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Plumbing

Reliable, Energy-Efficient Water Heating With Rheem

Modernize Rating: 5/5

Average Cost: $400 - $2,300

Rheem water heaters for the home are environmentally friendly, reliable, and carry excellent warranties. They are also affordable, at an average cost of between $400 and $2,300.

The Modernize Mission

Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Getting to Know Rheem Water Heaters: A Comprehensive Review

Rheem has been a leader in home comfort solutions for over 100 years, offering a wide range of HVAC equipment and water heating systems trusted by homeowners nationwide. This Rheem water heater review explores the brand’s durable and energy-efficient lineup, from traditional tank models to cutting-edge smart systems. Known for reliable performance, strong warranty coverage, and eco-friendly innovation, Rheem continues to stand out as a top choice for households looking to invest in long-term comfort and utility savings.

Rheem logo

Pros and Cons of Rheem Water Heaters

When weighing your options for a new water heater, it’s important to consider both the strengths and potential drawbacks of each brand. This Rheem water heater review breaks down the most common pros and cons to help you decide whether their products are the right fit for your home.

Rheem Water Heater Pros

  • Strong Warranty Coverage: Most Rheem water heaters come with warranties ranging from 5 to 15 years, offering peace of mind for long-term performance.
  • Eco-Friendly Commitment: Rheem prioritizes sustainability in both product design and manufacturing processes.
  • Diverse Product Selection: The brand offers gas and electric models in both tank and tankless formats to suit various home needs.

Rheem Water Heater Cons

  • Limited Pricing Transparency: Rheem doesn’t consistently publish prices online, which can make comparison shopping difficult.
  • Variable Installation Costs: Installation pricing depends on local contractors and system complexity, with no fixed national standard.
  • Occasional Durability Concerns: Some customers report premature issues with tank models, such as leaks or rusting.

What Rheem Offers

Rheem has served both residential and commercial customers for over 100 years, evolving its product lineup to meet changing demands and technologies. Today, the brand delivers a wide range of innovative, energy-efficient solutions across water heating and HVAC, making it one of the most competitive manufacturers in the market.

Residential Water Heaters

Gas and electric water heaters are available, as well as tankless and traditional tank water heaters to choose from. Solar water heaters and hybrid electric systems are also available and stay true to the company’s commitment to give back to the environment. Point-of-use water heaters, those designed to be used with only a specific area, are a unique offering of this company.

  • Tank Water Heaters: Available in both gas and electric models, including solar-powered options for improved energy efficiency.
  • Tankless Systems: Includes condensing, non-condensing, and electric models, as well as point-of-use units ideal for delivering hot water to a single fixture.
  • Heat Pump Water Heaters: The ProTerra model leverages heat pump technology to reduce energy usage while delivering reliable hot water.
  • Smart Water Heaters: Select models include leak detection, auto shut-off, and app-based controls for added safety and convenience.

stackable washer and dryer

Residential HVAC

Rheem’s HVAC lineup includes high-performance air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps. Packaged systems, advanced thermostats, and indoor air quality products like air purifiers round out its home climate solutions.

Commercial Units

Rheem manufactures durable, energy-efficient systems for commercial use, including water heaters, air handlers, split systems, and heat pumps designed to meet the demands of businesses and large facilities.

Top Products

If you’re looking for a water heater, be prepared for an impressive list of options at Rheem. Here are some of the top products they offer:

Rheem RTEX-18 Tankless Electric Water Heater

Type: Tankless Electric

Ideal For: Small to medium households

Key Features:

  • Delivers up to 4.4 gallons per minute (GPM)
  • 8% energy efficiency
  • Compact design with digital temperature control
  • Self-modulating power control for energy savings

Considerations: May not support multiple high-demand applications simultaneously.

Price Range: Approximately $420 to $485

Rheem RTEX-18 tankless water heater

Rheem Maximus Heavy Duty Gas Water Heater

Type: Super High-Efficiency Gas

Ideal For: Larger households with high hot water demand

Key Features:

  • Heats water up to 2x faster than standard gas tanks
  • ENERGY STAR® certified with up to 36% energy savings
  • Equipped with LeakSense™ and optional LeakGuard™ for leak detection and prevention
  • Wi-Fi connectivity with EcoNet® app for remote monitoring

Considerations: Higher upfront cost; professional installation recommended.

Price Range: Approximately $2,000 to $2,500

Rheem Maximus Heavy Duty Water Heater

Rheem ES85-27-G Commercial Heavy Duty Electric Water Heater

Type: Commercial Electric

Ideal For: Commercial settings like hotels, gyms, and restaurants

Key Features:

  • 85-gallon capacity with 27kW power
  • 98% thermal efficiency
  • Stainless steel construction with thick foam insulation
  • Surface-mounted thermostat for precise temperature control

Considerations: Requires substantial space and electrical capacity.

