Do you run out of hot water in your bathroom all the time? It might be all because you’re using a conventional water heater.

The joy of hot and warm water soothing your skin feels great at first, but ultimately, it runs out, sooner than expected. If you live in a household with other family members, you would know just how troublesome it could be to run out of hot water. Wouldn’t it be great to not have to waste time waiting for the hot water in your home to heat up? Wouldn’t it also be great not to have to worry about running out of hot water in the midst of a nice warm shower?

The best tankless gas water heaters are what you need and exactly what you have been looking for!

Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters 2018

We are going to list the 10 best tankless gas water heaters currently available on the market for you. We have done extensive market research to compile this list and can guarantee that you will not regret referencing this list when you are buying your very own tankless gas water heater.

Wondering which gas tankless water heater is the better option for you? Here are ten tankless gas water heater reviews for you.

1. Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Concentric/Twin Pipe Installation

You will no longer need to wait for your hot water supply with the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series model. Placed at the second position in our list, Rinnai RUC98iN has turned out to be an ideal choice for a powerful and efficient water heater in the market in recent times. The model lives up to the word “ultra” in its name.

This water heater model features a sleek and a relatively smaller design compared to the regular tank-based water heaters. The Rinnai RUC98iN model comes with a star rating which means that it saves energy for you along with serving its actual purpose.

Features:

• Imported model featuring international design
• Specialized venting feature for PVC pipes
• Energy factor of up to .96
• Can be easily installed anywhere and saves space
• Low amount of NOx emissions
• Max BTU of 199,000

Pros:

• Easily installable because of the smaller size.
• Saves energy
• More environment-friendly than other alternatives

Cons:

• Is not suitable for high requirements of water.

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

Another top rated water heater, the Takagi T-H3-DV-N is a marvelous water heater designed for small restaurants and beauty salons. This model complies with Ultra-Low NOx regulations and makes use of industrial grade alloy of copper for the tubing purposes. The Takagi T-H3 is specially designed for heavy usage in both residential and commercial areas. It can work flawlessly even at the altitude of 10,000 ft.

Takagi T-H3- DV-N is one of the most powerful gas water heaters in the market, which is why it features in our list.

Features:

• On-demand and uninterrupted hot water supply
• Compact design helping in space saving
• Doesn’t uses up much energy to run
• Automated safety features
• No worry about pilot lights
• Complies with 2012 SCAQMD Rule 1146.2 for Ultra-Low NOx Emissions

Pros:

• Perfect for heavy usage.
• Works everywhere, from the plains to the mountains.
• Automation makes tasks simpler

Cons:

• The number of showers depends on the temperature of ground water.

3. Rheem RTG-64XLN 6.4 GPM Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater

Rheem RTG-64XLN 6.4 GPM tankless gas water heater is a flawless solution for water heating problems in your home.

Rheem maintains its reputation of offering innovative and new solutions to hot water problems. This model is energy efficient and has a space-saving design. It can, however, only be installed outdoors.

Features:

• .82 EF with all copper heat exchanger
• 26 GPM minimum flow rate, 0.40 GPM minimum activation flow rate
• Overheat film wrap (OFW) to protect the heat exchanger
• Environmentally friendly; Ultra Low NOx burner meets SCAQMD requirements
• High-altitude capability – up to 9,840 ft. elevation above sea level

Pros:

• You can run it anywhere, including locations at high altitudes.
• Saves space and energy

Cons:

• Can only be installed outdoors.

4. Takagi T-KJr2- IN-NG Indoor Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas

Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG is one of the best reviewed tankless gas water heaters in the market right now and sits proudly at the first position in this list. It is a perfect option for houses with few people as it is not as powerful as the Rheem one, but is enough for two showers at a time. T-KJr2-IN-NG is a great value for your money keeping in mind its features. This spectacular machine by Takagi is the most convenient option for households whose requirements for hot water are not very high.

Features:

• Fuel consumption of 140,000 BTU
• Maximum flow rate of 6.6 GPM
• 4-Inch category III stainless steel venting required
• Comes with inlet & outlet thermistors allowing temperature monitoring continuously
• 81-0.83 energy factor

Pros:

• Affordable and cost effective
• Efficient temperature monitoring
• Can meet your daily needs.

Cons:

• Cannot meet high water requirements

5. Rheem RTGH-95DVLN 9.5 GPM Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater

Rheem RTGH is a wonderful tankless water heater which allows you take showers, wash your dishes and do your laundry at the same time. It is a brilliant energy-saver as it is a condenser unit. This water heater is perfect for large requirements of hot water in a house, which is why it is a little more expensive.

Installing Rheem RTGH is fairly easy and it works swiftly. The heater has a reputation of providing a large amount of hot water at a time among its users.

Features:

• Easy to install and maintain due to self-diagnostic system
• Digital display
• Two-pipe direct ventilation especially intended for PVC pipes
• Comes with an electric blower
• Overheat Film Wrap (OFW)
• Can be assorted up to six units
• Capable of functioning up to an altitude of 9,840 ft. Above MSL
• Digital remote control
• Indoor models come with 120-volt power cords
• Protection from freezing up to -30F

Pros:

• Energy saver.
• Great features.
• Can be installed easily.

