Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW or Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend Electric? Which Stiebel Eltron Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are deciding between the stiebel eltron tempra 29 plus 28 8kw vs tempra 36 trend electric. Both units provide continuous, on-demand hot water without venting. They share a sleek white design and electric fuel type. The main difference lies in their power output. The Tempra 29 Plus delivers 28.8 kW, while the Tempra 36 Trend offers 36 kW. This power gap affects your electrical service needs and hot water capacity for larger households.
Key differences
| Aspect | Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW Tankless | Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 28,800 W | 36 kW |
| Voltage | 240 V | 240 V |
| Temperature Control | Two memory presets | 68° to 140°F range |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 16.6 x 4.63 inches | not listed |
| Weight | 19 pounds | not listed |
| Electrical Service | 200 amp minimum | 300 amp recommended |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW Tankless if
- You have a 200 amp electrical service and need a reliable unit for a smaller household.
- You prefer a compact unit with specific dimensions that fit your installation space.
- You want simple temperature adjustment via two memory presets without a digital display.
Choose Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend Electric if
- You have a 300 amp electrical service and need higher capacity for multiple simultaneous uses.
- You want silent operation and a digital temperature display for precise control.
- You require a lead-free system that meets strict federal and state drinking water standards.
Verdict: Choose the Tempra 29 Plus if your home has a 200 amp service and you need a proven, compact solution. Pick the Tempra 36 Trend if you have the necessary 300 amp infrastructure and need maximum hot water flow for a larger family. Both models deliver endless hot water, so your choice depends on your electrical capacity and usage demands.
Tempra 29 Plus vs Tempra 36 Trend
Wattage output
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus delivers 28.8 kW of heating power at 240 volts. It can also operate at 21,600 watts if your home has a 208-volt service. The Tempra 36 Trend steps up to 36 kW at 240 volts. This higher wattage allows the 36 Trend to heat water more aggressively. You get a stronger temperature rise or higher flow rates with the 36 model. The 29 Plus is sufficient for many households, but the 36 Trend offers more raw power for demanding hot water needs.
Electrical requirements
Installation demands differ significantly between these two units. The Tempra 29 Plus requires three separate dedicated 40 amp breakers and 8 gauge copper wiring. It also needs a minimum 200 amp total service for your residence. The Tempra 36 Trend is more demanding. It requires a minimum recommended electric service of 300 amps. You must ensure your home can handle the increased load before choosing the 36 Trend. The 29 Plus is easier to install in homes with standard 200 amp panels.
Temperature control
Both units offer precise digital control, but the interface differs. The Tempra 29 Plus features two temperature memory presets. This allows you to save your preferred settings for quick adjustment. The Tempra 36 Trend provides a digital temperature display that is easy to read. It offers an output water temperature range of 68° to 140°F. This wide range lets you dial in exact temperatures. The 36 Trend offers more granular control, while the 29 Plus relies on saved presets for convenience.
Physical dimensions
The Tempra 29 Plus has specific dimensions listed as 14.5 inches in height, 16.6 inches in width, and 4.63 inches in length. It weighs 19 pounds. The Tempra 36 Trend is also white and sleek, but exact dimensions are not provided in the data. Both units are designed to save space and require no venting. You can mount either on a wall. However, you only have exact size data for the 29 Plus. This helps you plan the installation space more accurately for the 29 Plus model.
Noise level
The Tempra 36 Trend is described as having silent operation. It uses an electronic switch to activate and produces no noise while in use. The Tempra 29 Plus does not have a specific noise rating mentioned in the provided data. Both are electric tankless heaters, which are generally quieter than gas models. However, the 36 Trend explicitly highlights its quiet performance. If low noise is a priority for your installation location, the 36 Trend has a clear advantage based on the available information.
Which Stiebel Eltron Model Fits You
Renters or small households
The Tempra 29 Plus offers 28.8 kW at 240 volts, which suits lower demand. It requires 200 amp service and three 40 amp breakers. The compact 16.6 inch width fits tight spaces. You get two memory presets for easy adjustment. This model balances output with manageable electrical requirements for smaller homes.
Large households needing high flow
The Tempra 36 Trend provides 36 kW of power for higher demand. It supports an output range of 68° to 140°F. This unit requires a minimum 300 amp service, ensuring stable performance for multiple bathrooms. The solid copper heating system and silent operation make it ideal for busy homes needing consistent hot water.
Users wanting precise digital control
The Tempra 36 Trend features a digital temperature display for clear reading. It uses auto-modulation to save energy while maintaining temperature. The electronic switch activates the unit quietly. You benefit from lead-free components meeting federal standards. This setup offers precise control and eco-friendly operation for environmentally conscious buyers.
