1. Best Overall: AO Smith HSE-SDS-15
- Energy Efficiency: 4 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 2000 Watt
- Capacity: 15 Liters
- Temperature Range: 25 – 27 degrees C
- Pressure Capacity: 8 Bars
- Warranty: 7 years on tank, 4 years on glass coated element & 2 years on product
AO Smith is a leading brand in the US that has now impacted the Indian customers with its recent HSE-SDS water heater. There are two models to choose from- one with a capacity of 15L and another with 25L.
Both these models feature stainless steel, anti-corrosive construction, and glass coated to trap the heat and reduce lime accumulation risk.
The geyser is known for its durable and energy-efficient construction, featuring an innovative Double Glass Line technology suitable for heating and purifying hard water. This makes the heater a great option for the Indian market, where the municipal water is often full of impurities.
We found the water heater to be very intuitive and user-friendly. You can adjust the temperature via the temperature regulator placed on the front-side of the heater. The smart Auto thermal feature automatically cuts off the heat if the temperature exceeds a specific limit. There is also a safety valve on the side to control the water pressure – it releases excessive water and cuts off the water supply if the tank is full or reaches a pre-set limit.
Moving on to the design, the AO Smith model is compact, chic, and glossy. The body is lightweight, portable, and easy to install. The company also offers installation services in a few cities. The inner tank is metal-coated, with a rust-free stainless-steel core and an anode rod for quick and consistent heating.
HSE-SDS is among the bestsellers in the market, offering a 7-year warranty for the inner tank, 4-year extended warranty on the exterior. It is a reliable brand, budget-friendly, and ideal for consistent usage.
- Compact and portable
- Smart heating technology
- Ideal for small apartments and flats
- Customizable and easy to use
- Affordable, low maintenance, and almost silent
- Thermal heat cut out feature saves energy and water
- Free installation is available only in select cities
2. Best Runner Up: Crompton DLX SWH185
- Energy Efficiency: 5 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 2000 Watt
- Capacity: 15 Liters
- Temperature Range: 25 – 27 degrees C
- Pressure Capacity: 8 Bars
- Warranty: 5 years on tank & 2 years on product
Crompton geysers are known for their sturdy, energy-efficient construction and smart heating technology. The Solarium DLX SWH815 is an attractive, high-tech water heater with a 5-star rating by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. Read on to know more about this product.
Though compact and portable, Crompton Solarium comes with a 15-liter water tank that holds sufficient warm water for a blissfully long showering session. The nano polymer construction is easy to install and can be mounted up the bathroom wall without any hassles.
Talking about the features, we love the temperature regulator. You can adjust the temperature with a turn of the knob. The front panel is intuitive and easy to customize. What’s more, the water heater is energy-efficient, saving on the electricity bill every month.
Armed with an advanced heating system, the geyser converts electrical energy into heat in minutes. The cold water enters the tank, comes in contact with the heating coils, warms up to a set temperature, and then passes through the outlet’s pipes.
The tank is designed to reduce leakage by almost 66%. The nickel-coated inner water tank is durable and rustproof for quick and consistent heating. The special copper-coated heating rod keeps the corrosive salts away, keeping the water heated for long.
The heater even includes a thermostat with a fuse connection, which automatically cuts off the heat supply when the water is hot enough. The 8 bar water pressure capacity makes the geyser ideal for small, high rise flats and tall buildings.
- Looks compact and takes up less space
- It takes 10-15 mins to heat the water
- Comes with capillary thermostat & auto thermal cut off
- Aaffordable pricing
- Impressive insulation keeps the water warm for long
- Doesn’t offer installation
- Customers have complained of leakages
3. Best Imported Geyser: American Micronic
- Energy Efficiency: 5 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 3000 Watt
- Capacity: 15 or 25 liters
- Temperature Range: 30 – 75 degree C
- Pressure Capacity: 8 Bars
- Warranty: 5 years on tank & 2 years on product
The American Micronic looks very simple and ordinary at first glance. Don’t let the outer covering fool you, though, and this 15-liter water heater offers some of the most advanced features that will heat the water almost instantly.
