An 18 gallon plug-in tank with an eight-year warranty, for a small apartment, cabin or a washer far from the main heater. The best large pick.
Amazon $296.65The GE 18 Gallon Point of Use is the better mini tank water heater overall, rated 4.0 to 2.9. The GE 18 Gallon Point of Use leads on value, tank size and features. The GE 18 Gallon Point of Use costs $16.35 less ($296.65 vs $313).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
A 12 gallon tank for a bathroom or kitchenette, with six years on parts and tank. Larger tanks cost little more.
Amazon $313Which should you buy?
- Choose the GE 18 Gallon Point of Use for value ($16.48 per gallon ($296.65, 18 gal) vs $26.08 per gallon ($313, 12 gal)), tank size (18 gal tank vs 12 gal tank) and features (plugs into an outlet, relief valve included vs relief valve included).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 12 to 20 gallon mini tank water heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | GE 18 Gallon Point of Use | Ariston POU 12 Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 65 $16.48 per gallon ($296.65, 18 gal) | 15 $26.08 per gallon ($313, 12 gal) |
| Warranty 30% | 100 8-year tank, 8-year parts | 83 6-year tank, 6-year parts |
| Heating power 15% | 29 1,500 W element | 29 1,500 W element |
| Features 15% | 75 plugs into an outlet, relief valve included | 35 relief valve included |
| Tank size 10% | 75 18 gal tank | 0 12 gal tank |
Specifications
| GE 18 Gallon Point of Use | Ariston POU 12 Gallon | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Tank capacity | 18 gal | 12 gal |
| Element | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Current | 12 A | 12.5 A |
| Electrical connection | Plug-in | - |
| Recovery (maker figure) | - | 7 gal/hr at 90 °F rise |
| Thermostat range | - | 90 to 160 °F |
| Price per gallon | $16.48 | $26.08 |
| Installation | ||
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 25.8 x 19.2 x 19.2 in | 22.5 x 15.8 x 15.8 in |
| Weight | 54.2 lb | - |
| Water connections | 3/4" NPT | 3/4" NPT |
| Relief valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Wall bracket included | No | No |
| Warranty | ||
| Tank | 8 years | 6 years |
| Parts | 8 years | 6 years |
