Choosing the best direct vent gas water heater starts with matching the heater to your fuel supply, hot-water demand, and venting setup. The options below include propane and natural-gas tankless models, plus a direct-vent water heater designed for mobile homes. Compare their stated flow rates and installation needs carefully, and confirm that any model you choose is approved for your home and local code requirements.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type and fuel | Key specifications | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEARPASS 5.3 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater | Tankless; propane only | 5.3 GPM; 130,000 BTU | Homes needing a compact propane unit |
| EZ Deluxe 3.4 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater | Tankless; propane | Up to 3.4 GPM at a 45°F rise | Smaller homes with one or two bathrooms |
| Noritz NRC71DVNG Condensing Tankless Water Heater | Tankless; natural gas | 7.1 GPM; condensing design | Natural-gas homes with higher hot-water demand |
| Reliance Mobile Home Direct Vent Water Heater | Direct-vent; mobile-home model | 58¾ inches tall; 20 inches wide | Mobile-home installations that match its specifications |
Our Picks: Best Direct Vent Gas Water Heater reviews
GEARPASS 5.3 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater: Best Propane Output
The GEARPASS is an indoor, on-demand propane water heater rated for up to 5.3 GPM and 130,000 BTU. Its listing describes it as a direct-vent unit and says it includes a short horizontal vent pipe. The stated flow rate can help you compare it with other models, but actual hot-water output depends on the temperature rise and your installation.
The unit has a stainless-steel housing and an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger. A digital display and touch controls let you set the water temperature from 95°F to 149°F. Its compact tankless design may suit a home, cabin, RV, or rental where saving space matters, provided the gas supply, venting, and local installation rules all match.
This model is for propane only and needs a 110–120V AC connection. That makes it a poor fit if your home has natural gas but no propane setup. The product details also call for proper ventilation and exhaust installation, so confirm the included vent arrangement is suitable for your specific location before ordering.
Pros:
- Rated up to 5.3 GPM and 130,000 BTU
- Digital display with adjustable temperature settings
- Compact, on-demand design with a copper heat exchanger
- Listing identifies it as a direct-vent indoor model
Cons:
- Designed for propane only
- Venting and installation suitability must be checked for your home
Verdict: Choose the GEARPASS if you need an indoor propane tankless heater with a higher stated flow rate than the EZ Deluxe, and can confirm that its venting and fuel requirements fit your installation.
EZ Deluxe 3.4 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater: Best for Smaller Homes
The EZ Deluxe is an indoor propane tankless heater intended for whole-home use in a one- or two-bath home. Its stated capacity is up to 3.4 GPM at a 45°F temperature rise. That rise figure is important: water flow and delivered temperature are linked, so use the rating as a comparison point rather than a promise of the same output in every climate or installation.
The unit includes an LCD control panel with constant-temperature settings and a dual-chamber intake and exhaust described as direct vent. Having the vent components included may be helpful, but you should still check the installation instructions and local code requirements before choosing a vent route.
Compared with the GEARPASS and Noritz, its stated maximum flow is lower. That makes it a more natural match for a smaller household or a home with modest simultaneous hot-water needs than for a busy household that often runs several hot-water fixtures at once.
Pros:
- Designed for a one- or two-bath home
- Rated up to 3.4 GPM at a 45°F rise
- LCD control panel with temperature settings
- Direct-vent intake and exhaust are included, according to the listing
Cons:
- Lower stated flow than the GEARPASS and Noritz models
- Uses propane, so it is not a match for natural-gas-only homes
Verdict: The EZ Deluxe is worth considering for a smaller propane-equipped home where its stated flow rate suits your likely hot-water use.
Noritz NRC71DVNG 7.1 GPM Natural Gas Heater: Best Higher-Flow Option
The Noritz NRC71DVNG is an indoor condensing tankless water heater designed for natural gas. Its listed flow rate is 7.1 GPM, the highest among the tankless models in this comparison. The product description also highlights high efficiency, a compact design, and low-NOx operation, but does not provide efficiency figures or installation dimensions here.
A higher rated flow can make this model worth investigating for a household with greater hot-water demand. However, the flow rating alone does not determine how many fixtures it can serve at once: incoming water temperature, desired output temperature, and plumbing conditions matter too. A qualified installer can help assess the match for your home.
The main drawback is that this model is for natural gas, unlike the propane-only GEARPASS and EZ Deluxe. The supplied listing information also indicates that it is unavailable, so check its current availability before making it your plan. Confirm the required venting and installation details with the product documentation.
Pros:
- Highest stated flow rate among the tankless picks at 7.1 GPM
- Designed for natural gas
- Condensing, direct-vent indoor design
- Product description highlights compact construction and low-NOx operation
Cons:
- Not suitable for a propane-only gas supply
- Availability is listed as unavailable in the supplied product information
Verdict: Consider the Noritz if you have natural gas and need a higher-flow tankless option, but verify availability and installation requirements before planning around it.