A long shower after a hectic day can be one of the most therapeutic things one can indulge in. And the American Micronic model with 15 and 25-liter water tanks guarantee a safe and relaxing bath. The stainless-steel exteriors with white paint look stylish but minimalistic.
The inner water tank is 2mm thick and can handle a water pressure of about 8 bars. This makes the heater a feasible option for tall buildings and high-rise apartments. Other technical features include a set of 42mm pipes with PUF linings and an advanced heating system.
The magnesium coated anode rod is designed to save energy and enhance the temperature range of the heater. It prevents corrosion, is rust-free, and can also safeguard the heater against excessive pressure and dry heating.
There are three-knob settings available- of 800/1200/2000 levels. The second level of knob setting is for temperature control. If the LED indicator shows a green sign, it means the water is heating, and the red light indicates that the power supply has been automatically cut off as the water is sufficiently hot now.
American Micronic has a temperature range of 30-75 degrees Celsius. The capillary thermostat allows the user to adjust the temperature levels. Simultaneously, the automatic power cut off system warrants for maximum safety and longevity of the product. The product also comes with an IPX4 -Fire retardant cable and a 3-pin plug.
The heater has to be vertically mounted on the walls and comes with an ISO and CE certification. It even meets the EEA safety standards and is tailor-made for the hard and often contaminated Indian water supply.
- User-friendly with impressive safety features
- Easy to adjust the temperature settings
- The body is well insulated to retain the heat for almost 24 hours
- The titanium-coated tank and magnesium rod is suitable for the corrosive hard water
- Doesn’t offer free installation
4. Best Under Budget: Crompton DLX IWH03PC
- Energy Efficiency: 5 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 3000 Watt
- Capacity: 3 Liters
- Temperature Range: 25 – 27 degrees C
- Pressure Capacity: 6.5 Bars
- Warranty: 2 years
Another water heating product by Crompton, the Solarium DLX 3L model, is tailor-made for the Indian market. Considered to be among the best instant water heaters, the Solarium DLX offers elegance and efficiency. Read on to know more about this amazing water heater.
Solarium DLX is average-sized, attractive, and engineered to hold decent water quantities and provide quick heating. The steel water tank can store up to 3 liters- more than enough for a person to have a luxurious shower.
Focusing on the construction, the outer body features an ABS plastic coating to prevent rusting. The inner tank is built out of stainless steel, which can retain and increase heat energy. The heating copper coil can sustain even in high voltages and lasts for long, providing continuous warmth.
The water tank also features a glass-coating to prevent corrosion and reduce the risk of leakages. The built-in thermostat allows the user to regulate the temperature and even set an upper limit for better safety. Plus, there are also small LED lights along the thermostat side to indicate the temperature and water levels. The lights turn green to indicate that the heater is on.
Another feature that DLX boasts of is the multifunctional safety valve for balancing the water pressure and discharging the excessive water. It also keeps the heat in check, automatically cutting off the heat supply when it reaches a specific limit. There is also a fuse attached to the geyser for better protection.
Crompton is a trusted brand, manufacturing appliances for two decades. The DLX water heater is a powerful, comprehensive solution complete with LED lights, coils, and a water tank for quick and hassle-free heating.
- The slim wall-mounted design
- Comes with a copper coil & fuse for safe heating
- Stainless-steel body is durable
- Has LED lights for quick indication
- The tank doesn’t have a large water retention capacity when compared to its peers
- Doesn’t offer installation
5. Best for Home Use: Havells Monza EC
- Energy Efficiency: 5 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 2000 Watt
- Capacity: 10 Litres
- Pressure Rating: 8 Bars
- Warranty: 1 year on tank & 2 years on product
Havells Monza EC water heater is one of the most popular geysers in India. According to us, the best part of the Havells Monza EC is the time it takes to heat water. Within 6-7 minutes, you can get around 8-9 liters of hot water. That is fast.
The product has a minimalist design and looks very sophisticated. The indicators are large enough to get a good view, and the temperature dial has a premium finish. The adjustable temperature knob allows you to decide the water temperature. It ranges from 25 degrees Celsius to 75 degrees Celsius.
