Bradford White vs Rheem Water Heaters: Which is Better?

As a homeowner looking to buy a new water heater, two of the top brands you'll likely consider are Bradford White and Rheem. Both companies have been manufacturing water heaters for decades and offer a wide range of models to suit different needs and budgets. But which one is the better choice for your home?

As a master HVAC technician with over 20 years of experience, I've installed and repaired just about every type of water heater on the market. In my professional opinion, both Bradford White and Rheem make excellent, reliable products. However, there are some key differences between the two brands that are worth considering. In this article, I'll compare the pros and cons of Bradford White and Rheem water heaters to help you determine which is the better option for your home.

Overview of Bradford White

Founded in 1947, Bradford White has been manufacturing water heaters for over 70 years. They offer a full line of residential and commercial water heaters including gas, electric, tankless, and hybrid models. Bradford White water heaters have a reputation for being very well-built and durable. Key features of Bradford White water heaters include:

• Residential gas water heaters: Bradford White offers a variety of energy-efficient gas water heaters in both natural gas and propane fuel models. They use advanced burner systems and thick insulation to provide reliable hot water.
• Residential electric water heaters: For homes without gas lines, Bradford White electric water heaters range in capacity from 30 to 80 gallons. They have foam insulation to reduce standby heat loss.
• Commercial water heaters: Bradford White commercial water heaters come in gas, electric, and tankless models. They offer advanced controls and high hot water output for commercial needs.
• Warranty: Most Bradford White water heater models come with a 6 or 10-year warranty on the tank and parts. Limited lifetime warranty available for some models.
• Reputation for reliability: Bradford White water heaters are known for their durability and long operational life, especially their gas models.

Overview of Rheem

Founded in 1925, Rheem is another highly regarded American water heater brand. Rheem offers a wide array of residential and commercial water heaters in gas, electric, tankless, solar, and hybrid styles. Some key features of Rheem water heaters:

• High-efficiency gas models: Rheem's Prestige and EcoSense gas water heater lines feature advanced condensing technology for Energy Star-rated efficiency. This can reduce operating costs.
• Electric heat pump water heaters: Rheem has introduced an innovative heat pump water heater that's 2-3 times more energy efficient than standard electric tank models.
• Tankless water heaters: Rheem sells both indoor and outdoor gas tankless water heaters that heat water on demand for continuous hot water.
• Comprehensive warranty: Rheem offers generous 6-12-year warranties on tanks and parts. Some models have a lifetime warranty on the tank.
• Smart controls: Many Rheem models work with smart home systems and have built-in WiFi for controlling temperatures remotely.

Comparing Key Features

Now let's take a detailed look at how Bradford White and Rheem water heaters stack up against each other in terms of key features, performance, and warranties:

Features	Bradford White	Rheem
Energy Efficiency	Standard models meet Energy Star requirements. No “high efficiency” models.	Great high-efficiency condensing gas water heater options. Natural gas and propane available.
Warranty Length	6-10 years on tank and parts.	6-12 years on tank and parts. Lifetime tank warranty on some models.
Gas Water Heaters	Very reliable with excellent burner quality. Natural gas and propane models available.	Great high efficiency condensing gas water heater options. Natural gas and propane available.
Electric Water Heaters	Available in a range of sizes from 30-80 gallons. Basic models have standard efficiency.	Includes innovative heat pump water heaters for maximum efficiency. Wide range of sizes.
Tankless Water Heaters	Limited selection of basic indoor tankless water heaters.	Extensive line of highly efficient indoor and outdoor tankless models.
Smart Features	No smart capabilities. Basic analog controls.	Select models compatible with smart home systems and WiFi connectivity.
Noise Level	Very quiet operation, minimal noise while heating.	Condensing models are louder than typical water heaters during heating cycles.

As you can see, while both brands offer high-performing water heaters, Rheem pulls ahead in certain categories like energy efficiency, smart features, tankless water heaters, and warranty options.

Rheem has more innovative product lines that leverage the latest technology to maximize efficiency and performance. Bradford White heaters tend to use proven, reliable technology that focuses on durability rather than next-gen features.

One area where Bradford White often wins out is on pricing. For comparable models, Bradford White water heaters typically retail for 10-25% less than Rheem. This makes them a better value buy for budget-conscious homeowners.

Pros and Cons of Bradford White Water Heaters

Pros and Cons of Rheem Water Heaters

Final Recommendation: Bradford White for Gas, Rheem for Electric

For most homeowners needing a new water heater, I think Bradford White offers the best value proposition for gas models while Rheem is ideal for electric and heat pump water heaters.

If you have natural gas in your home, a standard efficiency Bradford White gas heater will provide many years of hot water at an affordable upfront cost. You can expect minimal repairs and excellent reliability.

However, if you need an electric water heater, Rheem is the way to go. Their EcoSense heat pump water heaters can cut electrical costs by up to 60% compared to a standard electric model. Rheem also makes top-of-the-line tankless electric water heaters for continuous hot water on demand.

At the end of the day, both Bradford White and Rheem produce high-quality water heating products that are top options for any home. Take time to evaluate all the models available from both brands to find your perfect fit based on efficiency needs, smart features, hot water usage, and budget. With either choice, you can be confident you're getting an exceptional American-made water heater.

References:

1. www.bradfordwhite.com
2. www.rheem.com