Tankless water heaters are very energy efficient compared to traditional tank water heaters. The standard water heaters have a large tank to store water. You have to wait till the water in the tank heats up, and then you can use it. But a tankless water heater gives you instant hot water whenever you need it.
The water passes through the burner that transfers the heat and makes the water hot within seconds. The lack of a large tank makes the tankless water heater portable, and they have many varieties in the market, so you can find the perfect product as per your need.
| Rinnai V65eP (Best Outdoor Water Heater)
(Other Sizes Available Too)  
|
| Rinnai RU160iP (Most High-end & Energy efficient + High Flow Rate)
(Outdoor Variant + Other Sizes Available Too) 
|
| Rinnai V65IP (Best Indoor Water Heater)
(Other Sizes Available Too) 
|
| GASLAND BE264 (Budget Pick with Limited Features)
(Other Sizes Available Too) 
|
| Camplux AY132
|
The tankless water heater comes with many fuel options like electricity, natural gas, and solar. In all of them, propane tankless water heaters are the most eye-catching ones because they are eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
You have to look for so much in the tankless water heater before buying it. And that process can be confusing because you have to choose from so many options. No worries, we’ve listed the best propane tankless water heater you can buy. And all the propane tankless water heaters on our list have very reasonable prices and great features.
Table of Contents
Best Propane Tankless Water Heater
1. Rinnai V65eP Non-Condensing Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
Trying out all the other ordinary heaters on the market, I was pretty excited to come across this wonderful Rinnai V65eP. Offering high performance and striving to be an energy-efficient ideal, the Rinnai V65eP is an impressive water heating system.
With its compact size and sleek design, it is perfect for houses with limited space.
As I said, Rinnai V65eP is an energy-efficient heater; I was astonishingly amused to find that it does have an impressive Energy Factor (EF) rating of 0.82.
This signifies that the heater can work out heating water with minimal waste of energy, eventually saving my energy bills.
There are no questions about the heater’s potential. It is destined to provide a continuous supply of hot water on demand, which can be determined by its standard capability of 6.5 gallons.
Whether I was running the shower, washing dishes, or doing laundry, the Rinnai V65eP delivered clean hot water without any delays or interruption at a consistent pre-set temperature.
With the minimal maintenance rate, the heater got quite effortless. The advanced digital controller gives freedom to set precise temperatures and keep an eye on the usage update.
And also, the smartest diagnostic system helped me quickly identify and troubleshoot any issue caused by the system. And the installation process is also straightforwardly easy, but I do recommend a professional for securely installing.
You don’t have to worry about tank durability either; the smart rigid design of the body with enhanced scale detection prevents any severe damage to the outer body.
At the same time, the suitcase-size body of the Rinnai V65eP allows it to fit neatly in lesser areas in the home. So yeah, the Rinnai V65eP propane water heater is a brilliant investment one could make for a high-performance water heating solution.
Check out the Full Review of Rinnai V65eP Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
What we like
- Impressive energy factor
- Higher 6.5 flow rate
- Ultra-compact suitcase-size body
- Constant hot water
- Environment friendly
- Smart digital controller
What we don’t like
- Need a professional to install
2. Rinnai V65iP Non-Condensing Indoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
Okay, moving on, what’s better than another water heating tool from the iconic Rinnai’s expertise; So here we have the magnificent Rinnai V65iP propane tankless water heater.
I recently installed the Rinnai V65iP propane water heater in my home, and I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. It’s a perfect idea for an energy-efficient, reliable water-heating solution.
The first thing that stood out to me was the compact design, which allowed me to save space while still enjoying a continuous supply of hot water on demand through its higher 6.5-gallon-per-minute flow rate.
One of the most significant reasons for my purchase is its energy-efficient character.
Rinnai V65eP water heater does come with a 6.6-gallon capacity and an impressive energy factor rating of 0.82, which means now you can have enough hot water with minimal waste of energy. I am thrilled with the reduction in my energy bills.
Did I mention the standard improvement I began to notice in my hot water supply? I believe it all was doing of modulating the gas valve that manages the flame size in order to maintain the temperature consistency, even with the high demand.
There isn’t any hassle in installation either; with the help of a licensed technician, the process is a piece of cake. Additionally, it does have flexible venting, which allows the product to be installed at any location.
Also, the Rinnai V65iP comes with advanced technology; it has the potential to regulate water temperature to the exact degree.
