Enjoy having hot water in your shower every morning? How about when you're washing dishes?

Well, that hot water doesn't appear out of thin air — it's all thanks to your home's water heater. While you may not think about this unit often, it's one of the most important appliances in any home, office, or commercial establishment.

But when shopping for the best water heater, what exactly are the things you should look for? Just as if you're shopping for any appliance, such as a refrigerator or a dishwasher, doing a bit of advanced research and consideration will go a long way in terms of ensuring you get the appliance that best fits your needs.

You'll want to take into account things like tank size and energy efficiency. You'll also want to factor in where the water heater will be installed, and how big the unit is to make sure it'll fit.

Read up on our picks for the best water heaters on the market — you're sure to find the best water heater that will let you have long, hot showers whenever the mood strikes.

Who doesn’t want to save a little extra money on their energy bill? With the help of the Westinghouse 80 Gallon Electric Water Heater, your bills will be a lot less jaw-dropping when you open them! That’s because the tank provides long-lasting waves of hot water without requiring copious amounts of energy.

First off, this water heater comes with a completely adjustable thermostat so you can customize the temperature of the water in your home to fit your level of comfort. And if you like things hot, that’s okay. The tank contains high-limit control so that nothing ever overheats. Also, the water tank is resistant to corrosion thanks to its high-grade stainless steel and low-watt density.

The tank’s stainless steel build is made to last, providing you with peace of mind — constantly replacing water heaters will finally be a thing of the past! With a laser-welded tank and a build of 316L stainless steel, there’s no need for anode rods, not to mention the fact that this means the thing is truly built to last. Unlike other coated tanks, this stainless steel one can stand strong against limescale build-up and rust

But perhaps the best part about this water tank is its lifetime limited warranty! That way, you’re always covered, no matter what comes your way.

Key Features
  • Stainless steel tank
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • 20 GPH recovery at 90-degree rise
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Energy-efficient
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 69 x 23.2 x 69 inches
  • Voltage: 240 volts
  • Wattage: 4.5 KW
  • Size: 80 gallons
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Type: Electric
Pros
  • Adjustable thermostat provides ultimate comfort
  • Its build negates the need for anode rods
  • Easy maintenance thanks to stainless steel tank
Cons
  • Heating elements can’t withstand pressure
  • Only covered under warranty if installed by a professional

The importance of hot water is something not many people think about, until it actually becomes an issue. There’s nothing like an ice cold shower to ruin your day, and washing dishes without hot water is a sanitary issue. Having a reliable hot water heater is crucial for modern day living and Bradford White BWC RE350S6-1NCWW is a heater you can count on.

Bradford White BWC RE350S6 water heater is made by a company that puts its customers first when designing their products. The BW RE350S6 is a high efficiency heater that has won the Energy Star award for its energy efficiency compared to other heaters. This not only helps keep your utility bills low, it is also better for the environment.

Corrosion is one of the leading causes of water heater failures, so Bradford White has created a lining called Vitraglas to be installed in their BW RE350S6 water heater models. Vitraglas is an enamel tank lining that forms a protective barrier from corrosive elements in the hot water and the water heater. This will help extend your heaters lifespan and its overall longevity.

While Bradford White’s customer service is highly rated and their products are high quality, there are some drawbacks to the BW RE350S6 water heater. Their warranty only covers products installed by Bradford White licensed engineers, which can be pricey. These tanks also struggle in hard water areas due to their anode rod being made of magnesium, which produces hydrogen in hard water. This will leave your water smelling strange.

Overall, Bradford White’s BW RE350S6 hot water heater is a great choice for anyone looking to make a smaller carbon footprint while also bringing down your monthly costs.

Key Features
  • 4500 watt elements
  • Vitraglas enamel tank liner
  • EnergyStar certified
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 48 in
  • Size: 50 gallons
  • Warranty: 6 years
  • Type: Electric
  • Brand: Bradford White
Pros
  • Protective magnesium anode rod
  • Non-simultaneous
  • Includes 4500 watt elements
Cons
  • The anode rod is made with magnesium which creates hydrogen in hard water areas
  • If used in hard water area, corrosion can happen within 6-7 years

This 50-gallon electric water heater is about as durable as it gets. The fact that it’s seamless and blow-molded ensures this polybutene tank stays rust and corrosion-free for as long as you have it. And at a whopping 100 pounds, this water tank stands strong and sturdy.

The Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater has the strength of the Hulk himself. That is, if the Hulk were covered in layers of filament-wound fiberglass. But along with the water tank’s strength comes incredible durability — many people who keep these in their homes don’t have to replace them or make repairs for many years at a time. Plus its polyethylene shell makes it nearly impossible to get dents or chips in the tank at all.

