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The Best Instant Water Heater in 2022

Written by :
Heating Wise
Last updated: December 14, 2021
Table of Contents
  • 1 1. ATC 5-Litre Water Heater
  • 2 2. Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12 Water Heater
  • 3 3. ARISTON AURES Electric Instant Water Heater
  • 4 4. Camplux Tankless Water Heater
  • 5 5. Z ZELUS LPG Hot Water Heater
  • 6 6. Thermomate UT10 Electric Water Heater
  • 7 7. Hyco Oversink Water Heater
  • 8 8. Camplux Tankless Gas Water Heater

Instant water quite literally on tap, without draining your home’s main hot water tank supply? That’s the premise behind the latest instant water heaters you can buy. These compact heaters are fed from your cold-water supply, using an electrical element or fuel source to instantly heat up just the right amount of water you want, without the need to keep a larger body of hot water constantly warm.  And that means they are also one of the most energy efficient ways to heat hot water in your home. Whether it’s for your home, your workspace or even your caravan or motorhome, these compact heating units can be a great addition to your life. So, if you are looking to go ‘instant’ when it comes to hot water, read on, as we warm up to some of the best instant water heaters around. 

1. ATC 5-Litre Water Heater

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Key Features
  • 5-litre capacity under sink heater
  • Can be floor or wall mounted
  • Corrosion protection and overheat shut-off
  • External thermostat control

With enough capacity to provide hot water for up to two sinks, the 5 litre ATC under sink heater is a practical solution where a larger hot water tank is not practical. And as it is suitable for caravans can be used on your road trip travels too. Made with a durable outer casing, it also has high density polyurethane foam for internal insulation as well as a porcelain enamel lining. The inner tank is also fitted with a magnesium anode for extra protection against corrosion.

We like the fact that the ATC tankless water heater is easy to install and can be either wall or floor mounted. Once heated, the water will be sufficient for several sinks full of dishes and the fast-heating element means you won’t wait too long for a refill. The heating ability of this 2kw unit is impressive, it can get very hot, but you do have an adjustable thermostat and overheat protection. An excellent water on demand heater for your money. 

Related Post: Best Thermostatic Radiator Valves

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2. Stiebel Eltron DHC-E12 Water Heater

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Key Features
  • Designed for compact installation
  • Electronic temperature control
  • Thermostatic stabilisation
  • Splashproof to IP24 

For those compact and bijou spaces, this electric instant heater from Stiebel Eltron is small but powerful enough for the job. And, as it needs unvented installation, so a case of plumb-in and plumb-out, it is both versatile and easy to fit. We think this instant tankless water heater is just the ticket for a home office, garden room or small kitchen as it is quickly provides you with the hot water you need without taking up much space. Reviewers say it is quiet as it heats up and the water, while not instant, is quick to heat up to supply hot water as you need it. The thermostat is easily controlled via the external dial and can be set between 30 and 60 degrees. The whole unit is splashproof rated to IP24 too.

Check price on Amazon

3. ARISTON AURES Electric Instant Water Heater

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Key Features
  • 240V instant water heater
  • Wall mounted; serves multiple points
  • Manual temperature control
  • Includes double safety thermostat

Designed for both domestic and commercial use, the Ariston Aures Slim Multi tankless water heater is fast and efficient, giving you instant hot water on top. While you can’t just ‘plug in and go’, as you will need an electrician to install it, it is a compact design that should be easy to install. And as an instant water heater, it is able to supply multiple points with hot water. You get three settings – low, medium and high – which range from 4kw to 9.5kw so plenty of heating choice. And it includes a double safety thermostat to prevent the risk of scalding if the temperature is set too high. Wall mounted, the design is clean and simple without taking up too much wall space. The only down, as reported by users is that the higher the water flow rate, the lower the maximum temperature you can achieve so you may need to look at adding a flow restrictor to get more heat precision. 

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4. Camplux Tankless Water Heater

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Key Features
  • For indoor or outdoor use
  • Powered by natural gas
  • 16 litres per minute flow rate
  • Supplies water to two outlets 

While it a sizeable unit, you get a lot of quality usage out of the Camplux tankless water heater, which uses propane natural gas to produce its instant hot water on demand. And with its 0.3 bar pressure set up, it is a great choice for caravan or RV camper living. Capable of serving two outlets at once with its 16 litres per minute output, this means you can supply hot water to your shower and sink – and a little extra luxury on your road trip. The effective heating is due to the internal copper heat exchanger and it can also be installed outside as well as in, as long as the environment is well vented, and a flue pipe is installed. When it comes to safety, you have what you need, including flame failure protection, overheat protection and safety shut off and you also have a drain feature so you can fully drain the system if it is not going to be used for a while. Robust, versatile, portable and able to supply plenty of hot water, this is the ideal instant heater for the outdoor or adventurous life. 

