Do you realize that the expense of heating water equates to about 20% of the budget of your household? It’s more than the cost of cooling and heating your home! Over and above that, most people prefer to neglect the best water heaters they have until it’s operating properly.
Electricity or gas power can power the heating process that water heaters perform. Tank-style heaters are most commonly used for residential use however, tankless heaters for water are ideal because of their unending hot water supply as well as their space-saving design.
Water heaters come in different forms. Which one is the best one for you? To help ease your stress, we’ve taken on the task of identifying the top water heaters you can get.
Page Contents
Best Gas Water Heater [Comparison Table]
- We recommend that all installations of units must be done by the local building and plumbing codes of the installation location and installation be done by a licensed professional.
- The tankless design means you don't have to wait 30 minutes for preheating and unlimited use of hot water.
- 170,000 BTU high heating capacity and maximum 7.5 GPM. It is suitable for 3-4 outlet points, which can satisfy whole family. UEF over 0.81, the high energy conversion rate can effectively reduce energy loss.
- Excellent quality CSA certified in the United States and Canada. Adopting the world's most advanced technology, superior safety and durability.
- Using built in forced exhaust fan at the bottom ensures stable combustion and eliminates the influence of external wind. Compact design for easy installation.
- Endless Hot Water: Enjoy unlimited hot water flow throughout the house; compact, durable, and easy to install; professional installation recommended
- Energy and Space Efficient: Space-saving design conserves energy as it heats only when necessary
- Optimal Water Pressure: Up to 11 GPM hot water flow rate for a powerful, constant stream
- Instant Heating: Equipped with Circ-Logic - Pair with an external pump to reduce wait time for hot water via scheduled or on-demand recirculation
- Guaranteed to Last: 15-, 5-, and 1-year residential for heat exchanger, labor, and parts, respectively. Wifi monitoring.
- Original Design: Tankless hot water heater's Circ-Logic technology offers recirculation patterns that match your habits; For the latest in non-condensing technology that speeds up service and installation, check out our new RE180iN model
- Never Run Out of Hot Water with this Compact Tankless Gas Water Heater: Non-condensing tankless hot water heater from Rinnai is only the size of a small suitcase and fits in a wide variety of spaces, but provides up to 9.8 GPM (6 fixtures at once)
- Smart, Durable Design: Includes 12-, 5-, and 1-year residential guarantee and 5-, 5-, and 1-year commercial factory warranty for heat exchanger, labor, and parts, respectively; See Controlr module for WiFi control (not included)
- Professional Installation Recommended: Visit the Find a Rinnai PRO page on our website to locate a qualified technician in your area to install your tankless water heater; We do not recommend installing a water heater without a technician
- Find Your Rinnai: See our product guides, manuals, energy guide, warranty information, videos, and tables to find the right tankless water heater for your home; Check our Ground Water Temperature Map to see if this heater is optimal for your region
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We will be talking about some of the best gas water heaters available on the market at present. There were many options to pick from, however, these top heaters caught our attention due to their distinctive design, features, and price.
1. Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, 7.5 GPM – Best gas water heater
- Original Design: Tankless hot water heater's Circ-Logic technology offers recirculation patterns that match your habits; For the latest in non-condensing technology that speeds up service and installation, check out our new RE160iN model
- Never Run Out of Hot Water with this Compact Tankless Gas Water Heater: Non-condensing tankless hot water heater from Rinnai is only the size of a small suitcase and fits in a wide variety of spaces, but provides up to 7.5 GPM (5 fixtures at once)
- Smart, Durable Design: Includes 12-, 5-, and 1-year residential guarantee and 5-, 5-, and 1-year commercial factory warranty for heat exchanger, labor, and parts, respectively; See Controlr module for WiFi control (not included)
- Professional Installation Recommended: Visit the Find a Rinnai PRO page on our website to locate a qualified technician in your area to install your tankless water heater; We do not recommend installing a water heater without a technician
- Find Your Rinnai: See our product guides, manuals, energy guide, warranty information, videos, and tables to find the right tankless water heater for your home; Check our Ground Water Temperature Map to see if this heater is optimal for your region
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you get the complete 7.5 then you can run a faucet, shower as well as a dishwasher simultaneously. This is the perfect tanks-less heater for a household of four, with two or three bathrooms.
The device will switch on when it can sense the flow of water to be just 0.4 GPM. Most low-flow fixtures start with 0.5 GPM so this puts them in the correct zone. Even with fixtures with low flow, you can get on-demand hot water.
