I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Tankless Hot Water Heater Gas (2023)

I have been using the Rinnai V65IN tankless water heater for the past 4 years and I have to say, it has been a great investment. I have it installed in my 1400 sq ft. home with a single shower and it has been able to handle the hot water needs of my family of 7.

One of the things I love about this water heater is its capacity. With the shower and washing machine running simultaneously, the heater is able to provide hot water at 125 degrees F. However, if you were to run 2 baths and a washing machine at the same time, the unit might struggle to keep up or you would have to increase the temperature of the water.

Installation of this unit can be a bit challenging if you choose to do it yourself. It is important to properly size your gas pipe and plan your exhaust exit. If you choose to exhaust the unit through a wall, make sure it is far enough away from soffit vents, windows, and doors. Dealing with condensate also requires some planning.

Maintenance is another important aspect to consider. It is recommended to circulate 4 gallons of distilled white vinegar through the unit every year to clean the screen filter. It is also a good idea to check the flame inside the unit to ensure it is burning evenly.

In terms of performance, I have never run out of hot water since installing this tankless water heater. While I haven't noticed significant savings in gas usage, the convenience of having a constant supply of hot water outweighs any potential cost savings. It has also freed up valuable floor space in my utility room.

After 4 years of use, I have only encountered one issue with the unit. I experienced an intermittent Error Code 11, which was due to debris blocking the gas tubes. I was able to fix it easily by vacuuming the burner and replacing a loose igniter with a kit I purchased. Overall, I am still extremely happy with my purchase and would buy this unit again.

After owning this heater for 2 years, I can confidently say that it is an amazing product. Aside from one minor breakdown due to a faulty part, which was quickly resolved by the manufacturer under warranty, this heater has exceeded my expectations. It consistently maintains the perfect hot water temperature for as long as you need it, even when running multiple appliances such as a bath, shower, and dishwasher simultaneously. The hot water pressure remains strong without any noticeable drops.

In terms of performance, this heater is fast to heat up, providing hot water within a minute on floors above it. The flow of hot water is endless, allowing for multiple showers to be used simultaneously. While I haven't tested its limits, I have successfully used multiple faucets at the same time without any issues. Additionally, it operates quietly and reliably, fulfilling its intended purpose flawlessly.

However, I did encounter some challenges during the ordering and installation process. I purchased the water heater from Amazon, opting for their connected Amazon Installation Service. The heater arrived promptly and in good condition. However, when the Amazon-approved contractor arrived for installation, they realized it was a tankless heater and refused to install it, citing warranty concerns. This left me without hot water and with three young children to care for.

Fortunately, I was able to find a local installer who inspected the existing electric tank heater and discovered a simple fix. He promptly resolved the issue, allowing us to have hot water again. I reached out to Amazon for assistance in finding another installer, but they struggled to find a plumber willing to install a tankless heater not purchased from them. Despite the initial difficulties, Amazon refunded the installation fee and provided a $30 credit as compensation for the inconvenience.

Ultimately, I highly recommend this heater for its exceptional performance and reliability. It has consistently met my hot water needs without any significant issues. However, I must express dissatisfaction with the Amazon Installation Service due to the challenges faced during the installation process. Therefore, I rate the heater itself with 5 stars but the Amazon Installation Service with only 1 star.

The installation of the external propane unit was relatively easy, although the instructions provided were not very clear. It required some research and problem-solving to figure out certain aspects of the installation process.

One issue encountered was with the electrical connection port, where there was no clear way to secure the flex conduit in place. Additionally, the wires inside were smaller than expected, considering the wire used for the heater was larger. This raised concerns about the fuse being overrated at 20 A, as the wires inside the water heater seemed to be capable of carrying only 5 A.

Despite these challenges, once everything was properly hooked up and wired, the unit performed well. It provided hot water efficiently and effectively.

