I just did a bunch of research on water heaters to replace a POS American/Whirlpool water heater. It seems that the Bradford White’s are the prefered choices for plumbers with Rheem’s being second best. Paid 400 for a BW and a plumber installed it for 250 plus 50 for haulaway. Unfortunately you won’t find the BW’s in stores, the plumber picked it up from a plumbing supply shop.
