Head-to-head · Best Tankless Water Heaters

EcoSmart ECO 27 vs Rheem RTEX-13 Point-of-Use

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

EcoSmart ECO 27 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about homes with 2-3 simultaneous showers in mild climates — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Tankless Water Heaters

EcoSmart ECO 27

4.6

$540

The ECO 27 is the high-flow pick — EcoSmart's best GPM-to-price ratio for households with multiple simultaneous hot-water demands.

Strengths

— 6.6 GPM max — highest in this lineup
— Compact unit saves install space
— 0.3 GPM minimum activation

Watch-outs

— Requires 240V triple-pole breaker
— Some undersizing complaints below 40°F inlet
— Customer support response variable

$540 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Tankless Water Heaters

Rheem RTEX-13 Point-of-Use

4.5

$300

The RTEX-13 is the point-of-use pick — Rheem's compact tankless for a single sink or shower. Best for additions and outbuildings.

Strengths

— Point-of-use sized for single sink
— Compact under-cabinet install
— Self-modulating

Watch-outs

— Single-fixture only — not whole-home
— 13 kW limits hot water flow
— Best for additions, not retrofits

$300 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

EcoSmart ECO 27

Highest GPM. Lifetime element warranty. Undersizes in deep cold.

Rheem RTEX-13 Point-of-Use

Point-of-use only. Compact. Cheapest pick.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	EcoSmart ECO 27	Rheem RTEX-13 Point-of-Use
Type	Electric whole-home	Point-of-use electric
Power	27 kW	13 kW
Max GPM	6.6	—
Warranty	Lifetime elements	—
Use	—	Single fixture
Form	—	Compact

← See the full ranking of best tankless water heaters