Rinnai RE199e
#9 in GasFull review
A strong pick for homes in mild climates that want full whole home power without running a vent.
Amazon $1,280.79 Amazon $1,280.79$1,280.79
The Rinnai RE199e is the better tankless water heater overall, rated 4.0 to 3.8. The Rinnai RE199e leads on heating power and value. The Rinnai Sensei RX160i wins on efficiency. The Rinnai RE199e costs $17.64 less ($1,280.79 vs $1,298.43).
Rinnai Sensei RX160i
#12 in GasFull review
A very efficient heater for a two bathroom home that does not need the full 199,000 BTU/h of the RX199i.
Amazon $1,298.43$1,298.43
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 RE199e for heating power (199,000 BTU/h vs 160,000 BTU/h) and value ($6.44 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,280.79, 199,000 BTU/h) vs $8.12 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,298.43, 160,000 BTU/h)).
- Choose the Rinnai Sensei RX160i for efficiency (0.97 UEF vs 0.82 UEF).
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 RE199e | Rinnai Sensei RX160i |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value 35% | 57 $6.44 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,280.79, 199,000 BTU/h) | 36 $8.12 per 1,000 BTU/h ($1,298.43, 160,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating power 25% | 100 199,000 BTU/h | 51 160,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 15% | 12 0.82 UEF | 100 0.97 UEF |
| Warranty 25% | 100 15-year heat exchanger warranty | 100 15-year heat exchanger warranty |
Specifications
| Rinnai RE199e | Rinnai Sensei RX160i | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Gas | Gas |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Gas input | 10,400 to 199,000 BTU/h | 15,000 to 160,000 BTU/h |
| Max flow | 9.8 GPM | 9 GPM |
| UEF | 0.82 | 0.97 |
| Condensing | No | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | No | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Venting | Outdoor | Both |
| Vent type | - | 2 in or 3 in PVC/CPVC/PP, or concentric |
| Weight | 42.1 lb | 54 lb |
| Features | ||
| Built-in recirculation | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Heat exchanger warranty | 15 years | 15 years |
| Parts warranty | 5 years | 5 years |