Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus Electric Tankless Water Heater Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This stiebel eltron tempra 29 plus electric tankless water heater review focuses on the unit’s core capabilities. It delivers 28.8 kW of heating power at 240 volts. The device measures 14.5 by 16.6 by 4.63 inches. It uses two temperature memory presets for easy adjustment. You get continuous hot water without a storage tank. The compact design fits in tight spaces. No venting is required for installation. This model offers precise control over your water temperature. It is built for homes with adequate electrical service. The white finish blends into utility areas.
What stands out
- 28,800 watts at 240 volts for high output
- Compact dimensions of 14.5 x 16.6 x 4.63 inches
- Two temperature memory presets for quick adjustments
- No venting required for installation
- 19 pounds weight for easy mounting
Who it fits
Good fit for
This unit suits homes with a 200-amp electrical service. You need three dedicated 40-amp breakers and 8-gauge copper wiring. It works best for large households needing hot water for multiple bathrooms. The high wattage supports simultaneous use. If you have 240-volt service, this model fits well. It is ideal for those wanting precise temperature control. The compact size helps in small utility rooms. You should choose this if you need reliable, on-demand heating without tank space.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you lack 240-volt service. The unit requires 200-amp total service. You must have space for three 40-amp breakers. Homes with older electrical panels may not support this load. If you only need hot water for one sink, a smaller model is better. The 28.8 kW output is overkill for low-demand setups. Also avoid this if you cannot run 8-gauge copper wiring. The installation complexity is higher than smaller units. Check your electrical capacity before buying.
Verdict: The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus is a powerful option for homes with strong electrical infrastructure. It delivers consistent hot water with precise temperature control.
Key specs explained for you
Wattage: 28,800 W at 240 V
This power rating determines how much water you can heat at a given flow rate. Higher wattage means you can run multiple showers simultaneously without the temperature dropping significantly. You need this level of output for larger households or homes with high demand. Smaller units with lower wattage may struggle to maintain hot water during peak usage times, making this a key factor for your comfort.
Voltage: 240 V
This unit requires a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit, similar to what powers large appliances like electric dryers. You cannot plug this into a standard 120-volt outlet. Your home must have the appropriate electrical infrastructure to support this voltage. If your electrical panel does not currently offer 240-volt circuits, you will need an electrician to install the necessary service before installation can proceed.
Dimensions: 14.5 x 16.6 x 4.63 inches
The compact footprint allows this heater to fit in tight spaces like closets, utility rooms, or under sinks. The shallow depth is particularly useful where wall space is limited. You should measure your available installation area carefully to ensure clearance for maintenance access. This size is typical for point-of-use or whole-house electric units, offering flexibility in placement compared to bulkier gas models.
Temperature Control: Two temperature memory presets
This feature lets you save two specific water temperature settings for quick adjustment. You can set one for general washing and another for specific tasks like handwashing or dishwashing. This eliminates the need to manually dial in a new temperature every time you adjust the flow. It provides convenience and consistency, ensuring you get the desired water temperature without guessing or reconfiguring the controls frequently.
Design and build quality
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus measures 14.5 inches in height, 16.6 inches in width, and 4.63 inches in depth. It weighs 19 pounds. These dimensions allow the unit to fit in tight utility spaces or closets. The compact depth means it does not protrude significantly from the wall. You can mount it vertically or horizontally. The listing states the color is white. This neutral finish blends into most mechanical rooms without drawing attention.
According to the listing, the device features a sleek design that saves space. It requires no venting, which simplifies installation in interior walls. The unit uses electronic temperature control with two memory presets. This allows you to save specific settings for different uses. You can switch between them easily. The control interface is digital and integrated into the front panel.
The build supports hard-wired connections only. It needs 240-volt electric service. The unit draws up to 28,800 watts. You must install three separate 40-amp breakers with 8-gauge copper wiring. Your home needs a minimum 200-amp service. The sturdy construction handles high electrical loads. The compact metal casing protects internal components. This design prioritizes efficiency and space savings over decorative appeal.
Setup and everyday use guide
Installing this unit requires specific electrical infrastructure. The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus needs hard-wired 240 or 208-volt electric service. It draws a maximum of 28,800 watts at 240 volts. At 208 volts, the draw drops to 21,600 watts. You must install three separate dedicated 40 amp breakers. The wiring must be 8 gauge copper. Your home needs a minimum of 200 amp total service to handle this load. This is not a plug-in appliance. You need a qualified electrician to verify your panel capacity before installation.
Once installed, daily operation is straightforward. The unit features two temperature memory presets. These allow you to adjust water temperature for personalized needs without complex programming. You can switch between presets easily. The device provides an on-demand supply of hot water. There is no tank to refill or reheat. You get continuous flow as long as the unit is powered.
