The Most Reliable Water Heater Brands On The Market

Your water heater is probably your most vital appliance in your home. Your family depends on hot water throughout the day. And your water heater can account to nearly 20 percent of a home’s energy costs. So it’s important to choose a reliable water heater brand.

We sent out more than 15,000 satisfaction surveys to homeowners by email asking them about their experiences with hot water heaters that they owned. We gathered information and discovered which water heater brands are tops in reliability. For each brand, we’ve also chosen our favorite models from its current line – but if you don’t like our selection, there should be plenty more to pick from.

1. Rheem Water Heater

Rheem Manufacturing Company is an American privately held manufacturer that produces residential and commercial water heaters and boilers, as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment. The company was founded in 1925 with a simple mission: “help your family enjoy a new degree of comfort with solutions that keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter and enjoying hot water year-round.

With nearly 100 years of experience, Rheem is a leader in the water heating market. Rheem today is the largest manufacturer of water heating products in North America. Rheem is headquartered in Atlanta, and it has an international presence in 14 countries. The company’s premium water heater brands include Rheem, Ruud, Richmond, and EcoSmart.

Rheem has the most extensive range of hot water systems available in the US. Solar, gas or electric storage, tankless or heat pump water heaters. Rheem water heaters are available in multiple sizes and with multiple warranties, with energy-efficiency claims that vary by size. Rheem tankless water heaters are the most popular on-demand water heaters in the US. Its electric tank water heaters require very little maintenance and recover quickly.

Rheem tankless water heaters are the best tankless electric products available. They are ideal for any application to get instantaneous hot water on demand. If you’re looking for a tankless water heater for home, we would highly recommend this brand, you can be sure to save water and money.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 4.5/5

Recommended: 95% of Customers

“Awesome water heater brand!”

I have had a Rheem water heater for about 4 years. I had it professionally installed and it’s absolutely amazing. It always seems to have hot water available, and I do love my long hot showers. I have yet to have a single problem with it, as it still runs like I just bought it. I’m sure it will run perfectly fine for the next few years. I would totally buy other Rheem brands, I might consider a smaller unit as I think this one is too big for my current needs, It’s a huge water heater, just make sure you have enough clearance for it. I can’t complain about the installation or product cost either, good value for everything. If you want a good decent professional water heater, buy a Rheem!

2. A.O.Smith Water Heater

A.O. Smith Corporation is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heaters and water softener solutions, offering a comprehensive product line featuring the best-known brands in North America. The company was founded in 1874 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where today the company is headquartered.

A.O. Smith makes residential and commercial water heaters, boilers and storage tanks that are sold exclusively by plumbing wholesalers and plumbing contractors. It manufacturers tankless, hybrid, solar and high-efficiency gas tank water heaters.

A.O.Smith gas water heaters are the most reliable water heaters on the US market. They deliver all the hot water you need with a very high energy efficiency rating and a fast recovery rate. Many A.O. Smith hot water heaters qualify for the Energy Star efficiency ratings and also qualify for many state tax credits and utility rebate programs. Capacities for A.O.Smith water heaters range from 2.5 gallons for point of use specialty water heaters to 120 gallons for storage tank water heaters.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 3.9/5

Recommended: 79% of Customers

“My A.O.Smith water heater is still working since 1993!”

I don’t know why others are complaining so much. My original A.O. Smith 50-gallon water heater, installed when the house was built in 1993, is still going after 23 years! I know what brand I’ll be buying when it finally does give up the ghost!

3. Bradford White Water Heater

Bradford White Corporation is an American-owned company that leads the U.S. in the manufacturing of water heating, space heating for residential and commercial applications. Bradford White locates all its factories in the USA for a better product.

Bradford White Corporation is made up of Bradford White Water Heaters. Bradford White produces the highest quality water heaters on the market. They come in gas and electric models. Water heaters from Bradford White are known for costing a bit more than other brands, but providing long-term, trouble-free usage that ends up saving its owners money.

Bradford White offers its water heaters exclusively through authorized representatives and wholesale distributors for sale to qualified installers. That means they don’t sell their products directly to consumers. So it’s hard to find any valuable advice or in-depth review for this water heater brand around the internet from people who’ve had experiences with Bradford White water heater. If you want a real answer, you’ll have to go out and ask an expert.

