10 Best Tankless Water Heaters 2025 in the United States

The Rinnai RXP199iN Condensing Smart Sense Tankless Water Heater offers impressive versatility, operating with either natural gas or propane and being suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. With a flow rate of up to 11.1 GPM, it can handle multiple fixtures at once, making it ideal for larger households. Its compact size and modern design, which includes features like Quick Flush and Smart-Circ Intelligent Recirculation, enhance its efficiency and user-friendliness.

Additionally, the unit boasts a high energy efficiency factor of 0.98, translating to significant energy savings. The option for WiFi connectivity through the Control-R module adds to its smart appeal, although this module is not included with the water heater. Installation should be performed by a professional, which adds to the initial cost but ensures proper setup and operation. The unit's temperature rise and maximum output of 199,000 BTU make it suitable for demanding environments, but users should ensure their home’s infrastructure supports this capacity.

The warranty and support are implied to be robust through Rinnai's recommendation for professional installation and their central app for service and troubleshooting. This tankless water heater is best suited for those needing a high-performance, energy-efficient solution for a large household.

The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus is a high-powered electric tankless water heater designed to provide continuous hot water on demand. Its 36 kW wattage supports a maximum flow rate of about 1.5 gallons per minute, which is ideal for point-of-use or smaller household setups but may struggle to supply multiple outlets simultaneously in larger homes. This model features advanced flow control and self-modulation technology that adjusts energy use to match the demand, making it energy-efficient and helping to reduce utility bills. The digital LED display allows for precise temperature adjustments, which is a convenient feature for users wanting consistent water temperature.

Being electric, it avoids the need for gas lines or ventilation, simplifying installation in many cases, though professional installation is still recommended due to electrical requirements. The compact size (approximately 16.6 by 14.5 inches) and wall-mount design make it space-saving, suitable for tight areas. Maintenance needs are relatively low compared to traditional tank heaters, but like all tankless units, it requires periodic descaling in hard water areas to maintain performance.

The Tempra 36 Plus is reliable and efficient, though its flow rate may limit its use in larger households with high simultaneous hot water demand. It is well suited for users looking for an eco-friendly, electric solution with precise temperature control and moderate flow capacity.

The Rheem RTGH-95DVLN-3 is a solid choice for those in need of a tankless water heater, especially for residential use. With a flow rate of up to 9.5 gallons per minute, it can easily meet the hot water demands of larger households or simultaneous usage across multiple fixtures. Its energy efficiency rating of 0.93 ensures that it operates economically, which can translate to lower energy bills over time.

One standout feature is the integrated digital display, making it easy to monitor and adjust temperature settings, which range from 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This adaptability allows users to find a comfortable temperature that suits their needs. Additionally, the natural gas fuel type is generally more efficient than electric options, further enhancing its appeal.

On the downside, installation can be a bit tricky if you're not familiar with gas appliances. It requires a wall-mounted setup and adequate venting, which might necessitate professional installation, adding to the cost. The warranty coverage, while decent with a 1-year labor and 5-year parts warranty, might be considered lacking compared to competitors that offer longer terms.

Another point to consider is that the heater's weight (about 59.9 pounds) and size (17.7”W x 23.7”H) may pose challenges during installation, especially in tighter spaces. It’s essential to ensure that your home can accommodate this unit before purchasing.

The Rheem RTGH-95DVLN-3 is a robust option for families seeking efficient hot water solutions. Its high flow rate and energy efficiency make it a strong contender in the tankless water heater market, but potential buyers should weigh the installation requirements and warranty duration against their specific needs.