Best 40 Gallon ELECTRIC Water Heater Reviewed

Benefits Of Electric Over Gas Hot Water Heating 

Of all the types and styles of water heaters on the market today, electric units are still the most popular. For one reason or another, whether low cost or high efficiency, electric water heaters outsell all other types. If you wonder if electric is the right path for you, here are some reasons to say yes. 

Safety 

All water heaters have safety features, sensors, and shut-offs. By their nature, though, electric models have less. That is because there isn't gas or fumes to vent out or worry about. In addition, shielding from heat prevents nearby chemical or flammable liquid storage from being a concern, and there are fewer components to fail or cause problems. 

This doesn’t mean electric models are 100% worry-free, but there is less worry overall. That sense of security is found in every electric model on the market. 

Ability To Install A Timer On An Electric Tank 

With electric tanked models, you can install (or already have included) a timer. Timers allow you to control when the water heater actually cuts on and for how long. When it is installed by the factory, it is called vacation mode. 

This mode allows you to all but shut down the system, keeping energy consumption to a bare minimum while you are out of town and preventing the water from settling, corroding, or depositing sediment into the tank as it would if it were completely shut down. 

Shorter Installation Timeframe 

Water heater installation is a tedious but not difficult process. With proper knowledge of plumbing and electrical wiring, it can even be a DIY project for some homeowners. However, compared to gas and solar water heaters, electric water heaters are the easiest to install. This is because there are fewer components to connect and install, and the actual process takes only an hour or two. 

Not Too Complicated Space Requirement 

Unlike gas models that require additional space for airflow, venting, and in some cases, fans or motors, electric models only need additional space beyond their dimensions for installing maneuverability and piping. 

Longer Life Expectancy 

Because electric models are generally less cumbersome and have fewer replaceable parts, they are easier to care for and maintain. This allows you to do less work to keep the system working correctly and free of deposits, sediment, and problems, adding years to their life expectancy compared to other types. 

No Pilot Light 

Along the lines of safety and ease of use, there isn’t a pilot light to worry about. You won't have to get down on the floor and find the little window to light your water heater as you do with a gas model. 

Instead, once the unit is installed and filled with water, you only need to turn the circuit breaker on. Without a pilot light, there is even less to worry about, and in the event of a power outage, a simple switch is all that is needed to restore working order once the power comes back. 

Finding The Right Electric Hot Water Heater 

Before you head out and buy the first water heater you find, it is essential to take note of some specific features and details. Below, we outline those factors and explain why they are important to consider. 

Size of the Model 

The unit's overall size will be a factor for installation and location. Electric models come in a wide variety of sizes, and even when you only look at the 40-gallon tanked models, there is still a wide discrepancy. Tall and short tanks can fit in many sized spaces, and your water heater closet, garage, or crawl space needs to be measured to ensure the unit you choose fits.  

Price Range - Cheap Vs. Expensive Brands 

Just as there are many brands, styles, and sizes, there are many different price ranges. From low-end models that have very few features to top-of-the-line models with every bell and whistle you can imagine, the costs will vary. 

Budget-friendly electric models can be found for as little as $400 (sometimes less). High-end models, though, can have features like alarms, digital displays, timers, wireless communications, and more. Some will top out over $1800 for the water heater alone. 

Costs Over Time 

One factor to consider is the long term costs. Once you buy the water heater and have it installed, the bulk of your costs are over. However, you still need to pay for the electricity to run it, and as parts begin to fail or need replacement, those will come into play as well. 

On average, general maintenance for an electric model will be less than $100 per year, but it should still be budgeted.  

Recovery Time 

The recovery time is a measurement of how fast the model will turn over an empty tank of water, as well as the heating time to temp as cold water is brought in. High flow rates tend to have slower recovery times, but high-end models will make up for this with better heating elements. 

You want to have a unit with high recovery times as well as flow rate to get the most out of your hot water. However, when it comes down to the final decision, the size of your family and how much water you use per day will determine which is more important. 

Lengthy Warranty 

An investment like a water heater should also come with a good warranty. In keeping with the pattern here, the warranty coverage will vary quite a bit. Standard warranties for electric water heaters will range between 6 and 12 years. Some will be less, and some may be longer. 

