Water Heater Ratings, A Repairman Rates The Brands...

Our simple system of stars will help you to quickly find the right unit for your home. We have given each brand a rating of from 1* to 5*. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for a unit for our own home, that is the brand we would choose (if it was available). When two or more brands have a 5* rating, we would purchase the less expensive brand.

We have included the manufacturers' web addresses and our comments concerning the advantages and disadvantages of each brand.

The second group consists of smaller units that are normally called point of use or mini tank units. They are electric units with a storage capacity that is usually 20 gallons or less.

BRAND----------WEB ADDRESS-------ELECTRIC-----GAS-----OIL

ALBION-----albionwaterheaters.com---3*--------NA-------NA This brand is a part of the KINGSPAN HOT WATER STRORAGE GROUP and is available in the U.K. and Northern Ireland. The ULTRASTEEL line features units with capacities from 120 to 300 liters. The cylinders are made of duplex stainless steel for enhanced corrosion protection. The units are backed by a good guarantee.

AMERICAN--americanwaterheater.com---1*--------5*-------NA This brand is from AO SMITH and is sold in home improvement/hardware stores. The STANDARD electric models are available with either 6, 9, or 12 year warranties. The 12 year electric model uses stainless steel elements for durability. The warranty on the tank, which is the most vital part of the units, is not as good as many brands. Gas fired models are available in basic models (flameguard series) or power/direct vent units (POWERFLEX series). The FLAMEGUARD series units are also available with 6, 9, or 12 year warranties.

AO SMITH--------hotwater.com-------<1*--------4*-------NA The CONSERVATIONIST series has an auto sediment cleaning system but the warranty on the tank is not as good as many brands. The VERTEX POWER DIRECT VENT and VERTEX POWER-VENT are high efficiency gas fired models that are backed by a very good warranty.

ARISTON---------ariston .com--------3*--------NA-------NA This brand is a part of MTS GROUP and is available throughout Europe.The PRIMO series has a stainless steel tank for durability and is available in sizes from 125 to 300 liters. The CLASSICO series uses an enamel coated steel tank with a magnesium anode. The warranty on the Classico series is not good (it receives a <1* rating). The HIGH CAPACITY model has a 500 liter enameled tank and a warranty that is not very good. They also offer wall hung models in 50, 80, and 100 liter sizes.

BOCK------bockwaterheaters.com------NA-------<1*-------3* These units have an externally mounted burner for easier maintenance/repair. Their BALANCED COMBUSTION SYSTEM(BCS) units can be direct vented through a sidewall. The standard warranty is not very good.

BRADFORD WHITE-bradfordwhite.com---<1*--------3*-------4* They manufacture a wide variety of units. The AERO series oil fired units have a good warranty.

COPPERCRAFT----coppercraft.ie------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is a part of the KINGSPAN HOT WATER STORAGE GROUP. The units are made and sold in Ireland. The PHOENIX range offers wall hung units in sizes from 30-100 liters as well as floor standing models from 125-450 liters. The units feature a copper tank for durability.

COPPERFORM-----copperform.co.uk----<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is also a part of the KINGSPAN HOT WATER STORAGE GROUP. This brand is made and sold in the U.K. The ULTRASTEEL range features units where the cylinder is made of duplex stainless steel for durability. The units are backed by a good warranty.

CROWN----crownwaterheaters.co.uk----2*-------<1*-------NA These units are available in the U.K. The electric units feature stainless steel storage tanks for durability. The warranty on the gas fired models is not very good.

DAALDEROP------daalderop.nl--------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is available in Belgium and the Netherlands. The units feature copper storage cylinders for durability and are available in sizes from 30 to 150 litres. The warranty on this brand is not very good compared to many other brands. They have a dealer locator on their website.

DE DIETRICH dedietrich-heating.com <1*-------<1*-------NA This brand is mostly available in Europe. The COR-EMAIL line of electric immersion units are available in a wide range of sizes. They are also available in free standing, wall mounted, and compact models.

DETTSON---------dettson.ca----------NA--------NA-------5* This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP) and is sold in Canada. They have two sizes available and they have a very good warranty.

DUX-------------dux.com.au---------<1*--------2*-------NA This brand is a part of GWA INTERNATIONAL LTD and is available in Australia. The PROFLO models are available in many sizes. The MARATHON models have a better warranty and are available in both indoor and outdoor models. When compared with other brands, their warranty is not very good.

EVERLAST--------htproducts.com------5*--------NA-------NA This brand is from HEAT TRANSFER PRODUCTS. It is an all stainless steel unitwith a lifetime guarantee. It has side hot water outlet which creates a natural thermal trap for energy savings. It also has a bottom cold water entry to minimize mixing and provide relatively longer draws of hot water.