If you decide to get a water heater from this brand, keep in mind that Bradford White does not warranty its product unless it’s installed by a professional. You’ll get around 10-year warranty or maybe more. The only other heater manufacturer that does warranties that long is Rheem, the rest give you 4-6 year warranties. The main disadvantage of Bradford White water heaters is that they are too pricey. They can cost twice as much as other comparable units.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 4.1/5

Recommended: 83% of Customers

“From my experiences, it’s one of the best water heater brands that will save money in the long run.”

I have owned a Bradford White water heater for about 9 years now. What we like: It’s, in theory, energy efficient and has been without issue in the 9 years we have lived with it. What we don’t like: Sometimes slow to heat water and adjusting the temperature can be difficult. No repairs or replacement. I think I would recommend this water heater brand. I think the problems of temperature control placement are something easily resolved and would think that they would have been fixed in 9 years.

4. Rinnai Water Heater

Rinnai is a Japanese company that was founded in 1920 by Hidejiro Naito and Kanekichi Hayashi. They started by manufacturing and selling pressurized oil cooking stoves. Rinnai water heaters have been producing since 1964. Rinnai tankless water heaters and Rheem water heaters are the most popular tankless models on the market. Today, more than 30 million Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters have been installed worldwide.

Rinnai is a trusted brand in the tankless water heater industry and that is proven in that Rinnai tankless water heaters have been recommended by lots of owners and plumbers. Rinnai has an extensive selection of tankless water heaters, so you can choose the best system for your home or business. And if you still aren’t sure a Rinnai tankless water heater is the right choice for you, read its reviews on Amazon. It gets so many positive reviews from both owners and fellow professional reviewers.

Thanks to their superior design and engineering, Rinnai home and water heating products continually raise the standard of comfort, convenience, and reliability. Because of their dedication to delivering quality at every level, Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters are the top-selling tankless water-heating brand in the U.S. and Canada. Rinnai tankless water heaters often come with 12-year warranty or more.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 4.3/5

Recommended: 80% of Customers

“Rinnai tankless heater worth the extra money.”

I finally installed a tankless water heater. If I would have known how much better this is, I would have done it sooner. My Rinnai gas tankless water heater works well, is reasonably quiet, and gives me all the hot water I need and more. Expect my gas bills will be lower, and the tax credit for installation was a great bonus.

5. Ecosmart Tankless Water Heater

If saving money is important in your choice of tankless water heater, EcoSmart tankless water heaters are the best options.

EcoSmart is a privately owned manufacturer of green energy technology based out of Waterbury, Connecticut. Their patented self-modulating technology within the electric tankless water heater line can save customers up to 60% on their water heating bill as compared to a storage tank.

EcoSmart produces some of the cheapest tankless water heaters on the market. However, these tankless water heaters have a very good quality that is proven by the limited lifetime warranty. They are designed for efficiency, durability and easy replacement. That’s probably why they get such great reviews from buyers on Amazon.

EcoSmart’s water heaters use SmartBoost technology that will increase the efficiency and performance of your existing gas or electric tank by 45%, giving it the power of a much larger tank. You’ll get more power and more hot water for one low price and save big on large tank installation costs.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 4.7/5

Recommended: 87% of Customers

“Best tankless water heater brand, awesome bang for the buck!”

We have had an EcoSmart tankless water heater for 2 years and have not had to do any repairs. It is great because it is tankless and it saves a lot of space. I would recommend this brand to anyone who lives in an apartment or small condo and wants to save hundreds of dollars in initial expenses. However, one thing I dislike about EcoSmart tankless water heater is the sound it makes when it heats up the water, it could be kind of loud and gets annoying throughout the night.

6. GE GeoSpring Water Heater

General Electric has launched GeoSpring – the first hybrid heat pump electric water heater manufactured in the U.S. since 2014. And now, GE GeoSpring is the most popular heat pump water heater sold in the United States.

Many homeowners don’t realize their water heater is the second biggest energy-consuming appliance in their home. According to Energy.gov, water heating system can amount to nearly 17 percent of a home’s energy costs. So it’s important to consider a water heater which is as much energy-efficient as possible. The GE GeoSpring hybrid electric water heater is one of America’s most efficient 50-gallon and 80-gallon water heaters and saves the average household between $160 and $490 every year on their electric bill.