It is important to know what is covered and what isn't, as well as what is required on your end. Some warranties won't go into effect unless there is professional installation, and others will only require registration. 

1. A.O. Smith ENS-40 ProMax 

AO Smith is a premium brand and one of the two most prominent leaders in the water heater industry. While they focus on the higher-end models, premium technologies, and professional-grade components, they aren't out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers. 

If you are concerned with the pricing of AO Smith units, they do own several smaller companies that build and distribute for the mid and entry-level ranges. AO Smith has been a leader for decades, but in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they really started expanding the brand. This is when the bulk of the acquisitions, such as State water heaters, occurred. 

Along with those acquisitions, the technological advancements also took off and reached new heights. As a result, many of the features found on AO Smith models since that time have become industry standard. 

Take the ENS-40 ProMax Short Tank model, for example. This stout electric unit is only 50 inches tall, giving you plenty of room for installation in tighter spaces but also a low enough platform to install easily. 

It also features PermaGlass inner tank liner, 2.5-inch insulation, and the AO Smith DynaClean diffuser tip system. This system ensures proper mixing of the cold and hot water and prevents sediment from settling on the bottom. 

With the CoreGuard anode rods, corrosion is all but eliminated, and maintenance is kept low. Of course, you get a 6-year warranty, fully backed by the company with excellent customer service. 

2. Bradford White BWC RE340S6-1NCWW 

Bradford White is the other premium brand, next to AO Smith. Their premium quality is known worldwide, and they also own several smaller brands under their umbrella. With Bradford White, you get some of the most efficient electric water heaters on the market. 

Their dedication to quality and performance is evident in every model they build. This is evident in their construction materials and dedication to evolving technologies. For example, Bradford White was among the first to include WiFi integration, smart home controls, and digital self-diagnostics to their water heaters. 

When you want the absolute best, you look for Bradford White. The hard part is that they are not sold in retail outlets, so you must go through a professional plumber or contractor to get the latest models. 

The RE340S6-1NCWW model, for example, is a couple of years older and can be more readily found through 3rd party sites like Amazon. It still comes new-in-box, though it may or may not have a factory warranty when purchased. 

What you will get for sure, though, is a solid-built water heater that uses a 30 amp dedicated 240 volt circuit to heat the water in your home. It features magnesium anode rods and all brass connectors and valves. 

With heat traps on the connectors and Hydro-Jet dip tubes, you don't have to worry about corrosion, leaks, or sediment build-up. Instead, you get high efficiency, lower fees on your utility bills, and a system that, at 40-gallons, can support a family of 4 without fuss. 

The 6-year warranty isn’t the largest one offered by the brand, but it is more than enough to protect your investment.  

3. Rheem PROE40 2 RH92 Professional Classic 

If you are looking for premium quality and want to save a little money, look no further than Rheem. Well known in the HVAC and Plumbing industries, Rheem has been at the top of the game for a long time. 

Like AO Smith and Bradford White, Rheem is also a parent company to a few smaller brands. Their dedication to quality is expanded throughout the umbrella of companies, and it is evident in every item they release. 

The 4500-watt power is distributed to the heating elements in their electric model in one of the most efficient manners possible. Even the smaller capacity units are Energy Star rated, and you will find that running out of hot water is a thing of the past. 

Take the Pro E40 models, for example. These units feature anti-corrosion features and aspects that rival the top-tier models, including glass-lined inner tanks and extra-thick non-CFC foam insulation. 

You also get high-quality anode rods that are easily replaced when the time comes. For hard water, that will be sooner rather than later, due to the minerals. However, with a simple 3-step process, you can do it in less than an hour without needing your plumber making a house call (unless you don't want to mess with it). 

These Pro series models also feature LED indicator self-diagnostics and onboard alarms to help you know exactly what the issue is (if any). The 6-year warranty, again, isn’t the best in the business, but it will cover your investment long enough to ensure nothing goes wrong through the maintenance periods. 

