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Comparing Eccotemp Models: Which Water Heater Suits You Best?
Choosing the right Eccotemp water heater is more than just picking a size. Whether you want hot water at a remote campsite or need to supply an entire household, Eccotemp offers a range of water heaters tailored to specific lifestyles and installation needs. This guide explores Eccotemp’s main product lines based on use case, fuel type, installation environment, and smart features. You’ll learn which model performs best for outdoor adventures, smart homes, growing families, and large residential setups. Importantly, you’ll also discover the critical installation details, including the fact that indoor and outdoor models are not interchangeable but designed for specific environments to maximize safety and efficiency. Plus, we’ll cover venting options and maintenance accessories like descaler kits to help your water heater perform optimally for years.
Portable Water Heaters
Eccotemp’s portable water heaters are built exclusively for outdoor use and run only on Liquid Propane. Their compact, lightweight design makes them perfect for camping, RVs, cabins, or other off-grid locations where electricity isn’t accessible or practical. Because these water heaters are engineered strictly for outdoor environments, they should never be installed indoors. This design ensures safety and durability when exposed to the elements and provides a convenient, on-demand hot water supply wherever you need it. Whether you are hiking, tailgating, or living off the grid, these portable tankless water heaters offer quick setup, easy transport, and reliable performance. Their outdoor-only installation requirement ensures they meet all safety standards, protecting users from hazards associated with indoor propane appliances.
SH12-A Series (Smart Home Mid-Size)
For homeowners who want smart technology integrated with efficient hot water delivery, the SH12-A series is an excellent choice. This series supports small to medium households, offering a flow rate of 4.0 gallons per minute (GPM), which is ideal for one or two bathrooms. Both Liquid Propane and Natural Gas options are available to suit regional fuel availability and preferences. A key point to emphasize is that the SH12-A model is intended for indoor installation only to safely operate within a home. In addition to its flexibility, the SH12-A offers smart home compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing homeowners to control the water heater using voice commands or smartphone apps. Smart diagnostics alert users to potential issues and enable scheduling, optimizing energy efficiency and convenience.
SHLX Series (Mid-Size Indoor SmartHome Water Heater)
The SHLX Series is a powerful and smart solution for small to mid-size households that require a consistent supply of hot water. With a flow rate of 4.5 gallons per minute (GPM), this water heater is ideal for supporting up to two bathrooms at once, making it suitable for families, apartments, and cabins.
The SHLX combines performance and technology in a space-saving, modern design. It is available in both Liquid Propane and Natural Gas options, giving homeowners flexibility depending on their setup.
With integration into the Eccotemp SmartHome lineup, offering Wi-Fi compatibility and voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Homeowners can monitor and control their water heater remotely using the Eccotemp Smart App, which allows you to adjust temperatures, set schedules, receive maintenance alerts, and track energy usage from your phone or smart device.
The sleek tempered glass front panel adds a modern aesthetic, while built-in Eco Mode helps reduce energy consumption, making the SHLX an efficient and environmentally friendly option. With its smart diagnostics and straightforward digital interface, it provides a reliable, connected hot water solution for everyday use.
SmartHome 27kW Electric Tankless Water Heater (Whole-Home Electric)
The SmartHome 27kW Electric Tankless Water Heater is a game-changer for homeowners looking to go fully electric without compromising on performance. Ideal for whole-home applications, this water heater is designed for efficiency, speed, and smart connectivity. It features a powerful 27kW electric heating element that can support multiple applications at once, making it suitable for homes with one to three bathrooms, depending on incoming water temperature.
One of its standout features is full SmartHome integration, offering voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can control temperature, monitor performance, and run diagnostics using the Eccotemp app. This smart electric water heater is also equipped with real-time usage data and leak detection, giving homeowners greater insight and control over their hot water usage.
Installation is designed for indoor use only, and it must be installed with the proper electrical service requirements (such as a 240V system with the correct breaker configuration). As it’s electric, there’s no need for venting, which can reduce installation complexity and cost. This makes it a great option for urban or eco-conscious homes where gas is not preferred or available.
Its space-saving design, easy digital controls, and zero emissions make it one of the most environmentally friendly tankless water heaters in the Eccotemp lineup. For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying reliable hot water and modern tech features, the SmartHome 27kW electric tankless water heater is an excellent choice.
6GB Series (Mid-to-Large Homes)
For families with increasing hot water demand, the 6GB series provides a robust 6.0 GPM flow rate, suitable for homes with two to three bathrooms. Fuel options include both Liquid Propane and Natural Gas to accommodate different setups. This ensures compliance with safety standards and maximizes the heater’s performance and lifespan.
The 6GB series strikes a balance between high capacity and affordability, making it a popular upgrade for homeowners transitioning from traditional tank water heaters to more efficient tankless technology. It features digital temperature controls and safety sensors that help maintain consistent hot water supply and prevent overheating or gas leaks.
SH22 Series (Smart Whole Home)
If you want smart home control combined with high capacity, the SH22 series is Eccotemp’s premium offering. It delivers 6.8 GPM, enough to meet the needs of large households with multiple bathrooms and heavy hot water use. Available in both Liquid Propane and Natural Gas options, the SH22 series features separate indoor and outdoor models. Selecting the correct version is critical because the indoor and outdoor models are engineered for their specific environments and cannot be swapped.
