Bosch Tronic 3000
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Editor’s Conclusion
In the Bosch product line, 3000 is a busy model number. Along with a series of five point-of-use (POU) tankless electric water heaters, the Bosch Tronic 3000 is also the base model number for their mini-tank electric system for use under sinks. The two branches of 3000-series heaters provide instant hot water without heating a double-digit amount of water.
The tankless 3000s come in 3.6 kW, 4.5 kW, 7.2 kW, 9.5 kW, and an improved 7.2 kW model, while the mini-tank model comes in three sizes -2.4 gallons 5 gallons, and 7 gallons. Any of the models are the perfect size to fit compactly under a sink.
These compact units can be hung on a wall or installed underneath a sink or even in a cabinet. Except for the US12, they feature 360° orientation so they can be installed horizontally or vertically.
The tankless 3000s come in 3.6 kW, 4.5 kW, 7.2 kW, 9.5 kW, and an improved 7.2 kW model, while the mini-tank model comes in three sizes -2.4 gallons 5 gallons, and 7 gallons. Any of the models are the perfect size to fit compactly under a sink.
These compact units can be hung on a wall or installed underneath a sink or even in a cabinet. Except for the US12, they feature 360° orientation so they can be installed horizontally or vertically.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Tronic 3000 T
Ultra-compact and lightweight
Easy-to-instalI-36-37" cord plugs into a 120-volt outlet for independent installation for some mini-tank models or in-line with a large hot water source
Easy to mount on a shelf, wall, or floor by simply tapping into the cold water line
On-demand hot water with a fast recovery rate so no long waits for hot water at your sink or up to 2 sinks at a time)
6-year limited warranty
Tronic 3000
Ultra-compact and lightweight, saving valuable space
Copper heat exchanger with copper-sheathed heating elements
Units can be mounted horizontally or vertically (except model US12)
No temperature/pressure relief valve is necessary (check local codes)
As low as 0.3 GPM activation rate
5-year limited warranty
Cons
Tronic 3000 T
Some heat loss of stored water
Electricity used to keep a small tank of water warm
May need to provide a way for pressure relief valves toot release pressure through a pipe that leads to a drain
Amount of warm water limited by the size of the tank
Tronic 3000
Lacks a thermostat to regulate temperature
Some complaints of premature fail
Reset button but hard to reach
Professional installation recommended
Warranty can be voided if not professionally installed
Key Features & Performance
The two types of Bosch 3000 Tronic heaters are point-of-use (POU) or point-of-service (POS) units. While the tankless Tronic 3000 models are designed to be hard-wired into the breaker box, two of the three mini-tank models can be simply plugged in after connecting them to the waterline.
Because there is no tank, the 3000 units have a flat, sleek appearance, while the 3000 T models with a small tank have a more boxy appearance.
Notable Features
Both Tronic 3000 tankless and 3000T with a small tank are energy savers that are 98% efficient; they have no standby loss like with a full-sized tank.
The mini-tank models have an external dial to control the temperature, but the tankless models have a more Spartan appearance with no external controls or eye-pleasing digital displays featured in other models by Rheem, ECOTOUCH, or EcoSmart.
Performance
The Tronic 3000 T POU heaters are the perfect solution for a variety of applications anywhere you need hot water produced at the point of use, such as at a sink or in a small home, RV, in-law-suite, or office. Two of the three models just plug into a 110 V outlet. They have a boxy appearance as they have a little tank.
When hot water is needed, rather than heating a large tank, the tiny tanks used in 3000 T models provide instant hot water. As with a larger tank heater, the mini warms the water in the tank and some heat is lost through connected pipes; if you insulate the pipes, you can lose minimal heat while and still have a few gallons of hot water for washing hands. This model saves water as the stored amount always keeps the tank filled with heated water so there is never a wait when it is turned on.
The models are promoted as a solution for sinks in both residential and commercial settings and are useful for three applications:
- As a sole water heating source for a single sink
- As a supplement to an existing heater located far from the sink
- As a buffer installed in line with tankless water heaters to prevent intermittent cold water
As Bosch Tronic 3000 tankless models work from a water line, they produce an endless supply of hot water that makes it useful for light commercial applications in airports, stadiums, and shopping malls as well as residential use. When the water is turned on, the flow switch senses how much water is passing through the unit, and if it detects more than the pre-set level, the unit’s heating elements switch on. This is shown by the neon light glowing. Reaching the right temperature might take a few seconds, especially in colder climates where the groundwater comes in at a lower temperature.
Depending on the model and the groundwater temperature, the output ranges from .4 to 1.4 gallons per minute (GPM) at 98% efficiency. The actual gallons that flow per minute differed based on the model and the important variable with all tankless heaters – inlet water temperature. All units are hard-wired to the breaker box.
