With a large family, the consumption of hot water on cold days is bound to be high. However, if you wish to cut back on the cost of heating water or simply want to save some space, a tankless water heater can be a good choice. By installing a tankless heater, you can minimize energy costs in many ways.
Switching to this type of water heating system gives you the ability to heat only the required amount of water as and when needed. So, if you get the chance to replace an old traditional tank-style water heater with one of the tankless heating options, take the opportunity to save both money and space.
If you are in the market to look for a tankless water heater for your large family, you can expect to feel a bit confused with so many options available. To make your decision easier, we have reviewed more than a dozen products and compared them to provide you with a quick and concise analysis of each.
After careful reviews, comparisons, and analysis, we have created a list of the six best tankless water heaters for a large family for 2022. Read on to find complete, unbiased reviews of each product handpicked by our team.
If you do not have the time to read to the very end, we simply suggest that you go with our editor’s pick: the Rinnai V94eN natural gas tankless hot water heater. This is a compact, durable, and easy-to-install unit that conserves energy and promises to deliver a high-performance of up to 9.8 GPM hot water flow rate.
| Product Names | Power Source | |
| #1. Ecosmart ECO 36 36kw 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater | AC | See Price |
| #2. Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater | AC/DC | See Price |
| #3. Rinnai V94eN Natural Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater | Gas Powered | See Price |
| #4. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater | Battery Powered | See Price |
| #5. Camplux Pro 6.86 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater | AC | See Price |
| #6. Eemax EEM24027 Electric Tankless Water Heater | Corded Electric | See Price |
#1. Ecosmart ECO 36 36kw 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater
EcoSmart offers an innovative and life-enhancing tankless electric water heating system suitable for both homes and businesses. This setup enables you to enjoy your everyday life by sharing the warmth of the endless hot water that’s available thanks to their patented self-modulating technology.
This unique tankless water heater is suitable for the northern United States region where the incoming water temperatures can reach a low point of about 37°F. Even at such a low temperature, this smart technology-enabled system can heat nearly 3.5 gallons per minute.
The ECO 36 can effortlessly handle two showers running at the same time and still not run out of hot water. It works best for homes that have large Roman-style Jacuzzi tubs or require a high demand for hot water when shifting between multiple applications.
Product features and specifications
- Measurements: 3.6in. x 21in. x 17in.
- Weight: 18.35 lbs.
- Saves up to 50% on water
- Compact design
- More storage space
- Digital temperature control
- Field replaceable elements
- Advanced self-modulating technology
- Heats 3.5 gallons per minute
- Manufactured in the USA
User/Customer Reviews
Those who have used the product for a long time have said that it works better than their previous 50-gallon tanks. People have said that the output of hot water is reasonably good, and you also get a good temperature that’s perfect for taking enjoyable hot showers. A few customers have said that the products have a poor life expectancy and that the customer service is also of poor quality, too.
Conclusion
The EcoSmart ECO 36 electric tankless water heater is a compact and intelligent tankless water heater that does the job as expected. With an easy installation, this solid heating system can give you an endless supply of hot water in less time than traditional water heaters. Overall, we feel that this product is worth your hard-earned money.
#2. Rheem RTEX-24 24kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater
The second product on our list is the Rheem RTEX-24 heater (learn more), a 24kW model capable of providing 5.9 gallons of hot water per minute, which is enough for three showers to run at once. As this product heats water only when you require it, this uses far less energy than the tank-based heaters and makes it a much more sustainable choice for your home.
When compared to the tank-type water heaters, this model can easily help you save up to 50% of your monthly water heating costs. With this tankless system, the water heaters are installed close to the place where you need hot water, so less water is wasted while waiting for the hot water to reach the tap itself.
We also love the compact shape of the Rheem tankless electric models, allowing them to be installed right near a fixture, such as by a sink or even in a closet, freeing up space in your home. The digital temperature control allows for easy set point adjustment, and they also do not require venting, so they can be installed anywhere.
Product features and specifications
- Measurements: 18.25in. x 14.5in. x 3.5in.
- Weight: 17.8 lbs.
- Stainless-steel finish
- Wall-mount installation
- Self-modulating power control
- Consistent and continuous hot water
User/Customer Reviews
People who have bought this product have said that it has adequate capacity to support multiple showers, sinks, and even dishwashers, too. A few users have also mentioned that the installation is simple and easy using the tools provided. Customers have also pointed out that the technical support team is extremely useful and helpful.
