Top 8 Best Propane Tankless Water Heater Reviews 2024

If you’re looking for the best propane tankless water heater, you’ve clicked the right article!

A tankless water heater can help you obtain hot water at any time. And propane makes a perfect choice if you’re attentive to fuel efficiency. In today’s article, I will review a few tankless water heaters.

I will also talk about the advantages and disadvantages of propane tankless water heaters and provide a detailed buying guide along with tips on how to pick the model that’s suitable for your property.

That being said, let’s dive right into and find the right propane tankless water heater for you.

5 Benefits of Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Every household can benefit from a propane tankless water heater in many ways. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of owning a propane tankless water heater in your home.

Provides Instant Water

If you install a top-quality propane tankless water heater on your property, you will never have to worry about running low water. It’s both DIY-friendly and budget-friendly.

This device provides hot water instantly, so you don’t need to wait too long before your water is heated. And you will never run short of hot water in the middle of a shower.

Ensures Clean Water

Certain water heaters might provide dirty instead of clean water due to corrosion in the tank. This can’t happen with propane tankless water heaters because they’re tankless.

Long-lasting Device

Propane tankless water heaters usually last for up to 2 decades whereas tanks can only last for up to 15 years. You will get a durable device that won’t require a replacement any time soon.

Less Pollution

Propane is one of the clean fuels that’s adopted as a reliable source for propane tankless water systems. So, when utilizing this type of water heater, there’s less pollution in the environment.

Saves Space and Money

Propane tankless water heaters take less space than other heaters because of their space-saving design. They also heat water only when necessary, so you will save money in the long run.

What Are the Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters Available?

1. Best Overall: Eccotemp 4 GPM High-Performance Propane Tankless Water Heater
   “Modern design, LED display controls, Uses standard 1/2″ NPT water fittings, effortless installation, child lock technology, super energy-efficient, well-made.”
2. Best Budget: Rinnai 7.5 GPM Cost-Effective Indoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
   “Powerful stream, space-saving design, long lifespan, You can schedule hot water during the day via the app, remote vacation setting, compact.”
3. Best for Large Homes: Rinnai RUC98iP Space-Saving Propane Tankless Water Heater
   “Stainless steel finish, PVC or concentric venting option, super-low nitrogen oxide emissions, perfect for large properties.”
4. Best Commercial: Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP Low-Maintenance Indoor Tankless Water Heater
   “Suitable for both residential and commercial purposes, many safety features, a great set of warranties, space-saving design, works in both warm and cold climates.”
5. Best DIY Friendly: Camplux 3.18 GPM Aesthetically-Pleasing Propane Tankless Water Heater
   “Energy-saving mode, child lock technology, large gas rate, perfect for DIY enthusiasts, quick installation, LED touchscreen controls, budget-friendly.”
6. Best Battery-Powered: Marey GA10LP 3.1 GPM Battery-Powered Propane Tankless Water Heater
   “Unlimited hot water supply, flow-activated water heater, no electrical connection required, compact, you will save around 60% on your annual utility bills.”
7. Best for Cabin: Tengchang 2.6 GPM Energy-Efficient Propane Tankless Water Heater
   “Suitable for winter and summer, no electrical connection required, gas and water combination device, safety features, perfect for smaller homes, cabins, and RVs.”
8. Best for Cold Climates: VEVOR 4.8 GPM Wall-Mounted Propane Tankless Water Heater
   “Winter and summer settings, smooth work, stainless steel casing, perfect for RVs and smaller homes, energy-efficient, affordable.”

Comparison Chart of the Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Comparing the crucial features of different water heaters can help you determine what unit meets your needs. That being said, let’s compare some of the best propane tankless water heaters.

Best Propane Tankless Water Heater Reviews 2023

Propane tankless water heaters save both energy and money. They’re eco-friendly and budget-friendly, however, finding the right one with so many options can be overwhelming and exhausting.

Luckily, I’ve combed the market and found 8 reliable options that work for most people. So, if you have trouble choosing the best propane tankless water heater, consider the following reviews.

1. Eccotemp 4 GPM High-Performance Propane Tankless Water Heater

(Best Overall)

If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional water heater, look no further than Eccotemp. The face panel of this device consists of beautiful black glass and includes a LED display.

You can easily monitor the flow rate and temperature on this display. Eccotemp is intended for indoor use and makes a perfect choice for both residential and commercial properties.

It’s made for medium and small-demand applications. The best part? It’s powerful enough to give warm water to multiple appliances at once. You can also install it in cabins and cottages.

There’s also a child lock, so you don’t have to worry about your kids messing with your new device. You will get between 0.6-4.8 gallons of hot water per minute. The least gas rate is between 25K-80K BTUs. It provides a stainless steel kit for venting along with other add-ons for proper work.

