Choosing the best tankless gas water heater could mean the difference between spotty hot water or continuous hot water whenever you need it. Our evaluation focused on gas vs. electric tankless water heaters, ease of installation, maintenance, gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate, size, temperature rise, and portability. This is one of the bathroom essentials that simplifies a shower experience.
After more than 13 hours of research and testing, our top pick goes to the Rinnai V65IN Tankless Water Heater. This tankless gas water heater delivers an impressive 6.5 GPM flow rate, compact size, and energy savings. It is good enough to heat water for four fixtures, which is great for large households. Keep reading to learn more about the Rinnai V65IN Tankless Gas Water Heater and five others that made the cut.
Top 6 Best Tankless Gas Water Heater
#1 Rinnai V65IN Tankless Gas Water Heater
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This tankless gas water heater is great for larged sized homes thanks to its 6.5 GPM flow rating, which can effortlessly supply water for up to 4 fixtures simultaneously.
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- Slim profile
- Good for 4 fixtures
- Healthy flow rate
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- No individual faucet temperature setting
- Not Energy Star qualified
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This tankless gas water heater’s 6.5 GPM flow rating translates to continuous hot water for up to 4 fixtures. For perspective, 2.5 GPM is the max EPA-mandated flow rate for a compliant showerhead. This means two showers, a laundry machine, and a sink can run at the same time without hard temperature drops. We also like its leak detection feature, which automatically shuts off the water supply valve if there is a leak detected.
We love this tankless gas water heater’s space-saving, about the size of a large duffel bag. Bonus points for its energy consumption, saving 40% more energy than conventional tanks, although just squeaking short of receiving Energy Star certification. All in all, we were very impressed with this unit. And speaking of water, the best water filtration system is also a must for clean water in your home.
#2 Eccotemp i12-NG Tankless Gas Water Heater
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This tankless gas water heater has a 3 GPM rating and plugs into a standard wall outlet making installation easier than some of our other picks. It is a great choice for 1-2 bedroom houses or mobile homes.
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- Best for mobile homes
- Easiest to install & LED display
- Very durable
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- Low 3 GPM flow rate
- So-so two-year warranty
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This best tankless water heater is good for 3 GPM flow rate, which is good for running a shower and a faucet at the same time. Its temperature rise is solid, with a 35-40° temperature rise when running at 3 GPM and 77° at 1.5 GPM. Another plus is that it is childproof, with a UL-listed child-lock technology to prevent unintended use.
What we like most about this tankless gas water heater is its space-saving. It is only 16 by 16 by 11 inches and weighs 33 pounds, consuming little space on a tabletop or wall. Bonus points for its LED display, which displays helpful information such as the temperature and flow rate (in GPM). This and the best water filters have the water in your home covered. Make sure to check out the Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater. This great product has Concentric and PVC venting options, an energy factor of up to 0.96, and is easy to install based on customer reviews. Overall, gas models tend to be a more expensive purchase upfront in contrast to a greener, electric model. Some may prefer an electric interface with a digital screen and remote control, but electric models have higher operating costs, so consider a gas model if you want to save on your energy bills. If you like modern tech in your bathroom, you should read our guide on the best smart toilet.
#3 Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Gas Water Heater
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This portable best propane tankless water heater comes with a 1.32 gallon per minute output.. It is a great choice to take quick showers or have access to potable water on camping or boating trips.
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- Great for a cabin
- No electricity needed
- Weighs only 10.8 pounds
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- Low 1.32 GPM output
- So-so one year warranty
- Batteries not included
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This outdoor tankless gas water heater can be used for virtually anything from washing your dog to enjoying outdoor showers. Although it only has a 1.32 GPM output, it can easily be used and installed in cabins without a messy gas hardline to worry about. Bonus points for its size (11.4 by 5.5 by 14.6 inches) and folding handle, which makes it easy to carry around and stow in your trunk.
Another impressive feature of this tankless gas water heater is its max dual regulator, which allows flow rates to be controlled starting at a minimum temperature of 46.4℉ up to 114℉. This is a great feature for those sensitive to higher or lower water temperatures. Another one of the best gas tankless water heaters is the Gasland BE158 Outdoor Portable Gas Water Heater, which helps save you physical space and money on utility bills in contrast to tank water heaters. This CSA approved product has hundreds of positive ratings on Amazon.com, where you can also read the BE158 Tankless Water Heater reviews. For cleaner drinking water, you will want the best water filter systems in your home as well.
#4 Noritz NR66ODNG Outdoor Tankless Gas Water Heater
Award: BEST OUTDOOR
WHY WE LIKE IT: This tankless gas water heater features a 6.5 GPM flow rate and a generous 3 or 5-year warranty. It is a great choice for older homes which may not be able to accommodate extensive indoor plumbing adjustments.
