Best Heat Pumps: The Installed Today 2023 Electric Hot Water System

Dec 7, 2023

At Installed Today, we've been your heat pump matchmaking service all through 2023, sorting the hot from the not, and we’re here to spill the tea (or should we say, hot water?).

We’ve seen glorious performers that heat water like Olympic sprinters and questionable contenders that give up faster than a Wi-Fi signal in a tunnel. This list is your ultimate guide to the best electric heat pump hot water systems—with a side of humor, of course.

What is a Heat Pump Hot Water System?

Imagine if your hot water system could harness the power of the air around you, like a superhero absorbing energy from the sun. Well, that’s pretty much what a heat pump hot water system does! Instead of generating heat directly through electricity (which can be as inefficient as a chocolate teapot), it cleverly transfers heat from the ambient air to your water tank.

Using a refrigerant to facilitate this heat transfer, these systems are the epitome of energy efficiency. They provide a reliable and cost-effective source of hot water while significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. So, not only do you get to enjoy a hot shower, but you also get to feel good about saving the planet. Talk about a win-win!

Types of Heat Pump Systems

Heat pumps come in various flavors, each with its own unique superpowers. Here’s a quick rundown:

Air Source Heat Pumps: These are the most common type, extracting heat from the air and transferring it to your water tank. Think of them as the air whisperers of the heat pump world.
Ground Source Heat Pumps: These systems dig a little deeper, literally. They extract heat from the ground, making them perfect for those who want to stay grounded while enjoying hot water.
Hybrid Heat Pumps: Can’t decide between air and ground? Why not have both? Hybrid heat pumps combine different heat sources to ensure you always have a reliable and efficient supply of hot water.
Split System Heat Pumps: These systems are like the dynamic duos of the heat pump universe. They consist of two separate units—one for the heat pump and one for the storage tank—connected by a refrigerant line. Perfect for those who love a bit of tech magic in their homes.

How We Ranked Them

We’re not about hype—we’re about efficient heat pumps, performance, reliability, and long-term value. Here’s what we considered:

✔ Energy Efficiency – If it’s guzzling power like a V8, it didn’t make the cut. ✔ Reheat Time & Performance – Because waiting hours for hot water is so last century. ✔ Durability & Build Quality – No flimsy units allowed. ✔ Features & Tech – Smart features, boost modes, and eco-friendliness score big points. ✔ Ease of Installation & Maintenance – Plumbers hate tricky installs. We listen. ✔ Warranty & After-Sales Service – Because a warranty that disappears faster than a politician’s promises is not a good sign. ✔ Customer & Plumber Feedback – If it’s a headache, we know about it.

Now, let’s dive into the winners (and not-so-winners) of 2023…

🏆 TOP 10 BEST HEAT PUMP HOT WATER SYSTEMS OF 2023 🏆

🥇 WINNER – iStore 270L

The Green MachineIf Captain Planet designed a heat pump, this would be it. The iStore 270L is eco-friendly, solar-compatible, and ridiculously energy-efficient. It is one of the top heat pump water heaters available, offering significant cost savings on energy bills and benefiting from government incentives for installation. It’s built for medium to large households and runs whisper quiet. Plus, it plays nice with solar systems, slashing energy bills.

🔥 Best For: Families who want low running costs and eco-friendly hot water.

🥈 RUNNER-UP – Rheem Ambiheat 270

The Rolls Royce of Heat PumpsWith its sleek metallic screen cover and smart energy-saving tech, this unit is as premium as they come. The Rheem Ambiheat 270 is a reliable hot water heat pump with premium features. The boost function ensures you’ll never run out of hot water, even on busy mornings. A solid investment for larger families.

🔥 Best For: Households that want reliable, stylish, and efficient hot water.

🥉 THIRD PLACE – Stiebel Eltron WWK302 Series

German Engineering at its FinestThis unit is built to last—think of it as the BMW of heat pumps. The Stiebel Eltron WWK302 Series is an air source heat pump known for its efficiency and durability. Electrolysis protection? Check. Solar compatibility? Double-check. Some of these units last 12-15 years with proper maintenance.

🔥 Best For: Homes looking for a long-term, rock-solid heat pump.