So you don’t have to worry about scalding, and also, the intuitive technology can automatically detect your usage of hot water, and it instantly turns off to save energy.
So, there is no reason for backing out; this Rinnai V65eP tankless propane water heater is one of the finest options for anyone looking for a reliable, efficient water heating solution on a reasonable budget.
What we like
- Supplies up to three bathrooms
- Energy efficient heater
- Advance control panel
- Compact sized body
- Long-lasting water solution
- Smart sensor and technology
- Can be connected to Wi-Fi
What we don’t like
- Challenging installment
3. Rinnai RU180iP Condensing Propane Tankless Hot Water Heater
As someone who is always looking for ways to save money and reduce my environmental footprint, this is an outstanding fit for me. This state-of-the-art water heater is a game-changer in terms of convenience, energy efficiency, and overall performance.
Let’s start with what it did best, the endless supply of constant water. The Rinnai RU180iP has an exquisite flow rate of 10 gallons per minute which is pretty big to cover a minimum of three to four bathrooms easily.
The heater indulged with an innovative technology where it heats water on demand, so goodbye to waiting for the tank to refill. This is a key benefit for someone with a busy daily routine.
Apart from that, I am pleased to let you know that my energy bills get reduced to a minimum compared to my previous water heater, the perk of having the perfect propane tankless water heater with an energy-efficient factor.
Rated by the Uniform Energy factor, you can literally save a lot. The rarest of all is the Rinnai RU180iP water heater comes with a recirculation feature meaning the hot water from the heater can go through an external pump for extensive usage.
The installation of the Rinnai RU180iP heater is a smooth breeze; the compact body of the water heater is designed to easily mount on any wall and fit into smaller spaces.
However, the installation is not a one-person job, so you might need the expertise of the installation team to get this unit running in no time.
And finally, the overall build quality of the RU180iP is top-notch. It feels sturdy and well-made, and I have no doubt that it will last for many years to come. On the contrary, the heater’s sleek, modern design is a welcome addition to my home’s aesthetic.
Summing up, I would definitely recommend the Rinnai RU180iP; because it’s the best propane tankless water heater in the market with a high-performance rate and convenient character.
What we like
- Higher capacity than other
- Ideal for larger households
- Optimized water pressure
- Energy saving heater
- Effective Recirculation benefits
- One-year residential warranty
- Top-Notch designing
What we don’t like
- Bulkier than some heaters.
4. GASLAND BE264 Propane Tankless Water Heater for Outdoors
That was all residential options; let’s move on to the bigger picture. As someone who loves to spend time outdoors, I was excited to try out the GASLAND BE264 outdoor tankless propane water heater.
I was in the market for a reliable and efficient water heater for my RVs, and this product seemed to tick all the boxes.
For someone who didn’t know much about this super convenient heater, know that it’s synonymous with Small packaging, Great power. The performance of GASLAND BE264 is incredibly impressive.
The heater works to heat the water real quick and let it flow consistently with the 2.64 gallons per minute flow rate. It is also energy efficient, which is a greater saver for my propane bill, and it doesn’t harm the environment by wasting energy on heating.
The GASLAND BE264 is ideally designed for a smaller purpose, mostly outdoor, which is why the large family couldn’t get adapted to its heating water purpose entirely.
But it’s a perfect tool to carry outdoors like hunting, RVing, Vehicle cleaning, or greenhouse. The alloy steel composite ensures long-term usage as well.
The GASLAND BE264 is a popular tool in the market because it possesses great portability. Its 18 pound weight is exceptionally lightest compared to others which is why I can move it around my backyard or take it on a camping trip.
As complementary, Gasland put a weather resistance layering on the tank, so there are no more worries of getting it damaged in the rain.
In addition, it features some magnificent safety features like overheating, low-water flow, high water pressure, and dry combustion protection, along with the anti-freezing feature for winters.
With all the convenience lying around, let’s not forget how effortless the installation and maintenance of GASLAND BE264 are. The comprehensive instruction was made to follow, listing all the necessary hardware to include.
Also, managing GASLAND BE264 is easy; it does have a LED digital display that gives real-time updates.
Overall I am fond of this convenient Gasland BE264 tankless propane water heater because It is the best option for someone who values comfort and mobility.
What we like
- Compact and lightest weigh
- Smartest LED digital display
- Exceptionally pocket-friendly
- Effective safety measures
- Additional flame failure alert
- Decent pressure for outings
- Long-lasting approach
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for large household
5. Camplux AY132 1.32 GPM Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater
As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of camping experiences. From rugged tent sites to luxurious RVs, one thing that I’ve always struggled with is getting hot water for my shower.