4. Whirlpool E2F40RD045V 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Whirlpool is better known for their dishwashers, refrigerators, and laundry room equipment. However, they still manufacture, produce and sell water heaters, too. Both electric and gas fueled models are available in various sizes and styles. 

Among their more popular models are the electric ones. This is due to their lower cost and brand name recognition, plus being sold through retail and wholesale doesn’t hurt. The brand as a whole, though, is moving away from the water heater division, and their units are getting harder and harder to find. 

When you find one, though, and have it professionally installed, you will have a water heater you can depend on. They use mid-range and high-quality parts, expert craftsmanship, and have excellent warranty coverage. If you also get a labor warranty from your installer, you have almost nothing to worry about for about a decade. 

One of the most sold and reviewed models is the 40 gallon electric model E2F40RD045V. Like many budget-friendly models, this one has an affordable price, a simple installation process, and doesn't need a lot of maintenance. 

While it is highly recommended you drain the tank twice a year and ensure the connections, valves, and heating elements are all properly functioning, there isn’t any more maintenance compared to other units. 

You also get brass drain valves, a factory-installed T&P relief valve, and top-mounted connections, including heat traps to minimize heat loss. Add to all of that a 6-year service and parts warranty, and you have a new water heater that will handle a family of 2 to 4 with no problems, providing great heating to your home's water and not being a burden to your wallet. 

5. GE 40 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater

When you hear the brand name GE you think about light bulbs, kitchen appliances, and a blue logo. This is common, and their branding has led to as much. What you probably won't think about is water heaters. 

Do GE waters actually exist? You might ask yourself. And the true answer is, “not anymore.” GE used to make, manufacture and produce water heaters all on their own. However, by 2016, they were seeing massive profit losses and decided to cut the water heater division to save money and keep their head above water. 

However, you still find GE water heaters for sale today with this year's date code on the serial ID Plate. How? Well, when GE decided to stop making their products, they licensed the logo and brand name you are so familiar with to Rheem. 

Now, Rheem manufactures the water heaters and puts a GE logo on them before they are sold. And if you look closely, you will see that you have a Rheem water heater with a GE shell, which isn’t a bad thing, to be honest. 

Take the 40 gallon short tank model, for example. It features stainless steel construction, dual auto-set thermostats, and top-mounted heat-trap connections. At 5500 watts of power, the heating elements make short work of cold water to keep the tank ready for service at all times. 

The sacrificial anode rods are easily replaced when the time comes, and you can change the desired temperature with the turn of a single dial. You also get an 8-year parts warranty (1-year labor) on top of it all. Not a bad deal for GE, or you, in the long run. 

6. John Wood ProLine Master 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater 

You aren't alone if you have never heard of John Wood water heaters. Originally part of GSW in Canada, the entire brand and corporation was purchased by AO Smith in 2006. The plant, name, and manufacturing were all kept in Canada as AO Smith’s largest North American water heater division. However, if and when you can get your hands on a John Wood water heater, you have something special. 

The care, devotion, and standards put into these premium water heaters are not matched by anyone else. And while their prices do compete with the likes of AO Smith premium brands and Bradford White, you get a solid and well-crafted appliance. 

One of the most significant advantages they have over other brands is their glass-lining technique. This patented process, called Tank Saver Technology, is used on every model they produce. And instead of an isolated tank design where water can still rest on the stainless steel bottom, John Wood models are completely sealed. 

This means tank corrosion and deterioration are almost non-existent. Imagine a steel water heater that will never rust or leak, and you have a John Wood. 

Their ProLine and ProLine Master series models are warrantied for either 6 or 8 years, respectively, and you get all of the features you would expect from a premium brand. In addition, all models are built to commercial-grade quality while being designed for residential use. 

The Styopour base is another proprietary aspect that protects the bottom of the tank even further, adding rust and corrosion protection and overall tank stability and heat transfer loss to a minimum. 

Add in a tamper-resistant drain valve, top mounted anode rod, and simple to install unit, and there isn't much else you could ask for. 

7. State Select ESX-40 

State, as we have covered, is owned and operated by AO Smith. However, unlike other brands under the umbrella, State is left to pretty much do their own thing. They still use AO Smith manufacturing plants and delivery options, and all models must meet AO Smith's strict standards. 