With a rating of 82 Energy Factor rating, it will reduce up to 30% off your regular gas bills. The meaning of that number is that just 18% of energy-efficient generated will be lost. 82 percent of the energy will be used to heat the water.
This is where cost savings can be realized. A typical gas tank can only be rated up to 60 % on average and that means 40 percent of the energy is wasted.
With the Wi-Fi module that is sold separately, you will be able to send all information directly to your smartphone. It can be connected to the device. It comes with an app that works for Android and iPhone. You can also activate the water recirculating system when you’re on your way to your home.
2. Camplux Propane Water Heater 1.58 GPM
- 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - 11.61(L)*4.33(W)*17.32(H) inches, the 14 lbs lightweight portable water heater's folding handle keeps it out of the way and enables easy setup outside
- 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 & 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Low water pressure start of 3.0 PSI allows you to enjoy 1.58 gallons of water in just a few minutes. The temperature raise is 122℉ at its highest point and 50℉ is at its lowest point of 1.58 GPM
- 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 - Maximum power output 41,000btu/hour with 11.5% energy saving technology, you will get instant endless hot water easily wherever you are. The propane water heater exchanger and main burner are designed with advanced combustion technology to decrease gas consumption and burning noise
- 𝟔-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 - With CSA safety test certification and comes with multiple protection functions, such as flameout protection, anti-freezing protection and over heating protection. The drain plug discharges the residual water to avoid freezing in cold areas for long-time maintenance. Gas supply automatically shut off when high water temperature protection over 167 °F
- 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 - Use soapy water to check whether the gas inlet is leaking before use. DO NOT TWINE TEFLON TAPE between the gas regulator and the gas inlet pipe to avoid gas leakage due to improper sealing of the water heater. Any gas leakage caused by improper operation may cause "catch on fire", so please make sure the installation is correct
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Complex 1.5GPM professional outdoor tankless water heater is a well-organized white, shiny water heater. It’s a portable 6-liter water heater designed for outdoor use such as camping or family tours. It can instantly provide hot water.
It doesn’t require electricity like electric water heaters. It operates on propane and requires two D cell batteries to ignite. It is a great choice for camping. The complex can be utilized in every area of your home even when power is off. It is rated for low-pressure water in the range of 3.0~110.0 PSI and requires 0.4 PSI propane pressure to function properly, with a power output of 41,000 BTU/hour.
Its temperature of operation ranges from a minimum of 46.4 to a maximum of 114.8. It’s compact can be wall-mounted and is easy to use the thermostat control knob. It has an adjustable stainless steel handle that folds to allow it to be moved from one place to another.
3. GASLAND Outdoors BE158B 1.58GPM
- [1.58 GPM/6L Propane Water Heater] With a maximum output power of 41000 BTU/hour, the water temperature can reach a maximum of 109.4°F (43°C) and a minimum of 55.4°F (13°C) at 1.58 GPM. Additionally, 1.58 gallons per minute of hot water can be produced at a flow rate of 1.58 GPM. Low water pressure start-up, requiring only 3.6 PSI of water pressure.
- [Good for Off the Grid] This heater uses a standard 20-pound liquid propane tank and features an electronic ignition that is fueled by two D-cell batteries. Can be utilized while camping, in RV, hunting, poolside, washing pets or horses, cleaning a vehicle, or even in a tiny house, greenhouse, or cabin.
- [Advanced Safety Protection System] With CSA certification, the product meets both the Canadian and American safe standards. Contains protections against overheating, low water flow, dry combustion, freezing, high water pressure, and flame failure.
- [LED Display and Installation Tips] The temperature display is illuminated so that the water is neither too hot nor too cold. To prevent gas leaks caused by improper water heater sealing, please do not wrap Teflon tape around the gas regulator and gas inlet pipe. Always inspect for gas leaks prior to operation.
- [Contents & Tips] The package includes GASLAND BE158B tankless water heater, CSA-certified gas regulator & hose, shower head, hardware, adapter, and instruction manual. This product is splash-proof & can withstand a light drizzle. Please avoid prolonged exposure to rain or water, and utilize & storage your water heater in a dry environment. Please remove the drain plug and store it in a warm, dry location in winter.
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BE155 is ideal for a small RV, small cabin, or a single bedroom as it can provide 1.58GPM at the time of need, which is enough for one shower.
The majority of people purchase this device to camp due to its lightweight, compact size, and ease of installation.
It has an integrated shower, all you need to put it in and then enjoy hot water. It doesn’t require heating, simply turn it on and enjoy endless hot water.