Conclusion
The Rheem RTEX-24 is a trusted and well-built tankless water heater that works perfectly for a large family. Besides saving energy and giving you a lot of hot water in much less time, it also helps in saving you money on your electricity bills. Overall, we feel that this product gives you a good value for the money.
#3. Rinnai V94eN Natural Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater
The Rinnai V94eN (see Amazon) is our next choice as it promises to give an unlimited supply of hot water flowing throughout the home. This tankless water heater is compact, durable, and easy to install, although we do recommend a professional installation if you don’t have a mechanical background.
This unit impresses us with an energy-saving and space-efficient design that helps in conserving energy by only heating water when required. It also features a high-performance optimal water pressure of up to 9.8 GPM for a powerful, constant stream.
The Rinnai V94eN is a smarter and more durable tankless heater as it comes with enhanced scale detection that reduces the possibility of serious and long-term damage. Each unit is individually tested and checked before it is shipped, so you can be assured of its high quality.
Product features and specifications
- Measurements: 17.5in. x 30in. x 13in.
- Weight: 46.3 lbs.
- Uses natural gas
- Outdoor (as well as indoor) installation
- High efficiency
- Saves valuable space
User/Customer Reviews
People have been highly impressed with the compact design and performance of this tankless water heater that saves space and energy and also gives a continuous supply of water. Users have said this unit has an easy and reliable installation process that can be done by yourself. However, we suggest that you read the manual carefully if you choose not to seek professional help.
Conclusion
The Rinnai V94eN (show now) is a reliable tankless water heater that takes less time to heat water, saves energy, and gives you an unlimited supply of hot water right when you need it. With this unit, there is no need to store hot water for later use, so you also save on electricity bills. Overall, we feel that this product offers a good price to performance ratio.
#4. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater
The next product on our list is this tankless water heater from Stiebel, and it is designed to give you a continuous flow of hot water so that your showers are never interrupted by cooling temperatures again. This heater also saves you from wasting any space or energy when hot water isn’t presently needed.
The Stiebel Eltron heater features a small and sleek white design that blends well with the interior décor of nearly any home, and it does not require any extra venting to work. This is an eco-friendly unit that helps you save energy with its auto-modulation, and it operates silently so you will never get disturbed by any loud or unusual noises.
This tankless water heater comes with a digital temperature display that’s easy to read, and there is an interior solid copper heating system inside that does the real work. We were impressed to find that the manufacturer stands behind their product with a 7-year leakage warranty as well as a 3-year parts warranty, too.
Product features and specifications
- Measurements: 4.63in. x 16.63in. x 14.5in.
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Copper material
- Battery-powered
- 150 PSI (max pressure)
- Tempra 36 Trend (36 kW)
User/Customer Reviews
Those who have installed this tankless water heater have said that it works great, just as expected, and delivers a good amount of hot water when needed. People have said that this heater is pretty light and is easy to mount on the wall. A few users have said that the customer support and service need to be improved to meet the queries efficiently, though.
Conclusion
The Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater is a well-designed and durable unit that stands the test of time, and under good conditions, it can last as long as 10 years. It will provide you with plenty of hot water without the need to store up the hot water and waste space like the large tanks. Overall, we feel this is a sturdy, compact, and good performing water heater that is worth every penny.
#5. Camplux Pro 6.86 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
This outdoor, propane-fueled, tankless water heater comes from Camplux, and it features an advanced 6.86 GPM high capacity. It is capable of delivering 6.86 gallons per minute of on-demand, endless hot water, so this ensures there is enough hot water for even three to four people to take showers.
We were impressed with the low nitrogen combustion design and the V-type stainless-steel burner that saves energy by increasing the heating efficiency by up to 89.98%. This tankless water heater auto-heats when the ambient temperature is less than 41℉, so you don’t have to wait for heating and draining after use either.
The Camplux Pro also comes equipped with an anti-scalding function to prevent excessively high temperatures from being set that may be caused by children playing with the settings by accident. With this unit, it is impossible to set a temperature higher than 122°F under normal conditions. You must put the water heater on standby before increasing the temperature as an additional safety measure.
Product features and specifications
- Measurements: 22.24in. x 15.55in. x 6.5in.
- Weight: 47.2 lbs.
