Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters of 2023

Freezing winters are next to intolerable without a consistent and reliable water heating system around the house. However, the best water heater source is usually gas-powered among the many water heating sources available. Tankless gas water heaters are highly durable and readily available for installation.

But how can one select the water heater for their use? We have compiled a list of the best tankless gas water heaters and their reviews to make the process easier for you. Read through every one of them, and then wisely choose your home.

Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters of Feb 2023:

1. Rinnai V65IP Gas Tankless Water Heater

Rinnai, a Japanese company, has launched its V series, and one of the most renowned products from this series is the Rinnai V65IP. The most prominent feature that sets apart Rinnai V65IP gas tankless water heater is that it harnesses power from propane gas rather than conventional natural gas.

Hence, if you are ever skeptical about which model from the Rinnai V series to purchase, then the V65IP model is the best water heater one could buy today.

The alphabet V represents the model series generated by the manufacturer. The alphabet is then listed with a certain model number, and the final two alphabets then represent the following:

• Indoor mount (I) or External/Outdoor mount (E),
• The power source is either N for natural gas and P for being powered by propane gas,

If you are looking for a gas tankless water heater powered by propane with low emissions of toxic gases, a good BTU valued at 150,000, and a GPM of 6.6 that can be installed outdoors, then this model would be ideal for you.

But let us tell you that you will get better and more reliable access to hot water if the V series models are installed inside. You can install more than one gas water heater unit in a straight line to increase hot water access and boost efficiency. This model also has another advantage; different units can give hot water access to various parts of your house instead of a single unit bearing all the burden of the house.

Furthermore, all the models in the V series, including the Rinnai V65IP, are non-condensing. Some of the prominent features of the model are listed below:

• It provides a constant supply of hot water for your household.
• It is highly efficient.
• It offers an excellent water flow rate of 6.6 GPM, but this can vary by ground temperature.
• It also has special mobile app features of Control R, which is used to schedule hot water timings throughout the day.
•  It allows you to control your water heater system remotely, especially when you are on the road away from home.
• It comes with a special residential factory warranty of a year for the labor, 120 months if there is a problem with the heat exchanger, and 60 months for the other counterparts.

2. Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater

If we talk about the pros and advantages of the Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM outdoor portable propane tankless water heater, then they are quickly listed below:

• It provides immediate hot water access, which can be as warm as 114 degrees.
• It is equipped with a special depletion sensor for oxygen and a 6L water pump.
• It also has an anti-freeze protection feature.

The only drawback of this model is that it can be a bit heavyweight.

The Camplux 5L Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater is portable and can be carried around. It has a 6L water pump attached and is one of the brand new models for modern showers these days hence has made its place in the market rapidly after its launch.

It can provide you instant access to hot water as warm as 114 degrees while giving you full control over temperature adjustment and the flow rate. The flow rate can be set to a maximum value of 1.32 gallons per minute.

This model has a 6L water pump that campers can use outdoors in case a hose is not present at the location. Moreover, the company Camplux cares about consumer protection and hence offers a special anti-freeze protection system allowing you to use the unit even in freezing temperatures.

There is a special sensor installed that can detect oxygen depletion pretty quickly. The gas water heater switches off if the oxygen on the outside is low, preventing pollution from any toxic gases released into the environment. However, you must remember that this unit is manufactured to be used outdoors because it does produce exhaust gases. Still, if your insides are fully ventilated with proper systems, you can also use the unit indoors.

This gas water heater has a heavyweight of 12 pounds; hence backpackers may find it hard to carry, but people who go camping in a car can easily carry it. Besides, it takes a few moments to set up, so time is not wasted.

• The highest temperature the Camplux unit can reach is 114.8℉ or 46℃, while the lowest temperature can reach 46.4℉ or 8℃.
• It is very compactly shaped with a folding capacity hence is ideal for carrying around when you travel.
• It has comprehensive anti-freeze protection features, an oxygen depletion sensor, and a flame failure attached device.
• The water heater provides a great production of 1.32 gallons per minute while conserving energy.

We highly recommend this water heater unit by Camplux.