The sleek design saves space. It requires no venting. This simplifies placement options. You can mount it in tight utility spaces or closets. The compact depth helps fit it into restricted areas. The white finish blends with standard utility rooms. You do not need to worry about exhaust flues or gas lines. The electric model connects directly to your home’s electrical system. Just ensure your wiring meets the 8 gauge copper requirement for safety and performance.
Before you buy this unit
You must verify your home’s electrical capacity before purchasing. This unit requires three separate 40-amp breakers and 8-gauge copper wiring. Your main service panel needs at least 200 amps. If your panel is older or smaller, you will need an upgrade. This is a significant expense and logistical hurdle. The device is hard-wired, so you cannot simply plug it in. You need a qualified electrician for installation. The compact size fits most utility closets, but you must check clearances. Compare this high-capacity model against lower-kilowatt options if you only run one shower. The Tempra 29 Plus is built for whole-house demand. It suits large families or homes with multiple bathrooms. Smaller units may suffice for single-bath setups. Check your voltage compatibility. It works with 240 or 208 volts, though output drops at 208. Ensure your electrical system can handle the sustained load. Maintenance is minimal, but professional servicing is recommended annually.
Check before you buy
- Confirm your panel has 200 amps total service
- Verify space for three 40-amp breakers
- Check for 8-gauge copper wiring availability
- Ensure 240 or 208-volt hard-wired connection
The product at a glance
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW Tankless
Best for: Large homes with 200-amp electrical service
- 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 is a 28.8kW electric tankless water heater designed for high-demand households. It operates on a 240V circuit and features two temperature memory presets for consistent hot water delivery. The unit measures 14.5 by 16.6 by 4.63 inches and weighs 19 pounds. It requires a 200-amp electrical service and three dedicated 40-amp breakers. This model suits homes needing reliable, continuous hot water without the bulk of a storage tank.
Pros
- 28.8kW heating capacity for high flow rates
- Two temperature memory presets for easy adjustment
- Compact wall-mounted design saves space
- No venting required for installation
Cons
- Requires three dedicated 40-amp breakers
- Needs a minimum 200-amp home electrical service
- Limited to electric power source only
Good fit if
- You have a 200-amp electrical panel available
- You need hot water for multiple bathrooms simultaneously
- You want precise temperature control with memory presets
Skip if
- You have less than 200-amp electrical service
- You cannot install three dedicated 40-amp breakers
- You are looking for a gas-powered alternative
Verdict: Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW delivers consistent hot water for large homes with robust electrical infrastructure. It fits buyers who need high capacity and precise temperature settings without the space requirements of a tank.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus 28.8kW Tankless |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Size | 29 (kW) |
| Color | White |
| Model | 239223 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum flow rate for this unit?
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus delivers hot water based on its 28.8 kW heating capacity. This power level supports simultaneous use in large homes. You can expect consistent temperature stability even when multiple fixtures are running. The exact gallon-per-minute output depends on your incoming water temperature and desired setting. Higher flow rates require higher temperature drops, which the unit manages through precise electronic control.
Does this heater require a dedicated electrical panel?
Yes, installation demands a robust electrical infrastructure. You need three separate 40-amp breakers to support the unit's power draw. The wiring must be 8-gauge copper. Your main service panel should have at least 200 amps of capacity. This ensures the heater operates safely without overloading your home’s electrical system. Older panels may not meet these requirements.
How much space does the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus take up?
The unit measures 14.5 inches in height, 16.6 inches in width, and 4.63 inches in depth. It weighs 19 pounds. These compact dimensions allow it to fit in tight utility spaces or closets. The shallow depth is particularly useful for installations where wall clearance is limited. You can mount it on a wall to save floor space.
Can I use this heater with 208-volt service?
The unit supports both 240-volt and 208-volt electric service. At 240 volts, it draws a maximum of 28,800 watts. If your home uses 208 volts, the power draw drops to 21,600 watts. This flexibility allows installation in various residential settings. However, you should verify your specific voltage supply with a qualified electrician before purchasing.
What is the model number for replacement parts?
The specific model number for this unit is 239223. You can use this number to identify compatible replacement parts or accessories. The device is part of the Tempra 29 Plus series. Keeping this number handy helps ensure you order the correct components for maintenance or repair needs.
Is the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus suitable for whole-house use?
This unit is designed for large homes with high hot water demands. It provides consistent hot water for multiple bathrooms simultaneously. The 28.8 kW capacity handles the load of a full household. It fits buyers who need high capacity without the bulk of a traditional tank. Verify your electrical service meets the 200-amp requirement for optimal performance.