However, as the budget-friendly option of the division, they have more leeway in what they can and cannot do, compared to John Wood (for example) which must maintain a certain level of premium quality. 

This does not mean State does not have good quality or premium materials. In fact, it means the exact opposite. Ever since AO Smith took over ownership, State quality has only risen, along with sales and performance standards. 

The 40-gallon electric water heater model ESX-40-DONT, for example, is part of the State Signature Series. 

This model is designed to prevent standby heat loss. Additional protection is added to the heat traps, thicker insulation is added between the tanks, and all valves and drains are made from brass. The heating elements are stainless steel core along with the aluminum anode rods. 

It pushes 6000 watts through dual heating elements to heat the new, cold water quickly and maintains the tank temp much longer than other options on this list. With less running time and more heat loss prevention, you save money on your electric bills, even without this smaller unit being able to meet the Energy Star rating. 

8. American Standard 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater 

American Standard is a brand that many people who shop at home improvement stores will recognize. Their products span a wide range of categories, including kitchen, bath, and garage use. This also includes water heaters. 

Their selection is a bit more limited than other brands, but that is due to how many other product types they also manufacture. Because they are sold retail, though, or direct to consumers, they remain popular, durable options for many homeowners. 

When you buy American Standard, you get a great quality build with mid-and high-end parts combined to save you money and perform as required. 

For example, take the American Standard ENS-40 model (also available in 30 and 50 gallon capacities). With surface mount thermostats and dual heating elements, you get a combined 4500 watts heating your water faster than other mid-range models. 

This saves you time waiting for hot water at the tap and saves money on your monthly energy bills. The self-cleaning dip tubes and glass-lined inner tank also help prevent corrosion and sediment build-up. 

Magnesium anode rods offer more protection and corrosion resistance than stainless steel and aluminum. This is why you will find them in all American Standard models. Each replaceable component is also easy to change out as a DIY project if you have the knowledge. If not, it also makes for a less expensive house call from your plumber, saving you money in the long run. 

With a standard 6-year warranty, you are covered for most situations. However, you also have the option to extend the warranty to a full 12-years, making it one of the longest in the industry. 

9. American E10N-40R 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater 

American Water Heaters (not to be confused with American Standard) is another brand you may have heard of if you do a lot of shopping in Lowe's and Home Depot. They are also quite popular with contractors looking for a good quality product at a cost-effective price. 

This means their water heaters hold up to the rigorous daily installs contractors have and will perform well and long enough to appease almost every homeowner—especially those looking for a reliable water heater that will save money over time. 

Unlike American Standard, though, American has a single pie to content with. Since they only deal with water heating, they are more specialized and produce a larger stable of models. One of those is the E10N-40R. 

This 40-gallon electric water heater outperforms many models that cost twice as much. With PEX self-cleaning dip tubes, factory-installed heat traps, and all brass valves, heat loss is minimized to the point of being nearly non-existent. Sediment build-up is also minimized. 

That makes these units virtually maintenance-free, so all that is left for you is to replace the anode rods as needed and drain the tank once a year. 

On top of that, these units are made and designed for multiple applications. That means you can install it in your water heater closet, an attic or garage, or even a mobile home. 

The 6-year warranty covers everything from parts to the tank itself, which is lined with Blue Diamond glass-liners. Low cost, low maintenance, high performance. Not a bad combination. 

40 Vs. 50 Gallon Hot Water Heaters Compared 

The most obvious difference between 40 and 50-gallon electric models is their tank capacity. The smaller 40-gallon models are still plenty for most families. A 40-gallon electric water heater is designed to supply hot water for the needs of a family of 4 or less. They are more efficient and take less time to recover than the larger models. 

However, different families have different needs. Some may require more hot water than the next, even with the same number of family members. If you have high water usage needs, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, and showers, you may need a larger capacity model. Finding that balance is critical to your final purchasing decision. 

Price & Installation Costs For Households 

The price you pay for the water heater is more than just a unit cost. Of course, you have taxes and everything to add in as well, but it is more than that. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $600 for a lower-end model without a lot of additional features. For high-efficiency models and those with digital displays, alarms, or WiFi connectivity, the price can reach $1200 or more. 