FERROLI---------ferroli.techne.it--<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is available in europe and China. The CLASSICAL range offers units with a storage capacity of from 50 to 150 liters. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other options.

FREEDOM---freedomwaterheaters.com---5*--------NA-------NA This brand is made by STATE INDUSTRIES INC. A lifetime warranty is available on 50 and 80 gallon models.

GE--------------geappliances.com----1*--------5*-------NA In the U.S. and Canada, this brand is sold exclusively through HOME DEPOT stores. They offer models with 12, 9, 6, or 3 year warranties but the 12 year models are the only ones that are rated here. This model includes heat trap fittings, pipe insulation, and a low fire pilot for energy savings. They do not offer a high efficiency unit.

GSW----------- gsw-wh.com --------1*--------3*-------NA This brand is owned by AO SMITH. The standard electric units are available in three sizes with warranties of 6, 9, or twelve years. The 9 and 12 year models have a self cleaning system. The FLAMEGUARD gas model has a piezo ignitor for the pilot. The SUPERFLUE models are sealed combustion high efficiency units.

HAIER-----------haier.cn-----------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is made and sold in China. They offer a wide variety of sizes. They offer floor standing, horozontal wall mounted, and vertical wall mounted units. They have incoloy heating elements for durability.

HEATRAE SADIA---heatraesadia.com----3*--------NA-------NA This brand is a division of the BAXI GROUP. The MEGAFLO HE range has stainless steel tanks for a long life. The unvented models are available in sizes from 70 to 300 litres. They are backed by a good guarantee (especially on the tank).

JASPI-----------kaukora.fi---------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is made in Finland and is available in parts of Europe. The VLP range features cylinders in 160, 220, or 300 liter sizes. The units use durable incoloy elements. The manufacturers' website provides little help to the consumer and does not have a stated warranty policy.

JOHN WOOD--johnwoodwaterheaters.com-1*--------3*-------3* These units are made by GSW which is owned by AO SMITH. Gased fired units are available in POWER VENT or POWER DIRECT VENT models. They offer a DIRECT VENT oil fired model as well.

KENMORE---------kenmore.com---------1*--------5*-------NA This brand offers a wide variety of units that can be purchased at SEARS stores. The POWER MISER 12 series gas units offer one of the best warranties in the industry but are not available in high efficiency units. The warranty on the tank of the electric units is not as good as many other brands. All of the units feature their "ROTO-SWIRL" cold water inlet dip tube. This helps to minimize sediment buildup in the tank.

KOSPEL----------kospel.pl----------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is made in Poland and available throughout Europe. The OSV SLIM units are available in sizes from 20 to 80 litres. They are your basic units and the guarantee is not very good.

LOCHINVAR-------lochinvar.com------<1*-------<1*-------NA This brand is available in a wide selection of models. The electric units are available with capacities from 30 to 120 gallons. The gas units are available in standard atmospheric combustion models as well as direct vent, power vented, and manufactured home models. The warranty on this brand is not very good when compared with the other brands.

MARATHON---marathonheaters.com------4*--------NA-------NA This brand is made by WATER HEATER INNOVATIONS INC. which is a subsidiary of RHEEM MANUFACTURING which is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. They have a poly tank which is not subject to corrosion and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. (Parts other than the tank have a 6 year warranty.)

MAYTAG-----This brand was licensed to AO SMITH but is no longer being produced.

MIDEA----global.midea.com.cn-------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand offers units for horozontal wall mounting and vertical wall or floor mounted units. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

NIBE------------nibe.eu------------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is made in Sweden and is available throughout Europe. They offer a wide variety of models and sizes of units. They offer enamel, copper, or stainless steel lined tanks. The guarantee on their tanks is not very good when compared with other brands.

PHOENIX---------htproducts.com------NA--------1*-------NA This brand from HEAT TRANSFER PRODUCTS is a condensing water heater with an AFUE of up to 96%. It has a stainless steel tank and electronic control as well as a modulating burner for energy savings. It is available in three tank sizes (55, 80, and 119 gallons). It has a side hot water outlet and bottom cold water inlet. It is a high capacity unit that is suitable for large homes or where whirlpool tubs are used. A condensate drain is required for the unit and the warranty is not very good.

RACOLD----------mtsil.com----------<1*--------NA-------NA This brand is a subsidiary of MTS GROUP. The units are made in India. The PRIMO and large capacity units are basic units with a warranty that is not long enough.

