Selecting a water heater for your home can be a challenge, especially when faced with a multitude of options.
Today, we’ll compare two well-known brands in the industry, State and Rheem water heaters, aiming to help you choose the best fit for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | State | Rheem |
| Energy Efficiency | Superior | Good |
| Technological Innovation | Good | Superior |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Availability | Less widespread | Widespread |
| Warranty | Extensive | Standard |
A Primer on State Water Heaters
State Water Heaters, a brand established in 1946, is a popular choice for homeowners who value reliability and performance.
Offering both gas and electric variants, State caters to a wide range of needs.
State Water Heaters are best known for reliable, affordable residential water heating with barebones features.
State Key Features
- Electric and gas models – Choose from standard natural gas and electric tank water heaters.
- Common capacities – Ranging from 6-80 gallons to meet residential needs.
- Basic manual adjustments – Adjust temperatures via knobs and dials or basic digital settings.
- Durable construction – Tanks made from stone-lined steel or commercial-grade plastic.
- Limitedlifetime warranties – All models backed by at least a 6 year warranty.
Pros of State Water Heaters
- Efficiency: State models stand out for their excellent energy efficiency, meeting or exceeding federal standards. This ensures lower running costs and makes them an eco-friendly choice.
- Warranty: State offers an impressive warranty on its products, reinforcing their commitment to quality and durability.
- Variety: With a wide range of sizes and types (tankless, high-efficiency, power-vent, etc.), State offers something for everyone.
Cons of State Water Heaters
- Cost: The high quality of State heaters often comes with a higher initial cost.
- Availability: State heaters might be less widely available compared to other brands, potentially limiting your purchasing options.
Understanding Rheem Water Heaters
Founded in 1925, Rheem is another industry heavyweight, known for its innovative solutions and customer satisfaction.
Known for pioneering innovations in energy-efficient heating, Rheem offers one of the widest product ranges in water heaters for homes.
Rheem Key Features
- Gas or electric models – Choose from natural gas, propane or electric tank and tankless heaters.
- Wide capacity range – Units from 10 to 100 gallons suit any home’s hot water needs.
- High efficiency ratings – Up to 98% Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) for maximum efficiency.
- Hybrid heat pump models – Provide energy efficient heating with environmental sustainability.
- WiFi enabled options – Allow control via mobile app and integration with smart home.
- Industry-leading warranties – Tank units backed by 6-10 year warranty, tankless by 10-12 years.
Pros of Rheem Water Heaters
- Innovation: Rheem consistently brings industry-leading technology to the table, with features like WiFi connectivity and self-cleaning systems.
- Affordability: Rheem offers a diverse product range at a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Accessibility: Rheem water heaters are easily available across multiple online and physical stores.
Cons of Rheem Water Heaters
- Complexity: The advanced features on some Rheem models may be too complex for some users.
- Energy Efficiency: While Rheem does offer energy-efficient models, they may not always match the efficiency of their State counterparts.
Key Differences Between State And Rheem Water Heaters
When comparing State and Rheem water heaters, it’s important to understand their key differences. These variations can significantly influence your purchasing decision depending on your unique requirements.
- Energy Efficiency and Performance Comparison
State heaters generally offer superior energy efficiency compared to Rheem. Most of State’s models meet or exceed federal standards for energy efficiency, reducing running costs and being eco-friendlier.
On the other hand, while Rheem does have energy-efficient models, they may not consistently match the efficiency levels of their State counterparts.
Energy-efficiency is a key factor when shopping for a new water heater. Here is how Rheem and State compare:
State
- Electric – EF rating around 0.93 to 0.95.
- Gas – EF ratings approximately 0.55 to 0.67.
Rheem
- Electric – UEF ratings from 0.90 up to 0.98.
- Gas – UEF ratings between 0.62 to 0.80.
- Heat pump models – Up to 4.0 UEF rating.
- Tankless – Up to 0.96 Uniform Energy Factor.
Rheem clearly leads when it comes to maximizing energy efficiency. Their highest-end models can achieve over 98% efficiency.
