Noritz Vs. Takagi Tankless Water Heaters: Which Is Better?

If you’re comparing Noritz and Takagi tankless water heaters, both brands offer efficient gas-fired systems for everything from smaller homes to multi-bathroom applications.

But the current comparison is different from what many older reviews suggest.

Noritz’s latest EZ Series Pro reaches up to 11.1 GPM with a 0.98 UEF, while its NRCR Pro models add built-in hot-water recirculation. Certain Noritz EZ models also carry a 25-year residential heat-exchanger warranty.

Takagi currently offers condensing models ranging from compact 6.6 GPM units to 10 GPM systems, plus models with integrated recirculation pumps and newer X3 Scale Prevention Technology.

For me, Noritz currently has particularly strong advantages in maximum residential efficiency, retrofit-friendly design, recirculation controls, and warranty coverage on qualifying EZ models. Takagi remains attractive if you want proven copper/stainless heat-exchanger construction, scale-prevention options, broad condensing choices, or a compact unit for smaller hot-water demands.

The correct choice still depends heavily on your home’s actual hot-water load.

A Brief Comparison Table

Overview of Noritz Tankless Water Heaters

Noritz has been manufacturing gas-fired tankless water heaters for over 60 years. They were one of the first brands to introduce modern condensing and non-condensing tankless water heater technology to the US market.

Some of the key highlights of Noritz tankless water heaters include:

• Durability: Noritz heaters are designed for longevity with commercial-grade components like copper heat exchangers. They have a 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
• Efficiency: Their condensing models offer up to 0.95 Energy Factor (EF) for gas savings. The non-condensing units have 0.81-0.83 EF.
• Residential and Commercial Models: Noritz offers tankless water heaters in a range of sizes for residential and commercial applications. Their units range from 6.6 GPM for a 1 bathroom home to 12.3 GPM for a large house.
• Customizable Temperature: You can adjust the temperature range from 100°F to 185°F as needed for hot water uses. This level of control helps prevent scalding.
• WiFi Connectivity: Select Noritz units have built-in WiFi for monitoring and controlling your heater remotely. This allows for automatic maintenance alerts, runtime tracking, and temperature adjustments from your smartphone.

Overview of Takagi Tankless Water Heaters

Takagi is another leading brand of tankless water heaters founded in Japan in 1952. Some of their notable features include:

• Compact Size: Takagi heaters have a space-saving design. Even their largest models take up less space than a washing machine. This makes them easy to install and replace.
• Energy Efficient: Takagi water heaters have EF ratings between 0.82 to 0.96 for gas savings. Their condensing models are Energy Star certified.
• Flow Control: To prevent temperature fluctuations, Takagi heaters have a flow control system that detects water demand and regulates the burners accordingly. This provides consistent hot water.
• Commercial and Residential Use: Takagi offers tankless water heaters with flow rates between 6.6 GPM to 14 GPM for homes or businesses. Larger models can be multipled for higher demands.
• LCD Remote Control: Higher-end Takagi units come with a remote control that allows you to monitor diagnostics and change the temperature from anywhere.

Direct Comparison of Noritz And Takagi Tankless Water Heaters

Now that we’ve highlighted the main features of both Noritz and Takagi tankless water heaters, let’s compare them across some key factors:

Efficiency

• Noritz: Up to 0.95 EF on condensing models, minimum 0.81 EF for non-condensing.
• Takagi: Up to 0.96 EF on condensing models, minimum 0.82 EF for non-condensing.

When it comes to efficiency, Takagi and Noritz are very evenly matched.

Both brands meet strict Energy Star requirements and offer high-efficiency condensing models with EF ratings in the 0.95+ range.

You really can’t go wrong with either brand if energy savings are your priority.

Durability & Warranties

• Noritz: 12-year warranty on heat exchanger, 5 years on parts.
• Takagi: 10-year warranty on heat exchanger, 5 years on parts.

Noritz offers a slightly longer 12-year warranty on its heat exchanger, compared to 10 years from Takagi. The heat exchanger is the heart of a tankless water heater, so those extra 2 years of coverage from Noritz could provide more peace of mind. Both brands include 5 years on parts.

