Best Water Heaters
Top water heaters ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Rheem Performance Platinum 50-Gallon Gas
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 12-year tank warranty
- Leak detection with app alerts
- Strong first-hour rating around 77 gallons
Cons
- Wi-Fi features need decent signal in the utility space
- Premium over base models
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy a gas unit without confirming your vent type, since atmospheric and power-vent models are not interchangeable.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Self-cleaning reduces sediment buildup
- Proven glass tank lining
- Simple 240V replacement install
Cons
- Standard electric recovery is slow
- No smart features at this trim
Don't buy this if…
- Skip standard electric if your household exceeds four people, because 21 GPH recovery cannot keep up with back-to-back showers.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Non-metallic tank can never corrode
- Lifetime residential tank warranty
- Exceptional insulation
Cons
- Highest upfront cost in class
- Plastic tank cannot be used with recirculation loops without care
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy the Marathon for a short-term home, since its lifetime-tank economics only pay off if you stay put.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Contractor-grade serviceability
- Hydrojet system fights sediment
- Consistent decade-plus service life
Cons
- Officially sold through installers, so retail support is thin
- No consumer smart features
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid buying this DIY if you want warranty coverage, because Bradford White ties its warranty to professional installation.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Stainless tank needs no anode rod
- Faster 5500W recovery
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Requires a 30-amp circuit check for 5500W elements
- Heavy initial investment
Don't buy this if…
- Do not install the 5500W version on wiring sized for a 4500W unit without an electrician, since the amperage difference matters.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Auto water shutoff on leak detection
- 12-year warranty at mid price
- App notifications
Cons
- 40 gallons suits smaller households only
- Smart valve adds install height
Don't buy this if…
- Skip 40 gallons if you run a dishwasher, laundry, and showers simultaneously, because the first-hour delivery will disappoint.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Plugs into a standard 120V outlet
- Ends cold-water sandwich at far fixtures
- Compact under-sink mounting
Cons
- Only supplements a main heater
- 4 gallons empties fast
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy this expecting whole-room supply, since a mini-tank serves one sink, not a shower.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Largest budget mini-tank capacity
- Standard plug installation
- Adjustable thermostat
Cons
- 1440W element recovers slowly
- Relief valve discharge needs routing
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid mounting this over finished space without a drain pan, because every tank heater eventually leaks.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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