4️⃣ Enviroheat 200/250L – The Budget Hero

A great bang-for-your-buck system that punches above its weight. The Enviroheat 200/250L is an affordable heat pump system that offers great value. It’s quiet, efficient, and has a boost mode for extra demand.

🔥 **Best For:**Budget-conscious buyers who still want a quality heat pump.

5️⃣ Stiebel Eltron WWK222 Series – The Reliable Choice

The WWK222 is the little sibling of the WWK302—compact, efficient, and built to last. It is one of the most reliable hot water heat pumps available. No fancy features, just solid German reliability.

🔥 Best For: Smaller households that want a simple, no-fuss heat pump.

6️⃣ iStore 180L – Small But Mighty

A compact, space-saving heat pump that delivers the same efficiency as its bigger sibling. One of the most efficient electric hot water systems for small homes. Perfect for apartments and small homes.

🔥 **Best For:**Small households looking for big efficiency in a compact size.

7️⃣ Rinnai Enviroflo 250L/315L Series 2 – The Stylish Contender

This unit is sleek, space-saving, and built with Rinnai’s reliability. Comparable to a split system air conditioner in terms of design and efficiency, it offers a stylish and reliable solution. If aesthetics matter, this modern-looking heat pump blends seamlessly into your home.

🔥 **Best For:**Homeowners who want efficiency without sacrificing style.

8️⃣ Reclaim Energy Split – The Tech Geek’s Dream

This solar-compatible split system is for those who love customizable energy solutions. It is one of the best solar hot water systems for tech-savvy homeowners. A bit more complex to install, but big payoffs in savings.

🔥 **Best For:**Tech-savvy homeowners who want full solar integration.

9️⃣ Thermann Hybrid X – The Tank

This beast of a heat pump is built to handle massive households. No frills, just power. Compared to a gas hot water system, the Thermann Hybrid X offers superior power and efficiency.

🔥 **Best For:**Large families who go through hot water like it’s going out of fashion.

🔟 Quantum Titan 340 – The Gentle Giant

A massive 340L capacity, making it perfect for big homes with high demand. The Quantum Titan 340 is one of the top heat pump models for large homes. Not the fastest, but you’ll never run out of hot water.

🔥 **Best For:**Large families or shared houses that need LOTS of hot water.

Financial Benefits and Incentives

Installing a heat pump hot water system is like hitting the jackpot of energy savings. Here’s why:

Energy Efficiency: Heat pump hot water systems are designed to be super energy-efficient, which means you’ll see significant savings on your energy bills. It’s like having a money-saving genie in your water tank.
Government Rebates: Many governments offer rebates and incentives for households that install heat pump hot water systems. These rebates can help offset the upfront cost, making it easier on your wallet.
Long-Term Savings: Over the lifespan of the system, the savings on your energy bills can add up to thousands of dollars. It’s like having a piggy bank that keeps on giving.
Increased Property Value: Installing a heat pump hot water system can increase the value of your property. Potential buyers will love the idea of lower energy bills and an eco-friendly home, making your property more attractive on the market.

By choosing a heat pump hot water system, you’re not just investing in hot water; you’re investing in a more sustainable and financially savvy future.

🚨 THE ‘WATCH OUT NOW’ LIST 🚨

Dodging the Duds…

Not every heat pump is a winner. Some overpromise and underdeliver (looking at you, cheap knockoffs). If a heat pump has more downtime than uptime, it’s a no-go.

Red Flags to Watch For:

❌ Too many warranty claims – If a product needs fixing every 5 minutes, that’s a problem.
❌ Bad after-sales service – If customer support is harder to reach than a rockstar, avoid.
❌ Disappearing brands – Some companies vanish or rebrand to escape bad reputations.

We’re not here to name and shame, but let’s just say some heat pumps struggle more than a kettle on a camping trip.

Final Thoughts: Which Heat Pump Should You Buy?

If you want the best of the best, stick to our Top 10 list. There’s a heat pump for every budget, home size, and energy need.

Choosing efficient heat pumps ensures long-term savings and reliability, making them a smart investment for homeowners.

📌 Quick Recap:

✔ Best Overall? iStore 270L
✔ Best Premium? Rheem Ambiheat 270
✔ Most Reliable? Stiebel Eltron WWK302
✔ Best Budget? Enviroheat 200/250L
✔ Best Small Option? iStore 180L