Another great feature this water heater exhibits is its energy efficiency. If you’re looking to cut down on your electric bills each month, this water heater will definitely make a difference. It’s insulated with polyurethane, making it quite energy-efficient.

The water heater is also very powerful. Even in an emergency power outage, you can depend on this thing to keep your water warm for hours. And if you’re worried about leaks, don’t be. The tank boasts a recessed drain valve and a high-temperature polysulfone dip tube, built to last.

Key Features
  • 20-Gallon GPH at a 90-degree rise
  • Thermally-fused
  • Brass drain valve
  • Electric-powered
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 23.5 x 23.5 x 62.8 inches
  • Size: 50 gallons
  • Warranty: Lifetime limited on tank, 6 years on parts
  • Type: Electric
  • Brand: Rheem
Pros
  • No chemical reaction smells
  • Holds onto heat for a long time even in a power outage
  • Easy to self-install
Cons
  • Poor customer service

The A.O. Smith XCR-50 ProMax Plus High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater is built to last, it’s that simple. Built with strength in mind, this water heater is no match for corrosion, limescale, or other things that often shorten the life of appliances like this. Plus, the tank is very energy-efficient.

Thanks to the self-powered electronic gas valve that uses thermopile, the water tank only generates the exact amount of energy needed, ensuring your bills won’t make you want to cry each month. And while the tank uses a minimal amount of energy, it’s able to produce an incredible amount of heated water, consistently. The tank contains something called an internal microprocessor that creates operating parameters for precise volume control and timely heating.

And unlike other water heaters, you’ll find online, this one is built to withstand years of use at a time. Thanks to the water tank’s blue diamond glass coating, you’ll never see the tank suffer from corrosion — even with its industry-grade glass lining. In addition to its sustainable build, the water heater also boasts a dynaclean diffuser dip tube, significantly reducing sediment build-up and limescale. This in turn ensures water comes out efficiently and in steady amounts.

It’s also worth noting that this gas-powered water heater meets all standards established by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA).

Key Features
  • Blue diamond glass coating
  • Self-powered electronic gas valve
  • Fast heating response
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 57.2 inches
  • Size: 50 gallons
  • Warranty: 10-year limited on tank, 6-year limited on parts
  • Type: Gas
  • Brand: A.O. Smith
Pros
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Lime and sediment build-up unlikely thanks to dynaclean diffuser
  • Complies with the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act
Cons
  • Issues with warranty claims
  • Only comes in 50-gallon size

This gas-powered water heater is all about its user-friendly, maintenance-free design. Built to last for years at a time, this water heater boasts advanced technology and systems to ensure its ultimate efficiency and durability.

The Bradford White ICON System™ features intelligent gas control which features an “off the shelf” thermopile that literally eliminates the need for external electricity. That’s because this thermopile actually converts heat energy from the pilot flame into electrical energy, which then manipulates the gas valve and microprocessor. In other words, the tank doesn’t overuse unnecessary energy that would otherwise hike up your energy bill.

The tank also features an advanced temperature control system that keeps the burner in constant control, preventing temperature levels from jumping all over the place. And making it even more appealing, is the fact that it requires virtually little to no maintenance. That means you’ll never have to wipe down air openings or flame arrestors. And you can always take a peek into the tank’s sight window to make sure everything is running smoothly in the combustion chamber.

When it comes to troubleshooting, this tank keeps things simple. Thanks to its use of intelligent diagnostics, you can decipher 10 different diagnostic codes if needed. And for your convenience, you’ll be able to refer to a green LED light, assuring you that the pilot light is on and everything is running smoothly.

Key Features
  • Boasts Advanced ScreenLok Technology
  • Hydrojet Total Performance System
  • Intelligent gas control
  • Uses natural gas
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 60.5 inches
  • Size: 40 gallons
  • Warranty: Contact seller directly
  • Type: Gas
  • Brand: Bradford White
Pros
  • Sediment resistant
  • Intelligent diagnostics make it very user-friendly
  • No regular maintenance necessary
Cons
  • Poor customer service
  • Shipping isn’t protective enough

For some people, having hot water is more about quality versus quantity. Sometimes it’s more important to have some hot water immediately instead of a lot of warm water over an extended amount of time. If you like hot baths or hot water to wash dishes in, this one is for you. With the Bosch Electric Mini-Tank water heater, you have the luxury of hot water without the wait.

If you have limited space in your house or maybe you only need a small amount of water to the location, a huge water heater tank may not be the most efficient for your needs. The Bosch Electric Mini-Tank water heater is perfect for those smaller areas and can attach directly under your sink. With easy installation and easy access to temperature control, this water heater is efficient and convenient.

