Hot water is one of the greatest benefits of the modern world. Even the simplest water-related task like washing dishes, doing laundry, or bathing requires warm or hot water. Imagine doing these things with only cold water. This is where water heaters come in.
A water heater is a man-made wonder that helps us, regardless of the season. We rely on hot water to keep our homes, clothes, dishes, and bodies clean and sanitary. This demand lends to the production of a large range of water heaters being produced by various manufacturers. One of those trusted manufacturers is Bradford White. In this article, we have rounded up the best Bradford White water heaters for you to look at and decide which one will provide the most value for your hot water needs.
Most famously known for its excellent customer service, Bradford White is an all-American brand, designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA. They have two plants located in the Michigan cities of Middleville and Niles, and a third in Rochester, New Hampshire.
As one of the oldest water heater companies, Bradford White rates as one of the best brands among subcontractors, while providing high-quality products with durable technology and long lifespans. If you’re looking to invest in a Bradford White water heater, here is a guide to what you need to know.
How Do Bradford White Water Heaters Compare to the Competition?
Bradford White is the oldest and the most respected manufacturer of water heaters. They offer the best overall value in terms of safety, efficiency, and long life. We have highlighted some of the features that make the heater different from its competitors.
A Wide Range of Products
There are many products and capacities to choose from. They even have a variety of gas, electric, and heat pump models. Not every manufacturer addresses customer needs in such a diverse manner.
Safety
No matter what type you choose, safety is their number one priority. They have a Defender Safety System to protect their consumers, which is a step ahead of their competition.
Energy Star Certification
Many water heater models by Bradford White are Energy Star certified. Energy Star is the EPA program that helps protect the environment and save money. With other companies, you have to shorten your showers to conserve energy and save on bills. But with Bradford White, you can have a long, soothing bath without having to worry.
Hydrojet Engineering
Dregs settling at the bottom of the water heater have a huge impact on its performance. Bradford White has anticipated this issue and come up with Hydrojet engineering. It reduces the amount of sediment in their systems and helps them run smoothly.
Defender Safety System
Operating a water heater is a risky business. While most manufacturers solely focus on the inside, Bradford White goes the extra mile with their Defender Safety System. It even senses external gas threats and shuts off before an accident happens. Bradford White has certainly protected its product not only from the inside but on the outside too.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Bradford White Water Heaters
- OUR TOP PICK: Bradford White BWC RE350S6
- RUNNER-UP: Bradford White BWC RE250T6
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Bradford White RE16U6
Comparison of the Best Bradford White Water Heaters
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Over the years, Bradford White has come up with a wide variety of water heaters. Their range consists of gas, electric, and heat pump water heaters. There are different capacities for different models. Some contain tanks and others are tankless. With a diverse range, it is good to have prior knowledge of different models before you go out to buy one yourself. Here we have compared the specifications of some of the best Bradford White water heaters.
| Model Name | Height x Diameter (in.) | Energy Factor | Intended Household | Fuel Type | First Hour Delivery (Gal.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BWC RE350S6 | 47.75 x 24 | 0.95 | 3-4 | Electric | 67 |
| BWC RE250T6 | 59.375 x 22 | 0.95 | 3-4 | Electric | 67 |
| RE16U6 | 16.5 x 14 | – | 1 | Electric | – |
| D4504S6FSX | 64.75 x 22 | – | 3-4 | Gas and Electric | – |
| RG240T6N | 60.125 x 20 | 0.62 | 2-3 | Natural Gas | 76 |
| RG1PV50S6N | 58.25 x 22 | 0.65 | 2-3 | Natural Gas | 86 |
The Best of Bradford White
Known for their impressive dedication to innovation and customer experience, Bradford is a household favorite brand of water heaters. Here are a few of the reasons why:
ICON System
The ICON System, a gas valve technology exclusive to Bradford White, is designed to give customers better control over their hot water usage. Firstly, the system provides Advanced Temperature Control via a microprocessor that monitors and operates the burner.
This helps customers consistently achieve precise water temperature levels for the most comfortable experience. The software of the system provides better first hour delivery ratings and advanced temperature control mechanisms, while the intelligent diagnostics help you identify issues with your water heater and provide troubleshooting methods to help remedy the issue. To add to this, the system has a Pilot-On indication so you know at a glance if your pilot light is out. It also gives easy instructions for lighting the pilot when necessary.
