The 18 best water heater element brands
CAMCO, Rheem and A. O. Smith lead our ranking of 18 water heater element brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Water Heater Element brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
CAMCO
RV and boat maintenance brand whose elements suit camper-style water heaters rather than standard home tanks.
Website: camco.net |Brands like CAMCO
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Rheem
American maker of residential and commercial tank heaters, with replacement elements that fit many of its own models.
Website: rheem.com |Brands like Rheem
Popularity 7.3/10
-
3
A. O. Smith
Large tank water heater maker whose elements suit its glass-lined tanks, sold widely in North American homes.
Website: aosmith.com |Brands like A. O. Smith
Popularity 5.7/10
-
4
Bradford White
American-made tanks with screw-in elements, typically matched to its own models for straightforward replacement.
Top products: Screw-In Water Heater Element E32-50
Website: bradfordwhite.com |Brands like Bradford White
Popularity 3.0/10
-
5
Eemax
Tankless electric heater specialist, so its elements suit point-of-use units rather than large storage tanks.
Website: eemax.com |Brands like Eemax
Popularity 2.6/10
-
6
Westinghouse
Westinghouse has it all, from kitchen appliances to lighting. Power your house with their electronic equipment that fits your lifestyle. Take your home a step ahead towards modern living as you explore air purifiers, cookers, steamers, and fryers. Match your home interior aesthetic with beautiful lighting from Westinghouse consisting of solar lights and more. The company also masters machinery that makes daily chores more accessible and effortless. They have an entire circuit protection system backed by OEM.
Website: westinghouse.com |Brands like Westinghouse
Popularity 2.2/10
-
7
Dayton
Electric motors and gear motors, including 1 HP models, anchor the Dayton line for shop and plant equipment. Dayton also sells bearings alongside its motors, and the brand is part of the Dayton-Phoenix Group. These motors suit workshops and facilities where dependable power for machinery matters.
Website: dayton-phoenix.com |Brands like Dayton
Popularity 1.7/10
-
8
Richmond
Water heater maker whose elements are engineered for its own tanks, offered in several sizes for homes.
Popularity 1.6/10
-
9
Rinnai
Using heat to let people lead a comfortable life is when Rinnai comes into the picture. It provides home heating products and tankless water heaters for residential and commercial purposes. Running out of hot water when needed is one of...
Website: rinnai.us |Brands like Rinnai
Popularity 1.3/10
-
10
Ariston
Ariston is the pioneer and market leader in the field of water heaters. It offers the best quality, effective, and long-lasting solutions to address your domestic hot water needs. Ariston provides various products to meet every family's demands, from instantaneous...
Website: ariston.com |Brands like Ariston
Popularity 1.3/10
-
11
Bosch
Robert Bosch’s desire to be self-employed allowed him to reach great heights in later years. In 1886, he started a workshop for Electric Engineering and Precision Mechanics, which served as the foundation for the Bosch brand. Initially starting with work...
Website: bosch.us |Brands like Bosch
Popularity 1.3/10
-
12
Equator
Household chores are rigorous and monotonous, especially when one does not have Equator appliances. The brand Equakteror was established in 1991, and since then, it has dedicated itself to manufacturing and selling advanced household appliances at a very reasonable price...
Website: equatorappliances.com |Brands like Equator
Popularity 1.3/10
-
13
STIEBEL ELTRON
If a soothing hot water bath is what you look forward to at the end of a long day, Stiebel Eltron heating solutions can be your companions. With its latest energy-saving technology and speedy electric heating, the brand has been...
Website: stiebel-eltron-usa.com |Brands like STIEBEL ELTRON
Popularity 1.1/10
-
14
Robertshaw
Robertshaw takes care of multiple temperature settings for your house or commercial space. The company offers heating and cooling products and services. With Robertshaw, you are assured of gaining quality with exceptional service and various models as per your need....
Website: robertshaw.com |Brands like Robertshaw
Popularity 0.9/10
-
15
GE
GE Lighting has been leading the lighting technology industry for over 130 years. Its mission is to provide customers with a first-class smart home experience. To do so, it has created novel lighting products designed to improve one's lifestyle and...
Website: gelighting.com |Brands like GE
Popularity 0.9/10
-
16
Lochinvar
One of the top manufacturers of modern, effective, and ecologically friendly hot water heating systems is Lochinvar. They provide a wide selection of tankless water heaters that are perfect for use in homes and small businesses. Their engineers have created...
Website: lochinvar.com |Brands like Lochinvar
Popularity 0.8/10
-
17
Electrolux
Buy genuine Electrolux spare parts and accessories for your home appliances. Next Day Delivery available. Guaranteed fit for Electrolux appliances with easy returns.
