Rheem VS Bradford white


1. Intro
a. First things first I think the rheem product is better. I would install one in my house. Watch this video if you want to know why.
b. Both water heater brands are good or we wouldn’t install them. I have worked with both for a very long time and see what really happens in the field. Here is my opinion on the two water heaters when compared side by side.
2. anode rod
a. Rheem sells a kit that goes inside of their water heater. The kit is two parts. One is a sticker with an additional serial number that extends the warranty by 4 years. The second is an additional anode rod (leak preventer) that goes inside the water heater.
b. Bradford white sells a similar kit but it only has a sticker. There is no socket for an additional anode rod. This means that water heater is not going to last nearly as long as the Rheem product.
3. Steel tank
a. Rheem is manufactured in Mexico. Most people frown on this. I agree, making product in America is nice but it comes at a cost. A big one. As I’m sure you know labor is expensive in the US. The Rheem product weighs more than the Bradford white water heater. My suspicion is that Bradford white makes there tanks slightly thinner to cut costs. This leads to premature leaks in the inner tank which cannot be repaired. Over all we see a lot more Bradford white tanks going out with in the warranty period than rheem tanks.
4. Controller
a. The controller also known as the thermostat is the brain of the water heater. Rheem has been using the same controller for a couple decades. It’s made of steel and rarely fails. The Bradford white water heater has a snazzy controller that has “smart” features. The Bradford white controller is notorious for failure and problems. Overall we service considerably more Bradford white controllers than all others combined. I say lets keep it simple
5. Cosmetics
a. I think the Bradford white is cooler looking. I like the stickers and signage they put on the heater.
6. Summary
a. The rheem product is going to last longer
b. The Rheem product will give you a trouble free product
c. The Bradford white beats the rheem in my opinion on looks.