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Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi vs ThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater

The Rheem RTGH-SR11i is the stronger unit for most whole-house installs. It moves more hot water (11.2 vs 9.38 GPM), runs more efficiently (0.96 vs 0.91 UEF), and adds a built-in recirculation pump and Wi-Fi control the ThermoMate lacks. The ThermoMate RTC68iN is a solid condensing heater with a copper primary exchanger and standard PVC venting, but it is a smaller, simpler machine with fewer smart features. Rheem's stainless primary and secondary exchangers and long warranty record give it the edge on build; owners of both brands report reliable hot water, though Rheem has the deeper service network.

  • Choose the Rheem IKONIC SR11i if you want no-wait recirculated hot water, app control, higher flow for a large household, and the longer warranty and service network.
  • Choose the ThermoMate RTC68iN if you have a smaller household, want a straightforward condensing heater with standard PVC venting, and do not need recirculation or Wi-Fi.

Prices

  • Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi: $1,510.53 at PlumbersCrib.com (checked today)
  • ThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater: $1,099.99 at ThermoMate (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the ThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater is $410.54 cheaper than the Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 12)
Rheem
Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi

Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi

5(1 rating)
$1,510.53at PlumbersCrib.comChecked 49 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit PlumbersCrib.com
Pros
  • Highest flow here at 11.2 GPM for large homes
  • 0.96 UEF and ENERGY STAR certified
  • Built-in recirculation pump gives near-instant hot water
  • Stainless primary and secondary exchangers resist corrosion
  • Wi-Fi control through the EcoNet app
Cons
  • Needs a 120V outlet and Wi-Fi setup
  • Recirculation adds install complexity and piping
  • Larger footprint than the ThermoMate
  • Freeze protection not spelled out in the listing
9
9.38 GPM Condensing Residential Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

ThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater

9.38 GPM Condensing Residential Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

5(5 ratings)
$1,099.99at ThermoMateChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit ThermoMate
Pros

What separates them

Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-FiThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater
Max flow rate11.2 GPM9.38 GPM
Efficiency (UEF)0.96 UEF, ENERGY STAR0.91 UEF
Max gas input199,900 BTU163,000 BTU
Recirculation pumpBuilt in for no-wait hot waterNone
Wi-Fi / app controlBuilt-in EcoNet Wi-FiNone
Primary heat exchangerStainless steelOxygen-free copper
Vent runUp to 70 ft at 2 in, 150 ft at 3 in PVCStandard PVC venting
Freeze protectionNot specified in listingActivates at 41°F

Price history

$1,510.53$1,099.99
Nov 2Nov 12
  • Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi: lowest $1,510.53 on Nov 12 at PlumbersCrib.com.
  • ThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater: lowest $1,099.99 on Nov 2 at ThermoMate; $1,099.99 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi

  • PlumbersCrib.comNew

    In stock

    $1,510.53Free shippingChecked 49 min ago
    Visit PlumbersCrib.com
  • Wholesale Water HeatersNew

    In stock

    $1,695.00Free shippingChecked 49 min ago
    Visit Wholesale Water Heaters
  • SupplyHouse.comNew

    In stock

    $2,054.17Free shippingChecked 49 min ago
    Visit SupplyHouse.com
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $2,204.08Free shippingChecked 49 min ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • PlumbersCrib.comCheck price at PlumbersCrib.com
  • Wholesale Water HeaterCheck price at Wholesale Water Heater

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All 4 stores and price history →

ThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater

  • ThermoMateNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $1,099.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit ThermoMate
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,099.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • ThermoMateCheck price at ThermoMate

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All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-FiThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater
Fuel typeNatural GasNatural Gas
Flow rate11.2 GPM—
Uniform Energy Factor0.96 UEF—
Wi-Fi connectivityYes—
Depth13.69"—
Height28.56"—
Width17.31"—
Vent run 2 inch70'—
Vent run 3 inch150'—
Max BTU199900—
Min BTU11000—
Voltage120v—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-FiThermoMate RTC68iN Tankless Water Heater
Maximum flow rate—Up to 9.38 GPM
Gas input—163,000 BTU
Energy efficiency—0.91 UEF
Primary heat exchanger—Oxygen-free copper
Secondary heat exchanger—Stainless steel condensing
Exhaust temperature—158–194°F (70–90°C)
Venting compatibility—standard PVC venting
Freeze protection activation—41°F
Capacity

Questions and answers

Which is better for a large family with several bathrooms?
The Rheem. Its 11.2 GPM flow and 199,900 BTU input handle more simultaneous fixtures than the ThermoMate's 9.38 GPM and 163,000 BTU. The ThermoMate is rated for about three showers at once.
Do I get instant hot water with either one?
Only the Rheem. Its built-in recirculation pump keeps hot water ready at the tap. The ThermoMate has no pump, so you wait for hot water to reach the fixture.
Which lasts longer?
Both use stainless condensing secondary exchangers, but the Rheem's stainless primary exchanger resists corrosion better than the ThermoMate's copper. Rheem also backs its units with a longer warranty and a wider service network.
Is the Rheem worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want recirculation, app control, or higher flow. If your household is small and you just need reliable condensing hot water, the ThermoMate covers the basics.
Can both vent with PVC?
Yes. Both are condensing units that vent with PVC. The Rheem publishes runs up to 70 ft at 2-inch and 150 ft at 3-inch pipe; the ThermoMate lists standard PVC venting without a stated maximum.
Which handles cold inlet water better?
The Rheem, because its higher BTU input and flow rating leave more headroom as incoming water gets colder. The ThermoMate's 9.38 GPM is a maximum that drops with cold inlet temperatures.

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More comparisons

  • Rheem RTGH-SR11i IKONIC Super High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater with Recirculation Pump & Wi-Fi vs Rinnai RE Series RE199IP
  • 9.38 GPM Condensing Residential Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater vs Rinnai RE Series RE199IP

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best whole-house indoor gas tankless water heaters
  • Condensing design with 0.91 UEF
  • Copper primary exchanger transfers heat well
  • Standard PVC venting simplifies install
  • Freeze protection kicks in at 41°F
  • Eight built-in safety protections, CSA certified
  • Cons
    • Lower 9.38 GPM flow and 163,000 BTU output
    • No recirculation pump
    • No Wi-Fi or app control
    • Shorter track record and service network than Rheem
    —
    9.38 gallons
    Product width—14.57"W
    Product height—28.44"H
    Power Source—Natural Gas