I like Eccotemp because it takes only 2 watts when it’s not being used. That goes up to 1.07 amps when it’s warming water. Thus, it’s energy-efficient. The only downside is the system.

You might encounter error codes at times. Also, keep in mind that Eccotemp isn’t a high-powered water heater, so if you reside in a colder climate, it may struggle to work properly.

Key Features:

• Rated at 4 GPM
• Child lock technology
• Horizontal venting kit
• Uses standard 1/2″ NPT water fittings
• Safe electronic ignition system
• Sleek, modern design
• LED display controls
• Quick installation

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor only
BTU:	25,000 – 80,000
Power source:	Electricity
GPM	4

Watch this video to know more:

2. Rinnai 7.5 GPM Cost-Effective Indoor Propane Tankless Water Heater

(Best Budget)

If you’re on a budget, then Rinnai’s tankless water heater makes a great option for you.

It’s considerably cheaper than other models on the market and provides a lot of great features. Rinnai is a high-efficiency water heater made for indoor installation that doesn’t take too much space.

You can install it in small and medium homes and get a flow of hot water of up to 7.5 gallons per minute. High flow rates like these need warm groundwater. Therefore, if you reside in a colder climate, the flow won’t be as high. And if you live somewhere sunny, Rinnai will supply around five appliances at once.

What I like most about this product is the app. You can utilize this app to adjust heating times during the day. You can even put your device into holiday mode remotely, saving money while you’re away.

I also appreciate the great set of warranties including a 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger, 5-year on parts, and 1-year of coverage for labor costs. The only downside is the louder exhaust fan.

If this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, grab it today and never worry about hot water again.

Key Features:

• Long lifespan
• Excellent set of warranties
• High-performance up to 7.5 GPM
• A powerful and constant stream
• Space-saving design

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor only
BTU:	10,300-180,000
Power source:	Electricity
GPM	7.5

Watch this video to know more:

3. Rinnai RUC98iP Space-Saving Propane Tankless Water Heater

(Best for Large Homes)

Another excellent water heater by Rinnai that’s worth considering is the RUC98iP unit. It’s a household water heater that will warm 1,990 pounds of liquid 100 degrees in 1 hour.

That’s the maximum output available in domestic water heaters. You will obtain 9.8 gallons of hot water every hour which is more than enough for one household. It’s also quiet and runs smoothly.

Keep in mind that outdoor temperatures will influence the capacity of your Rinnai water heater. Colder liquid entering the device will ask for additional energy to warm to the preferred temperature.

I can honestly say that this heater wins the aesthetic prize! I love the space-saving, stylish body that will blend with almost every interior. You can pick from a cheap PVC or concentric venting system.

But here’s the real kicker. The mechanism produces super-low nitrogen oxide emissions. Therefore, it’s kind of eco-friendly. The only disadvantage is the high price. Also, the system needs cleaning.

It’s recommended to flush with vinegar annually to clean it. If you reside in a place with hard water, you may want to clean it more frequently. The valves for descaling come with the heater.

Key Features:

• Space-saving design
• 199,000 maximum BTUs
• Stainless steel finish

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor only
BTU:	Maximum 199,000
Power source:	Electricity
GPM	9.8

Watch this video to know more:

4. Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP Low-Maintenance Indoor Tankless Water Heater

(Best Commercial)

Takagi provides quiet, high-end performance for small and larger residential and commercial properties. I like this model because it needs minimal maintenance if cleaned regularly.

Thanks to the maximum power output of up to 140,000 BTUs per hour, Takagi can compete with Rinnai.  The flow pace is also good and ensures constant warm water flow at various climates and temperatures. Takagi can reach temperatures over 150F while offering 6.6 gallons per minute.

You will get this heating device with a remote controller that can be utilized to adjust the temperature or change other settings with great ease. It’s well-made, compact, and modern.

Key Features:

• 6.6 GPM max flow rate
• 4-Inch category III stainless steel venting required
• Inlet, outlet thermistors for constant temperature monitoring
• A lot of safety features and a great set of warranties
• Space-saving design

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor only
BTU:	19,500-140,000
Power source:	Electricity
GPM	6.6

You should see the video below:

5. Camplux 3.18 GPM Aesthetically-Pleasing Propane Tankless Water Heater

(Best DIY Friendly)

If you’re tech-savvy, then Camplux is the perfect choice for you. It’s a high-quality heating device with a horizontal venting pipe and regular NPT water fittings.

You can install this device in no time. However, what’s impressive about this premium product is the low price. It’s one of the cheapest propane tankless water heaters on the market.

