State ProLine vs. AO Smith vs. Bradford White, Which Gas Water Heater Is Best for Large Homes?

Introduction: The Battle of the Big Tank Gas Water Heaters

Large-capacity gas water heaters remain essential for many large households with multiple bathrooms and high daily hot water demands. Among the top brands, State ProLine, AO Smith, and Bradford White dominate the residential market for 74-75 gallon gas water heaters. But how do they compare when choosing the best model for your home?

In this in-depth guide, Samantha Reyes breaks down:

• Side-by-side feature comparisons

• Recovery rates and first-hour ratings

• Energy efficiency and venting types

• Warranties and service options

• Verified external resources to support your decision

🌟 The Three Leading Brands at a Glance

🏰 1. State ProLine High Capacity Atmospheric Vent 74-Gallon

• Capacity: 74 gallons

• BTU Input: 75,100

• First Hour Rating: ~125 gallons

• Venting: Atmospheric

• Warranty: 6-10 years

• Manufacturer: State Water Heaters (part of A.O. Smith family)

🏰 2. AO Smith Signature Premier 75-Gallon High Output

• Capacity: 75 gallons

• BTU Input: 75,100

• First Hour Rating: ~120-125 gallons

• Venting: Atmospheric or power vent options

• Warranty: 6-10 years

• Manufacturer: AO Smith Corporation

🏰 3. Bradford White RG2PV75H6N (Power Vent Model)

• Capacity: 75 gallons

• BTU Input: 76,000

• First Hour Rating: ~120 gallons

• Venting: Power vent (sealed combustion)

• Warranty: 6-10 years

• Manufacturer: Bradford White Corporation

All models listed above are AHRI certified for standardized performance ratings.

🔄 Recovery Rates and First Hour Ratings (FHR)

🥦 Why Recovery Rate Matters

Recovery rate measures how quickly the unit can replenish hot water after heavy usage.

📈 Side-by-Side Recovery Performance

Brand	BTU Input	FHR	Recovery Rate
State ProLine	75,100	~125 GPH	~80 GPH
AO Smith	75,100	~125 GPH	~80 GPH
Bradford White	76,000	~120 GPH	~82 GPH

For large households, these high recovery rates ensure multiple consecutive showers, dishwashing, and laundry can be accommodated with minimal downtime.

📅 Typical Use Case:

For a 5-person family taking consecutive showers, running the dishwasher, and doing laundry simultaneously, any of these models perform admirably.

🔢 Energy Efficiency Comparison

🌍 Current UEF Ratings (2025 Averages)

Brand	Vent Type	UEF Rating
State ProLine	Atmospheric	~0.60
AO Smith	Atmospheric	~0.61
Bradford White	Power Vent	~0.68

🔄 What This Means for Utility Bills:

• Bradford White's power vent model offers slightly better energy savings long-term.

• Atmospheric vent models (State & AO Smith) still offer solid performance at lower upfront costs.

Efficiency ratings source: Energy Star

🔧 Venting Type Differences

🏡 Atmospheric Vent (State, AO Smith):

• Passive, natural draft system

• Lower upfront cost

• Simpler, low-maintenance design

• Requires vertical chimney or flue

🏙️ Power Vent (Bradford White):

• Fan-assisted sealed combustion

• Allows horizontal venting

• Higher efficiency

• Requires electricity for fan operation

• Higher installation costs

The International Code Council (ICC) outlines venting code requirements by system type.

📅 Warranty and Service Support

Brand	Standard Warranty	Extended Options	Service Networks
State ProLine	6 years standard	10 years available	AO Smith service centers
AO Smith	6-10 years	Up to 12 years	Large national network
Bradford White	6 years	10 years available	Dealer-only authorized service

Consumer Reports ranks AO Smith and State highly for accessible service support.

🛠️ What to Watch:

• Bradford White requires authorized dealers for warranty work.

• AO Smith and State provide broader service options via larger national networks.

🏦 Build Quality & Key Features Breakdown

🏋️ State ProLine Highlights:

• Thick non-CFC foam insulation

• Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance (FVIR)

• Factory-installed T&P valve

• Integrated draft hood

🏋️ AO Smith Highlights:

• Blue Diamond® glass coating for corrosion resistance

• Direct electronic gas control for precision temperature

• Multiple venting options

🏋️ Bradford White Highlights:

• ICON™ System advanced gas control

• Hydrojet® sediment reduction system

• Factory-installed dielectric water connections

Full feature details can be referenced at each brand's official product sites:

• StateWaterHeaters.com

• AO Smith

• Bradford White

🌤️ Noise, Space & Aesthetic Considerations

🌩 Atmospheric Models (State & AO Smith):

• Virtually silent

• Slim vertical profile

• Simpler installation in basements or utility closets

🌫️ Power Vent Model (Bradford White):

• Fan produces audible noise

• May require more clearance for venting

• Sidewall vent flexibility in modern homes

ASHRAE discusses combustion air and space design implications for water heaters.

🚰 Installation Cost Comparison

💸 Estimated 2025 Installed Cost Range

Brand	Average Total Installed Cost
State ProLine	$2,200 - $3,200
AO Smith	$2,300 - $3,400
Bradford White	$2,800 - $4,200

 

Factors influencing cost:

• Venting modifications

• Local code compliance

• Permit fees

• Contractor labor rates

🔬 Which Brand Is Best for Your Situation?

🥦 Best for Budget-Conscious Large Families: State ProLine

• Lowest upfront cost

• Reliable performance for large households

• Simple installation in homes with existing chimneys

🌱 Best for Maximum Durability: AO Smith

• Slightly better internal tank protections (Blue Diamond coating)

• Flexible venting configurations

• Large national service network

🔧 Best for Energy Efficiency & Newer Homes: Bradford White Power Vent

• Sealed combustion increases UEF

• Flexible sidewall venting

• Eligible for more rebates & efficiency incentives

See available local incentives via Energy Star Rebate Finder

🫶 Samantha Reyes' Homeowner Tip Sheet 📝

• ☑ Confirm your home’s existing venting system (chimney vs. sidewall)

• ☑ Evaluate daily peak hot water usage (First Hour Rating needs)

• ☑ Balance efficiency with total lifetime costs

• ☑ Check eligibility for tax credits and rebates

• ☑ Choose a brand with strong local service support

🛡️ Conclusion: The Verdict for Large Homeowners

While all three brands produce excellent large-capacity gas water heaters, your best choice depends heavily on your home's infrastructure and your household's needs:

• State ProLine: Perfect replacement for existing atmospheric vent setups where cost and simplicity matter most.

• AO Smith: Outstanding choice if you want slightly better longevity features with a bit more flexibility.

• Bradford White: Ideal for new construction or retrofit scenarios seeking high efficiency and modern sealed venting.

Whichever you choose, always consult a licensed professional installer to evaluate venting safety, proper sizing, and code compliance.

Authored for The Furnace Outlet by Samantha Reyes, Home Energy Specialist.

In the next topic we will read about: Gas Water Heater Maintenance, Extending the Life of Your 74-Gallon Tank