Indirect water heaters are also often called the integrated water heating system or combination space and water heating system mainly because they use the existing heating system of the house. Moreover, the working mechanism is pretty straight forward thus they do not require much maintenance and have proven to work really well without breaking for a prolonged period of time.
The cold water is heated as it passed through the household heating system, particularly the heating coil. In some instances, the water can be heated in a separately installed boiler that is usually placed adjacent to the household heating system. Best indirect water heaters are used during the colder months of the year when the household heating system is being used throughout the house.
Before buying and installing the best indirect water heater, think about whether you would want a traditional water heating system that you could rely on throughout the year even in warmer months. Overall, indirect water heaters have been around for decades and are much more easy to use plus with indirect water heaters you would not have to worry about maintaining a stand-alone heating system which would involve flushing the tubes and cleaning the heating coil, to say the least.
Moreover, with best indirect water heaters, you would only have to do turn on the water tap and you wouldn’t have to wait for the water boiler to heat the water. Sadly, with indirect water heaters, you have less control over the temperature of the water coming out of the hot water tap. Obviously, if you have a large home and family then you might want to look for a larger indirect water heating system that will be able to meet your needs.
Comparison of 9 Best Indirect Water Heaters in 2020
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Burnham AL35SL Indirect-Fired Water Heater |
| |
 | Triangle Tube SMART80 Indirect Water Heater |
| |
 | HTP PH76-60 Gas-Fired Water Heater |
| |
 | Heat Flo HF-40 Indirect Water Heater |
| |
 | Rheem HP40RH Electric Water Heater |
| |
 | Generic Electric GEH50DFEJSR Hybrid Water Heater |
| |
 | Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater |
| |
 | Westinghouse Electric Water Heater |
| |
 | EZ Supreme Tankless Water Heater |
|
Top 9 Best Indirect Water Heater Reviews in 2020
1. Burnham AL35SL Alliance SL Hydrastone-Lined Indirect-Fired Water Heater
- Color: Blue
- Coil included: Yes
- Tank Capacity: 35 gallon
- Other: Seamless hydrastone-lined tank, Utilizes a side mounted coil that supplied separately
Burnham 35 Gallon Indirect Water Heater is made from durable materials and very thought through construction that will last for generations to come provided you pay attention to its maintenance and regularly clean the heating coil from buildup. It is built from a triple walled metal and 22 gauge steel that easily retains heat but prevents it from escaping very quickly.
Moreover, customers have reported that it quickly and evenly warms water for medium to large households. Testing of this best indirect water heater has revealed that it uses much less electricity as compared to other similar models thanks to the construction and materials used thus it is much more eco-friendly and economical. The exterior is powder coated while the interior is porcelain finished for easy cleaning and maintaining.
- Durable cast iron and stainless steel construction
- Uses less electricity than other similar models
- Porcelain finish for easy cleaning
- Easy indoor installation
- Heating coil included in the packaging
- Available in one size only
- Some indirect water heaters reported to arrive with scratched or scuffed surface
2. Triangle Tube SMART80 Phase III Best Indirect Water Heater
- Color: Gray
- Self Cleaning: Yes
- Tank Capacity: 70 gallon
- Insulation: 2″ of Polyurethane Foam Insulation
- Technology: Exclusive “Tank-in-Tank” Technology
This model of Triangle Tube Phase III indirect water heater is made with much better water flow system than its previous Phase II version thus this model is much more recommended by home improvement specialists. Moreover, this Triangle indirect heater has a powder coated finish that will ensure you can clean with ease.
Plus, it is really easy to install thanks to the clear instruction booklet which included in the packaging box. Also, customers have noted how easy it is to clean and maintain especially that the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty and great customer support.
- Double wall insulated
- Removable top for easy cleaning
- Hooks on the side for the electrical cord
- Good customer support
- Great for medium-sized households
- Clear installation instructions
- The heating coil is not included
- Some parts are made from plastic
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3. HTP PH76-60 Phoenix Light Duty High-Efficiency Gas-Fired Water Heater
- Color: Black/Gray
- Tank Capacity: 60 gallon
- Certification: Energy Star
- Thermal Efficiency: Up to 97%
- Components: Light-duty high-efficiency water heater, intake PVC tee w/ screens, exhaust PVC coupling w/ screens, temperature & pressure relief valve, condensate cartridge
HTP Honeywell Black Digital Indirect Water Heater has reported by many different individuals to be really eco-friendly and great for small to medium-sized households. Moreover, it has 4 different heat settings as well as an adjustable thermostat on the side of the heater. Such a feature is very rare with indirect water heaters.
