The Best Water Heaters Reviewed and How to Choose What Suits You

When it comes to choosing water heaters, it is important to pick a model that suits your needs and your pocket, and that guarantees high performance and quality. If you are iffy and need some assistance in making your mind up, we put together a list of some of the best water heaters. In the following reviews, you’ll be able to learn more about the special features and the highlights of some of the best models in the market.

Takagi T-KJr2 IN LP Indoor Tankless Water Heater Propane

This model is a product that falls into the spectrum of mid-priced tankless water heaters. One of the main drawbacks is the maximum flow rate of 6.6 gallons per minute which might not be enough for heating enormous amounts of water. Still, this tankless water heater will supply enough water for a home with up to three bathrooms.

What’s great is that its performance can be compared to other high-end products such as the Rinnai RUC98iN, at a fraction of the cost. But let’s dig deeper into the features of this heater.

It is Equipped with an AFR (Air Fuel Ratio) Sensor

A great feature of the Takagi T-KJr2 IN LP is that it comes equipped with innovative technology which helps minimize emissions and ensures excellent performance. The revolutionary sensors and thermistors allow you for better monitoring and aid in generating an excellent energy factor of 0.83.

Considering that most gas heaters have an energy efficiency factor of 0.7, this model comes out in a great expenditure if you are searching for an appliance that allows you to save money while guaranteeing you hot water in your house.

Don’t Worry About Safety with the Reliable Temperature Control Function

Some water heaters have to face freezing during the winter. The temperature control function that is built in this Takagi tankless heater prevents from freezing and also protects you and your family thanks to the surge protector designed to turn off your water in case of overheating.

This function also enables you to take uninterrupted control in terms of the temperature in which your water will be heating. And the sterling news doesn’t cease here! The great thing about this model is that you can control and change all of the temperature settings comfortably using a handy and easy to use remote.

Pick the Temperature You Desire

The Takagi T-KJr2 IN LP has a brilliant temperature range that makes it perfect not only for households but also for industrial and commercial uses. Indeed, this heater can heat water from 99 degrees Fahrenheit to 167 degrees, depending on what use you have to make of the water.

You’ll Be Able to Fit It Anywhere

We haven’t highlighted the practical design of this model, which ables you to install it even in the tiniest spaces for your convenience. And saying that is not an exaggeration, as this Takagi model is indeed the smallest tankless water heater by this brand.

All in all, considering the compact size of this model, the Takagi tankless water heater will provide its users with excellent performance, long-lasting, and without having to break the bank to afford it.

Pros

• Robust and long-lasting design
• Lightweight and compact
• Good flow rate, reasonable for a household but also commercial uses
• Direct venting
• Affordable compared to other models but still highly performant
• Reliable

Cons

• The installation is quite complex and might take a while

Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus

One of the top-rated water heaters is this model by Stiebel. It is one of the most powerful tankless water heaters you’ll find in the market and it is the best option if you live in cold areas where the temperatures might drop as low as 4o degrees Fahrenheit, This model guarantees you a high flow rate as it can heat up to 8 gallons per minute.

What makes the Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus better than other models and why should you go for it?

It Is Equipped With Advanced Flow Technology

This water heater by Stiebel has the great advantage of being equipped with an exclusive form of technology that will make everything easier for you. The advanced flow technology will adjust the flow of water automatically as soon as the demand gets higher. This plain sailingly means that you’ll be able to enjoy hot water incessantly and at a standard temperature.

With this heater, you won’t have to worry about obtaining cold water when the flow exceeds the heating capacity as the innovative technology will deal with the issue automatically!

Control the Temperature and the Power and Adjust it To Your Needs

The Stiebel Eltron is one of the few models in the market that adjust its power on the temperature of the incoming water and flow rate. By analyzing the heating demands of the incoming water, the system will automatically modulate its power outputs to much the demand and supply water of the desired temperature at all times.

This translates not limitedly to improved comfort but also in long term cost-cutting.

Check the Temperature in the Easy-to-read Display

Stop the guessing! This model has an in-built feature that clearly displays the temperature in a quick to read digital format. Its responsiveness is worth mentioning as it allows you to set the temperature and immediately see the changes. This tankless water heater is an excellent choice in many aspects.

