Rinnai V53De
#19 in GasFull review
A low cost outdoor heater from a major brand for a small home, cabin or condo in a mild climate.
Amazon $741.65 Amazon $741.65$741.65
The Rinnai V53De is the better tankless water heater overall, rated 2.7 to 2.5. The Rinnai V53De leads on value. The Noritz NRC661-DV wins on efficiency and warranty. The Rinnai V53De costs $538.44 less ($741.65 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 Rinnai V53De for value ($6.18 per 1,000 BTU/h ($741.65, 120,000 BTU/h) vs $10.67 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,280.09, 120,000 BTU/h)).
- Choose the Noritz NRC661-DV for efficiency (0.89 UEF vs 0.81 UEF) and 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 | Rinnai V53De | Noritz NRC661-DV |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.7/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value 35% | 60 $6.18 per 1,000 BTU/h ($741.65, 120,000 BTU/h) | 11 $10.67 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,280.09, 120,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating power 25% | 0 120,000 BTU/h | 0 120,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 15% | 6 0.81 UEF | 56 0.89 UEF |
| Warranty 25% | 50 10-year heat exchanger warranty | 70 12-year heat exchanger warranty |
Specifications
| Rinnai V53De | Noritz NRC661-DV | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Gas | Gas |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Gas input | 15,500 to 120,000 BTU/h | 15,000 to 120,000 BTU/h |
| Max flow | 5.3 GPM | 6.6 GPM |
| UEF | 0.81 | 0.89 |
| Condensing | No | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | No | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Venting | Outdoor | Indoor |
| Vent type | - | Schedule 40 PVC |
| Weight | 29.7 lb | 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 |