Best Under Sink Hot Water Heater 2026 — Mini-Tank & Tankless Buyer’s Guide & Prices

Getting hot water fast at a single sink is solved neatly with an under-sink (point-of-use) heater. This guide cuts through specs, real prices, and pro advice so you can pick the best under-sink hot water heater for your kitchen, bathroom, or office and avoid costly installation surprises.

How under-sink (point-of-use) heaters work — quick explainer (mini-tank vs tankless)

Under-sink heaters serve one purpose: deliver hot water to a single fixture quickly without running long lengths of pipe from a central water heater. There are two common types:

Mini-tank (point-of-use) heaters  

Small insulated tanks (typically 1–4 gallons) that store preheated water ready to deliver instantly. They plug into a standard 120V outlet or hard-wire, heat with a single element, and are easy to install under cabinets. Mini-tanks are best if you want simple, steady hot water at low flow for sinks and small lavatories.

Point-of-use electric tankless (mini tankless) heaters  

Compact units that heat water on demand as it flows through a heating element. They often require 240V and higher amperage. Tankless units can deliver continuous hot water but their flow rate (GPM) depends on inlet temperature and electrical capacity. Tankless works well where you need a steady stream (small showers, busy kitchens) but requires proper electrical service and sometimes multiple parallel units for higher flows.

Short version: mini-tanks = tiny stored supply, simple install; tankless = on-demand, higher electrical need, continuous flow if sized correctly.

Who should buy an under-sink heater (use case)

• Apartment renters who want instant hot water at a kitchen or bathroom sink without replacing the building’s main heater.
• Homeowners with long waits for hot water at distant sinks a point-of-use heater gives near-instant hot water.
• Home offices, garages, or tiny kitchens where a full water heater isn’t practical.
• Busy kitchens where multiple short hot water uses occur (dish rinsing, hand washing) choose a higher-GPM tankless or a larger mini-tank.
• Bar sinks and prep areas — a small mini-tank under the counter is often the cheapest, simplest fix.

How to choose: 7-point buying checklist

1. Capacity / Flow (GPM & gallons) — For mini-tanks check gallons (2.5–4 gal common). For tankless check GPM at your local inlet temp. Example: ECO 11 claims ~1.3–3.1 GPM depending on inlet temperature.
2. Electrical requirements — Mini-tanks often run on 120V / 12–15A (plug in). Tankless point-of-use models usually need 240V and 20–50+ A circuits. Verify your panel and breaker space.
3. Footprint & clearance — Measure under your sink. Some mini-tanks are low-boy style and sit on the cabinet floor; others are wall-mountable.
4. Recovery / heat-up time — Mini-tanks have a recovery time as they reheat the stored water; tankless is instant but limited by flow.
5. Warranty & parts — Look for multi-year tank warranties (6 years is common for mini-tanks) and accessible replacement parts.
6. Installation complexity — Do you have a free 120V outlet? Do you have space for a 240V run? Will you hard-wire? If you’re unsure, budget for a licensed electrician/plumber.
7. Local code & permits — Confirm whether your municipality requires a permit for a new electrical circuit or for plumbing modifications.

READ MORE: Hot Water Cylinder Temp: Ideal Settings, Safety & Energy Savings

Under Sink Water Heater Comparison table

Here’s a side-by-side look at five top models I’ve vetted for performance, value, and reliability. I pulled specs from manufacturer sites and review roundups like those from Consumer Reports and plumbing forums. Prices are current as of Feb, 2026, checked across Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and direct sellers.

(Notes: model names and sizing may vary slightly between retailers; always confirm the exact model number before ordering.)

READ MORE: Gas Water Heater Replacement Cost (2026) — What Homeowners Pay & Why

In-depth reviews of Under Sink Water Heaters

Below I review each model with short summaries, pros & cons, who it’s best for, and the real price and retailer I checked on Feb, 2026.

1. Bosch — Tronic / ES 2.5 (Tronic 3000 series) — Mini-tank

Bosch’s Tronic mini-tanks (the ES/Tronic 3000 line) are compact, reliable point-of-use heaters with a 6-year limited tank warranty. The 2.5–2.7 gal models are aimed squarely at under-sink installs and plug into a standard 120V outlet. Price at many big-box retailers for the 2.5 model was $226.38 on Feb 9, 2026.

Pros

• Compact footprint; fits under most cabinets.
• 6-year tank warranty.
• Simple 120V install — often plug-and-play.

Cons

• Small capacity limits consecutive uses (e.g., handwashing + sink rinse in quick succession).
• Recovery time required between draws.

Best for: Small kitchen or bar sink where occasional hot water is needed quickly.