Cons:

6. Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower

Eccotemp L5 is the strongest tankless water heater in the present market. This portable water heater provides hot water almost anywhere, and it comes with a hose, a garden hose adapter, and an LP regulator along with a shower head. The heater operates on a 2D cell battery along with propane and is highly energy efficient.

It is one of the best and most compatible water heaters with an outdoor shower available. This model by Eccotemp may not be as popular as the FVI-12-LP model, but it is a better one at that.

Features:

• Portable Tankless Water Heater
• 4 GPM flow rate
• Runs on liquid propane fuel
• Utilizes 2D cell battery for ignition
• Very low flow rate of 0.3 LPM
• Requires a water pressure of 20-80 PSI

Pros:

• Outdoor showers make for a fun experience
• Highly powerful, capable to power all your needs
• Energy efficient

Cons:

• Is not very popular in the market yet

7. Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, 7.5 Gallons Per Minute

Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater allows its system to have a temperature setting of up to 160 F. The design and features of Rinnai RL75iN are comparable to that of the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus.

The water heater also has some disadvantages. For example, although it is capable of providing users with a speed of 7.5 gallons/minute, that is also the limit of the heater. However since this high flow rate is enough for a 2-3 bedroom home, or an apartment house, it can be overlooked. Rinnai RL75iN can allow up to three showers running at the same time without experiencing any drop-off in the temperature or pressure of the water.

Features:

• No fabrics
• 10,300 – 180,000 BTU
• Comes with a MC-91-1US Digital Controller and Error Code Indicator
• Thermal efficiency of 82%
• Temperature setting up to 140F in normal conditions
• Temperature setting up to 160°F if the controller is also bought separately with the model

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Powerful enough to run a house.
• Good power range to meet all your needs.

Cons:

• Limited speed.

8. Eccotemp FVI-12- LP High Capacity Propane Tankless Water Heater

The Eccotemp FVI-12-LP is an extremely popular choice and also it is more affordable. Eccotemp lives up to its reputation of delivering a good energy efficient tankless water heater in the market with its FVI-12-LP High Capacity model.

The only problem with this FLV-12-LP model is that it is not an effective option for supplying hot water to multiple fittings and appliances simultaneously. It is still a great option for people living alone though.

Its low price is the most tempting feature of Eccotemp FVI-12-LP High Capacity Propane Tankless Water Heater. The design of the model allows it to consume lesser fuels than other gas water heaters of the same capacity.

Features:

• UL certified
• No requirement of a battery
• Flow rate of 3.6 GSM in normal conditions
• Maximum pressure of 80 GSI
• Power ventilation system

Pros:

• Very affordable.
• Uses a lesser amount of gas than the average heater.
• A great choice if you’re living alone.

Cons:

• Not suitable for supplying water to multiple appliances.

9. Marey Power Gas 10L Tankless Water Heater – Size (LPG)

This water heater model provides with an uninterrupted hot water supply while saving your energy. Marey Power Gas 10L Tankless can be installed very easily and comes with an auto ignition feature. The heater is able to heat up very quickly and uses fuel only when you’ve water flowing through it. Marey Power Gas 10L is available in two different variants – one for LPG and another one for Natural Gas.

Features:

• Digital display of temperature
• Compact design which saves space
• Extremely easy-to-install
• No need for electricity at all as it requires a 2D cell battery
• Consumes fuel only when water is flowing through it

Pros:

• Heats up water fast.
• Easy installation.
• Varieties available- LPG and Natural Gas
• Auto-ignition
• Affordable and cost effective over the longer run

Cons:

• Can have problems with flow.

10. Marey Power Gas 10L Digital Panel Tankless Water Heater- Size (LPG)

Marey Power Gas 10L Digital Panel Tankless Water Heater can supply your homes with endless hot water. The heater is highly efficient as it requires no electricity to run. It is very simple to install the Marey Power Gas 10L Digital Panel Tankless Water Heater, and it also comes with auto ignition.

The design and inside technology of the heater allows it to heat the water quickly. It utilizes gas only when the water is flowing to heat up. Marey Power Gas 10L Water Heater is also available in two variants – Natural Gas & LPG.

Features:

• Digital display of temperature
• Easy to install and space saving compact design
• Uses gas only while water is flowing
• Cost-effective, eco-friendly and saves a lot of water
• Does not need electricity as it operates on a 2D battery.

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Available in two variants.
• Eco-friendly
• Auto-ignition feature

Cons:

• There have been cases reported where owners have received faulty products.

Tankless Gas Water Heater Buyer’s Guide – Which Tankless Water Heater Is the Right One For You?

Tankless water heaters are better than conventional water heaters in many ways – you get to enjoy an unlimited quantity of warm water at all times. They also consume less power and are very easy to maintain.

Tankless water heaters heat the water continuously as it flows in. It only heats the quantity of water as much as you need at a time – unlike the tanked water heaters, which first collects the water before heating it. This doesn’t just mean a judicious use of resources; it also ensures that you get warm water when you need one!