The GeoSpring is GE’s response to consumer demand for more efficient, environmentally friendly appliances. Some 60 million homes in the US use standard electric hot water heaters. By absorbing heat in the ambient air and transferring it to the heated water, the GeoSpring uses dramatically less energy. If 25% of all households switched to this hybrid system, it would reduce annual CO2 emissions to the same extent as removing 360,000 cars from the road.

Note: Haier bought GE Appliances, and GE Appliances stopped making the GeoSpring water heater at the end of 2016. So if you get a GE brand, it will most likely be old stock. And we’re not sure how that will change getting repair parts and service.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 4.7/5

Recommended: 93% of Customers

Best hybrid water heater brand ever, save me 50 dollars a month on electric bills”

I replaced my old leaking 50-gallon gas water heater by a new GeoSpring 50-gallon. I’m getting plenty of hot water with the unit set on heat pump only & the water heater has dried out the basement!!! The unit makes about as much noise as a small fan, however after putting on the dishwasher & clothes washer “hot water cycle” I was able to take a long hot shower without seeing any loss in water temperature. Even without the rebates & tax credits, it’s the least expensive water heater you can buy.

7. Stiebel Eltron Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron is a German company which was founded by Dr. Theodor Stiebel in 1924 to manufacture his revolutionary immersion water heaters. More than 90 years later, the company is still family owned and is a household name in Europe, known for the engineering and manufacturing excellence of tankless electric water heaters, space heaters, and heat pump water heaters. In 2017, Stiebel Eltron has been awarded Germany’s “2017 Innovation Prize”. The award is singling out Germany’s most innovative businesses – based on criteria such as investment, research & development, new products, and technology.

For 40 years Stiebel Eltron has developed innovative heat pump water heaters. They are designed to save space, provide great comfort and energy cost savings. They are also extremely versatile, they can be installed indoors and outdoors and work in lower temperatures. So if you’re looking for an energy efficient means of providing your home with hot water, the Stiebel Eltron heat pump hot water systems are the answer.

Stiebel Eltron also offers a range of tankless water heaters. The tankless water heaters take advantage of latent energy to provide you with a water heater that lowers your electricity consumption and helps the planet. Stiebel Eltron’s tankless water heaters are suitable for providing green hot water for both homes and commercial hot water.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 4.1/5

Recommended: 88% of Customers

Love this water heater brand, so far so good!

I’m very satisfied with my Stiebel Eltron heat pump water heater. I’ve had it for about 3 years. My model was engineered in Germany and assembled in the US. It’s an 80-gallon unit. My family of 5 has never run out of the water while bathing, doing laundry, and doing the dishes. My energy bill is low and this water heater boasts an Energy Star rating that goes to prove it. I have never had to repair anything on this water heater so far and find it very reliable. Overall, I would highly recommend this brand to any homeowner who is looking for a reliable water heater.

8. Bosch Water Heater

Headquartered in Germany, Bosch is one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive components, household appliances, miter saws, table saws, security systems, water heating systems and more. Everyone knows and respects Bosch for its unsurpassed commitment to quality and innovation. Bosch water heater is highly recommended by professional contractors and is a brand that loyal customers refer to their friends and family. With over 125 years of engineering experience, Bosch is the brand you can trust.

Tankless water heaters are the main water heating products of Bosch. Bosch tankless water heaters are renowned for their reliability and longevity. All products are built using top-grade materials and tested to meet the highest standards for performance and sustainability, which is why Bosch can back tankless products with the most generous warranties in the industry.

If you’re looking for a tankless water heater that is powered by natural gas, we’d highly recommend you get a model from Bosch. Bosch natural gas tankless water heater is one the most efficient units on the market. It uses Smart Bosch Technology that delivers up to 98% efficient. That means Bosch will save you a lot of money on gas bills.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 4/5

Recommended: 82% of Customers

“There is no better way than Bosch”

I’m glad I purchased Bosch tankless water heater, this been saving lots of money. At first had to get used to the difference between a tankless and a tank heater and be sure you have an electric junction box that can handle the electric requirements of this unit. Otherwise, it has been working great. I would buy the same brand again.

