Best Portable Water Heater Reviews & Buying Guide

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Are you interested in a modern feel at your place of work or home? Purchasing the best portable water heater should be your priority.  Most of the working and living units do have the conveniences of water heating systems using storage tanks. 

However, most people find it challenging to purchase a portable water heater due to the wide variety of models and brands in the market.

To help make your work easier, we have portable water heater reviews to help you out. We have listed the features of each product together with their set of pros and cons. There is also a buyer’s guide section to help potential buyers be aware of the factors to consider when shopping for their best portable water heater.


Best 6 Product Reviews


Our years of experience in the water heaters played a crucial role in coming up with the best portable water heater review.  We conducted an extensive online research and consulted water heaters experts and read through customers reviews on different platforms in coming up with the 6 best portable heaters in the market.

We considered several factors such as power source, accessories, flow rate and cost in this portable hot water heater reviews.


1. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater (Portable Water Heater)


portable water heater

Coming first in our list of best portable water heaters in the market is the Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater.

This best portable water heater weighs 15.5 pounds making it lightweight hence easy to carry around.  It is an excellent water heater for small homes. Despite its small size, this water heater is capable of producing up to 2.5 gallons of hot water per minute.   It comes with a glass line that helps min ensuring it lasts longer.

Installing this portable hot water heater is quite simple. It can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall. It uses 1440 watts of power hence capable of offering you hot water instantly.

It is compact and small in size hence does not consume lots of space. Carrying it from one location to another is also quite easy thanks to its lightweight.  It comes with a one year warranty period signaling its durability and longevity.

Pros
  • It is lightweight hence can be carried from one location to another with ease
  • It is compact in design and small in size
  • Very easy to set up and use
  • Uses 1440 watts hence can make water hot instantly
Cons
  • Requires professional installation to avoid leakage
  • It is quite costly when compared to other portable water heaters

Check Price on Amazon


2. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater (Portable Water Heater)


portable water heater

Are you in the market for a high quality electric portable water heater? Then Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater is an excellent option. 

This best portable tankless water heater weighs 15.4 lbs. hence lightweight making it very easy to carry around. It is considered to be among the most efficient portable water heaters in the market.  It offers a constant temperature output regardless of the fixtures number you connect to it.

It comes with a digital temperature control that helps in enhancing user experience. One of the great benefits that come with this portable water heater is that no venting is needed during its installation.

This best portable tankless water heater is of compact and sleek design and it can be used for both residential and commercial duties when enclosed in a sturdy steel casing.

Pros
  • It is of a compact and sleek design making it easy to carry around
  • Comes with a digital temperature control that helps in enhancing user experience
  • No venting is required during its installation
  • Made using high quality materials making it durable and long lasting
Cons
  • Uses more power compared to other portable water heaters
  • Quite expensive hence not suitable for people on limited budget

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3. Vornado VMH600 Whole Room Stainless Steel Heater (Portable Water Heater)


portable water heater

Vornado VMH600 portable water heater is an excellent product that is very efficient and helps in providing you with constant hot water. It comes with intelligent heating sensors that helps you in maintaining a comfortable temperatures inside your house or business premise.

This portable tankless water heater comes with advanced heat safety features that help in ensuring it remains cool even when touched by someone. Hence, you can be sure of your safety whenever you want to make any manual adjustments. This product is of compact design and has an excellent body structure. Its stainless steel body makes it free from rust. 

It comes with an LCD screen at the front that displays the current room temperatures. Its smooth touch screen panel situated at the top part of the heater is very easy to control.  Its control panel comprises of several features that makes it easier for one to control the room temperature.

This portable hot water shower for camping comes with 2 heat settings that can be adjusted manually.  There is also a 12 hour timer which ensures automatic operation whenever you are not around.

Pros
  • Has an LED display screen for displays room temperature
  • Uses intelligent heating sensors for maintaining temperatures in the house
  • Its advanced safety features ensures the room temperatures are well controlled
  • Uses touch sensitive controls
Cons
  • Lacks a remote control
  • Quite costly when compared to other portable water heaters

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4. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater (Portable Water Heater)


portable water heater

This EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric water heater guarantees you endless hot water.  It is an excellent water heater for those limited in budget since it is quite affordable. With this portable electric water heater, you can be sure of saving your energy use.

This self-modulating portable propane hot water heater can be used for a wide range of application both at commercial places and homes. They are easy to set up and use making them an excellent option for beginners.

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric water heater is available in different sizes hence; when you are in the market for this portable water heater, ensure that you get one that is of the right size. It comes with unlimited warranty period hence you can always trust it in terms of durability thanks to the high quality materials used in making it.

Pros
  • Offers constant hot water flow
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty period
  • Available in different sizes
  • Easy to install and use
Cons
  • Has a low GPM hence does not perform well for larger homes
  • One has to remove and clean every element on a frequent basis

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5. Ecosmart ECO Electric Tankless Water Heater (Portable Water Heater)


portable water heater

Are you in the market for a popular portable water heater that is very efficient and durable? Think of non-other than the Ecosmart ECO Electric Tankless Water Heater. 

This portable propane water heater has wattage of 27kW that is divided into three heating chambers.  With the heating chamber only allowing the use of the required energy, one will save the heating cost of water by 50%. Just like the other portable water heaters in the market, this water heater also has its GPM flow rate determined by increase of temperature of the incoming water.

