Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters of 2022 – Complete Review

| Last Updated: October 24, 2021

Tankless heaters are known as compact units that do not come with a storage tank, but that’s not the only reason they are a game-changer in the industry. They supply an endless supply of warm or hot water at all times.

One read of this article is all you need to go out and buy a propane tankless heater instantly.

With a compact design, higher efficiency, and higher portability, tankless water heaters are already making the rounds in the heater industry.

Comparison Chart of the Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Comes with a full eco switch function
  • Ensures anti-freezing protection for consistent results
  • Best for the money
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  • Construction requires outdoor installation only
  • Provides up to 7.5 GPM of hot water flow rate
  • Best Rinnai propane tankless water heater
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  • Comes with a few safety features
  • Approved by CSA thus implying higher reliability
  • Best RV tankless water heater propane
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  • Half pipe is capable of drawing 24 inches
  • Comes with a gas system that is field convertible
  • Best Navien propane tankless water heater
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  • Can only operate when you are using water
  • Comes with a safe electronic ignition system
  • Best Eccotemp propane tankless water heater
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  • Comes with a failure device for flames
  • Anti-freezing feature prevents freezing of water in winters
  • Best outdoor propane tankless water heater
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What Size of Propane Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?

Most homes around us come with a hot water tank, and they are often situated in your closet or in your basement. These are often large and occupy a lot of space. A perfect alternative is a tankless water heater. These come in varying shapes and sizes and the choice of which size to buy will depend solely on your home and family size.

A larger family would obviously require a tankless heater with a higher flow rate and capacity. Similarly, if you have to use water simultaneously on different equipment, you will require a larger appliance. Here is a general estimate of the size you might need;

For individual use or a family of only two people, you would roughly require 30-40 gallons of water. For 3-4 people or middle-sized families, you’ll have to invest in a heater with 40-60 gallons of capacity. Similarly, with large families, having more than five members, a 60-80 gallon would be the perfect fit.

Why Did These Models Make Our List?

There is no point in investing in a tankless heater if you are not investing in the best ones. The market is saturated with products, but not all of them should be considered. Here are some of the features to look out for while buying your next tankless heater;

Temperature

The purpose of the heater is to provide you with hot water at all times and at a consistent temperature. The models on our list do exactly that. They not only heat your water to the required temperature but ensure that the temperature is consistent throughout your usage. If the temperature of the area where you live is too cool, then you need to buy a larger heater from our list.

GPM

This also plays a huge part in making an ordinary heater a good one. In order to get optimum performance, you need your heater to surpass the maximum level of GPM (Gallons Per Minute) that the unit in the house can produce. The GPM of the models in the list are relatively higher and will enable you to get hot water even at times when more than one person is using it.

Environmentally Friendly

In today’s world, nearly every individual is looking for ways to help the planet and save natural resources. One way to do that is to invest in a quality product from our list that offers greater environment-friendly features. These will allow you to save energy and water at the same time.

Safety

Safety is another feature that needs to be carefully kept in mind when selecting these products. Unlike large tanks, these heaters come with safety mechanisms that do not allow insects or small particles to reside inside the equipment. This ensures you are getting clean water at all times.

Review of the Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Finding high-end products from a market bombarded with cheap products is very hard, but you don’t have to worry about that. We have scrutinized all the products and after a thorough review, we have picked some of the best in the market. Below are some of them.

Best Overall:
 Rinnai RUC98iP

Rinnai RUC98iP Ultra Series Propane Tankless Water Heater, Concentric/Twin Pipe Installation

PROS

  • Can easily be installed anywhere
  • Comes with an ultra-low emission NOx
  • Supplies 9.8 gallons of water each minute
  • Has a space-saving design for more convenience
  • The installation steps are simple and easy to follow

CONS

  • Requires more energy to work
  • Not cost-efficient compared to other products
  • Large size does not make it suitable for one-bedroom apartments

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers couldn’t be more pleased with the optimal performance of this amazing propane tankless heater. It is considered the absolute best because of its smooth construction that does not use any fabrics. Consumers also like the concentric or PVC venting option that makes the model a perfect fit for people looking for quality and convenience.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The product stands out to us due to many of its commendable features, including the lower emission rate and space-saving technology, but there is more to the story. The product provides a 96-degree energy factor that makes it the best propane tankless water heater. This feature also enables the tank to be more energy-efficient.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a large propane tankless heater meaning it is suitable for large and medium-sized families. It provides 9.8 gallons of water each minute, thus allowing you to get a consistent supply of hot water throughout. Moreover, the product is extremely easy to install and requires you to follow a few basic installation steps for easy mounting.

Bottom Line

Getting a high-quality tankless heater is not very common, but you can certainly get it here. The Rinnai tankless heater is easy to install and mount. Not just that, it is a large heater that ensures large families can get hot water throughout the day. Moreover, its compact shape and space-saving design make it perfect for indoor installation.

