Are you RVs or cabin owners who want to upgrade the hot water system without compensating your budget? Are you campers who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle?
Having the best small propane water heater is the answer to the ultimate, comfortable life you have ever wanted. Have look at these 6 products below for more information.
- Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater – Best for outdoor use
- Tankless Water Heater, Gasland BS158 1.58GPM 6L Outdoor Portable Gas Water Heater – Best for RV camping
- Tengchang 10L 2.6 GPM LPG Gas Propane Instant Tankless Hot Water Heater Boiler Bath – Budget-friendly option
- Marey GA5PORT Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater – Most energy efficient
- Camplux 10L 2.64 GPM High Capacity Color Screen Propane Tankless Water Heater – User-friendliest
- EXCELL TANKLESS LPG GAS WATER HEATER – Best vent-free heater
Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater – Best for outdoor use
- Enough hot water to use
- Portable
- Best for outdoor use
- Perfect water pressure
- Shuts down after 15 to 20 min
Safety features include overheating protection, flame failure device, and oxygen depletion safety shut off protection. This heater offers a low water flow, which means the water comes as hot as you want. It isn’t a surprise, but this unit uses very little propane.
It shuts off after 15 or 20 minutes, so if you plan on using the heater longer make a mental note on this.
Product specifications
| GPM | 1.32 |
| Voltage | 3 volts |
| Maximum Power Output | 28,000 btu/hour |
| Min. flow to activate unit | 5 PSI |
| Max flow | 110 PSI |
| Dimensions | 11.42 x 4.33 x 14.8 in |
| Weight | 14 lbs |
| Highlight Features | Exclusive color digital temperature display, flame-out protection, anti-freezing protection, overheating protection, airflow pressure switch protection |
Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM Portable Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater is an ideal option for outdoor use.
Tankless Water Heater, Gasland BS158 1.58GPM 6L Outdoor Portable Gas Water Heater – Best for RV camping
- Compact and lightweight
- Save 11.5% energy
- Easy to install and use
- Heats immediately
- Great value for the money
- None!
The water pressure changes automatically and manually from 2.5 to 110 PSI. Thanks to the anti-freezing protection, this unit is suitable for both summer and winter. Gasland BS158 weighs only 14.8 lbs, purely portable. You can use it outdoor for a hot bath or car washing.
It takes a few minutes to install and hot water comes immediately. What’s more, this unit saves 11.5% energy thanks to the advanced combustion technology. Less gas used, more money saved.
Product specifications
| GPM | 1.58 GPM |
| Voltage | 3 volts |
| Maximum Power Output | 41,000 btu/hour |
| Min. flow to activate unit | 2.5 PSI |
| Max flow | 110 PSI |
| Dimensions | 11.8 x 6.1 x 17.3 inches |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs |
| Highlight Features | Flame failure device, anti-freezing protection, over-heating protection, Fully adjustable heat and water flow, compact and lightweight, 11.5% energy saving technology |
Tankless Water Heater, Gasland BS158 1.58GPM 6L Outdoor Portable Gas Water Heater is a safe, affordable and easy-to-use option for RVs, small cabins and stables.
Tengchang 10L 2.6 GPM LPG Gas Propane Instant Tankless Hot Water Heater Boiler Bath – Budget-friendly option
- Very affordable
- Gets hot quick
- Fast installation
- Shuts off hot water after 20 min in use
It features an automatic ignition system and a bunch of safety features such as flame failure protection, overheating and pressure sensor. You can adjust the water temperature and pressure. There is a small digital temperature display as well.
Thanks to the advanced combusting technology, this unit is highly energy-efficient. It reduces gas consumption and burning noise. There are two modes for winter and summer, so you can choose a suitable temperature for each season as you like.
Now, the seeming shortcoming is this unit shuts off automatically after 20 min in use. You need to wait a bit until hot water comes back again.
Product specifications
| GPM | 2.6 GPM |
| Voltage | N/A |
| Maximum Power Output | N/A |
| Min. flow to activate unit | 3.6 PSI |
| Max flow | N/A |
| Dimensions | 24 x 13.6 x 5.9 inches |
| Weight | 15.8 lbs |
| Highlight Features | Automatic ignition system, flame failure protection device, fitted with overheating and pressure safeguard, suitable for both summer and winter |
Tengchang 10L 2.6 GPM LPG Gas Propane Instant Tankless Hot Water Heater Boiler Bath is a budget-friendly option for small house owners.
Marey GA5PORT Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater – Most energy efficient
- Excellent for backup/ emergency use
- Plenty of hot water
- Simple to install
- Instant hot water
- Durable
- The on/off switch is poorly designed
It is lightweight and highly portable. It is also excellent for backup or emergency use. Hot water comes instantly and stays hot during the use. The GA5PORT features maximum energy saving. It can save up to 80% of energy.
This unit is affordable and very durable. The on/off switch, however, is poorly designed, it would make you feel a bit awkward to use.
Product specifications
| GPM | 2 GPM |
| Maximum Power Output | 35.000 BTU/hour |
| Min. flow to activate unit | 0.58 PSI |
| Max flow | 145 PSI |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 17 x 4.7 inches |
| Weight | 12 lbs |
| Highlight Features | Naturally vented outdoors, serves to a variety of applications, includes a gas hose with csa approved regulator |
Marey GA5PORT Portable Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater is the most energy-efficient unit for you. Enjoy instant hot water and save more energy.
