Best Compact Electric Tankless Heater for Small Home (2026)

Tired of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower? Or paying to heat a huge water tank you barely use? A compact electric tankless water heater is the perfect solution for small homes, apartments, condos, and cabins.

Unlike bulky storage tanks, tankless units heat water only when you need it, providing endless hot water on demand while using far less space and energy. They mount directly on the wall, fit in closets or under sinks, and deliver consistent hot water for showers, sinks, dishwashers, and laundry — without standby heat loss.

In this guide, we’ve selected the best compact electric tankless water heaters for small homes in 2026, chosen for their fast heating performance, energy efficiency, digital controls, and durable build quality. If you want a constant supply of hot water in a small footprint, these are the models to buy.

---

Why Electric Tankless Heaters Are Perfect for Small Homes

Here’s what makes them ideal for smaller spaces:

• Compact Size: Wall-mounted units fit in tight closets, utility rooms, or even under counters
• Unlimited Hot Water: Never run out — ideal for families or back-to-back showers
• Energy Efficient: Heat only when needed (no standby loss like tank heaters)
• Fast Heating: Deliver hot water within seconds
• Low Maintenance: No tanks to rust, leak, or periodically flush
• Eco-Friendly: Lower energy use reduces your utility bills and carbon footprint

With the right size unit, you can supply an entire small home with endless hot water while freeing up valuable floor space.

---

Quick Comparison Table

Tankless Heater	Highlights	Power & Flow Specs	Ideal For	Price
Westinghouse Apolo-18kW Electric Tankless Water Heater	Smart WiFi control, Alexa/Google compatible, sleek compact design	18kW at 240V, ~4 GPM, ETL certified, IPX4	Smart small homes, 1–2 bath setups	[Check Price]
Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater	Reliable brand, compact build, easy install, steady output	18kW at 240V, ~3.5–4 GPM, digital temp control	Apartments or small homes with 1.5 baths	[Check Price]
Fogatti 24kW Tankless Water Heater Electric	High power for whole-house use, still compact size	24kW at 240V, up to 6 GPM, ETL certified	Small homes needing whole-house hot water	[Check Price]

Best Compact Electric Tankless Heater

1. Westinghouse Apolo-18kW Electric Tankless Water Heater — Best Smart Tankless Heater for Small Homes

Heating Performance & Efficiency

The Westinghouse Apolo-18kW brings power, technology, and compact design together in one sleek unit. It produces 18kW at 240V, giving about 4 gallons per minute (GPM) — enough for two showers running at the same time or a shower plus a sink.

It uses smart digital controls with WiFi connectivity so you can adjust water temperature remotely via app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. It also maintains stable outlet temperature even during fluctuating inlet flows.

Build Quality & Design

The Apolo-18kW is slim and wall-mounted, freeing up valuable floor space. It has an IPX4 water-resistant casing and ETL safety certification for peace of mind. The brushed steel finish and LED display give it a modern look that fits in any home utility space.

Everyday Home Use

This is the ideal tankless water heater for modern smart homes, small houses, and condos, delivering instant hot water on demand while being energy-efficient and space-saving.

Pros

• WiFi smart control + voice assistant support
• Compact design, wall-mountable
• 18kW power handles 1–2 bathrooms easily
• Consistent temperature control

Cons

• Requires 240V double breaker circuit
• Slight learning curve for app setup

[Check Price on Amazon] — Best Smart Compact Tankless Water Heater

---

2. Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater — Best Reliable Mid-Size Option

Heating Performance & Efficiency

The Rheem 18kW 240V unit is a trusted, dependable tankless heater from one of the top names in water heating. It delivers 3.5–4 GPM of hot water, enough for a shower and a sink running simultaneously, and uses self-modulating technology to adjust power based on demand, saving energy.

Build Quality & Design

It features a compact wall-mounted design, digital temperature controls, and simple front-facing display for quick adjustments. The durable copper immersion heating elements are designed for long life and easy replacement.

Everyday Home Use

This Rheem is the perfect balance of size, simplicity, and performance for apartments, small homes, and cabins — especially for households of 2–3 people.

Pros

• Trusted brand reliability
• Consistent water temperature
• Energy-saving self-modulation
• Compact and simple design

Cons

• Slightly lower flow than 24kW models
• No WiFi smart features

[Check Price on Amazon] — Best Mid-Size Tankless for Small Homes

---

3. Fogatti 24kW Tankless Water Heater Electric — Best High-Power Option for Whole Small Homes

Heating Performance & Efficiency

The Fogatti 24kW is compact yet powerful enough to serve an entire small home. It delivers up to 6 GPM at 240V, capable of running three fixtures at once (like two showers and a sink) without temperature drop.

It uses ETL-certified safety systems and stable digital controls to keep outlet water temperature precise even with pressure fluctuations.

Build Quality & Design

Despite its power, it has a slim wall-mounted profile, modern LED touch display, and anti-leak sealed housing. It’s designed for long service life with corrosion-resistant components.

Everyday Home Use

If your small home needs whole-house coverage from a single compact tankless unit, the Fogatti 24kW is the best choice for consistent, endless hot water.

Pros

• High 24kW power with 6 GPM flow
• Serves entire small home with ease
• Digital temperature controls
• ETL safety certified

Cons

• Requires 240V 3x40A breakers
• Heavier wiring installation

[Check Price on Amazon] — Best Whole-House Compact Tankless Heater

---

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Compact Electric Tankless Heater

• Power Rating (kW): 18kW is ideal for 1–2 baths; 24kW+ for whole small homes
• Flow Rate (GPM): Aim for 3.5–6 GPM to run multiple fixtures at once
• Voltage & Breaker Requirements: Usually 240V with 2–3 double-pole breakers
• Temperature Stability: Digital thermostats and self-modulation improve comfort
• Size & Mounting: Slim wall-mount models save space in small homes
• Durability: Copper/stainless elements, corrosion-resistant housings
• Certifications: ETL, UL, or CSA safety certifications are essential
• Smart Features: WiFi, voice control, and mobile app add convenience (optional)

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What size tankless heater does a small home need?
For 1–2 bathrooms, an 18kW model is ideal. For whole-house use (2+ showers simultaneously), choose 24kW or higher.

Q2. Do electric tankless heaters really save energy?
Yes — they eliminate standby losses by only heating water on demand, cutting energy costs by up to 30%.

Q3. Can I install one myself?
Some handy homeowners can, but it’s best to use a licensed electrician to safely connect 240V circuits and breakers.

Q4. Do they need maintenance?
Minimal. Occasionally flush for mineral buildup and check heating elements annually.

Q5. Do they work with well water?
Yes — just ensure you have proper water pressure (minimum ~30 PSI) and use a sediment pre-filter if your water has heavy minerals.

---

Final Verdict

• Best Smart Option: Westinghouse Apolo-18kW — smart WiFi control, sleek design, perfect for 1–2 bath homes
• Best Reliable Mid-Size: Rheem 18kW — trusted brand, compact size, steady performance for small families
• Best High-Power Choice: Fogatti 24kW — whole-house performance in a compact body

[Check Today’s Best Deals on Amazon] — Buy your small home with endless hot water from these top-rated compact electric tankless heaters.

Latest Post: Best compact portable power station for rv trips