On top of that cost, you also have the installation costs. When you add in the labor charges, clean up, disposal of old water heater costs, and any additional work needed (new plumbing, valves, water lines, electrical wiring…), labor will run about $600 to $1000. 

One of the hardest parts of getting the water heater installed for the best price, though, is finding the right plumber or contractor to perform the work. See further below for details on how we can help with that! 

Where To Buy Electric Hot Water Heaters On Sale? 

Where you buy your water heater will also affect the price. Along with the size, type, brand, and model, your overall cost will come down to purchase location. For that, you have two options. You can shop in person at brick-and-mortar shops or online. 

Shopping in person will show you what is currently in stock, and many places will offer to install for you as well. Home Depot is one example of a great shop. They will have a lot of various brands and models in store and ready to go. 

Lowe’s will also have various brands and models to choose from, and like Home Depot, can install it for you for an additional fee. If these two stores don't have the model you are after, they may be able to find it on their online storefront, too. 

Menard’s in the Midwest and Walmart across the country will also have a limited selection available. While these may not offer installation, they do offer delivery and have great pricing. 

Shopping online, though, may also help you save even more. For example, Amazon will have most models you see in this article, as well as brand name models that are a year or two old. While these still have a factory warranty, they aren't sold in stores anymore because there are newer models to showcase. 

Whatever way you go, make sure to shop around for the best deals and ensure you get the model and brand you want without settling. 

How To Find A Trustworthy Local Plumber 

Finding a local plumber is one of the most difficult aspects of installing your new water heater. Some brands, too, only sell through local plumbers and contractors. How do you know if the ones you contact are worthwhile, or even licensed? 

We can help! We have partnered with Networx to bring you a free app that will let you get the best results possible. Simply fill out the form, and within 24 hours, you will have the names and contacts of up to four heavily vetted professionals. 

Each result is fully vetted, background checked, rated, and reviewed. Plus, they will all be local to your area. Once you have the list, you only need to call and set up an estimate appointment, and your new water heater won’t be far behind. 

People Also Ask (FAQs) 

Which is the most dependable electric water heater brand? 

There are too many local and regional variables to select one brand as the absolute best. Water type, sediment filtration on a city level, and average elevation or ambient temperature will all play a role in the performance of your water heater. Well-known names like Rudd, Reliant, GE, and Whirlpool are always good bets, but State, John Wood, and American Standard are just as good. 

What breaker size do you need for a 40 gallon electric water heater? 

The amps needed for a 40-gallon water heater will vary by brand and model. Most will fall around 4500 watts of required power, which calls for a 25 to 30 amp circuit. When selecting your water heater model, it will tell you the needed voltage, amperage, and watts for the circuit so you will know exactly what to expect. 

How long does a 40 gallon electric water heater last? 

Typically a well-cared for and properly maintained water heater will last at least 10 years. Warranty coverage will range from 6 to 12 years, but you can easily get 15 to 18 years of reliable service from modern units. 

What is the wire size for a 40 gallon electric water heater? 

Once again, there are brand and model variables at play. However, because of the average draw on the circuit, most modern 40-gallon water heaters will require 12 gauge wiring to prevent overheating and wire melting. 

How much electricity does a 40 gallon water heater use? 

A typical unit will use 4500 watts of power, or 4.5 kilowatts. Your actual cost will depend on how often the unit runs to heat the water and how much you pay per kilowatt-hour for power. Using national kilowatt-hour (kWh) pricing and a typical 4500-watt unit, you can expect to pay about $500 to $590 per year in energy costs, or $41 to $49 per month. 

Conclusion

Finding the right 40-gallon water heater for your needs can be a difficult task. There is a lot to consider. From brand and model types to costs and installation, it can be a big ask. 

Hopefully, this article has given you the knowledge and tools needed to make an informed decision about the brand you want and the features you need. 

While we covered the 40-gallon electric models here, there are plenty of other options to consider if you still aren’t sure. From gas to solar, water heaters have a lot to offer, and it is something you need to think about thoroughly before you make a purchase.