Best Electric Showers & Their Alternatives: Portable Water Heater Showers in 2022 | Comparison & Buyer’s Guide

While being widespread in the UK, electric showers are rare in U.S. stores. Why? At first sight, an electric shower seems to be a simple yet functional device. It heats the water instantly and in the amount needed to take a shower. With such a device, you will never run out of hot water and will not have to wait for the water to warm up. Nevertheless, an electric shower is worth buying only if you do not have the main water supply or experience low water pressure in your house. The most beneficial electric showers are the pumped ones as they are able to significantly increase the water pressure.

The problem of low water pressure exists in the UK but is not common in the United States. The causes include poor pumping facilities, small water mains, and equipment failures. Millions of British residents complain about low water pressure. In the United States, you may face this problem in older houses but still, it is not common. There is also one more thing you should be aware of. Despite all its advantages, an electric shower can pose a risk when it is not properly installed because electricity and water are a dangerous combination.

U.S. homeowners have been traditionally relying on water heaters. In the late 19th century, a water heater was invented by Edwin Ruud in Philadelphia. He then patented his invention and set up a company. In the 1940s, indoor plumbing relying on storage tank water heaters became widespread in the United States. However, it was only 30 years later that a tankless water heater was introduced. These devices do not store hot water but, instead, use your home’s system to heat water.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are at least 20% more energy-efficient and will allow you to save money in the long run. They deliver continuous hot water on demand without the use of a storage tank, instantly warming up the water. Additionally, these devices have a longer lifespan, take up less space, and never run out of hot water. So no wonder that electric tankless water heaters like the Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater are so popular in the United States.

Crafted with stainless steel and copper components, this 18-kilowatt unit is super durable. Tankless water heaters from this brand are innovative, technologically advanced, and truly reliable, which is why we strongly recommend this product. The Ecosmart ECO 18 features digital temperature control ranging from 80°F-140°F and weighs just 11 pounds. It is a great energy-saving solution due to self-modulating technology that uses only as much energy as is necessary to heat water. Depending on the temperature of your inlet water, you will get 1.8 to 4.3 gallons of hot water per minute.

Which Electric Shower Is the Best? Alternatives: Portable Hot Water Heater Showers

And yet, you may come across a basic version of an electric shower, such as the BOCCHERINI Electric Instant Hot Water Dual Handheld Shower. With this device, you can choose your desired temperature between high, medium, and low power settings.

It is equipped with an automatic temperature sensor and works with AC 110V-120V. The product includes an overhead showerhead, a handheld shower, and overhead brackets. According to the manufacturer, this electric shower will let you save up to 60% on water heating costs.

There are also cheap electric showerheads on the market. For instance, the LORENZETTI CORAL 110V Electric Instant Hot Water Shower Head with 3 temperature settings will cost you some $30. But we would not advise this product as it is not powerful and is unlikely to meet your shower needs.

If you are looking for a portable electric hot water heater shower system, keep in mind that there are only models without a heating function. You may try the Ivation Portable Outdoor Shower that does not get the water warm but just works as a pump.

Such a device will be extremely helpful for travelers, campers, hikers, dog owners, and other people who may need to have a shower or bathe their pets outdoors. The device draws water from a bucket or any other container and creates a steady stream of water. Engineered with a rechargeable 2200mAh Li-ion battery, this portable shower provides 10 minutes of continuous use with a 5-gallon container of water. Note that it can be charged only with 5V adapters.

Alternatives: 3 Portable Hot Water Heater Showers

When compared to gas water heaters, electric ones require less maintenance, are available in different sizes, safer, and less expensive. On the other hand, gas water heaters produce higher flow rates, heat water faster, and can be used during power outages. One more advantage of gas water heaters is that there are portable options available.

You may go with the Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater, a portable unit intended for taking a shower or cleaning outdoors. It runs on propane and can also be connected to a 12V cigarette lighter. The unit features water temperature control, an LCD screen, a hand faucet, and a showerhead attachment. You can choose between three spray patterns for more comfortable showering. What we particularly like about the Hike Crew water heater is its safety properties. An auto shut-off feature turns off the device once the water temperature exceeds 125°F while tilt protection eliminates any risks of accidents.

For those who do not want to mess with a 24-pound unit, there are more lightweight, portable tankless water heaters like the GASLAND Outdoors BE158 1.58GPM 6L Outdoor Portable Gas Water Heater. Ideal for camping and travel as well as for bathing horses and washing dogs, it uses 11.5% energy-saving technology to decrease gas consumption. With a power output of up to 41,000 BTU per hour, it delivers hot water instantly, without preheating. You can select the temperature and water flow. The water heater is safe and has several safety features. In addition to an auto shut-off function, it has both anti-freezing and overheating protection. The unit can be mounted on the wall, trailer, or any other objects.

There are versatile portable hot water heater showers, such as the Mr. Heater BOSS-XW18 Basecamp Battery Operated Shower System. The battery powers quick showers while a one-pound propane cylinder delivers more than an hour of hot water at high settings. With a flow rate of between .66 and 1.18 gals per minute, the water heater shower delivers 17,000 BTU per hour. Made with a carrying handle and a stainless steel cabinet, the unit includes a pump and a showerhead with adjustable flow.