On this page
Propane tankless vs tank water heater is the choice between heating water only when a tap opens and keeping a tank of water hot around the clock. At a cabin at dusk, the shower runs while dinner cooks, and the question is whether the heater can keep up or runs out. This guide compares the propane tankless units in the listings, and sets out how they differ from a tank heater.
SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
Propane tankless vs tank water heater
The short answer: a tankless heater burns propane only while water flows through it, so hot water runs as long as the propane and the water supply last. A tank heater stores a fixed volume of hot water and reheats it as it cools, so it can run out during back-to-back showers. The 4 tankless units here range from 41,000 to 95,000 BTU and from 1.58 to 4.42 GPM, which sets how much hot water each can deliver at once.
How the tankless units here compare
Flow and power separate the 4 units. The APUS leads on both figures, the Ranein sits just behind it, and the VEVOR and GASLAND units are smaller units for an RV and for portable outdoor use.
| Unit | BTU | Flow | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| APUS 95,000 BTU Tankless | 95,000 BTU | 4.42 GPM | 2 years |
| Ranein 80,000 BTU Tankless | 80,000 BTU | 3.6 GPM | 2 years |
| VEVOR RV Tankless | 42,000 BTU | Not stated | Not stated |
| GASLAND BE158 Portable | 41,000 BTU | 1.58 GPM | 1 year |
Flow rate: how much hot water at once
Flow in GPM is the figure that decides how many taps can run at once. The APUS delivers 4.42 GPM and lists 2 showers plus 1 sink at the same time, with a 0.66 GPM low-flow start. The Ranein delivers 3.6 GPM and supports 2-3 water points at the same time. The GASLAND delivers 1.58 GPM, which is 1.58 gallons of hot water per minute, and starts on as little as 3.6 PSI of water pressure. The VEVOR listing states no flow figure, so compare it on its 42,000 BTU power and its RV fit instead.
Temperature control and freeze protection
Temperature control is where the indoor units pull ahead. The Ranein adjusts over a 95°F-149°F range and lists 4 preset modes for Dish, Fruit, Elderly and Infant use, plus a child lock. The APUS adjusts from 95°F to 140°F and holds the temperature within 1°F of the setting, with an LED touchscreen. The GASLAND lists a temperature rise of 109.4°F at its highest point and 55.4°F at its lowest point, with an LED digital display. The VEVOR lists an LED smart display with touch controls and segmented combustion that adjusts the water temperature with the seasons.
Freezing weather needs a plan. The Ranein lists a built-in anti-freeze device that resists -10°C/14°F, and the listing states to drain the water completely if the temperature drops below -10°C/14°F or the unit sits unused. The APUS freeze protection activates when the ambient temperature approaches or falls below 41°F (5°C), and the unit must be drained if it will sit unused for a long time. The GASLAND lists anti-freezing protection and a drain plug for winter, and the listing states it is splash-proof but prolonged exposure to rain or water will damage the internal components.
Where each unit fits
The APUS is the whole-home unit here: 95,000 BTU and 4.42 GPM for 2-3 fixtures, on 120V, with a 2-year coverage and automatic shut down if risks are detected. The Ranein is the other indoor whole-home unit: 80,000 BTU and 3.6 GPM for 2-3 water points, with a vent pipe included and a 2 Year Manufacturer warranty. The Ranein listing states installation by licensed professionals. The VEVOR is the RV unit: a 15 by 15 inch 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, plus a front outlet for outdoor use. The GASLAND is the portable outdoor unit: CSA certified, 6L and 1.58 GPM, running on a 20 lb liquid propane tank with electronic ignition powered by two D-cell batteries, and a 1-year warranty with lifetime customer support. See the best gas camping shower for more portable options.
Tankless vs tank: the differences that matter
A tankless heater only burns propane while water flows, so there is no stored hot water to run out and no tank to keep hot between uses. A tank heater holds hot water ready, which suits back-to-back use from a stored volume, and the tank itself takes floor space a tankless unit does not need. The APUS listing states up to 98% thermal efficiency with a UEF of 0.81, and 30% greater energy savings than conventional tank water heater models. The Ranein listing states dual heating chambers for uniform temperature and stable supply, with an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger. The VEVOR listing states segmented combustion technology that adjusts water temperature with the seasons. Match the choice to the use: endless on-demand showers suit a tankless unit, while a tank suits a home that wants stored hot water ready at once. See the solar shower vs gas shower comparison for another way to heat water outdoors.
Before you buy
- Venting: the Ranein includes a vent pipe and is built for indoor use; the GASLAND is a portable outdoor unit.
- Gas supply: the GASLAND runs on a standard 20 lb liquid propane tank.
- Power: the APUS connects to 120V AC, while the GASLAND ignition runs on two D-cell batteries.
- Freeze plan: the Ranein resists -10°C/14°F and the APUS activates freeze protection below 41°F, but the listings state to drain the unit when it sits unused.
- Install: the Ranein listing states installation by licensed professionals.
FAQ: power away from the grid
How much hot water does a 4.42 GPM tankless heater deliver?
The APUS delivers 4.42 GPM at 95,000 BTU, which the listing states covers 2 showers plus 1 sink at the same time. The Ranein delivers 3.6 GPM for 2-3 water points, and the GASLAND delivers 1.58 GPM for portable outdoor use.
Can a propane tankless water heater run a whole home?
Yes, if the flow covers the fixtures. The APUS lists 4.42 GPM for 2-3 fixtures and the Ranein lists 3.6 GPM for 2-3 water points, both for indoor use. The VEVOR is built for an RV and the GASLAND for portable outdoor use.
What happens to a tankless heater in freezing weather?
It needs draining or freeze protection. The Ranein anti-freeze device resists -10°C/14°F and the listing states to drain the water completely below that temperature. The APUS freeze protection activates below 41°F (5°C), and the GASLAND lists anti-freezing protection with a drain plug for winter.
Does a tankless water heater need electricity?
It depends on the unit. The APUS connects to a standard 120V AC, while the GASLAND runs its electronic ignition on two D-cell batteries. The VEVOR and Ranein listings do not state a power source.
Related solar guides
See every camping and emergency gear guide and all power stations guides. Also see the RV water heater maintenance guide and the best RV hot water heater for solar picks.
