Best Rinnai Recirculating Tankless Water Heaters

Waiting for hot water can be frustrating, especially during busy mornings. Traditional water heaters often leave you standing in the shower, shivering, as you wait for the water to reach the right temperature. Fortunately, Rinnai offers recirculating tankless water heaters designed to provide instant hot water, eliminating those long waits.

When choosing a tankless water heater, look for models that prioritize efficiency, capacity, and installation flexibility. Rinnai’s range excels in these areas, offering features like built-in recirculation systems that optimize water flow based on your usage patterns. Many of their models can be installed indoors or outdoors, accommodating various home setups.

In this roundup, we’ll review five of the best Rinnai recirculating tankless water heaters. Each product is chosen based on performance, efficiency, and user-friendliness, giving you a comprehensive overview of what Rinnai has to offer.

Here’s a quick comparison of the selected tankless water heaters:

Features	Rinnai RXP160iN	Rinnai RX199iN	Rinnai RXP199iN	Rinnai RX160iN	6699 Flushing Kit
Flow Rate	9 GPM	11.1 GPM	11.1 GPM	9 GPM	N/A
BTU	160,000	199,000	199,000	160,000	N/A
Recirculation	Smart-Circ	Smart-Circ	Smart-Circ	N/A	N/A
Indoor/Outdoor	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	N/A
Fuel Type	NG/Propane	NG/Propane	NG/Propane	NG/Propane	N/A

Rinnai RXP160iN Condensin…

The Rinnai RXP160iN is a versatile recirculating tankless water heater suitable for homes that require moderate hot water supply. With a flow rate of 9 GPM, it can efficiently service up to six fixtures simultaneously, making it ideal for smaller households or those with less demanding hot water needs.

This model stands out for its Smart-Circ technology, which learns your usage patterns and optimizes water delivery accordingly. The compact design also allows for flexible installation, whether indoors or outdoors, which is a significant advantage in space-constrained environments.

However, it may not meet the demands of larger households with high simultaneous water usage, especially during peak times. Users may find themselves running out of hot water if multiple outlets are used at once.

• Flow Rate: 9 GPM
• BTU: 160,000
• Smart-Circ Recirculation
• Versatile installation options
• Compact design

Best for: Smaller households with moderate hot water needs.

Rinnai RX199iN Condensing…

The Rinnai RX199iN offers a powerful solution for larger homes or families that require more hot water at once. With an impressive flow rate of 11.1 GPM, it can easily handle up to seven fixtures simultaneously, making it suitable for busy households.

This model features advanced energy efficiency with a UEF rating of.98, ensuring lower operational costs. The Smart-Circ technology further optimizes water delivery based on usage patterns, helping to save water and energy while providing consistent hot water.

On the downside, while the unit is energy-efficient, the higher initial investment might be a deterrent for some buyers. Additionally, professional installation is recommended, which adds to the overall cost.

• Flow Rate: 11.1 GPM
• BTU: 199,000
• Smart-Circ Recirculation
• High energy efficiency
• Indoor/outdoor installation

Best for: Larger families needing ample hot water supply.

Rinnai RXP199iN Condensin…

The Rinnai RXP199iN is a robust model designed for high-demand scenarios. Like the RX199iN, it boasts a maximum flow rate of 11.1 GPM and 199,000 BTU, allowing it to handle multiple hot water outlets without breaking a sweat.

Its Smart-Circ technology enhances convenience and efficiency by learning your patterns, ensuring hot water is always ready when you need it. Additionally, its compact size allows for installation in a variety of locations, whether you have limited space indoors or prefer an outdoor setup.

However, the initial cost and professional installation requirement can be significant. Some users also report that it can take time to fully understand the control system, which might be daunting for less tech-savvy individuals.

• Flow Rate: 11.1 GPM
• BTU: 199,000
• Smart-Circ Recirculation
• Compact and versatile
• Advanced technology

Best for: Households with high hot water demand.

Rinnai RX160iN Condensin…

The Rinnai RX160iN is another strong contender, offering a balance between efficiency and performance. With a flow rate of 9 GPM, it caters well to medium-sized households, providing ample hot water for up to six fixtures.

This model is equipped with Smart-Circ technology, ensuring that hot water is available on demand while reducing waste. It offers flexibility in installation, making it a great option for various home configurations.

Despite its strengths, the RX160iN may struggle during peak usage times, especially if multiple hot water demands arise simultaneously. It’s also essential to consider the installation costs and the need for professional setup.

• Flow Rate: 9 GPM
• BTU: 160,000
• Smart-Circ Recirculation
• Versatile installation
• Compact design

Best for: Medium-sized homes with moderate demands.

6699 Tankless Water Heate…

The 6699 Tankless Water Heater Flushing Kit is essential for maintaining your Rinnai tankless water heater. Regular flushing helps prevent mineral buildup that can hinder performance, extending the life of your unit.

This kit includes a submersible pump, hoses, and a bucket, making it easy to connect to your tankless system. Following the simple instructions ensures that your heater continues to operate efficiently and effectively.

However, while the kit is user-friendly, some owners may feel uncomfortable performing maintenance themselves and prefer professional assistance. It’s also vital to ensure you have the necessary vinegar or cleaning solution on hand for the flushing process.

• Complete flushing kit
• 1/6 HP pump
• Two hoses included
• Easy to connect
• Maintenance essential

Best for: Homeowners looking to maintain their tankless water heater.

How We Chose These Products

Our selection process involved evaluating each Rinnai recirculating tankless water heater based on several criteria, including flow rate, energy efficiency, and unique features like Smart-Circ technology. We also considered user reviews and expert opinions to ensure that we recommend products that meet real-world demands.

We prioritized models that offer flexibility in installation and versatility in fuel type, as many customers prefer the option of using either natural gas or propane. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the best options available for different household needs.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

When selecting a Rinnai recirculating tankless water heater, consider the flow rate and BTU output to ensure it meets your household’s demands. A higher flow rate is essential for larger homes with multiple simultaneous hot water needs.

Installation options are also critical. Models that can be installed both indoors and outdoors provide greater flexibility, especially for those with limited interior space. Additionally, ensure you have access to professional installation services, as proper setup is crucial for optimal performance.

Our Top Recommendation

Our top pick is the Rinnai RX199iN. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency, making it ideal for larger families needing reliable hot water. For those on a budget, the Rinnai RXP160iN offers solid performance for smaller households.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a recirculating tankless water heater work? A recirculating tankless water heater uses a pump to circulate hot water through the pipes, ensuring instant availability at the tap.

Can I install a Rinnai tankless water heater myself? Professional installation is recommended for Rinnai tankless water heaters to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.

How often should I flush my tankless water heater? It’s advisable to flush your tankless water heater annually to remove mineral buildup and maintain efficiency.

What type of maintenance does a tankless water heater require? Regular flushing, checking for leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation are essential for maintaining a tankless water heater.