Choosing an electric tankless water heater for an apartment means balancing hot-water demand with limited space and, especially, the building’s electrical capacity. These compact units heat water on demand, but they are not automatically a simple swap for a storage tank: many need a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and some require substantial breaker and wiring capacity. Check with your landlord or building manager and a qualified electrician before buying.
Below, we compare five wall-mounted options, including their stated power requirements, flow claims, controls, and practical trade-offs. Treat maximum flow rates as best-case figures: the amount of hot water a heater can supply depends on incoming water temperature, set temperature, and how many fixtures are running.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Power | Stated flow or use | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOVIEEX 18kW Electric Tankless Water Heater | 240V, 75A maximum current; two 40A double-pole breakers specified | Up to 4.9 GPM claimed | Digital temperature control; 3/4-inch NPT connections |
| Garvee 14kW Electric Tankless Water Heater | 240V; confirm circuit and wiring requirements with the manufacturer | Designed for small homes and single-bathroom use | Self-modulating operation; stainless steel enclosure |
| Westinghouse 14kW WiFi Tankless Water Heater | 240V; dedicated 60A double-pole breaker and 6 AWG wire specified | Up to 3.4 GPM under stated test conditions | WiFi and voice control; ETL listed; 1/2-inch NPT connections |
| ORBEK 14kW Electric Tankless Water Heater | 240V; 60A double-pole breaker and 6 AWG wire specified | Up to 3.38 GPM claimed | ETL listed; digital temperature control; 1/2-inch NPT connections |
| AutoSteelix 18kW Electric Tankless Water Heater | 240V; confirm circuit and wiring requirements with the manufacturer | For residential bathroom and kitchen use; flow rate not stated | Self-modulating operation; ETL listed |
Our Picks: Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters For Apartments reviews
1. NOVIEEX 18kW: Higher Output for Apartments With Adequate Electrical Capacity
The NOVIEEX is an 18kW, 240-volt wall-mounted heater intended for small-to-medium homes, condos, and apartments. Its listed maximum flow is 4.9 GPM, and it has a digital display with adjustable settings from 77°F to 140°F. That higher stated capacity may be useful if you want to serve more than one fixture, but it does not guarantee that two showers—or a shower and other fixtures—will receive adequate hot water at once. Actual output depends on water temperature and demand.
Electrical planning is the key issue. The listing calls for a maximum current of 75 amps, two 40A double-pole breakers, and two sets of 8 AWG wires with a ground wire. That is a major installation requirement in an apartment, where you may have limited panel capacity and may not be allowed to alter wiring. The compact body and 3/4-inch NPT connections also need to match your intended installation.
The manufacturer claims 99.8% thermal efficiency and describes a multi-layer safety system, but the supplied product information is incomplete about the full set of protections. Consider this model mainly when an electrician confirms that the apartment can support its electrical load and the plumbing connections fit your setup.
Pros:
- Higher stated power than the 14kW models in this roundup
- Maximum flow claim of up to 4.9 GPM
- Adjustable digital temperature settings
- Compact wall-mounted design with 3/4-inch NPT connections
Cons:
- Electrical requirements may be difficult to meet in an apartment
- The maximum flow claim should not be treated as a guaranteed everyday output
Verdict: Consider the NOVIEEX if you need more potential output and a qualified electrician confirms your apartment’s electrical system can support its specified circuit setup.
2. Garvee 14kW: Compact Choice for Basic, Single-Bathroom Needs
The Garvee is a 14kW, 240-volt model aimed at small homes, apartments, and single-bathroom use. It has a self-modulating heating system, which the listing says adjusts power based on water flow, and a digital display for setting and monitoring temperature. Its wall-mounted form and stainless steel enclosure are designed for tight utility areas, bathrooms, or kitchens.
This model may suit a household with modest hot-water needs, such as one shower or a sink used separately. The product information does not give a maximum GPM, breaker size, or wire gauge, so there is not enough detail here to compare its capacity or installation demands precisely with the other units. Before purchase, obtain the installation requirements and have an electrician check the panel and wiring. Do not assume that a 14kW rating means it will connect to an existing circuit.
Compared with the Westinghouse and ORBEK 14kW options, the Garvee emphasizes a simple display and stainless steel housing, while those two listings provide more specific flow and circuit details. That missing information makes the Garvee harder to assess for a permitted apartment installation.
Pros:
- Designed for compact spaces and basic single-bathroom use
- Self-modulating heating operation
- Digital display for temperature adjustment
- Stainless steel enclosure
Cons:
- The supplied product details do not state a maximum flow rate
- Breaker and wire requirements are not provided in the supplied description
Verdict: The Garvee is worth considering for modest demand if the manufacturer provides clear electrical specifications and an electrician confirms compatibility before you buy.
