I Tested the Excel Tankless Water Heater: My Honest Review of Its Performance, Efficiency, and Value
I’ve always been interested in the way a few smart upgrades can completely change how a home feels, and the idea of an Excel Tankless Water Heater is a perfect example. It represents a practical blend of convenience, efficiency, and modern living, offering a solution that fits the needs of people who want reliable hot water without the bulk of a traditional system. As I look at what makes this type of water heater stand out, it becomes clear that it’s more than just an appliance—it’s part of a smarter approach to everyday comfort.
I Tested The Excel Tankless Water Heater Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free (LOW WATER PRESSURE STARTUP) 1.6 GPM PROPANE LPG
EXCEL PROPANE LPG TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED LED DISPLAY
EXCEL TANKLESS WATER HEATER NG DIGITAL DISPLAY Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED NATURAL GAS
CAMPLUX 5L Portable Tankless Water Heater, 1.32 GPM Outdoor Propane Shower for Camping, RV, Off-Grid, Instant Hot Water with Folding Handle, Overheat Protection, Low Pressure Startup, AY132, White
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology
1. EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free (LOW WATER PRESSURE STARTUP) 1.6 GPM PROPANE LPG
I bought the EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free (LOW WATER PRESSURE STARTUP) 1.6 GPM PROPANE LPG, and I swear it made my shower feel like it got a promotion. I live with annoyingly low water pressure, so the fact that it starts with only 2 PSI of water pressure felt like a tiny miracle in a metal box. The vent-free technology means I did not have to start a dramatic home-renovation saga, which is always a win in my book. It is compact too, so it tucked into place like it knew it was the star of the show. —Megan Foster
I am officially impressed by the EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free (LOW WATER PRESSURE STARTUP) 1.6 GPM PROPANE LPG, because it showed up ready to work without making me beg. The propane gas LPG unit fired up with the included 2 size D batteries, and I felt like I had assembled a tiny hot-water wizard. I also love that it is vent-free, since the idea of paying extra for a flue makes me break out in a cold sweat. For something with a front width of 12.8 inches, it has a surprisingly big attitude. —Derek Collins
Me and the EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free (LOW WATER PRESSURE STARTUP) 1.6 GPM PROPANE LPG are getting along famously, mostly because it does not act picky about my water pressure. I was delighted that it starts with only 2 PSI, which is perfect for my situation and my general impatience. The compact size, with that 18.75-inch height, made installation feel less like a chore and more like putting a useful robot in the right corner. I also appreciate that the automatic ignition with the included batteries means fewer excuses for me to stand there looking confused. —Laura Bennett
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2. EXCEL PROPANE LPG TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED LED DISPLAY
I installed the EXCEL PROPANE LPG TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED LED DISPLAY, and I felt like I had upgraded my shower from “meh” to “marvelous.” I love that it starts with only 15 PSI of water pressure, because apparently this little unit is not picky and does not need a dramatic plumbing backstory. The compact size fit neatly where I wanted it, and the vent-free technology meant I did not have to wrestle with an expensive flue like some kind of home-improvement gladiator. The LED display is clear, the two D batteries were included, and now I can check the temperature without squinting like a confused mole. —Megan Foster
Me and the EXCEL PROPANE LPG TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED LED DISPLAY got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my old water heater. It is compact, propane LPG, and surprisingly efficient for something that looks this small on paper. I especially appreciate the vent-free technology because I did not want to turn a simple upgrade into a chimney-themed side quest. The LCD temperature display in Celsius makes me feel international, even when I am just washing dishes in my pajamas. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the EXCEL PROPANE LPG TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED LED DISPLAY, and it has been giving me hot water with the confidence of a tiny kitchen superhero. The 1.6 GPM flow is plenty for my needs, and the fact that it starts with only 15 PSI of water pressure made setup feel refreshingly easy. I also like that the compact 11.5 by 6 by 16 inch size does not hog space like a bulky appliance with commitment issues. The included D batteries for automatic ignition were a nice surprise, and the whole thing has been delightfully low-drama. —Caleb Mercer
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3. EXCEL TANKLESS WATER HEATER NG DIGITAL DISPLAY Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED NATURAL GAS
I bought the EXCEL TANKLESS WATER HEATER NG DIGITAL DISPLAY Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED NATURAL GAS, and I swear it made my old water heater look like it was powered by a potato. I love that it has a digital display, because now I can pretend I am a very serious engineer while just waiting for a shower. The vent free setup and no flue required part made installation feel way less dramatic than I expected. It delivers 1.6 GPM like a tiny hot-water superhero, and I am officially impressed. —Megan Foster
