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10 Best Gas Water Heaters 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Ranein Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater with Vent Pipe, Indoor Max 4.3 GPM, 100,000 BTU Instant Hot Water Heater

Capacity: 4.3 gallons per minute
Energy Efficiency: Oxygen-free copper tank reduces heat loss
Venting Type: Includes vent pipe
Size and Installation: 18.89"W x 8.85"H, wall-mounted

Chosen by 1143 this week

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ranein Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater with Vent Pipe, Indoor Max 4.3 GPM, 100,000 BTU Instant Hot Water Heater

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,143
Energy Efficiency
Recovery Rate
Size and Installation

Most important from
669 reviews

Energy Efficiency
Significant reduction in energy bills, with savings around $100, highlights its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Recovery Rate
Despite earlier concerns, the heater performs reliably under heavy household use, handling multiple faucets and high water demand smoothly.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward and fits perfectly in the same space as older models, making upgrades hassle-free.

The Ranein Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater offers a solid choice for households looking for continuous hot water without the wait. It delivers up to 4.3 gallons per minute with a strong 100,000 BTU heating power, which is enough to supply hot water to 2-3 spots like a bathroom, kitchen, or bar. Since it is tankless, it heats water instantly, so you won’t have to wait for a tank to fill up and warm. This model includes a vent pipe, which is convenient and saves you the extra cost of buying one separately. The heater is designed to adjust water temperature automatically based on the season, which can help maintain comfort and efficiency year-round.

The kitchen mode sets water temperature at 100°F, ideal for cooking and cleaning, and the bathtub mode lets you control water flow with reminders when your set amount is reached. It uses an oxygen-free copper water tank inside, which helps reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. However, it’s important to note that it’s not suited for high-altitude homes (above 2,000 feet), and professional installation following local codes is recommended for safety and performance. With its compact wall-mounted size, it fits well in indoor spaces but might require some planning for installation. The heater’s maximum temperature is 149°F, which meets the needs of most households.

The flow rate is good for small to medium homes, while larger homes with multiple bathrooms might find it insufficient. This unit is a suitable choice if you want reliable, on-demand hot water and prefer a natural gas tankless option that includes handy features and saves space.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,143
Energy Efficiency
Recovery Rate
Size and Installation

Most important from
669 reviews

Energy Efficiency
Significant reduction in energy bills, with savings around $100, highlights its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Recovery Rate
Despite earlier concerns, the heater performs reliably under heavy household use, handling multiple faucets and high water demand smoothly.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward and fits perfectly in the same space as older models, making upgrades hassle-free.
#2

NEW Rinnai RXP199iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 11.1 GPM, 199,000 BTU

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
181 reviews

Capacity
Works great for a household of 5 or more, powerful enough to use hot water at 4 places simultaneously.
Energy Efficiency
The On Demand BLE Bluetooth button accessory is highly recommended for maximizing energy efficiency.
Size and Installation
Straightforward installation with detailed instruction manual, though pre-planning is advised.

The Rinnai RXP199iN Condensing Smart Sense Tankless Water Heater is designed for versatile installation, functioning both indoors and outdoors. Its dual compatibility with propane and natural gas (thanks to the Smart Sense gas control system) makes it a flexible choice. With a high flow rate of up to 11.1 GPM, it can handle multiple fixtures simultaneously, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water. The compact size, comparable to a small suitcase, is convenient for homes with limited space.

Additionally, its Smart-Circ Intelligent Recirculation technology enhances efficiency by learning your water usage patterns, which helps in reducing wait times for hot water and conserving energy. The water heater boasts a super-high energy efficiency factor (UEF) of .98, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. The inclusion of WiFi connectivity (via the Control-R module, sold separately) allows for remote control and monitoring, adding modern convenience.

On the downside, professional installation is recommended, which could incur additional costs. The unit's high heat output of 199,000 BTU and maximum pressure of 150 PSI signify robust performance, but it might be overkill for smaller households. This water heater is ideal for larger households needing a dependable and efficient hot water solution, provided that the cost and complexity of installation are not deterrents.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
181 reviews

Capacity
Works great for a household of 5 or more, powerful enough to use hot water at 4 places simultaneously.
Energy Efficiency
The On Demand BLE Bluetooth button accessory is highly recommended for maximizing energy efficiency.
Size and Installation
Straightforward installation with detailed instruction manual, though pre-planning is advised.
#3

NEW Rinnai RX130iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 7.1 GPM, 130,000 BTU

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Energy Efficiency
Venting Type

Most important from
181 reviews

Capacity
Powerful enough to provide hot water at four places simultaneously, making it ideal for larger households.
Energy Efficiency
High quality build and sophisticated technology design that provides hot water efficiently and saves water due to the On Demand recirculation feature.
Venting Type
Supports both natural gas and propane, offering versatility depending on fuel availability.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward thanks to the detailed instruction manual, though pre-planning for mounting location and electrical service outlet is strongly advised.

