Best AO Smith Gas Water Heaters
Review & Buying Tips
(updated 2017)

A review of the best of AO Smith gas water heaters to buy for residential homes, and features to look for. Check out both tankless and conventional tank-type heaters with the advantages and benefits of both. The difference between cheaper and expensive models.

Model review

As the list of gas-powered water heaters from AO Smith is huge, this review will cover the best and most advanced models, either looking for the affordable one or shopping for the most advanced models with the state-of-the-art design.

Popular 50-gal models to buy

Features and benefits

As explained in this article, the main features that are included in most models are:

Blue Diamond glass coating - provides tank protection against corrosion.
Coregard anode rod - also protecting the metal tank.
Self-cleaning dip tube - reduces the sediment build-up.
Self-powered electronic gas valve used for the enhanced performance and diagnostics.
Low NOx gas burner to reduce the gas emission.
Heat traps for reducing the energy waste.
Brass drain valve for longer life.

Best AO Smith gas water heaters to buy

The best gas water heaters from AO Smith are designed with the commercial-grade components and include the condensing technology, advanced diagnostics, high or continuous water flow rate, state of the art technology, superior high efficiency, and ultra-low gas emission, for better environmental protection. These models are coming from the ProLine XE series as shown in the review of 50-gal units below:

Vertex Power-Vent GPHE-50

Vertex GPHE-50

Helical internal heat exchanger increases the energy efficiency to over 90%, which is higher than the efficiency found on conventional models.
Side mounted recirculation taps for combined space and potable water heating.
Intelli-vent gas valve with the premium-grade hot surface ignitor for durability, precise temperature control and diagnostics.
Two heavy-duty anode rods for better corrosion resistance.
High First-Hour Rating of 119 and Recovery Rate of 92 gallons.

Vertex Power-Direct GDHE-50

AO Smith Vertex Power Direct Vent GDHE-50

Vertex GDHE-50

Helical internal heat exchanger and condensing design for the efficiency of 96%.
Side mounted recirculation taps for combination space and potable water heating.
Advanced electronic control with LCD display, diagnostics, and iCOMM for remote control.
First Hour Rating of 100 gallons.

Polaris

Condensing design and 96% thermal efficiency.
Modulating gas burner for lower energy consumption and increased comfort.
Helical internal heat exchanger
Stainless steel construction for durability
Advanced electronic control with large LCD display
Recovery rate of over 165 GPH
10-year warranty

Best affordable gas models to purchase

High-Efficiency Power Vent

ProLine XE Power Vent

Versatile power vent system with the 3-position rotatable blower outlet.
System against flammable vapors
Hot surface ignitor
Improved gas valve design with LED
Energy Star compliant
Side connection
First Hour Rating of 108 GPH

Effex - High-efficiency atmospheric vent

AO Smith Effex

Pressurized combustion system
Simple vent installation
LCD user interface to set and monitor the temperature and service diagnostics.
Non-sacrificial power anode rod

Top tankless models to buy

AO Smith Tankless

The best AO Smith gas water heaters with the tankless design utilize the following features; two strong and ultra-efficient heat exchangers, condensing technology for the ultra-high energy efficiency of 0.95, built-in recirculation pump for faster hot water delivery and ultra-low NOx for less pollution - all models are from the ProLine XE series.

The most powerful model is ATI-540H, designed to deliver up to 10 GPM of hot water, enough to supply hot water to homes with up to 4 showers, or even more when using the Easy Link or Multi-Unit system. This tankless unit is small and compact and can be installed indoor with the power or power-direct venting system or outdoor, as ventless. It is also smart where the built-in advanced electronics monitors the whole operation while helping with the diagnostics system for easier troubleshooting.

All the units are equipped with the safety elements to protect the system from extreme temperatures, pressure, and freezing, while the long warranty of 15 years provides a piece of mind to the owners.