Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus Review

The Tempra 36 Plus At A Glance

Top Perk > Built to last

If you desire an economic-priced electric tankless heater that will deliver the best value to you, then the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus Tankless Electric Water Heater is the best solution you can come up with. It is packed with some interesting features that make it the best energy heater out there that is specially adapted for low flow applications. Its small compact design enables it to fit in anywhere whether behind a furnace or fireplace, under a sink or any other small space. It has a low demand on energy and comes with advanced control systems that allow you monitor and adjust temperature and water flow. As a product from a well-respected brand, Stiebel Eltron, you can rely on the build quality of the components of this unit. This model is specially built to last long and with it as your choice heater, there are no cold water surprises.

  • Efficiency – 10/10
  • Ease of Use – 9.2/10
  • Value – 9.6/10
  • Features – 9.4/10

9.5/10

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36

  • Cost: $$$
  • Flow Rate:  around 4 GPM
  • Rated Efficiency: 100%
  • Suitable for: low flow applications
  • Warranty: 7 years leakage/ 3 years parts
  • Size: 21.7 x 20.1 x 9.6 inches
  • Weight: 19 pounds
  • Temperature rise: 86 and 140F
  • Voltage: 240 A
  • Maximum amperage draw: 150 A
  • Similar models: 29 plus

Below is a more detailed chart of the Tempra 36 plus specifications:

DETAILED REVIEW

Introduction

If you have ever been in a position where taking your bath is a fight because the water is too cold or where you can’t do the dishes because your hands will turn frosty at the first rush of cold water, then it’s time you to get rid of that old tank heater or whatever it is that just can’t provide you with hot water when you need it. And while you are thinking about that, you should also plan on how to make provisions for a better heating system.

As far as modern technology is concerned, the best solutions you can ever come up with to meet your hot water needs is a tankless water heater.

Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular and it’s not difficult to see why. Tankless water heaters are important for households for two major reasons- they help prevent the wastage of water and also stop your bills from skyrocketing. Perhaps they do not require large tanks and so do not take up as much valuable space; this makes them more practical than hot water tanks for small homes.

But then, finding the right tankless water heater can be somehow overwhelming especially if you’re a first timer or you’re looking to replace your current heater with a more efficient unit.

Luckily we’ve done all the hard work for you and come up with a list of the best water heaters in the market. The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 plus Tankless Electric Water Heater is one of such products and today, we are going to be looking at what the device has to offer.

When it comes to the best electric tankless water heater in the market, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is a product in its own class. It is the best and it’s not difficult to see why. Like all Tempre Plus tankless heaters, this appliance has attracted a lot of positive reviews from users based on its performance and efficiency. It is recognized as a durable, smart water heater that can highly optimize your power source, thereby saving you a lot of money in the long run. With its small and sleek design, you don’t have to worry about making much space to install it. Whether it’s in a small utility closet, under your sink or even at the back of a furnace, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus can perfectly fit in.

This unit is the largest in the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus series and comes with 3 heating modules that make it suitable in homes with high hot water demand. It has an energy efficiency of 99% and a maximum temperature rise of 82 F at water flow more than 4 gallon per minute. IT provides a minimum of 27kW and maximum power of 36kW on 208V and 240V respectively.

The device comes with a digital display for temperature and also a dial selector which allows you to conveniently adjust the output water temperature to your preferred choice. It has a low energy demand and comes with advanced control technologies that allow you monitor and adjust both temperature and water flow. This technology also works to automatically adjust water flow to meet the preferred temperature whenever the heat capacity is exceeded. This makes this unit most suitable in situations where it’s not always possible to predict the water flow. Mind you, this feature is only peculiar to the Stiebel Eltron TempraPlus models, so don’t expect to find another product that can do the same.

As a product from a well-respected brand, Stiebel Eltron, you can rely on the build quality of the components of this unit. This model is specially built to last long and with it as your choice heater, there are no cold water surprises.

