Outdoor propane tankless water heater refers to the heating machine that is powered by propane and is installed outdoor. Compared with indoor tankless water heater, it saves the trouble of installing venting kits. But there are also some tips you should know about choosing and installing outdoor propane tankless water heaters. Here we made detailed reviews for you as follow:
What Is the Best Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater on the Market?
Top 4 Best Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heaters
| Photo | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Rinnai V Series HE Tankless Hot Water Heater | Check Latest Price |
 | Rheem RTG-95XLP-1 Outdoor Tankless Gas Water Heater, Grey | Check Latest Price |
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater?
Freeze protection
As outdoor propane tankless water heater is installed outside, bad weathers will easily do harm to the machine and get it broken down. Especially when it is used in cold areas, the outside temperature gets so low that water is easily get frozen. Tankless water heater with freeze protection will help protect the machine and prolongs it using time.
Strong exhaust type
With strong exhaust outdoor propane tankless water heater, waste gas is forced to let out, none of which is left indoor. Thus it is a perfect system for gas and propane tankless water heaters.
Waiting time
For outdoor tankless water heater, it needs to be installed right outside the bathroom wall, the waiting time of hot water can be relatively short. But for the machine itself, waiting time for hot water differs with different machines. Some take 5 seconds, while others need 1 or even 2 minutes for hot water to flow out. In such a process, a large amount of cold water is wasted and the water bill will be added accordingly. Therefore, choosing a short waiting time tankless water heater can also help you save money on bills.
Energy efficient
Outdoor propane tankless water heater is powered by propane, high energy efficient machine will help you reduce the heating costs to a large extent.
Best Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heaters
Outdoor propane tankless water heaters can be divided into the portable type and large size type. Each of the working performance and flow rate differs to a large extent. For helping you choose the most suitable one, we tested and analyze many tankless water heaters machines, and finally concluded the 5 best outdoor propane tankless water heaters for you.
1. Eccotemp L10 Portable Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
【The Most Portable One】
Features:
- Portable design
This is a portable outdoor propane tankless water heater, it weights 27 lbs only and can be carried and installed outdoor in camping or traveling easily. Because of its special using applications, the flow rate of it is quite low, only 2.6 gallons per minute, thus it is not suitable for a large family or middle family use.
- Rain cap equipped
The reason for its first position on our list is its rain cap, it is able to protect the heating machine in bad weather. You can also remove it away if you finding it unnecessary easily.
- Large temperature range
The temperature range of this unit is between 50 and 140 degrees F, it is capable of providing constant hot water for you. 2D batteries are needed for ignition. 20 minutes shut-off system helps turn off the machine automatically when it runs longer than 20 minutes for safety.
Pros:
- Low water pressure required
- Light weight for convenience carry
- Easy operated temperature control
- Automatic shut-off system
- Rain cap protection in bad weathers
Cons:
It is suitable for tiny or camping use only
2. Rinnai V65EP 6.6 GPM Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater
【Perfect For Middle Size Family】
Features:
- 6.6 GPM flow rate
The flow rate of this unit reaches 6.6 gallons per minute, it supports one bathroom or even two bathrooms in warm areas, and you can still use kitchen faucets the same time.
- 0.82 energy efficient
The thermal efficiency of this tankless water heater is 0.82, which is quite high and is able to save much energy and money for you. The maximum BTU is 150000, and it is said by Rinnai that it is 1/2 inch pipe available.
- Remote control
This machine supports remote control, so you can control the water temperature inside the home. And temperature lock inserted helps avoid the unintentional touch of the screen.
Pros:
- Remote control and temperature lock
- Low NOx design
- Low working noise
- Safe installation certificated
- Enhanced scale detection
Cons:
Cold water sandwich
3. Rheem RTG-95XLP Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater
【The Most Powerful Rheem Tankless Water Heater】
Features:
- 9.5 GPM flow rate
The flow rate of this machine is extremely high, reaching 9.5 gallons per minute; when you cascade several of them together, they can also be used as commercial tankless water heaters. This unit is able to support 3 or 4 bathrooms in warm areas and 2 bathrooms in cold areas. You can also use kitchen faucets at the same time.
- Suitable for whole-house use
Because of its large flow rate and powerful performance, this is a perfect whole house propane tankless water heater. It works on power ranging from 11,000 to 199,900 BTU.
- Large temperature range
The maximum temperature of the unit is 120 degrees F, while it is said that the maximum temperature can reach as high as 140 degrees F with remote control, but you need to buy an extra remote controller if you need it.
Pros:
- Remote control available
- Both gas and propane can be used
- 10 years warranty
- Extremely large flow rate
- High energy efficient
Cons:
Need to be installed by professional
4. Camplux 5L Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater
【Best tankless water heater for camper】
Features:
- 1.32 GPM
This propane tankless water heater has the lowest flow rate, reaching 1.32 gallons per minute. So we do not suggest you use it for home use. It is a perfect portable propane tankless water heater for the camper and traveling. You can also use it as a machine for bathing animals such as dogs and horses.
