FOGATTI Instagas 170 LP
Amazon customer rating as of
Tankless Geek editorial score: 3.9/5
The Fogatti InstaGas Classic (FDG-CF170W-LP) is the CSA-certified indoor propane model in Fogatti's 170,000-BTU line — 7.5 GPM maximum, non-condensing, and notably powered by a standard 120 V AC outlet rather than batteries, which suits a permanent indoor install. Servo temperature control keeps output within ±1 °F, and the unit carries the CSA listing many jurisdictions want for code-compliant indoor propane installation.
It shares the same core hardware — and the same trade-offs — as the rest of Fogatti's 170 line: strong BTU for the price, but a mixed reliability record (about 3.6 stars across ~89 owners) and non-condensing efficiency that trails condensing units. The 120 V AC requirement is the main practical difference from RV/off-grid Fogatti models: it needs an outlet nearby. For a budget indoor propane heater with a proper safety listing, it's a reasonable pick — provided you weigh the softer reliability track record and can supply full 170,000 BTU/h.
Key Features
Best Use Cases
Our Verdict
The code-friendly, CSA-certified version of Fogatti's 170k propane unit, with 120 V AC power for a clean indoor install. Same bargain output and same reliability caveats as its siblings. A sensible budget choice where you need the CSA listing and an outlet is handy; step up to a mainstream brand if dependability outranks price.
Technical Specifications
| Input | 170,000 BTU/h (propane) |
|---|---|
| Max flow | Up to 7.5 GPM |
| Efficiency | ≈0.81 UEF, non-condensing |
| Power | 120 V AC (standard outlet) |
| Connections | 3/4" NPT gas & water, 3" power vent |
| Certification | CSA certified (indoor) |
Specifications verified against the linked source documents. See Sources below.
How much hot water you'll actually get
Usable flow drops as incoming water gets colder. Figures are calculated from rated output (170,000 BTU × 0.81 UEF) and labeled as such — not bench-tested by us.
| Temperature rise | Typical scenario | Usable flow |
|---|---|---|
| 35 °F | Warm climate (75 °F in → 110 °F) — capped at max | 7.5 GPM |
| 45 °F | Mild climate (65 °F in → 110 °F) | 6.1 GPM |
| 60 °F | Cool climate (50 °F in → 110 °F) | 4.6 GPM |
| 70 °F | Cold climate (40 °F in → 110 °F) | 3.9 GPM |
Usable flow at a 110 °F target: BTU × UEF ÷ (ΔF × 500), capped at the 7.5 GPM maximum. Same output profile as the rest of Fogatti's 170,000-BTU line.
Pros
Cons
Buy it if…
- Indoor propane installs that require a CSA-listed unit
- Budget buyers who want 7.5 GPM output at a low price
- Locations with a 120 V outlet near the heater
- Warm/mild-climate homes with 2–3 fixtures
Skip it if…
- Buyers prioritizing proven reliability over price
- Off-grid sites without 120 V AC power
- Cold-climate homes needing steady simultaneous flow
Installation Requirements
Professional vs DIY
The gas and power-vent work should be done by a licensed pro; a permit is typically required.
Gas and electrical work should be done by a licensed professional, and most installs require a permit and must meet local building codes — DIY work can void the manufacturer warranty. Always confirm the unit's own manual for exact clearances, venting, and sizing.
What owners report
Themes summarized from retailer customer feedback (3.6/5 Amazon customer rating, 89 ratings, as of 2026-09-06). These are owner opinions, not our own bench testing.
Owners choosing it for permanent indoor installs cite the CSA certification and standard 120 V power as reasons over RV-style units.
Reviewers note strong hot-water volume for a budget propane heater in warm and mild conditions.
At about 3.6 stars across ~89 reviews, a share of owners report faults or temperature inconsistency — the same caveat as the wider Fogatti 170 line.
The 120 V AC requirement means planning a receptacle near the unit, unlike battery-powered RV models.
FOGATTI Instagas 170 LP FAQ
What makes this the 'Classic' vs other Fogatti 170 units?+
It's the CSA-certified indoor model (FDG-CF170W-LP) powered by a standard 120 V outlet — aimed at code-compliant permanent indoor installs rather than RV/off-grid use.
Does it need electricity?+
Yes — a standard 120 V AC outlet near the heater. Plan for a receptacle within reach during installation.
How reliable is it?+
It averages about 3.6 stars across ~89 reviews — a mixed record typical of budget propane tankless. Great value when it works; weigh that against mainstream brands if dependability is paramount.
Is it efficient?+
It's non-condensing at roughly 0.81 UEF, so it needs stainless venting and uses more propane per gallon than a condensing unit — the trade-off for the lower price.
What venting, gas, and power does the Instagas 170 need?+
It's an indoor, CSA-certified propane unit, so it needs a proper 3-inch power-vent run to the outdoors (it is not an outdoor heater). Plan for a 3/4-inch NPT propane line sized to feed its full 170,000 BTU/h input, correct LP regulator and supply pressure, and a standard 120 V outlet to run the fan and controls. Because it's non-condensing, there's no condensate drain to manage. Gas plus power venting makes this a licensed-installer job for both safety and warranty reasons.
Product sources
Specifications verified 2026-09-06. Manufacturer documents are treated as the primary source for model specifications. Retailer pages are used only for customer ratings and owner-feedback themes.
- Fogatti InstaGas Classic FDG-CF170W-LP — Home Depot (accessed 2026-09-06)
- Fogatti InstaGas Classic — Lowe's listing (accessed 2026-09-06)
Price range from leading retailers
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