When it comes to supplying your home with hot water, you have two options: tank and tankless water heaters. Long considered the gold standard, tank water heaters work by constantly supplying your home with a reservoir of preheated water. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, work by only heating water on demand when you need it. Switching from one kind of heater to another typically requires professional installation, so most individuals who currently have a tank heater will find several good reasons to stick with that design.
Choosing the right tank water heater for your home is an important decision. The right heater will provide sufficient water supply for warm showers, dishes and laundry, and do so efficiently — without unnecessarily running up your heating bill.
Best Brands at a Glance
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- Great warranties on its products ranging from 5 to 15 years
- The business uses sustainable methods and products
- Sells electric and gas tank heater models
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- Federal and local rebates and incentives available
- Eco-friendly products and systems
- Long warranties available
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- Products qualify for rebates
- Strong commitment to American manufacturing
- Customers say these tank heaters are easy to repair
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- Affordable pricing on products
- Widely available for purchase
- In business since 1907
Top 9 Tank Water Heater Brands
Rheem
- Average Cost: $400 – $2,300
What We Love
Rheem is renowned for its reliability and extensive warranty options, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners. The company has been in business since 1925 and produces both tank and tankless water heaters. The company also prides itself on choosing environmentally friendly products to produce its heaters and tracks its progress toward sustainability goals for customers to see.
Cost Information
Rheem water heaters range from $400 for basic models to $1,200 and beyond for higher-capacity units with advanced features. Some products cost as much as $2,300 but that is not the average. The company offers financing for customers that qualify.
Best Model
The Rheem Professional Prestige Maximus Heavy Duty with Leaksense is a gas heater designed for residential use. The tank is designed to sense leaks and has an LCD display with a built-in sensor and system health alert with audible alarms. It also syncs with a free mobile app that allows homeowners to customize the temperature, monitory energy savings and set vacation mode for when they’re out of town. It comes with a 12-year limited warranty on the tank and parts.
AO Smith
- Average Cost: $500 – $5,400
What We Love
AO Smith prides itself on offering what they call commercial-grade products for residential use. That means their tank water heaters are more powerful than they “need” to be by most standards, bringing top-rated performance to your home. In business for more than 80 years, AO Smith works with a trusted network of national contractors who can install their products.
Cost Information
AO Smith water heaters are priced between $500 for basic models and $5,400 for models with better energy efficiency and bigger tanks. Of course, most tanks fall into a lower price point category up to about $2,000. Many of their available products qualify for rebate and incentive programs which give cash back to purchases that meet energy efficiency standards.
Best Product Line
The AO Smith ProLine XE is the best line of tank water heaters the brand offers. The line includes gas, electric and tankless water heaters that come with warranties up to 10 years. Many tanks on the line also use their patented, eco-friendly Green Choice gas burner, which reduces nitrous oxide emissions up to 33%, meeting low-NOx emission requirements.
Bradford White Water Heaters
- Average Cost: $800 – $8,000
What We Love
Bradford White water heaters are known for their durability and sturdy construction, providing lasting performance for years. In business since 1881, the company has a long reputation for selling quality products for both residential and commercial use. They also pride themselves on offering energy efficient products that mean lower heating bills for your home. The company has both tank and tankless models in electric and gas.
Cost Information
Bradford White units typically range in price from about $800 for standard models to $1,500 for high-capacity units with advanced features such as digital controls. However some of their high-end models can cost upwards of $8,000.
Best Offering
Bradford White water heaters use a patented Microban antimicrobial technology on its tanks which incorporates a Vitraglas lining that prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on its tanks. The lining also protects the life of the tank from the corrosive properties of water for a longer lifespan.
GE Appliances
- Average Cost: $500 – $1,200
What We Love
GE Appliances is a trusted name in the business for all sorts of appliances and systems from microwaves to ovens to water heaters. Their products are widely available and most contractors and repairmen have experience installing and servicing their products. Further, their products are widely available in big box stores, making them an easy and convenient choice.
Cost Information
GE water heaters are priced between $500 for entry-level models and $1,200 for mid-range units with improved efficiency and durability features. The company’s products are widely available and so their pricing is easy to find online. They also promote sales and other special offers on their site.