Quick install tips: Leave 1–2 inches clearance for plumbing fittings; install on a stable shelf or floor. If you need to hard-wire, hire an electrician.

2. Stiebel Eltron — SHC 2.5 — Mini-tank

Stiebel Eltron’s SHC 2.5 is a European-designed mini-tank known for a clean profile and reliable build. Home Depot listed this at $189.00 on Feb 9, 2026.

Pros

• Low profile and good insulation; attractive for visible installs.
• Made by a respected German manufacturer.
• 6-year tank warranty.

Cons
Slightly lower wattage (1300W) means slower recovery than higher-watt mini-tanks.

Best for: Bathroom sink or powder room where style + efficiency matter.
Quick install tips: This model often includes a wall-mount option measure and pre-mark before drilling to avoid corrosion-causing mistakes.

3. Rheem — Performance 2.5 gal mini-tank

Rheem’s Performance mini-tank is a budget-minded solution with 6-year limited warranty and a conventional 120V plug design. Home Depot price listing showed $212.99 on Feb 9, 2026.

Pros

• Affordable and widely available.
• Easy to swap for older mini-tanks (same footprint/pipe connections typically).
  Cons
• Basic feature set — not the quietest or fastest recovery.

Best for: Homeowners wanting a straightforward replacement or low-cost point-of-use heater.
Quick install tips: Use dielectric unions on copper piping if mixing metals; keep the unit accessible for occasional flushing.

4. EcoSmart — ECO 11 — Electric tankless (point-of-use)

The ECO 11 is a compact electric tankless rated around 11–13 kW and claims roughly 1.3–3.1 GPM depending on inlet temperature. It’s a popular point-of-use tankless choice; pricing tracked in major listings was around $206.76 on Feb 9, 2026.

Pros

• Continuous hot water (no tank recovery).
• Small footprint; mounts on the wall.

Cons

• Needs 240V and a substantial breaker/amperage; may require electrical upgrade.
• Flow rate varies with inlet water temperature in cold climates you’ll get lower GPM.

Best for: Small bathroom sink or kitchen sink where continuous flow is useful and you have 240V capacity.
Quick install tips: Confirm the required breaker and conductor size for the specific ECO-11 variant. If your panel lacks capacity, adding a dedicated 240V circuit can cost several hundred dollars.

5. A. O. Smith — EPU-2.5 (ProLine) — Mini-tank

A.O. Smith’s ProLine EPU-2.5 is a durable, pro-grade mini-tank with industry-standard specs and a 6-year limited warranty; prices vary strongly by distributor and reseller (listings ranged widely as of Feb 9, 2026). Check with local plumbing supply for best pricing; examples showed both modest retail and higher wholesale/reseller prices.

Pros

• Built for longevity and pro installations.
• Widely supported parts and service network.

Cons

• Seller variation means price shopping is important.

Best for: Contractors and homeowners who want a rugged, serviceable mini-tank.
Quick install tips: If buying through a wholesaler, confirm return policy and warranty registration steps.

READ MORE: Titan Water Heater Review 2026 | Efficiency, Cost, Pros & Real User Experience

Installation & wiring: what to expect (do’s/don’ts)

Do

• Turn off power and water before you start.
• Measure twice cabinet width, depth, and door swing.
• Use flexible connectors to simplify alignment.
• Add a drip pan if the unit will sit on the cabinet floor under sensitive items.

Don’t

• Don’t attempt to install a 240V tankless without verifying panel capacity and breaker space.
• Don’t mount a mini-tank directly on the cabinet floor without a pan if the cabinet stores absorbent items.
• Don’t use Teflon tape on John Guest or push-fit connections that are not intended for tape follow fitting instructions.

When to call a pro

• You need a new 240V circuit or panel work.
• Local code requires a licensed installer for water heaters or for electrical modifications.
• You’re uncomfortable cutting copper or soldering; a plumber will do this safely.

Sample cost ranges (approximate, U.S., 2026 prices)

• Mini-tank unit purchase: $150–$300 (depending on brand).
• Basic DIY install (if permitted): $0–$150 (connectors, brackets, pan).
• Plumber install: $150–$400 (labor varies by region, adds fittings).
• Electrician (240V run): $300–$900 (depends on distance to panel, permits, panel capacity).
• Total pro install (unit + plumber + electrician + permit): $600–$1,600 for a 240V tankless; $450–$900 for a 120V mini-tank when a simple plug and minimal plumbing work are needed.
  

(These are approximate ranges; get local quotes. Expect electrician costs to dominate when a new circuit is needed.)

