EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater or EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5 2.5-Gallon? Which EcoSmart Model to Buy
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You are comparing the ecosmart eco 11 electric tankless water heater vs eco mini 2 5 2 5. Both units are electric and manufactured in the United States. The main difference is their design and capacity. The ECO 11 is a tankless unit that heats water on demand. The ECO MINI 2.5 is a small storage tank. One provides continuous flow for multiple uses. The other supplies a limited amount of hot water for a single sink.
Key differences
| Aspect | EcoSmart 2.5-Gallon Point-of-Use Mini Tank | EcoSmart 13 kW Electric Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tankless | Mini Tank |
| Capacity | Not listed | 2.5 gallons |
| Voltage | 240 V | 120 V |
| Wattage | 13 kW | Not listed |
| Dimensions | 10 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches | 17 x 10.9 x 10.9 inches |
| Weight | 6.5 pounds | 15.8 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose EcoSmart 2.5-Gallon Point-of-Use Mini Tank if
- You need hot water for a shower or kitchen sink where continuous flow is required.
- You have a 240 V electrical circuit available for installation.
- You want the most compact unit to save space under a cabinet.
Choose EcoSmart 13 kW Electric Tankless Water Heater if
- You only need hot water for a single bathroom sink or small vanity.
- You only have a standard 120 V outlet available.
- You prefer a unit with a digital temperature display and stored hot water.
Verdict: The ECO 11 is the better choice for general household use where you need an endless supply of hot water. The ECO MINI 2.5 is suitable only for small, isolated tasks like washing hands at a single sink. Choose based on your electrical setup and how much hot water you actually need at once.
ECO 11 vs ECO MINI Comparison
Capacity and Storage
The ECO MINI 2.5 includes a 2.5-gallon storage tank. It holds up to 2.6 gallons of hot water for immediate use at the sink. The ECO 11 is a true tankless unit. It heats water only when you turn on the tap. It has no stored hot water. If you need a quick burst of hot water for hand washing, the ECO MINI provides it. The ECO 11 provides endless hot water but relies on flow rate. Choose the tank for consistency or tankless for volume.
Voltage Requirements
The ECO MINI 2.5 operates on 120 volts. It uses a standard 12-amp circuit. You can plug it into a regular wall outlet. The ECO 11 requires 240 volts and 13 kilowatts of power. It needs a dedicated heavy-duty circuit. You cannot plug the ECO 11 into a standard outlet. If your sink has a standard 120-volt circuit, the ECO MINI is easier to install. The ECO 11 requires professional electrical work for proper voltage supply.
Physical Dimensions
The ECO MINI 2.5 measures 17 inches long by 10.9 inches wide and high. It weighs 15.8 pounds. The ECO 11 is smaller in footprint. It measures 10 inches high by 13.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches deep. It weighs only 6.5 pounds. The ECO 11 is lighter and more compact for wall mounting. The ECO MINI is bulkier due to its tank. If space is tight behind a cabinet, the ECO 11 fits better. The ECO MINI needs more room for its tank structure.
Installation Location
Both units are designed for point-of-use installation. They install directly where hot water is needed. The ECO MINI 2.5 is ideal for small sinks or remote bathrooms. Its tank helps maintain pressure. The ECO 11 is also for point-of-use but relies on incoming water temperature. It is configured for climates with 60-degree incoming water. Both avoid venting requirements. You can install either unit near the faucet to reduce heat loss in pipes.
Energy Efficiency
EcoSmart states their tankless heaters are 99.8 percent energy efficient. This applies to the ECO 11. It heats water only when needed, eliminating standby heat loss. The ECO MINI 2.5 is a mini-tank unit. It stores water and may lose some heat over time. It is not labeled with the same 99.8 percent efficiency rating in the provided data. For maximum energy savings, the tankless ECO 11 is the superior choice. The ECO MINI is efficient for small, frequent uses.
Which EcoSmart Model Fits Your Needs
Users needing instant hot water at a sink
The ECO MINI 2.5 stores 2.6 gallons of hot water. This small tank ensures immediate delivery at the point of use. Its 120-volt connection allows simple plug-in installation. You do not need special wiring or venting. The digital display lets you set the output temperature precisely for your comfort.
Users wanting on-demand heating without storage
The ECO 11 is a true tankless unit. It heats water only when you turn on the tap. This 13-kilowatt model requires a 240-volt circuit. It is designed for climates with warmer incoming water temperatures. The compact size saves space while providing continuous hot water without the energy loss of a storage tank.
Renters or those avoiding complex wiring
This mini tank uses a standard 120-volt outlet. It comes with an appliance line cord for easy plug-in setup. You avoid the need for a dedicated 240-volt circuit breaker. The unit is lightweight at 15.8 pounds. Its white finish blends into most bathroom or kitchen decor while providing reliable hot water access.
The products compared
EcoSmart 2.5-Gallon Point-of-Use Mini Tank
Best for: Single sink or small shower point-of-use
- Fuel Type
- Electric
- Installation Location
- Point-of-Use
- Capacity
- 2.5 gallons
- Voltage
- 120 V
- Dimensions
- 17 x 10.9 x 10.9 inches
- Weight
- 15.8 pounds
View on Amazon: EcoSmart 2.5-Gallon Point-of-Use Mini Tank Affiliate link
The EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5 is a 2.5-gallon point-of-use water heater designed for tight spaces. It runs on 120V power, making it easy to install near sinks or showers. The unit holds 2.6 gallons of hot water and features a digital temperature display. Its compact dimensions allow for placement under counters. This model suits single-fixture applications where space is limited.