The reviewer mentioned installing the unit to supply hot water to a remote bathroom with a sink and tub shower. They were satisfied with its performance and were even considering purchasing additional units for their main house and guest house to reduce their electrical consumption and dependency on the utility company.

I am not a professional plumber, but I found it relatively easy to connect the hot water line, cold water line, and gas line to this heater after hanging it on the wall. The installation process took me about an hour, which was convenient. One of the features I appreciate about this heater is that it only heats water when I need it, saving energy compared to keeping a tank of water hot at all times. However, it remains to be seen how efficient it truly is in the long run.

I installed this unit after experiencing the snowstorm in Austin, Texas back in February. Unfortunately, my old Rinnai heater's heat exchanger burst due to the lack of power for frost protection. I would recommend draining the water next time the power goes out to prevent such issues. Despite this setback, the new unit is functioning well with its gas heat and electrical igniter.

The installation of this Rinnai V53DeN was relatively straightforward, except for the fact that the previous water heater's piping was not aligned properly with the new heater. If the previous heater had been standardized, the installation would have been even easier. So far, the heater has been working efficiently, and considering its price, it offers excellent value for money. In fact, a friend of mine was impressed by my recommendation and purchased a larger model, which he is also pleased with.

I never thought I would be able to afford a tankless water heater, but when my old water heater, which had been serving me for over 30 years, finally gave out, I was fortunate enough to find this great brand at an affordable price. A professional plumber installed it in just a couple of hours, and I must say, it is perfect. I am absolutely loving my new tankless water heater.

I purchased this unit to replace the one that froze during the Texas freeze. My plumber and his team installed it when it was my turn on their list. So far, the new heater is working well, and I plan to order the remote control device soon for added convenience.

The installation of this water heater is straightforward and it performs as advertised. However, there is a minor issue with the packaging as the unit arrived dented due to shipping. Despite this, the water heater functions properly.

I am currently living in a fifth wheel RV and decided to install this water heater behind my refrigerator with the smokestack vented through the roof. I am extremely impressed with its performance, as I was able to enjoy a continuous 30-minute hot shower. The heating mechanism activates when sufficient water pressure is detected, but there is a slight drawback. If the water becomes too hot and you try to adjust the temperature by turning on the cold water, the pressure may not be enough, causing the hot water heater to turn off and leaving you with freezing water. To avoid this, it is recommended to adjust the temperature on the water heater itself until the hot water from the tap is comfortable. Once set, you can turn on the hot water at full blast and it will remain at your desired temperature.

Initially, I purchased this water heater as a replacement and was pleased with its performance. However, a few weeks ago, it suddenly stopped working. I tried troubleshooting by replacing the gas regulator, batteries, and gas tank, but it still failed to ignite. I reached out to the supplier for assistance and followed their suggestions. After some tinkering, the heater started working properly again for several days. Unfortunately, it eventually stopped working altogether, only igniting sporadically. This is disappointing as it was incredibly efficient when it was functioning correctly. Now, it seems to be nothing more than a decorative piece on my wall. If anyone has any suggestions for troubleshooting, I would greatly appreciate it.

I decided to use this unit as a replacement for an oil-burning furnace for hot water. The installation was simple, connecting the supplied water in and out, along with a small propane tank. This water heater produces more than enough hot water whenever it is needed. Even on the lowest setting, it took approximately two months to deplete a 20 lb grill tank of propane. In comparison, I used to spend over $50 on heating oil per week for less water than what this unit provides. Additionally, it can be run off-grid as it only requires two double AA batteries and a propane tank.

I have recently installed the Rinnai tankless water heater, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. This is the second tankless water heater I have installed, with the previous one being in a different home 5 years ago. However, the Rinnai unit is far superior in terms of performance and efficiency.

One of the standout features of this tankless water heater is its quiet operation. Compared to my previous unit, the Rinnai is virtually silent, making it perfect for installation in areas like my pantry. Despite being located 5 feet away from my main bathroom and 15 feet from the kitchen sink, I have hot water in just 15 seconds, which is incredibly convenient.

