If you want instant hot water with less waste, a tankless water heater with built-in recirculation is a strong choice. This guide highlights five models suited for homes of various sizes and usage patterns. Choose this if you want faster hot water on demand, energy efficiency, and space savings. The top picks cover indoor and outdoor installations, propane or natural gas options, and smart control features for better efficiency and convenience. The following table helps you compare each model at a glance.
| Model | Best For | GPM | Fuel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinnai RXP160iN | Medium homes with recirculation needs | 9 | NG/Propane | Indoor/Outdoor; Versa Vent; WiFi control via Controlr module (not included) |
| Rheem RTGH-RH11DVLN | Compact spaces, replacement projects | 11.0 | Natural Gas | Built-in recirculation; space-saving design |
| Rinnai REP160iN | Smaller households with priority on recirc | 6.6 | Natural Gas | Smart-Circ recirculation; compact |
| GASLAND Gasmart C | Budget-friendly indoor option | 5 | Propane | CSA Certified; 120V |
| Rinnai REP199iN | Homes needing higher output | 7.9 | Natural Gas | Smart-Circ; compact; multiple warranties mentioned |
Rinnai RXP160iN Condensing Tankless Water Heater
Best for: Homes needing a compact, versatile unit with built-in recirculation. This model supports indoor or outdoor installation using Versa Vent and runs on propane or natural gas. It delivers up to 9 GPM, enabling several fixtures to run simultaneously. Its smart design includes an intuitive interface and a Quick Flush feature for maintenance. This is well-suited for mid-sized households seeking continuous hot water with efficient operation.
Caution: Outdoor installation requires the RX-OVC vent cap; ensure proper venting and clearance per local codes. Not all homes will maximize the 9 GPM if multiple high-flow baths are used at once.
Rheem Prestige Condensing Tankless Gas Indoor Natural Gas Water Heater With Built-in Recirculation 11.0 GPM
Best for: Homes that need higher flow with an emphasis on energy efficiency. This 11.0 GPM unit is compact and designed to reduce wait times while saving on operating costs. It’s suitable for upgrading from a traditional tank and supports recirculation to minimize hot-water delay.
Caution: As a larger output unit, ensure adequate space for venting and service access. Installation and venting requirements should be followed according to local codes.
Rinnai REP160iN Smart-Circ Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Best for: Smaller to medium homes that want intelligent recirculation. The built-in Smart-Circ pump learns usage patterns and schedules recirculation to improve efficiency while delivering dependable hot water. It provides up to 6.6 GPM, making it a solid choice for kitchens and multiple baths in compact spaces.
Caution: The Smart-Circ feature relies on recognizing usage patterns; very erratic schedules may impact recirculation timing. WiFi control is available via a Controlr module (not included).
Rinnai REP199iN Smart-Circ Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Best for: Homes needing higher water capacity with recirculation. This 7.9 GPM unit provides strong hot-water support for multiple fixtures with a compact footprint. The Smart-Circ system learns usage to optimize pump timing and energy use, offering a balanced option for mid to larger homes.
Caution: While compact, it remains a gas appliance that requires appropriate venting and space for service access. Controlr module integration for WiFi control is available but not included.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Do you need recirculation or a traditional on-demand system?
Consider whether you want built-in recirculation to minimize wait times or an external recirc pump as a later add-on. Built-in recirc is simpler and often more space-efficient for smaller homes.
What fuel type and installation fit your home?
Choose between natural gas and propane based on your fuel availability. Indoor installations require proper venting; outdoor setups may need vent caps and weather considerations.
What GPM do you actually need?
Estimate peak flow. For most households, 6–9 GPM covers multiple fixtures; larger homes or high simultaneous usage may benefit from units offering 7–11 GPM.
How important is smart control and WiFi integration?
Smart controls can improve efficiency by learning usage patterns and allowing remote monitoring. Note whether a Controlr module or compatible app is required and if it’s included.
What are the space and installation requirements?
Compact models save space but verify clearance, venting, and maintenance access. Indoor vs outdoor suitability should align with your climate and local codes.
FAQ
- Do all tankless heaters with recirculation provide immediate hot water? Not always. Recirculation reduces wait times by circulating water back to the heater, but actual performance depends on pipe length and fixture placement.
- Is a higher GPM always better for a recirc system? Higher GPM supports more fixtures at once, but it may require more power and larger installation space. Match GPM to your household needs.
- Can I install a tankless heater with recirculation myself? Installation typically requires a qualified professional due to gas venting, venting codes, and electrical connections. Local codes vary.
- Will recirculation save energy? Yes, by reducing water waste and improving efficiency, but actual savings depend on usage patterns and installation quality.
- What maintenance do these units require? Periodic flushing and descaling help maintain efficiency. Some models offer Quick Flush or built-in features to simplify maintenance.
- Do these units work with natural gas or propane? Most listed models support either fuel type, but check the specific model’s gas connections and venting requirements.