Sizing examples (flow rate examples for common fixtures)

• Bathroom sink / lavatory: 0.5–1.0 GPM typical (mini-tank 2.5 gal is usually fine).
• Kitchen sink with sprayer: 1.0–2.0 GPM; a mini-tank may work for short bursts, but a tankless sized for ≥2 GPM is more comfortable.
• Small shower (low flow): 1.5–2.0 GPM many single ECO-11 style units will struggle in cold inlet temps; tankless needs higher kW or parallel units.
• Example: If your inlet water is 50°F and you want 105°F output, you need a temperature rise of 55°F. A 13 kW electric tankless might deliver ~1.5–2.0 GPM in that case check manufacturer charts.

Tip: Use GPM calculators on retailer/manufacturer pages, but cross-check with local inlet temperatures (colder inlet temps reduce GPM).

READ MORE: Noritz Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide

Maintenance & troubleshooting

Routine

• Flush mini-tanks annually to remove sediment (helpful in hard-water areas).
• Check pressure relief valve (if present) and valve seats.
• Inspect electrical cord and plug for damage (mini-tanks).
• For tankless, descale or follow manufacturer descaling schedule if you have hard water.

Troubleshooting

• No hot water: confirm power at outlet or breaker, check reset button on unit, check thermostat setting.
• Too-hot or too-cold: adjust thermostat; for tankless, confirm inlet temp and flow rate match capacity.
• Leaking: tighten fittings or call plumber if tank seam is leaking (tank failures require replacement).

Final verdict

• Best overall (balance of price, size, ease): Bosch Tronic / ES 2.5 — compact, reliable, and widely available at a reasonable price.
• Best budget mini-tank: Stiebel Eltron SHC 2.5 — often the lowest price for a trusted brand and good insulation.
• Best for continuous use / small continuous flow: EcoSmart ECO 11 (tankless) — choose this if you have 240V and want on-demand flow; confirm GPM vs inlet temp.
• Best for contractors / durability: A.O. Smith EPU-2.5 — pro-grade design and parts availability, but shop multiple sellers for best price.

5 FAQs

Q1: What is the best under-sink water heater for a kitchen sink?

A: For most kitchens, a 2.5–4 gallon mini-tank (Bosch, Rheem, A.O. Smith) gives fast, steady hot water for handwashing and light rinsing. If you use a sprayer or want continuous flow, a correctly sized 240V point-of-use tankless (EcoSmart or similar) is better but plan for electrical upgrades. Price and availability were checked Feb 9, 2026.

Q2: How much does it cost to install an under-sink water heater?

A: Unit cost is typically $150–$300 for mini-tanks, and $200–$400 for small tankless units. Installation ranges widely: DIY plumbing may be minor, but adding a 240V circuit costs $300–$900 or more. Total pro installation can be $450–$1,600 depending on electrical work and local labor. Get local quotes.

Q3: Are under-sink water heaters safe to install under a sink?

A: Yes, when installed correctly. Use a drip pan, ensure proper ventilation, and follow electrical codes. Mini-tanks that plug into 120V are the simplest; tankless units need proper breakers and wiring. If in doubt, hire licensed pros to avoid fire or water damage risks.

Q4: How long does a 2.5 gal mini-tank last?

A: With normal use and regular maintenance (flushing in hard-water areas), a mini-tank can last 6–12 years. Warranty periods are commonly around 6 years for the tank, which is a good indicator of expected lifespan. Replace sooner if you experience frequent leaks or performance drops.

Q5: Can a tankless under-sink heater run a dishwasher or shower?

A: Most point-of-use tankless units (ECO-11 style) are sized for a single sink or small lavatory, not dishwashers or showers in cold climates. Showers need higher GPM and higher kW. If you want to run a dishwasher or shower, size up to a whole-house or higher-kW tankless unit, or consider multiple point-of-use units.

Author bio

Sam Rigil — Licensed Plumber & HVAC Technician (10+ years)
Sam writes homeowner guides and trains apprentices for a regional plumbing contractor. He installs residential water heaters, runs electrical circuits for tankless systems, and evaluates point-of-use solutions for kitchen and bath remodels. Sam tests products in the field and advises homeowners on safe, code-compliant installs.

Sources & methodology note (prices checked Feb, 2026)

Prices and technical specs in this article were verified on Feb 9, 2026 by checking major retailer pages and manufacturer listings: Home Depot product pages for Bosch Tronic and Stiebel Eltron, Rheem product listings, EcoSmart product listings on major retailers, and A.O. Smith distributor listings. Representative pages used for price/spec checks include the Bosch and Stiebel Home Depot listings, Rheem Home Depot page, EcoSmart Amazon listing, and A.O. Smith distributor pages. (Retailer pages used for price checks are the same pages cited next to model prices earlier in the article.)