The demand for tankless water heaters is continuously growing, and there are countless options available from various brands to choose from. However, as with every other product on the market, some of them are better than the others. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

Things like family size, the water heater flow rate, fuel source, size and warranty should be considered before you make your final choice. It is important to purchase a tankless heater that is convenient for your specific needs. What is the size of your family? Do you live in an apartment or a large home? These are some questions that you need to ask yourself. Someone who lives in an apartment and doesn’t plan on using two or more sources to run hot water at the same time will not need the same gallons per minute (GPM) as let’s say a family of three or more. An average shower outputs anywhere from 2.5 to 3 GPM, while on the low scale (low flow showerheads) output 1.5 GPM. Keep in mind that the shower typically demands the most hot water when compared to other hot water sources like sinks which has a flowrate of 0.5 to 2.2 GPM.

You would also need to know about the different types of water heaters on the market to know which one will suit you better. Here is a look at a few things that can help you make the right choice.

The Two Types of Tankless Water Heaters

There are two types of tankless water heaters based on the method or source of their heating power.

1. Tankless Gas Water Heaters

The best tankless gas water heaters are the tankless or on-demand water heaters where a gas burner is used to heat the flowing water. Natural gas or propane is used to heat water in these water heaters. The best tankless gas water heaters are mostly used in areas with unreliable electric supply or areas with frequent power outages. They are also frequently used regions with a higher availability of natural gas as it will be cheaper in those regions. It’s important to note that most tankless gas water heaters have to be installed outside.

Pros:

• It is slightly cheaper to operate than Electric water heaters.
• No need to worry about power outages as they operate on Natural gas and propane so they can function anytime you want it to.
• Have higher flow rates than electric water heaters in all climates.
• Water heated by the best tankless gas water heaters remains warm for a longer time

Cons:

• Difficult and expensive to install as they usually require a ventilation system.
• The operating costs rely greatly on the fuel prices.
• Produces excessive greenhouse gases.

2. Tankless Electric Water Heaters

Tankless Electric Water Heaters are the ones which rely on electricity to heat the water. They do not need any special ventilation system unlike the best gas water heaters. Electric water heaters are more commonly used than gas water heaters due to their lower installation charge. They are also preferred in areas with less availability of Natural Gas.

Pros

• Cheaper to install.
• Is not affected by variations in fuel prices.
• Environment-friendly
• No special ventilation required
• No maintenance required

Cons

• Prone to be affected by voltage fluctuations.
• More expensive to operate than the best gas water heaters
• Will not work without power; so may become useless in case of a power outage.

Tankless Gas Water Heater Vs Tankless Electric Water Heater

Although both are tankless or on-demand water heaters working by heating the water as they flow in, there are some differences in their functioning and operation.

The best gas water heaters use Natural gas or propane while Electric water heaters use electricity to heat the water flowing through them.

Tankless Gas water heaters are cheaper to operate than Electric ones, but the latter are cheaper to install and maintain.

While the operating cost of gas water heaters depend heavily on the prices of fuel in the market, the operating cost of electric water heater depends upon the power costs in the region.

It does not matter which one among the two you are using as one thing is for sure – tankless water heaters are easily far better than the conventional water heaters.

And since this guide focuses on the Gas variant of tankless water heaters, we are letting you know about some of the benefits of using them over the electric heaters.

Benefits of using Tankless Gas Water Heaters

• Tankless gas water heaters can be installed anywhere in your house as they do not have to be near any socket for drawing power to heat water.
• As prices of natural gas and sometimes even propane are lower than electricity in certain areas, they are cheaper to operate and perfect for budget homes.
• You get an unlimited supply of hot water on-demand as it does not heat water after storing it in tanks and doesn’t operate on electricity – so no need to worry about power outages.
• Tankless gas water heaters maintain a regular flow rate of water regardless of any climate.
• They come in a wider range of sizes than other tankless water heaters.

Bottom Line

No need to bathe in cold water every day – these tankless gas water heater reviews are sure to help. Our top recommendation for large households is the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater. For small families or apartments we recommend the Eccotemp FVI-12- LP High Capacity Propane Tankless Water Heater. Lastly, for budget friendly options the Eccotemp FVI-12- LP High Capacity Propane Tankless Water Heater or Marey Power Gas 10L Tankless Water Heater may be just what you are looking for.

Now that you know all about tankless water heaters, which one of the above are you going to buy?

I have never been a fan of cold showers. Not only do they cause me to shiver, but they also discourage me from partaking in that “activity” more than once a day. This hatred of mine towards cold showers forced me to search for the best tankless water heater.

Best Tankless Water Heater 2018

You might ask. Why go for a tankless water heater? There are two reasons you may want to go for this type of heater. Firstly, tankless water heaters heat water only when you turn on the faucet so they require less energy in comparison to the extra energy and cost needed to keep water hot in a storage tank. As a result, they are more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts. Secondly, if you live in a small apartment, home or you are limited on space then a tankless water heater is the best water heater option to choose because they are more compact and you can literally mount it on a wall.

So, what things should you consider when trying to find the best tankless water heater?

Some things to examine are the type of energy required (gas or electric), flow rate (maximum and activation), energy requirements and size of each unit.

With that in mind, take a look at the following tankless water heater reviews below.

1) Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus Electric Tankless Whole House Water Heater, 240 V, 24 kW

Furnished with a myriad of excellent technologies including an advanced flow control, a digital display, and a temperature control, this tankless water heater has everything in it to serve as an efficient heating solution for any household.

If you have a crush on heaters that operate quietly, you will love this one. There are three features which allow this heater to operate in silence and be durable at the same time: absence of mechanical switches, a reliable cover to mitigate the noise coming out of the heater and high grade electronic parts which don’t make any noise when operating.

In addition to the Stiebel Eltron Tempra being quite, it can also help save on your energy bill, saving anywhere from fifteen percent to twenty percent kilowatt per hour compared to a conventional tank water heater.

You’ll notice a digital display on the external part of the heater (in the front), which you can also use as a control panel to simply set the dial to adjust your desired temperature.

Moving on, you can also make sure that the heater doesn’t deviate much from its pre-determined set-point by calibrating the temperature sensor in advance.

Also, if for some reason you want to change the temperature suddenly, the heater won’t show any signs of distress. Rather, thanks to its micro-processing technology – which forms the spine of the temperature sensor, it will go from one temperature extreme to another with ease.

Finally, the manufacturer of this heater has taken heed to the complaints which most consumers have regarding tankless water heaters. The most common complaint amongst water heater users is that the water temperature decreases as soon as they increase the water flow.

You are not going to encounter any such problem with the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus. Thanks to the technology with which the heater is furnished with, the temperature of the water will remain stable regardless of the water demand.

Pros

• Constant hot water
• Reduces electric bill, Saves between 15% to 20 % kWH on energy
• Because of the no venting required the unit can be easier and cheaper to install
• A digital display to let you set the desired temperature
• Minimum deviation from set point thanks to the temperature sensor
• Operates quietly due to lack of mechanical switches
• Responds to sudden temperature changes with minimum or no hassle

Cons

• Huge water demand can result in temperature fluctuations
• Present hard water or other water conditions that vary from the norm may be an issue

2) Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Concentric/Twin Pipe Installation

If you are looking for a natural gas tankless water heater which – thanks to its innovative design, saves your money, space and time, and is easy to install the innovative design Rinnai RUC98iN merits your attention.

This heater is easy to install because of its twin-pipe and concentric PVC venting options. In fact, Rinnai is the only manufacturer which has provided two venting options on a single unit for your convenience.

With no adapter required, the whole installation process would be a cinch. It also ensures quick hot water thanks to the internal bypass line and integrated re-circulation pump. An integrated condensing technology is furnished to provide an endless supply of hot water and energy savings.

Also, while most gas tankless water heaters aren’t good for the environment, this one – thanks to its ultra-low NOx emissions of 199,000 max BTU, will make sure that your carbon footprint remains on the lower side.

There is, however, a downside to this heater. Although it is compact which means that you can install it wherever you like, Rinnai recommends that both the PVC and concentric piping systems must vent outside. For, the use of room air for combustion is strictly prohibited.

Pros

• Multiple venting options for the first time in tankless water heaters
• Its environment-friendly technology produces lower CO2 emissions
• Saves space thanks to its compactness
• Saves time by supplying an endless supply of water to multiple fixtures at the same time.

Cons

• Cannot be installed on the inside.

3) Takagi T-H3-DV-N Condensing High-Efficiency Natural Gas Indoor Tankless Water Heater, 10-Gallon Per Minute

If you are looking for a heater that provides as much flow rate in a big multistoried house as in a studio apartment, offers an excellent warranty to shed off all of your fears, and operates at breathtaking power, then the Takagi T-H3-DV-N is a heater I would recommend to you.

One major benefit of this heater is its high flow rate. It offers an astounding flow rate of 10GPM. This flow rate exceeds the flow rate of even the best electric tankless water heater (2-4)GPM as well as the best tankless gas water heater (8gpm). Hence, if you want hot water and want it whenever and wherever you want, the Takagi T-H3-DV-N will supply just that.

It works on a condensing system which saves you from the nuisance of venting. Instead of venting gasses like normal gas heaters, steam condensation occurs inside the heater.

But before you go on and order this heater, here’s one thing you need to understand. The 10GPM Flow rates come at a price – that of 199,000 BTUs an hour. Thus, before you install it, make sure your house has ground lines which can supply such power every hour.

Although it demands considerable power, the heater will deliver by providing water temperatures as high as 185*F. Hence, while its power intake is considerable, it justifies its demand by giving you searing hot water.

Pros

• Huge Flow rate of 8GPM
• Heats water as high as 185*F
• No need for vents
• More energy efficient and much cleaner than ordinary natural gas units

Cons

• Power intake is very high

4) EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 27 KW at 240 Volts, 112.5 Amps with Patented Self Modulating Technology by EcoSmart

This heater uses a self-modulating technology that regulates how much energy is needed based on your hot water requirements, only using the amount of energy needed. This makes this model a dream for people who live in places where incoming water temperatures can reach below 45 degrees. Whether it’s too cold out there and you don’t know what water temperature and flow will be appropriate, this heater will decide from your prior usage how much hot water is required for any particular season.

The EcoSmart ECO 27 is capable of heating between 3 to 6 gallons per minute depending on the temperature and is one of the higher range models from EcoSmart as far as heating capacity and size.

