6 Best Water Heaters for Large Families in 2023

By: Editorial Team

Are you shopping for a water heater for a big household? You are in luck! Large families need water heaters that can keep up with increasing water demands. Unfortunately, finding one can be challenging. We will share some of the best water heaters for large families to give you an easier time shopping. We will also answer frequently asked questions about the best water heaters for big families and discuss a few factors to consider when buying one. Let’s get started!

Position
First Place
Runner Up
Best Budget
Snapshot
FOGATTI Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater - Indoor 7.5 GPM Gray Instant Hot Water Heater - InstaGas Comfort 170 Series
Ecosmart ECO 24 24 KW at 240-Volt Electric Tankless Water Heater with Patented Self Modulating Technology, 17 x 17 x 3.5
Instant Electric Tankless Water Heater 220/240V,Small Smart Water Heater Self-Modulating No Standby Losses,Under Sink Kitchen Household Shower, Hot Water Output of 2.0 GPM (White 7KW)
What You Need To Know About The Water Heater

Its high water-heating capacity guarantees unlimited hot water supply. It is also energy-efficient and has a 2-year warranty.

It uses an advanced self-modulating technology to reduce heat loss.

It has several safety features that protect against leakages, scald and other injuries.

Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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Rating
-
-
-
Position
First Place
Snapshot
FOGATTI Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater - Indoor 7.5 GPM Gray Instant Hot Water Heater - InstaGas Comfort 170 Series
What You Need To Know About The Water Heater

Its high water-heating capacity guarantees unlimited hot water supply. It is also energy-efficient and has a 2-year warranty.

Prime
Amazon Prime
Rating
-
Position
Runner Up
Snapshot
Ecosmart ECO 24 24 KW at 240-Volt Electric Tankless Water Heater with Patented Self Modulating Technology, 17 x 17 x 3.5
What You Need To Know About The Water Heater

It uses an advanced self-modulating technology to reduce heat loss.

Prime
Amazon Prime
Rating
-
Position
Best Budget
Snapshot
Instant Electric Tankless Water Heater 220/240V,Small Smart Water Heater Self-Modulating No Standby Losses,Under Sink Kitchen Household Shower, Hot Water Output of 2.0 GPM (White 7KW)
What You Need To Know About The Water Heater

It has several safety features that protect against leakages, scald and other injuries.

Prime
-
Rating
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Last update on 2024-09-19 at 22:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Best Water Heaters for Large Families Reviewed

When dealing with the needs of large families, selecting the ideal water heater becomes crucial. It’s essential to find a unit that can efficiently meet the high demand for hot water while accommodating the space constraints often present in larger households. Below is a curated list of the top water heaters, carefully chosen for their capacity, performance, and energy efficiency. These options serve as valuable investments for households with significant hot water requirements.


Buyer’s Guide for the Beat Water Heater for a Large Family

Here are the things to consider when getting a water heater for a large family:

Water Heater Type

There are two types of water heaters in the market: tank and tankless water heaters. Tank water heaters have different sizes for storing hot water, while tankless water heaters are compact, more energy-efficient, and suitable for varying hot water needs. Settle for a tankless water heater if you need an uninterrupted hot water supply and a tank option if you have a fixed budget.

Capacity

The water heater’s capacity is important as it dictates whether or not you will enjoy an uninterrupted hot water supply. Consider a traditional heater with a higher gallon capacity (50+ gallons) or a tankless heater with a higher gallon-per-minute rating.

Fuel Type

Large family water heaters either use gas or electricity. Electric water heaters are common and easy to install, but gas options are usually more effective in the long run and have faster recovery rates, although they need proper ventilation.

Recovery Rate

A water heater’s recovery rate refers to the speed at which it reheats water.  Note that gas water heaters have a higher recovery rate than electric heaters.

Energy Efficiency

To avoid paying huge electricity bills, choose a product with a high energy factor (EF) or universal energy factor (UEF) rating. Options with an Energy Star certification are also recommended.

