Abstract: An electric water heating receptacle is provided with an anode member and a cathode member arranged in spaced juxtaposed relationship and connected to an electric power source such that water in the receptacle is heated by current flowing through the water from the anode member to the cathode member. The anode member has separate major and minor portions which are initially both connected to the power source in a "high mode" of operation to rapidly heat the water in the receptacle to a predetermined temperature. Upon attainment of the predetermined temperature, a thermostat responsive to the water temperature disconnects the major portion of the anode leaving only the minor portion energized in a "low mode" of operation intended to maintain the water substantially at the predetermined temperature. Should the water temperature drop below the predetermined temperature, the thermostat reconnects the major anode portion for operation in the "high mode" to reestablish the predetermined water temperature.