Rheem also has heat pump and advanced hybrid models not offered by State.
In terms of reliability, both brands rate well but Rheem edges out State based on superior part quality, advanced features, and fewer durability complaints from customers.
- Technology and Innovation
Rheem tends to lead in technological innovation, with several models boasting advanced features like WiFi connectivity, which allows for remote control and monitoring, and self-cleaning systems, which prolong the heater’s lifespan.
State, while not as technologically forward, focuses on producing reliable and straightforward water heaters.
- Price and Affordability
There is a noticeable price difference between the two brands. Rheem generally offers more affordable options, providing a diverse range of heaters that can fit into most budgets.
State heaters, while tending to be more expensive, justify their cost with superior efficiency and excellent warranties.
- Availability
When it comes to availability, Rheem tends to have the upper hand. Their products are easily accessible across numerous online and physical retailers.
State, on the other hand, while available in a variety of outlets, might not be as widely distributed, potentially limiting your purchasing options.
- Available Sizes and Installation
Rheem and State cover all the standard capacities needed for homes:
State
- Residential tanks from 6 to 80 gallons
- Slim profiles for tight spaces like closets
- Basic retrofit installation
Rheem
- Residential tanks from 10 to 100 gallons
- Tankless units in 2.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 gallon sizes
- Designed for basic replacement installs to new construction
While State meets general homeowner needs, Rheem offers a broader range of configurations and capacities for any residential setting.
Rheem also provides more versatile installation potential.
- Warranty
State heaters often come with more extensive warranties compared to Rheem, reflecting their commitment to durability and quality.
Rheem’s warranties aren’t insignificant, but they may not always match the coverage offered by State.
In summary, the choice between State and Rheem water heaters hinges on what you value most in a water heater. If energy efficiency and warranty coverage are your top priorities, State might be the better choice.
Conversely, if affordability and technological features are your main concerns, Rheem could be a more fitting option.
Which Is Better For You?
For those wanting the latest in energy savings technology, customization, and premium performance, Rheem is likely the better choice but comes at a higher cost.
Homeowners focused purely on reliable hot water at the lowest upfront price will be happy with a State water heater.
Make sure to consider your usage needs, fuel source preferences, and installation requirements as you decide. And review all warranties closely, as the tank and parts coverage are similar between both brands.
If your top priority is upgrading to a highly efficient system, Rheem wins.
But State provides satisfactory performance for many homeowners at an affordable price point.
Recommended Models to Consider
Here are two top rated models from each brand:
State
- State GS650YME: 65-gallon gas model with durable polyethylene tank backed by a 6-year warranty.
- State SC25XLL 3KW Electric: 25-gallon compact unit with 0.93 EF rating and 6-year warranty.
Rheem
- Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal Electric: Up to 0.97 EF and 10-year warranty.
- Rheem Prestige High Efficiency Gas: 96% efficient with electronic controls and wifi connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are numerous reliable brands in the market, including but not limited to State, Rheem, AO Smith, and Bradford White. Reliability depends on various factors, such as usage, maintenance, and installation quality.
State water heaters are made by State Industries, a subsidiary of A.O. Smith Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters.
Rheem faces stiff competition from other reputable brands, including State, AO Smith, Bradford White, and Navien.
Yes, State Water Heaters is a brand owned by AO Smith. The company acquired State Industries in 2001, expanding its product portfolio in the residential and commercial water heating industry.
Yes, State is known as a good, affordable option for basic water heating needs. The brand has built a reputation for reliability and simplicity over decades in business.
No, Rheem and GE are separate brands. However, Rheem did acquire GE’s appliance division in 2015. Some GE-branded heaters may share Rheem components and manufacturing.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both State and Rheem water heaters are strong contenders in the market. You’ll need to evaluate your specific requirements, budget, and preferences before making a choice.
Whether you opt for the robust energy efficiency of State or the innovative features of Rheem, rest assured that both brands are a testament to excellent craftsmanship and reliability.