3. Camplux 12L 3.18 GPM Indoor Tankless Gas Water Heater

The next one on our list is the Camplux 3.18 GPM Indoor tankless gas water heater, which has a state-of-the-art design and has become the most sought-after product.

This water heating unit is made out of special black glass that is sleek and tempered and harbors automated controls for temperature adjustment and an LED display that shows temperature and other technicalities on the screen, such as the GPM flow. It also has a child lock feature and hence can safely be used in your home even if it is small in size. The unit features the latest combustion technology with enhanced safety features protecting anything.

Let’s take a quick look at the features:

• The latest, modern, and sleek design features an elegant glass appearance.
• It requires only 0.8 GPM of water flow to initiate heating.
• It offers a good generous production of 3.18 GPM hot water which can be as warm as between 95-149 degrees. Fahrenheit or 35-65 Celsius.
• Completely automated features provide control over temperature adjustments.
• It has a child lock feature for safety.
• It is also equipped with a stainless steel pipe to vent the gases.

This model of Camplux can provide for the whole house and starts heating up only when required. It has a modern appearance with tempered glass that offers automated temperature controls, which appear on an LED display showing correct readings on the screen in time.

The stainless steel venting pipe can easily be installed, enhancing its properties. It comes with a power cable of 120 volts, including an internally built exhaust fan to vent out harmful fumes. If you install this water heater indoors, you must ensure that your house is properly ventilated. It provides a generous output of 3.18 gallons each minute.

The optimum water pressure for the ideal working of Camplux 3.18 GPM is between the ranges of 3.6～145.0 PSI, which offers complete easy performance. In contrast, the natural gas pressure for smooth operation is 0.4 Psi.

Lastly, the unit is highly efficient in conserving energy since it produces only 42 watts of power while it functions. The product is renowned for its advanced safety features, including the oxygen depletion sensor, anti-freeze safety, and flame failure attachment.

4. Rinnai RL94IN RL Series HE+ Tankless Hot Water Heater

The Rinnai RLX94IN water heater is one of those on the list that is best in terms of efficiency. It is one of the top non-condensing units mentioned in our list. This water heater harnesses power from natural gas and operates at a maximum of 192,000 BTU. This unit is part of the luxury models of Rinnai among the other competitors in the market.

In addition to a large BTU value, the gas water heater has a larger value of the water flow rate. Even though the highest GPM is 7.5 for RL, this unit maxes out at a flow rate of 9.8 GPM. Even though this may seem petty at first, such a high flow rate and a series of BTUs give it a good UEF score to enjoy prolonged hot showers throughout the winter season.

However, it would be best if you remembered that the UEF score is not the only factor to get an Energy Star rating, but it will be budget-friendly in the long run. It can save you more than $200 per annum compared to any other tank-based water heater.

Moreover, you can also provide support in terms of automated features for this water heater unit, including many wireless features, pushbuttons, and remote controls. These luxury series also have a compact design; hence are portable, easy to carry, and require fewer spaces than other structural gas water heaters.

If you wish to install it outdoors, then this unit is not for you or any other from the luxury series. The most updated and modern featured model in this series is the RLX95IN which has the following prominent features:

• It has an energy factor or EF of 0.82
• It has a minimum BTU OF 10,300 and a maximum BTU of 192,000
• It is powered by natural gas and can only be mounted indoors
• It guarantees to provide unlimited access to hot water in your home at anytime

5. Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Water Heater, 6.6 GPM

The next item in our list of best tankless gas water heaters is the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Tankless Water Heater Unit. Even though it is very small, it has managed to make a good name in the market due to its outclass performance and overall output. Since it is small, it is not heavy to carry and can easily cater to a middle-sized house.

It harbors modern and advanced features. While this water heater is simple in terms of installation, it is so easy to install that you can do it yourself and save money on expert installation.

The Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Gas Tankless Water heater has an amazing set of advantageous features. We will discuss these advantages so that you have a better idea of what you are exactly paying for if you indeed decide to buy this one.

