Introduction
Hot water plays a critical role in daily comfort, whether it is for handwashing, dish cleaning, food preparation, or light household tasks. For many homes, apartments, offices, and small living spaces, a full-size tank water heater is unnecessary, inefficient, and space-consuming. Compact electric tankless water heaters offer a smarter alternative by delivering hot water exactly when it is needed without storing or reheating excess water.
The EcoSmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater is designed for point-of-use and low-demand applications, offering instant hot water in a compact, energy-efficient package. With an 8 kW electric heating system, modern LED display, and a space-saving design measuring just 12 x 8 x 4 inches, this unit targets homeowners and renters who want reliable hot water without the bulk of a traditional tank.
This in-depth review explores the EcoSmart ECO 8’s performance, design, efficiency, installation requirements, safety, reliability, and ideal use cases. Accurate specifications and verified product data are included to help readers make an informed decision.
Overview of the EcoSmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater
The EcoSmart ECO 8 is a compact electric tankless water heater intended primarily for point-of-use applications. Unlike gas-powered whole-house systems, it operates using electric heating elements and activates only when hot water is required. This eliminates standby energy loss and ensures water is heated instantly as it flows through the unit.
Key highlights include:
- On-demand electric heating
- Compact wall-mounted design
- LED digital temperature display
- Lifetime warranty on core components
- Designed for sinks, bathrooms, and small water demands
EcoSmart is a well-established brand in electric tankless technology, and the ECO 8 model reflects its focus on simplicity, efficiency, and reliability.
Product Specifications and Technical Details
The table below summarizes the verified specifications and manufacturer-provided information for the EcoSmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | EcoSmart |
| Model Number | ECO 8 |
| Item Type | Electric Tankless Water Heater |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Heating Power | 8 kW |
| Voltage Requirement | 240V |
| Capacity | 2 Gallons (instant heating, not storage) |
| Display Type | LED Display |
| Product Dimensions | 12″ L x 8″ W x 4″ D |
| Height | 11.5 Inches |
| Included Components | Electric tankless water heater |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Manufacturer | EcoSmart |
| UPC | 854920002183 |
| GTIN | 00854920002183 |
| Manufacture Year | 1987 |
| Warranty | Lifetime on electronics, exchanger, and element |
Compact Design and Space Efficiency
One of the most appealing features of the EcoSmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater is its compact size. Measuring only 12 x 8 x 4 inches, this unit can be installed in areas where traditional water heaters simply cannot fit.
Ideal installation locations include:
- Under kitchen sinks
- Bathroom vanities
- Office break rooms
- Guest bathrooms
- Workshops and garages
The slim, rectangular design allows it to be wall-mounted discreetly, freeing up valuable floor space. This makes it especially attractive for apartments, condos, tiny homes, and commercial spaces with limited room.
Instant Hot Water Performance
The ECO 8 is designed to provide instant hot water for low-demand applications. Rather than heating a tank of water in advance, the system activates as soon as a hot water tap is opened. Cold water flows through the heating chamber, where electric elements rapidly heat it before delivery.
Performance expectations:
- Excellent for handwashing sinks
- Suitable for kitchen sinks with moderate flow
- Works well for light dishwashing tasks
- Ideal for single-fixture use
It is important to understand that this unit is not intended for whole-house use or simultaneous multi-fixture operation. Instead, it excels as a point-of-use solution that eliminates long waits for hot water and reduces water waste.
Electric Heating Efficiency
Electric tankless water heaters are known for their high efficiency, and the EcoSmart ECO 8 is no exception. Because it heats water only when needed, there is no energy lost to standby heating. This can result in significant energy savings compared to traditional tank heaters, especially in locations where hot water usage is intermittent.
Key efficiency advantages include:
- No stored hot water cooling over time
- Reduced electricity consumption during idle periods
- Immediate heating without preheating delays
- Lower overall operating costs for low-demand use
For households or offices using hot water primarily for short tasks, this efficiency-focused design makes practical and financial sense.