Geysers in India have to address the issue of hard water. The Feroglas TM technology used by Havells for its tank makes it highly resistant to hard water effects and increases the tank’s life. The IPX-4 technology is used to protect the electrical parts of the geyser from water splashes. This helps in your safety, especially for children.
During testing, we also found that the geyser stops heating water due to thermal cutoff provision once the required temperature is attained. This helps save electricity as well as keeps the geyser safe. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has given it a 4-star rating.
A thick PUF insulation avoids radiant heat loss. As heat is not lost, the amount of energy needed to heat the water is reduced drastically, and energy efficiency increases. Incoloy glass coated heating element is resistant to hard water and high-temperature oxidation and carbonization. This increases its life.
Whirlflow technology avoids direct contact between hot water and incoming cold water. This avoids energy loss, leads to faster heating of water, and saves energy. We observed a 20-25% increase in hot water output.
A multifunction safety valve protects the tank from pressure built up on the outside and the inside of the tank. This model is available in larger capacities too. You get 35-liter, 50-litre, and 100-liter models.
- Adjustable temperature
- Whirlflow technology for faster heating
- Corrosion-resistant heavy-duty magnesium anode rods
- Faster and superior heating due to Incoloy heating element
- Resistant to hard water
- Less warranty compared to other brands
- Feels bit costlier
6. Best Value for Money: Bajaj Shakti Plus
- Energy Efficiency: 4 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 2000 Watt
- Capacity: 15 Litres
- Pressure Rating: N/A
- Warranty: 5 years on tank & 2 years on product
Bajaj Shakti Plus is a storage geyser with a stainless steel inner tank. The huge capacity of 15 liters is accommodated for a very long time within this tank. It shows efficient heating, and the hot water retains its temperature for a long time.
The outer body material of the Bajaj Shakti Plus is made up of a ‘thermoplastic shell.’ This adds to the beauty of the product. This also keeps it rust-free. It is resistant to high impact, thus making it safe for regular rough use.
The device has anti-corrosion features in the inner tank. This helps it last longer. The company promises various safety systems. It has been assigned a 4-star rating in energy efficiency. It features auto cut-off, thus saving power.
The safety systems incorporated in the device helps prevent overheating and dry-heating. It is fitted with a safety valve. All these features help in good temperature control.
Bajaj Shakti Plus is ideal for high-rise buildings and residences with a larger need. It is also an excellent choice for cold weather because of its heat retention capacity. It offers benefits in pressure pump applications too.
On the downside, the fittings needed for installation doesn’t come with the product. They need to be bought separately. But once you have the parts necessary, installation is simple and easy.
- Value for money
- Quick heating and good heat retention
- Safe for family use
- Accessories needed for installation not provided
- Water leakage is common
7. Crompton Greaves Solarium Plus
- Energy Efficiency: N/A
- Energy Consumption: 3000 Watt
- Capacity: 3 Litres
- Pressure Rating: 6.5 Bars
- Warranty: 2 years
Crompton Greaves Solarium Plus is a water heater with a stainless steel body. Therefore, it heats water efficiently and fast. The tank has a Nano polymer coating, which gives a smooth finish. The outer body of Crompton Greaves Solarium Plus is made of ABS plastic. Its design is created to add beauty to modern aesthetic bathrooms.
The geyser is in-built with copper coils for efficient heating. These are engineered to last long and remain unaffected by power-cuts and voltage fluctuations. These well-engineered coils are the secret behind its quick heating mechanism without any heat loss in the process.
The tank is provided with a glass coating. This makes the product scratch-free and also prevents rusting. It makes the product last longer. The maintenance costs are meager. The company claims that the water heated this way is safe on the skin.
To ensure consumer safety, Crompton Greaves has installed a power cut-off system in this geyser. Known popularly as the ‘thermal cut-out feature,’ the device cuts off power-supply as soon as water temperature exceeds the safe limit.
The geyser has been provided with LED indicators to know when the machine has started, or the water is heated enough. The green light shows that the machine has moved to its thermal cut-out feature.
