When it comes to the water heating industry, Rheem and AO Smith are consistently at the top tier.
Rheem has been around for 125 years, owned by Paloma Industries.
As an established water heater company, they have also extended their manufacturing and distribution in Australia and Mexico.
Where are Rheem water heaters made?
Rheem water heaters are made in different states in the US.
As for parts production and replacement parts manufacturing, you could find their headquarters in Randleman, North Carolina.
Who makes A.O.
This family company started in 1821 in Wisconsin.
Their water heaters are made by the AO Smith Water Products Company.
Other water heater brands made by this company would be Aquasana and American Water Heaters.
Where are A.O.
Smith water heaters made?
Through the years, AO Smith has been manufacturing water heaters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Now, it has 24 manufacturing sites around the world.
Some of its notable manufacturing sites would be in India, China, and the Netherlands.
This comparison here is based on reviews, customer satisfaction reports, and information from the respective companies sites.
From a general perspective, here are some stark comparisons for Rheem and AO Smith.
This is important to note because there are specific water heater types/models for every residential and industrial use.
In terms of buying factors and overall build and performance.
This is based on customer satisfaction reviews and consumer reports.
Beyond these, here is a five-point comparison of Rheem and AO Smiths water heaters.
When it comes to gas and fuel choices, AO Smith is a top choice.
When it comes to electric heaters, Rheem is a better choice.
The main selling point of Rheems electric heaters would be their quick startup.
They also come with double copper features making them built to last and greater reliability.
For this, you must be aware that AO Smith is more environment friendly in build and technology.
But when it comes to overall efficiency, more people are rooting for Rheem.
Spare parts
Not all water tank models and types are built the same.
Some have parts that are easily replaceable while others require more challenging replacements.
Hence, for DIY assembly, repair and replacement, know that Rheem is more convenient.
Related:4 Tips For Cutting The Cost Of Your Water Heater
Who offers the best gas heater?
We have here the Professional Classic Plus of Rheem and AOs Proline series.
Customers indicate that Proline can accommodate more back-to-back showers compared to Rheems gas heaters.
Which company is best for electric water heaters?
For this category, Voltex Hybrid is the clear winner.
The only downside to Voltex Hybrid is its slightly shorter warranty period.
The significant feature of electric tankless water heaters would be their ability to dispense water continuously.
While these two products work similarly, the win is given to Rheem because of its GPM.
If you are living in a large household, this is a big plus.
For larger households maintaining three and more bathrooms, condensing gas tankless water heaters are the best choice.
For this category, we shall look atAO Smiths NOx Tankless Water HeaterandRheems High-Efficiency Pump.
It is another slightly margined verdict but we give it to AO Smith on the basis of warranty.
For one, the energy efficiency rating of these two products is very impressive.
But the 5-year gap in the warranty is hard to miss.
As for electric tankless water heaters, we give it to Rheem.
There are other products offered by Rheem.
Most have high UFEs and the warranty coverage, service and repair are also more commendable.
Hence, here are some of the FAQs that you should know of.
What is the best AO Smith water heater?
How long does A.O.
Smith water heater last?
Depending on the model of the water heater, expect an AO Smith to last for 6-10-years.
Its tank models could last for 10-16 years as long as it is well-maintained.
Is Rheem a good brand?
The main selling point of Rheem is their endless product options for different water heater types.
Other upsides of the Rheem brand would be:
Is AO Smith a good brand?
As a matter of fact, it is arguably considered as the most popular water heater company worldwide.
Its presence in over 60 countries in terms of distribution and manufacturing vouch for its quality.
So yes, overall, as a leading water heating brand, AO is a top-notch choice.
Where to buy Rheem water heaters?
Rheem is a highly accessible brand and it is sold in major stores as well as online sites worldwide.
There are more than 40 Rheem stores across North America, Asia, and Canada.
Rheem water heaters are sold at:
How long do Rheem water heaters last?
According to water heater reviews and consumer reports, Rheem water heaters last at an average of 14 years.
What affects the longevity of water heaters?
Beyond brand names such as Rheem and AO Smith, there are also general questions that must be answered.
UEF stands for Uniform Energy Factor.
The most common problem among water heaters would be producing too little water.
The default response to this would be turning the temperature up at a maximum in the water heaters thermostat.
This can become a health hazard, however, since it can be scalding hot.
you oughta take all the precautions you must employ if you have problems like this.
At the first sight of this problem, you have to call a professional.
How much do Rheem and AO Smith water heaters cost on an average?
The price range for Rheem water heaters would be $600-1400 while AO Smith range from $300-1500.
How much is the installation cost for Rheem and AO Smith water heaters?
As such, you could calculate a general range of installation cost for these two brands.