A vacation home sits empty for weeks, so the right water heater should not keep a tank hot while nobody is there, and it should let you check on it from home. Wi-Fi tankless models do both: they heat only when water flows, and the app lets you set temperature before guests arrive or spot an error code early. These four are the best remote-friendly tankless heaters for cabins and second homes.

We compared app control, fuel, flow and placement using manufacturer specifications and owner feedback. For more smart picks see the best tankless water heater smart guide, or start with the best tankless water heater; our Editorial Policy explains how we choose. Gas units need licensed installation and working CO alarms. In cold areas, follow the manual for draining or freeze protection when the house is empty.

Top 3 Tankless Water Heaters for a Vacation Home

Best ElectricWestinghouse ET018CA0G 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater

Westinghouse ET018CA0G 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater

  • Wi-Fi + voice
  • 18kW
  • Copper
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Best PropaneAPUS AP-AWH-W26LPG 8.1 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater with App Control

APUS AP-AWH-W26LPG 8.1 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater with App Control

  • App + remote
  • 8.1 GPM
  • Outdoor
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Best Natural GasORBEK 120,000 BTU Wi-Fi Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (Indoor/Outdoor)

ORBEK 120,000 BTU Wi-Fi Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (Indoor/Outdoor)

  • Wi-Fi + Alexa
  • 5.1 GPM
  • Flexible install
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Vacation-Home Tankless Water Heaters Compared

#ProductKey Features
1Westinghouse ET018CA0G 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater
Westinghouse ET018CA0G 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater
  • Wi-Fi + voice
  • Copper elements
  • Up to 4.2 GPM
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2APUS AP-AWH-W26LPG 8.1 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater with App Control
APUS AP-AWH-W26LPG 8.1 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater with App Control
  • App + remote
  • 8.1 GPM
  • Outdoor
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3ORBEK 120,000 BTU Wi-Fi Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (Indoor/Outdoor)
ORBEK 120,000 BTU Wi-Fi Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (Indoor/Outdoor)
  • Wi-Fi + Alexa
  • 5.1 GPM
  • Indoor/outdoor
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4Midea MHE18W2AWW 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater
Midea MHE18W2AWW 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater
  • App control
  • Child mode
  • 18kW
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1. Westinghouse ET018CA0G 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater

Best Electric

Westinghouse ET018CA0G 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater
Pros
  • Wi-Fi with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Copper heating elements
  • Self-modulating 18kW
  • Up to 4.2 GPM at 77°F inlet
Cons
  • Needs 240V, 75A
  • Flow drops with cold inlet
  • Power: 18kW, 240V
  • Flow: 4.2 GPM at 77°F inlet
  • Model: ET018CA0G
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Westinghouse lets you check and set the heater from your phone.

It suits all-electric cabins.

Who the Westinghouse 18kW Wi-Fi fits best

Warm-climate getaways.

Who should skip the Westinghouse 18kW Wi-Fi

Cold-water regions needing high flow.

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2. APUS AP-AWH-W26LPG 8.1 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater with App Control

Best Propane

APUS AP-AWH-W26LPG 8.1 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater with App Control
Pros
  • 190,000 BTU, up to 8.1 GPM
  • Tuya app control plus remote
  • Supplies 5–6 points
  • Low water pressure start-up
Cons
  • Propane only
  • Outdoor placement
  • Fuel: propane
  • Flow: up to 8.1 GPM
  • Model: AP-AWH-W26LPG
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APUS gives remote control and high flow for off-grid propane homes.

Outdoor mounting removes indoor venting.

Who the APUS 8.1 GPM LP fits best

Larger cabins.

Who should skip the APUS 8.1 GPM LP

Natural gas homes.

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3. ORBEK 120,000 BTU Wi-Fi Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (Indoor/Outdoor)

Best Natural Gas

ORBEK 120,000 BTU Wi-Fi Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (Indoor/Outdoor)
Pros
  • 120,000 BTU, up to 5.1 GPM
  • Wi-Fi, app and Alexa control
  • Indoor or outdoor installation
  • 0.53 GPM low-flow start
Cons
  • Mid-size flow
  • Newer brand
  • Fuel: natural gas
  • Flow: up to 5.1 GPM
  • Brand: ORBEK
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ORBEK’s app lets you warm up water before you arrive.

It handles 2–4 outlets.

Who the ORBEK 120,000 BTU fits best

Condos and cabins.

Who should skip the ORBEK 120,000 BTU

Big homes.

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4. Midea MHE18W2AWW 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater

Best App Features

Midea MHE18W2AWW 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater
Pros
  • Smart app control over Wi-Fi
  • Saved temperature presets
  • Child mode
  • Automatic power modulation
Cons
  • Needs heavy wiring
  • Flow depends on inlet temp
  • Power: 18kW, 240V
  • Control: Wi-Fi app
  • Model: MHE18W2AWW
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Midea’s app saves preferred temperatures for different guests.

Child mode adds a safety limit.

Who the Midea 18kW Wi-Fi fits best

Family rentals.

Who should skip the Midea 18kW Wi-Fi

Small panels.

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Vacation Home Tips

  • Use the app to check error codes.
  • Protect outdoor units from freezing.
  • Shut water off when leaving long-term.
  • Rinnai owners can add the RWM200 Wi-Fi module.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best tankless water heater for a vacation home?

The Westinghouse 18kW Wi-Fi for electric homes, APUS for propane.

Can I control it remotely?

Yes, these models offer app control.

How do I prevent freezing?

Follow the manual for freeze protection or draining.

Does tankless save energy when empty?

It does not keep a tank hot.

Final Verdict: Best Tankless Water Heater for Vacation Home

The Westinghouse 18kW Wi-Fi is the best tankless water heater for an all-electric vacation home. The APUS 8.1 GPM is best on propane, and the ORBEK 120,000 BTU is best on natural gas.

Electric: Westinghouse ET018CA0G 18kW 240V Wi-Fi Electric Tankless Water Heater Check Latest Price

Propane: APUS AP-AWH-W26LPG 8.1 GPM Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater with App Control Check Latest Price

Natural gas: ORBEK 120,000 BTU Wi-Fi Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (Indoor/Outdoor) Check Latest Price

Control from afar keeps your getaway ready.

Looking for something else? Browse all of our Water Heaters guides and the wider Heating & Cooling section.

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