The device has been designed, including special features like a fusible plug and safety valve to control water pressure as and when necessary. This ensures usage safety for customers.
The company has retained its reputation for energy-efficient devices with this product. The only drawback is that the customers have to get the product installed on their own. They will need to arrange the other items needed for installation, such as a 3-pin plug, steel pipes, etc.
This is a cost-effective buy. If proper care is taken during installation, this product will give service for many years.
- Easy to install and safe to use
- Neat and compact design
- Reasonably priced
- A well-known and reliable brand
- Tends to have water leakage at the inlet connection
- The problem of mild electric shocks
8. High Storage Capacity: Longway Hotstar
- Energy Efficiency: 5 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 2000 Watt
- Capacity: 25 Litres
- Warranty: 2.5 years on tank & 1 year on product
The Longway Hotstar 25 Ltr geyser caters to the budget-friendly section of the Indian geyser market. It is priced very competitively and comes with a few attractive features.
At first glance, the geyser isn’t striking to look at but is very sturdy by design, and the ABS body, though plastic, is very durable.
The heavy-duty heating element is rust-resistant and prevents scale build-up, thus providing longevity to the geyser. Longway also provides a 2-year warranty on the product.
While the capacity of 25 litres looks good on paper for a storage water heater and should be enough for most consumers, the 2000W heating element takes around 20 minutes to get the water up to temperature. Most competing geysers in the Indian market have a higher wattage and are far quicker at getting the job done.
In our testing, we found the heating to be slow, and at times, the geyser took 25-30 minutes to bring the water up to temperature. We presume this will be longer in peak winters, but it shouldn’t be a problem for those who don’t mind waiting a while.
The geyser also comes with a visible thermostat, which helps determine the tank’s exact temperature – a non-essential but quaint feature that improves accessibility and ease of use. With a BEE 5 Star Energy Efficiency rating and a comparatively low wattage heating element, this geyser is also very energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Unfortunately, Longway does not assist with the installation, and the large and rather unwieldy geyser took quite an effort to install correctly. As is the case with most local Indian brands, Longway also suffers from after-sale support, and getting through to customer care can quite often be a very tedious affair.
The Longway Hotstar 25 L storage geyser is a viable option for consumers in the market for a sturdy and durable device which is quite a power-efficient and gets the job done.
- Energy Efficient
- Durable build quality
- Competitively Priced
- Slow Heating
- Poor after-sale service
9. Best for Hard Water: Racold Eterno 2
- Energy Efficiency: 5 Star BEE
- Energy Consumption: 2000 Watt
- Capacity: 15 Liters
- Temperature Range: 30 – 75 degree C
- Pressure Capacity: 8 Bars
- Warranty: 7 years on tank, 3 years on heating system & 2 years on product
Racold Thermo is among the most trustworthy brands to have entered the Indian market with its innovative water heaters. The latest in its range of water heaters, the Racold Eterno 2 is designed to suit the Indian household with its high-pressure resistance and anti-corrosive construction. Read on to know more.
Racold Eterno 2 is a sleek and chic water boiler system with a polymer-coated body and a titanium enameled inner water tank for slow and consistent heating. The polymer protection prevents corrosion and other damages caused by hard water.
Talking about the advanced technical features, the Racold Eterno 2 comes with a Smart Bath Logic function, which allows the user to adjust the heat and mode of bathing via a regulator placed at the lower half of the heater’s body. It not only allows you to customize the bath but also save almost 40% of electricity.
Also, the Smart Mix feature uses an anode rod to heat the water and a special deflector to ensure that the process is slow and consistent to keep the water heated for long. The vertical mounted design is easy to install and perfect for high rise apartments. It is one of the most energy-efficient water heaters on our list, guaranteeing a great start to your mornings.
And while the geyser is slow to heat up, it sure retains the heat for a longer duration. Also, the device is energy efficient and saves 10% water and the Smart Mix Feature. The company offers free installation for a limited period. Note that this does not include plumbing and pipe fittings.