The efficiency of this tankless water heater is also impressive. It only heats water when it is being used, resulting in significant energy savings. Additionally, the water is heated to a higher temperature, eliminating the need to dilute hot water with cold water to make it last longer. With the Rinnai unit, I never run out of hot water, which is a huge advantage. However, one downside to this tankless system is that it does not store and maintain hot water like a traditional tank heater. To address this, I recommend keeping bottled water on hand for emergencies and ensuring it is regularly rotated to maintain freshness.

While the initial cost of the Rinnai tankless water heater is higher than a tank-type heater, the long-term gas savings make up for this expense within a couple of years. In fact, my 5-year-old unit in my previous home had already paid for itself twice in energy savings. I predict that tankless water heaters like the Rinnai will become a standard feature in all new or renovated homes in the near future.

As for performance, I have had the Rinnai tankless water heater for 5 months now, and it has been flawless. Even when running two showers simultaneously, there are no surges of hot or cold water. The unit never runs out of hot water, thanks to its on-demand heating system. I have not tested it with two showers and additional appliances running, but this is not a common scenario for me. The compact size of the unit is also worth mentioning as it takes up minimal space.

In terms of gas usage, I didn't see a significant decrease, but this may be due to living in a warm climate where energy loss from my previous Rheem tank water heater was already minimal. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on customer support/service as I haven't experienced any performance issues. However, it is worth noting that Rinnai was the only company that responded to my inquiry about SCAQMD compliance, which speaks to their customer service.

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

I recently purchased the Excel hot water heater with high hopes based on positive reviews and claims of its efficiency. However, my experience with this product turned out to be extremely disappointing. In this review, I will share the details of my experience and the issues I encountered.

Firstly, upon installing the hot water heater, I noticed that it only provided hot water for a mere 5 seconds before completely shutting off. Despite having checked the gas pressure and water pressure, as recommended, the unit failed to function properly. Seeking assistance, I contacted Excel's customer support via chat. They immediately questioned the batteries I was using, suggesting I replace them with alkaline batteries. Although I could clearly hear the igniters sparking, I decided to comply with their suggestion. Unfortunately, this did not resolve the issue, and I was left with a malfunctioning unit.

Frustrated with the lack of progress in resolving the problem, I reached out to Excel again. This time, they requested that I remove the cover and record a video of the unit's malfunction. However, I found this request unreasonable, as I expected a fully functional hot water heater, not a troubleshooting project. To my dismay, upon reading other reviews later on, I discovered that this was a common complaint among customers.

Disillusioned with the product's performance and suspecting dubious practices, I promptly returned the hot water heater. I immediately contacted Amazon, where I had made the purchase, to report the issue and seek a resolution. However, their response was disappointing as well. They initially assured me that I would receive an email within 48 hours, but I never received any communication from them. After multiple follow-ups, they eventually refunded me the purchase price, minus a significant $41 restocking fee.

My experience with Excel and Amazon's customer support left a lot to be desired. As a loyal Amazon customer, I expected better customer protection and prompt resolution to my concerns. It is disheartening to see such a lack of accountability and customer-centricity from a company that prides itself on exceptional service.

In light of this unsatisfactory experience, I have decided to explore alternative options for my future purchases. Furthermore, after conducting a price comparison across my wish list, I have found competitive prices elsewhere, making the transition away from Amazon more feasible.

I have been using this tankless water heater for a week now and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. One of the features that I appreciate the most is the electric cord, as it eliminates the need for batteries. In the past, I had encountered issues with battery-powered tankless water heaters, such as bad connections and short lifespan. With this electric cord, I can easily plug it in and see the display, giving me the assurance that it is working properly.

I have primarily been using this water heater at my shop after mowing the grass, instead of driving back home later in the day. It has been reliable and efficient in providing hot water whenever I need it. I hope that this tankless water heater will last longer than the previous ones I have owned, which would only last a few days, weeks, or months.

