10 Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Why does one need propane tankless water heaters? What do they do and what are they used for? These are the many questions we’ll answer in our detailed guide below.

Alongside this, we’ve also accumulated the best propane tankless water heaters for you on the market! 

Propane water heaters have become increasingly popular since they save more energy. They are also a great alternative to natural gas water heaters. 

What features do you need to be aware of to decide whether a certain propane water heater is the best? That’s the question we’ve answered for you. 

So if you have trouble choosing the right water heater, keep on reading!

DISCLOSURE: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Our Top Pick

4.6/5

Rinnai V75iP

The Rinnai V75iP is our top pick because its compact size and sleek design along with its amazing features make it stand out! Rinnai is the best since it focuses on both your comfort and investment!

What Is A Propane Tankless Water Heater?

Hot water should be accessible to you whenever you need it. And propane tankless water heaters do just that.

You need the optimum water heater that is energy efficient as well as cuts costs and the best propane tankless heaters do that.

Unlike tank water heaters, tankless water heaters don’t constantly use energy to heat and reheat the water. Tank water heaters create standby losses that aren’t eco-friendly. Tankless water heaters reduce this waste, therefore, leading to a more energy-efficient method.

Propane-powered heaters use a flame to heat the water whenever required. Liquid propane is also one of the most environmentally friendly gases that don’t pollute the environment.

Both these factors mixed result in a water heater that cuts energy costs, is eco-friendly, and delivers hot water instantly whenever needed.

Best Propane Tankless Water Heater Comparison

Image PRODUCT/ Features Rating  
Top PickComparing Rinnai V75iP Rinnai V75iPTemperature Range: 98 – 140 Fahrenheit 
Flow Rate: 7.5 GPM
Price: $$$$$
Dimensions: 14.04 x 9.27 x 26.9 inches
Weight: 45.6 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
RV PickComparing Camplux Pro 2.64 GPM Camplux Pro 2.64 GPMTemperature Range: 46 – 115 Fahreheit
Flow Rate: 2.64 GPM
Price: $$
Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.1 x 21.65 inches
Weight: 18 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
Trusted PickComparing Rinnai RU199iP Rinnai RU199iPTemperature Range: 98 – 140 Fahrenheit
Flow Rate: 11 GPM
Price: $$$$$
Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.45 x 31.3 inches
Weight: 64 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
Comparing Camplux Pro 6.86 GPM Camplux Pro 6.86 GPMTemperature Range: 41 – 122 Fahrenheit
Flow Rate: 6.86 GPM
Price: $$$$
Dimensions: ‎22.24 x 15.55 x 6.5 inches
Weight: 49.7 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
Comparing Eccotemp FVI12-LP Eccotemp FVI12-LPTemperature Range: 80 – 140 Fahrenheit
Flow Rate: 3.6 GPM
Price: $$
Dimensions: 25 x 14.5 x 4 inches
Weight: 33 pounds
Warranty: 2-year 
Read Full Review
Comparing Rheem Performance Platinum Rheem Performance Platinum Temperature Range: 85 – 140 Fahrenheit
Flow Rate: 11 GPM
Price: $$$$$
Dimensions: 25 x 13 x 9 inches
Weight: 54 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
Comparing GASLAND Outdoors BE158B GASLAND Outdoors BE158BTemperature Range: 98 – 140 Fahrenheit 
Flow Rate: 1.58 GPM 
Price: $$
Dimensions: 11.8 x 6.1 x 17.3 inches
Weight: 15.53 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
Comparing Camplux Constant 3.18 GPM Camplux Constant 3.18 GPMTemperature Range: 95 – 149 Fahrenheit
Flow Rate: 3.18 GPM
Price: $$$
Dimensions: 14.37 x 4.72 x 25.39 inches
Weight: 27.7 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
Comparing Rinnai V65iP Rinnai V65iPTemperature Range: 98 – 140 Fahrenheit
Flow Rate: 6.5 GPM
Price: $$$$
Dimensions: 14.04 x 9.27 x 26.9 inches
Weight: 45.6 pounds
Warranty: 1-year
Read Full Review
Comparing Camplux CA528 5.28 GPM Camplux CA528 5.28 GPMTemperature Range: 85 – 149 Fahrenheit
Flow Rate:
5.28 GPM
Price:
$$$$
Dimensions:
14 x 5.9 x 22.2 inches
Weight:
32.3 pounds
Warranty:
1-year
Read Full Review

Best Propane Tankless Water Heater Review 

1. Rinnai V75iP (Top Pick)

review of Rinnai V75iP

The Rinnai V75iP propane tankless heater is our top pick for an indoor propane tankless water heater. And that too for good reason!

