EcoSmart ECO 36
#1 in ElectricFull review
For a large home with 300 A service that wants all electric hot water. The lifetime warranty and low price per kilowatt make it a strong value if a pro installs it.
Amazon $699$699
The EcoSmart ECO 36 rates 4.3 among electric tankless water heaters; the Camplux WA686M rates 3.9 among gas ones. The Camplux WA686M costs $139.01 less ($559.99 vs $699).
Camplux WA686M
#11 in GasFull review
A bargain outdoor whole home heater for mild climates, best for buyers comfortable with a short warranty.
Amazon $559.99 Amazon $599.99$559.99
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different fuel classes (electric and gas), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own fuel peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | EcoSmart ECO 36 | Camplux WA686M |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 64 $19.42 per kW ($699, 36 kW) | 100 $2.81 per 1,000 BTU/h ($559.99, 199,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating power 25% | 100 36 kW | 100 199,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 15% | 50 0.94 UEF | 50 UEF not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 100 limited lifetime heat exchanger warranty | 0 1-year heat exchanger warranty |
Specifications
| EcoSmart ECO 36 | Camplux WA686M | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Gas |
| Gas type | - | Natural gas or propane |
| Gas input | - | 199,000 BTU/h |
| Electric power | 36 kW | - |
| Max flow | 8.8 GPM | 8.4 GPM |
| UEF | 0.94 | - |
| Condensing | - | No |
| Installation | ||
| Venting | - | Outdoor |
| Voltage | 240 V | - |
| Breakers | 160 A total | - |
| Weight | 18.4 lb | - |
| Features | ||
| Built-in recirculation | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Heat exchanger warranty | Limited lifetime | 1 year |
| Parts warranty | - | 1 year |