If it’s time to replace a busted water heater or simply upgrade to something more efficient and energy-conscious, this guide on the best water heater brands will point out what to look for. Show
Photo: homedepot.com Since hot water is one of the best creature comforts of the modern era, it’s important to choose a water tank from one of the best water heater brands. Water heaters quietly heat water to comfortable temperatures, allowing us to wash our hands and kill germs or take soothing baths. They feed hot water to sinks, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. They’re an integral part of a comfortable home. That’s why it’s so important that a water heater be well-built and from a reputable brand. After all, when they go bad, the whole house suffers. These are the 10 best water heater brands for shoppers to choose from. 1. RheemPhoto: homedepot.com About the Brand: American manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters, boilers, and HVAC equipment. Price Range: $-$$$ With a focus on sustainability, Rheem’s catchphrase “A Greater Degree of Good” showcases the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and leadership in the eco-friendly space. It’s an American-based manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters, boilers, and HVAC equipment. The brand has been around for nearly 100 years, first formed in 1925. It offers a wide selection of water heaters, including tank-style and tankless models, offering some of the best-rated water heaters on the market. Top Products:
Shop for more Rheem Water Heaters at:
2. RinnaiPhoto: homedepot.com About the Brand: Rinnai is a Japanese manufacturer of gas appliances, including energy-efficient tankless water heaters and other home heating appliances. Price Range: $$-$$$ Rinnai is one of the best-known names in tankless water heaters. This Japan-based manufacturer features multiple product lines, including condensing, non-condensing, and hybrid models, allowing customers to find the best hot water heater option for their needs. Rinnai also offers high-efficiency water heaters at mid-range pricing, but also has some higher-end models with super high-efficiency and more features. Top Products:
Shop for more Rinnai Water Heaters at:
3. A.O. SmithPhoto: lowes.com About the Brand: American manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters and boilers Price Range: $-$$ A.O. Smith is one of the largest manufacturers of water heaters in North America. It offers a wide range of electric and gas water heaters in both tank and tankless options, as well as combi boilers that heat water and provide space heat from one unit. The brand offers both gas and electric models, offering something for most scenarios. Top Products:
Shop for more A.O. Smith Water Heaters at:
4. Bradford WhitePhoto: supplyhouse.com About the Brand: American-owned residential, commercial, and industrial manufacturer of water heating, space heating, and combination heater products. Price Range: $$-$$$ Bradford White is an American- and employee-owned manufacturer of residential, commercial, and industrial water heaters The company offers natural gas, electric, and propane water heaters, as well as tank and tankless options. They’re generally available through plumbing suppliers or contractors, which makes the brand’s available options pretty limited to the consumer. Top Products:
Shop for more Bradford White Water Heaters at:
5. Stiebel EltronPhoto: homedepot.com About the Brand: Stiebel Eltron is a German-based manufacturer of heating products like water heaters and heat pumps Price Range: $-$$ Stiebel Eltron is a German-based manufacturer of heating products, specializing in tankless water heaters and heat pumps. The brand offers a wide variety of electric tankless water heaters and mini-tank water heaters, with some electric models being small enough to serve a hand-washing sink only. This could be a big help in simply getting the water up to temperature on an end-of-line sink faster. Top Products:
Shop for more Stiebel Eltron Water Heaters at:
6. EcosmartPhoto: homedepot.com About the Brand: Ecosmart is a tankless water heater manufacturer that also manufactures pool and spa parts as well as water boosters. Price Range: $-$$ Ecosmart US is a privately owned, American manufacturer of water heating products, specializing in tankless water heaters. The brand offers a range of gas and electric-powered water heaters, as well as pool and spa equipment and water booster pumps. Most of the brand’s best hot water heaters are compact and based on the same Eco line, just with larger capacities. Top Products:
Shop for more Ecosmart Water Heaters at:
7. BoschPhoto: homedepot.com About the Brand: Bosch is a German-owned manufacturer of tools, appliances, smart home, HVAC, and water heating devices. Price Range: $-$$$ Bosch is a German-owned manufacturer of many products, including tools, appliances, and HVAC equipment, but it’s also in the running for the best water heater brand. It’s known for its mini-tank and tankless water heaters, both in gas or electric—especially those that run on 120V power. Most models are compact enough to fit under sinks and cabinets to save space as well. Top Products:
Shop for more Bosch Water Heaters at:
8. TakagiPhoto: supplyhouse.com About the Brand: Takagi is a Japan-based manufacturer specializing in only tankless water heaters. Price Range: $-$$ Takagi started manufacturing water heaters over 70 years ago, and today deals primarily with contractors and plumbing wholesalers. According to the company, it’s the first tankless water heater company specializing in tankless-only models in North America. Today it offers some of the best gas water heater options, including propane and natural gas water on-demand tankless water heaters. Top Products:
Shop for more Takagi Water Heaters at:
How We Chose the Best Water Heater BrandsChoosing a water heater is a very important decision to make. It’s a decision that lasts for years, and hopefully those years are full of problem-free hot water. That’s why we took the job of putting together a list of the best water heaters and their manufacturers very seriously. We wanted to ensure that every water heater we suggested was truly a top-notch product. We performed hours of extensive product research to find the companies we felt we could trust. We went through product reviews, third-party remarks, product and support availability, and more to find the brands we felt were truly top-notch. Then we compared their products to ensure they could meet our criteria. Those that did were given a spot on this list and those that didn’t were removed. What is the number one hot water heater?The best hot water heaters for 2023. What is the life expectancy of a natural gas water heater?While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years. Is AO Smith better than Rheem?AO Smith or Rheem Water Heaters – The Verdict Everything depends on your usage and preference. There are no winners and losers in this game. AO Smith also offers a range of impressive water heaters. Their prices may be higher but you have to spend a few extra bucks for that reliable customer service. Are natural gas water heaters good?Gas units are known for their ability to heat water quickly. This makes them a good fit for large households that use a lot of hot water daily. But there are risks to be aware of, such as potential gas leaks. |