The Bosch Electric Mini-Tank water heater uses a glass liner as insulation and features an external dial to control the temperature. The sleek design of the heater makes it easy to blend in with the rest of your decor without seeming too bulky.

Having a small water heater such as the Bosch Electric Mini-Tank can help keep your utilities down and conserve water. With easy installation and a chance to hide the heater away, this would be an option for all those clutter haters or those small separate spaces.

Key Features
  • Convenient sized
  • Independent installation
  • Fast recovery rate
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 13.8 x 10.8 x 13.8 inches
  • Size: 2.5 gallons
  • Warranty: 6 year warranty on tank, 2 year warranty on parts
  • Type: Electric
  • Brand: Bosch
Pros
  • Instant use hot water
  • Easy Installation
  • Temperature control
Cons
  • Mineral deposit buildup
  • Potential pressure relief valve leakage

When it comes to homeownership, there’s nothing more disheartening than finding major repairs that will cost a fortune. Damage such as corrosion in your water tank is hard to catch until the issue is beyond repair. Fortunately, with the A.O. Smith PNS-50 water heater, the intentionally picked materials used help to combat corrosion and buildup.

A.O. Smith PNS-50 water heater heats your water using a glass lining and a blue diamond Permaglas glass coating. This not only helps with the heat but also helps your tank resist corrosion and lengthens your tank life.

The A.O. Smith PNS-50 water heater features a CoreGard aluminum anode with a stainless steel core, which provides more protection against corrosion longer than other anodes. Internal microprocessors allow for faster heating response and more precise sensing. This helps you get those warmer showers much faster without the cold waiting period.

The Dynaclean diffuser dip tube used by A.O. Smith PNS-50 water heaters is made from PEX cross-linked polymer, helping to keep lime buildup to a minimum while maximizing hot water output.

Waiting on your hot water to kick on contributes to water waste, so the faster your heat kicks on, the better it is for the environment. Using the A.O. Smith PNS-50 water heater is energy efficient and uses materials that will prolong your tank's life. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance water heater, this might be worth checking out.

Key Features
  • DynaClean Diffuser Dip Tube
  • Internal Microprocessor
  • Electronic Gas, Self Powered Valve
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 50 inches
  • Size: 50 gallons
  • Warranty: 10 year limited tank and 6 years limited part
  • Type: Electric
  • Brand: A.O. Smith
Pros
  • Costs less to operate
  • Uses less energy
  • Reliable and efficient
Cons
  • The heat pump is large

When it comes to incredibly efficient water heaters, this is one is your best bet. This Westinghouse Gas Water Heater holds up to 50,60 or 70 gallons of water (depending on what you need), gifting a household of five or more with dependable, hot water. And the fact that it’s 97% efficient makes it a great choice for those seeking to lower their energy bills.

First off, unlike many other gas water heaters, this one is incredibly pleasing to the eyes. Its faux stainless steel finish makes it anything but an eyesore in your residence or commercial property. And while it looks heavy-duty, it’s actually designed to be more lightweight and even has multiple venting options. Plus, its design makes it very versatile, giving you plenty of options when it comes time to install.

Along with its sleek design, this gas water heater by Westinghouse also features an LCD so you can easily program and learn levels. Not many other gas tanks can do that, now can they?

This condensing gas water heater is far from an energy sucker, boasting 97 percent thermal efficiency. But just because it’s incredibly energy efficient doesn’t mean it won’t provide reliable hot water. This heater can deliver streaming hot water to multiple outlets fast — it even boasts rapid heating through 133 GPH within the first hour of use. That means you won’t suffer through hot and cold spurts of water ever again.


The water heater comes with necessary parts like an exhaust PVC coupling with screens, a condensate cartridge, and an intake PVC tee with screens; so you won’t be making extra trips to the hardware store upon installation. And to top it all off, this water heater comes with a 10-year limited warranty as long as you register online. You’ll also receive a 1-year warranty on the tank’s parts.

Key Features
  • Natural gas water heater
  • Faux-stainless steel finish
  • 97 percent thermal efficiency
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 46.8 x 23 x 46.8 inches
  • Size: 50 gallons
  • Warranty: 10-year limited on tank when registered online (default 7-year), 1-year on parts
  • Type: Gas
  • Brand: Westinghouse
Pros
  • Good warranty
  • Provides rapid heating
  • Comes in 50, 60, or 70 gallon-sized tanks
  • Patent-pending “heat-exchanger” design
Cons
  • Has a “hard” ignition start
  • Special installation issues make it hard to DIY

Energy Efficiency

One thing you should consider when looking for one of the best water heaters is the energy efficiency of the respective water heater.

