Best Tankless Water Heaters for Commercial Use
For businesses that require reliable, scalable hot water on demand, choosing the right tankless system can cut energy costs and improve comfort for customers and staff alike. This guide highlights five top options suitable for light to medium commercial applications, detailing capacity, installation flexibility, and key features to help you decide which model fits your needs and existing infrastructure.
| Product | Brand | Flow (GPM) | BTU / Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinnai CX199iN Condensing | Rinnai | 11.1 | 199,000 BTU | Indoor/Outdoor install; Versa Vent; Smart Sense control |
| NEW Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Smart Sense | Rinnai | 11.1 | 199,000 BTU | Indoors or outdoors; compact; high efficiency |
| APUS 190,000 BTU Outdoor | APUS | 8.1 | 190,000 BTU | WiFi & remote control; outdoor installation |
| Westinghouse APOLO (Indoor) | Westinghouse | 5.1 | 120,000 BTU | Indoor installation; app control; compact |
| FOGATTI 180,000 BTU Outdoor | FOGATTI | 8.1 | 180,000 BTU | Outdoor, four-stage combustion; durable outdoor design |
Note: The table above summarizes select models chosen for commercial suitability, focusing on capacity, install options, and notable features such as venting, control interfaces, and remote management capabilities.
Rinnai CX199iN Condensing Tankless Water Heater
This model offers indoor or outdoor installation thanks to Versa Vent and supports either natural gas or propane via Smart Sense gas control. Outdoor use requires the RX-OVC vent cap. It delivers high efficiency with a 97% thermal efficiency rating, reducing energy costs in commercial settings. Optional recirculation kit enhances hot water management, improving response times and further boosting efficiency. This unit is designed for businesses that need reliable, on-demand hot water with flexible installation options.
Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Smart Sense
Rinnai’s RX199iN is a compact, condensing tankless unit designed for indoor or outdoor use, with a maximum of 11.1 GPM and 199,000 BTU. It supports propane and natural gas and includes Versa Vent for flexible placement. The unit emphasizes quick operation and energy efficiency with a UEF of .98 and an interface designed for easy control. Optional WiFi control via a Controlr module enhances remote management for commercial applications that require monitoring and adjustments from a central location.
APUS 190,000 BTU Outdoor Tankless
APUS presents a high-efficiency outdoor propane tankless model rated at 190,000 BTU and 8.1 GPM. It supports simultaneous usage across multiple outlets and includes remote control via an app or wired controller (temperature range 95°F–149°F). The unit’s compact outdoor footprint and standard gas and water connection sizes simplify integration into existing commercial plumbing and gas lines, making it suitable for small to mid-sized businesses needing dependable on-demand hot water outdoors.
Westinghouse APOLO Natural Gas Tankless (Indoor)
Westinghouse APOLO is an indoor, non-condensing tankless model delivering up to 120,000 BTU and 5.1 GPM. Its compact profile suits commercial spaces with limited footprint, and LED indicators coupled with a smartphone app provide straightforward temperature monitoring and diagnostics. While smaller in flow compared to larger commercial units, this model can serve small office suites, clinics, or multi-unit setups where simultaneous demand is moderate.
FOGATTI Natural Gas Tankless Outdoor (8.1 GPM)
FOGATTI’s outdoor unit delivers 180,000 BTU and up to 8.1 GPM, designed for reliable outdoor operation. It features a four-stage combustion system and a bottom-mounted fan to improve safety and combustion stability. The unit’s outdoor-focused design supports installation in exterior mechanical rooms or external walls of commercial buildings, handling showers and sinks efficiently while maintaining stable temperatures with precise gas control.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Fuel type and location: Decide between natural gas and propane based on availability, cost, and ventilation requirements. Outdoor installations require appropriate venting and weather protection, while indoor units may demand adequate combustion air and exhaust routing.
- Flow rate and simultaneous demand: Estimate total GPM needed by the business, considering peak usage across showers, sinks, and equipment. Higher GPM models are better for multi-station demands but may require larger gas supply and venting capacity.
- Ventilation and venting options: Condensing models often need specific venting components and clearances. Versa Vent and compatible vent caps enable flexible placements but verify compatibility with existing venting infrastructure.
- Efficiency and operating costs: Look for high UEF/EF values and features like smart controls or recirculation options to reduce standby losses and energy waste, especially in commercial settings with frequent hot water use.
- Control interfaces and remote management: WiFi or app-based controls can simplify monitoring, maintenance, and fault diagnosis across multiple units or facilities.
- Maintenance and serviceability: Field serviceability, ease of flushing, and access for filter and nozzle maintenance impact total cost of ownership in busy commercial environments.
- Space and installation footprint: Compact models are easier to fit in tight mechanical rooms or exterior wall placements. Outdoor units require weatherproofing and protection from the elements.
- Durability and warranty considerations: For commercial use, verify warranty terms and available service networks to minimize downtime during maintenance or repairs.
This selection emphasizes versatility, installation flexibility, and efficient on-demand hot water for small to mid-sized commercial applications. Each model offers distinct advantages, from the compact, indoor-capable Westinghouse APOLO to the robust, high-flow Rinnai RX199iN and CX199iN units designed for larger simultaneous demand. Consider site-specific constraints, such as venting, space, and fuel availability, to determine the best pairing for your business needs.