RANGE---- range-cylinders.co.uk --3*--------NA-------NA This brand is a part of the KINGSPAN HOT WATER STORAGE GROUP and is available in the U.K. and Northern Ireland. The TRIBUNE HE line features unvented cylinders that are made of duplex stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance. The inlet for the cold water from the mains enters the bottom of the cylinder while the hot water exits the top which allows for more efficient operation. They have a stockist locator on their website and the units are backed by a good guarantee.

REDRING------- applied-energy.com <1*--------NA-------NA This brand is available in the U.K. The AQUALOY rangeis available in seven sizes from 90 to 300 liters. The units have a stainless steel tank therefore a sacrificial anode is not required. Their warranty is not very good.

RELIANCE--reliancewaterheaters.com--5*--------3*-------NA This brand is available at hardware stores. The STA-KLEEN LIFETIME units have self cleaning and a lifetime warranty. The ADVANTAGE series units are a basic model with a warranty that is not very good and they receive a 1* rating. The SELF CLEANING gas fired units are available with 9 or 12 year guarantees. Sidewall vent models are also available.

RHEEM--waterheating.rheem.com------<1*--------4*-------NA This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. The IMPERIAL units have a strong warranty but the FURY models is not very good (it can be upgraded through their "PROTECTIONPLUS" extended warranty). The FIVR units do not have an air filter to clean therefore less maintenance is required. They have an installer locator by zip code on their website.

RICHMOND--richmondwaterheaters.com--4*--------3*-------NA This brand is built by RHEEM MANUFACTURING which is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. The MARATHON electric model has a plastic tank and stainless steel bottom element so that corrosion is not a problem and the tank has a lifetime guarantee. The gas models are available in standing pilot models with Piezo ignitor with guarantees of 6,9, or 12 years. A powervent model is also available.

RUUD-----waterheating.rheem.com----<1*--------4*-------NA This brand is from RHEEM MANUFACTURING which is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. They are identical to the RHEEM brand except for the name.

SANTON------santon.co.uk------------3*--------NA-------NA This brand is made in the U.K. and is a part of HEATRAE SADIA which is a division of the BAXI GROUP. The PREMIERPLUS line of unvented units features stainless steel construction for a long cylinder life. The units are available in capacities of 100 to 300 liters and are backed by a good guarantee. The AQUALINE range are smaller units (7, 10, 15 liters) and their warranty is not very good. (That range receives a <1* rating).

SATURN---- saturn-cz.com --------<1*--------NA-------NA These units are made in China and are available in Eastern Europe. They offer four sizes of units (50, 80, 100, and 120 liter). They have a magnesium anode to protect the tank from corrosion. The manufacturer's website is not much help and the warranty on the units is not very good.

STATE-------statewaterheaters.com--<1*--------4*-------NA The premier units have self cleaning technology and a strong warranty. The gas fired models are also available in power vent and direct vent models but their warranty is not as good and they receive a 3* rating. They have a plumber locator by city/state.

SUPERSTOR------htproducts.com-------NA--------NA-------3* This brand is from HEAT TRANSFER PRODUCTS. It is available in either 30 or 50 gallon sizes. It has an AFUE of 82% and an optional rear flue kit.

THERMA-FLOW -- tfi-everhot.com------NA--------NA-------5* This brand offers units with the traditional glass lined steel storage tank as well as heavy duty copper tanks. They offer direct vent models in 30 and 50 gallon capacities. They are backed by a very good warranty.

US CRAFTMASTER-uscraftmaster.com----1*--------3*-------NA This brand is made by AMERICAN WATER HEATER which is owned by AO SMITH. The EE2J ENERGY SMART units use microprocessor based control and have four operating modes to save in operating costs. The POWERFLEX series gas units are high efficiency units.

WHIRLPOOL-whirlpoolwaterheaters.com-1*--------5*-------NA This brand name is licensed to AMERICAN WATER HEATER COMPANY. They feature a wide variety of models to match your needs and they offer an outstanding warranty. The units can be purchased through LOWES home improvement stores.

BRAND----------WEB ADDRESS------------ELECTRIC

AMERICAN-------americanwaterheater.com-3* This brand is now owned by AO SMITH. Their TINY TITAN unit has a 2.5 gallon tank and plugs into a standard 110-120 volt outlet. The unit has an externally adjustable thermostat and a convenient wall mounting bracket. The unit also has a good warranty.

AMERICAN STANDARD-waterheating.com----<1* This brand offers units with capacities of 2.5 to 19 gallons. The warranty on them is not very good compared to other brands.