Maintenance
Like all water heaters, both the tankless and the mini tank are sensitive to hard water. Excess minerals in the water can lead to a shorter lifespan, lessen performance, and compromise the warranty, so installing a water treatment and conditioning program will lead to improved customer satisfaction with the unit.
Because there is no tank, the 3000 units have a flat, sleek appearance, while the 3000 T models with a small tank have a more boxy appearance.
Notable Features
Both Tronic 3000 tankless and 3000T with a small tank are energy savers that are 98% efficient; they have no standby loss like with a full-sized tank.
The mini-tank models have an external dial to control the temperature, but the tankless models have a more Spartan appearance with no external controls or eye-pleasing digital displays featured in other models by Rheem, ECOTOUCH, or EcoSmart.
Performance
The Tronic 3000 T POU heaters are the perfect solution for a variety of applications anywhere you need hot water produced at the point of use, such as at a sink or in a small home, RV, in-law-suite, or office. Two of the three models just plug into a 110 V outlet. They have a boxy appearance as they have a little tank.
When hot water is needed, rather than heating a large tank, the tiny tanks used in 3000 T models provide instant hot water. As with a larger tank heater, the mini warms the water in the tank and some heat is lost through connected pipes; if you insulate the pipes, you can lose minimal heat while and still have a few gallons of hot water for washing hands. This model saves water as the stored amount always keeps the tank filled with heated water so there is never a wait when it is turned on.
The models are promoted as a solution for sinks in both residential and commercial settings and are useful for three applications:
- As a sole water heating source for a single sink
- As a supplement to an existing heater located far from the sink
- As a buffer installed in line with tankless water heaters to prevent intermittent cold water
As Bosch Tronic 3000 tankless models work from a water line, they produce an endless supply of hot water that makes it useful for light commercial applications in airports, stadiums, and shopping malls as well as residential use. When the water is turned on, the flow switch senses how much water is passing through the unit, and if it detects more than the pre-set level, the unit’s heating elements switch on. This is shown by the neon light glowing. Reaching the right temperature might take a few seconds, especially in colder climates where the groundwater comes in at a lower temperature.
Depending on the model and the groundwater temperature, the output ranges from .4 to 1.4 gallons per minute (GPM) at 98% efficiency. The actual gallons that flow per minute differed based on the model and the important variable with all tankless heaters – inlet water temperature. All units are hard-wired to the breaker box.
Maintenance
Like all water heaters, both the tankless and the mini tank are sensitive to hard water. Excess minerals in the water can lead to a shorter lifespan, lessen performance, and compromise the warranty, so installing a water treatment and conditioning program will lead to improved customer satisfaction with the unit.
Comparison To Other Water Heaters
Coming from a much larger company than other water heaters, Bosch has a wide range of models – but few models earn top ratings. (Some critics blame this lack of quality on the size and lack of attention to particular product lines.)
The tankless Bosch Tronic 3000 has nearly 5,300 ratings on Amazon with 77% 5 stars and 11% 4 stars. and the remaining 11% 3 stars or less. The mini-tank versions have similar stats. The numbers show that while most customers are satisfied, the balance is not, and often have complaints that the unit failed or was simply too small to do what they hoped.
While complaints that units did not meet expectations might be mean that buyers did not properly assess their needs and should have chosen a more powerful unit, the number of complaints about quality might make a prospective customer question whether to buy a Bosch.
The tankless Bosch Tronic 3000 has nearly 5,300 ratings on Amazon with 77% 5 stars and 11% 4 stars. and the remaining 11% 3 stars or less. The mini-tank versions have similar stats. The numbers show that while most customers are satisfied, the balance is not, and often have complaints that the unit failed or was simply too small to do what they hoped.
While complaints that units did not meet expectations might be mean that buyers did not properly assess their needs and should have chosen a more powerful unit, the number of complaints about quality might make a prospective customer question whether to buy a Bosch.
Our Verdict
Other small tankless products might be a better choice. Even the ECOTOUCH POU unit has more frills while having some of the same size limitations. Better choices for slightly larger but still small units include:
- Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 12 12.0 kW 2.34 GPM Point-of-Use Tankless Electric Water Heater
- Rheem Performance 13 kW Self-Modulating 2.54 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater 2.54 GPM
- EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology 2.0 GPM
Those who do opt for any of the Tronic 3000 models should expect no more than water at the sink.
- Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 12 12.0 kW 2.34 GPM Point-of-Use Tankless Electric Water Heater
- Rheem Performance 13 kW Self-Modulating 2.54 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater 2.54 GPM
- EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology 2.0 GPM
Those who do opt for any of the Tronic 3000 models should expect no more than water at the sink.
$171.39Best Deal