The Installed Today 2023 Best Heat Pump Electric Hot Water System Comedy Awards

Here at Installed Today, we've been playing matchmaker between homes and heat pump water heaters all through 2023. Our love affair with these units has given us a ringside seat to the good, the bad, and the lukewarm. We've seen it all - from the brand that's the belle of the ball to the ones that were, well, not quite the hot ticket item they promised to be.

In our grand parade of the best electric heat pump hot water systems, we weigh in heavily on reliability. If a unit makes more promises than a politician in election season and then fails to deliver, it’s straight to our 'no-fly list'. Why? Because nobody wants to splash out a wad of cash only to do the hot water hokey pokey a few years later. Our ranking is a buffet of considerations: efficiency, reheat time, performance, build quality, features, packaging (plumbers love a good unboxing experience), transportation, warranty, product reviews, after-sales service, and price. Rest assured, our recommendations are as unbiased as a cat at a dog show – we’re here to find you a system so dependable that we won’t hear from you for a decade (we mean that in the nicest possible way).

As for product reviews, we take them with a grain of salt. You see, most people don’t just wake up and decide to pen a glowing review unless they’ve been sweetened up by the company with some goodies like extended warranties, gift cards, or the promise of eternal happiness. Big brands often turn a blind eye to the power of honest reviews, so even though their product might be the Superman of heaters, without the cape of good reviews, they might just blend in with the crowd.

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect heat pump hot water system for your abode, have a chinwag with your plumber. Just make sure they’re not just singing the praises of one brand – variety is the spice of life, after all.

And now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for – the winners! Drumroll, please...

WINNER - iStore 270L:

Imagine a heat pump water heater that's not just a device, but an environmental superhero. The iStore 270L, with its eco-friendly cape, swoops in to save the day (and your energy bills). It's perfect for medium to large households, promising endless hot water without the guilt of a carbon footprint. Integration with solar power systems? Check. Quiet operation? Like a ninja. It's the green dream of hot water systems.

RUNNER UP - Rheem Ambiheat 270:

Think of the Rheem Ambiheat 270 as the Rolls Royce of heat pump water heaters. It's got style, substance, and a magnetic metal screen cover that's as sleek as it is functional. Ideal for larger families, this model is like the reliable butler of your hot water needs – always there, never intrusive, and impeccably efficient. It's an investment that says, "I've got hot water, and I'm not afraid to use it."

THIRD - Stiebel Eltron WWK302 Series:

This is where German engineering meets hot water. The Stiebel Eltron WWK302 is like a fine watch – precise, reliable, and surprisingly low-maintenance. It's a marathon runner, often lasting over 12-15 years. Electrolysis for rust protection? Check. Compatibility with modern solar inverters? Double check. It's the BMW of heat pumps - engineered to perform.

4th - Enviroheat 200/250L:

If you're looking for a bang for your buck, the Enviroheat 200/250L is your ticket. It's the underdog that delivers, offering top-notch features without breaking the bank. Quiet, efficient, and sporting a boost function, it's like the dependable, hardworking family SUV – gets the job done, no frills, no fuss.

5th - Stiebel Eltron WWK222 Series:

The sibling to the WWK302, the WWK222 is for those who appreciate subtle brilliance. It's all about the long game – efficient, enduring, and with the same German flair. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it's as solid as they come – the reliable sedan that never lets you down.

6th - iStore 180L:

Need a compact solution? Enter the iStore 180L. It's the little engine that could of heat pumps, perfect for smaller households or those cozy nooks. Don't let its size fool you – this little guy packs a punch, providing all the benefits of its bigger sibling in a pint-sized package.

7th - Rinnai Enviroflo 250L/315L Series 2:

Slim, sleek, and sophisticated, the Rinnai Enviroflo range is like the supermodel of heat pumps. Ideal for space-saving, it's a no-fuss, high-performing unit that brings elegance to the mundane task of heating water. It's the fashionable yet practical choice for modern homes.

8th - Reclaim Energy Split:

For the tech aficionados, the Reclaim Energy Split is a futuristic dream. This split system is like having a mini-lab in your backyard. It's all about flexibility, efficiency, and marrying your hot water system with solar technology. A bit more complex to install, but oh, the rewards!

9th - Thermann Hybrid X:

The Thermann Hybrid X is the tank of heat pumps. It's built like a fortress, designed to endure, and caters to the demands of the largest households. It's the no-nonsense, heavy-duty truck that says, "I'm here to do the job, and I'll do it well."

10th - Quantum Titan 340:

Last but not least, the Quantum Titan 340 is the giant among heat pumps. It's for those who believe more is more – offering a colossal 340-liter capacity. It's like the gentle giant – powerful yet unassuming, ensuring you never run out of hot water.

The Installed Today 2023 "Watch Out Now" List

Dodging the Duds In the twisty-turny world of heat pump water heaters, there's a not-so-coveted spot on the Installed Today "Watch Out Now" List. The main culprit that'll land a brand here? You guessed it, reliability, or rather, the lack thereof. If a heat pump's main gig is to keep the hot water coming and it bails on the job more often than not, it's a red flag waving high and proud.

Now, we're not in the business of naming and shaming brands. But let's just say, sometimes you might find more dependability in a good ol' fashioned kettle. Yes, it's a bit of a throwback, but hey, sometimes the classics just can't be beaten.

Diving into the world of product reviews, it's like stepping into a land of five-star fairy tales. But here's the twist – these glowing reviews can often be traced back to sweeteners like extended warranties or those tempting gift cards. It's like sprinkling glitter on a gremlin – looks pretty but doesn't change what's underneath.

And let's talk about those reviews that mysteriously never get updated. A product might go belly-up, but the busy bees that we all are, who has the time to circle back and rewrite their internet tale? So, what you see might not always be what you get.

Take, for instance, a little story from our adventures. We once had a heat pump so flaky that we swapped it out for a sturdy Stiebel Eltron model for a company owner's pal. The original was more 'off' than 'on,' spending a good chunk of its three-year life awaiting repairs. Sometimes, it's just about keeping friendships warm and toasty, just like your water.

Warranties are a whole saga in themselves. A decade-long warranty sounds great until the company pulls a disappearing act or decides to reinvent itself under a new name. Then there are those companies that stay around but turn into a spare parts factory, leaving you to foot the bill for endless repairs.

So, what's the game plan? Stick with the top ten, the cream of the crop, the ones that have proven their worth. The market is like a treasure trove of options in terms of size, features, and price points. We're pretty confident that within this elite group, you'll find a heat pump that keeps both your water hot and your blood pressure low. No more heat pump heartaches, we promise!