Best Tankless Shower Heater Options for Home and Outdoor Use

Quick Guide: This article compares top tankless shower heaters suitable for whole-house, point-of-use, and portable shower setups. Below is a summary table of the five selected models, highlighting their main use case and power type for fast comparison.

Product	Primary Use	Power Type	Key Feature
EcoSmart ECO 11	Point-Of-Use / Small Bathroom	Electric (240V)	Self-Modulating Efficiency
ELEISIOS 18kW	Whole-House / High Flow Shower	Electric (240V)	Intelligent Control System
FOGATTI 18kW	Whole-House Showering	Electric (240V)	High Flow Up To 4.4 GPM
Kohree Portable Propane	RV, Camping, Outdoor Shower	Propane	Portable With 6-In-1 Safety
CAMPLUX AY132BN	Outdoor Portable Shower	Propane	Lightweight With Folding Handle

Choosing the right tankless shower heater depends on installation location, fuel type, required flow rate, and electrical capacity. The following product sections describe features, suitable use cases, and technical points drawn from each product’s specification.

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater

Check Price on Amazon

This compact electric unit is designed for point-of-use applications such as a single shower or sink. The ECO 11 uses patented self-modulating technology to adjust energy use based on water flow and required temperature. Continuous monitoring helps maintain outlet temperature within 1° of the setpoint.

• Power & Electrical: 13 kW at 240V; reported amperage draw 54 A—requires adequate circuit capacity and wiring sized per local code.
• Efficiency & Size: Marketed as 99% thermal energy efficient and notably smaller than tank heaters, making wall or point-of-use installation feasible.
• Use Case: Best for small bathrooms or single shower installations where available electrical capacity matches the unit’s requirements.

ELEISIOS 18kW Electric Tankless Water Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The ELEISIOS 18kW model targets higher-demand showering and small whole-house needs. It emphasizes rapid heating and an intelligent control system that adjusts heating power in response to flow and inlet temperature to minimize fluctuations.

• Power & Performance: 18 kW at 240V—suitable for showers with moderate-to-high flow when matched with proper electrical infrastructure.
• Controls: Includes LED display and simple +/- buttons for temperature control, enabling easy adjustment at the unit.
• Use Case: Effective for households requiring a steady, uninterrupted shower experience and where sufficient circuit capacity exists for an 18kW load.

FOGATTI Electric Tankless Water Heater 18kW

Check Price on Amazon

FOGATTI’s 18kW tankless heater is specified for residential showering with claimed flows up to 4.4 GPM, supporting multiple simultaneous hot water points when properly installed. It provides precise temperature control in 1°F increments and an LED display for readout.

• Electrical Requirements: Maximum draw up to 75 A; recommended two 40 A circuit breakers and appropriately sized wiring per installation guidelines.
• Flow & Temperature: Designed to maintain stable outlet temperatures across varying flows, suitable for whole-house light-to-moderate demand.
• Use Case: Suited for homeowners with adequate electrical service who want higher flow rates for showers and 1–2 simultaneous usage points.

Kohree Tankless Water Heater Propane Portable

Check Price on Amazon

The Kohree unit is a portable propane-powered tankless heater intended for outdoor showers, RV use, and camping. It emphasizes portability, quick warm-up, and robust safety features with CSA certification and a 6-in-1 protection suite.

• Performance: Up to 41,000 BTU/hr, producing about 1.58 GPM at specified conditions; requires minimal water pressure to start.
• Safety: Features anti-freezing, overheat protection, low flow and dry combustion protection, flame failure device, and windproof design—important for outdoor reliability.
• Use Case: Best for portable outdoor showers, RVs, or remote sites where electric service is unavailable and mobility is required.

CAMPLUX 1.32 GPM Portable Propane Water Heater AY132BN

Check Price on Amazon

The CAMPLUX AY132BN is a lightweight, portable propane tankless heater suited for outdoor showers. It focuses on easy setup, user-friendly temperature dials, and conservation-friendly operation via an on/off shower control.

• Portability: Approximate weight around 10 lbs with a folding handle for easy transport and mounting outdoors.
• Controls: Manual temperature dial and flow control allow users to dial in comfort quickly during outdoor use.
• Use Case: Appropriate for camping, tailgating, and backyard showering where lightweight and rapid deployment are priorities.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Tankless Shower Heater

Selecting the right tankless shower heater requires matching device capabilities to your hot water demand, installation constraints, and fuel availability. The guide below covers core factors to evaluate.

1. Fuel Type And Availability

Electric tankless heaters are common for indoor residential showers; they require appropriate circuit capacity and wiring. Propane

2. Flow Rate (GPM) And Shower Needs

Estimate the shower flow you need. Most standard showers run between 1.5–2.5 GPM. For a single shower, a lower-rated electric unit may suffice; for multi-outlet or high-flow showerheads, choose higher kW electric models or propane units rated for the required GPM.

3. Temperature Rise And Incoming Water Temperature

Tankless output depends on inlet water temperature. In colder regions, more heating capacity (higher kW or BTU) is required to achieve the same outlet temperature. Check manufacturer specs for temperature rise at specific flow rates.

4. Electrical Service And Wiring

High-capacity electric units (e.g., 18kW) can draw significant amperage and may require multiple dedicated breakers and thicker gauge wiring. Verify your home’s panel capacity and consult a licensed electrician for upgrades and safe installation.

5. Installation Location And Venting

Electric tankless heaters typically mount on walls and need proper clearances; propane units may require venting or be designed for open-air use. Consider indoor vs outdoor mounting and local code requirements.

6. Controls, Display, And Temperature Stability

Digital displays and precise controls improve temperature accuracy. Self-modulating units adjust power to maintain stable outlet temperatures under fluctuating flow, reducing temperature swings during showering.

7. Safety Features

Look for overheat protection, dry-fire prevention, pressure and flow sensors, and certified safety approvals (ETL, CSA). For outdoor or portable units, windproofing and flame-failure devices are important.

8. Portability And Outdoor Use

If using for camping or RVs, prioritize compactness, weight, and simple hookup. Portable propane heaters often include handles and pre-connected gas lines for quick setup.

9. Maintenance And Longevity

Descale and maintain tankless units in hard water areas to preserve heat exchanger efficiency. Access to service parts and a clear maintenance schedule extend product life.

10. Budget And Long-Term Operating Cost

Initial equipment and installation costs vary widely, particularly if electrical upgrades are needed. Compare operating costs for electricity versus propane based on local rates and expected usage patterns.

Comparison Perspectives

Point-Of-Use vs Whole-House: Small electric models like the ECO 11 are ideal for single fixtures, while 18kW electric units (ELEISIOS, FOGATTI) better serve whole-house or multiple simultaneous showers when supported by electrical infrastructure.

Electric vs Propane: Electric units deliver steady indoor performance with precise controls but depend on circuit capacity; propane models (Kohree, CAMPLUX) provide mobility and independence from grid power but need safe gas handling and outdoor-appropriate installation.

Flow Rate vs Temperature Stability: Higher kW or BTU output supports greater flow at target temperatures. Self-modulating and intelligent control systems reduce temperature fluctuation, improving shower comfort, especially during varying inlet conditions.

Installation Complexity: Electric whole-house units often require significant electrical work; portable propane units typically need minimal setup. Factor professional installation costs and permit requirements into your decision.