Home water heater installation is a significant investment for most homeowners, whether it’s for replacement or new construction. With many brands offering innovative solutions, the water heater industry has evolved, providing modern upgrades to meet diverse homeowner needs, from performance and efficiency to durability and smart-home compatibility.
When it comes to supplying your home with reliable hot water, you have two main options: tank and tankless water heaters. Long considered the gold standard, tank water heaters maintain a reservoir of preheated water that’s ready when you need it, while tankless models heat water on demand but often come at a higher installation cost and may require larger gas lines or electrical upgrades.
The best tank water heater brands typically range from $600 to $2,500+ before installation, depending on size, fuel type, efficiency rating, and local labor costs. Choose based on your priorities: energy efficiency, performance, warranty coverage, and total project budget.
- Best for Budgets: Rheem, State Water Heaters, American Standard
- Premium Quality: A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Ruud
- Best for Tough Conditions: Rinnai, GE Appliances
- Nationwide Availability: Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White
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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- Exceptional build quality
- Strong commitment to American manufacturing
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
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- Dependable and proven design
- Prides itself on customer support
- Offers financing and limited warranties
Top 9 Tank Water Heater Brands
Rheem
- Average Cost: $600 to $2,300
What We Love
Rheem consistently ranks as the top-rated tank water heater brand thanks to its dependable performance, wide availability, and strong efficiency ratings. With over 100 years in the industry, Rheem’s heaters are built to last, offering both gas and electric models suited for households of any size.
We rate it 5 stars for performance, innovation, and warranty coverage.
Cost Information
Rheem’s tank water heaters typically cost $600 to $2,300 installed, depending on size and fuel type.
- 40-gallon units: $600 to $1,200
- 50-gallon units: $800 to $1,700
- High-efficiency or hybrid models: up to $2,300
Professional installation may add $400 to $1,200, depending on plumbing configuration and fuel source.
Best Model
The Rheem 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: $550 to $2,000
What We Love
A.O. Smith is one of the most trusted names in water heating, known for its durable construction and consistent efficiency. With a range of gas and electric options, A.O. Smith heaters are engineered for long-term reliability and strong energy savings.
We rate it 4.5 stars for its blend of innovation, performance, and corrosion-resistant design.
Cost Information
A.O. Smith tank water heaters typically cost $550 to $2,000 installed, depending on capacity and efficiency.
- 40-gallon units: $600 to $1,000
- 50-gallon units: $800 to $1,500
- High-efficiency or hybrid models: $2,000+
Installation costs generally range from $400 to $1,200, based on location and setup.
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
- Average Cost: $700 to $2,500
What We Love
Bradford White is a plumber-preferred brand built for reliability and premium quality. Known for its professional installation-only model, Bradford White water heaters deliver exceptional longevity and craftsmanship.
We rate it 4.5 stars for its superior build quality, dependable performance, and extensive warranty coverage.
Cost Information
Bradford White models generally range from $700 to $2,500 installed, depending on configuration and fuel type. However some of their high-end models can cost upwards of $8,000.
- 40-gallon units: $900 to $1,400
- 50-gallon units: $1,100 to $1,800
- High-efficiency and power-vent models: $2,000 to $2,500 +
Installation costs typically run $500 to $1,300, as all models must be installed by licensed contractors.
Best Model
The Bradford White AeroTherm® Heat Pump Water Heater leads the industry in efficiency with up to a 3.4 UEF energy factor and advanced control settings for customizable performance.
Ruud
- Average Cost: $600 to $1,900
What We Love
Ruud shares much of the same engineering as its sister brand, Rheem, and offers similar performance and dependability at a slightly lower cost. It’s a top choice for homeowners looking for consistent results from a well-established manufacturer.
We rate Ruud 4 stars for its balance of value, reliability, and accessible product range.
Cost Information
Ruud water heaters typically cost $600 to $1,900 installed, depending on model and efficiency.
- 40-gallon units: $600 to $1,000
- 50-gallon units: $800 to $1,500
- High-efficiency or hybrid models: $1,900 to $2,500+
Installation averages $400 to $1,100, depending on setup complexity.