9. Takagi

If you’ve been researching tankless water heaters around the internet, you would see many reviewers seem to be in favor of Takagi.

Takagi is a Japan manufacturing company that has delivered innovative hot water solutions for over 60 years. Takagi provides an energy-efficient water heating solution with long-lasting value for years after it’s installed. Unlike other manufacturers, Takagi is the company specializing in tankless-only products to enter the North American market. They have been trying to produce only the highest quality, eco-friendly and innovative tankless products possible in hopes to help relieve global warming.

Takagi tankless water heaters provide endless hot water when sized appropriately for your home’s needs. Provides you with continuous hot water in one of the most energy-efficient ways possible. On top of that, a Takagi tankless water heater takes up much less space and is supported by a very good customer service.

Takagi often provides a 15-year heat exchanger 5-year parts warranty on residential models. Extended service protection options are available.

A.O. Smith acquired all of Takagi USA’s assets in 2010

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 3.8/5

Recommended: 75% of Customers

I love Takagi

I have owned a Tagaki tankless water heater for about 1 years and it is great. I like that it runs on natural gas and LP gas. I hope it lasts for many years. The only thing I don’t like about it is I have a large family so when we all need to take a shower in the morning right after each other sometimes the last person will not have enough hot water. So far we have not had to do any repairs. I think this is one of the best water heater brands on the market, strongly recommend!

10. Kenmore Water Heater

Kenmore has become an iconic brand since its first agitator washer was introduced 90 years ago. Today, Kenmore is one of the most trusted brands in the US. There are many Kenmore models at or near the top of our appliance ratings. And nearly one in three U.S. homes contains a Kenmore major appliance, according to Sears.

Kenmore water heaters are available in a variety of types: electric, hybrid heat pump, natural gas, and propane powered – all of which are beneficial in their own ways and well suited for certain homes and needs. Kenmore water heaters are all made by A.O.Smith parent company.

In terms of reliability, Kenmore water heaters have held their own in our surveys, in which we ask our readers about the repair rates of the water heaters in their homes. Warranties on Kenmore water heaters and parts range from six to twelve years, which is slightly lower than Rheem’s warranty but still higher than the average brand’s warranty.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Recommended: 70% of Customers

“Good and very reliable water heater brand”

I love Kenmore. All of my kitchen appliances are Kenmore brand. Last year I bought a wonderful 50-gallon electric water heater from Kenmore and it works perfectly.

11. American Standard Water Heater

For over 130 years, American Standard has been the most trusted & widely recognized brand of commercial and residential water heaters across the United States.

American Standard Water Heaters manufactures high-quality electric, heat pump, natural & propane gas, tankless condensing and storage tank type commercial and residential water heaters with BTU inputs ranging from 76,100 to 512,000 – designed to deliver large amounts of hot water economically, for applications requiring rapid hourly hot water recovery. Typical applications include large and small residences, restaurants, apartment buildings, multi-family developments, motels, hotels, hospitals, Laundromats, car washes, schools and industrial buildings.

Traditionally, commercial water heaters are delivered with a standard 3-year warranty, a norm in the commercial water heaters industry within the U.S. American Standard Water Heaters are available with the 4-year warranty as a standard and across the entire line of commercial water heaters, apart from their high-efficiency Series. The introduction of the company’s 4-year warranty represents a 33% increase in coverage, a first in the industry, which includes 1-year parts and labor warranty coverage. The move is intended to underscore American Standard Water Heaters assertion that their commercial water heaters will perform far longer than comparable commercial water heaters of competitors.

If you’re looking for a high-performance water heating solution for commercial applications, this water heater brand is a good option to consider.

From our surveys:

Average Customer Satisfaction Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Recommended: 73% of Customers

Too pricey, but good

I have owned a gas water heater from American Standard for a few months. It’s a large water heater, so I can take very long showers with no problem. It has a nice temperature stat on it which makes it easy to set it to the perfect temperature. But, it was too pricey, nearly $4,000 for a 50-gallon unit. While I could get the same model from Rheem at half price. I think this is a good water heater brand but the price should be lower.

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