When shopping for a gas water heater in 2025, homeowners are often comparing models from leading manufacturers like State, AO Smith, Bradford White, and Rheem. As Mike Sanders, I’ve installed and serviced all of them over the years. Each brand has its strengths—and knowing the nuances can help you make a smart investment.
🔍 The Brands at a Glance
| Brand | Ownership | U.S. Manufacturing | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| State | AO Smith subsidiary | Tennessee | Value-focused, reliable residential options |
| AO Smith | Parent company | Tennessee & South Carolina | Wide variety of both residential and commercial models |
| Bradford White | Privately held | Michigan | Contractor-exclusive, excellent warranty service |
| Rheem | Rheem Manufacturing (Paloma Group) | Alabama | Innovation & high-efficiency models |
All four brands are respected industry leaders, but they cater slightly to different customer segments.
📦 Feature Comparison Table (50-Gallon Gas Models, 2025)
| Brand | Model Example | Tank Size | BTU | Warranty | Efficiency (EF) |
| State | ProLine ATM 50-Gal | 50 | 40,000 | 6-10 years | ~0.63 |
| AO Smith | Signature 100 | 50 | 40,000 | 6-12 years | ~0.63 |
| Bradford White | RG250T6N | 50 | 40,000 | 6-10 years | ~0.64 |
| Rheem | Performance Plus | 50 | 40,000 | 9-12 years | ~0.64 |
Note: Actual efficiency ratings may vary slightly by region and emission standards.
🏅 Unique Strengths of Each Brand
✅ State (ProLine Series):
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Excellent value for standard residential installations
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Simple atmospheric vent options still widely available
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Broad nationwide distribution via dealers and online (e.g., The Furnace Outlet)
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AO Smith’s engineering behind the product
✅ AO Smith:
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Large product variety (tank, tankless, hybrid)
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Excellent reputation for quality control
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Strong commercial solutions alongside residential
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Wide parts availability
✅ Bradford White:
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Made exclusively for contractors (not sold directly to public)
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Excellent warranty support when installed by authorized professionals
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Consistently high customer satisfaction
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High-quality internal tank coatings and robust anode rod design
✅ Rheem:
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Leading innovator in hybrid heat pump and ultra-high efficiency models
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Strong smart-home integration and mobile app controls
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Popular with homeowners prioritizing long-term energy savings
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Broader availability at retail big box stores
🧰 Installation & Service Considerations
| Brand | Installation Ease | Parts Availability |
| State | Easy (atmospheric models) | Readily available |
| AO Smith | Easy (most models) | Excellent |
| Bradford White | Contractor-installed only | Excellent via contractors |
| Rheem | Very accessible (retail & pro channels) | Broad |
All brands meet modern safety standards, but Bradford White’s contractor-only approach often ensures more consistent installations.
⚙️ Common Repair Parts Availability
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Thermocouples, gas valves, pilot assemblies: Available for all brands
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Anode rods, drain valves, thermostats: Widely compatible
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Specialized venting components: More common for power vent or direct vent models
🏷️ Cost Comparisons (Installed Price Ranges, 2025)
| Brand | Installed Cost (50-Gallon Gas, Standard Vent) |
| State | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| AO Smith | $1,600 – $3,000 |
| Bradford White | $1,800 – $3,200 (contractor-installed) |
| Rheem | $1,600 – $3,000 |
State ProLine remains one of the most competitively priced quality options in 2025.
🌱 Energy Efficiency & Environmental Compliance (2025)
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All brands now comply with FVIR standards
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Many models offer Low-NOx versions for California and regulated states
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Efficiency ratings are very close for atmospheric models (~0.63 EF)
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Condensing and hybrid electric models from Rheem and AO Smith reach up to 95% efficiency for eco-conscious buyers
🏠 Which Brand Is Right for You?
| Homeowner Profile | Best Fit |
| Budget-Conscious | State ProLine |
| Energy Efficiency Focus | Rheem (hybrid), AO Smith (hybrid/tankless) |
| Contractor-Managed Installation | Bradford White |
| DIY-Friendly Install | State, Rheem |
| Large Family or Heavy Demand | AO Smith or Bradford White |
🔐 Warranty Snapshot (2025 Trends)
| Brand | Tank Warranty | Parts Warranty |
| State | 6-10 years | 6-10 years |
| AO Smith | 6-12 years | 6-12 years |
| Bradford White | 6-10 years (via contractor) | 6-10 years |
| Rheem | 9-12 years | 9-12 years |
🧠 The Mike Sanders Verdict
For most average U.S. households needing a reliable gas water heater replacement in 2025, the State ProLine Atmospheric Vent 50-Gallon 40,000 BTU remains an outstanding choice:
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Affordable pricing
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Excellent reliability
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Familiar technology (atmospheric vent)
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Broad parts availability
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Quick, simple installs
However, if you’re prioritizing ultra-high efficiency, smart controls, or advanced hybrid technology, Rheem and AO Smith deserve strong consideration. For homeowners working with trusted contractors, Bradford White offers outstanding professional support and long-term peace of mind.
🔗 Verified Helpful Resources:
About Mike Sanders:
20+ years of experience helping homeowners compare brands, evaluate options, and make smart long-term water heater choices based on real-world performance.
In the next topic we will read about: Maintaining Your State ProLine Water Heater: Extend Its Life Beyond 10 Years