This tankless water heater is constructed for your comfort. Rinnai guarantees you receive the right value for your money.

Although tankless, these water heaters aim to focus on energy efficiency. In doing so it also prevents the accumulation of extra energy costs.

This Rinnai heater only operates when required. This means that this tankless water heater saves energy by providing hot water only when needed!

The V75iP can supply hot water whenever needed without changes in the water pressure or water temperature.

This high-efficiency water heater has an optimum flow rate of 7.5 gallons per minute which is dispensed at a heavy and constant rate.

The Rinnai V75iP requires an indoor installation and is a great propane tankless water heater for small to medium homes.

Its small and compact design makes it easy to install it anywhere you need! So get yourself the V75iP and enjoy hot water for a long time!

Customer Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Automatic temperature lock safety feature
+ Leak detection feature
+ Batteries not required
+ Durable and reliable
CONS
Very expensive
Only suitable for small to medium homes

2. Camplux Pro 2.64 GPM (RV Pick)

review of Camplux Pro 2.64 GPM

The Camplux 2.64 propane tankless water heater is an instant water heater which is why it also has a compact design and size.

Camplux Pro 2.64’s biggest aim is energy efficiency and power savings. It does this while ensuring your hot water flow remains constant whenever you need it.

The unit comes with a propane water heat exchanger and a burner that uses advanced combustion technology. This feature provides endless hot water while working to decrease gas consumption.

It guarantees you a flow rate of 2.64 gallons per minute with an 11.5% energy-saving technology.

Its safety features include anti-freezing protection which discharges any remaining water in colder weather to prevent freezing.

Another safety feature is also the overheating protection for the safety of your unit and your family.

The Camplux Pro 2.64 is the perfect outdoor portable propane tankless water heater. It can be used in your cabin, during camping, and even your RV!

The best part is that it’s easy to set up and get running and will have you enjoying constant hot water in no time!

Customer Rating – 4.2 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Easy to transport
+ 1-year warranty
+ Affordable 
+ Multiple safety features
CONS
Preferable for outdoor use only
The flow rate may be less for a large number of people

3. Rinnai RU199iP (Trusted Pick)

review of Rinnai RU199iP

Rinnai’s propane tankless water heaters don’t only contain our top pick product but are also one of our most trusted picks.

With the RU199iP, you get instant hot water at any time for any area of your house. The 199iP also comes with a recirculation technology. You can get a separate hot water recirculating pump to ensure that you get hot water even faster.

The Rinnai RU199iP is two-in-one. It operates while saving energy and is space-efficient as well! This propane heater only functions when needed and saves energy.

This tankless propane heater has a flow rate of 11 gallons per minute and functions without problems with the water pressure or water temperature.

Its compact design guarantees that, unlike other tankless water heaters, this unit lasts you a long time.

Rinnai’s RU199iP also uses the latest technological advancements and can be connected to WiFi for both remote and voice commands!

Get yourself one of the highly rated and best tankless water heaters by Rinnai and we promise you will enjoy your purchase!

Customer Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ High flow rate per minute
+ Lasts a long time
+ Long year parts warranty
+ On-demand hot water
CONS
Expensive

4. Camplux Pro 6.86 GPM

review of Camplux Pro 6.86 GPM

The Camplux Pro 6.86 is perfect for an outdoor installation. These propane tankless water heaters are made for whole-house residential systems.

This propane heater has highly efficient water flow control. This allows this unit to function at a flow rate of 6.86 GPM to give an endless supply of hot water.

The Camplux Pro 6.86 GPM can be used for a 3 to 4 person household. If needed it can supply hot water to up to two bathrooms or a kitchen and a washroom at the same time.

The unit has two features that combine to make it energy efficient. It comes with a stainless steel burner. In addition, it also comes with a low nitrogen combustion design. Combined, both these elements save up to 89.98% energy.

Its safety features include anti-scalding protection to ensure that temperatures above 122 Fahrenheit have to be set manually.

Other features include a direct current frequency conversion to keep your unit protected from strong winds and causing no disturbances in the water pressure.

