Stiebel Eltron Tempra 12 Plus Electric Tankless Water Heater
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 12 Plus Electric Tankless Water Heater Review
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 12 Plus is a 12 kW whole-house electric tankless, the smallest in Stiebel Eltron's premium Tempra Plus line. Right-sized for 1-bath warm-climate homes or as a point-of-use boost for specific high-demand fixtures.
Specs: 12 kW, two 30-amp double-pole breakers, 50A continuous draw at 240V. Capacity: 1.4 GPM at a 60°F rise or 2.1 GPM at a 40°F rise. Premium European engineering with PID temperature control.
The 12 kW class fits comfortably in 100A panels. Right answer for single-bathroom warm-climate homes with sequential demand, or as a fixture-level boost in larger homes where a small whole-house electric tankless serves a specific area.
Premium engineering versus comparable EcoSmart ECO 11 (similar capacity at lower price):
- PID temperature control holds output within ±2°F vs ±5°F for budget alternatives
- Quieter operation
- Smoother modulation under varying flow conditions
- Premium price ($700 vs $239 for EcoSmart ECO 11)
Right buyer: small home or addition where premium engineering matters and EcoSmart's value tier isn't appropriate. The Tempra 12 Plus is for buyers prioritizing build quality and modulation refinement over upfront cost.
About $700 unit, $1,500 installed.