The 10 Best Portable Water Heaters of 2022 for RVs, Backyards, And More
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This portable water heater only takes a few minutes to install.
After going without electricity, power, and heat for days, I'll forever make sure a portable water heater is on my survival gear list. A hot shower might sound like something you can go without for a couple days, but if you factor in cold or freezing temps, you'll think twice.
These portable water heaters are easy to install. You'll have access to endless hot water wherever you are. These little gadgets are typically over $100, but they're worth every penny. Grab one for off-grid camping, your RV, home, and more.
How to Install a Tankless Water Heater
If you're thinking of installing one for your home, we recommend having a professional install it. However, if you've already installed your current tankless water heater in your RV, you most likely have a good idea of how to remove it and install your new heater without hiring a professional.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Energy Efficient
Energy.gov reports that they can be 8%-14% more energy efficient for homes that use around 86 gallons of hot water per day.
Constellation says you might go through about 21 gallons of water in a 10-minute shower! (Wow.) Think about showering twice a day. Now add up all the household members. It might be worth the investment. If you're not sure if it is, contact a local plumber about costs and installation fees to compare the pros and cons of switching to a tankless water heater.
Best Portable Water Heaters
GASLAND's tankless water heater is safe! The $139 flame-failure device has anti-freezing protection and doesn't overheat. The lightweight gadget can be used at home, the campsite, or the beach. It's perfect for outdoor use and only takes a few minutes to install.
It has a maximum power output of 41,000btu/hour, and there's no need to preheat. Just have two D cell batteries ready. Check out the instructions.
Karen gave it five stars and wrote, "This is the second portable water heater I've owned. It's by far the best. Easy to use. Works immediately without having to turn it on and off over and over like my other one. Small but powerful. Puts out very hot water. I'm not easy to please and I'm very happy with this unit."
2. Eccotemp Luxé 1.85 GPM 52K BTU Outdoor Portable Tankless Water Heater
Eccotemp is a major brand behind portable water heaters. Have instant hot water in minutes with their 1.8 GPM heater. The lightweight heater is perfect for camping, hunting, tiny homes, food trucks, and outdoor showers at home. The heater can reach a water temperature of 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. No more cold water showering in the camper!
This gadget is safe to use. Just like the option above, it is also CSA certified. Thanks to the safety shut-off switch, it will shut off immediately when the heater is tilted more than 45 degrees. There's low-pressure activation at 20 PSI and is easily connected to a standard garden hose. The hot water shower heater will come in handy for bathing muddy dogs outside with the water hose.
There is a 2-year warranty, but you'll be satisfied with this heater.
3. Camplux 2.64 GPM Portable Propane Water Heater
Consider Camplux's heater for camping trips. The heater lights when water pressure is between 3.6-110 PSI. The low water pressure is perfect for camping trips and cabins.
It will shut off automatically when it reaches 167 degrees Fahrenheit. The propane gas pressure is 0.4PSI with a maximum power output of 68,000btu/hour. The system also works great on modified water systems with a 12-volt pump.
4. Botabay Tankless Water Heater 16L
HVUE's heater is easy to install and has a 4.3-star rating. The wall-mounted design is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
5. Coleman Hot Water on Demand H2Oasis Portable Water Heater
Coleman's portable heater can heat water up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 seconds. The high-power submersible electric pump provides a strong water flow that campers love. Setting it up is easy. To use it, connect the pump to the included five-gallon water carrier, connect the hoses, and dial in your temperature!
The showerhead can be placed in the adjustable holder to use as a faucet, and the battery can be charged with a car outlet.
Shirley gave it five stars and wrote, "This us just what we needed. It totally exceeded our expectations! We do a lot of camping where there are no showers available. We can set it up in just a couple minutes. We just bring the water we need. A nice hot shower after being out in the woods all day is really nice."
6. Camp Chef Triton Portable 10L Water Heater
Attach Camp Chef's heater to a garden hose for instant hot water. It can produce 2.6 gallons of hot water per minute! This is perfect for filling up portable bathtubs or pools. It includes a gas regulator hose for a bulk propane tank, but you will need to buy two D batteries for ignition.
A customer gave it a perfect rating and wrote, "WOW! I have taken showers outside when below freezing and the water is hot enough. Of corse I have to remove the drain plug and make sure all water is drained out in freezing temps. 2 batteries and a propane tank and your up and running, even comes with the shower head and hose. for what it cost and what you get, great deal."
7. Eccotemp L5 1.3 GPM Liquid Propane Portable Tankless Water Heater
Here's another option from Eccotemp. The $149 heater just needs a garden hose and a 20-pound propane tank. It is also ignited with D batteries. It can produce hot water with water pressure as low as 20PSI and achieve temperatures ranging from 50-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check out this review from a hunter.
8. Electra 3150SS SafeHete All-Purpose Portable Electric Water Heater
Electra's heater is Amazon's Choice for bathtub water heaters. It's only $60 too, which is a great deal. With over 160 positive reviews, we had to include this as a fantastic, budget-friendly option. Check out this review from Anna.
9. Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater
The heater is perfect for RVs, cabins, and more. Connect it to your gas water supply for hot water! It does need batteries to ignite, so be sure you buy some. It might sound annoying that you need to buy batteries for these heaters, but keep in mind that you'll be thankful it just needs batteries if you lose electricity.
Ken gave it five stars and wrote, "Bought this for our primitive camp shower. It's wonderful. We hooked it up to a 20lb grill propane tank and got all the hot water we wanted. It comes with a 5 foot shower hose, but we bought 2 more and linked them together since the unit is a little away from where we are taking showers. If you need to do this you will need a 1/2 inch male to male connector between each hose. Most hardware stores have them."
10. Eccotemp L10 3.0 GPM Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
Eccotemps L10 3.0 heater has different sets to choose from. Consider the shower set, pump and strainer, or the bundle. The heater can produce hot water with water pressure as low as 20PSI and can reach temperatures ranging from 50-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
It runs on a 20-pound propane tank. A customer gave it five stars and said, "Very good unit, easy to install and operates better than expected."
This post was originally published on February 23, 2021.
NEXT: THE 8 BEST PORTABLE SHOWERS OF 2021 + BEST PORTABLE CHANGING ROOM
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