Best Model
The GE 10 Gallon Electric Point of Use Water Heater is a compact water heater you can install next to a specific water use in your home such as a shower or laundry. It’s good for tight spaces and for homes where you need concentrated hot water where you need it such as for a garage, RV, cabin or shed. It can either work as a standalone unit or in conjunction with other home water heater systems.
State Water Heaters
- Average Cost: $400 – $1,000
What We Love
In business since 1946, State Water Heaters offers both tank and tankless water heaters that run off electric or gas. They also offer heat pump and solar water heaters as well as hybrid models for a true range of products.
Cost Information
State water heaters range from $400 for basic models to $1,000 for models with enhanced features such as their hybrid heaters with automatic cleaning features. Federal rebates are available for their products.
Best Model
State Water Heaters offers a Premier Max Smart Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater that uses two heating elements that help the heater recover quickly in times of high usage. The product has a 10-year warranty and uses leak detection technology. The tank can also be set for guest or vacation mode to offer the right amount of water for the situation, saving you money in the long run.
American Standard
- Average Cost: $600 – $5,500
What We Love
In business for more than 150 years, American Standard is a household name in all things appliances. Their water heaters have stood the test of time as well, becoming a reliable fixture in countless homes. The company sells electric and gas tank heaters for both residential and commercial use and their products are widely available.
Cost Information
American Standard units typically range from $500 for basic models to $900 for models with improved features. Of course, as with all brands, they also offer much more expensive models. In this case, some very high-end tank heaters will cost upwards of $5,000.
Best Model
The American Standard Demand Response Top Control water heater comes in tanks of 40 or 50 gallons. Each comes with an LCD display that uses smart technology to remember your water use habits and anticipate the need for hot water. Every tank the brand makes is designed with thick steel and insulated with foam that is both environmentally friendly and energy saving. The tanks all come with an ASME Temperature and pressure relief valve plus a drain valve.
Kenmore
- Average Cost: $300 – $800
What We Love
In business since 1913, Kenmore is a known brand for household appliances large and small. Whether you’re looking for a new oven at a big box store such as Lowe’s or a new vacuum at a store such as Kohl’s, you can find one by Kenmore. Their wide availability and affordable prices make them a reliable option for consumers.
Cost Information
Kenmore water heaters are priced between $300 for basic models and $800 for mid-range units with improved efficiency and durability features. The company’s tanks are said to be much more affordable than many other brands.
Best Product Line
The Kenmore 58250 series is designed to last and avoid corrosion. It is designed with a glass-lined 50-gallon tank. This electric heater also has two anode rods in the tank instead of one like most other models, which also lengthens the tank’s life and reduces rust build-up. Unfortunately, this model is no longer widely available.
Ruud
- Average Cost: $700 – $2,500
What We Love
Ruud sells gas, electric, tankless, and heat pump water heaters for your home and business, plus all replacement parts and accessories. The company prides itself on the fact that its products are tested and certified by both government entities and third-party labs for the highest quality. In business since 1889 when they designed their first automatic storage water heater, the company has a longstanding reputation for quality and innovation.
Cost Information
Pricing for Ruud heaters is not available on the company’s site, and their tanks are mostly sold through smaller plumbing companies. In general their products are a little more expensive, ranging from $700 to $2,500 for higher end models with larger capacities. Financing is available through KwikComfort, and many products also qualify for rebates.
Best Feature
Ruud’s heat pump water heaters are five times more efficient than gas water heaters and four times more efficient than electric models. These models are designed to resist corrosion over the lifetime of the tank, and they have built-in water leak detection to protect your home and valuables. These products are also built using recyclable materials.
Rinnai
- Average Cost: $1,000 – $6,000
What We Love
Founded in 1920, the company began by selling oil stoves. Over time, they’ve displayed a love of innovation that has led the company to focus on the best types of designs and systems for standard household products and appliances. Based in Japan, the company expanded to the US in the 1970s.
Cost Information
Rinnai is a more expensive brand of water heater with prices ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 for most models. Keep in mind that their models qualify for federal tax credits and local rebates. And financing is available for customers who qualify.
Best Series
Rinnai’s REHP Series is an electric heat pump water heater. It is efficient and sustainable, offering major savings to homeowners over the long haul. The heater is designed with a leak sensor to protect your home and a built-in display that allows you to select the right operating mode. The model qualifies for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits and local rebates.
