Ruud is a reputable industry player for home appliances, including durable water heaters that you can always depend on. A high-quality water heater system will enhance the luxury experiences in your home. Forget about heating your bath water using an electric coil which can easily explode or electrocute your pets if you’re not around.
Moreover, modern water heaters come with innovative technology that enhances energy efficiency and guarantees low emission for a greener planet. They also come in great variety to suit different energy sources and aesthetic preferences of a typical homeowner.
We reviewed nine Ruud Water Heaters and found Standard Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater to be the best product overall. It is suitable for both big household and industrial applications as you can link up to 20 units in its system. This water heater is tankless and makes a great choice if you have little space in your living room.
Other products in our review list include the best budget, the best energy-efficient, and the best countertop. Briefly, you’re looking at one of the most in-depth and resourceful Rudd water heater reviews in 2021 and beyond.
We leverage expert reviews and direct recommendations from satisfied customers to shortlist the models that make it to testing and reviewing. We spend over 20 hours on each product, combing through the specifications, warranty information, and different applications as recommended by the manufacturer.
Ruud Water Heater Reviews
Best Ruud Gas Water Heater
- Ruud PHE50 Professional Ultra Series High-Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent – Best Overall
- Ruud PRO+G50-50N RU67 PD Professional Achiever Plus Series: Powered Damper Water Heater – Best Energy Efficient
- Ruud PH2-50-40F Pacemaker Standard and Ultra-Low NOx Water Heater – Best Budget
Best Ruud Electric Water Heater
- Ruud PROUE55 T2 RU92 CS Professional Ultra with LeakGuard Water Heater – Best Overall
- Ruud PROE80 2 RU93 Professional Achiever Electric High Capacity Water Heater – Best Efficiency
- Ruud PET40-2 Ruud Table Top Electric Water Heater – Best Countertop
Best Ruud Tankless Water Heater
- Ruud RUTGH-95DVLN-2 Professional Ultra Series: 9.5 GPM Indoor Tankless – Best Overall
- Ruud RUTGH-C95XLN Standard Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater- Outdoor – Best for Commercial Applications
- Ruud RUTG-RC95DVLN-1 Tankless Mid-Efficiency 95 Direct Vent Indoor with In-Built Recirculation Pump – Best Instant Hot Water
Water Heater Brand Information
Edwin Ruud, the pioneer of the Ruud brand, invented the first automatic gas water heater in 1889. Since then, other patents followed and witnessed a drastic technological revolution that now sees homeowners enjoy innovative products with high efficiency.
Ruud may not be a household name in many American homes, but it’s still unparalleled in many aspects. For instance, Ruud is among the few manufacturers in the industry offering a standard 6-year limited warranty on all its products, regardless of size or application. Thus, you get to enjoy a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee with every purchase.
Ruud brand allows its customers to enjoy the luxury of its products even without full payment. You can opt for different financing options that include flexible payment plans with favorable interest rates. However, a financing option would be ideal if you’re purchasing a commercial unit.
Unique Qualities Associated with Ruud Water Heaters
EcoNet Wi-Fi App
The Eco-Net Wi-Fi app is available in all products manufactured in 2010 and beyond. This technology allows remote control of your system using a mobile app. The app is compatible with all smartphones operating on the latest Android and IOS platforms. You can access temperature and pressure settings. You can also run self-diagnostic codes to gauge your product’s efficiency after prolonged use.
Longevity and Durability
The hardware constructions of Ruud Water Heaters have longevity and durability in mind. For instance, the gas and electric water heaters have premium anode rods to prevent sediment buildup at the tank’s base. Most models also come with auto-shut-off devices that mitigate overheating to prevent the components from wearing out before it’s time.
EverKleen™ System
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the storage tank is among the many factors that fuel up rusting and corrosion. This can shorten the lifespan of your system’s components if neglected for long—all Ruud Water Heaters, whether gas or electric, comes with EverKleen™ self-cleaning technology. The device prevents sediment buildup. That means you no longer need to call someone to clean your tank and remove the sediments from time to time, which can be costly in the long haul.