Best for the Money:
 Camplux 10L Outdoor 2.64 GPM

Camplux Tankless Water Heater, 2.64 GPM On Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, Propane Tankless Water Heater Indoor, White

PROS

  • Comes with an easy-to-use water pump
  • Does not overheat, even on high temperatures
  • Saves a lot of gas especially in summer months
  • Has the flame failure device for more reliability
  • Lightweight and compact design saves on space

CONS

  • Has a 20-minute shutoff
  • Not as efficient as some other products
  • Needs to be installed in an open space only

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers could not be more pleased with this product. Camplux is one of the best companies out there and hence, lives up to its name by including some of the most advanced features in its tankless heater. The product comes with an efficient water pump for easy usage, per customer reports. Moreover, it does not overheat on high temperatures, thus adding to its appeal.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The flame failure feature of this heater is exactly why it stands out to most of its other consumers and us. This device is a special inclusion and it works to ensure greater safety for you and your family. It ensures the fuel supply of propane gas is cut off instantly in case of any emergency. This prevents any flames from emerging from the heater.

Who Will Use This Most

The heater is operated on a 2 D-cell batteries, thus making it a suitable product for use where electricity is not readily available at all times. The product is best suited for outdoor showers and bathing your pets. It also provides a consistent flow of hot water, thus making it a suitable heater to be used both outdoors and indoors.

Bottom Line

This special product is perfect for campsites, cabins, and for bathing your pets, but that’s not the only reason it’s considered so amazing. The product is relatively cheaper, thus ensuring you can get hot water consistently, even with a product that’s not very expensive. Moreover, the combustion technology, coupled with a higher protection feature, makes it a safe heater to use.

Best RV Tankless Water Heater Propane:
 Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM

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PROS

  • Comes with anti-freeze option
  • More convenient for outdoor settings
  • Small size makes folding of the handle much easier
  • Good temperature rise range makes it suitable for all occasions
  • Shut-off is provided alongside the oxygen depletion safety option

CONS

  • Needs 2 D-cell batteries to operate
  • Has a lower water pressure than other tankers
  • Smaller size does not make it suitable for larger homes

What Recent Buyers Report

The product has received immense support from all its recent buyers simply because they love its optimum performance. Users are impressed that it has been approved by CSA, thus making it more reliable. Moreover, it comes in a small size, which makes it easy to mount and operate. This feature also adds to the portability of the heater.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The product stands out to us because of its oxygen depletion sensor protection. This ensures the level of oxygen around the equipment doesn’t get too low. This feature not only adds to the efficiency of the product, but also helps keep you safe and secure at all times. Adding to the safety is also the fact that it can also be installed in a ventilated area.

Who Will Use This Most

The Camplux AY132 is an amazing model for camping, visits to the beach, or grand family vacations in an RV. Not just that, it can also be used for trips to mountain cabins, horse stables, and otherwise. The small and compact design of the model means it can be folded easily and be taken on your trips. The heater also provides ample water to 2-3 points simultaneously.

Bottom Line

Higher quality and greater safety features come together in the making of this smooth tankless heater design. Compact shape and a lightweight design make it highly portable on outdoor trips like camping and visits to the beach. Not only this, its anti-freezing option ensures the water doesn’t freeze, even at very low temperatures.

Best Navien Propane Tankless Water Heater:
 Navien NPE-210A

PROS

  • Allows for low NOx emissions
  • Venting is allowed up to 60 inches
  • Capable of cascading for increased flow
  • Comes with greater ultra-condensing technology
  • Better construction adds to the durability and strength

CONS

  • Installation requires a professional
  • Does not come with a compact and lightweight design
  • Less attractive design than some other models in the review

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers are in awe of the amazing quality of the Navien propane tankless water heater. It comes with a gas system that is easily field convertible. Not just that, consumers also like the half-pipe that comes with this heater which is capable of drawing 24 inches of water. It is also capable of cascading, thus adding to its appeal.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The best thing about this propane tankless heater is its ultra-condensing technology. This is one of the most advanced mechanisms that allows for lower emissions of harmful gases, thus making it an environment-friendly model. Moreover, this technology comes with easy PVC venting that makes it easy to mount. It also has a zero clearance to combustibles.

Who Will Use This Most

For people who want their tankless heaters to last for a long time, this product is the best option. Its stainless steel construction means that it comes with high durability and strength. It can easily be mounted and installed with the help of a professional. For owners of houses and apartments, this is a great investment, as the heater will last for a long time.

Bottom Line

Longevity and sustainability are two of the prime features of this model, but that’s not the only reason for its popularity. The stainless steel construction, coupled with the ultra-condensing technology, makes it the perfect fit for people looking for a good alternative to tank heaters. Its easy venting also adds to its worth and makes it one of the most desirable products in the market.

