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The short answer on propane tankless vs electric tankless water heater use: pick propane when the heater lives outdoors or in an RV with no big electrical service, and pick electric when the house has the panel capacity and you want no venting and no fuel. A propane heater burns fuel wherever you carry it, while an electric heater draws on the house panel and heats only when a tap opens. We compared two propane heaters and two electric heaters on what each listing states: power, flow, venting, size and warranty terms. The Rheem electric heater leads on flow and warranty, and the forimo propane heater leads the propane side on flow and safety listings.
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Propane tankless vs electric tankless water heater: side by side
| Propane Tankless vs Electric Tankless Water Heater | Rheem RTEX-24 | Xwdzswgs 110V Heater | Forimo 16L Heater | VEVOR RV Heater | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 24kW electric, 240V | 3000W electric, 110V | 68,000 BTU/hour propane | 42,000 BTU propane | |
| Flow | Up to 5.9 GPM | 0.3 to 0.5 GPM | 4.21 GPM | Not stated | |
| Venting | No venting required | Not stated | Not stated | 2.36 inch exhaust pipe | |
| Size | 18.25 x 14.5 x 3.5 in | 4.32 x 4.32 x 7.86 in | 13.4 x 5.9 x 21.65 in | 15 x 15 in door | |
| Warranty | 5-year leak, 1-year parts | 24 months | Not stated | Not stated |
These specs are rated by the maker and quoted from each listing on 14 November 2026.
Power and flow
Power and flow are the first split. The Rheem electric heater states 24kW and up to 5.9 GPM, the highest flow figure in this group, while the forimo propane heater states 68,000 BTU per hour and 4.21 GPM. The VEVOR propane heater states 42000 BTU with no GPM figure, so its flow cannot be compared with the other two on the numbers given. The xwdzswgs electric heater states 3000W on 110V, with a rise of 82°F at 0.3 GPM and 131°F at 0.5 GPM, which suits a single sink rather than a shower. A figure from one listing describes that listing only, so the 5.9 GPM figure belongs to the Rheem example and the 4.21 GPM figure belongs to the forimo example.
Venting and installation
Venting is the second split. The Rheem states no venting is required to operate, which simplifies installation next to a tankless gas heater. The VEVOR lists a 2.36 inch exhaust pipe with 1/2 inch NPT water and gas connectors. The xwdzswgs lists 1/2 inch NPT connections, vertical installation only, and a 32A electrical requirement. The forimo lists BSP pipe fittings with three interface ports: air inlet, shower port and water inlet. The Rheem needs three 40-amp double-pole breakers and a recommended minimum 200-amp household service panel, so a licensed electrician should install the electric heater.
Temperature control
All four heaters state a display and a way to set the temperature. The Rheem states digital thermostatic controls in 1-degree increments from 80°F to 140°F. The VEVOR states an LED smart display with touch controls and a remote controller, plus segmented combustion that adjusts water temperature with the seasons. The forimo states a digital display with multi-protection. The xwdzswgs states an LED display with an LCD digital display, and the temperature unit changes between Fahrenheit and Celsius by holding the power button for 6 seconds. The propane heaters state displays but no temperature range, so compare controls on the displays and steps each listing actually states.
What the listings leave unclear
Two listings leave a figure unclear. The forimo listing gives two depths, 5.9 and 13.4 inches. The Rheem listing gives two warranty terms, a 5-year leak and 1-year parts warranty and a limited lifetime warranty. The VEVOR listing states no GPM figure, so its flow cannot be compared with the 4.21 GPM forimo or the 5.9 GPM Rheem on the numbers given. The forimo and VEVOR listings state no warranty term.
Four examples
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rheem RTEX-24 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Xwdzswgs 110V Heater | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  Forimo 16L Heater | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  VEVOR RV Heater | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Rheem RTEX-24
A 24kW 240V electric tankless heater that provides up to 5.9 GPM, with 1-degree controls from 80 to 140°F and a 5-year leak warranty.