Ariston--------ariston.com------------<1* This brand is a part of the MTS GROUP and. They are available in three sizes of oversink units and 2 undersink sizes. The guarantee on the units is not very good.

BRADFORD WHITE-bradfordwhite.com-------4* The PC (powerful compact) unit is a two gallon thermostatically controlled unit. They are sold through dealers and feature a very good warranty. They have a contractor locator by city/state, area code, or zip code on their website.

CROWN----crownwaterheaters.co.uk------<1* These units are available in the U.K. The ER/ERS models are available in either 10 or 15 liter sizes. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

DAALDEROP------daalderop.nl-----------<1* This brand is available in Belgium and the Netherlands. The units are available in 10 or 15 liter sizes. The E models have a boost button to instantly raise the temperature to 90C. They have a dealer locator on their website but the guarantee on this brand is not as good as many others.

EEMAX----------eemaxinc.com-----------<1* This brand is available in 120,240,208,and 277 volt models. They use compression fittings for easy installation. They have an optional braided stainless steel flex connector to make installation easier.

EVERLAST-------htproducts.com----------5* This brand from HEAT TRANSFER PRODUCTS is available in 6, 12, or 20 gallon sizes. They are all stainless steel models for durability. The cold water connection is near the bottom of the tank to minimize mixing and therefore provide longer draws of hot water. The units are available in the U.S. and Canada but their guarantee is not very good. They have a dealer locator by state on their website.

FERROLI--------ferroli.techne.it------<1* This brand is available in Europe and China. They offer a variety of units from the small (HOT DOG) at 5.5 liters to the large (CUBO) at 15 or 30 liters. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other options.

HEATRAE SADIA--heatraesadia.com-------<1* This brand is a division of BAXI GROUP. The EXPRESS models are available with a 7 or 15 liter copper storage tank. the STREAMLINE units are available as a heater only or with a thermostatic spout. The guarantee on the tank is not very good when compared with other brands.

INSINKERATOR---insinkerator.com-------<1* This brand is a division of EMERSON. The units are available in two sizes (2.5 or 4 gallon). They have a bronze storage tank for durability and plug into a standard 110-120volt wall outlet. The warranty on the units is not very good.

JASPI----------kaukora.fi-------------<1* This brand is made in Finland and is available in parts of Europe. The VLK range includes both vertical and horozontal mounted units. They have durable incoloy heating elements. The manufacturers' website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

KOSPEL---------kospel.pl--------------<1* This brand is made in Poland and is available throughout Europe. The POW LUNA units are available in either 5 or 10 liter sizes.

MIDEA-----global.midea.com.cn----------<1* These units are available in a variety of models but the manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

REDRING--------- applied-energy.com <1* This brand is available in the U.K. The MW and EW ranges are available in two sizes (10 and 15 liters). They have an adjustable thermostat but their warranty is not very good. The WS7 model is a vented unit with a capacity of 7 liters. They have a dealer locator by postcode on their website.

RELIANCE--reliancewaterheaters.com-----<1* This brand is available in the United States. The 100 SERIES is available in 2 or 4 gallon units but the warranty is not very good.

RHEEM-----waterheating.rheem.com-------5* This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. The MARATHON line of units feature a filament wound fiberglass tank so there is no rust or corrosion. They are designed with a curved bottom tank to enhance self cleaning action. The RHEEMGLAS ENERGY MISER units are available in a variety of sizes but their warranty is not as good as the MARATHON line. They have an installer locator by zip code on their website.

RUUD------waterheating.rheem.com-------5* This brand is also made by RHEEM MANUFACTURING which is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. The units are identical to the RHEEM brand except for the name.

SANTON---------santon.co.uk-----------<1* This brand is made in the U.K. by HEATRAE SADIA which is a division of the BAXI GROUP. The AQUARIUS units are available in oversink or undersink models. The guarantee is not as good as other brands.

STIEBEL-ELTRON-stiebel-eltron-usa.com--1* The SHC units are available in 2.5 or 4 gallon models. They are wall-mounted and plug into a standard outlet. The guarantee is not very good compared to other options.

SYMPHONY-------symphonycomfort.com-----2* This brand is made in India and are available worldwide. The SAUNA range is available in 3, 10, 15, or 25 liter sizes and in three different colors. they use an incoly heating element for durability. they offer a good warranty but they use a capillary tube thermostat instead of an electronic control.

WAIWELA--------waiwela.com------------<1* These units are available in two sizes (2.5 and 4 gallon). They have an adjustable thermostat and plug into a standard outlet. They are only sold through dealers and the guarantee is not very good.
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