- The compact structure can be vertically and horizontally mounted according to the manual
- The advanced Italian design comes with PUF insulation and a stunning polymer coating to trap the heat
- The tank though lightweight has a large water capacity sufficient for the entire family
- Average after-sales services
- Limited installation services
- The power cord is short
10. Cheapest Option: AO Smith EWS-3
- Energy Efficiency: N/A
- Energy Consumption: 3000 Watt
- Capacity: 3 Litres
- Pressure Capacity: 8 Bars
- Warranty: 5 years on tank & 2 years on product
This geyser impressed us with its design and build quality. The outer body of AO Smith EWS-3 is made of rustproof plastic. While we expected plastic to cheapen the product’s appearance, the plastic used here is of outstanding quality. The lustrous finish makes it one of a kind and ensures that it stands out amongst its competitors.
The AO Smith EWS-3 also comes with an oblong design that looks very modern and should seamlessly fit most modern washrooms. The geyser is also perfect for use in the kitchen as its small footprint allows it to be inconspicuous.
Besides the rustproof exterior, this geyser also comes with a glass-coated heating element. The glass coating prevents scale formation and prolongs life, even in areas with a hard water supply. The heating element also has a warranty for 3 years.
While AO Smith claims that the product heats water within five seconds of switching on, in our usage, we found the time taken to be around a few minutes. While not as quick as claimed, this is still very good and should satisfy most consumers looking for instant water heaters.
It must also be mentioned that AO Smith doesn’t provide any assistance with the installation of their product. Still, the product is light and easy to set up except that the two required connector pipes and the 3 pin adapter are also not provided in the box. Seeing AO Smith skimping on such bare necessities leaves a bad taste in the mouth and hampers the after-sale experience.
AO Smith has done a good job with the design and build quality, but the overall after-sale experience leaves one wanting. Overall this is a very good offering at a price, and consumers looking for an instant water heater that is sleek to look at and are very durable should find this to their liking.
- Affordable pricing
- Decent design and build quality
- Long warranty period
- Lack of installation assistance
- No connector pipes in the box
11. Kenstar Jacuzzi
- Energy Efficiency: 5 Star
- Energy Consumption: 2000 Watt
- Capacity: 15 Litres
- Pressure Rating: 8 Bars
- Warranty: 6 years of tank & 2 years on product
We found Kenstar Jacuzzi as an ideal product for a family of four. The higher storage capacity and faster heating make sure you quickly get a bucket of hot water. And since it is a 5 star rated product, it saves a lot of electricity (up to 50%).
Heat Retention Technology (HRT) prevents heat loss and makes sure the water remains hot for longer durations. The stainless steel tank is covered with insulated plastic, which helps retain heat and keep the water warm for a long time.
During our tests, we found the geyser uniformly heating the water. The three heat settings also worked as stated. The thermal cut-out facility prevents the overheating of the geyser. A fusible plug is also used as a safety measure. The plastic body avoids any shocks.
The compact yet aesthetic design of the geyser makes it a good choice for your bathrooms. You can even install it outside your house as its plastic ABS body is completely rust-free, apart from being unbreakable. ABS makes the body light-weighted yet resistant to aqueous acids as well as to alkalis.
This geyser is suitable for buildings having up to 8 floors. We found no problem when subjecting the geyser to hard water. Also, it can be mounted horizontally too. The two lights indicating the cut-off facility and heating are bright enough to be easily visible.
Installation is paid and not free as other competitors are providing. But it is not a cause of concern as the installation charges are nominal. The product makes up for it. Also, though it is of 15-liter capacity, it is fairly light-weighted as compared to others.
It is available in two models – a 15-liter one and a 25-liter one. Higher capacity comes with a slightly higher price. Considering the price of the competitors, features of this product, and brand name, we found this product to be a value for money.
Overall, we felt it has an apt name, ‘Jacuzzi.’
- 5-star BEE rated
- Higher storage capacity at a lesser price
- Unbreakable and rust-free body
- Thermal cutoff facility to avoid overheating
- Heat Retention Technology (HRT)
- Suitable only for buildings up to 8 floors
- Installation is not free