- Easily operated water temperature
Two buttons are set on the control panel, one is water flow while the other is gas. You can turn it on and off quickly for controlling water flow on and off. The temperature range of it is between 46.4 to 114.8 degrees F.
- Stainless steel burner
Though being a portable tankless water heater for travel, it is designed delicately. The burner is made by stainless steel, along with tinning copper material water tank, the unit is highly heated resistance and corrosion resistance.
Pros:
- Lowest water pressure needed, only 2.5 PSI
- Anti-frozen protection system
- Stainless steel burner
- Corrosion resistance and heat resistance
- Easy operation
Cons:
Suitable for outdoor travel or camping use only
Pros & Cons of Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
Pros:
- No need to install extra venting kits
- Save space for indoor
- Various specifications and shapes can be chosen
- Eco-friendly
- Short waiting time
Cons:
- Need to take care of bad weather
- Difficult in installation
Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater Vs. Outdoor Electric Water Heater
For your outdoor water heating needs, you have the options of the propane and the electric water heaters. But just how do these two fair on with each other? What are some of the differences they exhibit? We answer these twin questions in the proceeding conversations:
Power Source
As their names imply, the propane derives its power from the propane gas whereas the electric heater derives its power from the mains electricity. The former is only limited to those areas that are served with the national grid. It is nonetheless awesome in the sense that it can work alongside many relevant power sources.
Suitability
A propane heater is mainly suited for those areas that are far detached from the mainstream. That is mainly due to its ability to serve you well in places that are detached from the national grid or the mainstream. An electric heater is nonetheless restricted to the cities or the built-up areas.
Temperature Output
Generally, the outdoor propane heater is able to generate a higher temperature output than the electric heaters. The outdoor electric heater however allows you to vary the level of the temperature output as per your unique needs and engagements. Thus, it gives you an elevated sense of freedom of mind as you work out.
Space Requirements
A propane heater is generally bulkier than the electric heater. That stems from its possession of a tank that has to be taken care of. The tank is the one that contains the gas which is subsequently burned to produce the heat output. It hence demands that you set aside more space than the electric variant.
Installation Needs
A propane heater will require an excessively high level of muscle strength to set up for eventual use. That is due to its sheer bulk and excessively high weight. Its electric heater on the other hand is smaller and compact. Nonetheless, it is more complicated and hence demands some excessively high skill level to handle.
What is the Difference Between an Outdoor and Indoor Tankless Propane Water Heater?
In a nutshell, these two items are basically one and the same thing. They however differ slightly in various regards. We endeavor to explain these differences here below for you to note. It is our duty to let you know of these differences and to make the appropriate purchasing decision carefully.
Location of Installation
As its name implies, the outdoor heater is the one that you fix outside the building or the facility that you want to make use of. Its indoor counterpart on the other hand is one that you fix within the building complex in which you want to subsequently make use.
Suitability for Use
An outdoor heater is generally useful in areas that experience limited fluctuations in the external weather and environmental conditions. It may not serve you well in the North and the South Poles well due to the wider fluctuations. An indoor on the other hand is useful just about anywhere.
Physical Size
All factors considered, an outdoor is generally larger and bulkier in size. That is why it is better fixed out of the building facility where there is a sufficient amount of space for your own leverage and eventual use. An indoor heater is however smaller and less inclined to require too much space from you.
Safety
For all practical purposes, the outdoor is safer than the indoor one. It is placed out of the home or facility and hence does not predispose the structure to any damages that may potentially arise with the use thereof. You are hence safer and better off with the former than the latter.
Degree of Complexity
An outdoor heater is generally more complicated than the indoor heater. You have to possess a fairly high degree of expertise to handle and engage it hence. The indoor heater on the other hand is less strenuous and a bit direct to handle. You do not need to possess complex skills to tackle it hence.
Picking the Best Indoor Propane Tankless Water Heaters
The Top Pick Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater that Meets Your Demand
How Does an Outdoor On-demand Propane Water Heater Work?
A typical outdoor on-demand propane water heater work makes use of the propane gas to heat the water contents. The item comprises a tank that contains the gas and a series of coils through which the water output is passed to make the same hot.
To operationalize the system, you simply open the tap to trigger the gas to burn. The heat output is furnished to the series of coils via a network of coils. Upon the system being triggered, the water output flows through the series of coils to have the same heated as need be.
It is important to let the water circulate within this series of coils a couple of times. In the course of doing that, the water gets hotter than would ordinarily be the case. Thereafter the water proceeds to the collecting chamber for you to eventually use.
