Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Heater - Pros and Cons

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Heater – Pros and Cons

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Heater offers an on-demand, continuous, and unlimited supply of hot water, ensuring an uninterrupted and efficient water heating experience. Its sleek design not only saves space but also eliminates the need for venting. The unit operates virtually silently, thanks to an electronic switch activation system. With a single-phase, 60 Hz configuration, and a voltage of 208V, the tankless heater boasts a powerful 27 kW copper sheathed heating element housed in a durable copper cylinder.

Stiebel Eltron stands behind the product with a comprehensive warranty, offering 7 years for leakage and 3 years for parts, reflecting confidence in its reliability and longevity. This tankless heater is an ideal solution for those seeking a compact, high-performance, and low-maintenance hot water solution for their homes.

Pros:

  1. Efficient and Continuous Hot Water Supply: Users appreciate the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus for its ability to provide on-demand, continuous, and unlimited hot water, ensuring a reliable supply.
  2. Space-Saving Design: The sleek design of the unit saves space and eliminates the need for venting, making it a practical choice for various installation locations.
  3. Quiet Operation: The tankless heater operates virtually silently, contributing to a peaceful environment in the home.
  4. Powerful Heating Element: The copper sheathed heating element housed in a copper cylinder offers durability and efficient heat transfer, delivering hot water with a maximum temperature capability of 160 degrees.
  5. Warranty Coverage: The product comes with a 7-year warranty for leakage and a 3-year warranty for parts, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its quality and durability.
  6. Ease of Installation: Users report that the installation process is straightforward for those with basic plumbing and electrical knowledge. The unit’s interface and controls have improved over time, making it user-friendly.
  7. Reliable Performance Over Time: Reviews highlight the product’s long-lasting and reliable performance, with some users reporting trouble-free operation for many years.
  8. Responsive Customer Support: Customers appreciate the responsive and helpful customer support provided by Stiebel Eltron, enhancing the overall experience.
  9. Energy Efficiency: Users praise the cost savings achieved with the tankless design, emphasizing the efficiency of heating water only when needed.

Cons:

  1. High Power Requirement: The unit requires a substantial power supply, with some users mentioning the need for 200 amps. This may necessitate electrical upgrades in certain homes.
  2. Potential for Hot/Cold Water Sandwich: A few users report a phenomenon known as the “hot/cold water sandwich,” where there may be fluctuations in water temperature during use, especially in situations where both hot and cold water are used simultaneously.
  3. Scale Buildup Maintenance: To maintain optimal performance, the unit may require periodic maintenance to address scale buildup. Users recommend using a scale inhibitor to mitigate this issue.
  4. Initial Cost and Professional Installation: While the long-term energy savings are acknowledged, the initial investment may be higher, and professional installation is recommended, adding to the overall cost.
  5. Noisy Electrical Breakers: Some users mention that the electrical breakers associated with the unit can be noisy, which could be a concern for those sensitive to sound.

What is the temperature range for good operation?

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra water heater is designed to operate within a temperature range of 68 °F (20 °C) to 140 °F (60 °C). The optimal temperature setting for efficiency and durability is between 86 °F (30 °C) and 120 °F (50 °C). It’s important to note that the water heater should be protected from freezing temperatures.

How long is the warranty period?

The warranty period for the Stiebel Eltron Tempra water heater is either seven (7) years from the date of purchase for leakage issues or three (3) years from the date of purchase for defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty provides the owner with the option for repair, replacement, or local repair parts, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the warranty document.

In summary, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Heater is well-regarded for its efficient and continuous hot water supply, compact design, and durability. While it comes with a higher initial cost and may require careful consideration of power requirements, users generally find it to be a reliable and energy-efficient solution for their hot water needs.