Best Propane Tankless Water Heater

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You know that feeling when you turn on the hot water and it just keeps coming, no matter how long the shower? That’s the magic of a propane tankless water heater. After installing several units for homes and off-grid cabins, I can confidently say that a propane tankless water heater is one of the best investments you can make, especially for areas without easy access to electricity or natural gas.

If you’re ready to ditch the old tank and go tankless, I’ve narrowed down the best propane tankless water heaters based on real-world experience with installation, efficiency, and long-term performance.

Top 5 Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Heater Name GPM (Gallons Per Minute) Max BTUs Efficiency (%) Best For
Rinnai V65iP 6.5 GPM 150,000 82% Indoor, medium-sized homes
Camplux 5L Portable 1.32 GPM 34,000 88.5% Outdoor, RVs, and off-grid camping
Noritz NRC66DV 6.6 GPM 120,000 93% Indoor, whole-house
Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP 6.6 GPM 140,000 81% Indoor, small to medium-sized homes
Eccotemp FVI-12 3.6 GPM 74,500 79% Small homes, cabins, or point-of-use

1. Rinnai V65iP – Best Overall for Medium Homes

When I’m asked to recommend a propane tankless water heater for a typical family home, the Rinnai V65iP is my top pick. It offers a great balance of power, efficiency, and reliability, making it perfect for medium-sized households.

Key Features:

  • Flow Rate: Up to 6.5 GPM, allowing you to run two showers simultaneously in warm climates or a shower and a sink in colder climates.
  • BTU Rating: With 150,000 BTUs, this unit can handle hot water needs for homes with 1-2 bathrooms.
  • Compact and Space-Saving: It’s a sleek indoor unit that can be mounted on a wall, saving space.
  • Energy Efficiency: Rated at 82% efficiency, it strikes a good balance between performance and saving on propane costs.

Pros:

  • Perfect for indoor use with sealed combustion for safety.
  • Works with recirculation technology to reduce water waste and heat water faster.
  • Reliable warranty from Rinnai, including a 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger.

Cons:

  • Installation requires professional help, especially with venting and gas hookups.
  • Not the most efficient in very cold climates (GPM drops with lower water temperatures).

2. Camplux 5L Portable – Best for Outdoor or Off-Grid Use

If you’re looking for an outdoor propane tankless water heater for camping, RV trips, or an off-grid cabin, the Camplux 5L Portable is hands down the best option. It’s small, easy to set up, and provides instant hot water wherever you go.

Key Features:

  • Flow Rate: Delivers 1.32 GPM, which is great for a single shower, dishwashing, or outdoor activities like washing pets.
  • BTU Rating: At 34,000 BTUs, it’s powerful enough to deliver consistent hot water without needing electricity.
  • Ignition: It uses 2 D-cell batteries for ignition, so no electricity is required.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and portable, ideal for outdoor showers or off-grid use.
  • Instant hot water on demand with easy setup—just hook it up to a propane tank.
  • Affordable price compared to more powerful units.

Cons:

  • Lower flow rate: Only suitable for single point-of-use; don’t expect to run multiple fixtures at once.
  • Outdoor use only, not designed for indoor installation due to lack of venting.

3. Noritz NRC66DV – Most Efficient for Whole-House Use

The Noritz NRC66DV is a condensing tankless water heater, meaning it reuses some of the heat from the exhaust gases to improve efficiency. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly unit with high energy savings for a small to medium-sized home, this is one of the best options available.

Key Features:

  • Flow Rate: Offers 6.6 GPM, which can comfortably support 2-3 bathrooms depending on the climate.
  • BTU Rating: It runs at 120,000 BTUs, making it suitable for whole-house use.
  • Energy Efficiency: At 93% efficiency, this unit uses less propane than standard models, saving you money in the long run.

Pros:

  • Condensing technology means better energy efficiency, resulting in lower gas bills.
  • Built-in safety features like freeze protection and overheat protection.
  • Compact size for indoor installation, works in tight spaces.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost due to condensing technology.
  • Requires stainless steel venting, which can add to installation costs.

4. Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP – Best for Small to Medium Homes

If you’re looking for a reliable indoor unit for a small to medium-sized home, the Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP is one of the best options. Known for its durability and consistent performance, it’s great for households that need hot water for two to three people at a time.

Key Features:

  • Flow Rate: Delivers up to 6.6 GPM, depending on water temperature, making it a solid choice for small families or homes with 1-2 bathrooms.
  • BTU Rating: With 140,000 BTUs, it provides enough power to keep hot water running even in colder weather.
  • Compact Design: Its small size makes it ideal for homes with limited space.

Pros:

  • Reliable and durable; built for long-term use with minimal maintenance.
  • Compatible with low-NOx emissions requirements, making it more environmentally friendly.
  • Easy installation for a professional plumber, with clear instructions and support.

Cons:

  • Lower efficiency compared to condensing models.
  • Not recommended for very large homes or those needing higher GPM output.

5. Eccotemp FVI-12 – Best for Small Homes or Point-of-Use

The Eccotemp FVI-12 is perfect for small homes, tiny houses, or even cabins where hot water demand isn’t very high. It’s compact, easy to install, and budget-friendly, making it ideal for single-bathroom homes or point-of-use applications.

Key Features:

  • Flow Rate: Provides 3.6 GPM, which is enough for a single shower or faucet.
  • BTU Rating: It runs on 74,500 BTUs, which is suitable for smaller homes or seasonal use.
  • Simple Setup: Can be installed easily, and it runs off a standard propane tank.

Pros:

  • Affordable compared to whole-house units.
  • Compact and wall-mountable for space-saving installation.
  • Good option for tiny homes, cabins, or point-of-use applications like bathrooms.

Cons:

  • Lower GPM means it’s not ideal for large families or homes needing multiple fixtures to run at once.
  • Not as durable as higher-end models, so may require more maintenance over time.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Propane Tankless Water Heater

1. Flow Rate (GPM)

  • GPM (Gallons Per Minute) measures the flow of hot water. A unit with 6+ GPM can handle multiple fixtures, while anything around 1-3 GPM is better for single point-of-use.
  • If you’re running multiple bathrooms or appliances at the same time, aim for a model with at least 5-7 GPM.

2. BTU Rating

  • The BTU (British Thermal Units) rating indicates how powerful the heater is. Higher BTUs mean faster water heating and the ability to handle colder climates.
  • Look for at least 100,000 BTUs for small to medium homes. For larger homes or high-demand situations, 140,000-200,000 BTUs is ideal.

3. Energy Efficiency

  • The higher the efficiency rating, the less propane you’ll burn. Condensing models (like the Noritz NRC66DV) reuse heat from exhaust gases and can achieve efficiency levels above 90%.
  • For budget-conscious users, an efficiency rating between 80% and 85% will balance cost and performance well.

4. Indoor vs. Outdoor

  • Indoor units are more efficient and protected from the elements, but require venting.
  • Outdoor units don’t need venting but must be able to withstand weather conditions (e.g., freeze protection).

Conclusion: Which Propane Tankless Water Heater is Right for You?

  • For most homeowners, the Rinnai V65iP is the best choice due to its high flow rate, reliability, and moderate efficiency. It can handle the needs of a typical family home without breaking the bank.
  • If you’re looking for outdoor or off-grid solutions, the Camplux 5L Portable is unbeatable for portability and ease of use.
  • For eco-conscious users wanting maximum efficiency, the Noritz NRC66DV is a winner with its condensing technology.
  • The Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP is ideal if you have a smaller home but still want reliable, whole-house heating.
  • Lastly, for budget-conscious users with minimal hot water needs, the Eccotemp FVI-12 provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for smaller spaces.

No matter which model you choose, a propane tankless water heater will give you endless hot water while saving space and energy.

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