the chances are that the water reaching you isn’t at your desired temperature.
What if we told you there’s a way you can fix this? Point of use water heaters offer all the convenience you need, and the best part about them is that apart from being super convenient, they also help you save power bills.
Unfortunately, not all point of use water heaters can meet your desired standards, thus making shopping for one a pretty daunting process.
We have tested and reviewed seven point of use water heaters to provide the best options to meet your needs. We have leveraged expert reviews, direct recommendations and buyer feedback in order to put this guide together. In the end we found the Bosch Electric Mini Tank to be the Best Point of Use Water Heater overall.
Best Point of Use Water Heaters
- Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000T – Best Overall
- Thermoflow UT10 Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater – Runner Up
- Camplux ME25 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater – Best for Sinks
- Ecosmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater – Best for Convenience and Portability
- Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Tankless Water Heater
- Bosch GL4S Ariston – Best for Under Sink Installation
- Atmor AT900-13 POU Electric Water Heater – Best for Budget
The Best Point of Use Water Heater Reviews
1. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000T
If you are looking for a highly efficient and compact water heater that can fit anywhere, then you would want to consider the Bosch Mini-Tank Water Heater.
This water heater features a four gallon tank, which holds enough water to take a quick shower or wash a few dishes. It also draws in water and heats it continually to ensure that you never run out of hot water.
Its compact design, coupled with its lightweight construction, makes it particularly easy to install. You can install it anywhere from a wall to under the sink.
In terms of energy saving capabilities, this water heater comes equipped with CFC-free foam insulation that limits heat energy loss, thus helping you save on electricity.
This water heater’s internal components are also gas lined to increase its durability and limit the need for maintenance.
Specs:
- Warranty– Six year warranty on unit, two year warranty on parts
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.98
- Water Temp – 65 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Recovery Rate – 6.8 GPH at 90 Degree F rise
- Installation Type – Under the sink, shelf, Kitchen, Shower, wall, etc.
- Wire Type – Plug-In
- Type – Electric
Notable Features:
- Glass-lined Tank
- Overheat Protection
- Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
- Wall Mounted
2. Thermoflow UT10 Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
This water heater features a 2.6 gallon tank. Although this might not be enough for whole-house applications, it’s certainly enough for point of use applications at the sink or shower.
It comes equipped with a responsive thermostat that lets you monitor and make any temperature adjustments you want.
The thermostat has a temperature range of between 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 167 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty impressive considering its size.
It also comes loaded with other energy-saving features, including energy-saving and frost protection, making it perfect for all-seasons use.
If you’re worried about it breaking any time soon, don’t be. This water heater comes equipped with a thermostop, which is an active protection unit. The thermostop prevents water from overheating and also limits the risk of a short-circuit.
Specs:
- Warranty– One year warranty
- Water Temp – 45 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit
- Installation Type – Under the sink, shelf, Kitchen, Shower, wall, etc.
- Wire Type – Plug-In
- Type – Electric
Notable Features:
- Overheat Protection
- Auto cut-off Electricity
3. Camplux ME25 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater
We all have that one sink in the house that doesn’t get hot water fast enough. With the Camplux ME25 Electric Water Heater, you can fix that.
This water heater comes with a tank capacity of 2.5 gallons and pretty compact construction, enabling it to fit under any sink.
This unit comes equipped with a storage tank, so you’ll never have to wait for the water to get warmed up before using it. All you have to do is turn on your faucet, and you have immediate hot water.
When it comes to installation, it doesn’t get any easier than this. All you need to do is connect it to your sink’s inlet, then to an outlet pipe connected to your faucet, and that’s it!
With a temperature range of between 50 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re sure to get your desired water temperature.
Like our previous pick, this water heater also comes equipped with a thermostop protection feature and a freeze-protect feature to ensure that the tank and pipes’ water doesn’t get frozen up in the winter.
Specs:
- Warranty– One year warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 8
- Water Temp – 50 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Installation Type – Under the sink, shelf, Kitchen, Shower, wall, etc.