Defender System
The Defender Safety System is incorporated into Brand White’s gas water heaters to resist igniting flammable vapors that may arise outside the system. It works using their patented ScreenLok Technology which is designed as a flame arrestor to prevent flames from drifting backward and igniting any vapors present. If large amounts of vapors are detected, the burner and pilot light turn off automatically.
Energy Efficiency
Bradford White offers 24 water heaters that have been awarded the Energy Star seal. The Energy Star is given to products to demonstrate their high level of energy efficiency in comparison to the regulatory standards in this area. These products demonstrate that they far surpass what is required, to provide maximum energy-efficiency and lower utility costs.
Their tankless model is included in this range for those looking for on-demand heat, and so are their heat pump models. Their list also includes a handful of atmospheric and power vent models, such as the RG2F40S and RG2PV50T, as well as power direct vent models, such as the RG2PDV50S.
Vitraglas Enamel Tank Lining
Corrosion can be the killer of tanks as it eats away at the material, eventually causing the tank to leak and break. Bradford White is dedicated to ensuring the quality of their products throughout their lifespan, while extending that longevity as much as possible.
With this in mind, they have installed Vitraglas, an exclusive enamel tank lining, into their tanks. When applied to the inside of the tank, this enamel lining forms a protective barrier between the corrosive components in hot water and the metal tank.
Having been put through a number of stressful laboratory tests, Bradford White sticks by the “unsurpassed protection” of Vitraglas over competitive tank linings. By using such a high-quality tank lining, this increases the durability and longevity of the tank.
Scale Reduction Technology
Limescale buildup on the inside of water heaters can affect their performance. Limescale not only degrades the materials, it also collects as sediment. This affects the longevity of your water heater system. Bradford White aims to reduce the chance of limescale buildup by employing their Scale Reduction Technology into their Infiniti Tankless Water Heater range.
As limescale is prone to collecting in hotspots of water, the technology creates turbulence in the water to prevent these hotspots. The technology has been proven to be very effective, preventing damage to components. This not only increases the lifespan of the water heater, it also reduces extra maintenance costs.
24/7 Support
Bradford White takes real pride in their customer service and is known for being a helpful and friendly brand. They understand that customers may have water heater issues, day or night, and are dedicated to ensuring they are on hand to deal with any issues.
This US-based telephone support team is made up of technical service and warranty support. This telephone support service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is delivered by highly trained Bradford White experts, who have been through extensive training to help diagnose issues for customers and provide on-the-spot solutions.
Impressive Ranking
Bradford White has impressive ratings with subcontractors on the market. According to the J.D. Power and Associates/McGraw-Hill Construction 2006 HVAC and Water Heater/Boiler Subcontractor Satisfaction StudySM, Bradford White was one of the most highly revered companies in comparison to other water heater and boiler manufacturers.
The study took into account the satisfaction levels of subcontractors when using various companies, with Bradford White coming out among the most favorable. This included categories on warranty and repair service, the ordering process, delivery, price, product, sales, marketing support, and more. Bradford White excelled, especially in the areas of warranty and repair, and in product quality.
A Major Drawback of Bradford White
One of the main issues that customers have is that the warranty for the products does not cover labor to install or repair the product. Labor costs for a certified plumber can be significant and unexpected in the case of a manufacturer defect. Thankfully, these defects are not common.
Equally, their anode rod is made of magnesium, which produces quite a bit of hydrogen if in hard water areas. It can be a little smelly as it interacts with bacteria, making the water have a strange odor. The odor is harmless but may indicate it is time to replace the anode rod.
Some customers have also complained that some of the tank models tend to corrode relatively quickly in hard water areas (after 6-7 years), therefore causing leaks.
Review of the Best Bradford White Water Heaters
Bradford White is the pioneer of efficient and high-quality water heaters. They have a huge variety of products to suit the individual needs of their consumers. They have different models that utilize gas, electric, or heat pump type water heaters. They offer a variety of size ranges to fulfill the demands of a full family household down to a single-person household.
Here we have reviewed some of the best Bradford White water heaters in each category to help you determine which one is best for you.
Best Overall and Best Bradford White Electric Water Heater
Bradford White BWC RE350S6
Specifications
Storage Capacity (DOE): 45-gallon
First Hour Rating (Gal.): 60
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): 0.92
Recovery Rate at 90°F Rise: 21 GPH
BTU/hr Input: N/A
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Why it Stands Out to Us
This model stands out to us as the best water heater in every way. It is an energy-efficient product that is good for residential, as well as commercial use. The automatic controls make it easy to operate. Foam insulation is an added benefit that helps reduce heat loss.