Best Eccotemp Propane Tankless Water Heater:
 Eccotemp FVI12-LP

Eccotemp FVI12-LP Liquid Propane Gas Tankless Water Heaters, White

PROS

  • Saves on energy and cost
  • Allows for indoor installation
  • Easy to read, thus adding to the convenience
  • Flow rate is activated only when the water is being used
  • Uses standard mounting equipment thus greater reliability

CONS

  • Comes with a limited warranty
  • Customer service is not that good
  • Lower flow rate than some other products

What Recent Buyers Report

When the product is this good, it is only natural that the recent buyers will like it. The product uses standard mounting equipment, thus adding to its reliability. It has also gotten huge praise due to its standard NPT, which makes it a much-loved product. Its higher flow rate is only activated when the water is being used. This saves water and pleases customers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The product stands out to us because of its electronic ignition system, which adds to its efficiency and safety. The system works by using an electrical circuit to control the sensors. These generate electrical pulses, thus ensuring a much better system. The existence of this unique feature also helps with better economy and lowers emissions.

Who Will Use This Most

The product is perfect for individuals who live in small cabins, apartments, or tiny houses. The hot water heater provides a decent ample flow for smaller families. It also ensures that you can get hot water for multiple appliances at the same time. Its compact, lightweight design also adds to its appeal and allows you to install it easily.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for convenience and ease, then choose this product instantly. The digital controller and buttons are easy to operate, and its readable sensors add to your convenience. Moreover, the product is easy to mount and dismount, thus making it a safe option for small homes and apartments. Its water-saving technology also makes it one of our best products.

Best Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater:
 GASLAND Outdoors BS158

Propane Portable Water Heater, GASLAND Outdoors BS158 1.58GPM 6L Tankless Gas Water Heater, On Demand Hot Water Heater, RV Camping Water Heater, Overheating Protection, Easy to Install

PROS

  • Can easily be mounted to wash your pets
  • Advanced combustion technology saves on energy
  • Has a portable and lightweight design for easy carry
  • Large maximum output makes it suitable for larger families
  • Can automatically decrease the pressure of water when needed

CONS

  • Not suitable for very high altitude areas
  • Needs to be installed in a well-ventilated place
  • Exhaust and the top might get hot sometimes

What Recent Buyers Report

The product is quite loved and praised by recent buyers, and for all the right reasons. The compact, lightweight design makes operating and managing the product quite easy. Not just this, the product can also be mounted easily wherever you need to wash your pets. This makes it a suitable product for use indoors and outdoors.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The product stands out to us because of its high-end combustion technology that not only adds to its efficiency but also ensures that the maximum amount of energy is saved at all times. The technology, coupled with maximum output features of the model, makes it suitable for constant usage. The anti-freezing option further aids the usage, thus preventing freezing of the water at low temperatures.

Who Will Use This Most

The product is not suitable for areas with high altitudes, but that is pretty much the only drawback to the model. It is best suited for small and medium-sized families where there are not more than four people. It can also be used on beaches and brought on camping trips. The lightweight design adds to its portability and thus, makes it easier for you to carry the heater around on trips.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a company that puts its customers first, you should invest in this one. The company is known for its excellent customer service that caters to your problems and needs. Moreover, with this heater, you can get an instant supply of hot water at all times. The advanced combustion technology also adds to its optimum performance.

Best Rinnai Propane Tankless Water Heater:
Rinnai RUS75eP

Rinnai RUS75eP Tankless Hot Water Heater, 7.5 GPM, Propane, Outdoor Installation

PROS

  • Allows you to control the system when you are away from home
  • Comes with schedules and timers for more convenience
  • Provides you with an ample amount of hot water for your whole family
  • Prevents wastage of water by immediately providing hot water in the tap
  • You can get a faster flow rate depending upon the groundwater temperature

CONS

  • Allows for outdoor installation only
  • GPM is less than most other products
  • Maximum power output is also comparatively less

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have long sought-out a product that can give them an endless supply of hot water at all times, and this Rinnai water heater does exactly that. The construction of the product is top class and makes it suitable for outside installation. It also provides more than 7.5 GPMs of water flow at all times, thus making it one of the best heaters in the market.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Rinnai model stands out to us because of its advanced technology that not only circulates hot water throughout the pipes but also ensures that you don’t have to wait for the water to emerge from the tap. This feature allows you to save water and energy. Moreover, on average, you can save up to 8700 bottles of hot water annually with the Rinnai water heater.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking to save some valuable space, this is the product for you. This Rinnai water heater is installed outside your home and provides you with hot water at all times. It comes with a compact design, thus, making it relatively easy to install and operate. It is not a very large heater and therefore, it can provide an ample amount of water to small and medium-sized families.