The Rinnai RX130iN offers impressive versatility and convenience, making it suitable for various installation environments—both indoor and outdoor—thanks to its Versa Vent feature. It can operate on either propane or natural gas, providing flexibility depending on your fuel availability. With a flow rate of up to 7.1 GPM, it ensures you never run out of hot water, easily supporting multiple fixtures simultaneously, which is ideal for larger households or demanding applications.

One of its standout features is its high energy efficiency, boasting a UEF of .97, which means it can help save on energy costs while ensuring top performance. Additionally, the compact size makes installation easier, especially in smaller spaces, though it is recommended to have a professional handle the installation to avoid complications. However, the WiFi control module for remote access isn't included, which could be a downside for users looking for smart home integration.

The heater’s design balances modern aesthetics with functionality, including easy-to-use controls and a Quick Flush feature for maintenance. These factors combined make the Rinnai RX130iN an excellent choice for those needing a reliable, energy-efficient, and versatile gas water heater, although the requirement for professional installation might be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Energy Efficiency
Venting Type

Most important from
181 reviews

Capacity
Powerful enough to provide hot water at four places simultaneously, making it ideal for larger households.
Energy Efficiency
High quality build and sophisticated technology design that provides hot water efficiently and saves water due to the On Demand recirculation feature.
Venting Type
Supports both natural gas and propane, offering versatility depending on fuel availability.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward thanks to the detailed instruction manual, though pre-planning for mounting location and electrical service outlet is strongly advised.

Buying Guide for the Best Gas Water Heaters

Choosing the right gas water heater for your home is essential to ensure you have a reliable and efficient supply of hot water. There are several key specifications to consider when selecting a gas water heater, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that best fits your needs. Here are the main factors to consider and how to navigate them.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of water the heater can store and heat at one time, usually measured in gallons. This is important because it determines how much hot water is available for use at any given moment. For smaller households (1-2 people), a 30-40 gallon tank may be sufficient. Medium-sized households (3-4 people) might need a 40-50 gallon tank, while larger households (5 or more people) may require a 50+ gallon tank. Consider your household size and hot water usage patterns when choosing the capacity.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency indicates how effectively the water heater converts gas into hot water, often represented by the Energy Factor (EF) rating. A higher EF rating means better efficiency and lower energy costs. Standard models typically have an EF rating around 0.6-0.7, while high-efficiency models can have ratings of 0.8 or higher. If you are looking to save on energy bills and reduce your environmental impact, opt for a model with a higher EF rating.
Recovery RateThe recovery rate measures how quickly the water heater can heat a new batch of water after the initial supply has been depleted, usually in gallons per hour (GPH). This is crucial for households with high hot water demand. A higher recovery rate means the heater can provide more hot water in a shorter period. For homes with frequent hot water usage, such as multiple showers or laundry loads, a higher recovery rate (50-60 GPH) is beneficial. For less frequent use, a lower recovery rate (30-40 GPH) may suffice.
Venting TypeGas water heaters require proper venting to expel combustion gases safely. There are two main types: atmospheric venting and power venting. Atmospheric venting uses the natural rise of hot air to expel gases through a vertical vent, while power venting uses a fan to push gases out through a horizontal or vertical vent. Atmospheric venting is simpler and less expensive but requires a vertical vent path. Power venting offers more installation flexibility and is suitable for homes without a vertical vent path. Choose based on your home's venting setup and installation preferences.
First Hour Rating (FHR)The First Hour Rating (FHR) indicates the amount of hot water the heater can supply in the first hour of use, combining the tank capacity and recovery rate. This is important for understanding the heater's performance during peak usage times. For example, if your household uses a lot of hot water in the morning, a higher FHR (70-100 gallons) ensures you won't run out. For moderate usage, an FHR of 50-70 gallons may be adequate. Assess your peak hot water needs to determine the appropriate FHR.
Size and InstallationThe physical size of the water heater and the installation requirements are important to ensure it fits in the designated space and can be installed properly. Measure the space where you plan to install the heater and compare it with the dimensions of the models you are considering. Additionally, consider the installation complexity and whether you need professional help. Compact models are ideal for smaller spaces, while larger models may require more room and professional installation.

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