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- Very efficient
- Easy to install
- Uses natural gas and propane
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- High cost
- Some users reported lag in getting hot water
- Professional installation recommended
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This tankless gas water heater’s 6.5 flow rate is great for large households (think 5 family members and 3 bedrooms). It also has a low profile, weighing only 33 pounds. This makes it a winner in our book.
One of our favorite features on this tankless gas water heater is the fact it can be used with natural gas or propane. Propane-compatibility makes it easy to carry anywhere without being connected to a gas line. This should be a big plus for frequent travelers or movers between homes who’d prefer to save on installation costs. The best tankless water heater will make life much more comfortable. Another great series of tankless water heaters you can check out on Amazon.com is the Noritz EZ series. All models provide endless hot water, cut installation time, and save space in contrast to tank units. To clean the device, use the best washcloth.
#5 Takagi T-H3-DV-N Condensing High-Efficiency Natural Gas Indoor Tankless Gas Water Heater
Award: HIGHEST FLOW RATE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best tankless water heater for a large family, thanks to its monstrous 10 GPM flow rate and is ENERGY STAR certified. It is good for larger households that need to run up to 4 fixtures at the same time.
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- Great for restaurants or large families
- NSF-certified
- Energy Star certification
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- Hard to install
- High cost
- Some users reported issues with heat exchanger
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This tankless gas water heater rises 35°F with a max flow rate of 10 GPM and rises 70°F with a generous 5.4 GPM flow rate. These are really good numbers, as lesser water is needed to reach higher temperatures. A 5.4 GPM flow rate is generous enough for heavy dishwashing and other intensive commercial applications.
Thanks to its NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification, this tankless gas water heater is also proven to adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines. As it oversees food service equipment, this distinction is a plus for restaurants. Kudos for its Energy Star rating, the only tankless gas water heater on this list to achieve it.Restaurants and bars with high consumption would be pleased with this option.
#6 Marey Power Gas 5L 2.0 GPM Natural Tankless Gas Water Heater
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: EXCELLENT FOR SMALL HOMES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This tankless gas water heater is great for smaller homes and apartments with a 2.0 GPM flow rate, supplying hot water to 1 or 2 fixtures with no issue.
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- Best Value & great energy savings
- Uses 2-D cell batteries
- Generous 5-year warranty
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- Instructions not very detailed
- Some flimsy plastic parts
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This tankless gas water heater’s 2 GPM flow rate is very good for a single application outdoors, such as showering or washing cars. At 1.5 GPM, water temperature increases by 45° and it is very responsive. Once turned on, it only takes a few seconds for the water to heat up.
Kudos for this tankless gas water heater’s energy efficiency, which uses up to 60% less power than standard heaters. It can also be powered using natural gas or propane. Being propane-compatibility allows the unit to be mounted virtually anywhere in or around your property. If other utilities fail, propane is a solid backup.
How We Decided
In determining the best tankless gas water heater to buy, we explored the flow rate (GPM), design, temperature rise (how fast the water warms up), and gas vs. electric tankless water heaters.
The higher the flow rate, the more devices (e.g. laundry machines, faucets, showers, etc.) you can run at the same time. For mobile homes or single individual use, 1 to 2 GPM units like our #3 pick Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Gas Water Heater and the #6 Marey Power Gas 5L 2.0 GPM Tankless Gas Water Heater will suffice. For small to mid sized households, look to the 5 to 10 GPM range.
Temperature rise is important. As a rule of thumb, we look for a 60° temperature rise with 2 GPM+ electric tankless gas water heaters and 5+ GPM with tankless gas water heaters. We feel this offers an acceptable enough waiting period for hot water without getting frustrated.
Lastly, gas heated units heat water a lot quicker and create greater water pressure than electric units. Installation costs are also higher, with professional installation required.
Best Tankless Gas Water Heater Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Gas vs Electric Power Heaters
Tankless gas water heaters generally churn a higher flow rate than electric tankless water heaters. However, it comes at the expense of convenience, with natural gas or propane needed to power the unit. We recommend the best electric tankless water heater for smaller homes. - Portability
Portable tankless gas water heaters are a nice-have during camping trips where outdoor water supply is needed. Bonus points for outdoor tankless gas water heaters that run on natural gas/propane and 2 “D” cell batteries, which is great when no power outlet is accessible. - Temperature Rise
Temperature rise for the top tankless water heaters is critical. It is the difference between the unit’s starting and final water temperature, which reach certain thresholds based on flow rates. As a general rule, look for a 5+ GPM unit to achieve a 60° temperature rise.
