These are the two I had in mind:

GE 50 Gallon Electric Medium Water Heater 6YR 4500 Watt DE :
GE 50 Gallon Electric Medium Water Heater 6YR 4500 Watt DE - GE50M06AAG at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/Appliances-Water-Heaters-Residential/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xggZbao9Z1z13skt/R-100034997/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)

Energy Guide for the GE : http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/9e/9e3f974f-9f08-4265-a917-228dfd21a066.pdf


Kenmore 50 Gallon Medium Height Electric Water Heater
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04232666000P?vName=Appliances&cName=Water+Heaters&sName=Electric

Energy Guide for the Kenmore : http://c.sears.com/assets/eg/116434.pdf

I noticed the first hour ratings were : 62 vs. 59 gallons, what does this mean? My current Rheem FHR is 59.

Does anyone know the performance of these two brands? Should I spend the extra money for the Kenmore?


My existing water heater:
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh114/nugentoffer/misc/HPIM1089.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh114/nugentoffer/misc/HPIM1090.jpg

They spec out virtually identical. How much more is the kenmore?

The ability of water heater to meet peek hour demands. 62 is better than 59.

My vote goes to the company that offers you local warranty. I have had people that waited two weeks for a warranty heater because they had to verify the old one was leaking. Most heaters, not bought from a local plumber have a 1- 800 phone number to call for service.

GE water heaters are made by Rheem. Not sure of Kenmore