The heat exchanger for propane is constructed with cutting-edge combustion technology that reduces the noise and combustion of propane gas. One cylinder of propane gas can last quite a while.
The pressure of water automatically decreases once it reaches the threshold that is 2.5 to 11.5PSI. The remaining water drains away from the antifreezing plug to prevent freezing, and the flame will automatically stop at the unacceptable levels (167F).
4. Marey GA5Port, Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater
- Naturally vented outdoors: you don't need to buy a extra venting
- Serves to a variety of applications, since washing your car, windows cleaning, wash your horse or your dog and take a hot shower
- Perfect for campsites, cabins, remote areas or just around the house. BTU/h - 35000 BTU/h. Fuel Type - LPG(liquid propane gas). pipe fittings - 1/2 inch NPT, incoming/outgoing water and gas
- Provide endless hot water on demand only as needed
- No electrical connection is required
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The device comes with an adjustable thermostat that can be adjusted. This is a great feature and lets you alter the temperature of the default setting according to the conditions. It is possible to do this by using an easy knob.
The Marey Power GA 10L Tankless Water Heater features an acceptable flow rate and the capacity is 10 L. Its GPM is approximately 4.3 which is quite adequate to connect several faucets.
There won’t be any energy to power this device. This reduces the cost of running it massively. All you’ll need are two D battery cells and you’ll be able to have it operating at 100 percent. It uses only half the amount of gas that other tankless water heaters that use gas make use of.
It’ll also last longer since it comes with a guarantee of five years.
If you’re looking for performance with regards to performance, the two GPM rates of water flow will allow users to utilize a variety of items that require hot water. Additionally, it has a kit included that offers a wide range of options with this device.
5. Rinnai RU199iN Natural Gas Water Heater
- Endless Hot Water: Enjoy unlimited hot water flow throughout the house; compact, durable, and easy to install; professional installation recommended
- Energy and Space Efficient: Space-saving design conserves energy as it heats only when necessary
- Optimal Water Pressure: Up to 11 GPM hot water flow rate for a powerful, constant stream
- Instant Heating: Equipped with Circ-Logic - Pair with an external pump to reduce wait time for hot water via scheduled or on-demand recirculation
- Guaranteed to Last: 15-, 5-, and 1-year residential for heat exchanger, labor, and parts, respectively. Wifi monitoring.
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
RU199iN’s jaw-dropping 11 gallons (ca. 42 L) per minute flow. RU199iN natural gas water heater has the capacity to flow hot water to three fixtures simultaneously. By default heating settings, RU199iN serves hot water From 98 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 37 degC) to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 49 degC).
This natural gas water heater comes with double heat exchangers. Additionally, the heat exchangers are made from stainless steel. The use of stainless steel increases thermal conductivity and is impervious to corrosion. RU199iN lasts at least 20 years. Over the years, its higher energy efficiency can lower the cost of your energy bill.
RU199iN is equipped with Wi-Fi built into our module. It is possible to inspect and analyze the system via the Rinnai application. Because it’s Alexa compatible, you can control and alter heating settings with voice commands.
RU199iN the natural gas water heater is an extremely low NOX water heater. It’s approved for mobile homes and off-grid homes. It also allows operating at altitudes that go up to 10,200 feet (3.11 kilometers).
With RU199iN you get a Residential Factory Warranty. 120 months for the heat exchanger, 12 months for labor, and 60 months for parts. It is equipped with a temperature controller and a sensor for water flow and automatic protection against frost and leak protection as well as an alarm system for detecting scale.
How Does A Gas Water Heater Work?
Gas water heaters can be either tank-type or tankless water heaters (Also known as geysers). Whichever your heater is, the basic principles are the same – the water is heated using a gas burner and a heat exchanger.
For a tankless gas water heater, there is a sensor that detects the water flow. When you open the water tap, the gas burner automatically turns on and heats the flowing water with the help of a heat exchanger.
A tank-type gas water heater works simply by heating water and storing it in a tank. The heater runs the burner until the water temperature rises to its desired point.
Types of Water Heaters
The shoppers are offered the choice of four water heater choices to think about. These range from the old-fashioned tank water heaters to modern hybrid models. Each has advantages worth considering.
Storage Tank Water Heater
Storage tank-type water heaters are the most popular kind. They comprise an insulated tank powered by natural gas or electric power to heat. Gas tanks use a flame burner, or electrically-powered coils or heating elements to heat the water to a level controlled by a thermostat. The water is maintained at a set temperature within the tank all day and the night, waiting to be used if the tank is needed. If the tank’s hot-water supply is exhausted the family members have to wait for the heater to warm the tank. This can be up to an hour.