Reliable Limited Warranty
Home appliances can suffer quality defects originating from the supply or manufacturing lines. Every water heater from Ruud comes with a 6-year limited warranty on parts and the system. The warranty information also includes one year of free labor and service. Besides promoting customer satisfaction, this warranty shows that you’re dealing with products you can trust for years.
Ruud Water Heater Product Lines
Ruud Water Heaters are available in the following product lines as captured by the manufacturer and in various Ruud water heater reviews:
• Professional Series
• Pacemaker
• Power Direct Series
• Power Vent Series
• Warrior Series
• Master Series
Each product series features gas, tankless, and electric water heater models. Also, note that the price ranges in every product line differ, starting from professional models, which cost the highest, to master series, which cost the lowest. Either way, each series comes with all the basic features you would wish for in a Ruud water heater, including the EcoNet® Wi-Fi technology and EverKleen™ self-cleaning properties for hassle-free maintenance.
The drawback to Ruud Products
Some of the drawbacks of Ruud Water Heaters include:
- Some models waste excess energy through radiant heat loss
- Relatively expensive water heaters
- Tank-storage options may require more space
Best Ruud Gas Water Heaters
1. Ruud PHE50 Professional Ultra Series High-Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent
Professional Ultra Series High-Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent makes the best model for homeowners who want to install water heating systems in apartments as high as 9,000 feet above sea level.
It vents the by-products to the outdoor environment to ensure that the heating process doesn’t interfere with your indoor air quality.
You will install this water heater in less than an hour, thanks to the integrated system control that makes the process easy. It features two vent systems, with one pipe pulling air from the outside while the other exhausts combustion gases.
The venting options are flexible, and you can use CPVC, PVC, or ABS vent pipes. Moreover, you can repair or replace the diagnostic control system without draining water from the system’s tank.
Even though these models come at a higher price than similar products from different brands, they are relatively durable and will reflect your money’s value. For instance, it comes with dual anode rods that protect the tank from rust and corrosion. It also comes with a durable silicon nitride igniter (HSI).
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty
- Capacity – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.83
- Recovery Rate – 43.6 to 48.5 GPH at 90 F Rise
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – Up to 87 Gallons
2. Ruud PRO+G50-50N RU67 PD Professional Achiever Plus Series: Powered Damper Water Heater
Professional Achiever Plus Series: Powered Damper Water Heater makes an ideal product if you want a system that gives you endless hot water without breaking the bank.
It has the latest ENERGY STAR® rating for efficiency. Moreover, it comes with an exclusive air/fuel shut-off device to ensure that you don’t spend much on energy bills.
Use your smartphone (all the latest android and IOS platforms) to customize your water heating system’s temperature, vacation mode, and energy savings, thanks to the inbuilt EcoNet® Wi-Fi technology.
The water sensor works with the mobile app and will send a leakage notification to your mobile phone, whether you’re home or at work.
Besides the remote device, you can also monitor your system through electronic gas control. You don’t have to worry about pollution as this model is eco-friendly and complies with the 40 ng/J NOx requirements for low carbon emission. Most importantly, the guardian system and sensor disable the water heater in excess flammable vapor.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty
- Capacity – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.65- 0.70
- Recovery Rate – 50.5 GPH at 90 F Rise
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 69-85 Gallons
3. Ruud PH2-50-40F Pacemaker Standard and Ultra-Low NOx Water Heater
Pacemaker Standard and Ultra-Low NOx Water Heater is an ideal model for any homeowner in need of a high-efficiency product that attracts lower operating costs.
It goes at a relatively affordable price tag that doesn’t compromise its quality. The manufacturer gives a six year limited warranty on the whole system and profit-free parts replacement.
The manufacturer engineered this product’s guardian system to meet ANSI standards for flammable vapor ignition resistance. Thus, you’re looking at a water heater ideal for all family use.
It also comes with an exclusive fuel shut-off device that cuts gas supply in case of a technical issue for additional safety. This feature also ensures that you keep your energy bills low.