- Liquid propane
- Stainless steel and plastic construction
- Wall-mounted installation
- 6.86 gallons per minute
- 26L per flush of water consumption
User/Customer Reviews
People have been thoroughly impressed with the capability of this outdoor tankless water heater that can sustain the toughest temperatures and properly heat water whenever needed. Users have also mentioned that the control panel is simple and accurate for anybody to understand and use with ease. A few users have warned that the customer support team is not knowledgeable, though.
Conclusion
The Camplux Pro (show now) is a well-designed and compact tankless water heater that comes with an excellent flow rate, much faster than you would expect. There is also a safety feature for kids, so if you have a large family with a lot of little ones, this could likely be your ideal option. Overall, it delivers an amazing price to performance ratio.
#6. Eemax EEM24027 Electric Tankless Water Heater
Last but not least on our list of the six best tankless water heaters for a large family is the Eemax EEM24027. It is electric-based and promises to meet both residential as well as commercial needs. It can give you an endless supply of water when needed with no trouble.
The EEM24027 is a powerful 240V/27kW unit, meaning that it can deliver enough hot water for about one shower and two sinks in colder climates. On the warmer days, the tankless water heater can give you enough hot water for up to four showers or sinks running.
We love the fact that the Eemax EEM24027 has a compact size that allows you to save your valuable storage space. The manufacturer believes in this product and stands behind it with a 5-year warranty for leaks and a 1-year guarantee for any parts.
Product features and specifications
- 3×40 AMP double pole breakers
- 3×8 AWG wire gauge required
- Compact size
- Saves valuable storage space
- Stainless-steel materials
- Corded and electric
User/Customer Reviews
Some people did the installation by themselves, and they said that it took them less than three hours to follow the instructions provided. Users have also mentioned that although it uses electricity to function, their monthly electricity bill has reduced significantly. A few users have mentioned that they wished the product had a lifetime warranty against any damage, though.
Conclusion
The Eemax EEM24027 is a highly efficient tankless water heater system that works great as expected to heat a lot of water in less time than standard tank heaters. If you wish to control your monthly utility expenses without compromising your family’s comfort, this tankless heater is a great option. Overall, we feel that this product gives you a nice price to performance ratio.
Buying Guide: Finding the Best Tankless Water Heater for a Large Family
When buying a tankless water heating system, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. Although the products we have reviewed above have been carefully selected based on their quality and reviews, you will still need to narrow down your search by looking at a few important factors.
Size
This is probably the most important aspect when buying a tankless water heater. However, this will depend on the number of members in your family. A heater that is too small to meet the home’s requirements during peak hours of use is not very useful, but similarly, purchasing one that is too big may not be a good option either due to the pricing and space it’ll take up.
Flow Rate (GPM)
The flow rate of any water heater is also important, so you need to consider the number of fixtures and the family’s overall hot water needs. Will you be using these water sources simultaneously during peak demand time? Some of the common uses include running the kitchen sink, doing a load of laundry, showering, etc.
Installation
Whether you can do the installation yourself or not is also an important factor to consider. Although you can probably do the installation yourself if you have some mechanical knowledge, make sure you read the manual carefully to learn about the installation and consult a professional if you need some serious help.
Indoor or Outdoor Units
Besides the above factors, it is also important to understand whether you need an indoor or outdoor unit for your home. The indoor tankless water heater does not get impacted by outside weather conditions and elements. The outdoor tankless unit needs no added ventilation piping. The outdoor models are also built strong to withstand any damaging natural elements like snow, rain, or wind.
Fuel Type
Both the gas-powered and electric tankless water heaters are great choices, but they also both have their own sets of advantages and downsides.
Gas-powered tankless water heaters are capable of heating a lot of water in less time, but they are more expensive and require more maintenance than electric water heaters. Electric heaters do not require any venting, so you can place them in any corner of the house, wherever they look best.
Related Questions
What is the recommended size for a large family?
If you have a family of five, you will likely need a 10 GPM gas-powered tankless heater or a 24kW electric tankless heater. This is especially true if you live in the northern part of the US which is prone to dealing with significantly lower temperatures throughout the year.
How many people can take showers simultaneously?
Even with the most adequately sized tankless water heaters, we suggest that you do not allow more than two simultaneous showers to occur at once. You may, however, run a dishwasher or sink with the showers going without running into any heating issues.
Why are the tankless water heaters so expensive to install?
Although the tankless water heaters help you save on energy and utility bills in the long run, they have a higher initial price compared to the tank heaters. They may cost homeowners between $1,200 to $3,500 because they have a more labor-intensive setup requiring water lines, electric wiring, and new gas for installation.
