Experts Say These Are the 5 Best Water Heater Brands You Can Buy

Looking to upgrade your water heater but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. To help homeowners like you make the best choice, The Family Handyman recently asked plumbers and HVAC technicians across the country for their top recommendations.

Their advice gives us a pretty clear picture of which brands are reliable, save on energy, and are easy to keep up with. So, whether you’re swapping out an old model or installing one in your new home, let’s take a look at what the pros recommend for the best water heaters out there.

Rinnai

Shopping at Home Depot and eyeing a tankless water heater? Rinnai might just be what your household needs. With over a century of experience, Rinnai stands out with its propane and natural gas-powered models.

These are perfect if you’re looking for significant hot water output without the wait, offering ranges from 5.3 to 9.4 gallons per minute—perfect for larger families, but a bit pricier for smaller setups.

The Rinnai Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater comes with several perks. It features a front-facing, adjustable thermostat, making it easy to control your water temperature. The model has Wi-Fi compatibility, allowing you to manage settings remotely. Plus, it offers a variety of venting options to fit different home layouts.

While gas-powered units generally aren’t as energy-efficient as their electric counterparts, the Rinnai model compensates with a relatively high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). Remember, maintaining a tankless system includes annual flushes to prevent sediment build-up, ensuring your heater runs efficiently year after year.

EcoSmart

If you’re looking for eco-friendly options, EcoSmart could be just what you need. This brand is known for its tankless water heaters that are both energy-efficient and nice to the environment. Designed to heat water on demand, EcoSmart’s technology means you’re not storing hot water but heating it as you use it, which is way more efficient.

Although the initial setup cost for an EcoSmart heater can be steep, the investment pays off. The 240-Volt Electric Tankless Water Heater, for instance, allows you to adjust the thermostat to suit your needs and can deliver between 0.8 to 1.9 gallons of hot water per minute. Plus, it could slash your energy bills by up to 50%.

EcoSmart stands behind their products with a limited lifetime warranty, offering far greater peace of mind than the typical 6 to 12-year warranties on tank models.

Bradford White

When you’re in the market for a top-tier water heater, don’t overlook Bradford White. Known for its built-in safety features, this brand is eco-friendly and easy to maintain, making it a solid investment despite its higher price tag. Industry experts often highlight Bradford White for its exceptional reliability and durability, great for both homes and businesses.

Bradford White’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is matched by their approach to safety and efficiency. The Defender Safety System High-Efficiency Residential Water Heater is a standout, designed to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors, which enhances both safety and the unit’s longevity.

Advanced control systems and precision thermostats are hallmarks of Bradford White, ensuring a consistent temperature and reliable hot water supply. If you value safety, sustainability, and efficiency, this brand is a stellar choice.

Rheem

If saving on energy is high on your list, consider a Rheem water heater. Known for their energy efficiency and a broad selection of models, Rheem is recommended by more than half of the plumbing and HVAC experts The Family Handyman consulted. T

hese heaters are loved not just for their ability to maintain consistent temperatures but also for their durability, which means a longer lifespan in your home.

While Rheem water heaters are built to last, they generally come with a shorter warranty period, which might be a consideration depending on your needs.

However, the standout feature is their energy efficiency, exemplified by models like the Rheem Performance Electric Water Heater. It has an automatic thermostat that keeps your water precisely at your preferred temperature and comes with a porcelain enamel inner tank to enhance its longevity.

With a uniform energy factor (UEF) of 0.93, this heater focuses on heating your water more efficiently, potentially lowering your energy bills significantly. This makes Rheem an excellent choice for both performance and energy savings.

A.O. Smith

When you’re browsing for a dependable water heater, A.O. Smith should top your list. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, this brand has been recognized by plumbing and HVAC experts for its reliable performance and quality.

Most plumbers mention A.O. Smith for a reason—they offer water heaters that not only last long but also come with strong warranties. This means less worry about replacements and more assurance in your purchase.

Despite a wider selection of traditional models, if you’re eyeing a tankless unit, you might find the options limited compared to other brands. However, the A.O. Smith Signature 500 stands out. It features leak detection and automatic shut-off capabilities. Plus, with its mobile app, you can monitor and control your water heater from anywhere.