Because you'll use this appliance every single day, you'll want to make sure it's not using too much gas or electricity, causing your energy bills to spike.

Many of the water heaters on this list, both gas and electric, have energy-saving features that can really make a difference in your monthly usage.

Regular Maintenance

But just because your water tank was advertised as energy-efficient doesn't mean it'll stay that way forever.

That's why it's really important to keep on top of regular maintenance to make sure everything is working the way it should. This could mean something as simple as flushing your tank of water every couple of years or trading out your old anode rods for new ones.

User-friendly Features

Another thing you should look out for when shopping for a new water heater is whether or not it's user-friendly.

If you've never dealt with water heaters before, it's safe to say you won't suddenly know how to the moment it arrives on your doorstep.

For this reason, looking for a water heater that features LED screens and other ways to understand pressure levels and other operations, like whether or not the pilot light is lit, is crucial. There are also water heaters with practically useful features; for example, tankless water heaters.

Long-lasting Materials and Durability

Lastly, you should pay attention to elements that ensure a long-lasting water tank.

Typically, you're expected to have to switch out your water heater tank every eight to ten years. And since they can be a pricier, hard-to-handle item, changing one out any sooner than that is incredibly unappealing.

With that being said, it's important to learn about the different water heater models like ones made of stainless steel, for example.

You should also learn if the tank is made of materials that will prevent rusting, corrosion, or leaks. The same goes for the parts that come along with the water heater like spouts, nozzles, pipes, and more.

Considerations for Self-Installation

Thinking about installing a water heater for the first time?

It definitely can be done, but make sure you're super confident in what you're doing before attempting to do so. Little mistakes could cause big problems like major leaks, high-energy usage, and more.

While many water heaters come with instruction manuals, it's always a good idea to hire a professional to install your water heater. That way, you know it'll be done right — and your chances of taking ice-cold showers will be slim.

Whether you've never shopped for a water heater in your life or you could pick one out in your sleep, it's always important to stay up-to-date with current water heater technology to make sure you pick the right one for your family, office, or wherever else you'd like to enjoy hot water.

Resources— Consumer Reports, Energy.gov

FAQ

Q: Which is the Best Water Heater for You to Buy?

To determine that a water heater is suitable for your household, a number of factors need to be taken into consideration. They include the number of people living there, how you get your water supply, and your budget. You can also consider between the conventional water heaters and tankless ones.

The conventional ones run all day long, heating water and storing it in a tank for use when needed. With this method, it is quite wasteful on resources. The tankless heaters are also referred to as instant heaters. They heat the water whenever it is in use – when the tap is on, the heater instantly activates heating until it is turned off.

Q: How Often Should I Replace my Water Heater?

To ensure that your water heater is up to par with its function, it is advisable to replace your heater when you notice some unusual things. This is, however, not the only way as there is no standard for when to replace a heater.

When you turn on the tap and cold water runs out, this is a clear sign that something is not working as it should be. If the heater has served you for a while, it might be time to get a new one if the cost of repair proves to be expensive.

A leak in the tank, if you are using conventional heaters may indicate corrosion. This warrants for a new heater as trying to repair a crack in the tank is not very advisable – not a long-term solution.

Q: What Is the Best Temperature Setting?

The temperature gauge on the heater ranges from the lowest to the highest setting. They can include up to four levels- it is, however, dependent on your system. You should, however, be careful as very hot water is likely to cause scalds. It is advisable to have water at a temperature of 120° Fahrenheit or less.

This setting comes pre-installed by most manufacturers; however, a thermostat is present for you to set your temperature at whatever intensity you like. Be careful, however, as scalds are very painful, and hot water dehydrates your skin. In case you get burnt, you should quickly seek some medical attention.

Q: How Do I Maintain My Heater?

Maintaining your heat is determined by the type. If you are using a conventional water heater, this will involve: Draining the water heaters tank to remove sediments. This is done by attaching a hose to the tanks draining valve and draining out some water. This is done until the water runs clear. For instant showers, you need to clean the head from build-up, unscrew and rinse it out.

Calling a plumber for a more professional and routine maintenance will allow you to spot a problem earlier on and saves you time and prevents a problem from getting out of hand. Moreover, you are spared a headache from trying to figure out the more complex parts of your heating system.

Q: Why Does My Water Take Too Long To Heat Up?

The time it takes for your water to get heated is dependent on the buildup in your tank – for conventional heaters. This can be solved by flushing your tank as a form of maintenance at least twice a year. In other cases, the plumbing might be causing issues. By this, the water might be taking longer to get to the faucet from having a longer pipeline. Plumbing experts can solve your problem.

The cold and hot water in the tank might be mixing up, which affects the water released from the outlet.

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