Bradford White Water Heater Review: Pros, Cons, Performance

Bradford White Water Heater Review

Bradford White, a privately held company with a history dating back to 1881, offers a wide range of water heaters made in the United States and sold through wholesale and retail dealers .

Product Overview

Bradford White offers the following types of water heaters :

1. Storage tank water heaters: Natural gas, propane, and electric models.
2. Tankless water heaters: Natural gas, propane, and electric models.
3. Solar water heaters: Electric coil or gas backup.
4. Indirect water heaters: Store water heated by a separate boiler, heat pump, or solar heating system.

Technical Specifications

1. Gas and propane storage-type water heaters: 30 to 100-gallon capacities .
2. Gas water heaters: Atmospheric Vent, Direct Vent, Power Vent, Power Direct Vent, and High Efficiency models .
3. Standard gas water heaters: 38,000 to 50,000 BTU; high-input models: 85,000 BTU or higher .
4. Low-NOx and Ultra low-NOx natural gas water heaters: 30 to 100-gallon capacities .
5. Electric storage tank water heaters: Upright models (30-50 gallons) and lowboy models (19-47 gallons) .
6. Electric utility and wall-hung water heaters: 6 to 19-gallon capacities .
7. AeroTherm heat pump water heaters: 50 and 80-gallon sizes .
8. Tankless gas water heaters (Infiniti): Up to 8.3 gallons per minute, indoor or outdoor installation .
9. Electric tankless unit (Kwickshot): Single model available .
10. Solar water heaters (EcoStor): Electric or gas backup models .

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive product line for various capacities, installation, and venting requirements .
• Energy Star certified models available .
• Low-NOx water heaters comply with emission laws .
• Tankless gas heaters offer efficient, on-demand heating .
• Compact utility floor and wall-hung models .

Cons:

• Expensive combination water heater and space heaters (Combi and Combi2 lines) .
• AeroTherm heat pump water heaters have slower heating compared to gas models .
• No low-NOx models available in propane .
• Slightly higher than average consumer-reported problems .
• Average warranties with some reported hassles in claiming .

Considerations Before Purchasing

1. Gas and propane water heaters are more cost-effective than electric models but require gas lines and venting .
2. High-efficiency water heaters are more cost-effective for long-term residency .
3. Whole-house tankless gas units are more efficient for multiple locations compared to multiple smaller units .

Conclusion

Bradford White offers a wide range of water heaters, with standard gas models (atmospheric and direct vent) providing the best combination of reasonable cost and lower operating expenses compared to electric models.