Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V or Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric? Which Eemax Model to Buy
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Choosing between the eemax flowco 3 5 kw 120v vs 1 5 gallon mini tank electric model depends on your hot water needs. Both units are electric and designed for point-of-use installation. The main difference lies in how they deliver heat. One relies on instant flow through a heating element, while the other stores a small amount of pre-heated water. You need to decide if you prefer on-demand heating or a small reserve of hot water ready for use.
Key differences
| Aspect | Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater | Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Tankless (on-demand) | 1.5 Gallons |
| Wattage | 3.5 Kilowatt | Not listed |
| Dimensions | 9.75 x 5 x 3 inches | 12.50 x 11.00 x 10.00 inches |
| Temperature Control | Based on flow rate | Adjustable 50°F to 140°F |
| Weight | 3.1 pounds | 13.5 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater if
- You need a compact unit that mounts in any orientation.
- You want water heated only when you turn on the tap.
- You prefer a lighter device that is easier to handle.
Choose Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater if
- You want to set a specific temperature range.
- You need a small reserve of hot water for short bursts.
- You prefer a unit that plugs into a standard 120V outlet.
Verdict: Choose the FlowCo if you want a slim, on-demand solution that heats water only when needed. Pick the Mini Tank if you prefer having a small reserve of hot water available instantly at a set temperature. Both are electric and fit under sinks, but they serve different usage patterns.
FlowCo vs Mini Tank Specs
Heating method
The Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater uses a tankless design. It activates only on-demand, heating water as it flows through the unit. This means you get hot water instantly without waiting for a tank to refill and reheat. In contrast, the Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater stores a small amount of pre-heated water. It provides a buffer of hot water even if you turn off the tap briefly. Your choice depends on whether you prefer immediate heating or a small reserve.
Temperature control
The Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater offers an adjustable temperature range from 50°F to 140°F. This allows you to set a specific output temperature for your sink or appliance. The Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater does not list an adjustable thermostat in its specifications. Its temperature output is based on the flow rate, providing a 41°F temperature rise at 0.5 GPM. If you need precise temperature settings, the tank model provides that flexibility.
Physical size
Space is often critical for point-of-use installations. The Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater is extremely compact, measuring 9.75 x 5 x 3 inches and weighing just 3.1 pounds. It mounts in any orientation, making it easy to fit in tight cabinets. The Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater is larger, measuring 12.50 x 11.00 x 10.00 inches and weighing 13.5 pounds. While still small, it requires more clearance. The FlowCo model wins for tight spaces.
Mounting options
Installation flexibility matters when placing these units near sinks. The Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater mounts in any orientation, giving you freedom to position it vertically or horizontally. The Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater is wall and floor mountable, which is also versatile but may require more structural support due to its weight and water volume. Both offer flexible placement, but the FlowCo’s ability to mount in any orientation simplifies the process.
Power requirements
Both units operate on 120V electricity, which simplifies installation for standard outlets. The Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater has a wattage of 3.5 Kilowatt and recommends a 10-gauge wire size. The Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater also uses 120V but does not list specific wattage or wire recommendations in the provided data. Both are designed for easy connection to standard electrical circuits, though you should verify local codes for the FlowCo’s wire requirements.
Choose the Right Eemax for You
You need instant hot water for a sink
The FlowCo 3.5 kW model heats water only when you turn on the faucet. It provides a 41°F temperature rise at 0.5 GPM. This tankless design ensures you do not wait for a reservoir to heat up. The compact 3.1-pound unit mounts easily in any orientation. It is ideal for under-sink installations where space is tight.
You want stored hot water with adjustable heat
The 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank holds pre-heated water for immediate use. It features an adjustable temperature range from 50°F to 140°F. This allows you to set the exact heat level you need. The unit plugs into a standard 120V outlet. Its 1.5-gallon capacity provides a buffer for short bursts of hot water without waiting for heating elements to activate.
You prefer a smaller footprint for tight spaces
The FlowCo unit measures just 9.75 x 5 x 3 inches. It weighs only 3.1 pounds, making it very light. This small size fits easily into cramped cabinets or tight corners. The tankless design eliminates the need for a bulky storage tank. You save significant space compared to the larger mini tank alternative.
The products compared
Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater
Best for: Single sink or shower point-of-use applications
- Fuel Type
- Electric
- Wattage
- 3.5 Kilowatt
- Installation Location
- Point of Use
- Voltage
- 120 Volt
- Dimensions
- 9.75 x 5 x 3 inches
- Weight
- 3.1 pounds
View on Amazon: Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater Affiliate link
The Eemax FlowCo is a compact, on-demand electric water heater designed for point-of-use installation. It operates on 120 volts with 3.5 kilowatts of power, delivering a 41°F temperature rise at 0.5 gallons per minute. Its small footprint measures 9.75 by 5 by 3 inches and weighs just 3.1 pounds. You can mount it in any orientation. This unit activates only when water flows, making it efficient for single-fixture applications.
