Eccotemp offers a range of portable water heaters designed for outdoor and off-grid use. These include the Luxé series (10 LPM, 7 LPM, and 5 LPM models) and the CEL series (10 LPM and 5 LPM). Each model delivers instant hot water without needing tank storage or house electricity, making them ideal for camping, RVs, farms, and more. In this Eccotemp portable models comparison, we’ll explore their specifications, features, price points, and user reviews to help you choose the best Eccotemp portable heater for your needs. Throughout, we focus on model features and use cases rather than traditional tank heaters.
Eccotemp portable heaters excel in varied outdoor settings – from lakeside camping to ranch chores. The Luxé EL10-E 10 LPM heater, for example, is a durable, highly-rated model with a steel carry handle and a tough tri-coat finish that protects against the elements. It produces up to 75,000 BTU of heat (about 10 liters per minute of hot water) and is designed for harsh conditions. All Luxé models (10, 7, and 5 LPM) have an all-weather rain cap, a digital temperature display, and indicator lights for water pressure and power. These features take the guesswork out of setup – for instance, the advanced LED pressure light shows when sufficient water pressure is available before you start it. The digital display (powered by batteries) and inset water/gas knobs let you dial in precise temperatures. For safety, Luxé portable water heaters include a tilt sensor that shuts off if the heater is tilted beyond 45°, and internal sensors prevent overheating. Eccotemp even tested these models at high altitude (up to 610 m) to ensure reliable performance off-grid.
The Luxé EL7-E 7 LPM model shares many features with the 10 LPM, but is rated at 52,500 BTU (suitable for two water outlets, like a shower plus a sink). It has the same rugged build and electronics – a tri-coat finish, steel handle, digital display and lights – as the Luxé 10, but in a slightly smaller package. This makes it a versatile mid-range option.
The Luxé EL5-E 5 LPM water heater is even more compact and lightweight (just 37,500 BTU), designed for one hot water application at a time. It’s the easiest to carry of the Luxé series, ideal if you need a basic hot shower at camp or to wash a pet. Like its siblings, the Luxé 5 includes the all-weather cover and safety features (tilt shut-off, pressure limiters).
Each Luxé model comes in different gas pressure variants (30, 37, or 50 mbar) to match regional standards. All are CE-certified and include a robust heat exchanger with a 2-year limited warranty. In short, the Luxé series packs high power and convenience for serious outdoor use.
By contrast, the CEL series prioritizes simplicity and portability. Both the CEL10 (10 LPM) and CEL5 (5 LPM) heaters deliver hot water without needing electrical connections – they run on propane plus D-cell batteries for ignition. The CEL10 outputs up to 75,000 BTU (about 10 LPM) and the CEL5 about 37,500 BTU (5 LPM). These water heaters are lightweight and compact (the CEL5 measures only ~42 × 29 × 13.5 cm), making them easy to carry on hikes or mount in camper vans. The CEL series lacks the digital display of the Luxé – instead you adjust water and gas flow manually using knobs. However, they still have the essential tilt-safety shutoff and can operate at low water pressure (as low as ~1.4 bar). These water heaters also include CE certification and are built of durable materials, though the warranty is shorter (one year). In summary, CEL models offer reliable hot water on demand with minimal setup – perfect for “true off-grid” adventures where you just want to hook up a propane bottle and go.
Comparing Flow Rates and Output Capabilities
A key difference among models is flow rate (liters per minute) and heat output. The Luxé/CEL10 models flow ~10 LPM, 7 models ~7 LPM, and 5 models ~5 LPM. This translates to roughly three, two, or one simultaneous water uses respectively (e.g. showers, taps). The Luxé EL10-E and CEL10 (75,000 BTU) can handle two people showering at once and even some washing tasks. The Luxé EL7-E (52,500 BTU) comfortably supports one shower plus a sink, while the Luxé EL5-E and CEL5 (37,500 BTU) is typically used for a single shower or tap. If you need hot water for multiple users or heavy-duty cleaning, the 10 LPM models are the best Eccotemp portable heater candidates due to their higher flow. For solo campers or small tasks, the 5 LPM water heaters provide lighter weight and easier handling. All models heat water to about 10–60 °C by adjusting the gas flow and water flow knobs.
Choosing the right flow also depends on your water source pressure. All these water heaters operate ideally at 20–80 PSI (1.4–5.5 bar). If you draw water from a low-pressure source (like a barrel or lake), Eccotemp recommends pairing with their 12 V Eccoflo pump to boost pressure.
