Electric Water Heater Recommendation

Anybody have a recommendation for an electric hot water heater?
I have a 50 Gallon AO Smith Pro Max that started to leak just as the warranty expired and I am hesitant to get another one. I hear Bradford White is the way to go, but I am not even sure that I can get one around here without being a contractor. I worked for a plumber for 4 years so I would be doing the job myself. I know from him to steer clear of big box stores. I am just looking for some insight as to what is a reliable brand and if I am sizing properly. Currently I am running a 50 Gallon, 1 1/2 bath house with 4 residents. Should I upgrade to a 65 Gallon? If I do decide to get a Bradford White, should I get the High Efficiency energy model? (example HE65R6DS-65)
Any advise would be fantastic.
Steve

Size depends on use patterns and points of use: how much and how long are the showers; how much time in between; would you be running the DW or WM at the same time; multiple showers at the same time; have a big tub to fill?

jadnashua said:

Size depends on use patterns and points of use: how much and how long are the showers; how much time in between; would you be running the DW or WM at the same time; multiple showers at the same time; have a big tub to fill?

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gotcha. 20 minute showers. About an hour in between each. only one shower running at a time. big tub, but rarely gets used. no dishwasher. Sometime we use the washing machine while showering.

Bradford White would be an excellent choice. Supposedly, BW are only sold to plumbers, but I don't think that is always the case. There should be no problem finding one anywhere in the USA.

rheem or bradford are ok

whatever you buy make sure it comes with the
heavy duty Stainless steeel elements,,,


they are basically all the same

There's a big difference in the gas appliances, in the burner design, the gas valve, etc. Not much in the electric...some, but not much.

No matter which brand of heater you buy, if you check the supply houses which handle that brand you will find almost the same number of units which have failed during the warranty period. Electric heaters typically fail much sooner that gas ones, and I do not know of any which come with "long life" elements standard. You have to buy them and install them yourself.