10 Best Tankless Hot Water Heaters 2026 in the United States

The Rinnai RXP199iN is a versatile tankless water heater designed for both indoor and outdoor use, thanks to its Versa Vent system. It runs on either natural gas or propane, which adds flexibility depending on your fuel preference. With a strong flow rate of up to 11.1 gallons per minute, it can supply hot water to around seven fixtures simultaneously, making it suitable for medium to large households. Its energy efficiency is excellent, boasting a UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) of 0.98, which means it uses fuel very efficiently and can help reduce energy bills.

The built-in Smart-Circ recirculation pump is a smart feature that learns your hot water usage patterns and adjusts accordingly, improving efficiency and convenience by reducing wait times for hot water. The water heater is quite compact, about the size of a small suitcase, which helps save space during installation. However, it is fairly heavy at 58 pounds and requires professional installation, which could add to upfront costs. The maximum temperature is 140°F, which fits most household needs. While it offers WiFi connectivity through an optional Control-R module for remote monitoring and control, this is not included and must be purchased separately.

Customer reviews are positive, with a high rating around 4.6 out of 5, reflecting satisfaction with performance and reliability. This Rinnai model is a solid choice for those needing reliable, efficient, and flexible hot water delivery, especially if you want advanced features like smart recirculation and WiFi control. Be prepared for professional installation and consider the additional cost of the WiFi module if desired.

The Rinnai RE199iN is a natural gas tankless water heater designed for indoor use, offering a strong flow rate of up to 9.8 gallons per minute (GPM). This means it can handle multiple fixtures at once, making it suitable for larger households or homes with higher hot water demand. It operates efficiently by heating water only when needed, which can help reduce energy waste compared to traditional tank heaters. The unit has a powerful 199,000 BTU output, supporting a good temperature rise for most household needs, with a maximum temperature of 140°F. Its compact size (about the size of a small suitcase) allows for easier installation on a wall, saving space in your home. However, professional installation is recommended due to the gas connection and complexity, which is common for gas-powered tankless heaters. The product includes a solid warranty: 15 years on the heat exchanger, 5 years on labor, and 1 year on parts, giving confidence in its durability.

The LED display provides helpful service reminders and error codes, simplifying maintenance. While this model does not include WiFi control, there is an option to add it with a separate module. This water heater is a strong choice if you want an energy-efficient, high-capacity natural gas unit and have access to professional installation. If you require a model with a built-in pump or WiFi, you might consider related versions in the Rinnai range.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus tankless water heater is a solid choice if you're looking for an electric, on-demand system that offers continuous hot water. It features a maximum flow rate of about 1.5 gallons per minute, which is suitable for small to medium demands, such as a single bathroom or kitchen. The advanced flow control and self-modulation technology help save energy by adjusting power based on your hot water needs, which makes it quite efficient compared to traditional tank heaters.

The digital LED display makes temperature setting easy and precise, with a max temperature of 140°F to ensure comfortably hot water. Installation requires hard wiring and wall mounting, and the unit is compact enough (about 17" by 14.5") to fit in tight spaces. The flow rate might feel limited if you want to run multiple showers or appliances at the same time. Also, being electric, it may have higher operating costs than gas models depending on local energy prices.

If you want an electric tankless heater with precise temperature control and energy-saving features for smaller-scale use, the Tempra 36 Plus is worth considering.