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Our expert lab-tested water heater ratings reveal the best performers for 2024. Compare A.O. Smith, Rheem, tankless options like Rinnai and Navien on efficiency, capacity, and long-term savings. Get data-driven insights, pros/cons, and tips to choose the right one for your home—saving energy and money.
Quick Pick
A.O. Smith Signature 100 50-Gallon Tall
Best overall for families needing reliable hot water. High first-hour delivery and top efficiency make it a standout. Pair it with the AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System for crystal-clear results. Check current price.
At Review Atlas, we rigorously test dozens of water heaters annually in controlled lab settings. Our ratings focus on real-world metrics: hot water delivery (first-hour rating up to 80 gallons), recovery speed (gallons per hour), energy efficiency (uniform energy factor or UEF scores), and standby heat loss (as low as 0.4% daily). We simulate household demands—morning showers, laundry loads, dishwashing—for accurate performance data.
We prioritize balanced reviews: pros like ultra-quiet operation (under 50 dB) and cons such as higher upfront costs. Energy Star-certified picks can slash bills by 20-50%, or $300-500 yearly for average homes. Our goal? Help you avoid lemons and pick winners that last 10-15 years.
Explore current Best Home & Kitchen Deals for potential savings on setups like this.
Water heaters come in six main categories, each with unique strengths:
Pro tip: Calculate needs—multiply fixtures (shower: 2 GPM, dishwasher: 1.5 GPM) by 10-15 minutes peak use.
Here's how top models stack up based on our tests:
| Model | Type | Capacity/Flow | Fuel | Price Range | First-Hour Rating | Recovery (GPH) | UEF Score | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.O. Smith Signature 100 | Electric Tank | 50 gal | Electric | $1,000-$1,200 | 72 gal | 22 | 0.95 | 9.5/10 |
| Rheem Performance Platinum | Gas Tank | 50 gal | Gas | $900-$1,100 | 78 gal | 42 | 0.68 | 9.3/10 |
| Bradford White Power Vent | Power Vent Gas | 40 gal | Gas | $1,100-$1,300 | 67 gal | 40 | 0.70 | 9.1/10 |
| Rinnai V65iN | Tankless Gas | 6.5 GPM | Gas | $1,200-$1,500 | Endless | N/A | 0.92 | 9.4/10 |
| Navien NPE-240A | Tankless Gas | 11.2 GPM | Gas | $1,400-$1,600 | Endless | N/A | 0.96 | 9.6/10 |
Data from lab tests: UEF measures efficiency (higher = better savings). Recovery at 90°F rise.
Enhance water quality with the AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System - Whole Home Filtration—filters 96.9% chlorine for better-tasting hot water. See on site.
Performance Score: 9.5/10
This electric tank shines in our endurance tests, delivering 72 gallons in the first hour—enough for 3-4 showers. Standby loss? Just 0.45% daily, minimizing bills.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for electric-only homes. Pair with AO Smith Whole House Water Filter for 6-year filtration life.
Performance Score: 9.3/10
Gas-powered beast with 42 GPH recovery. LED diagnostics flag issues early.
Pros:
Cons:
Great for larger families. Check deals in Best Home & Kitchen.
Performance Score: 9.1/10
Power vent allows flexible installs (sidewall venting). 40 GPH recovery handles busy mornings.
Pros:
Cons:
Reliable for condos. See AO Smith filter for clean water synergy.
Performance Score: 9.4/10
Compact (18" tall), endless supply at 6.5 GPM. Modulating burner hits 0.92 UEF.
**Pros:**n- Space-saving (wall-mount)
Cons:
Perfect for remodels.
Performance Score: 9.6/10
Premium condensing model: 0.96 UEF saves $450/year vs standard. 11.2 GPM for multi-bath homes.
Pros:
**Cons:**n- Premium price
Luxury pick. Complete your home with kitchen essentials.
Tests mimic daily use: 10-min showers at 120°F, back-to-back cycles. We measure:
Longevity sim: 5,000 cycles. All top picks exceed 12-year expectancy.
Savings Calc: Upgrading to Energy Star? Expect 15-30% drop. Example: 50-gal gas from 0.60 to 0.70 UEF = $120/year saved.
Maintenance: Flush annually, check anode every 3 years. Keep your home spotless post-install with top cleaners.
Get the AO Smith Whole House Water Filter—600,000 gal capacity, perfect match. Check price now.
Heat pump hybrids top at UEF 3.5-4.0, cutting electric bills 50%. Tankless gas follows at 0.90+.
Tanks: 10-15 years; tankless: 20+. Proper maintenance adds 3-5 years.
Tanks for low upfront cost/high initial demand; tankless for endless supply/space savings (but 20-30% higher install).
Yes—average $400 annual savings over standard models, plus rebates up to $600.
DIY electric tanks possible if experienced; gas/tankless require pros for safety/permits.
Upgrade beyond the heater:
Reliable hot water starts here at Review Atlas.