Plus, it is made with a properly sealed coil compartment that will not leak hence you would not have to worry about expensive heater maintenance. Lastly, this heater will turn off automatically once it has reached the needed temperature. However, customers have reported that the finish can easily stained and scratched.
- Affordable
- Sleek and modern design
- Sealed heating coil compartment
- Fast shipping
- Available in one size only
- The surface can be scratched and scuffed
4. Heat-Flo HF-40 Indirect Water Heater
- Color: Silver
- Coil included: Yes
- Tank Capacity: 40 gallon
- Material: Stainless Steel
Heat Flo 40 Gallon Stainless Steel Indirect Water Heater is made from reinforced stainless steel that perfectly holds heat and is easy to clean with little effort as it is powder finished on the inside and the outside. Overall, the design is standard with porcelain heating coil for easy cleaning and opening lid located at the bottom and top for temperature regulation so as to prevent the heater from overheating and breaking.
The lid can also used to reach the heating coil for cleaning purposes during regular maintenance. The color of this indirect water heater will fit right in plus it comes in a packaging box with a clear instruction booklet and remote control that will enable you to regulate the temperature without having to press any actual buttons on the heater itself.
- Easy to use and clean
- Strategically placed grates prevent overheating
- Fast shipping
- Great customer support
- Clear instruction booklet
- Not suitable for large households as it is only 40 gallons
- Dust will be very visible on such color
5. Rheem HP40RH HP-40-Super Efficient Electric Water Heater
- Voltage: 240 volts
- Tank Capacity: 40 gallon
- Insulation: 2.5-Inch Non-CFC foam insulation
- Control: user-friendly LED control panel
- Protection: Premium resistored anode rod protection
- Operation modes: Energy Saver (heat pump); Normal (heat pump with element backup); Electric Heat Only (two elements)
- Special Features: Factory installed T&P valve, Brass drain valve, Standard 3/4-inch NPT water inlet, 21″ diameter, fits through access doors
A great indirect water heater that is made with a stainless steel body and leak-proof coil heating compartment plus customers have reported that this water heater is virtually maintenance free thus you would not need to worry about spending time or money on regular maintenance. Moreover, it has reported to quickly heat up while the surface has been powder coated for easy cleaning plus such surface is more resistant to scratches and scuffs that could occur after contact with various objects.
Furthermore, the inside of this best indirect water heater is made with Terapex ceramics that is known for good heat retention which will help you save electricity in the long run. Moreover, it perfectly resists rust build-up for up to 5 years. If you see any rust markings in that time frame you can always send it back to the manufacturer free of charge and ask a similar indirect water heater replacement.
- Interior is made with Terapex ceramics
- Great heat retention
- Durable and reliable design
- Available in several sizes
- The paint was reported to bubble and then chip off on some heaters
- Heavy
6. General Electric GEH50DFEJSR Hybrid Water Heater
- Tank Capacity: 50 gallon
- Coil included: Yes
- Voltage: 240 volts
- Energy Factor: 2.9
- Technology: Heat pump technology
- Certification: Energy Star
- Special Features: Vacation settings
General Electric Standard 80 Gallons Indirect Water Heater is made from stainless steel that is insulated and thereby retains the heat much better than other surfaces thus helping you save on electric bills in the long run.
Moreover, General Electric is a brand that is world-wide known for its high quality and durable products plus the heater comes with a remote control that will enable you to control the temperature without actually pressing the buttons on the heater itself.
Lastly, this General Electric best indirect water heater will turn off once the set temperature reached thus you don’t have to worry about it overheating.