The components of this heater are made up of copper and stainless steel. Both these components are known for their durability, efficiency, and rust free characteristics which enable these components to last longer.

Looking at the size of the family where these models would function best, they are most suited for homes that have large water needs and have large Jacuzzi or Roman-style tubs. That is, if you live in an area that is anything but warm, has a home which has more than three bedrooms, and a family which uses hot water extensively, this heater might satiate your appetite. This heater can handle between two and four showers and a sink running at the same time, while never running out of hot water.

The ease of installation is another benefit which separates this unit from the rest. As long as you are following the instructions mentioned in the Instruction manual, installing this heater should be a hassle-free job for you.

If the features and benefits above aren’t enough, then press forward, you can save up to fifty percent in water heating costs using the EcoSmart ECO 27.

Finally, EcoSmart provides coverage of this heater under a Limited Lifetime Warranty on exchangers, electronics and elements.

Pros

• Never run out of hot water
• Very easy to install
• Rust free components made of copper and stainless steel
• Digital temperature control allows you full control
• Automates itself to meet your energy needs
• High energy efficiency, Save up to 50% in water heater costs
• Very compact
• Lifetime Warranty

Cons

• You will have to perform regular maintenance to ensure performance and efficiency.

5) Stiebel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus Electric Tankless Whole House Water Heater, 240 V, 28.8 kW

For homeowners who are looking for the most affordable option, electric tankless water heaters like Tempra 29 are a great way to retrofit their whole system. Just like gas tankless water heaters, the electric ones will save you lots of money and provide water without a tank.

While the external design will enable this model to occupy less space, the internal engineering allows it to use only the power that is required without wasting energy.

The Advance Flow Control technology provides a constant temperature output regardless of how great the hot water demand may be. In times of high demand, the heater adjusts its water temperature by slightly lowering the water pressure. Hence, if you have two or more sources requiring hot water at the same time, this heater will prevent temperature fluctuations.

You can gauge the efficiency of this heater by looking at the faith in which Stiebel Eltron has placed on their product. For, in stark contrast to other heaters, this one doesn’t even have a maximum flow rate mentioned! The Advance Flow Control automatically decreases the flow rate slightly during periods of high demand to keep the hot water temperature constant. This makes the Tempra 29 Plus ideal for living conditions in which the usage is high and where consumers don’t want to worry about water rationing.

Having said that, the price of this unit is a bit on the higher side for tankless electric heaters. In fact, its price is much closer to a similar power gas tankless unit despite the fact that it delivers much more power.

Pros

• Continual hot water
• Lowers electric bill and saves upto 20% kWH on energy
• No venting required makes this heater easier to install
• Can set your desired temperature using the digital temperature display
• Provides hot water supply to two or more sources with ease
• Minimum temperature fluctuations over more sources
• Provides an ideal flow rate for high-usage applications

Cons

• Price is a bit on the higher side.

6) EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 18 KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology

Like the EcoSmart ECO 27, the ECO 18 also uses self-modulating technology which regulates the amount of energy required to heat the water needed. In a nutshell, this places less of a burden on the heater, lowers energy costs because the heater only uses the amount of energy that is needed and allows the heater to adjust or modulate itself according to your requirements.

As a result, you don’t need to manually adjust the water temperature whether up or down, as the heater will take care of it.

Another notable user-friendly benefit is the ability to digitally control the temperature, which gives users total control of the hot water.

The EcoSmart ECO 18 is capable of heating between 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per minute depending on the temperature and is the mid-range model from EcoSmart as far as heating capacity and size.

You can run two showers concurrently as long as the temperature of the incoming water is over 70*F.

Unlike the traditional water heaters, this one won’t cost you a ton of money in the long term. It will bring down your energy bills by up to sixty percent due to its engineering design and high-tech features.

Hence, if you want a water heater that saves money instead of emptying your pockets, the Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater deserves your attention.

Like all Ecosmart heaters this one is known for its compactness and ease of installation. While its compactness won’t allow it to cover an area of greater than 12m³, it is so easy to install that all you have to do is to follow the instruction manual to make the whole installation process a cinch.

Put simply, if you want a tankless heater that saves energy, is compact and easy to install the ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater merits your attention.

Pros

• Automates itself to meet energy needs
• Digital temperature control allows you full control
• High energy efficiency, Save up to 60% in water heating costs
• Compact model
• Lifetime Warranty

Cons

• Running cost is more than a similar sized gas heater.

7) Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG Indoor Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas

If you live in a household of five or fewer people and want a heater which can supply water to two showers in warmer and one shower in colder climates, Takagi is a heater which merits your attention.

Though it is not as powerful as the abovementioned trio, Takagi has the ability to provide water to two showers in cold climate at provided one of them is rated as low flow. Judging from its performance, we think that this heater will be ideal for small to medium households who don’t want to pay over the odds for a tankless unit.

Apart from the complaints which we gathered from reviews regarding the temperature instability, Takagi has not much to hide. In fact, if you are using it as per the instruction manual, the 6.6GPM tankless unit will make you fall in love with it.