- Wire Type – Plug-In
- Type – Electric
Notable Features:
- Freeze Protection
4. Ecosmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater
If you are looking for a compact and lightweight point of use water heater that you can carry around the house and install effortlessly, then this might be the product for you.
The Ecosmart Electric Tankless Water Heater is a very small water heater weighing just five pounds.
Its compact construction makes it perfect for a modern home that doesn’t have a lot of space to spare. It also looks pretty modern, so you’re sure it will blend in well with any indoor décor.
It comes equipped with digital temperature control that enables you to make temperature adjustments in one-degree increments.
At just five pounds, this water heater is very easy to move around. You can place it at any water outlet in your house. All you have to do is connect it to the water line and plug it in.
In terms of durability, you will like the fact that this water heater is made of copper and stainless steel components. These components are extremely resistant to corrosion, but if they break down, then the Ecosmart lifetime warranty will ensure that your investment is well taken care of.
Specs:
- Warranty– Lifetime limited warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.97
- Water Temp – 80 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Installation Type – Under the sink, shelf, Kitchen, Shower, wall, etc.
- Wire Type – Hardwired
- Type – Electric
Notable Features:
- Digital Temperature Control
- Lifetime Warranty
5. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Tankless Water Heater
What you get with the Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater is absolute portability and efficiency. This water heater has a compact and lightweight design that enables it to be installed anywhere from under the sink to a shelf or wall.
This unit is pretty easy to use. It comes with a digital temperature display that is both easy to read and use.
Since this is a tankless unit, it goes without saying that the water flow it provides is literally unlimited. It comes equipped with a flow control system that ensures the water temperature remains constant.
Specs:
- Warranty – Seven year Leakage and three year Parts Warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0
- Water Temp – 80 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Installation Type – Under the sink, shelf, Kitchen, Shower, wall, etc.
- Wire Type – Hardwired
- Type – Electric
Notable Features:
- Overheat Protection
- Wall Mounted
6. Ariston GL4S Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater
Bosch has been in the water heater manufacturing business for a long time.
In that time, they have gained vast knowledge and experience in manufacturing some of the best water heaters on the market, and the Bosch GL4S water heater is no exception.
The Bosch Ariston features a very compact design and lightweight construction that makes it very easy to handle and install. Its design also makes it perfect for under-sink installation.
It comes equipped with a four-gallon glass-lined mini-tank that will ensure you always have hot water on demand.
When it comes to minimizing the wait time for hot water, nothing does it better than the Bosch Ariston.
Its highly responsive heating elements, coupled with its superior energy-saving capabilities, make it arguably one of the most efficient and convenient on-point water heaters on the market.
Specs:
- Warranty– Six year limited warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.8
- Water Temp – 65 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Installation Type – Under the sink, shelf, Kitchen, Shower, wall, etc.
- Wire Type – Plug-In
- Type – Electric
Notable Features:
- Overheat Protection
- Temperature Pressure relief Valve
7. Atmor AT900-13 POU Electric Water Heater
Atmor specializes in the manufacture of high-quality tankless electric heaters. Therefore, it’s no surprise that one of their best models made it to our list.
If you are on a budget, then you should seriously consider getting the Atmor AT900-13. At under $200, this is one of the best point of use water heaters in its price range.
Despite its seemingly low price, this water heater comes loaded with lots of cool features that make it easy to use and highly efficient. It comes equipped with flow sensors that turn on the tubular heating element when a faucet is turned on.
This feature makes it very efficient and energy saving since it only turns on when in use.
On the downside, unlike most water heaters on our list, the Atmor AT900-13 does not come equipped with automatic temperature control. This makes it especially dangerous because if there is low water flow, the unit will heat the water to the maximum temperature.
Specs:
- Warranty– Seven year warranty against leaks, two year warranty on parts
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0
- Water Temp – not specified
- Installation Type – Under the sink, shelf, Kitchen, Shower, wall, etc.
- Wire Type – Hardwired
- Type – Electric
Notable Features:
- Overheat Protection
- Wall Mounted
What is a Point of Use Water Heater?