Maybe, one of the worst drawbacks is that it is a rather expensive product.

Pros

• High-quality performance
• Reliable
• Energy efficient
• Automatic flow rate

Cons

• Rather expensive product

Rheem RTG-64DVLN Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater

Another great tankless water heater, this time by a different brand. If you don’t want to spend an enormous amount of money on your water heater but you still want to get a great and reliable product, this Rheem model is a perfect alternative to higher-end models such as the Rinnai RUC98iN.

Keep in mind that this tankless natural gas water heater is less powerful than other more expensive products, meaning that it suits better smaller homes with no more than two bathrooms. To learn more about this model by Rheem, keep reading the review we put together for you.

You’ll Be Able To Control The Temperature Easily and Remotely

The ease of administering temperatures can be an important decision factor when it comes to tankless water heaters. This model by Rheem is patented with a UMC-117 remote control which makes the process of setting your desired temperature easier than with other models. You’ll be directing the temperature from as far as 10 meters.

Enjoy the Perks of The Next Generation Burner Technology

The RTG-64DVLN is known for its efficient heating system that will provide users with hot water within seconds. The innovative technology that is built in the system ensures a maximum water flow of 6.8 gallons per minute with an incoming temperature of the water at 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

One thing worth mentioning that is not as great is the fact that the flow rate tends to drop to 5.3 gallons per minute as soon as the water temperature rises to 45°F.

It Has a Well Functioning Ventilation System

It is worth noting that, contrary to other tankless water heaters, this one comes equipped with a reliable concentric venting which means that you don’t need an adapted for ventilation. The system comes with an integrated condensate collector that makes it easier to maintain the water heater.

Pros

• The model comes with a thermostat wire included
• You’ll get an EZ link cable with the package
• Hassle-Free ventilation
• Great control
• Space-saving design

Cons

• The performance of the system drastically decreases as the flow rate decreases

Eccotemp i12 NG Indoor Tankless Heater 1/2 Inch NTP Water Fittings

If you are looking for a sleek product that guarantees you a five-star performance and that is reliable and well functioning. Its compact design is extremely handy but you shouldn’t be fooled thinking that such a small size might impact the performance of this water heater. Indeed this small tankless heater can handle an impressive water flow of as much as 3 gallons per minute.

However, you should reckon that it is powered on natural gas if you are more into electric heaters, this model might not be for you. Let’s dig deeper into the characteristics of this indoor tankless water heater.

It Relies on An Automatic Temperature Control System

The Eccotemp i12 NG is equipped with innovative technology that makes it one of the few smart water heaters that are currently in the market. The great thing about it is that you won’t need to manually set the heating temperature as this heater automatically analyzes the temperature of the incoming water and adjusts the heat accordingly.

The water is heated up based on the flow, meaning that you won’t have to intervene in the process. All you have to do is simply switch the heater on and let it do the job. For your comfort, you can safely leave this heater on “auto-pilot” all year long, without having to deal with any issue.

The Interface Is Extremely User Friendly

This model by Eccotemp has the great benefit of having an incorporated LCD that is a touch screen. The display is exceptionally a no brainer to use and indicates the flow rate and the temperature so that you can easily keep everything under control. Together with a range of temperatures between 35°F to 40°F plus a flow rate of 3 gallons per minute, this heater has an energy factor of 79%.

However, you should keep in mind that with a rise in temperature up to 77°, the flow rate reduces to about half of the capacity (meaning 1.5 gallons per minute), which affects the performance of this heater.

It is Entirely Safe, Even For Children

This water heater is one of the few that is equipped with child lock technology to guarantee you superior levels of safety for you and your family. This function allows you to stop worrying about your kids interfering with the temperature settings. Also, this model comes equipped with a horizontal stainless steel vent kit which ensures a smooth installation.

