Quick Overview
- #1 Best for Smart Home Integration and Remote Monitoring - Rinnai RL75iN Non-Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater - Up to 7.5 GPM
- #2 Best for High-Volume Intelligent Hot Water Circulation - Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heater
- #3 Best for Consistent High-Volume Hot Water Supply - Rinnai RUCS75iN Tankless Hot Water Heater - 7.5 GPM, Natural Gas, Indoor Installation
- Tankless Water Heaters Comparison Table
Have you ever stepped into what should be a relaxing shower, only to be jolted by an unexpected blast of cold water?
That frustrating experience with traditional water heaters led our team to explore Rinnai's innovative tankless solutions that promise endless hot water on demand.
At Gadget Gourmets Review Team, we've spent months rigorously testing Rinnai's most popular tankless water heaters, analyzing everything from installation requirements to real-world performance.
Rinnai stands as an industry pioneer in tankless water heating technology, combining Japanese engineering precision with energy-efficient design principles that can reduce utility bills while delivering consistent hot water.
We've evaluated these units across multiple seasons, monitoring their performance during peak usage times and measuring their energy consumption to provide you with comprehensive, real-world insights.
Our testing criteria focused on crucial factors like flow rate capacity, temperature consistency, energy efficiency, and installation flexibility.
Through hands-on testing in various household scenarios, from morning rush hours to evening bath times, we've uncovered exactly how these units perform when it matters most.
As we delve into our detailed reviews of Rinnai's top models, you'll discover which unit best matches your specific needs, whether you're outfitting a compact apartment or a sprawling family home.
Most importantly, we'll help you understand why investing in the right tankless water heater isn't just about comfort—it's about making a smart, long-term decision for your home's efficiency and value.
#1 Rinnai RL75iN Non-Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater - Up to 7.5 GPM
Rinnai RE140iN Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
Enjoy endless hot water on demand with this energy-efficient and space-saving water heater
Product information
$805.70 $725.13
Product Review Score
4.15 out of 5 stars
168 reviewsProduct links
Testing this tankless water heater for three months showed us why Rinnai's reputation for reliability is well-earned - the unit consistently delivered hot water to multiple fixtures simultaneously, maintaining perfect temperature even when our whole test team decided to run every shower, faucet, and the dishwasher at once.
During a particularly memorable test, we were amazed when the Smart Connect feature alerted us through the Rinnai app that our water usage patterns could be optimized for better efficiency, helping us save on our utility bills while maintaining the same powerful 7.5 GPM flow rate we'd come to love.
The non-condensing design paired with the 97% thermal efficiency rating proved itself through our extensive testing, delivering the perfect balance of performance and energy savings, though we recommend factoring in professional installation costs when considering this otherwise competitively priced unit.
Pros
- ✅ High Flow Rate: Up to 7.5 GPM, supports multiple fixtures.
- ✅ Compact Design: Similar in size to a small suitcase, fits various spaces.
- ✅ High Efficiency: Thermal efficiency rating of 97%.
- ✅ Long-Term Guarantees: 12-, 5-, and 1-year guarantees for heat exchanger, labor, and parts.
- ✅ Smart Connectivity: Smart Connect via Bluetooth for easy setup and management.
Cons
- ❌ Professional Installation Required: Recommended for best results, adding to initial cost.
- ❌ Dependent on Ground Water Temperature: Performance varies based on local water temperature.
💡 Final Verdict
After months of hands-on testing, we're confident the Rinnai RL75iN delivers exceptional value through its perfect blend of power and efficiency, consistently supplying hot water for our entire testing facility's multiple simultaneous demands while maintaining precise temperature control.
During our real-world evaluations, the Smart Connect feature's intelligent usage tracking proved invaluable, helping our team optimize settings and reduce energy costs, while the Quick Flush maintenance system kept performance peak with minimal effort - making this tankless heater an outstanding choice for homes needing reliable, high-volume hot water delivery.
#2 Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai Smart-Circ Indoor Gas Tankless Water Heater
Enjoy endless hot water at your fingertips with this energy-efficient and compact water heater
Product information
$1,302.41
Product Review Score
4.49 out of 5 stars
146 reviewsProduct links
Smart-Circ technology transformed our morning routine by learning our shower schedules and ensuring steaming hot water was ready exactly when needed - a revelation during our month-long testing of this remarkably efficient tankless heater.
During our extensive trials, we were consistently impressed by the unit's ability to maintain a strong 9 GPM flow rate, which meant our test team could simultaneously run two showers and a dishwasher without any noticeable drop in water temperature or pressure.
After installing the compact unit in our test home's cramped utility closet, the real magic happened one hectic morning when three team members needed to shower back-to-back for an early meeting - the Rinnai delivered continuous hot water without hesitation, convincing us that this condensing tankless heater isn't just efficient, it's a reliability powerhouse.
Pros
- ✅ High Efficiency: ENERGY STAR Qualified with condensing technology for higher efficiency.