The products compared
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW Tankless
Best for: High-demand multi-bathroom homes
- Fuel Type
- Electric
- Wattage
- 28.8 kW
- Voltage
- 208 V, 240 V
- Dimensions
- 14.5 x 16.6 x 4.63 in
- Use
- Whole House
- Weight
- 19 pounds
View on Amazon: Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW Tankless Affiliate link
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus delivers 28.8kW of heating power at 240V. It measures 14.5 by 16.6 by 4.63 inches and weighs 19 pounds. You get two temperature memory presets for easy adjustment. This unit requires hard-wired 240-volt service with three dedicated 40-amp breakers. It suits homes needing strong hot water flow for multiple fixtures.
Pros
- 28.8kW output at 240V
- Two temperature memory presets
- Compact 4.63-inch depth
- No venting required
Cons
- Requires three dedicated 40-amp breakers
- Needs 200-amp total household service
- Hard-wired installation only
Good fit if
- You have a 200-amp electrical panel
- You need high flow for multiple bathrooms
- You want preset temperature memory
Skip if
- You only have a 100-amp service
- You need plug-in installation
- You have limited breaker space
Verdict: Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW fits homes with robust electrical infrastructure. You get strong continuous hot water for busy households. It is not for panels with limited capacity.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend Electric
Best for: Homes with 300 A electrical service
- Fuel Type
- Electric
- Wattage
- 36 kW
- Voltage
- 240V
- Temperature Control
- 68° to 140°F
View on Amazon: Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend Electric Affiliate link
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend delivers 36 kW of electric power at 240 V. It provides continuous hot water with an output range of 68° to 140°F. The unit features a white, compact design that requires no venting. It uses an internal solid copper heating system for silent operation. This model suits homes needing higher capacity than the Tempra 29 Plus, provided you have a 300 A electrical service.
Pros
- 36 kW output for higher flow capacity
- Silent operation with no moving parts
- Compact white design saves space
- No venting required for installation
Cons
- Requires a minimum 300 A electrical service
- Higher power draw than the 28.8 kW Tempra 29 Plus
- Limited to electric fuel type only
Good fit if
- You need higher hot water output than the 29 kW model
- You have a 300 A electrical service available
- You want a silent, ventless electric unit
Skip if
- Your electrical service is less than 300 A
- You prefer gas or propane fuel sources
- You only need the capacity of the 29 kW model
Verdict: Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend 36kW Electric is the right choice for homes with robust electrical infrastructure that require more simultaneous hot water than the Tempra 29 Plus can provide.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW Tankless | Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Trend Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Wattage | 28.8 kW | 36 kW |
| Voltage | 208 V, 240 V | 240V |
| Temperature Control | not stated | 68° to 140°F |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 16.6 x 4.63 in | not stated |
| Use | Whole House | not stated |
| Weight | 19 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 29 (kW) | not stated |
| Color | White | White |
| Model | 239223 | Tempra 36 Trend |
Frequently asked questions
Which Stiebel Eltron unit handles more simultaneous showers?
The Tempra 36 Trend provides higher capacity for busy households. It delivers 36 kW of heating power compared to the 28.8 kW output of the Tempra 29 Plus. This extra power supports greater demand in homes with three bathrooms or more. You should choose the 36 kW model if you need robust continuous hot water during peak usage times.
Does the Tempra 29 Plus fit in small spaces?
Yes, the Tempra 29 Plus has a compact footprint. It measures 16.6 inches in width, 14.5 inches in height, and 4.63 inches in length. The unit weighs only 19 pounds. These dimensions allow it to fit into tighter utility areas or closets where space is limited for larger tankless water heaters.
Can the Tempra 29 Plus work with 208-volt service?
Yes, the Tempra 29 Plus operates at both 240 volts and 208 volts. At 240 volts, it delivers its full 28.8 kW output. If your home has a 208-volt electrical service, the unit adjusts to provide 21,600 watts. This flexibility makes it suitable for homes with varying electrical infrastructure.
What electrical service does the Tempra 36 Trend require?
The Tempra 36 Trend is designed for homes with 300 amp electrical service. It delivers 36 kW of power, which demands a robust electrical infrastructure. You must ensure your panel can handle this load. It is not suitable for homes with limited capacity or standard lower-amperage services.
Are both units electric tankless water heaters?
Yes, both models are electric tankless water heaters. They do not require venting and provide on-demand hot water. Both units feature a sleek white design. They rely on electricity rather than gas to heat water instantly as it flows through the unit.
Which model is better for high-demand multi-bathroom homes?
The Tempra 29 Plus is recommended for high-demand multi-bathroom homes with robust electrical infrastructure. It provides strong continuous hot water for busy households. While the Tempra 36 Trend offers more power, the 29 Plus is a strong choice if your home supports its electrical needs without requiring the highest service tier.