It is a heater which falls in the category of user friendly ones. Apart from the digital remote which empowers you with a precise control of the heater, previous users also paid their regards to the quick and easy installation process of this heater. All you have to do to install is it to just connect the gas and water lines before plugging it.

Judging from the abovementioned features and from the customer reviews, we have deduced that this unit is best for those households which have a smaller budget for a tankless unit, live in colder climates, and do not have more than three bathrooms in their house.

Pros

• Performs equally well in colder and warmer climates
• Can provide service to three showers if all of them operate on low flow rate
• User friendly
• Easy to Install

Cons

• Might show some disturbances when supplying water to more than one showers in colder climates.

8) Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP Indoor Tankless Water Heater, Propane

You may recall that this is the second Takagi water heater that we are reviewing in this article. There isn’t much of a difference between the two apart from the fact that while the first heater operates on natural gas, this one operates on propane.

Inevitably, then, you will have to compare the costs of this Takagi water heater with its natural gas counterpart. As you might deduce from this comparison, the price of natural gas is at least one-third less than propane. Hence, when it comes to operating costs, the Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP is more expensive.

If you have a household of five or fewer people and you have a preference of using propane for fuel then a Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP will be perfect for you.

Although this water heater is not as powerful as most tankless water heaters out there, it should be able to supply enough water for two showers at one time.

The first feature that places this heater above other gas heaters is its higher hot water capacity. For example, while its price is the same as that of other gas heaters, it provides three extra gallons per minute, at 6.6GPM.

That said, it will ONLY provide water for two showers at one time if at least one of them is operating at low-flow. If both the showers are operating at high capacity, the water temperature may fluctuate when it’s cold out there. However, in warmer climates, the heater may supply water to as much as three showers simultaneously provided all of them are rated low-flow.

Pros

• High flow rate of 6.6GPM
• Quiet Operation
• Discreet, Small and efficient
• Needs low maintenance
• Comes at an affordable price

Cons

• Not purposed to be a whole house unit.

9) Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, 7.5 Gallons Per Minute

Versatility is one aspect that most customers demand from their heaters. If you think that your heater must be versatile, the Rinnai R75iN – thanks to its power demand, will do just that.

For, you might have noticed that other gas heaters have a constant demand. This one, however, is a game changer for its gas demand ranges from 10,300BTU for domestic uses to 180,000BTU for commercial ones. Hence, whether you want a heater which works best for your home, shop or office, this one will suffice.

A complaint which most consumers have regarding their gas indicators is that they cannot troubleshoot them with ease. Even when the heater is malfunctioning, there is no way an ordinary user can tell which part has gone rogue. However, thanks to its digital controller, this heater has an error code indicator which will identify the parts which are not functioning well.

Another notable feature is the thermal efficiency. While natural gas is not much expensive, this heater will decrease your energy bills even fewer thanks to its 82% thermal efficiency.

Different temperature settings are also available with the residential temperature settings ranging from 98*F-140*F and the commercial temperature settings lying between 98*F- 160*F.

Pros

• Serves 3 bathrooms simultaneously
• High flow rate makes it perfect for large homes
• Convertible to Propane
• Equally proficient for house, shop and office purposes

Cons

• Installation isn’t easy

10) Rheem RTG-64XLN 6.4 GPM Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater

A heater which caters as much to your needs as it does to the environment, the Rheem RTG unit has a love-affair with environmentalists thanks to its low NOx emissions.

It offers 6.4Gallons per minute meaning that it provides enough water to handle two showers and a sink simultaneously, as long as one of the showers is low-flow rated. As for the power, it can demand up to 150,000 BTUs, giving you an efficiency of 0.82 in return. Both these figures perch this heater on par with other gas natural gas heaters in the market.

Also, you might have noticed that this heater says that it’s low NOx. What does it mean? More importantly, how does this help you? Answering the first question, NOx is one of the most dangerous pollutants in the atmosphere, hence, the fact that the heater emits low NOx, proves that whoever decides to purchase this heater cares for the environment.

The low NOx feature is also beneficial to you because instead of going for the expensive and fancy stainless steel vents, you can suffice by going for a cheaper PVC variety because the number of dangerous fumes would be less so you can get by with cheap venting.

As for the temperature rise, this heater gives you both the options of setting it manually or via a remote controller according to your convenience.

Pros

• Low NOx decreases harmful emissions
• Can serve multiple bathrooms and kitchens at once
• Extras (temperature wire and remote controller) included
• You can get by with simple venting

Cons

• Flow rate can vary subject to your altitude, location and weather conditions.

Tankless Water Heater Buyer’s Guide

Although you might have already made your choice of the best tankless water heater from the tankless water heater reviews above, below you can find additional information and queries answered in the buyer’s guide. Not only will this guide enable you to understand the technology involved in the tankless heaters but you’ll also learn the types of tankless water heaters, benefits of tankless water heaters, how they work and also draw a comparison between tankless and storage tank water heaters.

Are they Instantaneous Water Heaters?

There are many myths associated with tankless water heaters. None of them is as widespread as the claim – which is faulty, that tankless units are instantaneous.

Tankless water heaters are NOT substitutes of Instantaneous water heaters. They take less time than conventional heaters to deliver hot water, but, unlike instantaneous units, the amount of time depends on the distance between the heater and the location where you want the water to go.

