The Ultimate Water Heater Buying Guide for 2025: Top-Rated Energy-Efficient Models
Choosing the right water heater is an important decision for both comfort and energy efficiency in your home. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which one best suits your needs. This is why we’ve curated a list of the top-performing models based on expert testing, reliability, and innovative features. Whether you’re looking for an energy-efficient tankless model, a high-capacity tank system, or something in between, this guide will help you make an informed choice that ensures your home enjoys consistent hot water for years to come.
Recommended Water Heaters
Rinnai V Series V53DEP 5.3 GPM 120,000 BTU Outdoor Liquid Propane Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater
When it comes to reliable and efficient water heating solutions, the Rinnai V Series V53DEP 5.3 GPM 120,000 BTU Outdoor Liquid Propane Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater stands out as one of the top choices for 2025. Known for its exceptional performance and innovative features, this model is ideal for both contractors and homeowners looking for a dependable water heating solution.
Rinnai has established itself as a leader in the water heater market, with over 100 years of experience in providing high-quality products. The brand is renowned for its commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and durability. Rinnai's reputation for reliability and performance makes it a trusted choice for many households and professionals alike.
The Rinnai V53DEP boasts a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.81, making it a highly energy-efficient choice for homeowners looking to save on utility bills. This impressive efficiency is achieved through advanced tankless technology, which heats water only when needed. Unlike traditional tank water heaters that constantly maintain a reservoir of hot water, the Rinnai V53DEP eliminates energy waste by activating only when you turn on a tap. This not only reduces your energy consumption but also ensures you have a continuous supply of hot water whenever you need it, making it a smart and eco-friendly option for modern households.
Designed for outdoor installation, this tankless water heater saves valuable indoor space by eliminating the need for a bulky traditional tank. Its compact size ensures it can fit into a wide range of outdoor locations, making it an ideal and versatile choice for homes with limited interior space or unique layouts. Plus, its durable design is built to withstand outdoor conditions, offering reliable performance all year round.
With a flow rate of 5.3 GPM, the V53DEP delivers a continuous and reliable supply of hot water, even when multiple fixtures are being used at the same time. This high-performance feature ensures that homeowners never have to worry about running out of hot water, whether it's for long showers, back-to-back laundry loads, or tackling a sink full of dishes. Designed for efficiency and convenience, the V53DEP is the perfect solution for busy households that demand consistent hot water whenever they need it.
Rinnai water heaters are renowned for their long lifespan, often lasting up to twice as long as traditional tank water heaters, making them a reliable and cost-effective choice for homeowners. The V53DEP model is specifically designed to endure outdoor conditions, with durable construction that ensures consistent performance even in challenging weather. Whether it’s a cold winter morning or a humid summer day, this water heater is built to deliver reliable hot water for years to come, offering both peace of mind and excellent value.
This model is Wi-Fi capable, allowing users to monitor and control their water heater remotely through a dedicated app or smart home system. This feature adds convenience by enabling users to adjust settings, check energy usage, and receive alerts about maintenance needs from anywhere. It also helps in maintaining optimal performance, ensuring your water heater runs efficiently and reliably.
The V53DEP is designed with ultra-low NOx emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice that complies with stringent air quality standards. This advanced design not only helps reduce harmful pollutants but also supports cleaner, healthier air, making it an ideal option for those looking to minimize their environmental impact while meeting regulatory requirements.
Noritz EZ111DVLP EZ Series Whole Home Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater, 11.1 GPM
The Noritz EZ111DVLP EZ Series Whole Home Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater is another excellent choice for those looking for a top tier water heater. This model is designed to meet the needs of both contractors and homeowners, offering a blend of efficiency, durability, and advanced features.
Noritz is a well-known and respected brand in the water heating industry, recognized for its innovative and high-quality products. With a strong focus on energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology, Noritz has built a reputation for delivering reliable and performance-driven water heaters. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted choice for both residential and commercial applications.
The Noritz EZ111DVLP delivers an impressive flow rate of 11.1 GPM, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water for multiple fixtures simultaneously. This makes it ideal for larger households or homes with high hot water demand.
Equipped with two high-grade stainless steel heat exchangers, this water heater is built to last. The dual exchangers enhance durability and efficiency, providing reliable performance over the long term.
With a UEF of 0.96, the EZ111DVLP is highly efficient, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. This efficiency is achieved through advanced condensing technology that maximizes heat transfer and minimizes waste.
One of the standout features of the EZ Series is its top-mounted water connections. This design simplifies installation, especially when replacing older tank-style water heaters, as it allows for quick and easy reconnection of existing water lines.
The EZ111DVLP is designed for both indoor and outdoor installations. This flexibility makes it suitable for various home layouts and ensures it can be installed in the most convenient location for the homeowner.
This model includes Wi-Fi capability, allowing users to monitor and control their water heater remotely. This feature adds convenience and helps maintain optimal performance by providing real-time data and alerts.
The EZ111DVLP is designed with low NOx emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice that complies with stringent air quality standards. This helps reduce the environmental impact while providing efficient hot water.
HTP EVR052C2X-045N Everlast Electric Water Heater - 52 Gallon 240V 4500W
For those in search of a reliable and efficient water heating solution, the HTP EVR052C2X-045N Everlast Electric Water Heater is an outstanding option. This model is designed to meet the needs of both contractors and homeowners, offering a blend of durability, efficiency, and advanced features.