LED Display and Temperature Control
The LED display on the EcoSmart ECO 8 adds a layer of convenience and control. Users can easily monitor and adjust the water temperature using a clear, digital interface.
Benefits of the LED display include:
- Easy temperature adjustments
- Real-time temperature feedback
- Simple, intuitive operation
- Modern appearance
This feature allows users to fine-tune water temperature to their preference, improving comfort while avoiding unnecessary overheating.
Installation Requirements and Considerations
The EcoSmart ECO 8 is designed for relatively straightforward installation, but it does require proper electrical setup. Since it operates at 240 volts, professional installation by a qualified electrician is recommended unless the user has experience with high-voltage wiring.
Key installation considerations:
- Dedicated 240V electrical circuit
- Proper breaker sizing
- Adequate water pressure
- Wall mounting near point of use
Because the unit is compact and lightweight, plumbing connections are generally simple, especially when installed close to the fixture it serves. Shorter pipe runs also improve performance by minimizing heat loss.
Safety Features and Reliability
Safety is an essential factor in any water heating system. The EcoSmart ECO 8 includes built-in safeguards designed to protect both the user and the unit itself.
Safety and reliability highlights:
- Automatic activation only when water flows
- Overheating protection
- Durable internal components
- Stable electronic controls
EcoSmart’s long-standing reputation in the tankless water heater market further reinforces confidence in the unit’s reliability.
Lifetime Warranty Coverage
One of the standout benefits of the EcoSmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater is its lifetime warranty on electronics, heat exchanger, and heating elements. This warranty demonstrates strong manufacturer confidence in product quality and longevity.
Warranty details:
- Covers cost of the heater
- Applies to electronics, exchanger, and element
- Does not include labor or incidental damages
For buyers planning long-term use, this warranty adds significant value and peace of mind.
Ideal Use Cases
The EcoSmart ECO 8 is best suited for specific applications rather than full household water heating. Its strengths shine in situations where hot water demand is limited and localized.
Recommended use cases include:
- Single bathroom sinks
- Kitchen sinks in small apartments
- Office handwashing stations
- Guest bathrooms
- Workshop or utility sinks
In these scenarios, the ECO 8 delivers fast, efficient hot water without unnecessary energy use or space consumption.
Environmental Benefits
Electric tankless water heaters like the EcoSmart ECO 8 are often considered environmentally responsible options. By heating water only when needed, they reduce wasted energy and overall electricity consumption.
Environmental advantages include:
- Lower carbon footprint compared to inefficient tanks
- Reduced water waste from waiting for hot water
- Long product lifespan reducing replacement waste
For eco-conscious users, these benefits align with sustainable living goals.
Comparison to Traditional Tank Water Heaters
When compared to traditional tank water heaters, the EcoSmart ECO 8 offers several advantages for point-of-use applications:
- No hot water storage required
- Instant heating without delays
- Compact and lightweight design
- Higher energy efficiency for small-scale use
However, it is not a replacement for whole-house tank systems. Instead, it complements them or serves as a standalone solution for limited water demands.
User Experience and Practical Performance
In daily use, the EcoSmart ECO 8 performs exactly as intended. Users experience near-instant hot water at the fixture, consistent temperature output, and minimal maintenance requirements. The digital display simplifies operation, while the compact size keeps installations unobtrusive.
For users who understand its intended purpose, satisfaction levels tend to be high, especially in homes where traditional systems struggle to deliver quick hot water to distant sinks.
Final Thoughts
The EcoSmart ECO 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater is a smart, efficient solution for point-of-use hot water needs. Its compact design, electric efficiency, LED temperature control, and lifetime warranty make it a strong choice for apartments, offices, and small residential applications.
While it is not designed for whole-house heating, it excels in its intended role by providing reliable, on-demand hot water without wasting space or energy. For users seeking a dependable electric tankless option for sinks and light-duty tasks, the EcoSmart ECO 8 stands out as a practical and long-lasting investment.