3. Westinghouse 14kW: Connected Controls and Clearly Stated Installation Specs
This 14kW Westinghouse model stands out for its listed WiFi controls, Alexa and Google Home compatibility, and temperature memory. Its stated temperature range is 86°F to 140°F. The listing gives a maximum flow of 3.4 GPM when incoming water is 62°F and the outlet is set to 105°F, and says it can support two points of use under suitable conditions. That flow figure is more useful than an unqualified maximum, but it still depends on the actual inlet temperature and how much water the fixtures draw.
The manufacturer specifies a dedicated 60A double-pole breaker and 6 AWG wire at 240 volts. The unit has 1/2-inch NPT connections and a compact wall-mounted body. It is also listed as ETL certified, with stated protections that include leakage, overheating, dry-fire, and over-voltage protection. Verify all installation details against the product manual and local requirements before proceeding.
For apartment shoppers, the connected controls are a convenience rather than the main buying reason. The more important question is whether the building can support the dedicated circuit. Compared with the ORBEK, the Westinghouse adds app and voice features and provides a specific flow figure tied to test conditions; both list 14kW power and substantial electrical requirements.
Pros:
- WiFi, app, and voice-control features are listed
- Temperature memory restores the last preset after a power outage, according to the listing
- Flow rate is stated with inlet and outlet temperature conditions
- ETL listed, with several safety protections described
Cons:
- Requires a dedicated 60A double-pole breaker and 6 AWG wire
- Its stated 3.4 GPM flow depends on specific water-temperature conditions
Verdict: Choose the Westinghouse if you want connected controls and its electrical requirements fit your apartment, but prioritize installation approval over the smart features.
4. ORBEK 14kW: A Defined Flow Rating and ETL Listing
The ORBEK is a 14kW, 240-volt on-demand heater with a stated maximum flow of 3.38 GPM. It has a digital display and an adjustable temperature range of 86°F to 140°F. The manufacturer describes its temperature control as adjusting output to help keep water steady, but performance will still depend on incoming water temperature and simultaneous demand.
The listing specifies a 60A two-pole breaker, 6 AWG wire, and 1/2-inch NPT water connections. It also says the household panel should have at least 150 amps of total capacity. That panel figure is particularly important for apartment residents: a unit’s dedicated circuit is only one part of the electrical check, and building rules may limit upgrades. The model is listed as ETL certified and includes stated protections against leakage, overheating, and dry heating.
Against the Westinghouse, the ORBEK has a similar stated power level and a slightly lower maximum flow claim, while its listing does not describe WiFi controls. It may be a more straightforward fit if you do not need smart features, provided the electrical and plumbing requirements work for your home.
Pros:
- ETL listed, with several safety protections described
- Digital temperature control with a stated 86°F to 140°F range
- Specified breaker, wire, and connection requirements aid planning
- Compact dimensions are provided in the listing
Cons:
- Requires a 60A breaker and a panel capacity the listing says should be at least 150 amps
- The maximum 3.38 GPM claim is not a guarantee for every apartment’s water conditions
Verdict: The ORBEK is a practical 14kW option to compare if you want stated installation details and do not need WiFi, but confirm your panel capacity first.
5. AutoSteelix 18kW: Higher-Rated Power With Basic Digital Controls
The AutoSteelix is an 18kW, 240-volt model for residential bathroom and kitchen use. It uses self-modulating operation, which the listing says adjusts heating power to match water flow and temperature demand. A digital display lets you view and change the temperature. The compact square body has an iron enclosure, and the product is listed as ETL certified.
Unlike the NOVIEEX, this listing does not provide a maximum GPM, breaker size, wire gauge, or water-connection size. That makes it difficult to predict whether the AutoSteelix can handle your preferred combination of fixtures or to know how involved the installation will be. Ask the manufacturer for the complete installation manual and have an electrician confirm the required circuit before you consider it for an apartment.
The safety features described include overheating, overcurrent, dry-heating, and leakage protection. Still, an ETL listing does not remove the need to follow the installation instructions and local electrical rules. Its 18kW rating may appeal to shoppers seeking more power than a 14kW unit, but the missing flow and wiring details are meaningful drawbacks when comparing models.
Pros:
- 18kW power rating for residential bathroom and kitchen use
- Self-modulating operation and digital temperature display
- ETL listed, with several built-in protections described
- Compact design with a metal enclosure
Cons:
- The supplied details do not state flow rate or circuit and wire requirements
- Its higher power rating may be challenging for an apartment electrical system
Verdict: Consider the AutoSteelix only after confirming its full flow and installation specifications; the 18kW rating alone is not enough to establish apartment suitability.