Space

How much space can you spare for your water heater? Tankless options are usually compact and, hence recommended for small spaces.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

Consider the water heater’s installation and maintenance requirements, as they often attract additional costs. Advanced installation and maintenance services are not cheap.

Warranty

Water heaters are costly. You need an option that offers extended warranty covers on different parts, including the tank.

Temperature Controls

Your water heater should have adjustable temperature controls so that you can tailor the water’s temperature to your preferences.

Additional Features

Consider if you need additional features such as digital displays, programmable timers, and smart home integrations when buying a water heater. Note that options with additional features are usually expensive.


The Best Water Heaters for Large Families


Pros

  • It has a compact design for easy installation
  • It guarantees unlimited access to hot water
  • It has a high energy conversion rate

Cons

  • It is quite costly

Our first recommendation is a tankless gas-powered water heater from FOGATTI. Its special overheating, flame failure, dry combustion, low water flow, and anti-freezing protection features make it our top recommendation.

The water heater’s tankless design and 145,000 BTU heating capacity guarantee unlimited hot water supply. The high energy conversion rate of 0.81+ UEF reduces heat loss, making it one of the best options if you need an energy-saving water heater.

It’s also worth noting that the FOGATTI natural gas tankless water heater has a CSA certification, a widely-known superior safety and enhanced durability mark. Its inbuilt forced exhaust fan at the bottom eliminates external influences for stable combustion, while the compact design makes it easy to install. The manufacturer offers a 5-year heat exchanger warranty and a 2-year warranty on other parts.


Pros

  • Its advanced self-modulating technology cuts down on heat loss.
  • Its compact and wall-mounted design makes it easy to install
  • It is energy-efficient

Cons

  • It is quite pricey

Over the years, EcoSmart has created a name by producing some of the best energy-saving appliances in the market. Therefore, we highly recommend this amazing product from EcoSmart if you need an energy-efficient heater. Let’s see whether it lives up to the brand’s reputation.

Manufactured locally, the EcoSmart 24kW water heater has a sleek and compact design that saves space and makes installation easy. According to the manufacturer, it uses the world’s most advanced self-modulating technology and only the energy needed to heat the water. Its point-of-use installation and on-demand heating guarantee buyers unlimited hot water access.

This product can provide between 2.4 and 5.8 gallons per minute, depending on the inlet water temperature, which is quite convenient. Its advanced self-modulating technology reduces heat loss, saving you up to 50% in water heating costs.


Pros

  • It has durable components
  • It is affordably priced
  • It has a smart, energy-saving inverter

Cons

  • Complaints about hose leaks

The BiSELONG electric tankless water heater is an amazing option if you need an affordable, high-quality under-sink, kitchen, or shower water heater for a large family. Despite costing less than $100, it packs several features worth considering, such as advanced self-modulating technology that reduces heat loss.

Its tankless design guarantees an unlimited hot water supply, saving you from waiting for water to preheat.  Its in-built smart chip calculates the minimum required power based on the temperature and water flow for efficient energy use, while its safety features protect you from leakages, scalds, and other injuries. Its corrosion-resistant, high-grade, and easy-to-wipe shell makes it durable and highly suited for heavy-duty usage.

This water heater has a digital display, remote control settings, and a touch control panel for easy usage. You also get all the installation accessories for reduced expenses.


Pros

  • It is compact and stylish
  • It can be used as a standalone unit or alongside another water heater.
  • It is easy to install

Cons

  • It is best used as a booster, not a main heater

GE has steadily risen to be among the most trusted appliance brands in the United States. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that one of its water heaters is high on our list. The GE10P08BAR is a good option if you need a point-of-use water heater. Its compact design caters to limited spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, cabins, laundry rooms, garages, and sheds.

This product is easy to install as it uses ¾-inch NPT water connections that can be plugged into any 120-volt power station or supply. It can be used as a standalone water unit or alongside another water heater to boost washing machines or long pipe runs. It is also quite versatile, allowing users to adjust the output’s temperature preferences easily. This is made possible by an adjustable thermostat.

