Let me start by saying this: the ECOTOUCH 18kW tankless water heater delivers on its promise of instant hot water. I installed it in my home, replacing an older, bulkier unit, and the difference is night and day. No more waiting for the water to heat up—just turn on the faucet, and within seconds, you've got steaming hot water. It's perfect for showers, dishwashing, and even filling up the bathtub without worrying about running out of hot water mid-soak.

The self-modulation feature is a game-changer. Unlike traditional water heaters that blast full power regardless of demand, this one adjusts based on flow rate and temperature settings. When I reduce the water flow in the shower, it doesn’t scald me—it just uses less energy while maintaining the perfect temp. That said, I did notice occasional temperature spikes when quickly switching from full flow to off (like when transitioning from filling the tub to showering). Not a dealbreaker, but something to be mindful of.

Installation was straightforward if you’re comfortable with electrical work. The unit requires a 240V circuit with a double-pole breaker, so it’s not exactly plug-and-play. The compact design (about the size of a shoebox) makes it easy to mount in tight spaces—I tucked mine under the kitchen sink. Just be warned: if your power flickers during a storm, you’ll need to manually restart the unit. Mount it somewhere accessible!

Now for the downsides: customer service is hit or miss. Some users rave about quick replacements (like me—Elaine from ECOTOUCH was incredibly responsive when my first unit had an internal fault). Others report emails going unanswered for weeks. And while build quality feels solid (all-metal casing beats plastic competitors), a few reviewers mentioned inconsistent water flow sensors leading to erratic temps.

Final verdict? If you need reliable instant hot water and don’t mind tinkering with settings (or chasing customer support occasionally), this is a great value pick. Just double-check your wiring specs before buying!