That was until I discovered the Camplux AY132 outdoor propane tankless water heater. A remarkably ideal propane water heater for outdoor adventure
Okay, let me just say this little gadget is a real game-changer for my vacations. It’s wonderfully small, weighs at least around 14 pounds, and is an incredibly easy-to-install tool for any camping site or transportation either. However, the real magic lies in its unrivaled performance.
This convenient propane water heater is outstandingly potent in providing hot water on constant demand with a 1.32 gallon per minute flow rate. And to my surprise, I get a 50% straight reduction in cost due to the energy efficiency factor, which requires no more preheating.
So goodbye to waiting around the tank to heat up, and hello to just turning on the faucet to be greeted with a steady stream of hot water with consistent temperature throughout
There are numerous wonderful features Camplux AY132 has; one of those is the automatic ignition system which cuts short the worries about matches or lighter to start the unit, just a roll over the faucet.
Also, you don’t need professional help; you can easily install this portable propane water heater without much hassle.
Another feature I appreciate about this amazing propane tankless water heater is surrounded by tons of safety features. The Camplux AY132 has overheat protection that ensures the system won’t get too hot and disrupted.
Anti-freezing avoids the residual water freezing in the season of winter. The additional flame failure device will automatically shut down the gas supply if the flame goes out, preventing the danger of catching fire.
I am fascinated with this compact, easy-to-install, and high-rated performance Camplux AY132. A tool with energy efficiency, safety measures, and admirable design as topping under an exceptionally affordable cost. So definitely worth a shot.
What we like
- Automatic ignition system
- Weight least as a feather
- Additional Safety measures
- Budget-friendly price tag
- Applicable CSA safety standards
- One-year warranty service
What we don’t like
- Not ideal for massive demands
How to choose the best propane tankless water heater?
Choosing the right tankless propane water heater is a difficult task as there are so many options to choose from. You have to consider lots of things like price, features, power and so much more. Here are some of the factors you need to consider before buying a propane tankless water heater.
Water Flow Rate (GPM)
GPM stands for Gallon Per Minute, and it is applied to measure the flow rate of water. You have to decide how many appliances you want to use at the same time and add up all their flow rates. For example, the shower has 2.5 GPM, the washing machine has 2.0 GPM, and the dishwasher has 1.5 GPM.
If you add that all up, you’ll get a total of 6.0 Gallon Per Minute. Now you have to find a unit that can supply a minimum of 6.0 GPM. You can also find out GPM using a 1-gallon container and timer. First, you have to find out how many seconds it takes to fill the container. Then divide that number of seconds by 60.
Considering the flow rate helps a lot in finding the perfect propane tankless water heater. Like, if you are not using multiple appliances at the same time, then a lower flow rate is enough. However, you need higher flow rates if you are using several devices simultaneously.
Warranty and Protection
Most propane tankless water heaters are pretty durable and last longer than the standard water heater. The heater can give you service for up to 10-12 years, longer if it is well maintained. Choose the unit, which has a longer warranty and higher safety measures.
This combination will provide you with safety and durability at the same time. Talking about safety, tankless water heaters come with many protection systems, like dry combustion protection, anti-freezing protection, and flame failure protection.
The Anti-freezing system releases the water residual so it won’t get clogged up by frozen water during cold weather.
Flame failure protection prevents gas from gathering and building up in one location. These are some of the protections your propane tankless water heater should have.
Installation process
The portable tankless propane water heater is very easy to install, but the large tankless water heater is not so much. Portable tankless water heaters are made to carry around and enjoy hot water anywhere. The whole house tankless water heaters are not easy to install and have so many complex parts to fit.
You probably need a professional to install it. If you have a portable propane tankless water heater that you often carry with you on trips, you should invest in a proper installation kit.
Temperature Rise
The average temperature of the water supply in your house could be 40F degrees, and it could be colder or warmer depending on the weather condition or area you are living in.
For example, if the supplied water in your house is 60F degrees, and you want hot water around 100F degrees, then your tankless water heater has to raise the temperature of water to 40 degrees. If you are living in a cold area, then you need a higher-power tankless water heater.
Energy Efficiency and Less-emission
The propane tankless water heaters are surely energy efficient because they heat the water in no time, saving time and energy. The other thing to consider is fewer emissions. The lesser the discharge of harmful gas, the safer the environment will be. You should find a propane tankless water heater that is safe for the environment and energy-efficient.