Note that even though this water heater may not meet all your family members’ bathing, washing, and cleaning needs, it is worth installing in the kitchen, dining room, or outdoor space with a power supply to act as a booster. An upside worth mentioning is that it is quite stylish and will blend in well wherever it is placed.


Pros

  • It has precise water control
  • Its premium design makes it highly durable
  • It is compact

Cons

  • It can only serve 2-3 water points

Our fifth option is a sturdy natural gas water heater from Mizudo (there is a propane variation if you need something different). Its tankless design guarantees unlimited hot water access in 2-3 water points, while the 4.3 GPM hot water flow and precise temperature control offer a comfortable bathing experience.

We must mention that this product has a commendable design. Its oxygen-free copper water tank reduces heat loss for enhanced efficiency. It is also compact, making it space-saving and easy to install. Its high-speed anti-backflow fan prevents accidental flameout and backflow, while its advanced water filtration system isolates impurities, saving you from dry and itchy skin. The product’s 100,000 BTU rating means it can service your bathtub, showerhead, and two faucets simultaneously.


Pros

  • It is easy to install
  • It has a lightweight, portable design
  • It is CSA-certified

Cons

  • You need to purchase extra accessories to attach a hose.

This sixth 5.26GPM tankless water heater is a great option if you need a portable outdoor family water heater. Its propane exchanger and main burner have advanced combustion technology for less gas consumption and reduced burning noise. Its maximum power output of 68,000 BTU/hour guarantees an unlimited hot water supply regardless of where you are.

The compact and lightweight structure makes the Forimo tankless outdoor water heater highly portable, while its 11.5% energy-saving technology reduces heating-related costs. This heater also has a CSA certification, making it safe per US standards. Buyers love that it has flame failure, freezing, and overheating protections and comes with BSP pipe fittings and all the necessary accessories for easy installation. It isn’t shocking that it has received several positive reviews over the years.


Conclusion

Large families must exercise care and consider several factors when shopping for a water heater. Of all the products we have reviewed, we highly recommend the FOGATTI natural gas tankless water heater due to its amazing features, special protections, tankless design, extended warranty, and durability.   In second place is the EcoSmart ECO 24 24 kW tankless water heater, which has patented self-modulating technology, a digital output temperature display, and field-replaceable elements. It is highly recommended if you need a space and money-saving product.

We have also included the BISELONG BIS-52 instant electric tankless water heater if you need an affordable option. Despite its low price, it has several amazing features, including a smart energy-saving inverter. The three other options are also highly revered and recommended if you need a great water heater for a large family.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the Best Type of Water Heater for Large Families?

Although families may have different preferences, big households should prioritize tankless water heaters as they heat water on demand, guaranteeing unlimited hot water access.

Which Features Should Large Families Prioritize in a  Water Heater?

Some of the most important features to consider when getting a water heater for a large family are adjustable temperature settings, energy-saving features, heating capacity, and a digital display for easy temperature monitoring and control.

Which Fuel Type Should My Water Heater Use?

Consider your preferences, the fuel’s availability, and associated costs when choosing a fuel type for your water heater. Common options include natural gas or propane.

Which is the Most Suitable Size for a Large Family’s Water Heater?

Large families require relatively higher amounts of hot water and should, therefore, settle on an option with a higher capacity. A capacity of 50 gallons or more is recommended for traditional water heaters, while a higher gallon per minute is preferred in tankless water heaters.

Should Families Prioritize Energy-Efficient Options When Getting a Water Heater?

Yes. An energy-efficient water heater not only saves you money but is also good for the environment.  Consider an option with a high Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) when shopping for a water heater.

Should I Get a Traditional or a Tankless Water Heater?

You must consider several factors before making such a decision. However, large households are usually advised to settle on tankless water heaters to save space and offer an uninterrupted hot water supply. We have reviewed traditional and tankless water heaters in this article to help you make an excellent decision.