The Most Reliable Water Heater, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the water heater you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 11, 2024 06:58

A reliable water heater is essential in any household, providing consistently hot water for showers, cooking, and cleaning without interruption. However, with so many options on the market, it can be a daunting task to choose the right one. This list has been created to help alleviate that uncertainty by compiling user reviews and votes to identify which models stand out as the most dependable. Each entry on this list has been assessed based on durability, efficiency, and user satisfaction, reflecting real-world experiences rather than promotional claims. By participating in voting and leaving feedback, you help ensure that our rankings are up-to-date and accurately represent the collective opinion of consumers. This will guide future buyers in making an informed decision, ultimately leading to more satisfaction and fewer disappointments.

What Is the Most Reliable Water Heater?

1

38
votes
Rheem Performance Platinum 50 gal. Electric Water Heater

Rheem

This water heater has a 12-year warranty and is Energy Star certified, making it highly reliable and efficient.
The Rheem Performance Platinum 50 gal. Electric Water Heater is a highly reliable and efficient water heating solution. It is designed to provide consistent hot water for residential use. With its advanced features and durable construction, it offers excellent performance and long-lasting reliability.

Tank Capacity: 50 gallons

Energy Efficiency: Energy Star certified

First Hour Rating: 65 gallons

Recovery Rate: 21 gallons per hour

Wattage: 5500 watts
2

34
votes
AO Smith Signature Premier 50 gal. Gas Water Heater

AO Smith

This water heater has a self-cleaning feature that helps prolong its lifespan, and it also has a 12-year warranty.
The AO Smith Signature Premier 50 gal. Gas Water Heater is a high-quality and reliable water heating system that ensures a constant supply of hot water for your household needs. It is designed to deliver efficient and consistent performance, making it one of the most trusted water heaters in the market.

Capacity: 50 gallons

Energy Source: Natural gas

Efficiency: Energy Star certified

Recovery Rate: Gallons per hour: 41

First Hour Rating: 88 gallons
3

11
votes
Bradford White AeroTherm Heat Pump Water Heater

Bradford White Corporation

This energy-efficient water heater uses heat pump technology to provide hot water, and it has a 10-year warranty.
The Bradford White AeroTherm Heat Pump Water Heater is a highly reliable water heater that utilizes advanced heat pump technology for efficient and cost-effective heating. It is designed to provide reliable hot water supply while significantly reducing energy consumption.

Capacity: 50-80 gallons

Energy Efficiency: Energy Star certified

Heat Pump Technology: Utilizes ambient air to heat water, reducing energy consumption

Operating Mode: Heat Pump Mode, Electric Mode, Hybrid Mode

Recovery Rate: Up to 30.3 gallons per hour
4

14
votes
Navien NPE-240A Tankless Gas Water Heater

Navien

This tankless water heater has a high efficiency rating and a long lifespan, and it also has a 15-year warranty.
The Navien NPE-240A Tankless Gas Water Heater is a highly reliable and efficient water heating system designed to provide on-demand hot water. It is a powerful and compact unit that utilizes advanced technology to deliver continuous hot water supply while reducing energy consumption.

BTU Input: 19,900 - 199,000

Flow Rate: 0.5 - 11.2 GPM

Energy Factor: 0.97

Temperature Range: 98°F - 140°F

Efficiency: Up to 98%
5

19
votes
Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus Tankless Electric Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron

This tankless water heater is highly efficient and has a long lifespan, with a 7-year warranty.
The Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus Tankless Electric Water Heater is a highly reliable water heater designed to provide continuous hot water supply without the need for a storage tank. It uses advanced technology to deliver hot water on demand while ensuring energy efficiency and cost savings.

Power Output: 12 kW

Voltage: 240 Volts

Amperage: 50 Amps

Flow Rate: Up to 4.5 gallons per minute

Temperature Range: 86°F - 140°F
Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus Tankless Electric Water Heater in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most reliable hot water heater
6

9
votes
Westinghouse WER052C2X045N06 Electric Water Heater

Westinghouse

This electric water heater is highly reliable and energy efficient, with a 6-year warranty.
The Westinghouse WER052C2X045N06 Electric Water Heater is a high-performance and energy-efficient water heating appliance. It is designed to provide a reliable and consistent supply of hot water for residential use.

