Eccotemp 7GB Builder Grade
#3 in GasFull review
A strong value outdoor heater for a natural gas home in a mild climate, with a better warranty than most budget rivals.
Amazon $499$499
The Eccotemp 7GB Builder Grade is the better tankless water heater overall, rated 4.1 to 2.5. The Eccotemp 7GB Builder Grade leads on value and heating power. The Noritz NRC661-DV wins on warranty. The Eccotemp 7GB Builder Grade costs $781.09 less ($499 vs $1,280.09).
Noritz NRC661-DV
#20 in GasFull review
A compact condensing heater for a smaller home that wants PVC venting, though bigger rivals cost little more.
Amazon $1,280.09 Amazon $1,470.40$1,280.09
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Eccotemp 7GB Builder Grade for value ($2.77 per 1,000 BTU/h ($499, 180,000 BTU/h) vs $10.67 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,280.09, 120,000 BTU/h)) and heating power (180,000 BTU/h vs 120,000 BTU/h).
- Choose the Noritz NRC661-DV for warranty (12-year heat exchanger warranty vs 10-year heat exchanger warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gas tankless water heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Eccotemp 7GB Builder Grade | Noritz NRC661-DV |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value 35% | 100 $2.77 per 1,000 BTU/h ($499, 180,000 BTU/h) | 11 $10.67 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,280.09, 120,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating power 25% | 76 180,000 BTU/h | 0 120,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 15% | 50 UEF not published (neutral score used) | 56 0.89 UEF |
| Warranty 25% | 50 10-year heat exchanger warranty | 70 12-year heat exchanger warranty |
Specifications
| Eccotemp 7GB Builder Grade | Noritz NRC661-DV | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Gas | Gas |
| Gas type | Natural gas | Natural gas or propane |
| Gas input | 180,000 BTU/h | 15,000 to 120,000 BTU/h |
| Max flow | 7 GPM | 6.6 GPM |
| UEF | - | 0.89 |
| Condensing | No | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | - | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Venting | Outdoor | Indoor |
| Vent type | - | Schedule 40 PVC |
| Weight | - | 39 lb |
| Features | ||
| Built-in recirculation | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Heat exchanger warranty | 10 years | 12 years |
| Parts warranty | 5 years | 5 years |