Website: shop.electrolux.co.uk |Brands like Electrolux
Popularity 0.8/10
-
18
Chronomite
Chronomite's product line centres on portable electric water heaters for community hand washing sinks. The company also makes electric tankless water heaters and eye and face rinsing stations for emergency use. Its name comes from the chronometer, a precision watch,...
Website: chronomite.com |Brands like Chronomite
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMCO | camco.net | /CamcoRV | camconet | – | CamcoManufacturing |
| Rheem | rheem.com | /rheem | rheem | @rheem_water | – |
| A. O. Smith | aosmith.com | /AOSmithPh | aosmithph | – | A. O. Smith Philippines |
| Bradford White | bradfordwhite.com | /bradfordwhitewaterheaters | bradfordwhitewaterheaters | @bw_waterheaters | Bradford White Water Heaters |
| Eemax | eemax.com | /EemaxInc | eemaxinc | @Eemaxinc | Eemax1 |
| Westinghouse | westinghouse.com | /WestinghouseHome | westinghouse_home | @@CBSFantasy | – |
| Dayton | dayton-phoenix.com | – | – | – | – |
| Rinnai | rinnai.us | /rinnaiamerica | – | @Rinnai | rinnaivideos |
| Ariston | ariston.com | – | – | – | – |
Water Heater Element Buying Guide
When it comes to water heater elements, there are a few factors that you should consider before making your purchase. Whether you are replacing a faulty element or upgrading your current one, choosing the right element can ensure maximum efficiency, longevity and comfort. Here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Size and compatibility
The first factor to consider when shopping for a water heater element is the size and compatibility with your existing water heater. Elements come in a variety of sizes and wattage ratings, and it’s important to choose an element that fits your tank and meets your household’s hot water demands.
Generally, the wattage rating of your element should be similar to that of your previous element. However, if you want more hot water or have increased your family’s hot water usage, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher wattage element. It’s important to note that if you have a small water heater and try to use a high wattage rating element, it can lead to damage and a shorter lifespan for the element.
In addition, make sure to check the compatibility of the element with your water heater model. Consult your manufacturer’s guide or a professional plumber to help determine the correct size and wattage for your specific water heater model.
2. Material and durability
Another important factor to consider is the material and durability of the element. There are generally two types of materials used in water heater elements: copper and stainless steel. Copper elements are less expensive and have a shorter lifespan compared to stainless steel elements. They are more prone to corrosion and are not recommended for areas with hard water. Stainless steel elements, on the other hand, are more durable, corrosion-resistant and provide better electrical efficiency. They are also compatible with both hard and soft water conditions.
It’s important to note that the material of the element should also match the material of the tank. Incompatible elements can lead to corrosion, leaks, and even explosions. Consult a professional plumber if you are unsure of the compatibility of the element with your tank.
3. Voltage and phase
The voltage and phase of your water heater element are crucial in ensuring that your element functions properly. Most water heaters operate on a 240-volt circuit and require a two-phase element. However, some older models may only require a 120-volt circuit with a single-phase element. Make sure to verify the correct voltage and phase requirements for your specific water heater model before making a purchase.
4. Temperature rating
The temperature rating of your element is another important factor to consider, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperature changes. Most elements are rated at a maximum operating temperature of 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some models can withstand higher temperatures of up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to know the maximum temperature rating of your element to prevent overheating, which can lead to damage, leaks and even safety hazards.
5. Type of heating element
There are two main types of water heater elements: screw-in and flange. Screw-in elements are the most common type and are easy to install and replace. They are inserted into an opening in the side of the water heater tank and secured with a screw-on flange. Flange elements, on the other hand, are welded to the side of the tank and are more difficult to replace. However, they provide uniform heating and are less likely to leak than screw-in elements.
6. Energy efficiency
Water heater elements can have a significant impact on your energy bills. Choosing an energy efficient element can help reduce your energy consumption and save you money in the long run. This is especially important if you have a high demand for hot water or live in an area with high energy costs.
One way to determine the energy efficiency of an element is to look for models that meet the Energy Star standards. These elements are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can help reduce your energy consumption by up to 25 percent.
7. Price and warranty
Lastly, the price and warranty of the element should also be taken into consideration. While cheaper elements may seem like a bargain, they often have shorter lifespans and may require frequent replacements. On the other hand, more expensive elements may have longer lifespans and come with additional features such as energy efficiency, but may not fit within your budget.
It’s important to balance the cost with the quality and efficiency of the element to ensure maximum longevity and value for your money. In addition, make sure to check the warranty of the element before making a purchase. A good warranty can provide added protection in the event of faulty or defective elements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right water heater element can have a significant impact on the comfort, efficiency and longevity of your water heater. By considering factors such as size, material, voltage, temperature rating, type, energy efficiency, price and warranty, you can make a more informed decision and find the right element to meet your household’s hot water demands. Consult a professional plumber if you have any questions or concerns about purchasing and installing a water heater element.