Pros

• Energy Efficient
• Sturdy design
• Long Power Cord
• Safe power ventilation system
• Relies on reliable electronic ignition

Cons

• The performance decreases in cold weathers

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

This model by Rheem is considered as one of the best tankless water heaters and for its reasons. It hasan energy efficiency factor of more than 94% and it is great both for indoor and outdoor use. This heater is well known for its superior performance and its ability to operate at high altitudes, on the contrary to other tankless heaters that tend to decompose at higher altitude levels.

Before making a decision, you should go through this list of features and consider whether this Rheem RTGH tankless water heater is a good option for you.

One of the Best Water Flow Rates in the Market

The Rheem RTGH-95DVLN is one of the best tankless water heaters in the market thanks to its unbeatable highly performant water flow rate of as much as 9.5 gallons per minute. This beast will provide your household with enough hot water, even if you have a dishwasher, a laundry washing machine, and two showers all functioning at the same time!

And the best part is that this heating system uses energy sparingly and it is one of the most energy-efficient gas tankless heaters you might find.

The System Is Equipped With A Self-Diagnostic Function

Even if regular maintenance is pressing and you should carry it out, the smart technology which this heater is equipped with will make everything easier for you. Its self-diagnostic system is designed to warn you as soon as defects or issues are identified before the problem gets bigger and irreparable.

This also helps in markedly reducing the risk of having to deal with accidents and high maintenance costs while ensuring a longer lifespan for your heater.

Equipped With EZ-Link Connectivity

Even if high-quality performance is one of the greatest advantages of this water heater, this Rheem RTGH-95DVLN is also designed to support EZ link connectivity, meaning that if you need to deal with higher volumes of water, you can simply connect two separate units and let them operate as a single unit.

Pros

• Excellent flow rate
• Low Emissions and high energy efficiency rate
• Remote temperature control
• Great design quality
• Easy to install

Cons

• Quite Expensive but well worth its price

Takagi TH3 DVP Condensing High-Efficiency Propane Indoor Tankless Water Heater

When looking for a tankless water heater that can rival the traditional tank heater while providing you with all the benefits of a tankless model, this propane-powered model by Takagi might be one of your best choices. With an impressive flow rate of as much as 10 gallons per minute, this tankless water heater will provide enough hot water even for the households with the highest demands.

199,000 BTU Per Hour

This model by Takagi is well known for its amazing power. Its superior output ensures a constant supply of hot water that can meet the needs of up to four showers working at the same time. Also, another great benefit is the reliable energy factor of 0.95 that will help to save you some costs in the long term.

Safety Won’t Be An Issue

A major concern of tankless water heaters can be the one of safety. The Takagi T H3 DV P model is a great choice thanks to its automated safety functions that will keep you and your family out of trouble. For example, the structure design comes with fixed control for diagnostics and temperature that will prevent internal freezing.

High-Performant Heat Exchanger

The Takagi T-H3-DV-P is equipped with a highly efficient heat exchanger that allows it to heat water on demand within seconds.

Pros

• You can link to it up to 4 additional heaters without additional tools
• It comes equipped with power cords
• Allows PVC venting

Cons

• It is an expensive product

Rinnai V65EP 6.6 GPM Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater

We can conclude our review with this model by Rinnai. This model is, with its reasonable flow rate of 6.6 gallons per minute, supplies enough water for two bathrooms and it is suited both for residential and commercial use. It can reach up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for commercial applications and about 98 to 140 degrees in residential uses. Here is a list of some features worth mentioning for this model.

It comes with a Built-In Gas Valve Blower

This Rinnai V65EP has a built-in valve that lets it adjust the power according to the heating demands. This leads to minimized energy expenditures and bettered efficiency in terms of energy use. One of the preeminent things about it is that you can direct the temperature settings just by pressing a button.

It Automatically Warns You Of Any Leaks

This system is modeled to automatically catch any leaks and shutdowns of the system and to prevent damage. Rinnai tankless heater stand out from the competition thanks to this innovative feature. Also, this unit has a bath fill feature that allows you to set in advance the gallons of water you will require when taking a bath.

This is all to avoid any unnecessary use of energy when taking a shower or a bath.

Don’t Worry About Hard Water!