Hot Water Capacity

• Noritz: Up to 12.3 GPM flow rate.
• Takagi: Up to 14 GPM flow rate.

For larger homes with higher hot water demands, Takagi has an edge regarding flow rate capacity. Their largest model offers up to 14 GPM, compared to 12.3 GPM for Noritz. Both brands offer units as small as 6.6 GPM for 1-2 bathroom homes.

Price

• Noritz: $$-$$$
• Takagi: $-$$

When it comes to upfront purchase price, Takagi water heaters tend to be a little more budget-friendly overall. Noritz heaters are competitively priced but fall on the higher end for premium models. Installation costs will be similar between the two brands.

Ease of Installation

• Noritz: Compact, lightweight, and easy to mount on a wall. Professional installation recommended.
• Takagi: Compact, wall-mounted design. Professional installation recommended.

Noritz and Takagi tankless water heaters have a very comparable installation process. They are both designed for simple, space-saving wall mounting either indoors or outdoors. Expert installation is recommended to ensure proper gas, water, and venting connections. Overall ease of installation is very similar between the two brands.

Availability of Models

• Noritz: Offers residential and commercial heaters, both condensing and non-condensing.
• Takagi: Offers residential and commercial heaters, both condensing and non-condensing.

Both Noritz and Takagi provide extensive model ranges for all types of applications. They have options for condensing or non-condensing operation, small to large homes, indoor or outdoor, and light commercial uses. In terms of availability of different heater configurations, it’s a draw.

Reliability & Repair Record

• Noritz: Excellent reliability record and average repair rate.
• Takagi: Excellent reliability record and average repair rate.

Industry figures show that both Noritz and Takagi have outstanding reliability and a strong track record for dependability. Any repairs needed on models from either brand would be similar in frequency and cost. Both provide technical support as needed.

Smart Home Connectivity

• Noritz: Some models offer optional WiFi kit for app monitoring and control.
• Takagi: Select models include built-in WiFi connectivity and apps.

For controlling your tankless water heater from your smartphone, Takagi offers a slight edge. Some of their higher-end heaters have WiFi built right in, compared to Noritz which offers WiFi connectivity only through an add-on kit on certain models.

Noise Levels

• Noritz: As low as 45 dB for indoor models.
• Takagi: As low as 46 dB for indoor models.

Noritz and Takagi both produce minimal noise during operation. For indoor installation, look for units around 45 dB or less from either brand to keep sound levels discreet. Overall, noise production is very similar.

Noritz Vs. Takagi: Which Should You Choose?

I would look closely at Noritz if I wanted maximum current residential efficiency, an 11.1 GPM high-output model, retrofit-friendly installation, sophisticated built-in recirculation, or the 25-year qualifying EZ heat-exchanger warranty.

I would look closely at Takagi if I wanted a compact lower-output heater, its copper/stainless heat-exchanger architecture, integrated recirculation through the TK-540P, or one of the newer X3 scale-prevention models.

But brand should come after sizing.

A correctly sized 8 GPM Takagi can be a much better installation than an oversized 11.1 GPM Noritz, and the reverse is equally true.

Start with:

incoming water temperature + simultaneous hot-water demand + gas supply + venting + recirculation requirements.

Then choose the model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

The modern Noritz vs. Takagi comparison has changed substantially.

Noritz’s latest EZ Pro platform now reaches 0.98 UEF and 11.1 GPM, with qualifying EZ models offering up to a 25-year residential heat-exchanger warranty. Its NRCR line also gives homeowners sophisticated built-in recirculation options.

Takagi remains highly competitive with its T-H3 condensing family, TK-540P integrated recirculation models, commercial-grade copper/stainless heat-exchanger designs and newer X3 Scale Prevention Technology.

I wouldn’t select either brand from maximum GPM alone.

Have your installer calculate your home’s temperature rise and simultaneous hot-water demand, verify gas and venting requirements, and then compare equivalent models from both brands.

That’s far more likely to give you years of reliable hot water than simply choosing whichever manufacturer has the larger number on the specification sheet.