Tankless Water Heater
Hot water tankless heaters are based on a totally different concept than the conventional stored tank-type water heater. Instead of continuously heating water in tanks the tankless water heaters work according to demand. This means that they won’t begin heating water until a person needs it.
Like conventional water heaters, tankless water heaters make use of electricity or gas to heat water. When a hot water faucet is turned on and cold water is poured into the tankless heater through an insulated pipe, then it is quickly heated through gas as well as an electrical coil. In contrast to a tank-type water heater that is tankless, a tankless water heater provides an unending source of warm water.
The tankless water heaters, however, have limits in terms of speed and flow. They typically produce 5 to 6 gallons of hot water in a minute.
Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heater
Water heaters with heat pumps often referred to as hybrid heaters are based on the idea that it’s much easier (and cost-effective) to utilize existing heat sources than to generate heat. The water heaters that are heat pumps draw heat from the air and then use it to heat water.
Similar to a refrigerator that uses compressors to remove warm air out of its interior insulated, the heat pump water heater is a compressor that compresses air surrounding it by releasing cool air while keeping the warm air in place to warm water. The term hybrid refers to it because it makes use of electric coils to heat the water when the demand for hot water is excessive. Since it draws energy from air temperatures, the hybrid heat pump water heater operates best in warm climates.
Gas VS Electric Water Heater [Pros & Cons]
Gas vs. Electric water heaters
The biggest distinction between gas and electric water heaters is their cost. Expect to spend, typically, between $1300 and $2600, including the installation cost for a gas 40-gallon gas water heater, as opposed to $950 to $1,500 for an electric water heater according to Fixr the network of home improvement and contractors experts.
Even though operating costs fluctuate in line with electricity and gas prices but gas is considerably less expensive than electricity for running. Gas water heaters will cost you about $30 per month, while electric water heaters cost approximately $42 per month According to the Fixr.
Recoveries Rates of Electric Water Heater
The main drawback of electric water heaters is their comparatively slow rate of recovery. A typical 50-gallon electric heater with a temperature of 120 degrees is approximate:
Recovery Rates for Gas Water Heater
A 50-gallon gas water heater can warm 50-gallon tanks in less than an hour. Its rate of recovery is higher than electrical heaters. Around half of the time. A typical 50-gallon tank of gas adjusted to 120 degrees can take approximately:
Another benefit of gas-powered heating systems is they’ll operate even in the case of power failure.
Venting Needs
Since an electric water heater does not require vents. They can be placed at any point within your home. Water heaters that are gas-powered release carbon monoxide-based exhaust gases and moisture when they ignite. They utilize the ventilation system consisting of ducts and pipes that get rid of the unwanted byproducts. Therefore, gas heaters require venting and require larger space in comparison to electric water heaters restricting their use in homes.
Sizing and Capacity
Water heaters are available with capacities that range between 20 and 100 gallons. The greater their capacity is, the hotter water you can use before your supply is exhausted and the wait for hot water to replenish begins. A 40-50 gallon gas water heater can handle the needs of a family of four. You can add 10 gallons for every additional person.
The greater capacity, the bigger your water heater. It’s crucial to figure out the space available in the utility or basement to select a new water heater. Electric and gas water heaters are available in tall models that are 50 to 76 inches high with a diameter of 18-21 inches as well as short models that range from 30 to 49 inches and range from 20 to 26 inches the diameter. Be aware they require more space due to their venting pipe and the ducts that they require.
If you’re limited on space, think about the smaller tankless water heaters. Because tankless water heaters do not possess the capacity of storage for the water of traditional tank heaters, however, they do have limitations. The typical tankless heater can provide hot water with a speed of between 2 to 5 gallons per minute which may restrict the circulation of hot water throughout the house, particularly when multiple appliances or taps are making use of hot water simultaneously.
Several tankless heaters may be used in conjunction to increase the capacity of hot water that a house requires. Separate tankless heaters can be used to supply specific appliances like washing machines.
Efficiency Rating
Each water heater has efficiency ratings. These determine how much energy is consumed by the unit to heat the water. Water heaters having an efficiency of .70 indicates that 70% of the energy used by the water heater is put into heating water.
This rating isn’t the best gauge of how much you’ll be spending on the product, due to the differences in the electricity and gas prices. For instance, a gas model will have a less efficient rating than an electric water heater however, since gas is considerably cheaper, running a tank will be substantially less than operating the electric water heater.