This water heater is ideal for people living in apartments as its applications can go as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. Some models also have a high altitude compliance certification of up to 10,200 feet above sea level. It is easy to light, and you don’t need any matchsticks. It also comes with an EverKleen patented system to prevent sediment buildup.
Specs:
- Price – $$$$
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty
- Capacity – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.58 to 0.62
- Recovery Rate – 36.4 to 40.4 GPH at 90 F Rise
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 50-90 Gallons
Best Ruud Electric Water Heaters
1. Ruud PROUE55 T2 RU92 CS Professional Ultra with LeakGuard Water Heater
This water heater is ideal for supplying instant hot water in small households of about two to four people. It features an innovative LeakSense technology that detects leakages within a 360° angle.
That means you can diagnose and repair your water heating system before experiencing further losses in bills and irreversible water damage on your property.
All models manufactured from 2010 are compatible with the EcoNet Wi-Fi that enhances remote control and management of water temperatures and energy uses.
You can also set the vacation mode using the Wi-Fi control to put the system on idle mode when you’re not around. Besides saving energy, this prevents water from flowing into the system, ensuring zero wastage.
You’re looking at a water heater model with fewer maintenance and repair demands as it comes with a limited warranty of up to 12 years on parts and one year on service labor. It has self-cleaning properties that prevent sediment buildup at the tank’s bottom. This will enhance the system’s longevity and efficiency in the long haul.
Specs:
- Price – $$$$
- Warranty – 12-year limited warranty
- Capacity – 55 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Recovery Rate – 25 GPH at 90 F Rise
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 72 Gallons
2. Ruud PROE80 2 RU93 Professional Achiever Electric High Capacity Water Heater
You will go for Professional Achiever Electric High Capacity Water Heater if you want a high-efficiency product that improves your overall experience.
This model design features an isolated tank that prevents conductive heat loss to keep your water hot anytime you need it. The anode rod and the tank feature upper and lower dual stainless steel construction elements to enhance their longevity.
The installation process is pretty quick as this product comes in a relatively compact design. We needed two people to complete the entire work. It has its electric junction box situated above the heating elements, which also makes the process easy.
However, you may plumber” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored”>need a professional plumber to connect multiple units unless you want to install it as a point-of-use system.
Other features that enhance the lifespan and durability of this water heater include the tank lining (Ruudglass™), which is resistant to rusting and corrosion. The temperature and pressure relief valve prevent the system’s components from overheating. Also, you’ll enjoy the EverKleen® properties that prevent sediment buildup and improve the system’s efficiency.
Specs:
- Price – $$$$
- Warranty – Limited warranty
- Capacity – 80 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Recovery Rate – 21 GPH at 90 F Rise
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 78 Gallons
3. Ruud PET40-2 Table Top Electric Water Heater
Ruud Table Top Electric Water Heater is ideal for a different water heating system in your kitchen or any room with countertop space. It can be the wet bar or the basement entertainment lobby.
Besides the relatively affordable price tag, this model has a beautiful finishing that adds aesthetic appeal to your interior décor.
This water heating system has energy efficiency properties to give you unlimited hot water supply at low costs. Even so, it won’t be an ideal option if you often experience on-demand applications.
In that case, use it alongside other indoor or outdoor models with steady flow rates or high altitude compliance certifications.
We love the unique installation point that features a rear channel for piping and snugly fitting against the wall. Thus, you don’t need screws or plumbing skills to complete the job. Moreover, the recessed base offers a stable standing area for safe operation. You also get a 4-inch high backsplash to protect the interior walls against spills and stains.
Specs:
- Price – $$$$
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty
- Capacity – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.81
- Recovery Rate – 21 GPH at 90 F Rise
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 50 Gallons
Best Ruud Tankless Water Heaters
1. Ruud RUTGH-95DVLN-2 Professional Ultra Series: 9.5 GPM Indoor Gas Tankless
Professional Ultra Series 9.5 GPM Indoor Tankless water heater makes one of the best Ruud products for homeowners who want to maximize space. This indoor-only tankless water heater is compact enough and can fit in a medicine cabinet.