Pros
- Up to 5.9 GPM from a 24kW 240V heater
- 1-degree controls from 80 to 140°F
- No venting required
- 90% smaller than traditional tank water heaters
Cons
- Needs three 40-amp breakers and a 200-amp service panel
- 1-year parts coverage is short next to the 5-year leak term
- Gray color only
- No remote controller is listed
Detailed Review
The listing states a 24kW 240V electric tankless heater that provides up to 5.9 GPM, with digital thermostatic controls in 1-degree increments from 80°F to 140°F. It states wiring needs of three 40-amp double-pole breakers, three sets of #8 AWG copper conductors and a recommended minimum 200-amp household service panel, a size of 18.25 by 14.5 by 3.5 inches at 17.8 pounds, and no venting required. The maker gives two warranty terms, a 5-year leak and 1-year parts warranty and a limited lifetime warranty; check before ordering.
Who it's for: homeowners with a 200-amp service panel who want on-demand hot water for multiple fixtures without venting. Who should skip it: owners without 240V service and three 40-amp breakers, or anyone who needs a portable heater.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 3/5: 85 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 24kW, 240V |
|---|---|
| Flow | Up to 5.9 GPM |
| Controls | 80 to 140°F in 1-degree steps |
| Electrical | Three 40-amp breakers, 200-amp service |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Digital thermostatic temperature controls in 1-degree increments and no venting required stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 5-year leak and 1-year parts warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Xwdzswgs 110V Heater
A 110V 3000W point-of-use electric heater with a digital display, ETL standard and a 24-month warranty, not suitable for showers.
Pros
- 3000W on 110V with a digital display
- 98% thermal efficiency stated
- IPX4, leakage protection and dry boil protection stated
- 24-month warranty stated
Cons
- Not suitable for showers
- 110V and 3000W suit a single sink, not a whole house
- Vertical installation only, no horizontal installation allowed
- White color only
Detailed Review
The listing states a 110V 3000W electric tankless heater in stainless steel and ABS, with an LED display, that raises water by 82°F at 0.3 GPM and 131°F at 0.5 GPM. It states IPX4, water and electricity isolation, leakage protection, dry boil protection, automatic power off under overheating and inactivity, and a thermal efficiency as high as 98%. It states a size of 4.32 by 4.32 by 7.86 inches, 1/2 inch NPT connections, a 24-month warranty, and that it is not suitable for showers, which normally require at least 1.8 GPM.
Who it's for: sinks in apartments and bathrooms that need hot water at a single sink on 110V power. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a shower heater, since this unit is not suitable for showers.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 3/5: 78 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 3000W, 110V |
|---|---|
| Rise | 82°F at 0.3 GPM, 131°F at 0.5 GPM |
| Size | 4.32 x 4.32 x 7.86 in |
| Efficiency | 98% thermal efficiency |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. ETL standard, IPX4, leakage protection, dry boil protection and automatic power off stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 24-month warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Forimo 16L Heater
A 16L outdoor propane heater at 4.21 GPM and 68,000 BTU per hour, with a CSA approved regulator and multi-protection.
Pros
- 4.21 GPM at 68,000 BTU per hour
- CSA approved regulator stated
- Flame failure, anti-freezing and over heating protection stated
- 11.5% energy saving technology stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- White color only
- Outdoor use only, not an indoor heater
- Three interface ports to connect: air inlet, shower port and water inlet
Detailed Review
The listing states a 16L outdoor propane heater at 4.21 GPM with a maximum power output of 68,000 BTU per hour, a CSA approved regulator, a flame failure device, anti-freezing protection and over heating protection, with water pressure between 3.6 and 110 PSI. It states dimensions of 13.4 by 5.9 by 21.65 inches, a shower head with one button, and 11.5% energy saving technology. The maker gives two depths, 5.9 and 13.4 inches; check before ordering.
Who it's for: campers, boaters and cabin owners who want endless hot water outdoors from propane. Who should skip it: owners who need an indoor heater, since this unit is built for outdoor use.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 0/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 68,000 BTU/hour |
|---|---|
| Flow | 4.21 GPM |
| Size | 13.4 x 5.9 x 21.65 in |
| Pressure | 3.6 to 110 PSI |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CSA approved regulator, flame failure device, anti-freezing protection and over heating protection stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
VEVOR RV Heater
A 42000 BTU propane RV heater with a 15 by 15 inch door, LED display, touch controls and a remote controller.