Make your life easy and efficient with the Camplux Pro 6.86 outdoor portable water heater!

Customer Rating – 4.2 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Anti-freezing safety features
+ High water flow control and capacity
+ Highly energy efficient
CONS
Expensive
Outdoor use only

 5. Eccotemp FVI12-LP

review of Eccotemp FVI12-LP

The Eccotemp FVI12-LP is a liquid propane-powered tankless water heater. It is the best liquid propane water heater option for small to medium-sized houses or cabins.

The Eccotemp is a manual water heater. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments in the water pressure and water temperature by yourself!

This unit is highly efficient because it uses a propane flame to heat water the instant it passes through the heater. So if you have a consistent water supply, it’s guaranteed you’ll never run out of hot water.

It comes with a safe electronic ignition system and requires a basic 120-volt power supply to operate.

The Eccotemp classifies itself as an energy saver since it only uses heat when required at a flow rate of 3.6 gallons per minute.

The unit itself is built with a compact design making it lightweight and easy to fit anywhere you’d like as long as there’s a viable power outlet.

This unit has a digital temperature display and has a very low noise output.

The  Eccotemp FVI12-LP is a great liquid propane tankless water heater for smaller homes.

Customer Rating

3.8 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Affordable
+ 2-year warranty
+ Great for small homes
+ Energy-saver
CONS
Indoor installation only
The low flow rate may cause hindrances in the water pressure

6. Rheem Performance Platinum 

review of Rheem Performance Platinum

This is one of Rheem’s ultimate propane tankless water heaters. It comes with multiple features that focus on your comfort and ease.

This tankless water heater gives an endless hot water supply. With one of the highest UEF energy ratings, this tankless water heater guarantees nothing but energy efficiency.

The Rheem Performance Platinum has a UEF rating of 0.93 for all heaters in the United States. The higher a UEF rating, the more energy-efficient it is.

Rheem’s heating water capabilities use less heat to warm water while saving more energy. It has a maximum flow rate of 11 gallons of water per minute.

It can be programmed to start on a time-based activation to give you instant hot water. In addition, this tankless water heater reduces water waste.

It comes with multiple safety features. Unlike most electric water heaters, it has an overheat cut-off switch to prevent scalding accidents.

To reduce wastewater, it also has a water leak detector sensor and also comes with a gas leak detector sensor to prevent accidents.

Customer Rating

3.8 out of 5 stars. 

PROS
+ Multiple safety features
+ Reduces wastewater
+ Built-in recirculation
+ Easy installation
+ Eco-friendly
CONS
Expensive

7. GASLAND Outdoors BE158B

review of GASLAND Outdoors BE158B

Another RV pick to give you instant hot water, the GASLAND Outdoors BE158B is one of the best tankless water heaters.

You don’t need to preheat this water heater because it can even work on a low-pressure startup. You can start this unit at a low water pressure of 3.6 PSI.

The Gasland outdoors tankless water heater also has an 11.5% energy-saving technology. This feature is designed to use energy and heat only when required.

This tankless water heater is approved by both Canadian and US standards approved to be used in any outdoor setting.

The BE158B has multiple safety features as a guarantee to you and your family. These include both freezing and high water temperature protection. Attached with this is also a flame failure device.

Gasland’s tankless water heater will save you both time and money. In addition to their compact design and light weighted-ness, this becomes a great pick for your RV, cabin, or any small home.

Customer Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Lightweight
+ Affordable
+ Modern and sleek design
+ CSA approved
CONS
Outdoor installation only
It has a low flow rate for more people

8. Camplux Constant 3.18GPM

review of Camplux Constant 3.18GPM

Camplux constant is a sleek, modern-designed propane tankless water heater. It features a sleek black glass panel on the front with an LED display.

This makes it easy to use and operate and can be used at a Fahrenheit or Celsius option if required.

To be 90% energy efficient, these units include an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger and a stainless steel burner.

Camplux Constant promises a flow rate of 3.18 gallons per minute of instant hot water. You don’t need to worry about water pressure with this water heater since the Camplux Constant is activated by water flow.

Camplux Constant has 6 safety features embedded in one tankless water heater. You can achieve the desired temperature with their fully automatic temperature controls. These also come with an energy-saving feature and a child lock technology to prevent any incidents.

The Camplux Constant also has a stainless steel venting with a 120-volt standard power cord. This venting technology allows safe and efficient power ventilation as well.

