Best Water Heater Brands
Customer Ratings of Top BRANDS in the 2025 America's Most Trusted Study
In-home appliances, few products are as vital to daily comfort and convenience as the water heater. For many households, a reliable water heater is the unsung hero that ensures hot showers, clean dishes, and warm laundry are just a tap away. With advancements in technology, consumers now face a variety of options, including energy-efficient models, smart technology integration, and tankless designs that promise endless hot water. Each feature offers distinct benefits, but understanding which water heater aligns best with individual needs can be overwhelming with so many choices on the market.
As consumers embark on the journey to find the perfect water heater, one factor looms large in their decision-making process: brand trust. In a landscape crowded with manufacturers, a brand’s reputation often serves as a guiding light, influencing consumer confidence and perceptions of product quality. Trust is cultivated through years of reliable performance, positive customer service experiences, and consistent product innovation. Shoppers are increasingly aware that the cheapest option might not deliver the best long-term value, prompting them to weigh brand reliability heavily in their choices. This trust can make or break a purchase, as consumers seek assurance that their investment will stand the test of time.
To shed light on brand trust's pivotal role in the water heater market, we turn to America’s Most Trusted® study. This comprehensive survey provides insights into consumer perceptions of various water heater brands, highlighting how shoppers rate them based on their experiences and expectations. By examining the results of this study, we aim to uncover which brands consumers hold in the highest regard and why that trust is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.
The 2025 America’s Most Trusted Study
Launched over a decade ago, the America’s Most Trusted® study has become a pivotal tool for brands seeking to understand the intricate relationship between consumer trust and purchasing decisions. Trust has emerged as a fundamental determinant of success in an era where brand loyalty is increasingly fragile. Each January, the study reveals updated findings that resonate deeply within the industry, making it one of the most anticipated reports among manufacturers and marketers alike. The annual insights illuminate which brand consumers hold in high regard and offer a roadmap for improving brand reputation and fostering customer loyalty.
At its core, the study emphasizes that building trust is essential for encouraging repeat purchases. A brand’s reputation hinges on the confidence consumers have in its ability to fulfill promises, particularly when it comes to vital products like water heaters. Consumers who trust a brand are more likely to make a purchase and become enthusiastic advocates, recommending the brand to friends and family. This trust translates into loyalty, meaning customers are more inclined to stick with a brand they believe in, even when alternatives arise. Cultivating this trust can be the difference between a one-time sale and a lifelong customer in a competitive market.
Conducted by Lifestory Research, the America’s Most Trusted® study gathers insights from thousands of consumers each year, focusing on their perceptions and experiences with various product brands. Through more than 75 targeted product studies, the research employs the Net Trust Quotient Score (NTQS) to evaluate the level of trust consumers associate with specific brands in their respective categories. This score offers a comparative assessment of how well each product meets customer expectations against its competitors. The study provides invaluable consumer-driven insights by adhering to rigorous standards in consumer research and leveraging social and opinion science.
So, which water heater brands emerge as the most trusted? The America’s Most Trusted® study aims to answer this question, revealing the brands that consumers feel confident in when selecting a reliable water heater.
2025 America’s Most Trusted Water Heater
The Lifestory Research 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Water Heater Study has identified Whirlpool as the leading brand in trust among consumers in the market for a new water heater. With an impressive Net Trust Quotient Score of 109.2, Whirlpool garnered the highest trust rating among the most recognized water heater brands.
This ranking is derived from the insights of 6,322 respondents surveyed across the United States over the past year. The survey captures the sentiments of consumers actively shopping for water heaters, providing a clear picture of brand perceptions.
In order of trust, the top water heater brands are Whirlpool, Rheem, Bosch, GE, Kenmore, Bradford White, AO Smith, Rinnai, and Ruud. These brands were evaluated based on ratings from individuals familiar with or encountering them during their shopping experience.
What are the most trustworthy brands in America? What companies do people see as trustworthy? What are the top brands people trust the most? The top water heater brands ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® water heater study are listed below.