For example, if the heater is on the outside window of your bathroom, the water flow will be quick but in other cases where the distance between the heater and its destination is further, the water will take longer than an instantaneous heater of same size.

How do they work?

Most tankless water heaters follow a seven-step mechanism to transfer hot water to your tap. Take a look.

• You demand hot water by turning on a hot water tap
• Heater takes in the water
• A flow sensor which is installed inside the heater senses the water flow.
• A burner lits up to raise the water temperature
• Water moves through the heat exchanger
• Heat exchanger raises water temperature to the desired level
• Water reaches your tap

Types of Tankless Water Heaters

There are two major types of tankless water heaters: Gas and Electric. Both of them have their pros and cons.

To make a decision between the two you should consider the availability and cost of the fuel source in your area. If you live in a region in which the cost of natural gas is lower than or about the same as electricity then you may want to choose a gas tankless water heater. If the region that you live in has low energy bills and natural gas isn’t as readily available then you may opt for an electric tankless water heater. Whichever heater you decide to go for, you need to keep the following factors in consideration.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters are expensive

That doesn’t mean that the best electric tankless water heaters are available at a ridiculously low price because generally tankless water heaters are an expensive investment. However, while you might get an electric heater for about $500-$700, the gas heaters of a reputable brand cost in the range of $1000-$1200. The reason is obvious for this inflation of the price of gas heaters. Gas costs less than electricity and that is why people favor the gas heaters more.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters are Easy to Install

In comparison with the gas heaters, electric water heaters are easy to install. All you have to ensure is a stable electricity supply and ample space which is in stark contrast to gas heaters which require you to provide a fresh air supply, adequate venting options, and a fitting gas line size.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters have a low operating Cost

As you might guess from seeing the global gas prices, gas heaters are much cheaper than their electric counterparts. They might not be environmental friendly – gas heaters release greenhouse gasses, but they cost less in the long term.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters require low maintenance

All you have to do to make sure that the electric water heater remains in workable condition is to prevent debris from accumulating at the inlet screen filter. Gas water heaters, on the contrary, require periodic maintenance to ensure that the fuel combustion and operation is safe.

Venting is required for Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Gas water heaters cannot be installed anywhere because they require space where they can vent their gasses into the atmosphere. Electric water heaters, on the contrary, can be installed anywhere because they do not require any venting.

Bottom Line

If you are like President Trump and care less about the environment and more about your pocket, you can go for gas heaters because while they release copious amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, their operating cost is next to nothing. Otherwise, electric water heaters might merit your attention.

Differences between Tank and Tankless Water Heaters

Also known as storage heaters, tank water heaters are the predecessors of tankless water heaters. Despite the fact that tankless water heaters are showing a better growth potential over the coming years, people still use the traditional water heaters.

Whether you are shifting from tank to tankless or just want to prove to yourself of which one is best for your home, below you’ll find distinct differences between the two.

Size:

There are two features which make the tank units big and bulky: their big storage tanks for water usage and the tolerance provided for excessive piping. Since tankless water heaters do not have a huge storage tank nor do they have excessive piping, they are much more compact.

Energy requirements

According to a Consumer Reports Article, gas-fired tankless water heaters are 22% more energy efficient than their tank counterparts. This energy efficiency is obviously down to the principle on which they operate.

Cost

There are two types of cost concerned with every product: capital and running cost. Tank water heaters have a low capital but high running cost because they require more maintenance over time. Tankless water heaters are exactly the opposite as despite costing more up front, they require little to no maintenance over time.

Water Supply

Water supply is another area where tank heaters lag behind the tankless ones. They will supply only that much water as they have the storage capacity after which you’d have to refill them. In contrast, tankless water heaters provide unlimited hot water supply.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tank Water Heaters?

Pros

The first major advantage of a traditional water heater lies in their upfront cost. For, they cost 50% less than their traditional counterparts.

Secondly, their installation is less complex which means that your plumber could install them with minimum fuss. Also, since they are in the market for far longer than tankless water heaters, their inventory is also readily available.

Cons

Although their initial cost is less, traditional water heaters cost more when running. That is because they store bulks of water which require more intakes of energy to be heated up to the required temperature.

Also, since they have to store water, tank water heaters cannot afford to be compact. Their tank size is directly proportional to the amount of water they are to store. Hence, if you are looking for a heater which will occupy less space, remove tank water heaters from your thoughts.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters?

Pros

An estimate by Energy.gov suggests that if you use 41gallons of hot water daily via a tankless water heater, you’ll end up saving 24-34 percent of energy in the long run.

Since they don’t need that huge space to contain large quantities of water, they are more compact and occupy less space than their traditional counterparts. They are also better for the environment because by allowing less residence time to water, they rust less. Consequently, there is a less chance of a tankless heater ending up in a landfill.

Lastly, unlike traditional water heaters which supply hot water whether or not you need it, tankless water heaters only supply hot water when you ask for it.

Cons

Many people don’t go for tankless water heaters because they have a higher capital cost. For, depending on the model and where you are getting it from, a tankless water heater will cost somewhere between $2500 and $3500.

Also, since they will heat water on demand, the supply of hot water is less than that provided by a traditional water heater.