It is the perfect fit for any home, cabin, apartment, or the whole house and allows hot water application at more than one time.

The Camplux Constant takes care of your comfort and ease with its innovative technological tankless water heater.

Customer Rating

4.2 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Sleek and innovative design
+ Easy installation 
+ Easy to use
CONS
Indoor use only

9. Rinnai V65iP

review of Rinnai V65iP

If you’re looking for the best propane heaters that supply hot water instantly, Rinnai is one of the top companies with multiple options.

One such option is the V65iP. The V65iP is a part of the V series of Rinnai’s propane tankless water heaters

.If you have a small to medium-sized house, with 3-4 people, this tankless water heater would be the ideal option for it.

For your ease, the Rinnai V65iP is made for an indoor easy installation. Its compact and small structure and design make it reliable.

It has a high flow rate of 6.6 gallons per minute making it the perfect water heater for one to two bathrooms. You can use this water heater at the same time whether for a hot shower or in your faucet.

It allows you to enjoy endless hot water along with its space-saving design making it easy to install anywhere you have space.

Alongside its space efficiency, this unit also has a high energy efficiency to only operate when required.

Enjoy hot water with the comfort that you aren’t wasting extra water, space, or energy to operate it with the Rinnai V65iP!

Customer Rating

4.6 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Energy and space-efficient
+ Multiple warranties for labor and parts
+ Easy to install and use 
CONS
Expensive
Indoor use only

10. Camplux CA528 5.28 GPM

review of Camplux CA528 5.28 GPM

You can rely on Camplux to find what you need when it comes to tankless water heaters. The Camplux 5.28 GPM is another great propane tankless water heater.

Camplux 5.28 GPM promises an endless supply of hot water with the promise of reliability and durability for years to come.

This unit promises both smart and energy-saving technology. This technology includes an environmentally friendly and intelligent temperature adjustment.

This unit is highly thermally efficient. It includes a deoxidized copper heat exchanger for up to 92% thermal efficiency.

Additionally, it is also resistant to grade 8 wind speed as well as corrosion to prevent your unit from destruction.

Unlike natural gas water heaters, this unit has advanced features for safety. Camplux makes use of advanced combustion technology to ensure you enjoy fresh indoor air at all times.

Other features include intelligent monitoring and a pre-warning of any potential gas or fire leak!

The Camplux 5.28 GPM is a residential indoor model that is powered by a standard 120-volt power cord. Enjoy on-demand hot water with precise temperatures all the time!

Customer Rating

4.3 out of 5 stars.

PROS
+ Advanced safety capabilities
+ Easy to use and install 
+ Lightweight
CONS
Expensive
For indoor residential use only

What Size Propane Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?

The answer to this lies in choosing the correct tankless heater for yourself based on the following factors:

  1. Flow Rate
  2. Temperature Rise

The flow rate primarily refers to how much hot water you’ll require combined with the number of fixtures you plan to use.

The flow rate is determined in gallons per minute. Your flow rate will tell you how much hot water you’ll receive in comparison to usage.

If your potential tankless water heater has a low flow rate compared to the number of people and fixtures in your house, it wouldn’t be viable.

Secondly, you need to be aware of the temperature rise. This refers to the difference between the temperature of the water entering your water heater and the desired temperature required.

This will give you an idea of the appropriate unit required for your home and needs!

One of the best propane tankless water heater installed in the small sized laundry room

Types Of Propane Tankless Water Heaters

The many types of propane tankless water heaters are mentioned below.

Whole-House Tankless Water Heaters

As depicted by their name, whole-house tankless water heaters supply endless hot water for your whole house. This indicates that your unit should have a high flow rate that is enough to give an endless hot water supply.

Although before you get your whole house unit, make sure you fact-check the relevant information.

Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Condensing propane water heaters save you twice the amount of energy and costs. They significantly reduce operating costs. Condensing water heaters do this by re-using the gas that is emitted through exhaust pipes by using two heat exchangers.

This process recovers the gas missed because of greenhouse gas emissions and reduces energy consumption.

Outdoor and Indoor Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Indoor tankless water heaters are suitable for indoor installation. Outdoor tankless water heaters are suitable for outdoor installation. Getting an indoor tankless water heater means your unit needs to have the proper ventilation to let out exhaust gasses. 

Outdoor units should come with protection features for the unit. These include anti-freezing and anti-wind prevention features that can keep the water heater running.

