I remember when I first heard about Fogatti—it wasn’t a brand as well-known as Rinnai or Noritz, but the price point and features immediately caught my eye. I was helping a friend renovate their home, and they were on the hunt for a budget-friendly tankless water heater that didn’t skimp on performance. After a lot of digging, we decided to try out Fogatti. Now, after several months of hands-on experience, here’s everything you need to know before you make the switch to a Fogatti tankless water heater.
Why Consider Fogatti?
Fogatti may not be as established as some other tankless water heater brands, but they’ve been gaining a lot of attention lately for offering affordable, feature-packed models that don’t compromise on quality. Their tankless water heaters are known for:
- Affordable pricing
- Compact, sleek designs
- Decent flow rates
- Smart control features
They cater to homeowners who want the benefits of a tankless system without the hefty price tag of the bigger brands.
1. Endless Hot Water: Does Fogatti Deliver?
Consistent Hot Water Supply
In my experience, Fogatti does a good job of providing consistent hot water on demand. Whether it’s showers, washing dishes, or laundry, we never experienced any cold water surprises. Fogatti offers both natural gas and propane models, so they’re flexible depending on your home’s energy setup.
Flow Rate
Fogatti heaters typically come with flow rates of around 7.5 to 9.5 GPM, depending on the model, which is enough for mid-sized homes with multiple bathrooms.
- Fogatti F199B: One of their most popular models, offering up to 9.5 GPM, which is plenty for a home with 2-3 bathrooms. If you have multiple water appliances running at once, this model handles the load well.
- Fogatti F135B: A smaller option with 7.5 GPM, ideal for homes with lower hot water demand, such as smaller families or homes with 1-2 bathrooms.
The flow rate is key when picking a tankless water heater because it determines how many appliances can use hot water at the same time without losing temperature.
2. Energy Efficiency: Decent Savings, Low Cost
One of the primary reasons people switch to tankless water heaters is to save on energy costs, and Fogatti doesn’t disappoint here. While they may not have the ultra-high efficiency ratings of top-tier brands like Rinnai or Noritz, Fogatti models are still more energy-efficient than traditional tank heaters.
Energy Factor
Fogatti’s tankless systems boast 0.80–0.85 UEF (Uniform Energy Factor), which puts them in line with other mid-range tankless heaters. For context, top-of-the-line condensing models can go up to 0.96 UEF, but those come at a much higher price. So, while you won’t get the highest efficiency available, Fogatti’s units still provide solid savings over time, especially when upgrading from a tank water heater.
Lower Energy Bills
The key advantage of tankless heaters is that they don’t have to keep a tank of water hot all day long, so you only pay to heat water when you actually need it. Switching to a Fogatti model should reduce your energy bills by about 20-30%, depending on your water usage habits.
3. Durability and Build Quality
Build Quality
Fogatti’s units are compact and relatively lightweight compared to some other tankless brands, which makes them easy to install and fit in small spaces. However, they don’t have the premium build materials like stainless steel heat exchangers found in higher-end brands like Noritz or Rinnai. Instead, they use copper heat exchangers, which are decent but might not last as long, especially in areas with hard water.
Lifespan and Warranty
With proper care, Fogatti units should last around 10-15 years, which is slightly less than some top-tier models that can last 20 years or more. Their warranty typically covers:
- 5 years on the heat exchanger
- 2 years on parts
- 1 year on labor
This is fairly standard for mid-range tankless water heaters, though it’s shorter than the 10–12-year warranties you’d get from a premium brand.
4. Installation: DIY-Friendly?
Installation Process
One of the best things about Fogatti tankless water heaters is that they are relatively easy to install, even for DIY-savvy homeowners. Their units come with clear instructions and are designed to fit into standard venting setups. That being said, you’ll still need to deal with gas lines and proper venting, so if you’re not comfortable with that, hiring a professional might be a better route.
Ventilation
Fogatti units require venting for gas models, and many of their models use PVC venting, which is cheaper and easier to install than stainless steel. This is a plus if you’re looking to save on installation costs.
5. Features: Smart Tech and Control Options
Fogatti tankless water heaters come with several handy features that make them stand out at their price point.
Digital Display & Temperature Control
The digital display is a simple, yet useful feature that allows you to easily adjust the temperature. Many of their models have LCD screens for monitoring temperature and diagnostics, making it easier to control and troubleshoot the unit.
Safety Features
Most Fogatti units include anti-freeze protection, overheat protection, and flame failure devices—standard safety features that add peace of mind, especially in cold climates.
Recirculation Pump
Some Fogatti models, like the F199B, come with built-in recirculation pumps, which means hot water is delivered faster to your taps. This can cut down on the wait time for hot water, especially in larger homes where it takes longer for hot water to travel through the pipes.
6. Common Issues and Maintenance
While Fogatti has many upsides, there are a few common issues to be aware of:
Common Issues:
- Cold Water Sandwich: A couple of users have reported the “cold water sandwich” effect, where there’s a brief burst of cold water before the hot water kicks in fully, but this isn’t a dealbreaker.
- Scaling in Hard Water Areas: Like any tankless water heater, if you live in an area with hard water, you’ll need to perform regular descaling to prevent mineral build-up, which can reduce efficiency over time.
Maintenance Needs
- Annual Flushing: It’s essential to flush the unit once a year to remove any mineral deposits that may accumulate.
- Filter Cleaning: Fogatti models also have air filters that need occasional cleaning to ensure the burner operates properly.
7. Fogatti Model Comparison: Which One is Right for You?
| Model | Flow Rate (GPM) | Energy Factor (UEF) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fogatti F199B | 9.5 GPM | 0.85 | Large homes, high hot water demand |
| Fogatti F135B | 7.5 GPM | 0.82 | Mid-sized homes, moderate usage |
| Fogatti F1320 | 6.3 GPM | 0.80 | Smaller homes or apartments |
Pros and Cons of Fogatti Tankless Water Heaters
Pros:
- Affordable: Fogatti units are budget-friendly compared to high-end brands.
- Endless hot water: Good performance with solid flow rates.
- Easy installation: Suitable for DIYers or simple professional installs.
- Compact and sleek design: Saves space and fits in smaller areas.
- Recirculation pump options: Some models offer faster hot water delivery.
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan: Copper heat exchangers may not last as long as stainless steel.
- Lower warranty period: Shorter warranties compared to premium brands.
- Occasional cold water sandwich: Some users experience brief cold water bursts.
- Maintenance needed in hard water areas: Regular flushing and descaling are necessary.
Final Verdict: Is Fogatti Right for You?
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable tankless water heater that delivers consistent performance without breaking the bank, Fogatti is a strong contender. While it may not have the ultra-premium build quality or the longest lifespan of more expensive brands, it provides excellent value for mid-sized homes that need a solid flow of hot water on demand.
For those on a budget who want the benefits of endless hot water and energy savings, Fogatti offers a lot of bang for your buck. Just be prepared to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure the system runs smoothly, and you’ll be enjoying hot showers for years to come!