thermomate ES400 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater Review

The thermomate ES400 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater, with its 6.5-gallon capacity, offers immediate hot water at the point of use and boasts a rapid recovery rate, reducing standby loss. It features an adjustable temperature range from 50°F to 149°F. Designed for easy installation, it measures 17.7″ x 17.7″ x 14.6″, and can be mounted on a wall or floor under a sink or counter.

It plugs into a 120V outlet and has a nominal current of 12 amps. The unit incorporates an Incoloy 800 Stainless Steel Heating Element, known for excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature handling, and up to 99% heating efficiency, enhancing durability.

Additionally, it has an enamel-coated, glass-lined interior with gold porcelain lining for improved insulation and leak prevention, and includes a CSA T&P Relief valve and UL certification for safety and longevity. The heater has a maximum water pressure of 150PSI, requires 1.44 kW at 120 volts, and comes with a 3-year limited warranty for the tank, a 1-year warranty for parts, and 24-hour customer service.

Usage Range

The thermomate ES400 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater is a compact and efficient solution for providing hot water, particularly suited for applications like outdoor kitchens, smaller homes, or as a supplementary unit in larger households. Below, we’ll explore its pros and cons in detail.

Pros:

1. Instant Hot Water: This heater eliminates the wait time for hot water, which is a significant convenience for users who previously had to wait 60-90 seconds or longer. This feature is particularly beneficial in settings like outdoor kitchens or distant points in a house.
2. Easy Installation: Many users have noted the ease of installation, making it a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts or those looking to avoid the cost of professional installation.
3. Compact Design: The unit’s dimensions (17.7″ x 17.7″ x 14.6″) make it a space-saving option, suitable for under-sink installations in kitchens, bathrooms, or small spaces like campers.
4. Efficient Heating Element: The Incoloy 800 Stainless Steel Heating Element is efficient in heat transfer and resistant to corrosion, contributing to the unit’s longevity and consistent performance.
5. High Temperature Capability: The ability to heat water to temperatures hotter than one can comfortably touch ensures that users have access to very hot water when needed.
6. Versatility: It’s versatile enough to replace traditional gas/electric water heaters and can be used in various settings, including homes, campers, and outdoor kitchens.
7. Satisfactory for Showers: Despite its small size, users have reported it being adequate for showers, even in sequence, which speaks to its recovery rate and capacity.
8. Improved Hygiene: With instant hot water, practices like handwashing become more effective and comfortable, especially in settings where previously only cold water was available.
9. Energy Efficiency: By providing point-of-use hot water, it potentially reduces the energy wasted in heating and transporting water from a central heater.
10. Good Value for Money: Users have expressed satisfaction regarding the value for the price, indicating it’s a cost-effective solution for hot water needs.
11. Suitable for Well Water Systems: It’s effective for homes on well systems, where getting hot water to distant points can be challenging.
12. Reduced Water Waste: The instant hot water delivery means less water is wasted while waiting for it to heat up.
13. Positive User Feedback: The overwhelming majority of user feedback is positive, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.
14. Safety and Quality Assurance: The inclusion of features like the CSA T&P Relief valve and UL certification ensures safety and quality.
15. Warranty and Support: The product comes with a 3-year limited warranty for the tank and a 1-year warranty for parts, along with 24-hour customer service, providing a sense of security for the investment.

Cons:

1. Limited Capacity: While sufficient for small tasks and short showers, its 6.5-gallon capacity might not be enough for extended usage or larger families.
2. Reduced Flow Rate: Some users have noted a decrease in water flow, which could be a downside for those accustomed to stronger pressure.
3. Space Requirements: While compact, it still requires dedicated space under the sink or in a small room, which might be a constraint in very tight areas.
4. Electrical Requirements: It requires a 120V outlet and has a nominal current of 12 amps, which might necessitate electrical upgrades in some installations.
5. Maintenance Needs: Like all water heaters, it will require regular maintenance to ensure efficiency and longevity.
6. Limited to Point-of-Use: Being a point-of-use heater, it may not be suitable as the sole hot water source for larger homes or for multiple simultaneous uses.
7. Initial Cost: The upfront cost, while providing good value, might still be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

In conclusion, the thermomate ES400 Mini Tank Electric Water Heater stands out for its convenience, ease of installation, efficiency, and versatility. It is particularly well-suited for scenarios where instant or supplementary hot water is needed. While it has some limitations in terms of capacity and flow rate, these are generally outweighed by its benefits, making it a worthwhile investment for many users.