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Compare Noritz vs. Rinnai vs. Takagi, including specifications and top features so you can buy the best tankless water heater for potable water and home space heating. Find out which manufacturer has the largest selection, most Energy Star models, and water heaters with the most innovative features.
With over 100 years in the water heating industry, Rinnai is one of the most prestigious tankless brands in the world. Rinnai is the largest manufacturer of gas appliances in Japan.
According to the company - "Rinnai is the first and only major tankless brand to have a manufacturing facility in the U.S. with advanced automation and precision assembly processes."
Rinnai America Corporation was founded in 1974, and since then U.S. customers can buy high-quality water and home heating products for a cost-effective and comfortable lifestyle.
Rinnai offers various products for efficient and eco-friendly on-demand water heating, including models from the RU, RUCS, RUS, RSC, and RUR series.
The best Rinnai models come with advanced features such as Wi-Fi capability, Amazon Alexa integration, super high-efficiency, Circ-Logic recirculation technology, and others.
Models / Specs | RUR199i | RU199i | RSC199i |
Gas input (BTU) |
15,000 199,000 |
15,000 199,000 |
15,000 199,000 |
Water flow (GPM) 30 F temp.rise |
9.8 (11 max) | 9.8 (11 max) | 9.8 (11 max) |
Uniform Energy Factor | 0.93 | 0.93 | 0.93 |
Temp. settings (F) | 98-140 | 98-140 | 98-140 |
Weight (lbs) | 73 | 64 | 68 |
Remote | INTEGRATED | INTEGRATED | INTEGRATED |
Ultra-Low NOx | YES | YES | YES |
Wi-Fi ready | YES | YES | YES |
Recirculation | YES | YES | YES |
Warranty | 15 | 15 | 15 |
Noritz is another Japanese HVAC company popular in North America. The company started producing gas water heaters in early 1960's. Their first gas-powered bathtub water heater was not only "smartly design" but also high efficient, and made of lightweight aluminum, replacing widely used copper.
Every year, the company produces over one million units and selling them to the customers in over 16 countries.
Noritz tankless water heaters are available as non-condensing and condensing, where the latter ones are the most advanced, delivering the greatest savings. Depending on your needs and a budget, look for the models from the EZ, NRCR, and NRCB series.
Models / Specs | NRCR111 | NRCB199 | NRC111 |
Gas input (BTU) | 18,000 199,900 |
18,000 199,900 |
16,000 199,900 |
Water flow (GPM) 30 F temp.rise |
11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 |
Uniform Energy Factor | 0.95 | 95% (AFUE) | 0.91 |
Temp. settings (F) | 100-140 | 90-140 80-180 |
100-140 |
Weight (lbs) | 73 | 95 | 66 |
Remote controller | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ultra-Low NOx | Low | Low | Low |
Wi-Fi ready | Yes | No | No |
Recirculation | Yes | No | No |
Warranty | 15 | 10 | 12 |
Since 1952 Takagi has been delivering quality tankless water heaters for residential and commercial water heating.
According to the company, Takagi is "the first tankless water heater company specializing in tankless-only products to enter the North American market". It was also the first company to offer products with an efficiency of over 95% and a system to convert the unit to a direct vent.
This is the third high-quality Japanese water heating product that we recommend here, available to customers throughout America and Canada.
There are over 40 condensing and non-condensing models available for residential and commercial use (or both), among which T-H3 and TK-540 are the most advanced.
Models / Specs | T-H3-DV-N | TK-540P-NIH |
Gas input (BTU) | 15,000 199,000 |
15,000 199,000 |
Water flow (GPM) 30 F temp.rise |
10 | 10 |
Uniform Energy Factor | 0.93 | 0.93 |
Temp. settings (F) | 100-140 | 100-140 |
Weight (lbs) | 59 | 70 |
Remote | INTEGRATED | INTEGRATED |
Ultra-Low NOx | Yes | Yes |
WiFi ready | ? | ? |
Recirculation | No | Yes |
Warranty | 15 | 15 |
All three brands, Noritz, Rinnai, and Takagi, have a decent number of quality models, offering condensing and non-condensing technology, the most innovative electronics and diagnostic system, ultra-high efficiency, and flexible venting.
They all offer powerful gas burners with the modulation and high water flow rate of around 10 GPM, heating water on demand and delivering hot water in an endless supply.
The warranty is long (15 years on most) and all top models are Energy Star approved.
Taking into account all the specs and features shown here, customer satisfaction, and reviews we read, the Rinnai RUR series is what we recommend.
In addition, the Rinnai company has been on the market for the longest (over 100 years) that offers state-of-the-art features such as Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa voice system, and Circ-Logic recirculation technology.