Pros
- 42000 BTU with segmented combustion
- LED smart display, touch controls and remote controller
- Front outlet for outdoor use
- 15 by 15 inch door fits most RVs
Cons
- No flow rate figure is stated
- No warranty term is stated
- White color only
- 26.9 pounds is the heaviest unit in this group
Detailed Review
The listing states a 42000 BTU propane RV tankless heater with a 15 by 15 inch white door, a rear chamber of 12.6 by 12.6 by 14 inches, 1/2 inch NPT water and gas connectors, and a 2.36 inch exhaust pipe. It states an LED smart display with touch controls, a remote controller, segmented combustion that adjusts water temperature with the seasons, and a front outlet for outdoor use. The weight is 26.9 pounds.
Who it's for: RV families who want on-demand hot water with a remote controller and an outdoor outlet. Who should skip it: owners who need a stated flow rate, since this listing states no GPM figure.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 76 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 42,000 BTU |
|---|---|
| Door | 15 x 15 in |
| Connectors | 1/2 in NPT water and gas |
| Exhaust | 2.36 in exhaust pipe |
Taken from the seller's listing on 14 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Segmented combustion that prevents excessively high water temperatures stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For a tankless water heater, safety means CSA or ETL listings, flame failure and overheat protection, leakage protection and thermostatic controls the listing actually states; a heater that states none scores zero on that line, whatever its power. Two of the four heaters state a warranty term, the Rheem with 5-year leak and 1-year parts and the xwdzswgs with 24 months. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem RTEX-24 | 9.7 | 32 | 22 | 21 | 7 | 3 |
| Xwdzswgs 110V Heater | 9.6 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 3 |
| Forimo 16L Heater | 9.6 | 32 | 21 | 21 | 8 | 0 |
| VEVOR RV Heater | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
Every total is translated into a figure between 9.2 and 9.8 with a linear formula; ranking by points and ranking by score always agree.
Propane tankless vs electric tankless water heater: which should you choose?
Choose propane if the heater lives outdoors, in an RV or at a cabin with no big electrical service: the forimo suits camping trips, boats and cabins with 4.21 GPM on demand, and the VEVOR suits RV families who want a remote controller and an outdoor outlet. Choose electric if the house has the panel capacity and you want no venting and no fuel: the Rheem suits multiple fixtures at up to 5.9 GPM, and the xwdzswgs suits a single sink on 110V power. For the outdoor side, see our best propane tankless water heater for tiny house guide.
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| Hot water for multiple fixtures without venting | Rheem RTEX-24 |
| Hot water outdoors from propane | Forimo 16L Heater |
| Hot water at a single sink on 110V | Xwdzswgs 110V Heater |
| Hot water in an RV with a remote control | VEVOR RV Heater |
Sizing Notes
- Match the heater power to the job: the forimo states 68,000 BTU per hour and 4.21 GPM, and the Rheem states 24kW and up to 5.9 GPM.
- Check the electrical service before choosing electric: the Rheem needs three 40-amp breakers and a 200-amp panel, and the xwdzswgs lists a 32A electrical requirement.
- Check the venting: the Rheem needs no venting, and the VEVOR lists a 2.36 inch exhaust pipe.
- Match the heater to the water use: the xwdzswgs is not suitable for showers, which normally require at least 1.8 GPM.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Which heater here states the highest flow?
The Rheem at up to 5.9 GPM, then the forimo at 4.21 GPM. The VEVOR states no GPM figure, and the xwdzswgs states 0.3 to 0.5 GPM.
Does the Rheem need venting?
No. The listing states no venting is required to operate. The VEVOR lists a 2.36 inch exhaust pipe.
Can the xwdzswgs heater run a shower?
No. The listing states it is not suitable for showers, which normally require at least 1.8 GPM.
Which heaters here state a warranty?
The Rheem states a 5-year leak and 1-year parts warranty, and the xwdzswgs states a 24-month warranty. The forimo and VEVOR listings state no warranty term.
Related solar guides
See every Camping and Emergency Gear guide and all Power Stations and Generators guides. Also see our best propane tankless water heater for cold climates. Also see our solar water heater vs propane tankless water heater.
