When people ask for the best water heater brand, the same three names keep coming up: Rheem, Bradford White, and A. O. Smith. These three brands offer reliable water heaters, good energy efficiency, and a long history in the plumbing world. They are also the brands professional plumbers recommend most often when someone needs a new hot water heater installed in a hurry.
This guide walks through how these three brands compare on cost, energy efficiency, types of water heaters, and long term performance so you can make an informed decision for your home.
The Three Brands At A Glance
Contents
- 1 The Three Brands At A Glance
- 2 Rheem: Versatile And Well Rounded
- 3 Bradford White: Heavy Duty And Pro Grade
- 4 A. O. Smith: Efficiency And Advanced Electric Options
- 5 Side By Side: Storage Tank Water Heaters
- 6 Side By Side: Tankless Water Heaters
- 7 Side By Side: Heat Pump Water Heaters And Hybrid Options
- 8 Energy Efficiency, Operating Costs, And Lifespan
- 9 Energy Efficiency And Energy Bills
- 10 Initial Cost Versus Long Term Savings
- 11 Lifespan And Reliability
- 12 Other Features And Details That Matter
- 13 What About Solar Water Heaters And Other Brands?
- 14 So Which Brand Should You Pick?
- 15 Talk Through Your Options With A Pro
Before getting into the details, here is a quick snapshot of the three brands.
Brand | Best For | Typical Style Used Most | Notes |
Rheem | Overall value and variety | Gas and electric tanks | Strong mix of tank and tankless |
Bradford White | Long life and pro grade tanks | Gas storage tank | Plumber favorite for durability |
A. O. Smith | Efficiency and advanced electric options | Heat pump and efficient electric | Great for energy savings over time |
All three brands offer gas models, electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters. The right choice comes down to your fuel type, how much hot water you need, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Rheem: Versatile And Well Rounded
Rheem water heaters show up everywhere, from starter homes to larger houses that frequently run showers, laundry, and dishwashers. Rheem offers gas, electric, tankless, and heat pump water heaters, so there is almost always a model that fits.
What Rheem does well:
- Wide selection of storage tank units and tankless water heaters for different fuel types.
- Many energy efficient models that use less energy and can help lower utility bills.
- Options for small spaces, basements, garages, and tight closets.
- Good balance of initial cost and long term reliability when properly installed.
Types of Rheem units you will see:
- Standard gas models that heat water directly with a burner and vent exhaust gases safely outside.
- Electric water heaters that use elements to heat water in a glass lined tank.
- Heat pump water heaters that transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water instead of generating heat directly.
- Tankless units that use a heat exchanger to provide hot water on demand.
Rheem is often the best brand to look at first if you want a flexible option that covers most situations and you like having lots of models and sizes to choose from.
Bradford White: Heavy Duty And Pro Grade
Bradford White water heaters are often called out by name when you ask plumbers which hot water heater brand they trust the most. These units are built for reliable performance and a long lifespan when maintained properly.
What Bradford White does well:
- Heavy duty gas and electric storage tank water heaters with durable glass lined tanks.
- Many models designed for natural gas, which is still a common fuel source in many homes.
- Construction that stands up well to regular use and proper maintenance.
- Strong focus on the basics: enough hot water, stable performance, and fewer problems.
Why plumbers often prefer Bradford White:
- Tanks are designed for long term use when you replace the anode rod and keep up with regular maintenance.
- Layout makes it easier to service components, check the pressure relief valve, and ensure optimal performance.
- Pro only distribution means most Bradford White water heaters are installed by licensed professionals rather than as DIY projects.
Bradford White is usually the first choice when durability is the most important consideration and you want a storage tank that can go the distance.
A. O. Smith: Efficiency And Advanced Electric Options
- O. Smith is well known for energy efficient models, especially in electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters. If you are focused on energy savings and lower long term costs, this brand is worth a very close look.
What A. O. Smith does well:
- Many highly efficient electric models and hybrid heat pump water heaters that use less energy.
- Good selection of Energy Star certified models that meet strict energy efficiency standards.
- Strong option for homes that do not have natural gas and rely on electric water heating.
- Advanced technology in some units, including digital displays and controls to enhance efficiency and provide hot water more intelligently.
Where A. O. Smith makes the most sense:
- You want long term savings on your energy bills and are comfortable with a higher initial cost.
- You are replacing an older electric tank that uses a lot of energy.
- You are planning to stay in the home long enough for energy savings to pay off.
- O. Smith becomes very attractive when you want a modern, energy efficient system that uses less energy without sacrificing enough hot water for your family.
Side By Side: Storage Tank Water Heaters
For many homes, the most common type of water heater is still a standard storage tank. Here is how the three brands compare in that category.
Feature | Rheem | Bradford White | A. O. Smith |
Focus | Broad range for all budgets | Heavy duty pro grade tanks | Mix of standard and efficient models |
Typical fuel type | Natural gas and electric | Mostly natural gas and propane | Strong in electric and gas |
Energy efficiency | Good, depends on model | Solid, with focus on durability | Often offers higher efficiency models |
Lifespan potential | Good when maintained properly | Very strong when maintained properly | Strong, especially in better lines |
All three brands build good tank water heaters. Rheem gives you the widest variety, Bradford White gives you the heaviest construction, and A. O. Smith gives you more energy efficient models in the electric category.