How to Choose an Electric Tankless Water Heater for an Apartment
Check Building Approval Before Comparing Features
In a rental or condominium, ask the landlord, property manager, or association whether you can replace the water heater and make electrical or plumbing changes. A tankless unit may require new wiring, a dedicated breaker, or changes to water connections. Even a compact wall-mounted heater is not automatically an approved replacement for the existing system.
Confirm Electrical Capacity and Circuit Requirements
Match the unit’s voltage, breaker, wire gauge, and circuit requirements to your electrical panel and the manufacturer’s instructions. The models here range from 14kW to 18kW, and the listed requirements differ. The Westinghouse and ORBEK specify a 60A double-pole breaker and 6 AWG wire, while the NOVIEEX specifies two 40A double-pole breakers and two sets of 8 AWG wires. The Garvee and AutoSteelix descriptions supplied here do not give full circuit details, so request them before buying. Have a qualified electrician assess the panel; do not rely on the unit’s wattage alone.
Estimate How Many Fixtures You Will Use at Once
Think about your real routine. If you usually run one shower at a time, your needs may be different from a household that expects a shower, kitchen sink, and laundry use to overlap. A higher GPM claim can offer more potential capacity, but a heater must raise the incoming water to your chosen temperature. Colder inlet water or a higher temperature setting can reduce the flow of hot water available.
Read Flow Claims in Context
Compare maximum flow figures only when the test conditions are clear. The Westinghouse listing ties its 3.4 GPM figure to an inlet temperature of 62°F and an outlet setting of 105°F. The NOVIEEX and ORBEK give maximum claims without the same conditions in the supplied descriptions. Do not treat any maximum figure as a promise that the unit will serve several fixtures at once in your apartment.
Match Water Connections and Installation Space
Measure the intended wall area and check the unit’s connection size against your plumbing. The NOVIEEX lists 3/4-inch NPT connections; the Westinghouse and ORBEK list 1/2-inch NPT connections. Confirm whether adapters or plumbing changes are needed with a qualified installer. Also consider access for servicing, not just whether the heater fits between walls or inside a utility closet.
Consider Controls and Temperature Range
A digital display can make it easier to set and check the target temperature. The Westinghouse adds WiFi and voice-control compatibility, while the NOVIEEX, Garvee, ORBEK, and AutoSteelix descriptions emphasize local digital controls. Smart features may be convenient, but they should come after electrical compatibility, hot-water capacity, and installation approval.
Compare Safety Information and Maintenance Needs
Look for clear information about certifications, safety protections, water connections, and installation instructions. Some of the listings describe protection against issues such as leakage, overheating, or dry heating, but the details vary by model. Ask about maintenance for your water conditions, including whether mineral buildup may need attention. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a qualified installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric tankless water heaters a good choice for apartments?
They can work in some apartments, but suitability depends on building approval, electrical-panel capacity, plumbing, and hot-water demand. Confirm those points before choosing a model. A compact unit can save space, but installation may require electrical or plumbing changes.
Can a 14kW heater run a shower and kitchen sink at the same time?
It depends on the incoming water temperature, the flow from each fixture, and the heater’s actual output under those conditions. The Westinghouse listing says its 14kW model can support two points of use at a stated flow and temperature condition. That does not guarantee the same result in every apartment.
Does “endless hot water” mean the heater can supply unlimited fixtures?
No. A tankless unit can heat water on demand, but its output is limited by its power and the temperature rise required. If several fixtures draw more hot water than the unit can heat at once, water may not reach the desired temperature or flow.
Do these heaters need a dedicated circuit?
The requirements depend on the model. The Westinghouse and ORBEK list a dedicated 60A double-pole breaker, while the NOVIEEX lists two 40A double-pole breakers. Check the complete installation manual for the model you choose, and have an electrician confirm that your panel can support it.
Can I install an electric tankless heater myself?
These models can involve high-voltage wiring and plumbing work. Follow local rules, the manufacturer’s instructions, and your building’s approval process. Have a qualified electrician assess and complete electrical work, and use a qualified plumber where needed.
Which model has the most clearly stated flow information?
The Westinghouse provides a flow figure of up to 3.4 GPM with stated inlet and outlet temperatures. The ORBEK lists up to 3.38 GPM, and the NOVIEEX lists up to 4.9 GPM, but those supplied descriptions do not give the same test conditions. All figures should be treated as claims rather than guaranteed apartment performance.
Final Recommendation
For many apartment shoppers, the first choice should be the model that an electrician and building manager approve—not the one with the highest advertised flow. The Westinghouse is a useful comparison if you want connected controls and clearly stated circuit and flow conditions. The ORBEK also provides specific installation details and may suit shoppers who do not need WiFi. Consider the higher-powered NOVIEEX only if your apartment can support its specified electrical setup and you need its potential capacity. In every case, verify the installation requirements and expected hot-water demand before purchasing.