How Do You Keep an Outdoor Propane On-demand Water Heater from Freezing?
The steps below will help you to keep your outdoor propane on-demand water heater from freezing:
Place it in a warm place
As a first measure, attempt to place the heater in a warm place. That is to prevent the externally cool air from disparaging the proper functioning of the item overall. Make use of the vent terminators to cut off the intrusion of and the subsequent damages by the harsh cold winds.
Maintain the freeze protection mechanism
Always see it to it that you maintain the freeze protection mechanism. This approach will see to it that the appliance operates throughout and prevent the likelihood of the mechanism from defaulting. In case you live in an area with persistent power failures, consider setting in place a power backup system.
Place a Recirculation System
A recirculation system sees to it that the water is continuously circulated and reheated consistently. In this way, the system is kept perpetually warm and hence less inclined to the risks of freezing. The system you choose to work with has to be compatible with the one you already have.
Insulate the entire mechanism
You also have to insulate the entire mechanism. Use insulators and poor conductors of heat to wrap around the tanks and the pipes. That will prevent the heat from escaping while at the same time warding off the intrusion of the ambient cold in the system of pipes.
How to Hook Up Outdoor Water Heater Propane?
Follow the procedures below to hook up outdoor water heater propane:
- Get to the meter and turn off the main water valve
- Detach the water supply pipes that are attached to the old water heaters
- Eliminate the old water heater
- Mount the new outdoor water heater propane tank to the wall
- Attach the tank to the heater by running the threaded iron pipe to the two
- Make all the connections tighter using a pipe wrench
- Connect the heater to the threaded gas pipes by use of a union fitting
- Solder a copper pipe from the heater to the prevailing water supply line
- Test the system by opening the main valve and checking out the existence of any leaks
- Plug the outdoor water heater propane to the most adjacent electric outlet
- Set the desired water temperature and go!
How to Install an Outdoor Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater?
Follow the steps below to install an outdoor liquid propane tankless water heater:
Step I: Choose a suitable venue for the installation
Start out by choosing a suitable venue for the subsequent task of installing the heater. The venue has to be clear and away from any trees or shrubs or other possible causes of damages. Then, the area has to be elevated to allow for proper drainage of the same.
Step II: Place the tank snugly
You should now place the tank snugly in the space identified. Be sure that the tank is not squeezed and that is there is sufficient space in and around the designated location. While at this, check out any or prevailing municipal regulations that may exist to oversee this exercise.
Step III: Separate the heater from the tank
Now separate the tank from the heater. Do this by digging a trench that measures roughly 12 inches deep in between the two items. The precise depth may however depend on the regulations of each municipality. Check them out hence before moving forward.
Step IV: Pair or connect the heater and the tank
At this stage, you should pair or connect the heater to the tank. Fix a pipe that measures 10 feet at the mouth of the tank and the heater. Upon establishing a physical connection, smear the plumber’s paste on both ends of the threading that exists on the pipe.
Step V: Tighten the joints
After having established the necessary joints and connections, you now have to tighten the joints. That way, you will make it impossible for the leaks to arise when in use. As a sure way of achieving this end, you should turn the threading in a clockwise direction and apply maximum force. You are now good to go!
How to Attach Propane to the Outdoor Water Heater?
Follow the steps that follow to attach the propane to the outdoor water heater:
Step I: Place the two items side by side
Place the two items i.e. the propane tank and the heater side by side. There should be a reasonable distance between these two items to allow for smoother and uninterrupted connection and engagement. Ideally, the distance should be no more than 10 feet apart.
Step II: Establish a physical connection between the two gadgets
Now, move to establish a physical connection between the two gadgets. The connection for a large part is made possible by a pipe that is to be no more than 10 feet long. Attach the pipe at the mouth of the tank and the heater respectively. Be sure that the two ends fit smooth and seamlessly for maximum efficacy.
Step III: Tighten the two items completely by way of clockwise turning of the joints
Round it up by tightening the two items completely by way of clockwise turning of the joints. Be slow and cautious as you make the tightening to see to it that no leaks arise in the course of use. On the same note, you should not overdo it in such a way as to break the parts and components thereof!
Summary
The above four best outdoor propane tankless water heaters we recommended for you are proved to be highly reliable and trustful. They are excellent in one way or another, but also have disadvantages. Before buying, you should make sure whether the features of them suit your home conditions.
| Tankless Water Heater | Best Type |
| The most portable one | Eccotemp L10 Tankless Water Heater |
| Perfect one for middle home use | Rinnai V65EP 6.6 GPM Tankless Water Heater |
| The most powerful type | Rheem RTG-95XLP Tankless Water Heater |
| Best one for camper or travel | Camplux 5L Tankless Water Heater |
If you have any other inquiries or want to get more information about the products, you can check them out on Amazon freely or to contact us directly, we will help you as much as possible.