Check price on Amazon

5. Z ZELUS LPG Hot Water Heater

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Key Features
  • LPG wall mounted instant heater
  • 18 litres per minute flow rate
  • Anti-freeze, flame failure and overheat protection
  • Summer and winter temperature modes 

With one of the highest flow rates in our review, the substantial Z Zelus instant water heater can provide an impressive 18 litres of water per minute, making it one of the best tankless water heaters you can buy. Using LPG, the heater is pretty energy efficient, and the whole design is slimline, so can be installed in most spaces. We like the fact that it only needs low water pressure to get started yet can still build up the temperature for a decent hot water flow. This makes it a good choice for low water pressure areas, such as apartments as well as holiday homes. And it can be used to supply several water points, however, it should not be installed in a bathroom, so for kitchen or other room use only. You also get two modes – summer and winter – to ensure your hot water supply is as energy efficient as possible. 

Related Post: Best Bathroom Heaters

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6. Thermomate UT10 Electric Water Heater

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Key Features
  • 10- litre hot water storage capacity
  • Stainless steel construction
  • 2kw output for fast heating
  • Thermal shut-off and frost protection

Designed to fit neatly under a sink, this robust heater has a good hot water flow rate and can provide 10 litres of hot water in one sitting. The 2kw heating capacity gets the water up to temperature really quickly and there is no need for an expansion vessel, meaning it can be quickly and easily installed. It is on the chunky size, so will take up most of the under-sink cupboard space but it’s stainless steel construction is built to withstand plenty of use, either as a main hot water tank or as a back-up. 

When it comes to heating your water, you have a choice of five modes, with a 7-75℃ temperature range as well as frost protection and thermal cut-off for added safety. Well-priced, this is a no-frills under-sink instant water heater that does what it says on the tin.  

Check price on Amazon

7. Hyco Oversink Water Heater

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Key Features
  • Vented over the sink heater
  • 2kw power and 5 litre capacity
  • Corrosion proof case with insulation
  • Includes a thermal cut-out

Hyco’s Handyflow has the looks of a traditional over the sink heater and is both a good size and uncomplicated to install. Straightforward and reliable, this instant water heater would be a good choice for a workshop, garage or home office or a small holiday home when you need fuss-free hot water on tap. The water is heated via a decent 2kw element and the whole heater has a 5-litre capacity for instant hot water. However, as the tank replaces water with cold water as the tap is turned on, you do need to keep the temperature setting quite high, so the cold water doesn’t cool down the hot water it holds. The tap itself moves freely and the simple twist control knob is effective. You also get the expected safety functions such as thermal cut out, but overall, the features on the Handyflow are limited to a basic, but well-performing instant hot water heater. 

Related Post: Best Ways to Heat a Garage

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8. Camplux Tankless Gas Water Heater

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Key Features
  • Ideal for camping and outdoor holidays
  • Natural gas powered; 10-litre per minute flow rate
  • Includes attached shower hose and rain cap
  • 20-minute shut off safety feature 

Our final instant water heater is designed for RV camping and the outdoor life and can be set up both indoors and out. And with an impressive 10 litres per minute flow rate, you get a lot of on-tap hot water for your money. It is at the upper end of our review budget, but this quality gas water heater is well-built and has plenty of features and functions. It is pretty simple to set up and includes a shower attachment for either human or pet (dog or horse) impromptu cleaning! You also get a weatherproof rain cap to keep it safe when outdoors, whatever the weather or conditions. The controls are easy to use, you have a clear LED display to read the temperatures and there is both overheat, and 20-minute shut off protection. All-in-all, this is the hot water heater to take with you when you have time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Check price on Amazon

Best Instant Water Heater Buying Guide

Here's what you need to know!
What Are the Benefits of an Electric Water Heater?