Price Range: Approximately $6,400 to $7,600

How Much Does a Rheem Water Heater Cost?

When it comes to water heaters, Rheem offers models that fit a wide range of budgets. Basic tank-style water heaters typically start around $400 to $600, depending on size and fuel type. More advanced or high-capacity units (such as hybrid electric or smart-enabled models) can range from $1,200 to over $2,300. Additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity, leak detection, or energy-efficient upgrades can increase the total cost, but even higher-end Rheem models remain competitively priced compared to other major brands.

Factors Affecting Cost

What drives the bottom line for the water heater that’s best for your home? Here are some points to consider.

  • Water Heater Type and Capacity: Tankless models typically cost more upfront than traditional tank units. Larger capacity systems also tend to come with higher price tags.
  • Plumbing Modifications: If your plumbing needs to be relocated or upgraded, expect to pay an additional $300 to $800 or more, depending on the scope of work.
  • Installation Complexity: Units installed in tight or hard-to-reach areas may require more time and effort. If the location is hard to access or requires extra setup, installation fees may increase by $200 to $500.
  • Old Unit Removal: Some providers charge a disposal fee for safely removing and discarding your existing water heater. Removal and disposal of an old unit may add $50 to $150 to your total project cost.
  • Rebates and Incentives: Many Rheem models are ENERGY STAR® certified and may qualify for local or federal rebates, helping offset the initial cost.

Benefits of Investing in Rheem

Why might Rheem be a good fit for you? Rheem water heaters stand out for their efficiency, reliability, and user-friendly features. Here are some top reasons homeowners choose Rheem:

  • High Energy Efficiency: Rheem continuously improves the energy performance of its models, helping homeowners reduce monthly utility bills while maximizing long-term savings.
  • Sustainability Focus: With an emphasis on eco-conscious design and manufacturing, Rheem offers water heaters that help reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
  • Strong Warranty Coverage: Most Rheem water heaters come with generous warranties ranging from 5 to 15 years, giving homeowners added confidence in their investment.
  • Smart Home Integration: The EcoNet® app makes it easy to monitor and manage your system — set temperatures, track energy use, receive maintenance alerts, and more, all from your phone.
  • Leak Detection Technology: Built-in leak detection sensors help prevent costly damage by alerting you early if an issue arises, offering peace of mind and added protection.

The groomer washes the dog in the bathroom.

Rheem vs Its Competitors

With so many brands on the market, choosing the right tankless water heater or best traditional tank water heater can be overwhelming. Rheem stands out for its wide range of residential options, smart technology, and commitment to energy efficiency — but how does it compare to other major players? Below, we break down how Rheem stacks up against leading competitors in terms of cost, availability, features, and long-term value to help you make the most informed choice for your home.

Rheem vs. AO Smith

AO Smith is a leading name in both residential and commercial water heaters, often known for bringing commercial-grade performance into homes. While Rheem offers a wide range of products with energy-efficient technology and smart features, AO Smith is praised for durability and high recovery rates — ideal for larger households. Pricing is relatively similar, with most standard AO Smith tank water heaters ranging from $500 to $1,500. AO Smith units typically come with warranties of up to 15 years, similar to Rheem’s higher-end models. However, AO Smith’s product lineup isn’t quite as tech-forward as Rheem’s EcoNet-enabled models.

Rheem vs. Bradford White

Bradford White focuses exclusively on water heaters and is highly regarded for quality craftsmanship and long-term performance. Unlike Rheem, Bradford White products are only sold through plumbing wholesalers and contractors, meaning you won’t find them in major retailers or online marketplaces. This can limit accessibility and price transparency. Additionally, since you’ll need to go through a licensed installer, installation costs may be higher, and shopping around for pricing is harder. That said, Bradford White is a favorite among professionals for reliability, though the lack of smart features and hybrid models makes Rheem a more versatile choice for tech-savvy or efficiency-minded homeowners.

Rheem vs. GE Appliances

GE water heaters are typically seen as budget-friendly, basic models with broad availability. Found in many big-box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, GE products are easy to buy and install, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a straightforward solution. However, GE’s offerings are more limited in scope: you’ll mainly find standard electric and gas tank models, with fewer options for tankless or hybrid systems. Rheem, by contrast, offers a wider range of innovative features, including smart app control, solar integration, and heat pump technology. While GE’s price range is appealing (starting as low as $400 to $800), Rheem offers better long-term value for those prioritizing energy efficiency and advanced features.

Red modern dishwasher half open

Is Rheem Right for Me?

If you’re ready for the wave of the future, Rheem has it. The innovative company offers leak-sensing technology, a powerful app that controls your water heater from anywhere, and energy efficient solutions that help you get the most for your money. The long warranties ensure peace of mind.

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