Like all other Ruud Water Heaters, this product comes with an EZ-Link cable that allows you to connect multiple units for high-demand applications.
You’re looking at a product that will likely last for years, with lower maintenance or replacement costs. It features a high-quality stainless steel condensing heat exchanger that is resistant to rusting and corrosion.
This water heater model is ideal if you’re dealing with hard mineral water that often leaves deposits after heating. Even so, allowing your water to pass through a filter system before heating enhances the lifespan of the water heater components.
Forget about heating systems that hike your energy and water bills. Besides consuming small amounts of energy in on-demand applications, this water heater comes with a dedicated water-saving setting that can help you save up to 1,1000 gallons every year. This setting works by decreasing the water’s flow rate in the pipes until it gains your desired temperature.
Specs:
- Price – $$$$
- Warranty – Limited warranty
- Capacity – N/A
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Water Temp – 85 to 140 F
- Flow Rate – 9.5 GPM
- Power Supply – Natural Gas (LP Gas version RUTGH-95DVLP-2)
2. Ruud RUTGH-C95XLN Standard Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater- Outdoor
Standard Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater can be the best bet if you want a unit for industrial applications. The price tag is relatively affordable for its features compared to other brands that offer a similar product.
For instance, you can access all your system’s settings, including temperature, from the comfort of a remote control or mobile app.
This system has a thermal efficiency of about 95-96% to keep your energy costs low. Also, note that you can use this product for big household applications, even though the manufacturer highlights it as a commercial unit.
Alternatively, you can go for models with manifold controls to link up to 20 units for business applications.
What about the installation process? This model makes one of the easiest to install commercial water heaters our technicians ever dealt with. It is compatible with the EZ-Spec™ sizing software that eliminates all the guesswork in the fitting. You can access the software from Ruud’s official website after a successful purchase.
Specs:
- Price -$$$$
- Warranty – Limited warranty
- Capacity – N/A
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Water Temp – 85 to 185 F
- Flow Rate – 0.40 GPM
- Power Supply – Natural Gas (LP Gas version RUTGH-C95XLP)
3. Ruud RUTG-RC95DVLN-1 Tankless Mid-Efficiency 95 Direct Vent Indoor with In-Built Recirculation Pump
You can buy this water heater model from Ruud if you want a product that gives you unlimited access to instant hot water, even during on-demand applications.
The in-built recirculation pump unit ensures cold water goes back into the heating exchanger until it gains the desired temperature. Moreover, it can help you save up to 12,000 gallons per annum.
This water heater is high-altitude compliant, and you can install it in apartments as high as 8,400 feet above sea level without experiencing a fluctuation in the flow rates. The installation process is pretty simple and doesn’t require plumbing tools or skills.
You need a 120V power supply socket, and you’re good to go. If you experience any challenges, the installation instructions in the guide will come to your rescue. It is available in multiple languages.
Homeowners are increasingly becoming concerned about the dangers that house appliances can pose to their pets and loved ones. This water heater has all the modern safety features you would wish for in an electronic product. It comes with an exclusive Guardian OWTF™ overheat film wrap to prevent overheating and a hot start programming to minimize water bursts.
Specs:
- Price – $$$$
- Warranty – Limited warranty
- Capacity – N/A
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR® rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.82
- Water Temp – 85 to 140 F
- Flow Rate – 0.40 GPM
- Power Supply – Natural and LP Gas
The Bottom Line
Buying a high-quality water heater that lasts for ages can be a daunting process, especially if you are a first-time buyer. All the models in our review list are pretty forthcoming with quality consistency, and you’ll hardly need a replacement before they exhaust their lifespans.
However, kindly note that each product is unique. The brand might be the same, but each model caters to different heating needs and specifications. For instance, some models are ideal for connecting multiple units, while others are suitable for point-of-use applications. Nevertheless, you’ll find the one that matches your needs and expectations in the models listed above.
Visit the official manufacturer website to buy any of these products.
