Hot water is a basic necessity in many households. From taking a shower to washing the dishes, the benefits of having a constant supply of hot water in your home are simply immeasurable. Lucky for us, there are numerous brands out there manufacturing water heaters, but only a few can match the quality, user-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal provided by Bradford white water heaters.
Bradford White is one of the oldest water heater manufacturers globally, with over 140 years in the business. The all-American brand is world-renowned for its safe, efficient, and durable water heaters that give its competitors a run for their money.
To make things a little easier for you, we have prepared a few Bradford white water heater reviews and featured some of their best models.
Bradford White Water Heater Reviews
Best Bradford White Gas Water Heaters
- Residential URG230T6N Natural Gas Water Heater – Best 30 Gallon
- Bradford White RG240T6N 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater – Best 40 Gallon
- Residential RG2F50S6N Atmospheric Gas Water Heater – Best 50 Gallon
Best Bradford White electric water heaters
- Bradford White M16U6SS 6 Gallon – Best 6 Gallon
- Bradford White M240S6DS-1NCWW 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater – Best 40 Gallon
- Bradford White BWC RE350S6-1NCWW 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater – Best 50 Gallon
What is Bradford white known for?
One of their most impressive qualities is the quality and durability of their products, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Bradford white produces a wide range of products, from gas-powered heaters, electric heaters to tankless water heaters. Here is a breakdown of what you’d expect from their products.
Natural Gas and Liquid Propane Water Heaters
Bradford White is one of the most innovative brands when it comes to gas/propane water heaters. With such an extensive portfolio, it’s no surprise that their line of gas-powered heaters is significantly large.
All their gas/propane water heaters have their signature patented technology. To top it all off, they also back them up with some of the best warranty deals in the water heating industry.
One of the most impressive attributes of their gas-powered water heaters is their durability. Their heaters are built with a vitraglas lining that guarantees optimum durability.
Most of their gas-powered models also feature an intelligent gas control system (ICON) that not only helps you save on gas but also makes them pretty convenient in terms of usability and user-friendliness.
Electric Water Heaters
When it comes to electric heaters, Bradford White got you covered. Their electric heaters come in all sizes, so no matter how large or small your household is, you’ll always find one that suits your needs.
Like their gas-powered counterparts, Bradford white electric water heaters also include Bradford white’s patented technology. This means that you get exclusive features with each model, including automatic controls that deliver hot water on demand and a vitraglas lining for added durability.
Being NAEKA compliant, Bradford white water heaters are some of the most energy-efficient electric water heaters on the market, with a uniform energy factor of 0.92. Impressive, right?
Tankless Water Heaters
Although their line of tankless heaters is considerably smaller than their tank-type series, they still offer the same Bradford quality.
Bradford White tankless water heaters are a perfect choice for any homeowner who requires a continuous supply of hot water. Their models are relatively compact and can literally fit into any space, and if you have a large household, they also have larger models available for your choosing.
Why should you get yourself a Bradford white water heater?
They have a wide range of products.
Bradford white addresses the needs of every customer diversely to ensure that you get what you’re looking for.
Impressive warranties
Bradford white believes in their products. For this reason, they back them up with some of the most impressive warranty deals in the business.
Bradford White offers a six year limited warranty on all their heaters. The warranty covers both the tank and parts.
They come loaded with multiple safety features.
It doesn’t matter the type of water heater you choose; with Bradford white water heaters, you will get a water heater loaded with lots of safety features to safeguard both you and your heater.
Bradford white water heaters also come loaded with lots of other features and technologies that guarantee optimum durability and energy efficiency.
Bradford White Product Technologies
Bradford White Vitraglas technology
Vitraglas is a uniquely-formulated coating that is applied to all Bradford White water heaters. The coating’s primary purpose is to prevent harmful corrosive elements from reaching the steel in the tank and other components in the water heater.
By doing so, the coating extends the lifespan of the water heater tremendously.
Bradford White Hydrojet technology
Bradford’s hydro-jet technology is a total performance system that features a cold water delivery tube that actively reduces sediment buildup and mixes incoming water with stored water thoroughly to minimize thermal stratification.