Another great feature about this propane water heater portable is its small and compact design.  Compared to other modern water heaters in the market, its small and compact design ensures it does not consume a lot of space hence suitable for those limited in space.

It is a very easy to install and use portable water heater. You will not require advanced tools or knowledge to install this water heater.

Pros
  • It is energy efficient hence does not lead to high power bills
  • It is compact and small in design hence suitable for tight spaces
  • Made using high quality materials make it durable and long lasting
  • It is quite affordable
Cons
  • Difficult to get its spares in case it breaks down
  • Heating speed might be a bit slow at times

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6. Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water (Portable Water Heater)


portable water heater

Rheem RTE-13 is among the most popular portable water heaters in the market. It features LED display and an external adjustable thermostatic control making it a very reliable portable water heater.

It is very compact and simple in design making it a perfect portable water heater for those with small houses. Being among the most efficient water heaters, it will offer you endless hot water for a single use point and multiple applications.

This portable water heater electric comes with everything you will need for successful installation. The installation process is very easy and fast hence within a few minutes you can start using it. It weighs 8.5 pounds and measures 4 by 9 by 13 inches making it an excellent option for apartments and smaller homes.

It is an energy efficient portable water heater which sets it apart from other portable water heaters in the market. You can use this Rheem RTE-13 to power up two showers with 1.5 GPM showerheads.

Pros
  • Has a maximum flow rate of 4 GPM
  • It is small and compact in design making it perfect for smaller homes
  • It is quite affordable hence a better option for those on limited budget
  • Comes with a digital thermostat display
Cons
  • Not a perfect option for the coldest temperatures
  • Not suitable for those with multiple showers

Check Price on Amazon


Things to Consider Before Buying Guide Portable Water Heater


To help you save on time and the cumbersome process of choosing the best portable water heater in the market, we have listed important factors you need to consider before making any purchase in these portable propane water heater tankless reviews. These factors will help narrow your options to the most preferable choice.

Power Source

Majority of the portable water heaters in the market use propane or electricity to heat water. In case you are planning on using a portable water heater at home or any location that has access to electrical outlet, an electric portable water heater will be an excellent choice.  There are also battery operated portable water heaters.  You will not need any power source as long as the battery is charged.

The propane portable water heaters are a popular choice as they do not require any electrical outlet and one can operate it from any place provided there is liquid propane.

Tankless or Tank

Majority of the portable water heaters in the market are tankless as they offer endless stream of hot water.  However, there is also the possibility of buying a water tank.  If you opt to buy a tank style water heater, you will have to pay attention to the tank capacity.  In case you will be using water heater for light cleaning chores like cleaning dishes and washing, you can purchase 1 0r 2 gallon tank. However, if you want one for showering, you will have to get a larger tank like 10 gallons.

Flow Rate

 The portable propane water heaters having higher BTU ratings will always have a higher flow rate. This is because the water heater will always have more power hence capable of heating water efficiently.  Flow rate refers to the number of gallons that can be delivered in a minute.  In case you are in the market for a portable water heater for camping, then it is advisable you purchase a unit with high BTU and is within your budget.

Accessories

When using a portable water heater outdoors, it will be important to have a shower head and a hose as extra accessories.  Other important accessories you need to consider when buying a portable water heater are the installation kit and an extra house for washing, cleaning and bathing.  Propane tanks, batteries, storage carriers and charging mechanisms are other essential accessories you have to consider. There are manufacturers that include these accessories with the portable water heater while others do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions about portable water heaters. These questions together with their answers will help you to better understand the portable water heaters.

What is the right distance between the tap and the under sink water heater?

In case you have plans of having a fast output from the under sink water heater, it will be of great help to ensure the under sink water heater is kept close to the tap.  Ensure the heater is not more than 6 feet away from the tap.  However, when the tap and water heater distance increases, heat loss increases too due to the extra travel distance.

How difficult is it to install a water heater?

Compared to the traditional water heaters, installation of portable water heaters is very easy and fast. Water heaters are compact in size and when bought, they come with all the necessary accessories.  You can install the portable water heaters by yourself without the support of an expert. There are several instructional tutorials and videos from the manufacturer’s website to help you out.

Can I use portable water heaters in commercial places?

High flow of water is always required in commercial places hence a portable water heater might not be an excellent option for such places. Most commercial places depend on instantaneous hot water from day to day. One will have to ensure their unit is turned on every time when they decide to install a portable water heater.

Between Portable Water heaters and Traditional Water heaters, which one uses less energy?

The portable water heaters will help you save money when compared to the tank water heaters. Most of the portable water heaters are known to consume less amount of energy when heating water and their running expenses is also quite low when compared to the traditional water heaters.

Are portable water heaters worth investing in?

Despite having a high initial installation cost, the saving your will receive when you use portable water heaters on long term basis are worth the price.  Maintaining a portable water heater unit is quite cheaper when compared to the tank water heaters since they have low chances of leakages.

Portable water heater maintenance cost is quite lower when compared to the gas powered water heaters.  When you opt to use the tank water heaters, you might be forced to hire an expert to manually check on it which can be quite costly.  However, with portable water heaters, it will take you some time to replace some of the parts.

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Final Verdict

Despite the huge number of portable water heaters in the market, there are only a few models and brands that stand out.  In the portable hot water heater reviews above, we have listed the 6 best portable water hears you can always count on whenever you are in need of one.

Before you make a decision on which portable water heater to choose from our best portable water heater reviews, it is advisable that you read through the buyer’s guide

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