TOP 9 Ranked Water Heaters – 2025 Customer Ratings
| 1 | Whirlpool | 109.2 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Rheem | 107.6 | ★★★★ |
| 3 | Bosch | 107.5 | ★★★★ |
| 4 | GE | 106.2 | ☆☆☆ |
| 5 | Kenmore | 103.7 | ☆☆☆ |
| 6 | Bradford White | 102.9 | ☆☆☆ |
| 7 | AO Smith | 102.3 | ☆☆ |
| 8 | Rinnai | 101.8 | ☆☆ |
| 9 | Rudd | 97.7 | ☆☆ |
No promotional use or advertising can be made of America's Most Trusted® survey results without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. America's Most Trusted® is a registered trademark of Lifestory with all rights reserved. Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary.
Looking for quality customer ratings of products to make informed and trusted purchasing decisions? Discover genuine customer reviews that focus on various products' quality, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our independent research offers detailed product ratings, insights into quality, performance, durability, and overall value for money based on customer trust ratings. Explore the latest customer reviews to ensure you're making a purchase based on trustworthy ratings and superior quality, so you can buy with confidence! See the results of 75 different product studies here.
Brands Ranked in Study
The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® research study actively surveys water heater shoppers throughout the year in the United States. The study is focused on measuring consumers' opinions of the most recognized water heater brands in the market.
Here, we provide information on the brands in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study. The brands are presented in the order they ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study.
Whirlpool:
Whirlpool Corporation, based in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, has been a significant player in the home appliance market since its founding in 1911. The company offers a range of water heaters, including its popular electric and gas water heaters designed for residential use. Models like the Whirlpool 40-gallon Electric Water Heater are known for their straightforward installation and reliable performance. The brand's focus remains on providing efficient hot water solutions for consumers.
Rheem:
Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Rheem Manufacturing Company is known for its comprehensive range of heating and cooling products. Rheem's water heaters include options like the Performance Line and the Prestige Series, which feature various capacities and energy sources. The brand is noted for its tankless models, such as the Rheem Ruc98i, which appeal to consumers looking for continuous hot water without needing a storage tank.
Bosch:
Bosch, established in 1886 and headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany, produces a variety of products, including water heaters. The Bosch Therm 520 HN is a notable model offering tankless water heating solutions designed for residential applications. Bosch focuses on efficient systems that integrate with smart home technologies, reflecting its commitment to modern consumer needs.
GE (General Electric):
General Electric, commonly known as GE, has a long history in the appliance industry. Founded in 1892 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, GE offers a range of water heaters, including the GE 50-gallon Electric Water Heater. The brand's products are designed for durability and performance, addressing the demands of everyday household needs.
Kenmore:
Kenmore, a brand of Transformco, originally became prominent through Sears. The brand provides various water heaters, such as the Kenmore 30-gallon Natural Gas Water Heater. Kenmore products have a reputation for being accessible to consumers, with various models suited for different household sizes and requirements.
Bradford White:
Founded in 1881 in Ambler, Pennsylvania, Bradford White specializes in water heating and related products. The brand's line includes tank and tankless water heaters, such as the Bradford White Defender Safety System, designed to provide enhanced safety features. The company primarily targets both residential and commercial markets.
AO Smith:
A. O. Smith Corporation, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been a leader in water heating since its founding in 1874. The brand offers a variety of products, including the A. O. Smith Signature Series, which features both tank and tankless options. Known for its emphasis on energy efficiency, A. O. Smith provides solutions that meet the needs of modern consumers.
Rinnai:
Rinnai Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer established in 1920, is recognized for its focus on gas appliances, particularly tankless water heaters. Models like the Rinnai RUR199iN are designed for high efficiency and continuous hot water supply. Rinnai has carved out a niche for homeowners looking for space-saving solutions without sacrificing performance.
