Pros and Cons of the Camplux CA318B Propane Water Heater

The Camplux CA318 Propane Tankless Water Heater offers advanced features for an efficient and precise hot water supply. With steady temperature control, it ensures a comfortable shower experience by keeping the water temperature within ±2 ℉. The unit boasts high heating performance, achieving up to 98.99% efficiency in just 3 seconds, thanks to its oxygen-free copper heat exchanger and V-type stainless steel burner. Delivering an impressive 3.18 GPM of on-demand hot water, it supports 2-3 points of simultaneous water supply for various applications.

Built for durability and safety, the heater utilizes advanced technology, backed by a 3-year warranty on the copper exchanger and a 1-year warranty on other parts. Easy to install with standard fittings, it includes a 2.3″ horizontal vent pipe. The compact design, only 1/6 the size of a 50-gallon tank heater, makes it ideal for space-saving indoor installations in homes, small cabins, and remote apartments. The trendy design with a black glassy front panel and LED touchscreen ensures easy operation. Note: Proper winter maintenance is recommended to prevent freezing issues.

Pros:

1. Steady and Adjustable Temperature Control: Users appreciate the precise temperature control, ensuring a comfortable shower experience without sudden temperature fluctuations.
2. High Heating Performance: The inclusion of an oxygen-free copper heat exchanger and V-type stainless steel burner results in high heating efficiency, providing hot water in just 3 seconds.
3. On-Demand Hot Water Supply: With an impressive 3.18 GPM (gallons per minute) capacity, the Camplux CA318B delivers instant hot water, supporting 2-3 points of simultaneous water supply for various applications.
4. Durable and Long-Lasting: Users highlight the superior safety and durability of the unit, with a 3-year warranty on the oxygen-free copper exchanger and a 1-year warranty on other parts.
5. Space-Saving Design: Its compact size, being only 1/6 the size of a 50-gallon tank water heater, makes it suitable for installations in homes, small cabins, and remote apartments where space is a consideration.
6. Easy to Install: The unit is praised for its easy installation process, utilizing standard fittings and including a 2.3″ horizontal vent pipe. The convenience is further enhanced with available accessories like the Camplux wall thimble.
7. Energy Efficient: Users report that the water heater uses very little power and operates efficiently at lower water volumes, contributing to energy savings.
8. Trendy and User-Friendly Design: The stylish design with a unique black glassy front panel and LED touch screen, featuring Fahrenheit digital display, adds a modern and user-friendly touch.
9. Responsive Customer Support: Customers commend Camplux’s customer support, noting their responsiveness and assistance in troubleshooting and resolving issues.
10. Suitable for Off-Grid Use: Users find the water heater ideal for off-grid cabins and small houses, providing reliable hot water while using minimal power.
11. Positive Warranty Experience: A user shares a positive experience with Camplux’s warranty support, highlighting a hassle-free replacement process beyond the standard return policy.
12. Effective Conversion from Electric to Natural Gas: Users who switched from traditional electric water heaters to the Camplux CA318B tankless natural gas heater note its quick heating, temperature maintenance, and absence of hot water depletion.

Cons:

1. Limited Lifespan: Some users report a relatively short lifespan, with instances of the heat exchanger developing leaks after around 3 to 4 years of use.
2. Intermittent Ignition Issues: A few users mention occasional issues with ignition, requiring manual resets. There are concerns about reliability, with instances of difficulty in igniting the burner.
3. Temperature Adjustment Challenges: One user faces challenges in getting the unit to consistently ignite, suggesting potential difficulties in temperature adjustment and overall performance.
4. Pre-Run Time for Hot Water: In some cases, users find it necessary to let the water run for a minute or two before attaching the showerhead to ensure hot water, leading to a slight inconvenience.
5. Compatibility Concerns: One user expresses dissatisfaction with the unit’s compatibility, suggesting that it may not work reliably and recommends considering other brands.
6. Possible Limited Capacity: While suitable for a single bathroom and kitchen, there’s speculation about the unit’s capacity for handling larger water demands or multiple bathrooms simultaneously.
7. Maintenance Challenges: Despite overall satisfaction, a user acknowledges a small issue with the occasional failure to fire, requiring a brief shutdown for the computer to reset. This points to potential maintenance concerns.
8. Sensitivity to Valve Colors: A user highlights a situation where mismatched hot and cold water shut-off valve colors caused an error code, emphasizing the unit’s sensitivity to installation details.
9. Possible Temperature Adjustment Delay: A user recommends turning up the temperature a bit for showering, indicating a potential delay in temperature adjustment during use.
10. Possibly Inadequate for Heavy Loads: While functional, a user hints that the unit may not have been designed for the heavy load experienced in a full household, which may impact its long-term performance.
11. Higher Initial Cost: A user notes that while the unit comes with everything needed, it is relatively more expensive. However, they emphasize the long-term comfort and value it provides.
12. Installation-Related Challenges: A user shares an initial installation problem related to valve colors and highlights the importance of checking heating curves and flow rates during installation.

In summary, the Camplux CA318B Propane Tankless Water Heater generally receives praise for its performance, energy efficiency, and compact design. However, concerns about longevity, intermittent ignition issues, and sensitivity to certain installation details warrant attention. Users value the responsive customer support and positive warranty experiences, contributing to an overall positive perception of the product.