Although I cannot comment on the Tech Support, I must mention that I am impressed with how well this water heater is performing. It has met my expectations so far, and I am counting on it to continue to do so for months and years to come.

However, I do have some concerns regarding the owner's manual and operating instruction booklet. While I understand that there might be language challenges, it would be beneficial for the company to use proper English when selling this water heater in an English-speaking country.

In terms of installation, I replaced a smaller unit without temperature control with this one. The previous unit would react to colder water temperatures in the winter, resulting in lower shower temperatures. With this tankless water heater, I have noticed a significant difference. It has temperature control and slightly more capacity, making it more efficient and reliable.

Although this size of water heater does not provide enough hot water for two showers simultaneously without reduced water flow, it works exceptionally well for one shower at a time. I believe that it will be more efficient to run than a larger unit. The overall construction of this tankless water heater appears to be of high quality, and if it stands the test of time, it will definitely be a worthwhile investment.

For me, this tankless water heater has been essential during the winter when I live off-grid with solar power. On cloudy days, I have to turn off my electric water heater, and this unit supplements my hot water needs perfectly. It is plumbed into my existing hot water heater, providing hot water for the entire house. I appreciate the addition of shut-off valves on the cold water lines, making it convenient to use.

The water heater is an excellent replacement for the previous one that lasted for a remarkable 7 years without any maintenance. The user expects this new water heater to last even longer with proper maintenance. The performance of the water heater is commendable, providing efficient heating of water.

In terms of customer service, the user is satisfied, appreciating the prompt assistance received. However, the complexity of operation due to the presence of codes and computer elements in the equipment is mentioned.

Another user highlights the convenience of having an outdoor shower and enjoying hot showers under the stars. Although it required some effort to connect the water heater to propane canisters, the user is pleasantly surprised by the longevity of the canisters.

For a user who had a Rennai tankless water heater that broke, this water heater proved to be a suitable replacement in terms of size and fittings. The installation process was easy for the user's husband, and the new water heater performs exceptionally well, heating water faster and hotter than the previous one even when it was new. The shipping of the product was also fast, adding to the overall satisfaction of the user.

Furthermore, the price of the water heater is highly appreciated, especially when compared to plumbing quotes. It is considered a great investment for a single-floor house with two bathrooms.

The Rheem tankless water heater is a reliable replacement for older models, such as the Rheem Pronto. One of the main advantages of this unit is its compact size, measuring less than 15 inches wide, making it suitable for various installation spaces.

The installation process is relatively straightforward, although it's important to ensure you have all the necessary additional parts. Some parts may not be available on Amazon, so sourcing them from a local home improvement store like Home Depot might be necessary. The required additional parts include a 3 by 5 concentric termination kit, with different options available depending on the length needed. It's recommended to order extra venting and return any unused portions. Additionally, a 1/2 inch condensation tubing, isolation valves, pipe dope, plumbers tape, connectors, nipples, unions, and a 5 1/2 inch hole saw are required.

One thing to note is that the water heater's remote control may not allow you to set the temperature to 125 degrees, which is recommended to kill certain bacteria. However, there are instructions available on YouTube to override the 120 degree maximum setting.

This reviewer mentions that they have previously owned a Rheem tankless water heater that lasted 14 years, highlighting the durability of the brand. They also appreciate the ease of installation, as the new unit fits perfectly into the same space. The reviewer notes that although it takes a bit longer to provide hot water, it never runs out, making it ideal for a whirlpool tub in their master bath.

While the reviewer acknowledges that they are not a plumber and do not recommend DIY installation, they appreciate the excellent customer service provided by Rheem. They mention that contacting customer service is simple, and troubleshooting can be done by sending photos. The reviewer also expresses a desire for the water heater to reach higher temperatures than the maximum of 120 degrees, and they suggest exploring options to achieve this.