Help selecting a new electric water heater

[Adam/]

So its getting about time for getting a replacement water heater based on time. When we built the house in 1990 I installed a Kenmore Elite rotorswirl 55gal electric tank. It had a 3800 watt upper element and a 5500 watt lower element and dual anode rods. Daig 22.5" and height of 62". In 2008 while I did not notice any change in operation there was getting to be a lot of rust around the upper element and just below it so I replaced it with the same model. So based on time I started to shop for another Kenmore just to find out they are no more! So now I am looking for a replacement with the same features and specs. What I am finding out there are a lot of "Smart" and WiFi enabled water heaters which is something we have no interest in having as we don't use wifi or a smart phone still us our inexpensive dependable land line. Thanks in advance for any brand/model suggestions.

[TinyTool]

Hi!

Kenmore water heaters were mostly made by either A.O. Smith or Rheem, so if you liked your old one, you can still get something very similar under those names. You might also check models from Bradford White or Lochinvar, as they make good, straightforward electric units without Wi-Fi or “smart” controls.

Here are some similar options you can look into:

• AO Smith Signature 100 (55-gal) – basic electric, dual elements, ceramic tank protection
• AO Smith ProLine Standard (55-gal) – dual stainless-steel elements, glass lining, self-cleaning
• Rheem Professional-Classic (55-gal) – simple controls, dual elements, good anode protection
• Lochinvar Energy-Saver (55-gal) – durable anode, compact design, no smart features

I’d recommend going through recent reviews and comparing specs online to see which one matches your needs and budget the best. That way you’ll get something close to your old Kenmore without paying for features you don’t want.

[Adam/]

Thank you for your informative reply. I just read online that Kenmore was built by State Water heaters which is a division of AO Smith. Was a pretty interesting read. I will look into the brand/models you posted about.

[TinyTool]

You’re welcome. Yes, that’s right, State is a division of A.O. Smith. You’ll be in familiar territory with either A.O. Smith or State-branded models, and they should offer similar quality to what you’ve had.