Bottom Line

If you are tired of constantly scheduling around the amount of hot water your unit can produce, then today is the day you put an end to it. Whether you want to do laundry, take a shower, or cook something, never let the restriction of hot water stop you from doing all this simultaneously. The product ensures an endless supply of water and its water flow is significantly better than others.

8. Marey Power Gas 10L 2.7 GPM

Marey Power Gas 10L 2.7 GPM Propane Gas Digital Panel Tankless Water Heater

PROS

  • Easy to operate and install
  • Cost-effectiveness adds to its comfort
  • Comes with a compact design, thereby saving space
  • Digital temperature allows you to make adjustments accordingly
  • Saves up to 60% electricity compared to a traditional tank heater

CONS

  • Cannot be installed on a chimney
  • Lower water flow rate than some models
  • Does not come with the required batteries

What Recent Buyers Report

The tankless propane heater comes with 5L of water capacity, and that is precisely why recent buyers love it so much. It is not only extremely easy to operate, but its compact design also saves space. Moreover, the existence of the easy-to-use digital buttons make it a comfortable tankless heater to use.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The best thing about this tankless heater is the gas hose it comes with. It acts as the perfect regulator for your product. But that’s not all. The product comes with higher energy efficiency that makes it much better than a traditional tank heater. Moreover, the heater comes with a digital temperature controller, thus allowing you to adjust the temperature with ease.

Who Will Use This Most

The heater is specifically designed for continuous usage. It supplies hot water for three to four faucets simultaneously, thus ensuring that multiple appliances at your home can get hot water. Moreover, it can also be used by people who do not want to hire a professional for installation. Its easy-to-read buttons also make it a great fit for most people.

Bottom Line

If you are a sensible citizen of your city who wants to save electricity and water, whilst also ensuring convenience for them, then this product is the one for you. It acts as the perfect alternative to any conventional tank water. The compact design, coupled with its easy installation, makes it our runner-up product.

Pros and Cons of Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless heaters have revolutionized the market, for sure. More and more people are buying them every day, but why exactly are they so popular? Here are some of the pros of the product. We have also added some cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

Let’s first quickly see the benefits you’ll get by investing in these.

Energy Efficiency

The best thing about these tankless heaters is that they save on energy and thus, cost. Most of the products on our list ensure water is not wasted and energy is not consumed beyond what is required.

Higher Portability

Since these products are tankless, they don’t occupy as much space as a traditional heater. Their compact and lightweight design not only makes them easy to install, but it also allows you to carry them on your trips, thus adding to the higher portability.

Safety

Traditional tanks have long been condemned for being unsafe. This is because they don’t have any mechanism to prevent small insects, bees, and other particles to get inside the tanks. Tankless heaters are compact and come with special mechanisms and safety measures to ensure that safety is ensured.

Cons

However, it’s also best to know about the following drawbacks:

Cost

Going tankless adds to the additional cost. Most of the heaters in this category either run on gas or electricity and thus, require additional cost be invested each month. Moreover, some products require professional installation too, which brings us to our next point.

Installation and Maintenance

The equipment requires a live flame to heat the water inside and thus, needs special venting systems to prevent the buildup of harmful fumes. This adds to the additional maintenance cost of the system.

Conclusion

In the modern world, where everyone is looking for newer and better ways to feel comfortable, why shouldn’t you do it too? Tankless heaters are the new best thing in the market and they are already winning hearts with their advanced features.

The stainless steel design coupled with high efficiency, greater storage saving design, and the best safety features make it a must-have product for you. They also beat tank heaters by providing you with consistent hot water at all times.

People Also Ask

People are really excited to get their hands on the best tankless heaters, and they have many questions regarding them. We have tried answering the most common questions asked by potential buyers. We hope they help.

How Much Propane Does a Tankless Water Heater Use?

The amount of propane that a tankless heater would require varies with the number of people using the hot water. On average, for a family of two, you would need 15 gallons of propane each month. Similarly, for a family with five or more people, you would require at least 40 gallons of propane per month. This would be ample for daily showers and completion of all household chores.

How Long Will 100 Gallons of Propane Last?

This question also depends on how often you use hot water for your day-to-day tasks. If you have a larger family that requires hot water usage very often, you will need more propane. A 100 gallons of propane will come with 80% efficiency in a full tank, and if, on average, you use the fireplace for around 12 hours, these 100 gallons would last for 31 days.

Is Propane Cheaper Than Electric?

The simple answer to this would be yes, propane is definitely cheaper than electric. According to the Department of Energy in the US, heating your home via propane gas costs much less than heating it via an electric heater. Moreover, propane heaters are also cost-effective because the money to buy them is also not much.



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.