In addition, the factory-built Hydrojet Total Performance is a cold water inlet sediment reducing device that inhibits sediment build-up in the tank. It also minimizes the temperature rise on top of the tank. It is a durable, high-quality device that comes with a long life. All of this makes it the best water heater to top our list.
Bottom Line
This water heater from Bradford White is the epitome of perfection. It is energy-efficient, automatic, safe, and easy to use. It works great for both residential and commercial purposes. Different voltage variations make it easy to select one that suits your requirements. Strong and durable with enameled interior and sleek exterior, this is one product that you should definitely consider getting for yourself.
With all the safety, protective, and energy-efficient measures installed in this, Bradford White certainly surpassed itself when they manufactured this design. Although it requires expert installation, once it is operational, you have a life-long partner to fulfill all of your hot water demands.
Pros
An installed T and P release valve
Has heat traps to reduce energy waste
Factory-installed manual reset energy cutoff
Fast-acting surface-mount thermostat controls
Magnesium Anode rod provides long, trouble-free service
Cons
It is hard to configure
An expensive product for residential use
Large and requires more space for installation
Runner-up
Bradford White BWC RE250T6
Specifications
Storage Capacity (DOE): 45-gallon
First Hour Rating (Gal.): 64
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): 0.92
Recovery Rate at 90°F Rise: 21 GPH
BTU/hr Input: N/A
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Why it Stands Out to Us
This is an efficient water heater that can stand the test of time. It offers long-lasting performance to ensure that you don’t have to do water-related tasks with cold water for years to come. It comes with a different voltage setting so you can choose the model that best suits your voltage requirements.
A 50-gallon capacity is also a plus point. It’s single-phase, and triple-phase operation modes enable it to heat water quickly and effectively. A sleek and stylish exterior with features like automatic controls, foam insulation, and Hydrojet Sediment Protection, it’s no wonder that it has grabbed the second spot on our list.
Bottom Line
This water heater gives you the most effective heating because of extra insulation. It has a 50-gallon capacity that instantly supplies hot water to the entire house. It is heavy so you will need a team of experts to carry and install it. With a 67-gallon first hour delivery, it is an energy-efficient and time-saving product. Its durability and reliability make it a good choice for any household.
Pros
It comes in different voltage settings
Hydrojet System reduces sediment accumulation
Capable of single-phase and three-phase operation
Capable of direct heat transfer with immersed elements
Simultaneous and non-simultaneous operations available
Cons
It is quite heavy
Does not work well with hard water
Best for the Money
Bradford White RE16U6
Specifications
Storage Capacity: 6-gallon
First Hour Rating (Gal.): N/A
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): N/A
Recovery Rate at 90°F Rise: 7 GPH
BTU/hr Input: N/A
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Why it Stands Out to Us
When it comes to a limited budget, this is the best water heater you can get from Bradford White. With a 6-gallon capacity, it is perfect for single person usage. It is safe to use and heats up water in a short time. Plus, it has a number of excellent features. For instance, the insulation ensures reduced heat loss so that you get to enjoy more hot water. All in all, it provides the best features for its cost.
Bottom Line
In terms of price, this is the most economic Bradford White water heater. It is suitable for a fairly small household. If you are looking for a product that can heat water for a house full of people, then this is not the product for you. With all the features it contains, it is one of the easy operational products that lives up to all its claims.
Pros
Sides and top insulation reduces heat loss
Vitraglas lining provides superior protection
Single immersed element heats water directly
Magnesium anode rod protects against corrosion
True dielectric fittings extend the life and ease of installation
Cons
It has a small capacity
Can short out in the rain
Intended household is limited to a single person
Editor’s Pick
Bradford White D4504S6FSX
Specifications
Storage Capacity: 50-gallon
First Hour Rating (Gal.): N/A
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): N/A
Recovery Rate at 90°F Rise: 42 GPH
BTU/hr Input: N/A
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Why it Stands Out to Us
This product offers the lowest operation costs compared to gas or electric-powered alternatives. Once you install it, you can get your investment back in as little as four years. Moreover, its energy efficiency makes it one of the most cost effective options for providing your whole house with hot water.
Bottom Line
Indeed it is an expensive choice, but in the long run, it will not only pay back its cost but also save you a lot of money because it’s energy-efficient. Moreover, it comes with a huge capacity, making it suitable for big families as well.