The system works through a series of flow-altering jet ports that create dynamic turbulence and a counter-rotation that effectively prevents its accumulation and blasts suspension. The jet sports on the upper side direct the flow of water outward and begin the dynamic mixing action.
The jet sports on the lower side direct the flow of water inwards to increase pressure and turbulence.
Did you know that sediment buildup is the primary cause of water heater damage? Bradford white’s hydro-jet technology actively reduces sedimentation, thus lengthening the life of your water heater. It also improves first-hour rating and improves overall operating efficiency.
Bradford White ICON system
ICON is a more innovative version of the standard gas valve. It revolutionized water heating control technology in Bradford gas heaters by constantly monitoring and controlling burner operation, resulting in more consistent and accurate water temperature levels.
The ICON valve is available exclusively in Bradford white water heaters as part of their patented technology. The system improves your heater’s energy efficiency considerably, thus saving a lot on gas bills without sacrificing water heating speed.
Bradford White Defender system
If you are one of those people who store their water heater in a utility room or large garage, which is the same place where you store flammable liquids, then you will appreciate the Bradford White defender system.
Bradford’s patented technology actively protects you and your belongings from fire hazards by keeping any flames inside the water heater.
If, by chance, any flammable fumes make their way into your heater and are ignited, any flames present in the chamber are prevented from traveling back to the source through a flame arrestor plate, thus providing extra protection for your home.
Bradford White Scale reduction technology
If limescale builds up in your water heater, it can seriously affect its performance. It degrades the material of a heater’s internal components and collects sediment, which can tremendously reduce the heater’s energy efficiency.
For this reason, Bradford White manufactures their water heaters with the latest innovative technology to curb limescale buildup. The limestone reduction technology is incorporated in all their infinity tankless water heater lines.
Energy efficiency
Bradford White has over 24 water heaters with the energy star seal. The energy star seal is only awarded to products that have not only met but exceeded the set energy regulation standards in terms of energy efficiency.
Drawbacks associated with Bradford white water heaters
The primary issue raised by customers who purchase Bradford white water heaters is that the warranty doesn’t cover labor and installation costs. Hiring a certified plumber to install or repair your water heater can be pretty costly; luckily, Bradford white products are very durable, so these issues are sporadic.
Another issue with Bradford white water heaters is their magnesium anode rod. The magnesium anode rod reacts with hard water to produce quite a bit of hydrogen. With time, the rod gets a little smelly as it interacts with the bacteria in the water.
Best Bradford White Gas Water Heaters
1. Residential URG230T6N Natural Gas Water Heater
Running a gas water heater can be pretty costly. That’s probably one of the reasons Bradford white made the URG230T6N Atmospheric Gas Water heater. This compact gas water heater is not only small but also economical.
The URG230T6N has a physical water holding capacity of 30 gallons, making it significantly smaller than most tank-style gas water heaters out there. Despite its relatively small size, this gas water heater comes loaded with all the bells and whistles found in larger Bradford white water heaters.
One of its most impressive features is the high-efficiency blower. The high-efficiency blower system pulls in air through a baffle system. The effect is a higher water heating rate and efficiency.
It also comes equipped with the ICON intelligent gas control system that controls the spark-to-pilot ignition system. This feature helps you save on gas by shutting off or limiting the pilot gas during low-demand periods.
This gas water heater also features an advanced water temperature control system that continuously monitors the burner to ensure that the water temperature remains consistent.
Additionally, this unit comes equipped with a Hydrojet system that reduces sedimentation and increases the first-hour rating of the unit by continuously mixing the water in the tank.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on all components
- Power Source – Gas
- Capacity (Size) – 30 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.68
- Water Temp – Up to 160 Deg Fahrenheit
- Flow rate – 34 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 76
2. Bradford White RG240T6N 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
If you are looking for a compact gas water heater from Bradford white, then you’d better check out the Bradford White RG240T6N.
The first thing you’ll notice when you take a look at the RG240T6N is its compact size. For a tank-style water heater, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to fit in your utility room or garage.
Although this water heater has a physical water holding capacity of 40 gallons, it has a first-hour delivery of 75 gallons.