To install these units, you need the right plumbing and optimum installation space.

Portable Tankless Water Heaters

Portable water heaters are the best water heaters if you’re on the go. These units are suited for small homes, cabins, or RVs.

They have a low flow rate which isn’t suitable for a large number of people or fixtures. The right portable tankless water heater can support two separate faucets at the same time. 

It can be carried or transported anywhere with ease. Accordingly, these propane water heaters also require a fairly simple installation to get them up and running in no time.

Small Propane Tankless Water Heaters

If you’re the sole user of a water heater or require instant hot water for your small apartment or home, small propane tankless water heaters are available for that.

These units are perfect for any small space. It can at best supply hot water to one fixture at a time or sometimes maybe two.

Accordingly, these water heaters also have a low flow rate. It seems optimum for 1 or 2 people’s use, however, it is not viable for a large number of people. 

One of the best propane tankless water heater in an outdoor camp

How to Pick a Propane Tankless Water Heater?

Here’s a couple of tips to choose the right propane water heater:

Weight and Size

Before purchasing your water heater, you should analyze whether you have the space and budget for a large unit. 

If you want an outdoor on-the-go tankless water heater, a portable water heater would be the most suitable option.

Temperature

The temperature of your water heater depends on what area you live in and what’s the desired temperature you require. 

Firstly analyze the average temperature in your area, and look into your unit’s temperature range accordingly.

Flow Rate

Different sized houses require different sized water heaters. The flow rate refers to how much hot water a tankless heater can provide. 

For small-sized homes, a flow rate of 3 GPM is sufficient, however, a large home will require a higher flow rate.

This also depends on your water supply. The colder your main water supply the harder your water heater needs to work to heat water. 

Power Output

The power output is measured in British thermal units. It refers to the energy that needs to be raised to heat 1 pound of water to 1 Fahrenheit.  

The power output is necessary to deduce how much water your unit can heat. If the power output is low you would have fluctuating water temperatures.

Energy Efficiency 

Energy-efficient units are beneficial for you and the environment. These units are designed to reduce energy wastage.

In doing so, they cut excessive energy costs. They are also eco-friendly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Safety 

You should get a unit that is equipped with multiple safety features. Most water heaters are constructed to be self-protective.

They come with anti-freeze, anti-wind, and anti-scalding protection, leak detectors, child lock protection features.

These features protect the unit in case of emergencies and help extend its durability and longevity. 

Warranty 

On average, most units have a warranty of one or a maximum of two years. But with this, you also need to ensure the water heater’s parts warranties.

Some heaters have a warranty of 5, 10 even 12 years.

On average, with the proper maintenance, a propane tankless water heater can last up to 10 years. 

Maintenance and Installation

A propane water heater, depending on its size will require the proper size and space. If it’s a large whole-house water heater,  it will need an open space for maintenance as well as installation.

If you’re well versed in DIY plumbing, you can get yourself the required tools for a DIY installation.

Otherwise, it would be better to opt for a professional installation for safety concerns as well!

Price

Propane tankless water heaters are more expensive compared to natural gas water heaters. Since they’re more focused on being energy efficient. 

However, propane tankless water heaters are available in a wide range of prices ranging from $200-$2000. 

It depends on what suits you best.

FAQs on Best Propane Tankless Water Heater

Is a Propane Water Heater Cheaper Than Electric Water Heaters?

Propane water heaters are more expensive compared to electric water heaters. They’re more focused to reduce energy wastage, cut costs, and be environmentally friendly. 
On average, a propane water heater costs between $850-$1400, while electric water heaters are priced approximately at $650.

How Efficient Are Propane Water Heaters?

Propane-fuelled water heaters have a higher rate of efficiency than oil-powered water heaters. 
Propane fuels a smaller unit to provide more hot water as compared to natural gas or electric water heaters. 

Why Are Propane Water Heaters So Popular?

Propane water heaters are increasingly in demand due to their significant cost-cutting abilities, and high energy efficiency.

Why Are Propane Water Heaters More Expensive?

Propane is a more costly fuel compared to natural gas. In addition, it’s used to supply twice the amount of power and be significantly more energy-efficient.

Conclusion

Now you’re aware of why propane tankless water heaters are so widely used, what they do and how they operate!

We hope our guide helps you purchase the best propane tankless water heater suitable for you.

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