Firstly, the water heater has a fashion-forward and small appearance and a straightforward self-installation feature. In addition to installation, even its operation is pretty straightforward. Then the water heater comes with a diverse range of venting facilities throughout and can be controlled easily using a remote that comes with it.

The construction of this gas water heater features leak-proof technology that, along with safety, extends its durability. It has been given the special Energy Star certification, which certifies that it is environmentally friendly and conserves energy. Apart from this, this unit is strong and does not produce disturbing noises when it runs. It can provide hot water for more than one purpose at a time and not just showers. You need a small space in your home for its installation since it is compact and can easily cater to a medium-sized home or office.

You should know that a perfect or flawless water heater does not exist. If an appliance has numerous benefits, it comes with its setbacks. However, the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Gas Tankless Water Heater still goes close to being perfect with its various features. Still, if you wish to look into its drawbacks, then here they are listed below:

• It is not one of the most budget-friendly options on the list.
• Not all plumbers can fix the problems that arise with this unit, so it is better that you never face any issues with this water heater.
• It takes some time for the water to heat up.

Overall, the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Gas Tankless Water Heater is high in terms of reliability, compact, and has an elegant appearance that can fit with the décor of your home easily. While its features easily show that it can support a small to medium-sized place. This model can also support small-sized commercial areas. So our advice is that a couple of drawbacks should not put you off if you decide to buy this unit.

6. American Standard TCWH180S-AS-NG Tankless Natural Gas Ultra Low Nox Condensing Water Heater

American Standard is renowned for making quality-based home appliances. This model is the American standard tankless condensing residential water heater with the model number TCWH180S-AS-NG, and it features the most advanced state-of-the-art technology.

It is a unit that has to be installed indoors and offers a generous output of hot water which can go up to 11 gallons each minute. So you never have to wait for a hot shower or hot water for the kitchen and laundry in freezing winters.

This water heater unit has been specially designed to keep in view modern thermal transfer processes and offer added corrosion resistance. Even the initial installation cost is pretty low and not heavy on your pocket. Furthermore, the company has manufactured this unit keeping high energy efficiency in perspective. It is a tankless condensing water heater that increases the EF or the energy factor, decreasing the energy expenditure and costs relative to any other traditional water heater generally installed in homes.

Furthermore, it has no storage tank and provides immediate access to unlimited hot water while its leak-proof technology further reduces any damages or losses. Lastly, the company offers a generous 12-year-long warranty for its heat exchanger if any trouble or fault arises, while the company offers a 5-year warranty for other counterparts. Let’s summarize its features below:

• The water heater uses advanced thermal efficiency features, conserving energy and securing a 96% rating in terms of efficiency.
• This unit is fully certified; it has been given the ANSI z2.1.10.3/CSA 4.3 ranking and has an easy installation for the indoors exclusively.
• The water heater unit is high on durability because its primary and secondary heat exchangers both are made out of durable stainless steel of 304 Grade material.
• Then this water heater is environment friendly with a very low combustion system that can operate in propane and conventional natural gas. You can even shift the power sources from one to another for the gas,
• The unit is further certified with Energy Star and the ETL certification. It uses between 14% to 55% less energy than other competitors that meet the minimum threshold of federal standards.

7. Rinnai RUR199iN Tankless Water Heater

Rinnai RUR199iN Tankless Gas Water Heater is a highly efficient condensing tankless water heater manufactured by the famous Rinnai. It is so small that it appears no heavier than a suitcase harnessing power from natural gas. It has an easy installation and is ideal for operating indoors.

Rinnai is the most famous water heater brand on the market. It is top-notch both in the United States and Canada. The company offers the most high-performance and efficient water heaters available. It is often the first choice for many consumers.

Rinnai RUR199iN Ultra Series is a competitive unit in our list of the best tankless gas water heaters. It is extremely efficient, the best in terms of efficiency, with a great glow rate set at 11 gallons for each minute.

The most prominent feature of the Rinnai RUR199iN unit is that it features an already constructed recirculating pumping hence catering to the most common complaint and drawbacks that people usually have with many of the water heaters in the market, especially the tankless ones. With this pump, you never have to wait an extra minute in your life for hot water to come to your tap. You get instant and immediate access to hot water anytime you need it.

