Stiebel Eltron achieved second place in the current Stiftung Warentest with the air-water heat pump WPL-A 10.2 Plus HK 400. The test result comes at a time when the heat pump market is struggling with sales fluctuations after a boom year in 2023. For the Holzminden-based manufacturer, this strong performance is an important signal – not only to end customers, but especially to electrical contractors and SHK specialist companies.
The Stiebel Eltron heat pump scored particularly well in the test for energy efficiency and processing quality. For electrical planners and installers who are increasingly designing heat pumps in combination with photovoltaic systems and energy management systems, the test result is an indicator of system suitability. The integration of heat pumps into smart building concepts requires not only efficient devices but also stable interfaces to building management systems and energy management.
Stiebel Eltron strategically focuses on combining heat pumps with renewable energies. The company positions itself as a system provider that, in addition to heat pumps, also supplies hot water storage, ventilation technology, and control technology. This strategy targets specialist companies looking for turnkey solutions. Second place in the Stiftung Warentest strengthens the argument basis with builders and investors who increasingly pay attention to test results and certifications.
The heat pump market in Germany is under pressure in 2025. After strong growth in 2023 – driven by subsidy programs and heating regulations – sales figures are normalizing. Manufacturers must differentiate themselves through quality and service. For electrical contractors, this means: selecting the right heat pump becomes a competitive factor. A good test result facilitates customer acquisition and minimizes warranty risks.
Stiebel Eltron can look back on 50 years of heat pump development – a unique selling point compared to newcomers in the market. The company continues to invest in production capacity in Germany and relies on regional manufacturing sites. This strategy is intended to stabilize supply chains and ensure service quality – two factors that are crucial for installers when choosing a manufacturer.
For electrical planners integrating heat pumps into new construction projects or renovations, coordination with energy storage and load management remains central. Stiebel Eltron's test result underscores that, in addition to pure heating capacity, system integration also matters. The WPL-A 10.2 Plus HK 400 is aimed particularly at single and two-family homes with medium heating requirements – a segment that continues to form the core of the heat pump market.