Capacity: 52 gallons

Wattage: 4500 Watts

Voltage: 240 Volts

Energy Efficiency: 0.95 EF (Energy Factor)

Tank Material: Stainless Steel
7

9
votes
Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

Rinnai Corporation

This tankless water heater has a long lifespan and high efficiency, with a 12-year warranty.
The Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater is a top-of-the-line water heater designed for efficient and continuous hot water supply. It eliminates the need for a traditional water storage tank and provides on-demand hot water whenever needed.

Fuel Type: Natural Gas

Max BTU: 199,000

Flow Rate: Up to 9.8 gallons per minute

Energy Efficiency: Up to 0.96 Energy Factor

Temperature Range: 98°F - 140°F
8

7
votes
EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater

EcoSmart

This tankless water heater is highly energy efficient and has a long lifespan, with a lifetime warranty.
The EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater is a highly efficient and reliable water heating solution for residential use. It delivers an endless supply of hot water with its advanced self-modulating technology. Designed to be compact and easy to install, it saves space while providing an energy-efficient solution for all your hot water needs.

Power: 27 kW

Voltage: 240 V

Amperage: 113 A

Flow Rate: up to 6.5 GPM

Temperature Range: 80-140°F
9

12
votes
American Standard CE-12-AS Electric Water Heater

American Standard

This electric water heater is highly reliable and efficient, with a 6-year warranty.
The American Standard CE-12-AS Electric Water Heater is a highly reliable and durable water heating system that provides efficient performance and consistent hot water supply. It is designed to meet the hot water needs of households or small commercial establishments.

Energy Efficiency: 0.94 EF

Capacity: 12 gallons

Voltage: 120 volts

Wattage: 2000 watts

Heating Element: Incoloy Stainless Steel
American Standard CE-12-AS Electric Water Heater in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most reliable hot water heater
10

3
votes
Kenmore Elite 59250 Electric Water Heater

Kenmore

This electric water heater is highly reliable and energy efficient, with a 12-year warranty.
The Kenmore Elite 59250 Electric Water Heater is a high-quality and efficient water heater designed for residential use. It is known for its reliability, durability, and excellent performance, providing a continuous supply of hot water whenever needed. With its sleek and compact design, it can easily fit into any space.

Capacity: 50 gallons

Type: Electric

Energy Efficiency: EF 3.95

Recovery Rate: 21 gallons per hour

First Hour Rating: 91 gallons

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable water heater

Brand reputation

Choose a water heater from a trusted brand with a proven track record of quality and reliability. 2. Energy efficiency: Look for a water heater that has high energy efficiency ratings to save on utility bills. 3. Size: Ensure the water heater is appropriately sized for your home's hot water needs. 4. Type of water heater: Consider the various types of water heaters available, such as tankless, electric, gas, or solar, and choose the one that best suits your needs. 5. Warranty: Look for a water heater that comes with a warranty to ensure it is protected against any defects or malfunctions. 6. Maintenance: Choose a water heater with low maintenance requirements to avoid unexpected repairs or replacements.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable water heater. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or water heater is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1739 views
157 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Rheem Performance Platinum 50 gal. Electric Water Heater
AO Smith Signature Premier 50 gal. Gas Water Heater
Westinghouse WER052C2X045N06 Electric Water Heater
Kenmore Elite 59250 Electric Water Heater

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each water heater once every 24 hours. The rank of each water heater is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable water heater

Water heaters are an essential home appliance that provides hot water for various purposes, including bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Choosing the right water heater is important to ensure that you have a reliable and efficient source of hot water. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. When it comes to reliability, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the type of water heater you choose. Tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency and reliability, as they only heat water as needed, eliminating the risk of running out of hot water. On the other hand, traditional tank water heaters store hot water in a tank, which can run out if you use all the hot water. Another factor to consider is the brand and model of the water heater. Look for a reputable brand that has a proven track record of reliability and durability. You can also read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their experiences with a particular model. Regular maintenance is also crucial to ensure the reliability of your water heater. Make sure to flush the tank annually to remove any sediment buildup, and have a professional inspect and service your water heater regularly. In summary, choosing a reliable water heater involves considering the type of water heater, the brand and model, and regular maintenance. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you have a dependable source of hot water for your home.