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10 Best On Demand Water Heaters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NEW Rinnai RXP199iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 11.1 GPM, 199,000 BTU

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,141
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
181 reviews

Energy Efficiency
The BLE Bluetooth button accessory is recommended to maximize energy efficiency, saving tons of water and energy year over year.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward with an excellent, detailed instruction manual, but pre-planning mounting location and materials is strongly advised.

The Rinnai RXP199iN Condensing Smart Sense Tankless Water Heater stands out with its impressive flow rate of up to 11.1 gallons per minute (GPM), which can support multiple fixtures simultaneously. This makes it a great choice for larger households or those with high hot water demand. The energy efficiency is excellent, boasting a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.98, meaning it effectively converts fuel into usable heat, leading to potential savings on energy bills.

The device operates on both natural gas and propane, offering flexibility depending on your fuel availability or preference. Its compact size, similar to a small suitcase, allows for versatile installation either indoors or outdoors, thanks to the Versa Vent system. Additionally, the Smart-Circ Intelligent Recirculation feature learns your hot water usage patterns to optimize performance and efficiency, though it may take some time to adjust correctly to your routine.

The unit is fairly lightweight at 58 pounds, but professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure proper setup and operation. A potential downside is the additional cost for the Control-R module if you want WiFi connectivity for remote control and monitoring. Also, while the temperature rise and maximum output of 199,000 BTU are suitable for most homes, it's important to ensure it's compatible with your specific requirements. This water heater is highly efficient and powerful, suitable for households needing a reliable and flexible hot water solution.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,141
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
181 reviews

Energy Efficiency
The BLE Bluetooth button accessory is recommended to maximize energy efficiency, saving tons of water and energy year over year.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward with an excellent, detailed instruction manual, but pre-planning mounting location and materials is strongly advised.
#3

NEW Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 11.1 GPM, 199,000 BTU

Rating
9.9
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
181 reviews

Flow Rate
Adjusting flow rate settings is necessary in some cases to ensure compatibility with high-efficiency appliances, but the process is well documented in the manual.
Energy Efficiency
Energy savings are evident by switching from propane tanks to this efficient tankless model, making the investment worthwhile despite higher upfront and installation costs.
Size and Installation
Installation is fairly simple when replacing a tank heater, but additional components like a water polisher and condensate neutralizer may add to the overall cost.
Temperature Rise
Heats water almost instantly, eliminating worries about running out of hot water even with multiple users simultaneously.
Warranty and Support
The product showcases reliability and durability, backed by a reputable brand known for long-lasting water heaters.

The Rinnai RX199iN is a versatile tankless water heater suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, powered by natural gas or propane. It delivers a strong flow rate of up to 11.1 gallons per minute, which means it can supply hot water to about seven fixtures at once, making it a good choice for larger households or homes with high hot water demand. Its energy efficiency is impressive, with a UEF of 0.98, indicating that it uses fuel very effectively, which can lower your energy bills over time. The heater is compact, roughly the size of a small suitcase, and mounts on the wall, saving space compared to traditional tank water heaters.

It offers a maximum temperature of 140°F and a powerful 199,000 BTU output, ensuring a consistent temperature rise even in colder climates. This model requires professional installation, which adds to the upfront cost and complexity. The smart control system and available WiFi module allow convenient temperature adjustments and maintenance alerts, enhancing user experience. Warranty and support appear reliable, and Rinnai provides resources like manuals and installation help.

On the downside, it’s relatively heavy at 55 pounds, and you’ll need to ensure the proper venting system (Versa Vent and vent cap for outdoors) is in place. If you want a high-capacity, energy-efficient tankless water heater with modern features and don’t mind investing in professional installation, the Rinnai RX199iN represents a solid option.

Rating
9.9
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
181 reviews

Flow Rate
Adjusting flow rate settings is necessary in some cases to ensure compatibility with high-efficiency appliances, but the process is well documented in the manual.
Energy Efficiency
Energy savings are evident by switching from propane tanks to this efficient tankless model, making the investment worthwhile despite higher upfront and installation costs.
Size and Installation
Installation is fairly simple when replacing a tank heater, but additional components like a water polisher and condensate neutralizer may add to the overall cost.
Temperature Rise
Heats water almost instantly, eliminating worries about running out of hot water even with multiple users simultaneously.
Warranty and Support
The product showcases reliability and durability, backed by a reputable brand known for long-lasting water heaters.

Buying Guide for the Best On Demand Water Heaters

Choosing the right on-demand water heater, also known as a tankless water heater, can significantly impact your home's energy efficiency and your comfort. These devices heat water only when you need it, which can save you money on energy bills compared to traditional tank water heaters. To find the best fit for your needs, consider several key specifications that will determine the heater's performance and suitability for your household.
Flow RateFlow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), indicates how much hot water the heater can produce at a time. This is crucial because it determines whether the heater can meet your household's hot water demands. For example, a shower typically requires 2-3 GPM, while a dishwasher might need 1-2 GPM. If you have a large family or multiple hot water needs simultaneously, you should look for a higher flow rate, around 7-10 GPM. For smaller households or less simultaneous usage, a lower flow rate, around 3-5 GPM, may suffice.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency is measured by the Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). This spec tells you how efficiently the water heater converts energy into hot water. Higher values mean better efficiency and lower operating costs. For instance, an EF of 0.90 means 90% of the energy is used to heat water, while 10% is lost. Look for models with higher EF or UEF ratings if you want to save on energy bills and reduce your environmental footprint. For most users, an EF of 0.80 or higher is a good target.
Fuel TypeOn-demand water heaters can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. The choice of fuel type affects installation costs, operating costs, and performance. Electric models are typically easier to install and maintain but may have higher operating costs depending on your local electricity rates. Gas models (natural gas or propane) usually offer higher flow rates and lower operating costs but require proper ventilation and may have higher installation costs. Choose the fuel type that aligns with your home's existing infrastructure and your long-term cost considerations.
Size and InstallationThe physical size of the water heater and its installation requirements are important to consider, especially if you have limited space. Tankless water heaters are generally more compact than traditional tank heaters, but you still need to ensure you have enough space for installation and proper ventilation if it's a gas model. Consider where you plan to install the unit and check the manufacturer's specifications for space and ventilation requirements. If space is tight, look for more compact models designed for smaller areas.
Temperature RiseTemperature rise refers to the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired output temperature. This spec is important because it affects the heater's ability to provide hot water in colder climates. For example, if your incoming water temperature is 50°F and you want it heated to 120°F, the heater needs to handle a 70°F temperature rise. Higher temperature rise capabilities are necessary for colder regions or if you prefer very hot water. Check the manufacturer's charts to ensure the model you choose can handle the temperature rise needed for your area.
Warranty and SupportA good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment. Warranties for on-demand water heaters typically range from 5 to 15 years, covering parts and sometimes labor. Longer warranties often indicate better build quality and reliability. Additionally, consider the availability of customer support and service options. Choose a brand with a strong reputation for customer service and a comprehensive warranty to ensure you can get help if you encounter any issues.

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