Reliance Mobile Home Direct Vent Water Heater: Best for Compatible Mobile Homes
Unlike the other picks, the Reliance is a mobile-home direct-vent water heater rather than a listed tankless model. Its product name gives dimensions of 58¾ inches by 20 inches, and the description specifies a direct-pipe system, an aluminum anode rod, and two inches of insulation. Those details make it important to compare the unit with your existing space and the requirements of your mobile-home installation.
The listing does not provide a flow rate, fuel type, or further performance specifications in the supplied information. Do not assume it is interchangeable with a standard residential heater based on the direct-vent label alone. Check the appliance documentation, connections, required clearances, and local rules before buying.
This is the most specialized choice in the group. It may be a better fit than a tankless unit when you need a mobile-home model, but it is less useful for shoppers seeking a clearly specified propane or natural-gas tankless heater.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for mobile-home installation
- Direct-pipe vent system
- Includes an aluminum anode rod and two inches of insulation
- Dimensions are provided for space planning
Cons:
- Product details here do not specify fuel type or flow rate
- Its mobile-home design may not suit a standard home installation
Verdict: Pick the Reliance only if you need a mobile-home direct-vent model and have confirmed that its dimensions, fuel requirements, and installation details match your setup.
How to Choose a Direct Vent Gas Water Heater
Match the heater to your gas supply
Start by checking whether your home uses propane or natural gas. These fuel types are not interchangeable unless a model is specifically approved and set up for conversion. The GEARPASS and EZ Deluxe are propane models; the Noritz is listed for natural gas. The supplied Reliance details do not state its fuel type, so confirm that information before considering it.
Estimate your hot-water demand
Think about how often you run showers, faucets, and appliances at the same time. Compare that pattern with the heater’s rated flow, but remember that a tankless unit’s output changes with the temperature rise it must provide. The EZ Deluxe specifies a 3.4 GPM rating at a 45°F rise; the GEARPASS lists up to 5.3 GPM, and the Noritz lists 7.1 GPM. These figures are not a guarantee of identical performance in every home.
Confirm that the vent system is right for your installation
Direct-vent equipment needs an approved path for combustion air and exhaust. Check the exact vent type, pipe size, route, clearances, and permitted materials in the product instructions. A vent pipe included with a heater does not automatically mean it will work for every wall, room, or local code. Have a qualified professional confirm the design before installation.
Check installation space and connections
Measure the installation area and leave room for required service access and clearances. The Reliance listing provides dimensions, while the GEARPASS describes a compact tankless design and G 1/2-inch water and gas connections. Verify all connection sizes and electrical needs against your existing plumbing and gas setup before ordering.
Decide between tankless and a mobile-home model
The GEARPASS, EZ Deluxe, and Noritz are tankless units that heat water on demand. The Reliance is a direct-vent mobile-home model with different installation considerations. Choose based on the type of heater your home requires and the existing system—not only on the product’s size or advertised flow rate.
Review the product documentation and installation rules
Confirm the model’s fuel, venting instructions, electrical requirements, water-pressure range, warranty terms, and approved installation locations in its documentation. Gas appliances and vent systems can pose safety risks when installed incorrectly. Use a qualified installer where required and follow local codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does direct vent mean for a gas water heater?
Direct-vent appliances use a vent arrangement that brings in combustion air and sends exhaust outdoors. The exact pipe setup and installation requirements vary by model, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local code.
Can I use a propane heater with natural gas?
Not unless the specific heater is approved and configured for that fuel. The GEARPASS is listed for propane only, the EZ Deluxe is listed as propane, and the Noritz is listed for natural gas. Confirm the fuel type before purchasing.
Does a higher GPM rating guarantee more hot water at every fixture?
No. A tankless heater’s actual output depends on the temperature rise, incoming water temperature, and installation conditions. Use the listed GPM as a comparison figure, and ask an installer to size the unit for your household’s demand.
Is the GEARPASS suitable for indoor installation?
It is described as an indoor model, but it still requires proper venting and exhaust installation. Confirm that its vent arrangement and installation location meet the manufacturer’s instructions and local requirements.
Which option is intended for a mobile home?
The Reliance model is identified as a mobile-home direct-vent water heater. Verify its fuel type, dimensions, and installation requirements before deciding whether it matches your home.
Can I install a direct-vent gas water heater myself?
Gas connections and venting must be installed correctly for safe operation. Requirements vary by location, and some areas require licensed professionals. Check local rules and use a qualified installer when needed.
Final Recommendation
For a propane tankless option with the highest stated flow among the propane picks, consider the GEARPASS, provided its venting and fuel requirements suit your home. The EZ Deluxe is a more modest-flow choice for a smaller household. Natural-gas shoppers can investigate the higher-flow Noritz, but should first confirm availability. For a mobile home, the Reliance may be the right category of heater, but verify its fuel and full installation specifications before buying.