HTP is a well-respected name in the water heating industry, known for its innovative and high-quality products. With a strong focus on energy efficiency and durability, HTP has built a reputation for producing reliable water heaters that stand the test of time. Their commitment to quality and performance makes them a trusted choice for both residential and commercial applications.
The HTP Everlast water heater is constructed from 316L stainless steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion and ensures a long lifespan. This material choice eliminates the need for anode rods, reducing maintenance requirements and enhancing durability.
With a UEF of 0.93, the Everlast water heater operates efficiently, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. The heavy-duty foam insulation minimizes heat loss, ensuring that the water remains hot for longer periods.
This model features a 52-gallon tank and a power rating of 4500 watts, providing a first-hour rating of 62 gallons. This capacity ensures a consistent supply of hot water, making it suitable for larger households or homes with high hot water demand.
The Everlast water heater is equipped with titanium heating elements that resist scale build-up and provide superior heat transfer. These elements enhance the efficiency and longevity of the unit, ensuring reliable performance over time.
The HTP Everlast water heater complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act and is lead-free. It is also certified by AHRI and cETLus, ensuring it meets stringent safety and performance standards.
The unit's design includes built-in heat traps to improve efficiency and reduce standby heat loss. Its lightweight construction makes installation easier, and the top-mounted connections simplify the process, especially when replacing older units.
State Water Heater GS6-100-XRRT Proline 98 Gallon, Residential Gas Water Heater
For those seeking a reliable and efficient water heating solution, the State Water Heater GS6-100-XRRT Proline 98 Gallon, Residential Gas Water Heater is an excellent option. This model is designed to meet the needs of both contractors and homeowners, offering a blend of durability, efficiency, and advanced features.
State Water Heaters is a well-established brand in the water heating industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. With decades of experience, State Water Heaters has built a reputation for producing reliable and high-performance products that cater to both residential and commercial needs. Their focus on energy efficiency and durability makes them a trusted choice for many households and professionals alike.
The GS6-100-XRRT features a massive 98-gallon tank and a powerful 75,100 BTU gas burner, delivering a first-hour rating of 170 gallons. This high capacity ensures a consistent supply of hot water, making it suitable for larger households or homes with high hot water demand.
With a thermal efficiency of 80% and a UEF of 0.58, this water heater operates efficiently, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. The eco-friendly design includes a patented Green Choice gas burner that reduces NOx emissions by up to 33%, complying with Low NOx emission requirements.
The GS6-100-XRRT is built to last, featuring a patented Blue Diamond glass tank lining that provides superior protection against corrosion. Additionally, the stainless steel CoreGard anode rod offers long-lasting protection against the corrosive effects of water.
The DynaClean automatic cleaning system helps protect the tank from sediment build-up, ensuring optimal performance and extending the life of the water heater.
This model includes a push-button piezo ignitor for easy pilot lighting and fully automatic controls with a safety shutoff. The commercial-grade brass drain valve ensures durable and easy operation.
The GS6-100-XRRT comes with a 6-year limited warranty on tank and parts, providing added peace of mind for homeowners.
Eemax HA027240 HomeAdvantage II Residential Electric Tankless Water Heater
For those seeking a reliable and efficient water heating solution, the Eemax HA027240 HomeAdvantage II Residential Electric Tankless Water Heater is an excellent choice. This model is designed to meet the needs of both contractors and homeowners, offering a blend of advanced features, efficiency, and durability.
Eemax is a well-known and respected brand in the water heating industry, recognized for its innovative and high-quality products. With a strong focus on energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology, Eemax has built a reputation for delivering reliable and performance-driven water heaters. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted choice for both residential and commercial applications.
The HomeAdvantage II provides a continuous supply of hot water, ensuring that homeowners never run out, even during back-to-back showers. This feature is ideal for households with high hot water demand.
With a UEF of 0.99, the HA027240 operates with high efficiency, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. The self-modulating technology adjusts energy usage based on hot water demand, ensuring optimal performance and energy savings.
The compact size of the HomeAdvantage II allows for flexible installation options, including under sinks, in closets, or other convenient locations. This space-saving design is perfect for homes with limited space.
The HomeAdvantage II features an external digital temperature control, allowing precise adjustments between 80°F and 140°F. With a digital display and a 0.3 GPM activation rate, it ensures quick, consistent, and efficient hot water delivery.
The unit is equipped with copper immersion heating elements with a brass top, which increases durability and provides superior heat transfer. These elements are threaded for easy replacement, enhancing the longevity of the water heater.
The tankless design of the HA027240 eliminates the need for a storage tank, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. Additionally, the energy-efficient operation helps reduce the environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right water heater involves considering factors such as water heater capacity, energy efficiency, and whether you prefer an electric vs. gas water heater. The best water heaters of 2025 include options for every household, from high-capacity models like the State Water Heater GS6-100-XRRT to energy-efficient water heaters such as the Eemax HA027240. Whether you're upgrading your current system or purchasing a new one, our water heater buying guide ensures you make an informed decision. Explore these top-rated models and invest in a water heater that enhances both your comfort and energy savings.