Gas Pressure Variants Adapt to Your Region
Each Eccotemp model is sold in specific gas pressure (mbar) configurations to meet local standards. The common options are 30 mbar (for much of Northern/Western Europe), 37 mbar (UK, France, etc.), and 50 mbar (Germany, some countries). It’s vital to match the heater’s mbar rating to your country’s LPG system (for example, France uses 37 mbar, while Germany uses 50). Eccotemp clarifies this in their specs: “When purchasing, select the correct mbar for your location to ensure optimal performance”. Otherwise, the water heaters are functionally identical apart from the factory-set pressure regulator.
Key Features and Safety Across Models
Although capacities differ, all Eccotemp portable heaters share a focus on safety and durability. The Luxé models especially emphasize convenience: they have built-in water pressure lights and a clear digital display to show water temperature. Both Luxé and CEL series have an anti-tilt safety switch (shuts off gas if tipped over) and flame sensors to prevent dangerous conditions. Physically, each heater is built with a protective housing and rain deflector to handle outdoor use. The Luxé’s tri-layer powder coat paint and heavy-duty steel handle mean it can be hauled into tough environments (from rainy campsites to livestock farms). The CEL series, while more “bare-bones”, is also CE-certified and constructed of rugged metal.
One notable difference: only the Luxé models have the electronic display and LEDs. The CEL water heaters use a simpler ignition (two D-cell batteries) and lack those fancy indicators. However, both designs are weather-resistant and intended for portable, versatile use. Every model connects to a standard garden hose and 9 kg propane cylinder for off-grid hot water on demand.
Different Use Cases and Environments
Eccotemp emphasizes that their portable heaters can be used virtually anywhere. In practice, users employ them for camping showers, outdoor kitchens, pet and livestock washing, RV hot water, tiny homes, food trucks, and more. For instance, the Luxé EL10-E mentions camping, caravanning, hiking, hunting, poolside use, and even cleaning vehicles or feeding farm animals. The Luxé EL7-E similarly uses for camping, hunting, hanging poolside, washing pets or horses, cleaning your vehicle, or even in a greenhouse or food truck. This shows that the higher-capacity models excel when you need more continuous hot water or multiple outlets (e.g. shower + sink + cleanup hose).
The Luxé EL5-E and CEL5 (5 LPM) are geared toward lighter tasks which makes it great for quick setups in campervans or festival camping. CEL5 to be used to bathe horses or provide a warm outdoor shower with ease.
In general, if you need a robust outdoor shower at a campsite or off-grid cabin, a 10 LPM model (Luxé or CEL) is ideal. For lighter camping or single-person use, the 5 LPM Luxé or CEL offers enough flow and much simpler portability. The mid-range 7 LPM Luxé hits a balance: it’s lighter than the 10 LPM but can still run two moderate uses. All models can be used with EccoFlo pumps and shower tents (sold separately) for enhanced convenience.
Value Considerations
Value also depends on warranty: Luxé models have a 2-year limited warranty on exchanger and parts, whereas CEL models have a 1-year warranty. Many buyers consider the digital features and longer warranty of the Luxé series worth the premium. However, for straightforward camping use, the CEL series often represents better value, as some buyers note the CEL5 is easy to carry and works brilliantly despite its lower price.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Users generally praise Eccotemp’s portable heaters. The CEL5 has a perfect 5-star rating with multiple reviewers calling it “simply brilliant” and highlighting “endless warm and hot water” available even for large needs. Customers note it’s lightweight, easy to carry, and recommend it for camping showers and washing animals. In general, people appreciate that these heaters consistently deliver hot water in remote settings and have few failures as long as fuel is available. Some reviews do suggest paying attention to proper gas setup (hence choosing the correct mbar rating) and recommend getting the additional pump if water pressure is low.
Which Eccotemp Portable Heater Is Right for You?
In summary, Luxé vs. CEL boils down to feature set and budget. If you want the best Eccotemp portable heater with all bells and whistles (digital display, strong warranty, multi-outlet capability), then the Luxé series is the way to go – pick 10 LPM for maximum flow, 7 LPM for medium use, or 5 LPM if weight is a concern. If you prioritize simplicity, kit-inclusion, and a lower price, the CEL series performs very well in most scenarios.
Every model is built tough and has similar core safety features, so you really just match flow to your needs. For example, an RV camper or glamping setup might go for Luxé 10 LPM, while a hiker might choose CEL5. Be sure to choose the right gas pressure variant for your country and consider accessories like the Eccoflo pump (for weak water sources) or a privacy tent for a complete outdoor shower setup.
Ultimately, all Eccotemp portable heaters provide convenient hot water on the go, so any choice among them will keep you comfortable off-grid. By comparing model features, specifications, and user experiences as we have, you can confidently pick the Eccotemp model that suits your outdoor adventures and budget. Explore the benefits of having a Portable tankless water heaters from this article here.