As its name suggests, a point of use water heater is a small device installed very close to where it’s used. It can, for example, be installed under a sink, on a bathtub, shower, or near a washing machine.
Point of use water heaters significantly reduce the amount of time you have to wait for hot water after opening the faucet.
Although it might seem pretty obvious, the amount of time you wait for hot water after opening the faucet depends on how far the faucet is from the heater. Point of use water heaters work by reducing this distance for added convenience.
Due to their small size, Point of use water heaters can be installed without redoing the whole plumbing system. To install a point of use water heater, all you need to do is make a few minor adjustments to your plumbing system at its outlet.
How do they work?
When you turn on the faucet, water from your pipes enters the Point of use water heater, whereby it passes through the heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, an electric resistance coil warms the water to your pre-set desired temperature. The hot water is then delivered via the faucet.
Types of Point of Use Water Heaters
There are two common types of point of use water heaters. They include:
- Tank type
- Tankless
Tank Type Point of Use Water Heaters
Tank type point of use water heaters come equipped with a small tank (usually between 2.5 and 10 gallons) that stores the hot water until it is needed.
Although they are slightly larger than their tankless counterparts, they have a compact design that enables them to be stored out of sight under the sink or near a shower.
Tank type point of use water heaters have an advantage over tankless water heaters since they always have hot water on demand, which means you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up; it’s always hot!
Tankless Point of Use Water Heaters
Tankless point of use water heaters are small devices, usually electric, installed near the faucet or outlet you want to use. Unlike tank type point of use water heaters, tankless water heaters don’t have a tank. Instead, they work by heating water continuously as it passes through the system.
They are slightly smaller than their tank type counterparts. Tankless on point water heaters also come equipped with a few extra features like flow sensors for added convenience.
Like tank type POU water heaters, tankless POU water heaters are also installed near the faucet or outlet you want to use.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Point of Use Water Heaters
Advantages
Fast, hot water delivery
Since a point of use water heater is installed at its point of use, it significantly reduces the distance hot water has to travel to reach your shower or faucet. This means that you get hot water almost immediately when you turn on your faucet.
Energy saving
Centrally located water heaters incur significant energy losses in unused hot water in long water lines. Point of use water heaters eliminate these energy losses by delivering hot water directly to each faucet.
They save on space
One of the most attractive attributes of point of use water heaters is their compact design. This comes in handy, especially when you have limited space or plan on installing the heater on a shelf or under the sink where it is not visible to everyone else.
Their compact design also makes them especially suitable for installation in RVs and outdoor cooking stations.
Disadvantages
Limited hot water supply
Point of use water heaters are designed to supply just enough water for one outlet. If, for example, you plan on using the water heater to serve multiple faucets, then your water won’t be heated enough to your desired temperature.
They are costly
The cost of installing multiple point of use water heaters on every faucet and shower in your home far outweighs the cost of installing a central water heater. They are, therefore, only suitable for use on select outlets.
Factors to Consider when buying a Point of Use Water Heater
Energy efficiency
Although point of use water heaters consume less power than regular heaters, buying the wrong heater can cause you to spend more than you would have wanted on electricity bills.
Various factors come into play in determining the energy efficiency of a POU water heater. For starters, you have to consider the temperature of the incoming water. If you live in a cold area, you should expect to spend quite a bit more on electricity as compared to folks who live in warmer climates.
Then, the standing heat loss through the hot water’s surface is caused by non-usage of already heated water. This problem is, however, limited to tank type point of use water heaters only.
Before buying a point of use water heater, you should ensure that it has an energy star rating. The presence of the energy star rating assures you of the heater’s energy efficiency. Also, when it comes to tank type water heaters, always go for the one that has adequate insulation to reduce standing heat loss.
Warranty
The warranty on a point of use water heater is a clear depiction of the manufacturer’s faith in their product. Longer warranties usually demonstrate a lot of faith in the quality and durability of the product. Simply put, the longer the warranty, the longer you expect the water heater to last.