Super-convenient and easy to use, there are numerous benefits to owning an electric water heater, whether that’s in your home, motorhome or office:

  • They are energy-efficient – if you are looking to manage your energy bills, then look for the EF (energy factor) rating when buying an electric water heater. The higher its EF rating, the more energy efficient it is.
  • You get instant hot water – as the unit heats the water internally – via a heating element or fuel source – you get hot water when you need it. And it means that you are not drawing from the hot water storage system you have for heating your home. 
  •  Small and compact – their size and compact design mean they are a versatile water heater that can fit in smaller spaces, so a good choice for water heating on boats, RVs and caravans too. 
  • They’re environmentally friendly – by heating the amount of water you need, when you need it, instant water heaters are kinder on the environment as they use less energy and water. 
  •  Long Life Expectancy – electric water heaters are pretty robust and built to last, with an average life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years. 
Features to Look for in a Water Heater

To ensure you get the right instant water heater for your needs as well as intended location and space, you need to check for the following:

Capacity – if it has a tank, the size is important as you want to ensure you have an adequate supply of hot water, ‘on tap’. 

Energy rating – its energy factor (EF) – the amount of hot water produced per energy consumed over a typical day – is important as it indicates how efficient (and cost-effective) it is. The higher the EF, the more efficient the heater will be. 

First hour rating – this is another indication as to the heater’s suitability for your needs. The FHR indicates how many gallons of hot water the heater can supply per hour and so meet your hot water requirements. 

Size – you need to ensure the size of the unit as a whole can be installed in the space you are looking to locate it.

Over or under-sink design – these are the two main designs of instant water heater. The over sink design is readily accessible whereas an under-sink style is more discreet and can easily connect with sinks that have storage space underneath. 

Under sink is generally more discreet, great for residential settings and connecting to pre-built sinks with available storage space underneath. They can provide a welcome boost to the weak central boiler's supply. Over sink is easily accessible and often features temperature controls.

Safety Features – check the safety features that are available on the hot water heater for extra peace of mind. Look for functions such as water alarms and timers as well as extra features including heater stands and heater blankets. 

Anti-scale – limescale build-up can clog and potentially cause damage to the heating element and internal workings of your instant water heater, especially if you live in a hard water area. Some heaters include features that can swirl the water at the bottom of the tank and so help to reduce limescale build-up. Choosing a model that has a long warranty (most warranties are for between 3-12 years) means the element will also be made from thicker material and so more durable and resistant to scaling.

Which is better tankless or tank?

There are two main styles of instant water heater you can choose from – tank and tankless. Both have their pros and cons, with each working best in different situations, so knowing your requirements will help you choose the right type:

Tankless water heaters – more readily recognised as an ‘instant water heater’, tankless water heaters don’t store water but use your mains cold water supply to heat up water as and when needed. They are more compact as well as efficient, by saving the need to keep water heated all the time. 

Tankless water heaters also need less space, can be portable (some models are designed specifically for caravan-living or travelling) and only need a basic plumbing set up to work.

Tank water heaters – as the name implies, these heaters have their own water storage tank, which can have large capacity if required. This means you will need to have more space for installing a tank water heater. Tank heaters are not as efficient as tankless, but they are in general cheaper to buy and need little maintenance over the long-term. 

Our Top Pick

Easy to install under the sink, the ATC Water Heater is a versatile mini tank instant water heater that gives 5 litres of hot water at a time. And as it can be either floor or wall mounted, the ATC can be used in a caravan as well as your home. The ATC has a 2kw heat exchanger for instant hot water on demand, with an adjustable thermostat for temperature fine-tuning. Durable, with anti-corrosion protection, when it comes to hot water on the go, the ATC is our review's instantaneous water heater top choice.

FAQ

Q:Are instant hot water heaters worth it?

A:

If you are looking possibly to save on your energy bills, want to reduce water wastage or have a smaller space, then an instant hot water heater could be a great investment. The driving advantage of an instant heater is that it only heats up the water you need, as you need it, reducing the energy needs of storing hot water waiting to be used. However, they can be expensive to install and can suffer from temperature fluctuations if being used for multiple taps or outlets.  And they do need more maintenance than a tanked system and their instant water abilities are not always sufficient to serve several demands at the same time. 

Q:How long will a tankless water heater last?

A:

One of the main advantages of a tankless heater is its lifespan, which is pretty impressive. Most tanked water heaters have an average lifespan of around 10 years before you should start considering a replacement, while if maintained, a tankless model can last 15 years, or more.

Q:How big of a tankless water heater should I get?

A:

The size of your tankless water heater needs to be able supply sufficient ‘on demand’ hot water for you and your family’s needs as well as serve several outlets at a time, if that is what’s required. You also need to consider the number of people you have in your household and your typical daily hot water usage. However, a too large heater for your needs can mean your hot water heating is less efficient than you would like. Check with the manufacturer guidelines of the model you are looking at to work out the right size you will need. 

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