Side By Side: Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless units heat water as it flows rather than storing it in a large tank. This can offer a constant supply of hot water when sized correctly.
Feature | Rheem Tankless | Bradford White Tankless | A. O. Smith Tankless |
Fuel source | Natural gas, propane, some electric tankless water heaters | Mainly natural gas and propane | Natural gas, propane, some electric |
Best use case | General tankless installations | Pro grade installs | Efficiency focused upgrades |
Key factors | Good variety and solid value | Robust units for pro installs | Strong energy efficiency options |
For tankless water heaters, these brands all work well when they are sized and installed correctly. It is important to consider how much hot water your home uses and to have professional installation to ensure proper venting, fuel supply, and optimal performance.
Side By Side: Heat Pump Water Heaters And Hybrid Options
Heat pump water heaters are one of the most energy efficient ways to heat water with electricity. They transfer heat from surrounding air into the water rather than using elements to heat water directly.
Feature | Rheem Heat Pump / Hybrid | Bradford White Hybrid | A. O. Smith Heat Pump / Hybrid |
Focus | Strong, popular models | Available hybrids | Very strong, many efficient models |
Energy efficiency | Uses much less energy than standard electric | More efficient than basic tanks | Often highly efficient |
Best for | Electric homes focused on energy savings | Homes upgrading from standard tanks | Long term savings and efficiency |
Heat pump water heaters do have a higher initial cost, but they use less energy and can save money over time. They need enough space to pull in air, and they work best in areas that are not extremely cold year round.
Energy Efficiency, Operating Costs, And Lifespan
When comparing these three brands, it is helpful to weigh three main factors: energy efficiency, energy bills, and lifespan.
Energy Efficiency And Energy Bills
- A. O. Smith and Rheem both offer highly efficient models, especially in heat pump water heaters and better gas units.
- Bradford White tends to focus on solid performance and long lifespan, and still offers good efficiency in many gas models.
- Choosing a more efficient model can use less energy and save money every month, especially in homes that frequently run hot water.
Initial Cost Versus Long Term Savings
- Basic tanks from any of these brands will have a lower initial cost.
- Heat pump water heaters and other high efficiency models cost more up front but can offer long term savings on utility bills.
- It is worth thinking about how long you plan to stay in the home and how much hot water your family uses.
Lifespan And Reliability
- Bradford White is often considered the strongest in tank durability when maintained properly.
- Rheem and A. O. Smith both perform well when you keep up with regular maintenance like checking the anode rod and flushing the tank.
All three brands benefit from proper installation and professional setup.
Other Features And Details That Matter
No matter which brand you choose, a few design details help with reliability and safety.
- A good pressure relief valve protects the tank from overheating or excess pressure.
- Glass lined tanks help protect steel from corrosion.
- Some models include brass drain valves, which are more durable than plastic ones.
- Certain units offer digital displays and advanced features so you can monitor water heating, adjust temperature, and enhance efficiency.
- Proper installation and regular maintenance ensure optimal performance and a long lifespan.
If your water heater is old and you discover corroded pipes during replacement, you may also need whole home repiping to ensure your entire plumbing system works properly.
These details may not be the first thing you think about when comparing brands, but they play a big role in how trouble free your system is over the years.
What About Solar Water Heaters And Other Brands?
Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to help heat water and are often paired with a gas or electric backup system for cloudy days and times of high demand. They are not typically made by Rheem, Bradford White, or A. O. Smith as the main product line, but they can work alongside these brands as the storage tank or backup water heating source.
There are also other brands on the market, but Rheem, Bradford White, and A. O. Smith are three brands that have proven themselves over time and are widely available. Sticking with a major brand that plumbers know and trust is usually a safer bet than a bargain brand with no track record.
So Which Brand Should You Pick?
Here is a simple way to choose between the three brands.
- Pick Rheem if you want a wide variety of water heater brands, fuel types, and price points, and you like a good mix of value and performance.
- Pick Bradford White if you want a tough, pro grade tank that focuses on reliable performance and you do not mind having a plumber source and install it for you.
- Pick A. O. Smith if you are focused on energy efficiency, especially with electric or heat pump water heaters, and you are planning for long term savings.
All three can be the best water heater brand for the right home. The key is matching the brand and model to your fuel type, your space, and how much hot water your household actually needs.
Talk Through Your Options With A Pro
It is a lot easier to choose the right brand when you are not doing it alone. A good plumber will look at your fuel source, your current setup, your hot water demand, and your budget before recommending a specific brand and model.
K L Contractor Plumbing helps homeowners compare these three brands every week. If you are trying to decide between Rheem vs Bradford White or looking at A. O. Smith and other brands, we can walk you through the pros and cons in plain language.
If you want to be sure you are getting the right size, the right type, and the right brand for your home, reach out to K L Contractor Plumbing for professional installation and honest advice.
