The Best Instant Hot Water Heaters for Your Kitchen Sink
Waiting for hot water is a daily frustration in the kitchen. Whether you're washing dishes, filling a pot for cooking, or need a quick rinse of your hands, standing there as cold water runs down the drain gets old fast. Upgrading to an instant hot water system under your sink is the convenient solution busy homeowners need.
Installing a small on-demand water heater under your sink provides hot water the moment you turn on the faucet. No more annoying lags as you wait for your tank water heater to catch up. Instant hot water gives you the streamlined kitchen experience you deserve.
Benefits of Instant Hot Water for Kitchen Sinks
Instant hot water systems offer several advantages over traditional tank water heaters:
- Convenience - Hot water is available instantly whenever you need it. No more waiting around for the hot water to kick in.
- Time savings - Quickly wash hands, rinse dishes, fill pots and more. The time saved adds up over the course of a busy day.
- Energy efficiency - Tankless heaters only operate when hot water is needed, reducing energy waste.
- Compact size - Small units fit neatly under the sink to save space compared to bulky tank heaters.
Types of Instant Hot Water Systems
Under Sink Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Electric tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water with an energy efficient, compact unit that mounts under the sink. Unlike tank heaters that constantly maintain a reservoir of hot water, electric tankless heaters use heating coils to generate hot water only as needed.
Tankless electric models require a 240-volt outlet but eliminate the standby energy losses of a tank heater. They provide an endless supply of hot water for hand washing and light kitchen tasks.
Under Sink Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Gas-powered tankless water heaters offer another under sink option. Like electric models, gas tankless heaters ignite to heat water only on demand when the tap is turned on.
Gas tankless heaters require connecting to an existing gas line. They are more suitable for high demand applications like filling a large pot or washing lots of dishes where fast heating and high flow rates are needed.
Hot Water Dispenser Taps
Hot water dispenser taps combine instant water heating and faucet into one convenient unit. Many models have a separate hot water spout next to the regular cold water faucet.
Dispenser taps with integrated heaters are easy to install since they combine the heater and delivery in one place. They provide a simple solution for adding instant hot water to your sink.
Key Features to Compare
When selecting an under sink instant hot water system, here are some key variables to consider:
- Flow Rate - The speed at which hot water is delivered, measured in gallons per minute.
- Temperature Options - Preset or adjustable digital temperature controls.
- Energy Source - Units powered by electricity or gas have different hookup requirements.
- Ease of Install - Most require professional installation to connect plumbing and wiring.
Top-Rated Instant Hot Water Heaters
1. EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater - Top Pick Overall
The EcoSmart ECO 27 is our top pick for adding instant hot water under your kitchen sink. This electric tankless heater delivers an endless supply of hot water on demand at 3 gallons per minute.
It features a digital temperature control panel and compact 17" x 14" design. Priced under $400, the EcoSmart ECO 27 offers excellent performance and value.
2. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus - Runner Up Pick
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus is another top-performing electric tankless water heater. It can handle 3 showers at once and is very energy efficient.
3. Girard 2GWHAM On-Demand Water Heater - Also Great Budget Option
The Girard 2GWHAM provides instant hot water on a budget. It has a manual temperature dial and simpler controls but still delivers solid performance.
FAQs About Under Sink Hot Water Systems
Do they provide unlimited hot water?
Yes, tankless water heaters supply endless hot water on demand as opposed to tank heaters with limited capacity.
Is professional installation required?
Yes, you need a qualified plumber or handyman to install under sink heaters. The electrical and plumbing hookups require experience.
What's the cost compared to tank heaters?
Instant hot water systems cost $200 - $500 for the unit, plus $200 - $500 for professional installation. More affordable than replacing a traditional tank.
How do I choose flow rate and temperature?
Pick a flow rate that matches your needs - 1-2 GPM is sufficient for a kitchen sink. Many models have adjustable digital temperature controls.
How much space do they require?
Compact tankless water heaters are 17" - 20" tall to fit under most kitchen sinks and replace the existing cabinet.
Adding an instant hot water heater under your sink is one of the best upgrades you can make for a busy kitchen. Ditch the lag time of tank heaters and enjoy hot water the moment you need it.
Models like the EcoSmart ECO 27 electric tankless heater provide an efficient, affordable solution for on demand hot water. Improving convenience and saving time every day.