GE 2.5 Gallon Point of Use
A 2.5 gallon plug-in tank with an eight-year tank and parts warranty, the best-covered small tank here. Good for a single sink where you want it to last.
Amazon $205.26$205.26
The GE 2.5 Gallon Point of Use is the better mini tank water heater overall, rated 3.2 to 2.7. The GE 2.5 Gallon Point of Use leads on warranty and heating power. The Stiebel Eltron SHC 2.5 wins on features. The GE 2.5 Gallon Point of Use costs $7.65 less ($205.26 vs $212.91).
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.
Stiebel Eltron SHC 2.5
A German-made 2.5 gallon plug-in tank for one bathroom or kitchen sink. It costs more than the imports but carries a six-year tank warranty.
Amazon $212.91$212.91
Which should you buy?
- Choose the GE 2.5 Gallon Point of Use for warranty (8-year tank, 8-year parts vs 6-year tank, 2-year parts) and heating power (1,500 W element vs 1,300 W element).
- Choose the Stiebel Eltron SHC 2.5 for features (plugs into an outlet, relief valve included, wall bracket included vs plugs into an outlet, relief valve included).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 2.5 to 4 gallon mini tank water heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | GE 2.5 Gallon Point of Use | Stiebel Eltron SHC 2.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 11 $82.10 per gallon ($205.26, 2.5 gal) | 7 $85.16 per gallon ($212.91, 2.5 gal) |
| Warranty 30% | 100 8-year tank, 8-year parts | 56 6-year tank, 2-year parts |
| Heating power 15% | 29 1,500 W element | 0 1,300 W element |
| Features 15% | 75 plugs into an outlet, relief valve included | 100 plugs into an outlet, relief valve included, wall bracket included |
| Tank size 10% | 0 2.5 gal tank | 0 2.5 gal tank |
Specifications
| GE 2.5 Gallon Point of Use | Stiebel Eltron SHC 2.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Tank capacity | 2.5 gal | 2.5 gal |
| Element | 1,500 W | 1,300 W |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Current | 12 A | 11.3 A |
| Electrical connection | Plug-in | Plug-in |
| Recovery (maker figure) | - | 18 min (maker figure) |
| Thermostat range | - | up to 140 °F |
| Price per gallon | $82.10 | $85.16 |
| Installation | ||
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13 x 13 x 11.2 in | 18.7 x 11 x 10.6 in |
| Weight | 17 lb | 15.9 lb |
| Water connections | 1/2" NPT | 1/2" NPT brass |
| Relief valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Wall bracket included | - | Yes |
| Warranty | ||
| Tank | 8 years | 6 years |
| Parts | 8 years | 2 years |