Portability
If you want to use the propane tankless water heater for outdoor use, then you should buy a unit that is compact and lightweight. The small size and less weight make them easy to carry around on trips. You can take them to a campaign or RVing, and also the portable tankless water heaters are very easy to install. However, they are not as powerful as large propane tankless water heaters.
Types of Water heaters
There are five main types of water heaters. And all heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s see them in detail.
Storage Tank Water Heater
This is the most common water heater. You can find these types of heaters in big houses. Storage tank heaters are also known as conventional water heaters. Conventional water has a large tank to store water. The bigger the size of the tank, the more hot water it provides.
There are different conventional water heaters in the market which have different fuel sources. The tank of the conventional water heater is insulated. It means once the water heats up, it will remain warm for a long time.
The limitation of these types of water heaters is you can use a limited amount of water. Once the tank is empty, you have to wait till the water heats ups. Conventional water heaters are tough to maintain.
Tankless Water Heaters
So many people prefer tankless water heaters over standard storage tank water heaters. Unlike conventional water heaters, these don’t have any tanks, so they are portable.
The tankless water heater has a coil inside it. The coil heats up using a power source, and the coil transfers heat to incoming water and provides you with hot water instantly.
They come in different sizes. The bigger size heater provides more hot water compared to the smaller tankless water heater. These have compact sizes, so they are easy to carry around. You can carry propane tankless water heaters to camping, RVing, or mountain cabins.
Heat-Pump Water Heaters
The heat-pump water heater is heavy, and it needs more space. The heat-pump water heaters work differently compared to all the other heaters. This type of water heater uses hot air from outside or ground air to heat the water. The heater contains an air pump above it that takes in hot air and releases the cold air.
These types of water heaters have tanks to store water, which makes them harder to maintain. However, the heat-pump water heater uses 60% less electricity than stander water heaters use. Less electricity consumption makes it energy efficient, and no fuel usage makes it environment friendly.
Solar Water Heaters
Last but not least, solar water heaters are the most energy-efficient of all. The heater contains the water tank, which gets heat from the attached solar panel. The solar panel absorbs solar energy and allows the water to heat up. These types of water heaters work perfectly in warm areas. The weather surely affects the heating capacity of the solar water heater.
Advantages of Having a Propane Tankless Water Heater
- Propane tankless water heaters provide instant hot water, which saves time and energy.
- They are compact so easy to carry around. You can enjoy hot water anywhere.
- It is transport friendly, so you can take it to the campsite, mount it on your RV, or take it to the remote cabins in the mountain.
- The tankless water heaters don’t have a storage tank, so it doesn’t need much space to fit. You can install it outside as well as inside of the house.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- The overall life span of the tankless water heater is more compared to traditional water heaters.
- Unlike storage water heaters, the tankless water heater doesn’t have any storage tank, which means they need low maintenance.
FAQs
Q. Do propane tankless water heaters are hard to maintain?
The propane tankless water heaters do not require much maintenance. But there are some things to consider for maintaining your heater. The tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning the tank twice or thrice a month.
One of the biggest enemies of the tankless water heater is hard water. The hard water causes havoc in the tankless water heater as it creates an insulating layer between the heat exchanger and the water. This layer slows down the water heating process; however, there is a solution to minimize it.
You can use a water softener to reduce the hardness of the water. There are so many different kinds of water softeners available in the market. First, check the hardness of the water and then use a compatible water softener.
Q. How many GPM is enough in a tankless water heater?
The full form of GPM is a Gallon Per Minute. It is applied to measure the flow rate of water. The GPM of the tankless water heater depends on how many appliances you want to run simultaneously. The more devices you want, the higher your GPM is better.
For example, If you are using two hot showers at the same time. Then you need approximately 5 gallons per minute. Similarly, instead of two hot showers, you want hot water in the dishwasher and kitchen sink, you need 3 gallons per minute of water flow. So, GPM purely depends on your needs. If you want a tankless water heater for the whole house, then the high GPM is perfect.
Q. Are propane tankless water heaters loud?
The propane tankless water heater makes minimal noise. The tankless and traditional water heaters do not have much difference in making noise. The tankless water heater has a burner and a blower motor and nothing fancy. All the noise comes from these two parts of the tankless water heater. And it is very bearable. It will get louder if the flow of the gas is not under control.
Further Reading:
Best Gas Tankless Water Heaters