Pros
Comes with a large capacity
Operates at a very cheap cost
Features an atmospheric vent
Energy-efficient, making it environment-friendly
Cons
Requires regular cleaning
Price may not suit everyone
It needs an open space to work properly
Best Bradford White 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater
Bradford White RG240T6N
Specifications
Storage Capacity (DOE): 38
First Hour Rating (Gal.): 75
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): 0.64
Recovery Rate at 90°F Rise: 43 GPH
BTU/hr Input: 40,000
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Why it Stands Out to Us
This water heater is a high-quality product that lasts a long time. It is the best gas-operated water heater from Bradford White. Its installation is so easy that you can even do it yourself. It is maintenance-free and does not require regular cleaning of air inlet opening or flame arrester, which most gas water heaters need regularly. This truly makes it stand out as the best gas-fueled water heater.
Bottom Line
This is a great heater that can hold up to 40 gallons. Along with that, it is the best gas water heater by Bradford White. Its atmospheric vent and separate immersed Thermowell make it a low maintenance product. It is a desirable addition to your household and one that will fulfill all its hot water demands.
Pros
It has a resettable thermal switch
Atmospherically vented for good airflow
Contains a separate immersed thermowell
Perfect for standard water heating applications
Has a sight window to view the combustion chamber
Cons
It can become dented
Has some reported instances of leakage
Pilot light has some issues with staying on
Bradford White Power Vent RG1PV50S6N
Specifications
Storage Capacity (DOE): 48
First Hour Rating (Gal.): 78
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): 0.69
Recovery Rate at 90°F Rise: 43 GPH
BTU/hr Input: 40,000
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Review
A power vent water heater, this tank model is powered by natural gas and has a capacity of 50 gallons. It delivers 86 gallons in the first hour and has a 40,000 BTU input. This device is designed to be applied in locations where atmospheric units cannot be utilized. With this model, exhaust gases are directed straight out of the roof or wall using positive pressure via a powerful blower motor.
Bottom Line
This model also includes the ICON System, which enables energy savings through its advanced temperature precision controls and troubleshooting features. The ScreenLok Technology and Flammable Vapor Sensor provide added safety features, while the self-cleaning system uses the Hydrojet technology to prevent the buildup of sediment.
Who Is Bradford White?
Bradford White is an employee-based manufacturer of water heating products. Established in 1881, it is a team of American-owned companies that leads the U.S. in the manufacturing of water heating, space heating, combination heating, and storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
It is headquartered in Ambler, Pennsylvania, with its manufacturing facilities located in Michigan and New Hampshire. Over the 135 years of its establishment, Bradford White has been delivering high-quality products made by American craftsmen.
Company History
Founded in 1881 Bradford White is one of the oldest US-based brands of water heaters. They are proud to be American and have kept all production inside the USA from their inception, right up until now. Originally named Pennsylvania Range Boiler Company, they renamed themselves after a restructuring in 1959 to become The Pennsylvania-Bradford Appliance Corporation. After joining with White Products of Middleville in 1968, the company became what is today, Bradford White Corporation.
Vitraglas was introduced into Bradford White products way back in 1958, while they invented their first Power Vent in 1985. They introduced HydroJet technology in 1993, just before Bradford White became an employee-owned company in 1994.
What Kind of Warranty Does Bradford White Offer?
Bradford White offers a limited warranty on all its products. It lasts for 5 to 6 years and covers the glass-lined tank and component parts. They warrant the integral components to be free of any fault in materials and workmanship. Any leakage or malfunction caused by faulty materials or weak workmanship is covered by the company.
They strongly promote that water heaters should be installed and serviced by qualified and licensed professionals only. So claims should only be placed through the service professional repairing or replacing your water heater. They will diagnose and repair the faulty part with Bradford White approved parts and place the warranty claim through their local Bradford White distributors.
The warranty extends from the first buyer to any other subsequent owners only if the appliance is not moved from the original place where it was installed. They also offer the BUILT BEST Extended Limited Warranty upgrade. With this, you can extend the original warranty period on glass-lined tanks and component parts for two to four additional years. To check if your appliance qualifies for the extended warranty, you can go to their website and enter the serial number in the “warranty check” box given at the top. If you do qualify for it, you can contact your professional installer and have your model number readily available should the need arise.
Choosing a Water Heater
When choosing a water heater, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to select between brands.
Capacity
The capacity of the water heater you choose will affect efficiency when you use it in your household. If you have a demand for very high hot water usage, you’ll need a large capacity water heater. If you don’t, you’ll end up causing a lot of stress to a device that is too small. Conversely, if you select a model that is too large for your needs, you may end up warming far too much hot water, and therefore wasting energy. Know the correct size of the water heater you need by using this calculator.
