Rinnai vs Martin Direct Vent Heaters: Which Is Better?

More and more, homeowners are looking for alternatives to the traditional oil furnace, which costs an average of $3,800 to $12,000 to install! If you’re interested in saving money on your new heating system, then you’ve come to the right place!

Rinnai and Martin are the two biggest names in the wall heater industry, and they both have a lot to offer. However, there’s always a better option. Let’s settle the score on Rinnai vs Martin direct vent heaters and see which is right for your home!

Rinnai Heaters Overview

Rinnai is a popular name in the heating industry, and they make some fine wall heaters that can connect to your propane tank.

Also, Rinnai heaters can range widely in scale, from 3,000 to 36,000 BTUs, starting at around $1,100 for the basic model. Here are some of the specs on the basic Rinnai propane heater:

• 3,000 to 8,000 BTUs
• 39 pounds (17.7 KG)
• 15 x 19 x 28 inches

For a small heater, this isn’t too bad. If you’re handy, you can even install this yourself and save some money on installation costs. 

Rinnai heaters can hook up to natural gas or propane sources and they use an electrical ignition to start heating your space. Like all wall heaters, these models are not meant to heat an entire home, but they are great for smaller cabins or single areas within a home.

Martin Direct Vent Heaters Overview

Martin propane heaters are more affordable than Rinnai heaters, both for upfront and continuous expenses. To keep things fair, here are the specs on the cheapest Martin propane heater on the market:

• 8,000 BTUs
• 27 pounds (12.2 KG)
• 11.9 x 7.1 x 22.7 inches

This makes the Martin version smaller, lighter, and more efficient for its size and capacity. So, what about the price? On average, the smallest Martin propane heater costs nearly $500 less than the Rinnai equivalent.

Also, Martin heaters don’t stand out as a beige lump on your wall, especially with the 11,000 and 20,000BTU models, which have glass-ceramic windows allowing for a charming “fireplace” view on your wall!

Like Rinnai, Martin direct vent heaters connect to propane or natural gas sources, but Martin heaters do not require electricity for ignition. You can use a battery-powered thermostat to set the temperature, but the system does not need to be plugged in. For more information, check out our full review of Martin heaters!

Which Is Better?

Overall, Martin propane heaters are easier to install, they have a much better aesthetic, and they require no electricity, allowing for consistent heat during power outages or while living off the grid.

Rinnai heaters do offer some benefits. They are just as efficient as Martin heaters, and one small heater can heat an area of up to 450 square feet, which is more than Martin’s capability. However, for overall price and performance, Martin is the clear winner.

Buy One Today!

Now that you know the differences between Rinnai vs Martin direct vent heaters, you can make a smart decision for your money! Both options are highly efficient and safe for indoor use, but for the quality, aesthetic, and price, you can’t beat Martin.