State ProLine vs AO Smith vs Rheem vs Bradford White
(Which gas water heater brand gives you the best long-term value?)
When you’re buying a new gas water heater, the name on the label matters — not just for reputation, but for efficiency, warranty, and the cost of ownership over the next 15–20 years. Among the top U.S. brands, State Water Heaters, AO Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White are household names.
If you’ve been eyeing the State ProLine High Capacity 74-Gallon Gas Water Heater (GS6-75-XRRS), you’re looking at a model that’s built for serious hot water demand. But how does it actually compare with competitors in real-world performance? Let’s break down the numbers, features, and ownership experience so you can decide what fits your home best.
🔥 1. Overview of Each Brand
Before comparing efficiency or durability, it helps to understand where these brands come from — and what they focus on.
🟩 State Water Heaters
Founded in 1946, State Water Heaters is part of the AO Smith family, manufactured in the U.S. and designed for reliability and straightforward service. The ProLine series emphasizes durability, quick recovery, and value over high-tech frills.
🟦 AO Smith
AO Smith is one of the industry leaders in both gas and hybrid water heating technology. Their Signature Premier and ProLine XE series are known for high efficiency, condensing designs, and premium components.
🟥 Rheem
Rheem has a strong footprint in residential and commercial heating, with a reputation for energy-efficient innovation. Their Performance Platinum line offers Wi-Fi connectivity, self-diagnostics, and ultra-low NOx emissions.
🟨 Bradford White
A favorite among professional installers, Bradford White builds solid, serviceable products exclusively for licensed plumbing contractors. Their Eco-Defender series uses advanced atmospheric vent technology with durable construction.
⚙️ 2. Efficiency and Energy Factor Comparison
Efficiency is where the biggest differences start to appear.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a gas water heater’s Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) measures how much of its energy turns into usable hot water.
| Brand/Model Type | UEF (Efficiency) | Type | Venting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State ProLine GS6-75-XRRS | 0.60 | Standard | Atmospheric | Balanced performance & capacity |
| AO Smith ProLine XE 75-Gallon | 0.72 | Condensing | Power Vent | Higher efficiency, costlier install |
| Rheem Performance Platinum 75-Gallon | 0.70 | Condensing | Power Vent | Smart controls, low emissions |
| Bradford White RG2PV75H6N | 0.69 | High Efficiency | Power Vent | Rugged design, professional-only |
While AO Smith and Rheem lead on raw efficiency, their condensing systems require power and condensate drains, adding installation cost and maintenance complexity.
The State ProLine, on the other hand, uses an atmospheric vent — no fan, no electricity — meaning fewer moving parts and lower long-term service costs.
The EPA’s Energy Star program confirms that high-efficiency condensing units can save $30–$60 annually, but that difference may take 6–8 years to offset the higher purchase and installation cost.
💵 3. Upfront Cost and Installation
Cost plays a huge role for most homeowners — not just the unit price, but also venting, labor, and electrical work.
| Brand | Average Installed Cost (75-Gallon Model) | Installation Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| State ProLine | $2,000–$3,000 | Simple (no power venting) |
| AO Smith ProLine XE | $3,000–$4,500 | Requires 120V power and drain |
| Rheem Platinum | $3,000–$4,800 | Similar to AO Smith |
| Bradford White Defender | $2,800–$4,000 | Mid-range, pro-only install |
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) notes that simpler systems with fewer electronic components generally have lower maintenance costs and are less prone to breakdowns.
Jake’s rule of thumb: If your utility room already has a vertical vent and no electrical outlet nearby, a State or Bradford White atmospheric model will install cleaner and cheaper.
🧰 4. Build Quality and Design Differences
The materials and internal components separate entry-level models from premium ones.
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Tank Construction: All four brands use glass-lined steel tanks, but State and Bradford White are known for thicker steel and longer-lasting linings.
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Anode Rods: AO Smith and Rheem typically include powered anode systems in higher-end models to resist corrosion.
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Burners: State’s low-NOx burner meets modern emission standards while maintaining consistent ignition and flame stability.
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Insulation: All use non-CFC foam insulation, with Energy Star tests showing up to 20% reduction in standby heat loss over older fiberglass models.
While Rheem and AO Smith emphasize smart features and condensing heat exchangers, State focuses on simplicity and durability. That means fewer components to fail — ideal for homeowners who want “set it and forget it” reliability.
🌬️ 5. Noise and Operation
The Energy Star residential noise database identifies that standard atmospheric vent water heaters like the State ProLine typically operate under 55 decibels, roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation.
Power-vent models from Rheem or AO Smith average 60–65 decibels due to the blower motor. That may not sound like much, but in smaller homes or basements below bedrooms, it can be noticeable.
Jake’s advice:
“If your water heater sits near living space, quieter is better. The ProLine’s natural draft venting has no fan — meaning it’s silent and reliable, even during power outages.”
🌡️ 6. Performance and Recovery Rate
The State ProLine 74-gallon delivers around 80 gallons per hour (GPH) recovery at a 90°F rise, nearly matching high-efficiency models despite being non-condensing.
By comparison:
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Rheem Platinum: ~84 GPH
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AO Smith ProLine XE: ~82 GPH
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Bradford White Defender: ~78 GPH
In short — the State keeps up with pricier competitors when it comes to sheer performance.
The DOE’s Energy Saver research shows that water heaters with higher BTU burners (like State’s 75,100 BTU rating) recover faster but consume slightly more gas — a worthwhile trade for households with constant hot water demand.
🧾 7. Warranty and Support
Warranty coverage is another major differentiator.
| Brand | Tank & Parts Warranty | Labor Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State ProLine | 6 years standard (extendable to 10) | Optional via installer |
| AO Smith ProLine XE | 10 years | Optional extended labor plan |
| Rheem Platinum | 12 years | Limited |
| Bradford White Defender | 6–10 years (depending on model) | Installer-backed |
The Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) advises homeowners to confirm that warranty registration is completed within 60 days of installation — unregistered units often default to shorter coverage.
State’s advantage lies in its simplicity and part availability; replacement parts are widely distributed, often interchangeable with AO Smith equivalents.
🧠 8. Final Verdict: Which One’s Right for You?
Each brand brings something different to the table:
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Choose State ProLine if you want reliability, simplicity, and easy maintenance. It’s perfect for large families that need volume and dependability.
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Choose AO Smith if you value cutting-edge efficiency and smart controls, and you’re okay with higher upfront cost.
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Choose Rheem for quiet power-vent performance and connected-home integration.
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Choose Bradford White if you’re working with a licensed contractor who prioritizes commercial-grade build quality.
Jake’s bottom line?
“For everyday homeowners who just want plenty of hot water and zero drama, the State ProLine is the best balance of cost, reliability, and capacity.”
In the next Blog we will learn more about Real-World Performance & Ownership Insights: State ProLine 74-Gallon Gas Water Heater