- Simple yet beautiful design
- Comes with remote control
- Automatically turns off once set temperature is reached
- Great heat retention thanks to the stainless steel body
- The bottom plastic parts were reported to melt
7. Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater
- Color: Gray
- Voltage: 240 volts
- Tank Capacity: 50 gallon
- Efficiency: 0.90-0.94 EF
- Certification: GAMA/UL
- Recovery Rate: 20-Gallon GPH at a 90-Degree rise
- Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty on tank and 6 years on parts
- Protection: Thermally fused upper element provides protection against dry-firing
A very easy to use an indirect water heater that is made from cast iron and is glazed in sleek silver color that will fit right in with any bathroom interior you have. Moreover, the manufacturer has used new technology that makes the heater weigh up to 40% lighter without losing its airtight heating coil compartment properties.
Plus, it features great exterior paint finish that is easy to clean while the heater is large enough to quickly heat up enough water for the medium-sized household. The temperature is very easy to control and maintain as this heater has a built-in thermometer while the side thermostat makes controlling the temperature easily with the press of the bottom.
- Built-in thermometer
- Easy to control the temperature
- Made out of durable materials
- Beautiful design
- Lightweight and easy to install
- The exterior paintwork was reported to chip off with time
- Expensive
8. Westinghouse Electric Water Heater
- Color: Silver
- Voltage: 240 volts
- Tank Capacity: 80 gallon
- Thermal Efficiency: 98%
- Recovery Rate: Recovery at 90 degrees F is 20 GPH
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty with online registration. This limited warranty is only available to the original owner of the water heater, and is non-transferable. Replacement parts warranted for 90 days.
Westinghouse 80 Gallon Indirect Water Heater is made from cast iron body and painted in the shiny silver finish while the interior is also made from cast iron and has been reported to be easy to clean with a soapy solution and hot water once in a while so as to prevent hard to clean build up. The temperature is very easy to control thanks to the thermostat and auto turn off once the needed temperature is reached hence you would not need to worry about the heater overheating.
Plus, the manufacturer offers great customer service and lifetime technical support that has reported to be helpful and friendly. Also, customers can choose from two different sized indirect water heater depending on the size of your home and family. Lastly, the lid can also used to reach the heating coil for cleaning purposes during regular maintenance. The color of this best indirect water heater will fit right in plus it comes in a packaging box with a clear instruction booklet
- Compact yet big enough to store 80 gallons
- Lux silver design with a shiny exterior finish
- Warranty
- Easy to use and clear video installation instructions
- Good customer support
- Pricey
- The paint was reported to be easily scratched and scuffed
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9. EZ Supreme Tankless Water Heater
- Color: White
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Tank Capacity: 100 gallon
- Natural Gas Model: 165,000 BTU
- Control: LCD Control Panel with Constant Temperature Settings
- Warranty: 30 Day Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee – 1 Year Free Product Replacement Warranty
Supreme White Indirect Water Heater will be great for small households plus, this heater has two hooks on the sides that can be used to store the electrical cord when the heater is not in use. Moreover, recent testing of this indirect water heater has revealed that it uses much less electricity as compared to other similar models thanks to the construction and materials used thus it is much more eco-friendly and economical.
Also, the exterior is powder coated while the interior is porcelain finished for easy cleaning and maintaining. Furthermore, it is made from rust-proof stainless steel body that has great heat retention and easy to clean. Plus, this best indirect water heater comes with a thermostat that will help you regulate optimal temperature plus this model has an automatic turn off option once the heater will reach its assigned temperature. Lastly, make sure the electrical cord is always stored properly because otherwise, you will risk it getting tangled and damaged in the process.
- Stainless body
- Great design that is easy to use
- Compact
- Built-in thermometer
- Affordable
- Provides Enough Hot Water For upto a 4 Bath Home
- Arrives without a handle or mounting hardware
- Comes without any manual or instructions
Conclusion
Another thing that a potential buyer of indirect household water heater would definitely want to look at is how easy the heater will be to clean especially the heating coil which is located inside in the middle of the tank because cleaning will always be the most daunting thing to do. Porcelain and ceramic finishes are great because dust and dirt particles are less likely to stick to them hence they can be easily cleaned with little effort and mild soap solution. But, they can easily scratched and scuffed so you should be careful when handling them.
Also, it might make sense to regularly check the indirect water heater for any damages and leaks as any problem that is immediately spotted will be easier to rectify than one that has been left for a long period of time. Lastly, always look for the best indirect water heaters that come with warranty and clear instructions as this will ensure you will not have a hard time setting up the heater while the manufacturers’ warranty will protect from any damages the heater might sustain during use in your household.
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