Even though almost every tankless water heater can warm up the water immediately, this heated water needs to be delivered to the tap or faucet. Your washroom is 70 feet away from where the water heater is installed, so when you switch on the tap, you will first have to get rid of all cold water and then allow the hot water to come out of the faucet.

Unlike some other water heaters recirculation pump is built onto the tankless water heater. All you have to do is press the button present on the side, or you can alternately get a motion sensor, install a timing app on your phone and have complete control over the gas water heater’s functionality. The cold water will go back to the tank, and you will be given immediate access to heated water instead. So you will have to waste no more time getting rid of the cold water first to get the hot water in the line after it.

Let us now take a quick look at the advantages of this water heating unit:

• Firstly you will be saving tons of water so no wastage.
• You will be conserving a lot of energy with a generous energy factor or EF of 0.96, which shows that you will be investing 96 cents on hot water for each penny spent on the gas, which the other traditional water heaters do not give. They only conserve 65% of energy.
• You will be saving a lot on your pocket and budget because your utility costs will decrease water expenditure and gas.
• You will be given immediate and unlimited access to hot water.

8. Eccotemp i12-NG Gas Tankless Water Heater

Eccotemp i12-NG is one of the most elegant water heater models made by Eccotemp. This gas tankless water heater has two special models, one which runs on propane and the other on natural gas. It is designed especially to be installed indoors, but the unit has such an elegant appearance that it blends in with the environment inside. The company has placed a lot of thought into making the unit appear modern and fashion-forward.

However, if you still have trouble placing your water heater inside the house because it may look tacky, you can still place and install this model inside a cabinet. In terms of efficiency, the Eccotemp i12-NG I is quite powerful and has a constant flow rate set at 3 gallons for every minute. This model can easily support a small house with a single washroom and can make day to day tasks around the house quite convenient, making it affordable for a small family. But this unit is not ideal for a medium or large-sized house.

With a good amount of gallons per unit, this model has various other features. The technology included to build this unit is outclassed and very easy to use. It features temperature controls and a special LED display that accurately shows all the technicalities on the screen. You can customize the temperature to your liking and set it once and for all. The i12 also harbours a complete ventilation power system ensuring your protection and complete efficiency. Also, this unit has a tested and tried ignition technology that is electronic and operates on batteries, so you do not have to think about igniting it separately.

In the end, the company offers complete trust along with a full warranty for the model. It has a two-year warranty; however, you need a certified expert to activate it. Then you will be able to use this water heater free of any worries. Moreover, you can rely on this gas tankless water heater to cater to your needs for a good decade because of its life span and affordable cost. This model can prove to be an excellent choice for your family.

9. Takagi T-H3-DV-N Condensing High-Efficiency Natural Gas Indoor Tankless Water Heater

The Takagi T-H3-DV-N Tankless Water Heater is our last but not the least choice in our list of top-rated gas tankless water heaters. It is ideal to be installed indoors, both in houses and in business setups. You can even install it in spas or eating outlets.

Takagi has ensured that their model has never received any complaints and generates very low toxic fumes. It has heat exchanger tubes built inside and manufactured out of high-grade copper alloys, and even though it is best to be installed inside the house, you can easily use it for heavy uses. So if you wish to make a domestic recirculation system or space for heating, it is ideal. It comes with a complete certification to be used safely at 10,100 feet. Now the number of units you need to install depends on the temperature of the area’s groundwater.

This water heater unit can run three showers simultaneously in freezing temperatures, but in a slightly better or warmer climate, you can even use four showers at a single time. In addition to indoor heating in residential areas, you can use it on radiant floors, hydronic heating setups, and recirculation setups.

If you do not wish to install more than one unit controller, you can install it to cater to four units at a time through its easy link characteristic. But if you do use the multi-controller system, you will generously be able to install around 20 units at one time.

