Best Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater Reviews

Stiebel is a German company that gives a whole range of heating solutions, both for water as well as space heating. Even in water heaters Stiebel has a number of different types starting from mini single-point use heaters to large multi-point and whole house heaters. They even provide renewable solutions like solar water heaters.

Their large tankless water heaters are the most popular because they can be installed to supply the whole house. Since Stiebel makes only electrical powered heaters and not gas powered ones, it means that you cannot take advantage of any tax rebates. There is of course a certain amount of power savings which can amount to about 20% to 30% of your power bills that are associated with heating only. Since electricity is generally more expensive than natural gas or propane, it is also a little more expensive to run.

This heater gives you convenience like nothing else. You install it just like any other water heater and that’s it. If you had an existing storage water heater, all you have to do is to either plug it in series so that you can get hotter water, or replace the older one with this one. There is no venting system to be installer and no danger of any noxious gases escaping from the venting systems.

If the tax and maintenance savings do not mean much to you, then this is the manufacturer to go with. They give you good quality water heaters and they don’t cost the Earth to get too. Depending on the size and the flow rate that you need, you can get a cheaper single-point fixture. Their top selling three models are reviewed below.

Stiebel Electra 36 Plus

This is their top selling model for the simple reason that it gives you the maximum rise in temperature with a flow rate of 8 GPL. Even though Stiebel gives you other models with the same GPL these models will not raise the temperature as much as the 36 plus will.

Ultimately it is the user’s choice of course because if winter is harsh in your region, then it may be a good idea to get the 36 plus. This does not mean that if you reduce the temperature then the flow rate will go up. On the contrary, it will remain the same because that is all the outlet valve will support, if you want a lower temperature, it just means that your electricity consumption will decrease, that is all.

At around $750 it is actually cheaper than installing a gas powered heater. In fact when you take installation costs, if you do not have an existing venting system, then the installation cost of a gas powered heater will increase by $500 or $600. The electrical heater on the other hand can be installed by you if you are willing to get your hands dirty, and if there is an existing power source for it.

Stiebel Tempra 15 Plus

This model is literally a ditto of the previous one when it comes to looks. It is the same size, and weight and even looks the same. The only difference is that this one can raise the water temperature to a maximum of around 25 °F and give you a max flow rate of 4.5 GPM. This means that this model cannot be used for the whole house but is a single point heater that is useful for those places that do not get too cold, especially in winter.

As a final point heater to heat the water for your shower, or your dishwasher or washer, this is a good option and that’s about it. At around $650 this model is really not worth it, because for just $100 more you get a machine that gives you an 8 GPM, almost twice the flow rate. If you do not want the high temperature that the 36 plus is capable of giving you can reduce the temperature setting and save yourself some electricity.

This model is useful only for those who want a final point heater, like if you have an existing whole house heater and just need something to raise your shower temperature to a more comfortable point.

Stiebel Eltron Mini 3

The Mini 3 is for those who want a small heater for their sink or kitchen use, where you do not require such high flow rates, but need a compact machine that will be invisible under your sink.

This model gives you only 0.5 GPL but at only $130 or so, it is a very good option, especially if you want to heat water in your kitchen but do not have a whole house water heater. In fact the biggest problem with a whole house water heater is that there is a lot of heat lost in the pipes and however much you insulate them, there is still a lot of heat loss. Having final point heaters is a good idea, and if you have only a kitchen and a bathroom to heat, is probably cheaper too.