Try to think about your habits. Do you put the dishwasher on at the same time everyone showers at night? If so, you may need higher capacity.
Don’t only look for the gallons of water that it can hold, look for the first hour rating on tank models to see how much it can deliver in the first hour. On tank-less water heaters, consider the gallons per minute to show how much it can produce.
Energy Efficiency
There are many ways to determine the energy efficiency of a water heater. The Energy Star Seal is a good indicator of high efficiency on a water heater. It shows that the water exceeds regulatory standards.
Alternatively, look for the Energy Factor. This number is how well the energy is converted to heat. Products that have 0.82 as their EF rating are 83% efficient. This means that 17% of energy is not being used for heat and is being lost.
Here is a helpful way to calculate the energy factor.
Costs
While some models may seem expensive, judging costs can be hard. While high capacity water heaters with an Energy Star Seal may seem more expensive, if you’re in a large family, a model such as this one is more likely to be able to cope with your high demand consistently, while reducing your running costs and lowering your energy bills.
Equally, models that are more expensive are not necessarily better. Choosing higher price models may leave you with a heater way beyond your needs, or you may be paying for the aesthetics rather than the products.
Consider all aspects of the cost including the upfront price, the running costs, and the cost of an extended warranty. Warranties can help prevent extra maintenance costs in the future if repair is needed.
Durability
Consider the technologies installed in the products to help them last longer. You can also look at customer reviews to see how people classify their experience and how long their products lasted. After all, the customer service can be brilliant, but if the products only last five years, this becomes an issue!
In 1996, Bradford White completed the most complex and comprehensive research and development laboratory for its products, putting them ahead in innovation and engineering. By 1999, Bradford White began winning awards for their dynamic technology with the 1999 Consumer Report heralding Bradford White’s Optimizer Water Heater as the best consumer buy.
Today, they are among the highest for subcontractors and have incorporated intelligent ICON Systems into their products to set them apart from the market. They are a leading US brand, with all their products designed and made within the country, and they take pride in providing a top consumer experience.
Conclusion
Bradford White is a well-recognized brand with the reputation of an excellent customer care service. Their products last long with the powerful safety and control tools installed within. The protective components increase their durability and reliability. With a huge and diverse range of water heaters available, it is best to know your hot water requirement before you go buy one for yourself. Also, don’t hesitate to call them if you have any after-sales issues. In conclusion, these water heaters have just the right features, with all the best features. They are built to stand the test of time and outlast their own warranties.
Bradford White is a recognizable brand with a reputation for being helpful in its service. They provide long-lasting products that include a variety of control and safety features, as well as protective components to increase durability. To make sure you’re making the right choice in a product, also ensure you know your own hot water requirements, and never be afraid to call their customer support team for help in selecting the right water heater for your home.
People Also Ask
Now you know about the best water heaters from Bradford White Corporation. Even with a comprehensive overview, you may still have some questions. In this section, we have rounded off some of the frequently asked questions for your satisfaction.
You can determine the age of your water heater from its serial number. It is encoded as the first two letters of the serial number. The current code date format is YM234567.
The first letter = year of manufacture. Beginning with A = 1964 or A = 1984 and for the latest water heaters made after 2003, A = 2004. Each alphabet cycle restarts after every 20 years.
The second letter = month of manufacture. Beginning with A = January and ending with M = December.
Currently, Bradford White water heaters are manufactured at Middleville, Michigan. They have a huge manufacturing facility that spans up to 1,000,000 square feet. It finished construction in 2016. It is a completely modernized setup with over 1,000 employees who have all committed to construct products that are known to be the finest water heaters in the world.
You can adjust your Bradford White water heater in just a few simple steps. You will also need a screwdriver.
1. Turn off the power supply to your water heater.
2. Gently slide off the access panel located on the side to reach the thermostat.
3. Place the screwdriver into the center of the temperature dial. Turning the dial clockwise will increase the temperature of the water that the heater will produce. Turning it counter-clockwise will decrease the temperature.
4. Put the insulation and access cover back on the thermostat.
5. Turn on the power supply.
Yes, Bradford White water heaters have high-quality magnesium anode rods installed in them, which is located at the hot water outlet of the tank. It is not easily accessible when replacement is necessary, as the hot water outlet must be removed to reach it. If you are not comfortable replacing it yourself, you can contact an HVAC specialist to take care of it.
The serial number of every Bradford White water heater is written on the rating plate. The rating plate is an adhesive sticker at the top center of the warning labels. The serial number and model number are written directly beneath the Bradford White facility address.