Camplux is user-friendly and needs low water pressure to begin heating, requiring only 0.8 GPM. Keep in mind that in colder climates, that starting pressure would be hard to utilize.

The modern design with a sleek black panel and LED controls will enhance the aesthetics of any interior. The touchscreen controls allow you to adjust the settings to your preference.

Last but not least, the maximum hot water capacity of Camplux reaches 4.8 GPM whereas the minimum maximum gas rate goes between 28,700 and 82,000 BTU.

Key Features:

• Energy-saving mode
• 2.36-inch stainless steel vent pipe
• 3.18 gallons per minute of on-demand hot water
• 0.65 GPM-4.8 GPM minimum activation water capacity rate
• A safe electronic ignition system for extra protection
• True 1/2-inch NPT water fittings
• Child lock technology

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor only
BTU:	28,700-82,000
Power source:	Electricity
GPM	4.8

You should see the video below:

6. Marey GA10LP 3.1 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater

(Best Battery-Powered)

If you’re searching for a propane tankless water heater that doesn’t need a regular electrical connection, then Marley is perfect for you. It takes minutes to install.

It’s eye-catchy, compact, and space-saving. However, most importantly it’s perfect for off-the-grid areas and households that experience their fair share of power outages.

You can easily adjust both the gas and water flow according to your needs through the dials. This heater can deliver up to 3.1 gallons per minute. But here’s the real kicker. You can utilize it with either propane or gas. Also, this heater will only turn on when you open a faucet.

With Marley, you can save around 60% on your annual utility bills. Those were some of the good sides of this water heater. Now, let’s expose some of the disadvantages.

No one wants to talk about this but the battery part isn’t made well, so changing the display panels isn’t easy. Also, there’s little difference in temperature settings.

Key Features:

• Flow-activated water heater
• Compact design and easy to install
• You can easily control the water temperature
• No electrical connection required
• Unlimited hot water supply

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor only
BTU:	Maximum 79,228
Power source:	Batteries
GPM	3.1

Watch this video to know more:

7. Tengchang 2.6 GPM Energy-Efficient Propane Tankless Water Heater

(Best for Cabin)

Looking for a practical and cheap propane tankless water heater for smaller properties? If so, Tengchang is perfect for you. You will get 2.6 gallons of hot water per minute.

However, before I go any further, I have to specify that this model isn’t as portable as the previous ones on this list. It’s made for indoor use and you can install it in off-grid RVs and cabins.

The only thing you will need is a 4.3-inch pipe for venting. Just like the previous unit by Marey, this one is also operated by 2 IEC R20 batteries, so it doesn’t need any electrical connection.

However, you will need to purchase the batteries individually.

Tengchang requires 3.6 bars of minimum operating water pressure. The minimum temperature should be about 17.6°F for proper operation whereas 113°F is the maximum temperature.

Unfortunately, this device can’t function properly when it’s cold outside. So, if you reside in a place with harsh winters or you own a property with not enough water pressure, consider other options.

Unlike the previous model that saves up to 60% on your annual utility bills, Tengchang saves up to 80%, so it’s super energy-efficient. The best part? It’s both DIY-friendly and budget-friendly.

On hot days, when the liquid entering the device is hotter, it utilizes less power. Lastly, you can choose between winter and summer settings for better performance.

Key Features:

• Automatic ignition system
• Suitable for winter and summer
• No electrical connection required
• Loaded with pressure and overheating safeguard
• Gas and water combination device
• 3-year warranty for components
• 20 minutes off self-timer

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor only but some people have installed it outside and didn’t experience issues
BTU:	Not specified
Power source:	Batteries
GPM	2.6

You should see the video below:

8. VEVOR 4.8 GPM Wall-Mounted Propane Tankless Water Heater

(Best for Cold Climates)

Last but not least, I have a propane tankless water heater by VEVOR. It’s a popular brand that sells cheap products without compromising on performance and quality.

I was seriously impressed by the LED display and stainless steel casing. The separate dials can help you control both water and gas temperature with great ease.

You can also pick between summer and winter settings. The summer setting enhances fuel efficiency by providing less power in the summer.

However, what’s going to blow you away is the 11.5% energy saving on annual utility bills. This compact water heater requires at least 2.9 PSI to operate.

There’s even protection against freezing and a shut-off feature to stop overheating. It turns off when the water hits 167°F.

The unit also turns down after twenty minutes of utilization. As you can notice, with the VEVOR tankless water heater, you don’t have to worry about anything.

Key Features:

• LED display
• Stainless steel casing
• Smooth work and good quality
• Requires a minimum of 2.9 PSI to wok
• Winter and summer settings
• 11.5% energy saving
• Safety features

Product Specifications:

Use:	Indoor/outdoor
BTU:	Maximum 80,000
Power source:	Batteries
GPM	4

Watch this video to know more:

How to Choose the Best Propane Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters save more energy than tank-style units. Thanks to the tankless design, they also take less space, making them perfect for small homes and businesses.