Ruud:
Ruud, a brand under Rheem, has been producing heating and cooling products since 1889. The Ruud Performance Platinum line includes both traditional tank and tankless water heaters. Ruud's offerings are designed for residential and light commercial use, providing options for various hot water needs.
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Foundational Principles
At Lifestory Research, we pride ourselves on being an independent research company committed to delivering unbiased and accurate insights into consumer behavior. Unlike many studies that lean on expert opinions or committees, our approach is rooted firmly in the voices of consumers themselves. This commitment ensures that our findings seek to reflect public sentiment.
By prioritizing consumer opinions, we effectively eliminate the biases that can come from personal agendas or industry affiliations. Our research methodology captures a wide array of perspectives, allowing our results to be representative of the broader population.
Core Principles of Quality Research
We uphold several foundational principles that define top-tier consumer research:
Reliability: We ensure our research consistently produces accurate results.
Validity: Our methods guarantee we measure what we intend to measure.
Objectivity: We take great care to avoid bias throughout the research process.
Generalizability: Our findings can be applied to the larger population.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Lifestory Research adheres to these principles through a series of rigorous practices:
Rigorous Sampling Methods: We carefully select representative samples to generalize our findings to the broader population.
Standardized Survey Instruments: These ensure consistency and reliability in data collection.
Quality Control Measures: Our team meticulously reviews and analyzes data to identify and rectify inconsistencies.
Ethical Standards: We prioritize the well-being of our participants and uphold their privacy throughout the research process.
When you explore our findings, you can trust that they are grounded in the authentic opinions of real people. This dedication to integrity makes our research a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.
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What Is the America’s Most Trusted® Study?
The America’s Most Trusted® study focuses on evaluating brands that offer products or services to consumers in their homes, particularly in the residential new home industry. Instead of attempting to survey every brand, the study specifically targets the largest and most impactful brands in this sector.
How Does the Survey Work?
Conducted throughout the year, the America’s Most Trusted® survey aims to gather consumer opinions while minimizing biases that might arise from external events or trends. This year-long approach helps capture a more accurate snapshot of consumer sentiments.
Participants are surveyed based on specific criteria, such as whether they are actively considering a purchase in a relevant category—like buying a home, faucet, HVAC. Only those who express familiarity with a brand are invited to share their opinions on its trustworthiness, ensuring that the study reflects genuine consumer insights.
The Importance of Brand Awareness
An essential component of the study is brand awareness. Participants are first asked to identify brands they recognize. Only those who are familiar with a brand proceed to answer questions about it. This criterion ensures that only brands with sufficient public recognition are included in the final trust rankings.
Sampling Methodology
The study employs a non-probability sampling design, relying on online panels to recruit participants. Online panels are organizations that have an established relationship with consumers who agree to complete opinion surveys. Lifestory randomly ask consumers questions that identify consumers shopping for a specific product. Qualified consumers complete an online survey in which they are asked a set of questions about specific product brands.
The number of people completing a survey is referred to as the sample size. Each of the America’s Most Trusted studies seek to obtain a sample size that is large enough to be representative. The sample size is also designed to collect a large number of consumer opinions to minimize error and to assure the study results reflect the majority of consumers sentiment about a brand.
Calculating Trust Scores
At the heart of the America’s Most Trusted® study is the Net Trust Quotient Score. Participants evaluate brands based on their trustworthiness through a series of targeted questions. The responses are then categorized into three groups:
Advocates: Consumers who express strong trust in the brand.
Neutrals: Those who trust the brand but do not consider it superior to others.
Antagonists: Consumers with little to no trust in the brand.
These evaluations are quantified using a statistical method called a z-score, which standardizes the responses, allowing for easy comparison across brands. The results are ultimately transformed into T scores, which are more intuitive for understanding how each brand ranks relative to the mean score of all brands surveyed.
Additional information about the study can be found on the survey methodology page of this website.
Additional insights and questions about the America’s Most Trusted® study can be found in the frequently asked questions section of this website.