Rheem is one of the most recognizable names in water heating and makes some of the best water heaters in the industry, but there is a lot of competition. What exactly does Rheem offer, and how does it stand out from other companies?
In this PlumbingNav review, we cover:
Different types of Rheem water heaters
Advantages and disadvantages of Rheem water heaters
The Rheem Gladiator series has everything you could want from an electric heater at a reasonable price.
You will heat up the water with an energy efficiency rating of .92 UEF with a dual heating element design. The tank comes with a premium anode rod and self-cleaning technology for low maintenance.
If the water heater does need maintenance or runs into an issue, you will get an alert on your smartphone if you set up the app using the EcoNet WiFi technology.
A condensing water heater is a gas water heater that uses condensing technology to utilize the heat generated by the water heater toward the water heating process.
Condensing heaters run more efficiently than non-condensing units, and they don’t require expensive pipes designed to withstand high temperatures.
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater warms water on demand instead of in a tank. You can choose between a Rheem gas tankless water heater or a Rheem electric tankless water heater, such as the Rheem rtex 13.
Tankless water heaters require much less space than conventional water heaters. They also run more efficiently and provide endless water, no matter how long you run the shower. However, you need to evaluate if the cost of the upgrade makes sense for your family.
Hybrid Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters, or hybrid water heaters, use heat from the surrounding area to contribute to the heating process, providing optimal energy efficiency.
Working in a similar fashion, these work best when installed in warm parts of your home.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rheem Water Heaters
Advantages
Experience
A family business, the Rheem brothers (Richard and Donald) started the Rheem company in 1925, giving them almost 100 years of experience.
They also work in other areas of home comfort, including all aspects of heating and cooling, including refrigerators.
Rheem does offer a wide range of energy efficient heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters with innovative technology that contributes to these efforts.
Disadvantages
Specialized Components
Rheem components fit their models perfectly. However, you may find it best to get components directly from Rheem to keep that airtight seal. Specialized components usually have a higher price tag though.
Professional Installation Recommended
When you upgrade to a tankless water heater, you will want professional installation to ensure that your electricity or gas line can support the new device.
You will also need professional installation, even if going from an old storage tank water heater to a new residential water heater, to ensure you can take advantage of the warranty if necessary.
Key Features of Rheem Water Heaters
Exclusive Manufacturing
Rheem makes every single part on its water heaters from the tanks to the smallest valves and the screws and nuts that hold everything in place.
Since Rheem creates all of its own parts, this gives them complete control of quality, ensuring that you can rely on the product to work properly.
They also track each piece meticulously, testing everything more strenuously than required by law before it leaves the factory.
Warranty
Rheem stands by their products so much that they offer warranties if things go wrong. As long as you register the product within a year and ensure proper installation.
Some tankless gas models have a 20 year limited Rheem water heater warranty, but the warranty varies from model to model.
EcoNet Technology
Many Rheem products come with their innovative EcoNEt technology that allows the device to quickly connect to the home internet.
While connected, you will get the opportunity to connect to an app on your phone and tablet. From there, you can control and monitor the Rheem heater.
Safety Features
All Rheem water heaters come with numerous safety features that prevent injury and protect the water heater. For example, they all have an auto-shutoff feature if it notices the water temperature gets too hot.
Read the specifications of the product you want to buy to learn the exact safety features on that model.
Review Of The Top 5 Rheem Water Heaters
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
The Rheem Gladiator series has everything you could want from an electric heater at a reasonable price.
You will heat up the water with an energy efficiency rating of .92 UEF with a dual heating element design. The tank comes with a premium anode rod and self-cleaning technology for low maintenance.
If the water heater does need maintenance or runs into an issue, you will get an alert on your smartphone if you set up the app using the EcoNet WiFi technology.
Heat pump water heaters (aka hybrid water heaters), such as the ProTerra series, absorb the heat around it and uses that heat to contribute to the water heating process, allowing it to run at efficiency levels up to an impressive 3.85 UEF.
This product also comes equipped with EcoNet WiFi technology. It also comes with leak detection and a 10-year warranty.
You’ll never experience corrosion or smelly water when you buy a product from the Marathon electric water heater line thanks to the heavy duty plastic tank.
This Rheem electric water heater also comes with a thermally fused upper element as well as a titanium lower element.
Rheem stands behind their innovative materials so much that they offer a lifetime warranty on the tank.
Rheem provides numerous tankless models, including Rheem Performance Platinum Tankless Heater with a flow rate of 9.5 GPM.
This particular tankless model can support continuous hot water for up to 4 showers at one time using natural gas.
Thanks to the condensing technology, it produces water extremely efficiently. You can also save 1,000 gallons of water a year when in the Water Savings Setting.
The direct vent design may hinder your installation options a bit, but the EcoNet system allows you to connect to the hot water heater to monitor it and make changes as necessary from an app.
Pros
Highly efficient with a 93 UEF
12-year warranty and life expectancy of 20 years
WiFi Connectivity
Cons
Expensive initial installation
Direct vent
Indoor installation only
Final Thoughts On Rheem Water Heaters
You can depend on your Rheem hot water heater to work as expected. They also have a wide range of products, so you will find a water heater that matches your preferences.
Our favorite Rheem water heater comes from the Gladiator line, but you can’t go wrong with any of the 5 series we covered in this review.
FAQs For Rheem Water Heaters
Is Rheem a good brand of water heater?
Yes. In fact, some people may argue Rheem is the best water heater brand.
What is the best water heater brand?
Rheem stands out as one of the best water heater brands.
Other great brands include:
AO Smith
Westinghouse
Rianni
Bradford White
American Standard
What is the difference between Rheem professional and performance?
The Performance line of Rheem water heaters uses better components. It also has several upgrade options that include all of the extra features you can want in a water heater.
What is the life expectancy of a Rheem water heater?
The life expectancy varies based on the types of water heater, but you can get a Rheem tankless water heater with a 20 year warranty.
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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.