The SH22 includes advanced features such as Wi-Fi control, smart diagnostics, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. These features allow homeowners to monitor and adjust water heater settings remotely, schedule heating times, and receive maintenance alerts, improving energy efficiency and user convenience. This series is perfect for Canadian homes aiming to blend smart technology with reliable, high-capacity water heating.
6.8GB Series (High Flow Without Smart Tech)
For households that require the same high flow rate as the SH22 but prefer to avoid smart features, the 6.8GB series is an excellent alternative. It delivers 6.8 GPM, suitable for homes with three or more bathrooms. The 6.8GB comes in specific indoor and outdoor models tailored to their installation environments, which are not interchangeable. Available in both Liquid Propane and Natural Gas variants, this series provides straightforward, high-performance heating with an easy-to-use digital interface. It is well suited for families who want powerful water heating without the complexities or costs associated with smart technology.
7GB Series (Maximum Output)
The 7GB series represents Eccotemp’s most powerful residential water heater, delivering up to 7.0 GPM. This makes it ideal for large households or homes with very high hot water demands, such as busy families or residences in colder climates where water heating needs are continuous and heavy. Like all other models, the 7GB comes in dedicated indoor and outdoor models, which must be selected carefully based on installation location since they are not interchangeable.
While it lacks smart home features, the 7GB series focuses on delivering maximum performance and durability. This model is designed to supply consistent, high-volume hot water without interruption, ensuring comfort for the busiest homes.
Recommended Venting and Installation
Proper venting is crucial for all indoor gas-powered water heaters to safely exhaust combustion gases and provide fresh air for combustion. Eccotemp offers a range of vent kits designed specifically for their indoor models, ensuring safe and efficient operation. These kits include components tailored to various installation configurations, including vertical or horizontal venting and options for different wall thicknesses.
For indoor models, using the correct vent kit is mandatory to maintain safety certifications and prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside the home. Eccotemp’s vent kits feature stainless steel construction and airtight fittings, ensuring durability and leak-free operation. They also include termination caps designed to keep out rain, snow, and pests.
Outdoor models do not require venting since they operate in open-air environments. However, installers must ensure adequate clearance around the water heater for safe combustion and maintenance access.
More detailed information about available vent kits and installation guides can be found on Eccotemp’s official vent kits page.
Maintenance and Descaling Accessories
To keep your Eccotemp water heater operating at peak performance, regular maintenance is essential. One key maintenance task is descaling, especially in areas with hard water. Mineral buildup inside the heat exchanger can reduce efficiency and damage the water heater over time.
Eccotemp provides an EZ-Flush System Descaler Kit, which simplifies the descaling process by allowing homeowners or technicians to flush out scale deposits effectively. This kit includes hoses, connectors, and a pump to circulate the descaling solution through the water heater, removing mineral buildup and extending the life of your water heater.
Regular descaling every 6 to 12 months, depending on water hardness, helps maintain optimal heat transfer, reduces energy consumption, and prevents premature failures. Instructions for using the descaler kit are easy to follow and help keep your water heater in excellent condition.
You can learn more about the descaler kit and purchase it directly from Eccotemp’s official site here: Descaler Kit.
Mini Tank Options (Non-Tankless)
Not every situation calls for a tankless water heater. For smaller-scale applications such as office kitchens, bathroom sinks, or RVs, Eccotemp offers compact electric mini tank water heaters that deliver instant hot water without the need for recirculation or long pipe runs.
EM Series Mini Tanks
The EM Series Mini Tanks are traditional, plug-and-play water heaters that are easy to install under sinks or in tight spaces. Available in various capacities such as 2.5, 4.0, and 7.0 gallons, they provide hot water on demand without needing a full-scale water heater system. These white mini tanks are designed for residential and light commercial use and are perfect for point-of-use applications. They can be mounted on a wall or placed on the floor, offering installation flexibility and ease.
ESH Series Smart Home Mini Tanks
For users who want the same compact design but with added smart features, the Eccotemp Smart Home Mini Tank Water Heaters are the perfect fit. These black mini tank water heaters offer SmartHome compatibility, temperature control through the Eccotemp app, and scheduling features to help optimize energy use. They are especially suited for modern homes and tiny living spaces where tech and design aesthetics matter. With built-in anti-scald technology and sleek digital controls, the ESH Series merges style and performance in one ultra-compact solution.
Final Thoughts
Eccotemp offers a broad lineup of water heaters designed to fit a variety of lifestyles, installation environments, and household sizes. Whether you need a portable propane heater for outdoor use or a smart, whole-home system for your Canadian residence, Eccotemp has a model tailored to your needs.
A critical factor when selecting your water heater is understanding the installation environment: indoor and outdoor models are separate products engineered for specific safety and performance requirements. Indoor models require proper venting using dedicated vent kits, while outdoor models are vent-free but must have adequate clearance.
Routine maintenance, including descaling with the EZ-Flush System Descaler Kit, ensures your water heater runs efficiently for years, saving you energy and repair costs.
For detailed specs, installation guidelines, and accessories, visit Eccotemp Canada and find the perfect water heater for your home or next outdoor project. Learn more about energy savings using an Eccotemp water heater here.