Following are some of the upsides of this model:

•  When you switch on this heating unit, there will be no heated air released.
• You will observe no toxic fumes when the water heater is on.
• You will never run out of hot water. This unit can supply an unlimited amount of hot water in any size residential area, even if there are multiple showers, taps, or dishwaters at a single time.
• The water heater unit can be installed without any professional help. You can easily do it yourself. The heater is packed with every counterpart you require to assemble it.
• The water heater produces a very low carbon footprint relative to its other competitors, which release a high amount of carbon emissions.
• The water heater is extremely high in durability. Consumers have been using the device for years and never had any complaints.

If we talk about some drawbacks, then there are not many still. If you wish to take a look, then here they are:

• The company does not repair in case of any faults. The company may deliver the replacement parts, but you have to fix them yourself or call a plumber.
• These repairs can be very expensive at times.

Things to Consider While Buying a Tankless Gas Water Heater:

The tankless gas water heater harnesses energy from the natural gas, which is then used to warm up the heat exchanger, the core part of a heater, which eventually heats the required amount of water.

Believe it or not, the entire procedure of you standing beneath the shower and hot water reaching the tap takes probably less than even 10 seconds.

However, even though this heating procedure is fairly simple, there are still certain key features of any best gas tankless water heater that one must keep in perspective before the purchase. These differences are:

Capacity

The water heater capacity is measured in maximum water flow, GPM, or BTU. Any top-rated gas tankless water heater can provide the basic requirements of a house setup. Following are some of the capacity ideas according to the size of your house, which you can choose based on your needs:

1. The average household requires between 6 to 9 GPM water flow capacity.
2. Bigger houses require gas heaters with 10+ and a BTU range of 180,000-199,000.

The small houses need a GPM between 6 and 7 to fulfill the requirement.

Energy Efficiency

This value is measured as EF or the Energy Factor. Remember that an ideal gas water heater does not lose more than 10% of the energy. The value for EF that you should keep in mind is as follows: An average gas heater has between 0.8 to 0.9 value of Energy Factor which means that almost 90% of the energy generated by natural gas is used in heating. Only 10 % to 20 % is lost.

Cost

On average, the cost of any tankless natural gas water heater would be $100 for every 1 GPM. So even if you pay a cost of $1,000 initially on any gas tankless water heater, you are spending this heavy amount for the next two decades! An ideal rule is that for every GPM of water flow, you have to pay an additional $100, and the top gas tankless water heaters can even be more expensive. However, they save you in terms of energy losses and are budget-saving in the long run.

Flow Rate

Flow rate is a major key feature that needs to be considered. The flow rate tells you the quantity of hot water you can access at a given time. Hence, experienced people give a lot of weightage to flow rate when purchasing any gas tankless water heater. If a gas water heater has a high flow rate, you can access more hot water at a time. So while comparing different models, go for the one with the highest water flow rate.

Size

When looking for an ideal tankless water heater, you must look at its size. The size also relates to the weight, so it is wise to look for a compact-sized heater if you wish to move frequently. You also need to look at the available space in your house and then choose the size that would fit conveniently and be easy to install.

Anti Scale Devices

Many manufacturers of tankless water heaters are using the latest technologies to prevent the accumulation of minerals inside. If the minerals and salts accumulate, then the durability of the gas water heater decreases. So any best gas tankless water heater model will have an anti-scale device that prevents the building up of minerals.

Digital Displays

Technological advancements have digitized everything, so why must the water heaters remain behind? Many tankless water heaters have digital displays that allow you to keep a check and balance on temperature and other technical information. This digital display shows the accurate temperature of the water inside and lets you adjust the technicalities according to your needs.

Construction

Durable construction allows the water heater to run for a longer time, so you do not have to worry about its wear and tear or would have to change it any time shortly after the purchase. Always select a water heater with the highest durability and good construction.

Warranty

Warranty is one of the most defining features of any purchase, including your house’s water heaters. Many of these provide a warranty between 3 years to 12 years. It is smart to select the one with the longest period of warranty. Hence you can avail of the repair costs from the manufacturer for an extended period in case any problem or damage occurs.

FAQs on Tankless Gas Water Heaters