What are the Best Oil Fired Hot Water Heaters? (2024 Review)

Last Updated On April 24, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

by

|

Reviewed by

what is an oil fired water heater

So you’re considering installing a new oil hot water heater in your residential or commercial property. After all, aren’t most water heaters electric or gas?

What is an oil water heater anyway? Which oil fired water heater is best for your needs? 

In this Plumbing Navigator review, you will learn:

  • What are oil hot water heaters?
  • How do oil-fired hot water heaters work?
  • How much does an oil hot water heater cost to buy and operate?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of an oil water heater?
  • Our top 5 oil water heater picks reviewed

Now let’s get into it. 

Note: These are currently available on Amazon, but we’ve linked you to the best places you can find the specific units we like the best.

ImageProduct
digital-business-prep-table__image
Bradford White SW-2-120-L
  • Low to no maintenance
  • Large tank
  • Self cleaning
  • Low to no maintenance
  • Large tank
  • Self cleaning
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
TurboMax T45
  • 99% heat transfer efficiency
  • Keeps water pure
  • Quick shipping
  • 99% heat transfer efficiency
  • Keeps water pure
  • Quick shipping
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
John Wood 30 Gal
  • Attractive unit
  • Heavy-duty fiberglass insulation
  • Blocked flue safety switch
  • Attractive unit
  • Heavy-duty fiberglass insulation
  • Blocked flue safety switch
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Bock 30ES
  • Made in the USA
  • Patented helical-fin multi-stage design
  • Dual magnesium anode rods prevent damage to the tank 
  • Made in the USA
  • Patented helical-fin multi-stage design
  • Dual magnesium anode rods prevent damage to the tank 
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Crown 3 Pass Boiler
  • Energy-Star Rated
  • 86.3% fuel efficiency
  • Convenient size
  • Energy-Star Rated
  • 86.3% fuel efficiency
  • Convenient size
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On April 24, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: Bradford White SW-2-120-L

The Bradford White SW-2-120-L is an indirect fired hot water heater that works by attaching to your home or building’s boiler.

The heat in the boiler is what heats the water as opposed to the water heater itself. It works with gas, oil, and electric boilers. 

The Hydrojet® Total Performance System and Vitraglas® keep the tank clean without any additional effort on your part. First-hour delivery is 325 gallons, and the tank holds 116 gallons.

Our Top 5 Oil Hot Water Heaters for 2024

  1. Bradford White SW-2-120-L (Best Overall)
  2. TurboMax T45 (Best Budget)
  3. John Wood 30 Gal (Best High-End)
  4. Bock 30ES (Good Option)
  5. Crown 3 Pass Boiler (Good Option)

What's In This Guide?

      What Are Oil Hot Water Heaters?

      Like all water heaters, they provide heat to your home’s water when you want to wash clothes in hot water or take a warm bath or shower. An oil hot water heater, also known as an oil fired water heater or oil boiler, uses oil to generate heat instead of electricity or gas. 

      Oil water heaters are the least common water heater for residential homes but one of the most common options for commercial buildings. However, larger households also consider these rare models as well. Like most water heaters, oil water heaters usually utilize a tank system that stores standing water as it is heated.

      What Are The Different Types of Oil Hot Water Heaters?

      The two main types of oil water heaters are direct fired units and indirect fired units. Direct fired units use an integral burner to heat the water directly. An indirect fired unit connects to the building’s boiler. It then heats the coils in the boiler which proceed to heat the water in the tank.

      All direct fired units require a tank. Direct fired units tend to be more efficient but require ventilation and are more dangerous. Indirect fired units are safer but tend not to be as efficient. Some indirect fired units come in tankless options, and they provide more universality so that the water heater can work with oil, gas, and electric burners. 

      How Do Oil Hot Water Heaters Work?

      Oil water heaters work differently than other options because of their distinctive burner assembly. The oil is combined with air in the burner assembly and converted into a mist made up of fine, atomic particles. 

      The mist is injected into the power burner. This then sparks an electric ignition, which creates a flame. The flame enters a combustion chamber that safely transfers the heat into the storage tank, warming the standing water. 

      How Much Does An Oil Hot Water Heater Cost?

      The cost of an oil hot water heater varies greatly depending on several factors, including size, features, size, and technology. Oil-fired water heaters tend to be one of the more expensive options due to the numerous advantages. A common estimated price range for those featured in this article is $1,000 to $3,000.

      oil fired water heaters

      What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of An Oil Fired Water Heater?

      Why would someone choose an oil water heater as opposed to an electric or gas water heater? Well, it turns out there are plenty of reasons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of oil water heaters to help you reassure your decision..

      Advantages:

      • Energy-efficient
      • Heats water 4x more quickly
      • Extra insulation
      • Long life expectancy
      • Allows self-sufficiency

      Disadvantages:

      • Initially more expensive 
      • Requires more maintenance 
      • Uses combustible fuels
      • Ventilation required

      What Should You Look For in The Best Oil Hot Water Heater?

