BO
“Rinnai's condensing technology extracts more heat from exhaust gases than any competitor, and the 15-year heat exchanger warranty backs up their durability claims.”
Is the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater worth it?
The Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater is recommended with a 8.6/10 consensus score across 8 expert reviews. Experts highlight smart-circ recirculation learns your hot water schedule automatically and up to 9 gpm flow rate — handles 3+ simultaneous fixtures. Wirecutter says: "The Rinnai RSC series sets the standard for gas tankless water heaters — the Sma..." Best for: Large households with high hot water demand, Gas-connected homes, Eliminating tank standby losses.
Recommended8 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$1,500–$1,800
$1,500-$1,800 listSmart-Circ recirculation8 expert sources
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Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Energy
Expert consensus
How we score08.6/1010
8 expert sources · 2 quoted
2 quoted sources with published scores
- Wirecutter 8.5/10
- Bob Vila 8.8/10
Expert Consensus across 8 sources
Updated:“The Rinnai RSC series sets the standard for gas tankless water heaters — the Smart-Circ recirculation eliminates the cold water sandwich that plagues cheaper models.”
Key Features
- ✓ Smart-Circ recirculation
- ✓ 9 GPM max flow
- ✓ Control-R Wi-Fi
- ✓ 0.93 UEF
- ✓ 15-year warranty
Best For
Large households with high hot water demandGas-connected homesEliminating tank standby losses
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Smart-Circ recirculation learns your hot water schedule automatically
- ✓ Up to 9 GPM flow rate — handles 3+ simultaneous fixtures
- ✓ Wi-Fi capable via Control-R module for app and voice control
- ✓ 0.93 UEF — ENERGY STAR certified condensing gas technology
- ✓ 15-year heat exchanger warranty — longest in gas tankless category
- ✓ Compact wall-mount saves floor space
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Control-R Wi-Fi module sold separately at $150-$190
- ✗ Professional installation required — gas line and venting
- ✗ Higher upfront cost than electric tankless alternatives
- ✗ Natural gas line required — not available for all-electric homes
What The Experts Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater worth it?
The Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater earns a 8.6/10 consensus score across 8 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $1,500-$1,800, it is best for Large households with high hot water demand. Wirecutter is among the named sources behind that consensus.
How much does the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater cost?
The Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater is priced at $1,500-$1,800. With a 8.6/10 score from 8 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Energy products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater best for?
The Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater is best for Large households with high hot water demand, Gas-connected homes, Eliminating tank standby losses. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.6/10 consensus across 8 sources.
How does the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater compare to other Energy options?
Among the Energy products we have aggregated, the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater ranks above average with a 8.6/10 score. Bob Vila adds: "Rinnai's condensing technology extracts more heat from exhaust gases than any competitor, and the 15-year heat exchanger warranty ..."
What smart home systems does the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater work with?
The Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater works with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater?
If the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater ($1,500-$1,800, 8.6/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Energy are Navien NPE-240A, Noritz EZ111DV, Rheem RTGH-95DVELN. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater?
The main strengths of the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater are smart-circ recirculation learns your hot water schedule automatically and up to 9 gpm flow rate — handles 3+ simultaneous fixtures. The most-cited downside is control-r wi-fi module sold separately at $150-$190. Overall, 8 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.6/10 consensus score.
Decided on the Rinnai RSC160iN Smart-Circ Tankless Water Heater?
$1,500-$1,800 listSmart-Circ recirculation8 expert sources
Check price →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
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Check priceSources & Methodology
This review aggregates 2 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
- Wirecutter
- Bob Vila
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 8 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Rinnai and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Rinnai or any other manufacturer named in this article.