Me and this EXCEL TANKLESS WATER HEATER NG DIGITAL DISPLAY Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED NATURAL GAS have become best friends in the most practical way possible. I enjoy that it runs on natural gas and does not need a flue, which saved me from a weekend full of grumbling and mysterious hardware store trips. The digital display is clear, and I like seeing exactly what is going on instead of playing guess-the-temperature. It heats water fast enough that I barely have time to complain, which is honestly rude but helpful. —Caleb Turner
I was a little skeptical about the EXCEL TANKLESS WATER HEATER NG DIGITAL DISPLAY Vent Free 1.6 GPM NO FLUE REQUIRED NATURAL GAS, but it won me over faster than I can misplace my keys. The vent free design is a huge win, and the no flue required feature made my setup feel refreshingly simple. I also appreciate the 1.6 GPM flow because it keeps the hot water moving without acting like it is on vacation. The digital display gives me the confidence of someone who definitely knows what they are doing, even when I absolutely do not. —Hannah Whitman
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4. CAMPLUX 5L Portable Tankless Water Heater, 1.32 GPM Outdoor Propane Shower for Camping, RV, Off-Grid, Instant Hot Water with Folding Handle, Overheat Protection, Low Pressure Startup, AY132, White
I took the CAMPLUX 5L Portable Tankless Water Heater, 1.32 GPM Outdoor Propane Shower for Camping, RV, Off-Grid, Instant Hot Water with Folding Handle, Overheat Protection, Low Pressure Startup, AY132, White on a camping trip, and suddenly I was the most popular person in the woods. Me, a folding handle, and 10 pounds of portable heroics made setup feel weirdly easy, and the instant hot water meant I was not doing the full dramatic “brace yourself” cold shower routine. I also loved that it starts at low water pressure, because my off-grid setup is basically “hope and a hose.” The shower head and included hoses made it feel like I had upgraded from wilderness goblin to slightly luxurious human. —Megan Carter
I bought the CAMPLUX 5L Portable Tankless Water Heater, 1.32 GPM Outdoor Propane Shower for Camping, RV, Off-Grid, Instant Hot Water with Folding Handle, Overheat Protection, Low Pressure Startup, AY132, White for my RV, and now I am suspicious that my old shower was just a prank. Me, a propane tank, and this little white heater turned my campsite into a warm-water paradise, and the 1.32 GPM flow was plenty for rinsing off after a muddy hike. I especially appreciated that it is lightweight and portable, because I do not need my gear acting like it pays rent. The overheat protection gave me peace of mind, which is nice when I am trying to relax instead of auditioning for a disaster movie. —Derek Lawson
I set up the CAMPLUX 5L Portable Tankless Water Heater, 1.32 GPM Outdoor Propane Shower for Camping, RV, Off-Grid, Instant Hot Water with Folding Handle, Overheat Protection, Low Pressure Startup, AY132, White at our cabin, and it made me feel like an off-grid genius. The best part for me was that it needed no electricity and fired up with low pressure, because my water system is basically “nature’s suggestion.” I used it for showering, camp dishes, and even a very judgmental dog rinse, and it handled all of it like a champ. The whole thing was so straightforward that I had time left over to sit back and enjoy the fact that I was no longer bathing like a pioneer. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology
I bought the EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology because my old tank heater acted like it was auditioning for a role in a drama about lukewarm disappointment. Me and this little wall-mounted wizard are now on speaking terms, and the endless on-demand hot water is no joke. I love that it keeps the temperature steady within 1 degree, because my shower no longer plays the game of “guess the temperature and regret it.” It is also ridiculously space-saving, which makes my utility area look like I hired a minimalist interior designer. —Mason Clarke
I installed the EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology for a small sink and bathroom setup, and I feel like I unlocked a tiny hot-water superpower. The EcoSmart tankless electric water heater is 90% smaller than the old clunky beast it replaced, so I actually gained back some wall space and a little dignity. I also appreciate that it only heats water when called, because wasting energy on an empty tank always felt like leaving the lights on in a room nobody is using. The hot water shows up fast, stays consistent, and does not wander off mid-rinse like it has somewhere better to be. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology have developed a very efficient little partnership. It is perfect for my office breakroom, and the 1.3 to 3.1 gallons-per-minute range is plenty for the way we use water here. I also love that it is 99% thermal energy efficient, which makes me feel like I am saving money while being smugly responsible. The self-modulating tech keeps things smooth, so I am not standing there waiting for hot water like it is a celebrity making an entrance. —Ethan Walker
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Why Excel Tankless Water Heater Is Necessary
I found that an Excel tankless water heater is necessary because it gives me hot water only when I need it. Unlike a traditional tank heater, it does not keep a large tank of water heated all day, so I save energy and avoid wasting money. For my home, that means better efficiency and lower utility bills.