Reliability
The reliability of a point of use water heater all comes down to how long it takes to heat the water and how easy it is to install and use.
When buying a POU water heater, ensure that you choose one that can heat your water in the least time possible. You should also check to ensure that its temperature adjustment settings are easy to use and understand.
Space requirements
Before you go out shopping for a POU water heater, ensure you have properly measured the intended installation point. This is because although point of use water heaters generally have a compact design, some are larger than others.
Ease of installation
Point of use water heaters generally have a pretty simple design. Most Point of use water heaters don’t require a certified plumber to be installed. Certain features in their construction, including weight, the inlet and outlet position, and mounting options, play a crucial role in determining the heater’s ease of installation.
Safety features
When it comes to electrical appliances that work with water, safety should always be your number one concern. Although the threat of electrocution by a point of use water heater is minimal, there are other safety concerns that you should look at before making your purchase.
For starters, every POU water heater should have a highly responsive thermostat for giving accurate temperature readings and a thermostop feature for reducing the risk of overheating.
Some point of use water heaters also come equipped with a circuit protector for protecting the appliance in case of a voltage surge.
Cost
Many people fail to find the best point of use water heater because they don’t consider their budget before going out shopping for one.
Having your intended budget in mind allows you to cross out heaters above your budget, allowing more time to look at other products and their features more closely.
High end point of use water heaters that come loaded with all the bells and whistles are generally more expensive than your average heater. However, you can still find a high quality POU water heater with all the necessary features at a reasonable price.
Installing a Point of Use Water Heater
Tools
- Stainless steel drill bit
- Drill bits
- Adjustable wrench
Materials
- Point of use water heater system
- Double compression stop
Step 1
Shut off the water and power.
To ensure that the whole installation process is safe and mess-free:
- Shut off the water line leading to the sink.
- Clean out the area under the sink to make room for the heating system.
- If you have a water heater already installed, turn off the water at the water heater.
Step 2
Drain the lines.
- Turn the faucet on and let all the water in the pipe drain out.
Step 3
Mark the sink.
- If you don’t have a hole at the sink, you will need to drain a hole to accommodate the dispenser. Using a drill set and hummer, make a dent on the sink where the dispenser will be placed.
- Next, you need to drill a hole and smooth its edges. To do this, you need a stainless drill and a cordless drill bit to drill a ¾” hole into the sink. You can also use a slug buster to cut out a hole.
- If you have a slug buster, detach the slug buster’s cutting wheel, place the slug buster on the hole, and then reattach the cutting wheel. You can then tighten the nut at the slug buster’s top side, then use a wrench to tighten it until you hear a ‘pop.’
Step 4
Place the dispenser into the sink.
- Place a seal ring on the dispenser’s underside, place the dispenser into the sink, and then place a second seal ring on the threaded rod on the underside of the dispenser. After securing both seal rings, add the hex nut and tighten it to secure the dispenser.
Step 5
Connect the water lines.
- Locate the cold water stop under the sink, loosen the compression nut, and then remove the line. Next, install a double compression stop at the waterline, then reattach the sink’s water linessink’s water lines.
Step 6
Hang and connect the system.
- You need to position the stem close to the plumbing and electrical outlet. After marking out space where you want to install the system, drill holes into the wall, then attach the system through the mounting brackets. Now, connect all necessary water lines, filters, and electric cables to the system.
Conclusion
Point of use water heaters are an excellent water heating option for select outlets around the house. They offer numerous advantages over centralized heating systems, most notable of which is the reduced waiting time.
In our guide we have reviewed seven of the best point of use water heaters on the market. We have also gone a step further to tell you everything you need to know before buying one and even how to install it.
As our top pick, we chose the Bosch Tronic 3000 Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater. This POU water heater boasts an impressive energy efficiency rating, coupled with a four gallon tank and a compact design that enables it to fit under any sink. It is also one of the most durable point of use water heaters on the market.
Before you go out shopping for a point of use water heater, keep in mind all the factors discussed in the buying guide section. Doing that will enable you to choose the best option for your specific needs.
