Bradford White Water Heaters
Review and Buying Tips

See why Bradford White water heaters are among the most wanted products for home water heating in North America. Find out more about the best of Bradford White. Explore popular electric and gas tank-type water heaters, including condensing and high efficient tankless and hybrids, also advanced features and benefits.

Bradford White Corporation is one of the three largest manufacturers of water heaters in the US and Canada. The company produces many different models, types, and sizes that include several superior features for efficient work, increased performance, reliable and durable water heating operation.

There are over 60 water heaters that are Energy Star approved and generating significant savings to the users.

Highlights

• Features to look for
  
• Gas models review
• Electric models review

Features to look for

The best Bradford White water heaters utilize the most advanced features for increased efficiency, outstanding performance, and durability. If you want to buy the best tank-type model, these are the features to look for:

FVIR system

The FVIR system or Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance is the system that can be found on all popular 30, 40, and 50-gallon gas models. Bradford White hot water heaters incorporate the FVIR through the Defender Safety System, which includes features and elements that safely resist the ignition of the flammable vapors outside the unit. The system complies with the industry standards so gas water heaters can successfully protect users and property from the accidental ignition of flammable vapors.

Defender Safety System

The Defender Safety System includes the following safety features and elements to provide years of maintenance-free and reliable operation:

• ScreenLok flame arrestor design - made of stainless steel for better stress, heat, and corrosion resistance
• Piezo Igniter for simple ignition
• Low NOx burner design for eco-friendly operation
• Resettable Thermal Switch
• Controlled Combustion System

Eco-Defender Safety System - includes the latest burner design that ensures ultra-low gas emission.

Hydrojet Total Performance System

This system allows Bradford White water heaters to heat water faster. It ensures longer unit life by reducing the chances of sediment build-up on the elements and bottom of the tank. Hydrojet Total Performance System is actually a dip tube or water inlet tube, which, due to its advanced design, allows turbulent flow and efficient cold and hot water mixing.

Those models built for high input applications utilize a Hydrojet 2 feature, which has an improved sediment buildup protection system.

Vitraglas

Every hot water heater with a metal tank must have protection from aggressive water action and corrosion. Bradford White water heaters are using a Vitraglas system, a high-quality glass tank lining that is applied to the inner surface of the tank for better protection.

Icon System

The Icon System is the sophisticated gas control system that allows enhanced heater's performance, better temperature control for accurate and consistent temperature, and intelligent diagnostic, including the error codes for precise and fast troubleshooting.

Durable brass drain valve

Many water tank heaters are equipped with a plastic drain valve, while Bradford White utilizes the tamper-proof low restriction valve for faster draining and longer use.

Draft diverter

A draft diverter comes with the snap-lock mechanism, so since there is no need for the screws, the installation and service are simpler, safer, and faster.

Factory-installed elements

There are also several elements that are factory-installed, such as the TPR valve and heat traps.

Models review

Bradford White offers a wide variety of heaters for residential water heating, including electric, gas, solar and oil-powered models.

Gas models

Bradford White gas water heaters are designed to use both propane and natural gas. The heaters are usually factory set to use natural gas, and the gas conversion kit is either provided or available to purchase.

Based on the venting and installation options in your house, you can buy a gas water heater with an atmospheric, power vent, power direct, and direct vent system, which allows flexible installation in the garage, attic, utility room, or inside the closet.

For those who prefer the conventional or standard type, tank-type heaters are what to look for. The models are available from a small 30 gallons, the most popular 40 and 50 gallons, to over 100-gallons units. Other options include small, wall-hanging, and Energy Star units for tankless water heating.

For those who prefer the conventional or standard type, tank-type heaters are what to look for.

For users with special requirements such as; high-demand for hot water, faster recovery, greater first-hour delivery, green technology, models for the mobile homes, Energy Star approved, on-demand heating, Bradford White Corporation has it.

The company offers several lines of gas water heaters:

Defender series – a series with the greatest selection, variety of sizes, and venting option, designed for residential and manufactured home use.

Eco-Defender series – features ultra-low NOx water heaters designed to emit 75% less gases making them environment-friendly. Homeowners can buy a water heater with any of the available vent systems: atmospheric, direct, power, and power-direct venting.

EF Series High Efficiency – features one 50-gal power vent model and one power-direct vent, both among the best performers of all gas models and with the highest efficiency (Energy Star approved).

Infiniti - features water heaters with tankless technology, ideal for homeowners looking for small and advanced models, with on-demand and continuous hot water supply.

Electric models

Bradford White electric water heaters are also available as tank-type and tankless or on-demand models. Tank-type water heaters can be found as small as 6-gallon units - recommended for point-of-use service, to over 120-gallon models, ideals for whole-house water heating, and high-demanding applications.

The electric models can be found as high-efficient units but are not Energy Star approved. The significant advantage is actually the lower cost of the purchase and installation. Some models are designed with one or two heating elements.

The company offers several lines of electric water heaters:

Upright series: offers a wide variety of models

Lowboy series: ideal for homes with space restriction and tight spaces

Utility series: used for low demanding applications

Wall-hung: as the name implies, these are recommended for rooms where there is no suitable floor space available

Compact: great as a POU model or a backup

Hybrids: combine heat pumps and electric heating elements for superior water heating

The only Energy Star compliant electric units from this manufacturer are coming from the heat pump series.

How to buy a Bradford White water heater

Bradford White water heaters are not sold directly to the end-user but through dealerships and licensed technicians. You cannot buy a water heater in big box stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot, either. According to the manufacturer, your water heater will be installed professionally and per codes and the manufacturer's recommendations. Correctly sized, installed venting, plumbing, gas, and other elements ensure reliable and safe work.

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