The best part? You will never run low on hot water ever again! However, choosing the right unit can be quite overwhelming. Hopefully, this buying guide can help your search.

Flow Rate

You can determine the flow rate of a water heater by looking at how many gallons of water it can deliver per minute. Having a low flow rate would cause problems in meeting your home’s needs whereas a high flow rate would draw unnecessary costs.

To calculate the flow rate you need, write down all the fixtures or appliances that your household needs during peak demand. Then, you need to determine each appliance flow rate and sum it all up to get the total.

Temperature Rise

The temperature rise impacts the amount of energy the tankless water heater needs to utilize which is why determining this factor matters.

You can do that by taking away the groundwater temperature from the preferred water temperature. In most households, incoming water often has a temperature of 10°F or 50°F. And you want your heated water to be approximately 49°F or 120°F.

The bigger the difference between the preferred temperature and groundwater temperature, the more energy your water heater will utilize.

Recirculation Ability

Tankless water heaters with a recirculation ability enable the device to transfer the excess hot water to the unit through a pump. They deliver hot water quicker than regular models.

Anti-scale Devices

Scale deposits can slow down the flow rate of tankless water heaters. So, I highly recommend opting for a model loaded with anti-scale devices that decrease build-up by swirling the water.

Digital Display

I prefer water heaters with LED displays because of the convenience. Digital controls help people control the device’s work and monitor temperature levels.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Indoor tankless water heaters provide protection against weather factors. However, they need a special type of ventilation. You also need to set up ventilation piping to release exhaust gas outside.

Outdoor tankless water heaters don’t require ventilation piping because it’s needless to release exhaust gases. They’re made of highly durable materials so they can handle different weather conditions.

However, outdoor water heaters may need regular maintenance check-ups. And you will have to be very good at finding different damages and defects and quickly repair them or hire a professional.

Safety

Although it’s among the last factors to consider when shopping for a water heater, safety is actually one of the most important things to care about, if not the most important.

Most tankless water heaters have a self-protection system such as freeze protection and self-diagnosed device. These features automatically stop units in dangerous situations.

Price and Warranty

Last but not least, pay attention to price and warranty. Always purchase something within your budget. Also, make sure that you’re getting a good set of warranties (10-15 years).

What is the Best Tankless Water Heater Brand?

Propane tankless water heaters cost less to utilize and save energy. They’re also sturdier and last about 20 years. Outdoor units don’t need any venting while indoor types need special ventilation.

There’s a wide selection of tankless water heaters on the market by different brands like Marey, Rinnai, Tengchang, Vevor, Camplux, Takagi, and Eccotemp. They’re all popular and reliable brands.

Is it Worth Switching to a Tankless Water Heater?

Yes! It’s worth switching to a tankless water heater because of the benefits. For instance, these heaters utilize less energy since they only warm up the water when you need it. So, you can save a lot of money on your annual utility bills. And since they utilize less energy, they’re also eco-friendly.

How Big of a Propane Tank Do I Need for a Tankless Water Heater?

The size of a propane tank depends on the amount of water you utilize and how frequently you utilize it. Therefore, it will depend on BTU and the flow rate of your tankless water heater.

Furthermore, it will also depend on the temperature rise. The temperature rise is the energy required to warm the ground temperature to your preferred temperature. And this also depends on your region. So, if the ground temperature is too cold, the unit will need extra energy to warm the water.

A 100-pound tank features 2,300,000 BTUs, warming water for different appliances. A 2-member family can function properly with a 15-gallon tank per month. A 3-4-member family needs a 25-gallon tank per month, whereas a larger family of 5 or more members requires a 35-40 gallon tank.

FAQs

My Top Pick

There’s a wide selection of water heaters and hopefully, this article can help narrow down your choices. Today’s in-depth reviews can help you make a well-informed decision.

Eccotemp 4 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater makes a great choice for any household thanks to the quick installation, user-friendly controls, sturdy construction, and other great features.

However, if you’re on a budget, opt for something very energy-efficient yet affordable such as the Rinnai 7.5 GPM Indoor Propane Tankless Water Heater. It’s covered by an excellent set of warranties, ensures a constant stream, and takes less space. You will also get 7.5 gallons of warm water per minute.

That being said, set your priorities straight and base your decision on your budget and household needs. What’s the best propane tankless water heater in your opinion? Why? Drop a comment below!

Also, if you gained any value from this article, please share it with your social media friends. Spread the word and help someone find the right water heater and save some money.