Best propane water heater for an off-grid cabin in 2022
Propane water heaters are the way to go if you want to bring down the energy bills in your home or cabin. They can cut your energy utility bills by almost a half. However, these units can be pricey and they come in many different models. This can make it hard to choose the best propane water heater for off-grid cabin. Luckily, after thorough research, we have come up with a list of top heater options worth considering for your cabin.
Top Propane Water Heater for Off-Grid Cabin
| Name | Type | Highlights | Gallons Per Minute | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eccotemp i12-LP Water Heater | Tankless | - 1/2" NPT water fittings - Safe electronic ignition, no pilot light - Automatic temperature control | 4 | |
| Rinnai V65iP HE | Tankless | - High efficiency indoor installation heater - Mobile app remote control - Scheduled heating | 6.5 | |
| Gasland BE158 | Tankless | - Flame failure & overheat protection - Instant hot water from 41000 BTU/Hr heater | 1.58 | |
| VEVOR Propane Hot Water | Tankless | - Overheat, over water pressure protection - LED screen to monitor temperature - 2PCs D battery ignition system | 4.6 | |
| Eccotemp FVI12-LP | Tankless | - 80-140oF - 80,000 BTU | 3.6 |
Eccotemp i12-LP Water Heater
This Eccotemp i12-LP is a water heater that doesn’t disappoint if you are looking for an energy-saving option for your vacation or camping cabin. It is a tankless water heater with a hot water capacity range of between 0.6 to 4.8 GPM and gas rate range of 25,000-80,000 BTUs. Besides its sleek, modern design, it also features automatic temperature controls and child lock technology.
Pros
- Tankless
- It is easy to install and can fit in a small space
- It looks great
- Heats water fast
- Very economical on propane usage
- Affordable price
Cons
- Needs to be plugged to electricity
- Can be hard to find matching fittings
Rinnai V65iP HE Tankless Hot Water Heater: Indoor Installation
This propane water heater water is highly efficient and can deliver up to 6.5 Gallons per minute depending on the groundwater temperature. It has mobile app features timers and schedules, and allows you to put the system into vacation mode remotely.
Check this too: Should you turn off water heater when on vacation?
Pros
- Tankless
- Bigger Capacity
- It is efficient
- It is quiet
- Easy to install
Cons
- It is a bit slow to heat up
- It is expensive
Gasland BE158 Tankless Water Heater
With a maximum power output of 41,000 BTU/Hr, this propane heater can easily get instant hot water in your cabin. It delivers 1.5 gallons per minute of hot water and requires about 2.5 PSI water pressure to start up. Other features that make this unit the best propane water heater for the off-grid cabin are its compact design and multiple protection against flame failure, anti-freezing and overheating.
Pros
- It is easy to install
- It is inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Heats up quickly
- Portable; uses battery power
Cons
- Lower hot water output
- Not suitable for higher altitude areas and strong wind conditions
VEVOR Propane Hot Water Heater Tankless Instant Boiler
This VEVOR unit is an effective off-grid water heater for your cabin. It is a tankless type and powered by 2pcs ‘D’ batteries. It has a maximum water output of 4.8 gallons per minute. The suitable water pressure range for this heater is 0.02-0.8 MPa. It also has flameout and overheating protection.
Pros
- Tankless
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Portable; uses battery power
Cons
- Poor build quality
- Prone to freeze damage
Eccotemp FVI12-LP Liquid Propane Gas Tankless Water Heaters, White
The FVI12-LP has a 3.6 gallons per minute rating. It has an 80,000 BTU rating and the temperature rating is 80-140oF. It uses standard 1/2” NPT water fittings and features an easy-to-read digital temperature display. This propane water heater camping unit is compact and will save up space in your cabin.
Pros
- It is affordable
- It is tankless
- Easy to install
- Energy efficient
- Saves space
Cons
- Prone to freeze damage
- Manual temperature control needs to be adjusted for each application
Types of Propane Water Heaters
When buying a water heater for your home, you need to understand there are two types of water heaters. These are:
- Tank water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
Tank water heaters have been in existence for a while. With design improvements, they are now more efficient than some years back. The typical design for these systems includes a large internal holding container where the water is heated before being used. They are often cheaper to buy, but they have higher operational costs.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are designed for efficiency. They consume much less fuel than tank heaters. The water is only heated when moving to the shower or tap for use. They work more like an AC, whereby the water goes into the unit and moves through its coils. It is these coils that are heated up by a propane burner.
Check this also: Are Vent Free Propane Heaters Safe?
Besides fuel efficiency, tankless water heaters are more friendly to the environment than standard electric water heaters. They produce fewer carbon emissions. They also take up less space as compared to the tank models. You can get a small propane water heater for your small cabin.
The downside of tankless units is their initial price tag. They are often more expensive, but it is a price worth paying for considering their convenience and efficiency. You can save so much on your energy costs with the tankless water heaters, and recover the amount of money you invested within a short time.
If you have a house or cabin off the grid, then you need to be looking at the most cost-effective solutions to bring your utility costs down. Propane water heaters are the way to go as far as your energy bills are concerned. However, not all units will be effective. Some may not be worth the investment you are making. Follow this guide and take your time to find the best propane water heater for off-grid cabin. Don’t overlook the reviews by previous customers who have bought the unit, as they could give you insights on the product quality.