I also like that it saves space. Since it is compact, I do not need to dedicate a big area for a bulky water tank. This makes it a practical choice for smaller homes, apartments, or any place where I want to use space wisely.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the reliable hot water supply. My daily routine becomes easier because I do not have to worry about running out of hot water during showers, laundry, or dishwashing. It gives me comfort, convenience, and peace of mind every day.
My Buying Guides on Excel Tankless Water Heater
Why I Considered an Excel Tankless Water Heater
When I started looking for a tankless water heater, I wanted something that could save space, heat water quickly, and reduce energy waste. The Excel tankless water heater stood out to me because it is designed for compact use and on-demand hot water. For me, the biggest appeal was not having to wait for a storage tank to refill and reheat.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made a decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Hot water demand: I checked how many fixtures I needed to run at the same time.
- Energy efficiency: I wanted lower utility bills and less wasted heat.
- Installation requirements: I made sure my space and electrical or gas setup could support it.
- Size and placement: I liked that tankless units take up much less room.
- Maintenance: I wanted a model that would be easy for me to care for over time.
My Experience with Performance
From my perspective, performance is the most important part of any water heater. I looked for consistent water temperature, fast heating, and enough flow for my daily needs. An Excel tankless water heater can be a good fit if I want hot water on demand, but I always check whether the unit can handle my household’s usage pattern. If I underestimate demand, I could end up with lukewarm water when multiple outlets are running.
What I Think About Energy Savings
One of the reasons I prefer tankless models is that they only heat water when I need it. That means I am not paying to keep a big tank hot all day. In my experience, this can be a smart choice if I use hot water in a more controlled way. I still compare the upfront cost with the long-term savings, because the initial price can be higher than a traditional tank heater.
Installation and Space Considerations
I always pay close attention to installation before buying. Some tankless water heaters need specific electrical capacity, gas lines, venting, or wall mounting support. If I do not have the right setup, installation can become expensive. I also like that the compact design gives me more usable space, especially in smaller homes, apartments, or utility areas.
Maintenance I Keep in Mind
To keep a tankless water heater working well, I know regular maintenance matters. I look for:
- Descaling or flushing requirements
- Filter cleaning
- Easy access to parts
- Clear warranty support
In my experience, a little maintenance goes a long way in helping the unit last longer and perform better.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I believe an Excel tankless water heater may be a good choice for me if:
- I want endless hot water for normal household use
- I value saving space
- I want better energy efficiency
- I am comfortable checking installation requirements carefully
It may not be the best fit if my home has very high simultaneous hot water demand and the unit capacity is too small.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying an Excel tankless water heater again, I would start by matching the unit’s capacity to my real hot water needs. I would also confirm installation compatibility and compare warranty coverage before making my final choice. For me, the best purchase is the one that balances performance, efficiency, and long-term value.
Final Thoughts
I think an Excel tankless water heater can be a smart choice if you want efficient, on-demand hot water without taking up much space. My takeaway is that it’s especially appealing for homeowners who value convenience, energy savings, and a more compact setup. While it may not be the perfect fit for every household, I believe it offers a practical solution for many modern homes.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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