The great thing about this model by Rinnai is that you won’t have to worry about your V65EP getting clogged, even with hard water. Indeed, this heater is designed to detect calcification to increase longevity and prevent corrosion. The result is reliable performance and that will supply you with hot water any time you need it.

Pros

• An energy-saving factor of 0.82
• Smart technology to help you detect issues from the start and reduce the damage
• Low maintenance cost thanks to the replaceable parts

Cons

• A bit expensive compared to other tankless water heaters

What Are The Benefits Of A Tankless Water Heater?

There are many reasons why you might want to install a tankless heater in your home. One of them might be to diminish energy bills. Indeed, when choosing a high-quality tankless water heater, you’ll be able to save up to 40% on your monthly utility bills. Compared to a tanked water heater, you’ll get an increase of 30% efficiency.

But the benefits of having a tankless water heater do not end here. Here’s a list of some of the major benefits of tankless water heaters, for you to learn more about this water heating system.

You Won’t Run Out Of Hot Water

Tankless water operates work on demand. This means that no matter when you need hot water, a tankless system is designed to provide it to you. With a plain push of a button, you’ll get ingress to all of the hot water you need. Furthermore, a great advantage is that you’ll never have to experience heat loss or standbys.

It is worth bringing up that these heaters require a certain amount of power to heat the amount of water you might require at any given moment.

They are Very Durable Systems

Unlike standard tank water heaters that might last you for 5 to 10 years, a tankless water heater will last up to 20 years. This durability that characterizes these heaters, while resulting in slightly higher prices is worth its price as it offers value for money in the long run.

They are Characterized by Compact Design

The major benefit of tankless water heaters is that they can be installed even in the smallest spaces. They can be adapted to be installed in several ways and most models offer the possibility to install them both outdoor and indoor and are equipped with anti-freeze. If your spaces are reduced, you can find smaller units that can easily fit under your cabinet or closet.

Nearly Zero Emissions

Gas tankless water heaters are a safer option for the environment as they nearly have zero emissions. Most models are characterized by the use of low NOx technology which aids in keeping emissions as low as possible. These heaters don’t generate harmful greenhouse fas and most come with innovative features to prevent scalding water from coming out of your showerhead.

They Are Easy To Operate

Another high point of tankless water heaters is that you don’t necessitate a lot of knowledge to operate them. Mosty, the hardest part will be the installation and the majority of the models above listed are rather easy to install. The best part is that once you’ve set up your model, all you require to do is to set the sought-after temperature, and you are set.

For enhanced command, you can choose a model that sports a remote.

Decreased Risk of Flooding

With tankless heaters, you won’t have to worry about possible flooding caused by a ruptured tank. That results in improved safety for you and your household. And to guarantee you even more safety, some models are equipped with an integrated system that will automatically recognize any flaw as they occur to take the appropriate actions before it is too late.

As you can see there are assorted reasons why you should purchase a tankless water heater over other types of heaters. Remember to check the flow rate of the unit you are planning to get before actually investing in it. You should choose a model that can handle your hot water needs and flow rate will have an outturn on the proficiency of the supply of the water you need.

If you want to learn more about tankless water heaters and how they work, pay attention to the next section. Knowing more about the functioning and the operations of tankless water heaters will help you make the most out of your model.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

To put it simply, a tankless water heater works by only heating water on demand, meaning heating water when you need it, which results in the elimination of standby heat loss, which makes these heaters more efficient than traditional tank systems. Indeed, a tank heater system has a large tank that contains water which is continuously heated to ensure it stays at a constant temperature. This process requires a lot of energy, which will be consumed even when you are not using hot water.

The Heat Exchanger

A tankless water heater operates by using a heat exchanger that increases the water’s temperature. The flow of water activates the heat exchanges, meaning that as soon as you turn your hot water tap, you’ll trigger the incoming water to circulate through the exchanger which heats the water at your desired temperature.

The Lag Time

There are two types of tankless water heaters: whole house and point of use ones. The difference is that whole house heaters tend to be larger and can work with more than one outlet at the same time, while point of use heaters are small and have a reduced capacity that allows them to only heat up one or two outlets at the same time.