Tankless water heaters are considerably lower than storage heaters because they don’t need to run constantly to keep the water supply warm. Based on the use of hot water the tankless system could cut 40 percent of the energy bill. It’s usually best to examine the annual costs for operating your hot water heating system to decide how it will impact the budget.
Brass and. Plastic Drain Valves
Tank water heaters include an outlet in the base of the tank, which is used to empty the tank to ensure maintenance. These valves can be used with standard garden hoses and are made from either brass or (Polyvinyl chloride). Since brass is much superior to plastic in terms of durability, the best choice is a hot-water heater made of brass that has a brass drain valve.
Digital Displays
Similar to other important household utilities water heaters, the latest models come with digital controls which allow owners to set the heater’s power to turn off the water on various dates, like when family members are away for a vacation. While having a digital display could increase the initial price, it can also boost the effectiveness that the water heater being hot, ultimately slashing the money.
Calculating Your Needs
It’s pretty easy to determine the right size water heater most suitable for your requirements:
The table below will aid you in estimating your average consumption of hot water during your peak hours for typical tasks:
| Common Tasks | Average Gallons of Hot Water Used |
| Shower | 15 |
| Shaving (.05 GPM*) | (.05 GPM*) 2 |
| Washing Dishes by Hand | (2 GPM*) 4 |
| Running Dishwasher | 6 |
| Running Washing Machine | 7 |
To determine the total demand during peak hours simply multiply the “Average Gallons of Hot Water Used” by the number of times you use it during peak hours.
This will show you the total volume of gallons that were used during one hour for every activity. Add the sums for each activity to calculate the total maximum demand during peak hours.
Features To Consider Before Purchase [Buyer’s Guide]
Here is a list of factors for you to choose a gas water heater more easily:
FAQs
A dated water heater can be described as an alarm clock. It is a long-term fixture within your home’s basement, or closet, providing you and your loved ones with warm water. Until with no warning ceases operating, leading to an unexpected cost and inconvenience. While a water heater that is broken could be as terrifying as a freezing shower but there are a few warning signs to be aware of.
What is the length of time should an electric water heater last?
On average, a gas, hybrid, or electric water heater is expected to last between 8-12 years. The tankless heater can be used for as long as up to 20 years.
What are the warning signs that your water heater is being replaced
There are indicators of a failed water heater, such as the sound of banging inside the tank the decrease in temperature of the water or rusty water, as well as an accumulation of water around the tank’s bottom.
Should you shower even though your water heater is leaky?
A water heater that is leaking will not stop you from taking the time to take a hot shower. If leaks are serious enough to require you to turn off the heater to water, then you can still shower. There’s just no hot water.
Could a leaky heating element explode?
Although it is a rare event a water heater can explode, and in a spectacular manner. This can happen when electric or gas water heaters with blocked or damaged tension relief valves. If the pressure builds up to a high level the water heater can explode, literally propelling the unit into the air like rockets.
What is the cost of replacing an old heating element in hot water?
A water heater installation costs between $804 to $1,547. This is the cost for water heater and labor as per HomeAdvisor which is a network of home improvement and contractors experts. The tankless heaters, much more costly than tank heaters, are at the top of the spectrum and can be costly to replace.
Wrapping It Up
To find the best gas water heater, you should make a head-to-head comparison among the heaters to have a better understanding. Not all water heaters are suitable for you; you need to surf through the products to find the right one.
With that being said, it’s vital to know about different water heaters and keep yourself up-to-date with the market.
So what do you think about these gas water heaters? Let us know in the comment section below!
At the beginning of the video it’s not fair that you compared a 40 tall to a 50 short. If you look in the spec sheets the talls are significantly more efficient than the shorts. So it’s a bad test to compare recovery rate on only 2 water heaters while changing 2 variables (capacity and form factor). You should compare 4 water heaters to understand the changes caused by 2 variables.
Instead of paying for the ‘extended warranty,’ you can just replace the anode rod every 4-6 years. They’re anywhere from $10-50, depending on the kind. This is something you should do regardless of what tank you buy. I just checked the anode rod in my 7 year old tank that had a 6 yr warranty and it was completely gone. I think it was more than a coincidence!
thanks for this Matt, not sure what things are like in texas but here in Toledo Ohio the HVAC industry and unions heavily controls the distributors and therefore it can be difficult as a DIYer to purchase the “good stuff” we are usually stuck with whatever the box stores offer. Any tips on how to buy the more professional type products?
Wow, I had no idea I had to drain my water heater once a year.
Did I hear you correctly?
Matt, love your channel. What about gas tankless water heaters compared to tanks? What’s your experience with them?