Camplux 10L 2.64 GPM High Capacity Color Screen Propane Tankless Water Heater – User-friendliest
- Convenient to use around your house
- Purely portable
- Quickly connect and transport
- Heats water fast
- None!
If you worry about the amount of propane consumption, don’t be. This unit offers Eco and a full gas switch, which you can alternate during use.
What’s more, it is safe to use Camplux 10L because it is packed with safety features, such as flame-out protection, anti-freezing protection, and over-heating protection.
Anything to complain about? None! It is an absolute babe.
Product specifications
| GPM | 2.64 GPM |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Maximum Power Output | 68,000btu/hour |
| Min. flow to activate unit | 0.4 PSI |
| Max flow | 110 PSI |
| Dimensions | 12.8 x 5.91.x 20.28 inches |
| Weight | 23.8 inches |
| Highlight Features | Save energy, high thermal efficiency at 88.5 %, compact design, digital temperature control. |
Camplux 10L 2.64 GPM High Capacity Color Screen Propane Tankless Water Heater is a user-friendly unit that provides endless hot water for small homes, cabins or apartments.
EXCELTANKLESS LPG GAS WATER HEATER – Best vent-free heater
- Installation is a breeze
- Fuel-saving
- Best value for the money
- Can be hot when running
The LPG tankless water heater comes with an oxygen depletion sensor that keeps the unit within control. This vent-free model starts at very low water pressure, only 2 PSI. Propane consumption is low, so you save more money.
Hot water comes fast and consistently. The unit can be hot when running so you shouldn’t place the top vent under the water lines or the drain.
Product specifications
| GPM | 1.6 |
| Voltage | 3 volts |
| Maximum Power Output | 38,000 Btu/hour |
| Min. flow to activate unit | 2 PSI |
| Max flow | 150 PSI |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Highlight Features | Suitable for a Multiple Points of Use, work at low water pressure |
The hassle-free EXCEL TANKLESS LPG GAS WATER HEATER offers a ventless option for simple installation. It is small and convenient for RVs, small cabins and houses.
How to choose the best small propane water heater (buying guide)
Temperature
The water temperature is quite important, especially if you are the type who like toasty hot water.
So your task is to find out the average temperature of water in your living area and then look for that specific temperature in a heater. In case you are living in a cold area, you need a strong water heater.
Gas and propane water heaters are perfect for folks who live in cold climates since they are very powerful and effective.
Proper size
How small should your water heater be? It depends on the number of people using hot water in your family. How many faucets and baths do you want to accommodate?
Answer these questions and you will know which water to buy.
GPM
Another factor to think of is the maximum GPM or gallons per minute that a water heater produces. Morning or evening is typically the time when we use lots of hot water.
You need to make sure that the water heater is capable to supply hot water during that time. By evaluating the GPM rating and choose a specific propane tankless water heater that matches, it is possible.
Safety
Look for models with automatic sensors. These sensors help to detect gas leaks and shut down the system without your presence.
Who makes the best small propane water heater?
Camplux
When it comes to propane portable water heaters, Camplux is my trusted place. The company provides a wide range of compact and lightweight choices that provides instant hot water for outdoor and indoor use.
Tengchang
Tengchang is well-known for its affordable price tag. Tengchang’s products are at the same time durable and easy to use too.
Marey
Marey started its business as early as the 1950s. Through years of experience, the company has accumulated knowledge and technology to create advanced energy-efficient propane water heaters.
EXCEL
Last but not least, EXCEL produces on-demand water heaters for RV, camping sites, cabins, and small houses. Their products are indeed portable and versatile.
FAQs
How much propane should a water heater use?
You can calculate the amount of propane a water heater use using BTUs rating or British Thermal Units. BTUs are used to measure the amount of energy required to heat a pound of water by 1F.
Propane requires 91,500 BTUs per gallon in one hour. A small tankless water heater gives 40,000 BTU/hour, which is equivalent to 1.5 gallons of propane per day.
Do you save money with a tankless water heater?
Yes, you can save some bucks with a tankless water heater. The amount varies though. Energy Star said that you can save up to $100 per year, while Consumer Reports thinks the number should be $80.
To know exactly how much, you need to consider the family’s water usage. A large family will use more water, thus spending more money to pay the bill.
How long do propane tankless water heaters last?
We know that a tank water heater can last a maximum of 12 to 15 years, but tankless units can stay much longer. On-demand water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. The reason why these beats can stay durable for a long time is that they are less likely to expose to corrosion.
Can propane tanks be left in the sun?
It is not ideal to leave your propane tanks in the sun. Though propane tanks need to go through regulatory stress tests when produced but better be safe than sorry. Find it a shade, mate.
How does cold weather affect propane?
Cold weather can affect the performance of propane tanks. When the temperature drops below -44 degrees Fahrenheit, propane begins to boil, producing less vapor and lower the tank pressure.
Do you need a water softener with a tankless water heater?
Yes, adding water softener to a tankless water heater is a great idea. Though tankless water heaters have no tank to store water, mineral buildup still occurs since water flows through the heater. If you live in a region famous for hard water, water softener is a must.
The bottom line
These 6 best small propane water heaters will change the way you live your life forever. They bring more comfort, versatility, and efficiency to your house. Enjoy immediate hot water everywhere in the house!
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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This is my favorite appliance in my home, I believe whoever has family of 4 or more and has same time schedule like school and work. In this case if you have regular gas water heater than after second person taking shower water getting cold and you have to wait. But best thing about this water heater you never ever have to wait for a minute. I love this water heater.