Water Heater Buying Guide: Comparing Top Brands & Models

Most homeowners don’t realize their water heater choice could cost them $2,800 in wasted energy, repairs, or early replacement. Here’s how to pick the right one the first time.

For first-time homeowners, navigating water heater options can feel like decoding a foreign language. There are tons of brands to choose from, let alone models. And how does your local water quality affect performance? The answers matter—not just for comfort, but for your wallet.

Water heaters play a crucial role in everyday life—hot showers, clean dishes, laundry, and more. But many homeowners overlook how factors like household size, water quality, and energy efficiency influence long-term satisfaction. 

Choosing wisely means lower utility bills, fewer repairs, and peace of mind for years to come. Additionally, a water heater pre-filter can delay wear by 5-8 years and ensure you maximize your water heater longevity.

Types of Water Heaters

Understanding water heater types is a good start to finding the right choice for you.

Tank Water Heaters

Best for: Large families, low upfront cost
Pros: Simple technology, lower initial investment
Cons: Higher energy use, limited hot water supply

Tankless Water Heaters

Best for: Smaller homes, energy savings
Pros: Endless hot water, compact design, lower long-term cost
Cons: Higher upfront cost, performance drops with hard water

Hybrid Water Heaters

Best for: Moderate climates, homeowners seeking efficiency
Pros: Uses heat pump technology, very energy efficient
Cons: Larger size, slower water heating

To learn about more types of water heaters, read our dedicated “Beginner’s Guide to Water Heaters”. 

Brand Showdown: Best Water Heaters by Brand

Water Heater Comparison Chart at a Glance

Rheem

Strengths: Energy-efficient options, wide availability

Rheem is a household name for a reason. Known for innovation and efficiency, it offers everything from budget-friendly models to top-tier hybrid systems. 

Top Rheem Models:

• Rheem Performance 40 Gal. Gas Water Heater (~$580)
• Rheem Performance 50 Gal. Gas Water Heater (~$680)
• Rheem ProTerra 50 Gal. Hybrid Water Heater (~$1,600)

Bradford White

Strengths: Durable construction, American-made

Built for longevity and often installed by professionals, Bradford White units perform best with comprehensive filtration. Pairing with a pre-filter ensures their compact designs stay scale- and sediment-free.

Top Models:

• Bradford White 50 Gal Electric Water Heater with Hydrojet® (~$620)
• Bradford White 50 Gal Gas Water Heater with Low NOx Vent (~$880)
• Bradford White Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater (~1,900)

Bosch

Strengths: Compact designs, trusted engineering

Bosch water heaters are known for their sleek design and reliable performance, especially in smaller living spaces. While not as prevalent in the U.S., they offer a premium experience rooted in German efficiency.

Top Models:

• Bosch Tronic 4 Gal POU Mini-Tank Water Heater (~$230)
• Bosch Tronic 5.26 GPM Electric Tankless Water Heater (~$730)
• Bosch Greentherm9 GPM Gas Tankless Water Heater (~$2,080)

Noritz

Strengths: Pioneers in tankless water heater tech

Noritz specializes in high-performance, eco-friendly tankless heaters that deliver consistent hot water on demand. Their advanced technology and quality control make them a trusted choice among professionals.

Top Models:

• Noritz EZ Series 9.8 GPM Gas Tankless Water Heater (~$1,600)
• Noritz EZ Series 11.1 GPM Gas Tankless Water Heater (~$1,900)
• Noritz NRCR Series 11.1 GPM Gas Tankless Water Heater (~$1,800)

EcoSmart

Strengths: Eco-friendly, space-saving, digital control

EcoSmart products are ideal for homeowners looking to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance. Their intuitive design and affordability make them a go-to for budget-conscious upgrades.

Top Models:

• EcoSmart ECO 11 13kW Electric Tankless Water Heater (~$210)
• EcoSmart ECO 18 18kW Electric Tankless Water Heater (~$420)
• EcoSmart ECO 27 27kW Electric Tankless Water Heater (~$480)

After comparing performance, cost, and longevity, the Rheem ProTerra Hybrid stands out for its balance of efficiency and reliability, especially when paired with an iFilters pre-filter to prevent sediment damage.

How To Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

Want your water heater to last 5+ years longer? The #1 upgrade pros recommend an iFilters Pre-Filter Bundle, which installs in minutes and stops sediment, scale, and corrosion before they damage your system. These filters are easy to set up using basic plumbing tools and can dramatically reduce sediment, scale, and corrosion that shorten your heater’s life.

Sediment Pre-Filters

By removing abrasive particles early, a sediment pre-filter prevents sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank or in the heat exchanger—buildup that can:

• Act as insulation, forcing the heater to work harder and consume more energy
• Cause overheating of the tank bottom, leading to premature failure or leaks
• Clog pipes and reduce water pressure
• Accelerate corrosion and scaling inside the heater

In short, a sediment pre-filter acts as the first line of defense, keeping the water heater cleaner, more efficient, and significantly prolonging its lifespan. This is especially true in areas with well water or high turbidity.

Whole-House Water Heater Pre-Filter Bundle

What’s included:

• Filter
• Filter housing
• Bracket (wall attachment)
• Wrench (for filter replacement)
• Replacement filter (annual)
  

Other options include:

• Adding an anti-scale media pre-filter.
• Installing a water softener system (high upfront cost but lasts years).

These small additions reduce maintenance needs, improve heating efficiency, and can preserve your warranty by preventing damage that’s typically excluded from coverage.

Installation Checklist for First-Time Owners

A good installation can mean the difference between a 6-year lifespan and a 15-year one. Here’s what to confirm:

• Always flush the system before connecting to a new heater
• Test water for pH and hardness before installation
• Use dielectric unions to prevent galvanic corrosion
• Secure proper drainage for temperature and pressure relief valves
• Insulate exposed pipes to improve heat retention
• Add a sediment pre-filter

Bonus Tip: Proper filtration preserves warranties by preventing damage not covered by most manufacturers.

Additionally, consider installing a leak detection system with automatic shut-off. This inexpensive upgrade can prevent thousands in water damage, especially in basements or tight spaces.

How Water Quality Impacts Your Heater

Hard Water Havoc

Just 1 grain per gallon of hardness can reduce water heater efficiency by 2%. That adds up fast in energy bills. Scale buildup shortens the lifespan of heating elements and forces your heater to work harder.

Solution: Add salt-free conditioner that neutralizes hardness without salt, protecting your heater naturally.

Sediment Damage

Even small sand particles can erode heater tanks 5x faster than normal. Sediment buildup can also reduce tank volume and block heating elements, leading to higher energy usage and system strain.

Solution: Add a carbon filter that traps 99.8% of particles before they reach your unit.

Corrosion Risks

Low pH water eats away at metal tanks, removing up to 0.3mm of steel each year. This type of corrosion often voids warranties and can lead to leaks and premature failure.

Solution: Replaces sacrificial rods with titanium anodes for long-lasting protection.

For optimal performance and longevity, addressing all three threats—hardness, sediment, and low pH—is critical. iFilters systems offer a modular approach so you can build the right defense for your local water.

Water Heater Buying FAQs

Q: How long should a water heater last?

A: 8–12 years—but with an iFilters pre-filter, many last 15+ years.

Q: Do tankless water heaters need filters?

A: Yes! Hard water can clog tankless units 3x faster. A pre-filter prevents costly repairs.