It comes loaded with lots of cool features, including the Bradford white ICON system that eliminates the need for an external electric connection by converting heat energy from the gas flame to electricity, which is then used to power the microprocessor and gas valve.
It also comes equipped with a vitraglas lining that guarantees optimum durability.
In terms of efficiency, you will like the fact that this gas water heater’s tank is covered with a non-CNC form that actively reduces heat loss and improves the heater’s operational efficiency.
Like all other Bradford white water heaters, this gas water heater comes with a six-year limited warranty on all its components.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on all components
- Power Source – Gas
- Capacity (Size) – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – No
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.64
- Water Temp – Up to 160 Deg Fahrenheit
- Flow rate – not specified
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 75
3. Residential RG2F50S6N Atmospheric Gas Water Heater
You can’t talk about the best Bradford gas water heaters without including the RG2F50S6N in the list. This is one of the most economical gas water heaters on the market. It comes equipped with a high-efficiency blower that pulls air through a baffle system, resulting in a higher water heating efficiency.
This unit also comes equipped with the ICON intelligent gas control system. The system features a spark-to=pilot ignition system that prevents the pilot burner from burning continuously, resulting in lower energy waste. This comes in handy, especially in low-demand periods.
It also features an advanced temperature control system that monitors the burner constantly to ensure the temperature stays consistent. It also comes equipped with a set of LED lights that relay various signals.
You will appreciate the fact that this unit comes equipped with a flammable vapor sensor in terms of safety. The sensor turns off the burner immediately; it senses flammable vapors, thus preventing fire hazards.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on all components
- Power Source – Gas
- Capacity (Size) – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.68
- Water Temp – not specified
- Flow rate – 41 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 76
Best Bradford White Electric Water Heaters
1. Bradford White M16U6SS 6 Gallon Electric Water Heater
If you have a small household or RV, then you need a smaller water heater to go with it. The Bradford White 6 Gallon electric water heater might be what you need.
This electric water heater has a maximum physical water holding capacity of six gallons, which is enough for one individual to shower or wash the dishes. It is also very affordable, making it the best budget option on our list.
The tank has a non-CNC foam lining to reduce heat loss. It also has an easy-to-use control panel that allows you to set and monitor water temperatures easily.
If you are worried about its durability, don’t be. This water heater is constructed from high-quality materials. It also has a hydro jet total performance system that actively prevents sedimentation and improves energy efficiency.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on all components
- Power Source – Electric
- Capacity (Size) – 6 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – No
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – not specified
- Water Temp – not specified
- Flow rate – 7 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – not specified
2. Bradford White M240S6DS-1NCWW 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater
The Bradford White M240S6DS-1NCWW electric water heater has a physical water holding capacity of 40 gallons, which is enough for a small to a medium household.
It also comes loaded with tons of features that make it more energy-efficient, convenient, and durable than most similar models out there.
The Bradford White M240S6DS-1NCWW comes equipped with a specialized vitraglas lining on all its internal components. The vitraglas lining prevents corrosion, thus making it more durable.
It also has a hydro jet total performance system that actively improves its energy efficiency and prevents sedimentation by mixing up water continuously.
This water heater also comes equipped with a layer of non-CNC foam that works to reduce heat loss. That, combined with hydro jet technology, makes it very energy efficient.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on all components
- Power Source – Electric
- Capacity (Size) – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – No
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.92
- Water Temp – not specified
- Flow rate – 21 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 56
3. Bradford White BWC RE350S6-1NCWW 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater
If you are looking for an energy-efficient electric water heater that will serve your entire household, then this might be the product for you.
The Bradford BWC RE350S6-1NCWW electric water heater comes fitted with automatic controls that make it very effortless to operate. It also has a non-CNC foam coating to reduce heat loss.
This, coupled with the hydro jet total performance system, makes this unit highly energy-efficient and maintenance-free.
The sturdy construction and safety features installed in this electric water heater make it perfect for residential and commercial applications.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on all components
- Power Source – Electric
- Capacity (Size) – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – No
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.95
- Water Temp – not specified
- Flow rate – not specified
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 67