Best Series
The Ruud Professional Achiever Plus Series offers excellent efficiency and durable components, with many models qualifying for ENERGY STAR® certification.
State Water Heaters
- Average Cost: $500 to $1,800
What We Love
State Water Heaters deliver consistent, affordable performance for everyday home use. Known for simplicity and value, State models are easy to find and built to last.
We rate State 4 stars for its reliability, affordability, and range of gas and electric units suitable for most households.
Cost Information
Typical pricing for State units runs $500 to $1,800, depending on capacity and efficiency.
- 40-gallon units: $500 to $900
- 50-gallon units: $700 to $1,200
- High-efficiency models: up to $1,800
Installation generally adds $400 to $600, depending on regional labor rates.
Best Series
The State ProLine® XE Series is a standout for its enhanced insulation, efficient design, and extended warranty options.
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GE Appliances
- Average Cost: $500 to $1,700
What We Love
GE water heaters combine modern technology with simple operation, offering great value for smaller households or budget-conscious buyers. Their hybrid electric models are especially efficient, integrating intuitive digital displays for easy temperature control.
We rate GE 4 stars for ease of use, innovation, and energy-conscious design.
Cost Information
GE units typically cost $500 to $1,700 installed, depending on type and size.
- 40-gallon units: $500 to $900
- 50-gallon units: $700 to $1,200
- Hybrid models: up to $1,700
Installation adds approximately $400 to $1,100, depending on your home’s setup.
Best Model
The GE GeoSpring™ Hybrid Electric Water Heater offers outstanding efficiency and quiet operation, making it one of the best options for energy-conscious homeowners.
American Standard
- Average Cost: $450 to $1,600
What We Love
American Standard water heaters are reliable and affordable, offering solid performance for everyday needs. They’re best suited for smaller households and those seeking basic functionality without premium add-ons.
We rate American Standard 3.5 stars for dependable operation, straightforward design, and cost-effectiveness.
Cost Information
Expect total costs of $450 to $1,600 installed, depending on capacity and type.
- 40-gallon units: $450 to $800
- 50-gallon units: $700 to $1,200
- High-efficiency models: up to $1,600
Installation averages $400 to $1,200, depending on fuel source.
Best Series
The American Standard Residential Electric Series is known for its durable glass lining and compact design, making it ideal for smaller homes or tight spaces.
Kenmore
- Average Cost: $400 to $1,500
What We Love
Kenmore has long been known for accessible, homeowner-friendly appliances, and its water heaters continue that tradition. Designed for smaller homes or rental properties, Kenmore models offer solid performance at an affordable price.
We rate Kenmore 3.5 stars for practicality, ease of use, and affordability.
Cost Information
Kenmore tank water heaters cost $400 to $1,500 installed, depending on model and capacity.
- 40-gallon units: $400 to $800
- 50-gallon units: $700 to $1,200
- High-efficiency models: up to $1,500
Installation costs range from $400 to $1,100 but varies widely by region.
Best Series
The Kenmore Elite Series provides improved energy efficiency and fast recovery times, making it a good step up for homeowners upgrading from an older unit. They feature glass-lined tanks, foam insulation, and smart tech, plus they are ENERGY-STAR certified.
Rinnai
- Average Cost: $800 to $2,400+
What We Love
Rinnai is best known for its tankless systems, but its tank water heaters combine the brand’s efficiency expertise with traditional design. Though more expensive than average, Rinnai units feature durable components and optional Wi-Fi monitoring.
We rate it 3 stars for energy-conscious innovation and solid reliability, though its pricing may be high for standard tank models.
Cost Information
Rinnai tank water heaters typically cost $800 to $2,400 installed, depending on model and efficiency.
- 40-gallon units: $900 to $1,400
- 50-gallon units: $1,200 to $1,800
- Hybrid and high-efficiency models: $2,400+
Installation averages $500 to $1,300, especially for gas systems.
Best Series
The Rinnai Demand Duo® Hybrid System combines the benefits of storage and tankless heating, providing consistent temperature control and high recovery rates.