Pros
- 3.5 kW heating element for instant hot water
- Compact 9.75 x 5 x 3 inch design
- Mounts in any orientation for flexible installation
- Self-diagnostics and intelligent controls for safety
Cons
- Limited to 120-volt circuits requiring 10-gauge wire
- Low flow rate capacity at 0.5 GPM
- Cold water inlet only limits pre-heating options
Good fit if
- You need hot water for a single sink or shower
- You have limited space under a counter or in a cabinet
- You want a unit that mounts in any orientation
Skip if
- You require hot water for multiple fixtures simultaneously
- You only have 240-volt electrical circuits available
- You need a higher flow rate than 0.5 GPM
Verdict: Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Electric Heater fits tight spaces where you need instant hot water for one fixture. It is ideal for remote bathrooms or kitchens where a full tank is unnecessary.
Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater
Best for: single sink under-counter hot water
- Fuel Type
- Electric
- Installation Location
- Wall and floor mountable
- Capacity
- 1.5-Gallon
- Voltage
- 120V
- Temperature Control
- 50°F to 140°F
- Dimensions
- 12.50 x 11.00 x 10.00 inches
View on Amazon: Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater Affiliate link
This Eemax EMT1 is a 1.5-gallon electric point-of-use water heater designed for under-sink installation. It connects to a standard 120V outlet, making setup straightforward. The unit offers an adjustable temperature range from 50°F to 140°F. Its compact dimensions of 12.50 x 11.00 x 10.00 inches allow for wall or floor mounting. This model suits users needing hot water at a single fixture without complex wiring.
Pros
- 1.5-gallon storage capacity for point-of-use needs
- Standard 120V plug-in installation
- Adjustable thermostat from 50°F to 140°F
- Wall or floor mountable design
Cons
- Small 1.5-gallon capacity limits simultaneous use
- Heavier at 13.5 pounds than tankless alternatives
- No digital display for precise temperature reading
Good fit if
- You need hot water for a single sink
- You have a standard 120V outlet nearby
- You want a simple plug-in installation
Skip if
- You require hot water for multiple fixtures
- You need continuous hot water flow
- You want energy savings from tankless operation
Verdict: Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric provides reliable hot water for one sink with easy plug-in setup. It fits well in tight spaces where a tankless unit might be too complex to install.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW 120V Point of Use Water Heater | Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank Electric Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Wattage | 3.5 Kilowatt | not stated |
| Installation Location | Point of Use | Wall and floor mountable |
| Capacity | not stated | 1.5-Gallon |
| Voltage | 120 Volt | 120V |
| Temperature Control | not stated | 50°F to 140°F |
| Dimensions | 9.75 x 5 x 3 inches | 12.50 x 11.00 x 10.00 inches |
| Weight | 3.1 pounds | 13.5 pounds |
| Color | White | White |
| Model | SPEX3512 | EMT1 |
| Size | not stated | 12.50 x 11.00 x 10.00 inches |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW unit suitable for a whole house?
No. This model is designed for point-of-use applications only. It is best for single sinks or showers where a full tank is unnecessary. The compact size makes it ideal for remote bathrooms or kitchens. It cannot supply hot water to multiple fixtures simultaneously.
How much space does the Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW take up?
It is very small. The unit measures 5 inches in width, 9.75 inches in height, and 3 inches in length. It weighs only 3.1 pounds. This tiny footprint allows it to fit into tight spaces where larger heaters would not work.
Does the Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank require a dedicated circuit?
The product description notes an easy plug-in setup. This suggests it may use a standard outlet rather than a hardwired dedicated circuit. However, you should verify your local electrical codes. The unit is electric and designed for simple installation under a counter.
Which model is better for under-counter installation?
The Eemax 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank is often preferred for this. It measures 11 inches wide, 12.5 inches high, and 10 inches long. It provides reliable hot water for one sink. The mini tank design fits well in tight spaces where a tankless unit might be too complex.
Can the FlowCo 3.5 kW handle a shower?
It can support a single shower in some cases. The best-for attribute lists single sink or shower point-of-use applications. It is ideal for remote locations. However, performance depends on your inlet water temperature and flow rate. It is not suitable for multiple simultaneous uses.
What is the weight difference between the two units?
The FlowCo 3.5 kW is much lighter. It weighs 3.1 pounds. The 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank weighs 13.5 pounds. The heavier unit contains a storage tank, while the FlowCo is a tankless design. This weight difference affects how you mount and support the units.
Are both heaters electric?
Yes. Both the Eemax FlowCo 3.5 kW and the 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank use electric fuel types. You do not need gas lines or venting for either model. They both connect to your home electrical system for heating water.
What model numbers should I look for?
The FlowCo 3.5 kW unit is model SPEX3512. The 1.5-Gallon Mini Tank is model EMT1. Both are white in color. Use these model numbers when searching for replacement parts or verifying compatibility with your existing plumbing setup.