Point of use heaters can fit even in the smallest apartments and they can be installed closer to your water outlet to eliminate water loss caused by lag time. The amount of time for water to reach the faucet is noted as lag time. Lag time can have an impact, especially in big houses when it can last up to several minutes.

Larger lag times will increase your water consumption, which is why you should consider how lag time might affect your budget before deciding to purchase a tankless water heater. Almost any point of use heater on the market is electric, while whole-house ones can be powered by electricity, natural gas or propane. You should go for a model that works best for you and that suits your needs better. The next section will help you choose the right tankless water heater.

How To Choose The Best Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters can be great but let’s be honest: they are quite expensive. You can’t afford to make an error and get one that is not right for you. Reading reviews will not be enough. To help you make a good decision, we put together a list of some of the most important features you should take into account before making your decision.

Energy Efficiency

We’ve already mentioned that one of the greatest benefits of going tankless is that these heaters are more efficient than other models. Go for what’s bills-friendly. For that to happen, check the EF (Energy Factor) before purchasing a heater. Keep in mind that even high EFs won’t necessarily translate into lower operating costs. Indeed, electric systems tend to have higher energy factors compared to gas counterparts, but gas is relatively cheaper than electricity, meaning that the annual operating cost might be lower with a gas heater with lower EF.

Rise and Flow Rate

Before investing in a tankless water heater, you should analyze the rise and flow rate. You should expect your tankless water heater to deliver something between 2 to 5 gallons of hot water per minute. Gas-powered water heaters can provide you with a higher flow rate compared to the electric system.

• Bathroom faucet: 3.0 -5.0 gallons per minute
• Shower: 4.0- 8.0 gallons per minute
• Kitchen faucet: 3.0 – 7.0 gallons per minute.

Reckon that you might need water even for other appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers. Calculate the rise of temperature to select the right model for you. Simply detect the temperature of the incoming underground water and set an appropriate output temperature.

Keep in mind that the temperature rise will keep fluctuating throughout the year. To give you an example, if the incoming water temperature is 50°F and you wish to get hot water at 120°, you’ll need to choose a tankless unit that can heat the incoming water of 70°. The temperature of the surging water will also impact the flow rate and speed of your heater.

Fuel Type

When shopping for a water heater a critical decision might be the fuel type. A good performing water heater should provide you with a continuous flow of hot water and will help you bring down your utility costs. You can choose between electric, propane and gas-powered heaters. Depending on the fuel mostly available in your area, you might have to pick one fuel type over the other. Also, keep in mind that the cost of each fuel might impact your total costs and will be a driving factor in your decision.

The Fuel Supply Line

The line of fuel supply will be in need of measuring to proffer the power needed to supply you with the hot water you need. Most heaters have an output of about 200,000 BTU.

Ignition

There are three types of ignition systems. The most expensive models have complex systems, which tend to result in higher savings on the bills.

Venting

Tankless heaters require venting to enable proper functioning. It is better to pick a model that supports category III venting which will guarantee you better combustion. However, you’ll only require venting with indoor gas tankless water heaters. If you decide to go for an outdoor gas tankless water heater, you should make sure that it is robust enough to endure the changes in the weather.

Conclusion

Tankless water heaters are great devices that will most probably last for the future. With the world starting to adopt greener forms of energy, tankless water heaters fall right into the category of sustainable heating systems. These units are energy efficient, which not only translates to fewer emissions but also in lower bills. And who doesn’t’ like to save some money? However, not all tankless water heaters are the same, and to get the most out of them, you’ll need to choose the right one for you. Also, most tankless heaters are not cheap, meaning that before making a purchase you need to be sure you picked the right model. The ideal is to find a water heater that will meet your water needs even for the years to come.

Hopefully, this buyer’s guide will help you in the process of choosing the best tankless water heater 2020. With the reviews we provided and the information we put together, you should have more knowledge about how to choose a model that is right for you. Now you can narrow down your options and pick a model that will provide you with what you need. With the information provided in this guide, you now know more about these heaters functioning and what to look for in one.