Pros
- 2.5-gallon capacity stores hot water for point-of-use
- 120V voltage allows standard outlet installation
- Compact 17 x 10.9 x 10.9 inch footprint
- Digital output temperature display for precise control
Cons
- Small 2.5-gallon capacity limits simultaneous use
- 120V voltage provides slower recovery than 240V units
- Requires plug-in installation rather than hardwiring
Good fit if
- You need hot water for a single sink or small shower
- You have limited space under a counter or vanity
- You want a 120V unit for easy installation
Skip if
- You need to supply hot water to multiple fixtures at once
- You require higher flow rates than a 2.5-gallon tank can provide
- You are looking for a whole-house heating solution
Verdict: EcoSmart ECO MINI 2.5 Electric Mini Tank is ideal for supplying hot water to a single point of use. Its small size and 120V operation make it a practical fit for bathrooms or kitchens where space is tight.
EcoSmart 13 kW Electric Tankless Water Heater
Best for: Single sink or small bathroom in mild climates
- Fuel Type
- Electric
- Wattage
- 13 kW
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Dimensions
- 10 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches
- Weight
- 6.5 pounds
View on Amazon: EcoSmart 13 kW Electric Tankless Water Heater Affiliate link
The EcoSmart ECO 11 is a 13 kW electric tankless water heater designed for 240 V circuits. It uses self-modulating technology to adjust energy use based on demand. Its compact 10 x 13.5 x 6.5 inch footprint allows for flexible installation. This unit is configured for climates with incoming water temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It suits you if you need a point-of-use solution for a single sink or small bathroom.
Pros
- 13 kW heating capacity for efficient on-demand hot water
- Compact dimensions of 10 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches
- Lightweight at 6.5 pounds for easy mounting
- Self-modulating technology adjusts power to match demand
Cons
- Requires a dedicated 240 V electrical circuit
- Optimized for mild climates with 60°F incoming water
- No built-in storage tank for buffer capacity
Good fit if
- You have a 240 V outlet available near the installation site
- You live in a region with mild winter water temperatures
- You need a compact unit for a single sink or small bathroom
Skip if
- You only have 120 V electrical outlets available
- You live in a cold climate with very low incoming water temperatures
- You need a high-volume supply for multiple simultaneous fixtures
Verdict: EcoSmart ECO 11 13kW Electric Heater is a space-saving solution for mild climates. It fits you if you have 240 V wiring and need hot water for one or two fixtures.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | EcoSmart 2.5-Gallon Point-of-Use Mini Tank | EcoSmart 13 kW Electric Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Wattage | not stated | 13 kW |
| Installation Location | Point-of-Use | not stated |
| Capacity | 2.5 gallons | not stated |
| Voltage | 120 V | 240 V |
| Dimensions | 17 x 10.9 x 10.9 inches | 10 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 15.8 pounds | 6.5 pounds |
| Size | ECO MINI 2.5 | 12 x 8 x 4 |
| Color | White | color |
| Model | ECO MINI 2.5 | ECO 11 |
Frequently asked questions
Can the EcoSmart ECO 11 power a full shower?
The ECO 11 is rated for single sink or small bathroom use in mild climates. It delivers 1.3 gallons per minute. This flow rate may be insufficient for a standard full shower, especially if inlet water temperatures drop significantly during winter months. You should verify your local climate conditions before relying on this unit for showering.
What electrical wiring does the ECO MINI 2.5 require?
The ECO MINI 2.5 operates on 120V power. This standard voltage allows for simpler installation compared to higher-voltage tankless models. You can often connect it to existing standard household circuits without needing specialized electrical upgrades, making it a practical choice for adding hot water to remote locations like guest bathrooms or utility sinks.
How much space does the ECO 11 take up?
The ECO 11 measures 13.5 inches in width, 10 inches in height, and 6.5 inches in length. It weighs only 6.5 pounds. Its compact, tankless design allows it to mount on a wall, saving significant floor space compared to traditional storage tank heaters. This small footprint makes it suitable for closets or under-sink installations where space is limited.
Is the ECO MINI 2.5 suitable for a kitchen sink?
Yes, the ECO MINI 2.5 is ideal for single sink point-of-use applications. It provides a 2.5-gallon capacity, ensuring you have hot water ready immediately at the faucet. Its compact dimensions, measuring 17 inches in length, allow it to fit easily under most kitchen cabinets without obstructing storage space or access to other plumbing fixtures.
Does the ECO 11 need a dedicated circuit?
The ECO 11 requires a 240V connection and 13 kW of power. High-wattage electric tankless units typically need a dedicated circuit to handle the electrical load safely. You must ensure your home has the appropriate 240V wiring available near the installation site. Consulting a licensed electrician is recommended to confirm your panel can support this demand.
Which model is lighter to install?
The ECO 11 weighs 6.5 pounds, while the ECO MINI 2.5 weighs 15.8 pounds. The ECO 11 is significantly lighter, making it easier to mount on a wall. Its low weight simplifies the installation process for DIY enthusiasts. The ECO MINI 2.5 is heavier due to its internal glass-lined steel tank and insulation materials.
Can I use the ECO 11 for multiple fixtures?
The ECO 11 is best suited for one or two fixtures simultaneously in mild climates. It heats water on demand, so running multiple outlets at once may reduce flow rate or temperature. For consistent hot water to several sinks, the ECO MINI 2.5 is designed for single-point use only. You should plan your usage to avoid exceeding the unit's heating capacity.