AO Smith vs. Rheem vs. Bradford White — Which Electric Water Heater Sh

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By Samantha Reyes, Home Comfort Contributor at The Furnace Outlet

🏠 Introduction: A Decision That Heats Your Whole Home

Choosing the right electric water heater isn’t just about picking what’s in stock—it’s about investing in 10 to 15 years of hot water comfort. With hundreds of models on the market, most buyers quickly find themselves comparing the three most trusted names: AO Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White.

Each brand has built a strong reputation in the HVAC world—but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. In this deep-dive comparison, we’ll unpack the strengths, product lines, technologies, warranties, and support behind these three top manufacturers to help you confidently answer one critical question:

“Which electric water heater is right for my home?”

🔍 Brand Overview: The Big Three at a Glance

Brand	Founded	Headquarters	Distribution	Known For
AO Smith	1874	Milwaukee, WI	Retail & wholesale	Efficiency and smart tech
Rheem	1925	Atlanta, GA	Home centers, online	Value and broad availability
Bradford White	1881	Ambler, PA	Contractors only	Durability and pro-grade engineering

🔎 Want a quick reference?
Energy Star Certified Electric Water Heaters

💡 Technology & Efficiency Features

AO Smith

Blue Diamond® Glass Coating for corrosion protection
CoreGard™ anode technology prolongs tank life
Energy Star Certified heat pump models with UEFs up to 3.45
Wi-Fi connectivity via iCOMM Smart Monitoring

AO Smith prioritizes advanced tech, and their newer hybrid electric models are among the most efficient on the market.

📘 AO Smith Smart Water Heating Features:
AO Smith Residential Water Heating

Rheem

EcoNet® Smart Home Technology
EverKleen™ self-cleaning system
Hybrid heat pump models with UEF up to 3.7
Dry fire protection, overheat safety features

Rheem delivers easy-to-use smart controls, intuitive diagnostics, and a strong balance of performance and affordability.

📲 Learn about EcoNet Smart Control: Rheem – EcoNet Explained

Bradford White

Vitraglas® tank lining for corrosion resistance
Hydrojet® total performance system reduces sediment
ICON System™ for intelligent gas control (available on gas models)
Minimal electronic components for longer service life

While Bradford White doesn’t emphasize smart tech, they shine in durability, simplicity, and serviceability.

⚙️ Why pros trust Vitraglas: Bradford White Technology Guide

📊 Performance & Sizing Options

All three brands offer electric water heaters ranging from 30 to 80 gallons, with most homeowners selecting 50–60 gallon units. Here's how their product lines compare:

Feature	AO Smith	Rheem	Bradford White
Sizes Available	30–80 gal	20–80 gal	30–120 gal
Standard Electric Models	Yes	Yes	Yes
Heat Pump / Hybrid Models	Yes (Voltex® line)	Yes (ProTerra® line)	Yes (AeroTherm® line)
First Hour Ratings (FHR)	60–85+ gallons	60–90+ gallons	60–90+ gallons
UEF Rating (High Efficiency)	Up to 3.45	Up to 3.70	Up to 3.39

📘 Want to understand UEF? U.S. Department of Energy – UEF Explained

🔧 Installation and Access

AO Smith & Rheem

Readily available through Home Depot, Lowe’s, and online
DIY-friendly documentation
Standard electric units often come prewired
Many models include smart control panels

These brands are ideal for homeowners who are DIY-savvy or want to choose and schedule installation independently.

Bradford White

Sold exclusively through licensed contractors
Professional installation required to activate warranty
Often preferred in new construction and commercial settings

While Bradford White isn’t the most accessible to DIYers, it’s often the top pick for pros due to its long-term performance and durability.

🧰 Pro install only? Check your area’s policies: NAHB – State Licensing Requirements

🔁 Reliability and Maintenance

Feature	AO Smith	Rheem	Bradford White
Anode Rod Access	Easy top access	Easy top access	Easy top access
Sediment Control	Self-cleaning dip tube	EverKleen system	Hydrojet system
Tank Coating	Blue Diamond Glass	Porcelain Enamel	Vitraglas Enamel
DIY Repair Resources	Extensive	Extensive	Limited (contractor-focused)

All three brands offer excellent longevity when maintained properly—but Bradford White tends to outperform in hard water environments, thanks to its thick, durable linings and reduced reliance on digital components.

📜 Warranty & Support Comparison

Brand	Standard Tank Warranty	Parts Warranty	Warranty Activation
AO Smith	6–12 years	6 years	No registration required
Rheem	6–12 years	6 years	No registration required
Bradford White	6–10 years	6 years	Requires pro install + registration

Note: Upgrading to longer warranties is often available, but may require OEM parts and authorized installers.

📄 Warranty details by brand: Bradford White Product Warranties

📈 Price Comparison: What You’ll Pay

Model Type	AO Smith	Rheem	Bradford White
50-gal Standard Electric	$500–$700	$450–$650	$600–$800 (via pro)
50-gal Heat Pump Hybrid	$1,300–$1,900	$1,200–$1,800	$1,500–$2,200
60-gal High Efficiency	$1,500+	$1,400+	$1,700+

Tip: All three brands have models eligible for federal tax credits and local utility rebates.

💰 Explore rebate opportunities in your ZIP code: DSIRE – Incentive Finder Tool

🧪 Performance in Real Homes: Use Case Comparison

Use Case	Best Choice	Why
Smart home integration	Rheem / AO Smith	Built-in Wi-Fi and app controls
Large households with high usage	Rheem / Bradford	Strong FHR and recovery rates
Hard water regions	Bradford White	Vitraglas + Hydrojet design
Rentals and frequent move-outs	AO Smith	Cost-effective, easy install
Quiet operation in living spaces	Rheem (Hybrid)	ProTerra has near-silent heat pump mode

🧰 Samantha’s Real-Life Summary

“When I’m helping customers decide, I start with this:

If you want tech, go Rheem or AO Smith.

If you want bulletproof reliability, go Bradford White.

If you’re on a budget but still want performance, go AO Smith.

All three are fantastic—just match the model to your lifestyle, budget, and install preferences.”