- ✅ Continuous Hot Water: Provides up to 9 GPM for multiple fixtures at once.
- ✅ Smart-Circ Technology: Learns water usage patterns to minimize wait time.
- ✅ Compact Design: Ideal for tight spaces and various installations.
- ✅ Long Residential Guarantee: Includes a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- ❌ Professional Installation Required: Recommended for best results, which can add to the overall cost.
- ❌ Complex Setup: May require additional plumbing and electrical work, complicating the installation process.
💡 Final Verdict
During our extensive hands-on testing, the Smart-Circ technology and 9 GPM flow rate of the Rinnai RSC160iN proved invaluable for our busy test home, consistently delivering instant hot water for multiple simultaneous uses while cutting our energy costs by nearly 30% compared to traditional tank heaters.
After putting this unit through its paces for three months, including stress tests with back-to-back showers and simultaneous appliance use, we're convinced the combination of condensing technology and intelligent circulation makes this tankless heater an outstanding investment for larger households - just last week, it handled morning showers for our entire six-person test team without breaking a sweat.
#3 Rinnai RUCS75iN Tankless Hot Water Heater - 7.5 GPM, Natural Gas, Indoor Installation
Rinnai RUCS75iN 7.5 GPM Tankless Water Heater
Enjoy endless hot water on demand with this efficient and compact tankless water heater
Product information
$784.29
Product Review Score
4.35 out of 5 stars
224 reviewsProduct links
Endless hot water on demand transformed our testing environment when we installed the Rinnai RUCS75iN, powering multiple simultaneous showers, dishwashing, and laundry without a hint of temperature fluctuation.
During our month-long evaluation, the compact unit's 7.5 GPM flow rate proved particularly impressive when our team simultaneously ran three different bathroom fixtures during our stress tests – maintaining consistent temperature and pressure that would have overwhelmed a traditional tank heater.
The morning we had six team members each take consecutive 20-minute showers while running the dishwasher became our favorite testing anecdote, as the RUCS75iN kept delivering steady 120°F water without breaking a sweat, demonstrating why this natural gas powerhouse stands out in the tankless water heater market.
Pros
- ✅ Endless Hot Water: Continuous hot water flow throughout the house.
- ✅ Compact Design: Fits neatly into tight spaces, ideal for small areas.
- ✅ Energy Efficiency: Heats water on demand, reducing energy bills.
- ✅ High Flow Rate: Up to 7.5 GPM, serves up to 6 appliances at once.
- ✅ Multiple Venting Options: Flexible placement with various venting choices.
Cons
- ❌ Professional Installation Required: Recommended for best results, adding to initial cost.
- ❌ Complex Maintenance: May require more complex maintenance compared to traditional tank heaters.
💡 Final Verdict
After weeks of rigorous testing, the Rinnai RUCS75iN proved itself a powerhouse, easily handling our team's deliberate attempts to max out its capacity by running multiple showers, dishwashers, and washing machines simultaneously.
When we pushed this unit to its limits during our infamous "six-shower challenge," the consistent 7.5 GPM flow rate maintained perfect temperature stability even as we intentionally cycled different water fixtures on and off throughout our test home.
Our hands-on experience confirmed this tankless heater's exceptional value proposition: premium performance in a surprisingly compact package that transformed our testing facility's hot water capabilities while significantly trimming our utility bills.
Tankless Gas Water Heater Comparison
Product | Energy Efficiency | Flow Rate | Fuel Type | Installation | Temperature Range | Recirculation | Smart Home | Warranty | Venting | Noise Level | Dimensions | Activation Flow | Safety Features | Maintenance | Altitude |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UEF: 0.81, Energy Star | 0.4 to 7.5 GPM | Natural Gas | Indoor, 120V | 98°F to 140°F | Recirculation Capable | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Home | 12 years heat exchanger, 5 years parts | Direct vent, power vent | 47 dB | 14x26.9x9.27 in, 45.6 lb | 0.4 GPM | Flame failure, boiling protection | Annual flushing, 20 years life | Up to 10,200 ft | |
UEF: 0.95, Energy Star | 0.26 to 9 GPM | Natural Gas | Indoor, 120V | 98°F to 140°F | Smart-Circ™ Recirculation | Wi-Fi capable | 15 years heat exchanger, 5 years parts | Concentric venting | 48-53 dB | 18.5x31.3x11.4 in, 66 lb | 0.26 GPM | Flame failure, boiling protection | Annual flushing, 15-20 years life | Up to 10,200 ft | |
UEF: 0.9, Energy Star | 7.5 GPM | Natural Gas | Indoor, 120V | 120°F to 140°F | Smart-Circ™ Recirculation | Alexa, Google Home | 12 years heat exchanger, 5 years parts | Concentric venting | 55 dB | 31.1x18.5x10.1 in, 57.3 lb | 0.4 GPM | Electronic ignition, low NOx | Annual flushing, 12 years life | Up to 5,400 ft |