We believe the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is the most accurate temperature control units on the counter today, which is why we have it listed in our choice of the best tankless heaters available in the market today.

Installation

Installing the Tempra Plus is easy not just because the manufacturer claims so but because it truly is, as attested by various customers. This unit involves a much simpler set-up than its counterparts. It requires a small space and can be plugged an anywhere as long as the electrical requirements are met- i.e. 240V and hardwiring. Mind you, no venting is required but pipe fittings of 3/4″ NPT is needed for water connection.

An installation manual is provided with detailed step-by-step instructions with helpful schematic diagrams that are easy to understand. Even if you are a newbie, you should be able to do a good job as long as you properly follow each one of the few steps laid out, provided you are handy and have the electrical outlets required.

Considering the electrical requirements involved, we recommend hiring a professional to do the installation for you. This will ensure you don’t end up with a messy installation that could endanger your home or property.

Efficiency

The Tempra plus features an advanced microprocessor technology that allows you to conveniently monitor and control temperature. It also has a self-modulating feature that helps to maintain a steady temperature and prevent fluctuation, such as the advanced flow control module.

You can adjust the water temperature to your desired choice. However, you should be careful when doing this because the water can become extremely hot. Temperature of hot water usually ranges between 86F and 140F depending on your preferred choice and need.

While other models in the Tempra plus series have lower water flow rates below 3 GPM, the 36 plus model has a maximum and minimum water flow rate of 4 GPM and 0.77GPM respectively, which is pretty cool considering its small compact size. It is also interesting to note that this unit costs less to install and doesn’t require venting.

Among the models in the tempra plus series, the 36 plus model has the highest rated thermal efficiency (almost close to 100%). And as expected, since it doesn’t use storage tanks, energy loss is greatly minimized and as a result you get to save on your bills (up to 20%).

Also, this unit is a multipurpose heater, which means it is designed for providing water everywhere in your house; whether, it’s your bathroom or powder room, or even your patio sink.

Space Saving

The usual conception about water heaters is that they use up space, especially traditional hot water tank heaters. However, this is not the case with the Tempra 36 plus tankless heater. This unit features a compact and sleek design that requires less space for installation. The use of a sturdy steel coating makes it suitable for use in both residential and commercial buildings. You can install it anywhere- on the wall, under the sink, inside the cabinet, or on the floor- without any bother as it doesn’t “stick out” too much like most similar brands. In case you decide to take it outside, make sure it is well protected from the elements.

Like we indicated earlier, you should consider hiring someone to hook up the system for you if you are not capable of resolving the electrical supplies that will make the heater to function properly. Or else you can go ahead and become a pro!

Pros

  • Tested and trusted
  • Most precise temperature control electric water heater
  • Great product warranty
  • Requires less space
  • Savings on electrical bill
  • Easy to install and use
  • Convenient temperature control

Cons

  • A little expensive
  • Not suitable for colder climate
  • Requires 3X60 amp breaker

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How man gallons per minute?
Q: Can I use this unit to supplement output of small 50 gallon electric water heater, placing it in a bathroom?
Q: Does this unit require professional reinstallation for the warranty?
Q: How much noise does the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Plus make?
Q: How much longer do you have to run the water at your faucet or shower before you start getting hot water with this unit compared to one with a tank?
Q: Can i use 200v 60Hz three-phase, 208v or less?

The Bottom Line

If you’re not happy with your current water heater, then the Tempra 36 Plus will make a good replacement. The price is great for a product of its reputation and quality. An efficiency of 99% is a little beyond the reach of many elite tankless heaters, but that’s exactly what you get with the Tempra 36 Plus. As long as there’s water supply, it promises to deliver hot water on demand for as long as you need it. It features a technology that allows you to save on water and energy.

This unit works is mostly suitable for warmer climates, so we don’t recommend it if you are leaving in places with temperatures below freeze conditions.  Overall, this unit is a great catch; one that will give you the best value for your money.