      When shopping for an oil hot water heater, consider the following:

      • Size
      • Customer Reviews
      • Cost

      Once you clarify these details, it’s time for you to go shopping for an oil fired water heater. While shopping, buy from a company with a reputation for high-quality products and exceptional customer service. 

      How Long Do Oil Hot Water Heaters Last?

      Water heaters with a tank system in general last at least ten years, and oil hot water heaters last a couple of years longer. Of course, the life expectancy depends on several variables, including:

      • Professional installation
      • Usage
      • Quality of water heater
      • Upkeep

      Picking the right product will have a large impact on the life expectancy of the oil water heater. We highly suggest you hire a professional plumber to install the water heater to avoid problems that may occur from incorrect installation. While oil water heaters don’t require extensive maintenance, you must perform a little maintenance required to keep the unit working effectively.

      5 Best Oil Hot Water Heaters Reviewed

      • BTU – unit of measurement that measures heat (the higher the number, the more heat generated)
      • First hour rating – gallons of water a water heater can provide in its first hour of power

      UEF rating – efficiency rating between .65 and 95 given to EnergyStar products (the higher the rating, the more efficient)

      Our #1 Rated Pick: Bradford White SW-2-120-L

      The Bradford White SW-2-120-L is an indirect fired hot water heater that works by attaching to your home or building’s boiler.

      The heat in the boiler is what heats the water as opposed to the water heater itself. It works with gas, oil, and electric boilers. 

      The Hydrojet® Total Performance System and Vitraglas® keep the tank clean without any additional effort on your part. First-hour delivery is 325 gallons, and the tank holds 116 gallons.

      Pros

      • Low to no maintenance
      • Large tank
      • Self-cleaning properties

      Cons

      • Long delivery time (6 – 8 weeks)
      • Not certified for residential use in Utah or commercial use in Texas

      Our #2 Rated Pick: TurboMax T45

      The Turbomax T-45 is an indirect-fired hot water heater that can work with oil, gas, or electricity, depending on your boiler. This gives you tremendous flexibility.

      The tank can be used for commercial, industrial, and residential use. 

      The 45-gallon tank has self-cleaning properties that eliminate the need for extensive maintenance. It typically lasts 30 years and comes with a 15-year warranty for residential use and 10-year warranty for commercial use.  

      Pros

      • 99% heat transfer efficiency
      • Keeps water pure
      • Quick shipping

      Cons

      • Large and bulky
      • Low capacity

      Our #3 Rated Pick: John Wood 30 Gal

      The John Wood Oil-Fired Heater is an indirect fired water heater with a 30-gallon tank and the ability to connect to oil, gas, and electric boilers.

      The tank comes insulated already with heavy-duty fiberglass insulation, making it a particularly environmentally-friendly choice.

      Choose between either the center flue or the direct vent model.

      Pros

      • Attractive unit
      • Heavy-duty fiberglass insulation
      • Blocked flue safety switch

      Cons

      • Burner sold separately
      • Large tank may pose installation restrictions

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Bock 30ES

      Made by one of the most trusted names in the industry, the 50ES Bock direct-fired oil water heater has a 50-gallon tank and can reach up to 623,000 BTU.

      It has a .64 UEF rating, and its first-hour delivery is 125 Gallons.

      The manufacturer provides a five-year limited tank/heat exchanger warranty for residential use and three-year limited tank/heat exchanger warranty for commercial use. 

      Pros

      • Made in the USA
      • Patented helical-fin multi-stage design
      • Dual magnesium anode rods prevent damage to the tank 

      Cons

      • Uses glass in construction
      • .64 UEF rating is on the low end 
      • Only uses oil

      Our #5 Rated Pick: Crown 3 Pass Boiler

      The Crown Boiler Freeport 2 FWZ is a flame retention three pass oil hot water boiler that reaches 84,000 BTU.

      It is primarily designed for residential use. The small size makes it more convenient to store than many other options on this list.

      This product includes a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. 

      Pros

      • Energy-Star Rated
      • 86.3% fuel efficiency
      • Convenient size

      Cons

      • Requires ventilation
      • Small tank
      • Expensive

      Concluding Thoughts On Oil Hot Water Heaters

      Oil hot water heaters are not the conventional method. However, they are more efficient and work more quickly than alternative options. If you are in the market for an oil hot water heater, these options should keep the water hot and your utility bills low. 

      Meet Your Plumbing Navigator

      Plumbing Navigator: plumbing advice

      About Plumbing Navigator

      We’re passionate about all things plumbing, and love sharing tips, “how-to”, and reviewing the latest products to help make your project a success!

      Learn More Plumbing Tips

      Want to tackle more plumbing projects? Check out these helpful guides!

      best water heater stand
      tankless water heater flush kit
      best mesh drain strainer
      Best Shower Drain Cover

      Got Plumbing Questions? Search For In-Depth Answers Below!

      About Plumbing Navigator

      We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

      About Plumbing Navigator

      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

      Recently Published Guides