VEVOR KFU70 7kW Tankless Electric Water Heater: features, specs and who it suits

The VEVOR KFU70 is a small electric tankless water heater, designed to sit close to a single tap, such as under a kitchen or bathroom sink. Instead of keeping a tank of water hot, it heats water as it flows through. Here is what its figures mean and what its electrical needs imply.

How a point-of-use tankless heater works

When you open the hot tap, water flows through the heater and its element switches on, raising the temperature for as long as the water runs. When the tap closes, the heating stops. VEVOR says this gives instant hot water for tasks such as washing vegetables, doing dishes or washing hands. Because it sits near the outlet, water doesn't have to travel far from a distant tank, though the heater is sized for one tap, not a whole house.

Power, voltage and current

The KFU70 is rated at 7kW on 240V AC, 50 or 60Hz. VEVOR gives a maximum current of 29.2A (+5%/-10%) and a minimum required circuit breaker of 30A. That is a serious electrical load, much more than a standard 120V outlet provides, so the heater needs a dedicated 240V circuit with suitably sized wiring. Installation should be done by a qualified electrician, following local codes and the manual.

Temperature and flow

The heating range is listed as up to 30 to 55°C. The minimum startup water flow is 0.4 GPM (about 1.5 litres per minute), so the heater won't switch on at a very gentle trickle. VEVOR says constant temperature control keeps the outlet temperature steady and avoids repeated cycles of heating and cooling. In general, output temperature rise depends on power and flow: at a higher flow rate, the same 7kW produces a smaller rise, so very high-flow taps will deliver cooler water.

Controls and build

A digital LED display shows the settings and status, and touch controls adjust them. Celsius and Fahrenheit can be switched with a single key. The heater uses an aluminium cast element, with stainless steel in the heater and brass-plated inlet and outlet fittings with NPT 1/2 external threads. The housing is 5VA-rated ABS, and the waterproof grade is IP25. VEVOR says the design separates water and electricity.

Size and weight

It is compact, at 9.44 x 9.29 x 3.74 inches (240 x 236 x 95 mm), and weighs 4.63 lb (2.1 kg). VEVOR suggests kitchens, bathrooms and balconies, in homes and public spaces.

Who it suits

It suits a single sink or basin that is far from the main water heater, or a spot with no hot water supply, where a dedicated 240V circuit can be provided. It isn't designed to supply a shower or several taps at once.

What to check before you buy

• Electrical supply: you need 240V, a 30A breaker minimum, and wiring suited to about 29A. Have it checked by a qualified electrician.
• Flow and temperature: compare the 0.4 GPM startup flow and the 30 to 55°C range with your needs, including the temperature of your incoming water.
• Plumbing: check the NPT 1/2 connections, and the water pressure and supply the manual requires.
• Location: think about the IP25 waterproof grade and keep the unit out of splash and spray.
• Use: one heater is suited to one tap.

The short version

• A compact 7kW, 240V point-of-use tankless electric water heater, model KFU70.
• Digital LED display with touch controls and a Celsius/Fahrenheit switch.
• Heating range up to 30 to 55°C; minimum startup flow 0.4 GPM.
• Needs a 30A breaker minimum and professional installation.
• 4.63 lb, IP25, NPT 1/2 brass fittings.

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