How to Select the Right Size Tankless Heater?

Step 1: Determine the number of devices which will run on the heater’s water. Afterward, calculate their combined flow rate. It is the flowrate which you’d require from your tankless heater

Step 2: Determine the temperature which the heater will have to rise. For this, use the following formula:

Temperature rise = Temp. of water entering heater – Temp. of water leaving it

In most cases, the incoming water temperature will be at 50*F whereas the outgoing water flowrate is 105-115*C. Hence, you will require a temperature rise of 55*F from your heater.

Step 3: Size your heater. Imagine you have a shower which uses 2.6GPM of water. Assuming that the incoming water temperature is 40*F, and your usage is two showers at a time, you’ll need a heater which will raise 60* rise at a rate of 50GPM.

Tankless Heater Size

As stated above, you don’t have to worry about capacity when selecting the best tankless water heater. All you have to watch out for is the flow. A tankless heater won’t simply run out of the water provided you are not demanding more water from it than its mentioned flow rate.

BTU (British Thermal Unit) determines the flow rate, input and efficiency of the heater. Know it and you’ll know how energy saving or energy intensive your unit is.

One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1lb of water by 1*F. Consequently, the higher the BTU rating, the better will be the flow rate of the heater.

Similar to the warranty, the flowrates also vary. For, while point-of-use models provide a flow rate of 1.2GPM, there are other heaters which provide a flowrate as high as 10GPM.

Assuming that you are concerned about energy savings, you need to pay particular attention to the efficiency ratings of your unit. Efficiency ratings dictate how much of the energy put into the appliance as fuel gets converted to heat. Both the best electric and best gas tankless heaters provide an efficiency rating of 87 percent.

Tankless Water Heater Flow

Tankless water heaters DO NOT lag much behind their conventional counterparts when it comes to flow rate. While the flow rates might differ depending on their brand, a typical tankless water heater provides a flowrate of 3.5Gallons Per Minute.

That doesn’t mean that you can put the entire house on a tankless unit and expect it to match your requirement. If your supply is more than two showers at one time, invest your money in a heater that puts a lot of heat into the water.

Similarly, you won’t have to increase the flowrate above the manufacturer’s recommendations. For, if you increase the water flowrate, less time will be available to the heater to raise its temperature and the water at best will be lukewarm.

Tankless Water Heater Warranty

Unlike other factors, the length of the warranty depends on which water heater brand that you choose. For example, there are some water heaters that provide a fifteen-year warranty. There are other brands that provide a lifetime warranty as long as the original purchaser owns the heater. There are still others which offer a warranty of one year. Hence, how much warranty will you get on one particular product depends on the manufacturer of the water heater.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

So far I’ve only touched on the benefits of tankless water heaters. Below, I am going to give you four reasons why a tankless water heater is best for you. Take a look.

They Consume Less Energy

There is a reason why tankless heaters are also called “on-demand heaters”. Simply put, they do not store bulks of water before heating them for various purposes. Rather, when you demand hot water, they undergo a three step process:

• Inlet valve is opened to allow water inside the heater
• Via Gas/electricity, the water is heated-up
• Hot water sent to your tap(s)

As you might guess, these three steps take a minimum of time and energy. Some studies even show gas-tankless heaters save 25-45% of energy in comparison with gas storage tank heaters. Hence, if you want a heater which weighs less on your pocket, tankless heaters are a go-to area for you.

Continuous Supply of water

Many pool owners I know use the tankless water heaters for filling their pools. They tell me that since the heater takes minimum time for processing water, it ensures uninterrupted water supply twenty-four hours a day. This feature is not available in a conventional heater which forces you to wait before it can heat the water and process it.

Consume Less Space

Want a heater which can be wall mounted? Congrats! The tankless water heaters offer you this freedom. Besides, if you want a heater which is compact and allows you to place household items close by, these heaters will also do that.

Supply Clean Water

While waiting time is also a nuisance, there is one other reason why people are bidding their farewells to conventional heaters: they are hubs of scaling and rusting. Rust forms when metal gets into contact with oxygen and the rate of rusting increases with the settling time of water. In simple words, greater the settling time, greater the rate of rusting.

In contrast, there is no rust or scaling inside tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters allow very little time for the water to settle down. As a result, the possibility of scaling is dim.

Final Words

Though traditional tank water heaters were the only option for heating the water in your home years ago, today there are better energy efficient and economical water heaters on the market. Tankless water heaters are the best choice for long-term energy savings, less consumption of space, safety and constant hot water.

In this article, we have discussed the best tankless water heaters available right now.

Our top recommendation is the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus Electric Whole House Water Heater for its quiet operation yet constant supply of hot water, ability to handle high hot water demands and ease of installation. Not only is the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus the best choice overall but it’s also the best tankless electric water heater. The Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is our choice for the best tankless gas water heater and thrives in homes where hot water is high demand. For those who are on a budget and could benefit from spending less, the EcoSmart 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater is the most affordable option for a good large family tankless water heater and the EcoSmart 18 for single or small home use.

With the help of this guide, our tankless water heater reviews and recommendations, you are now in a position to go out there and select the water heater that is best for your home. Good Luck!