Are you looking to buy a new heater? If so, you might be wonder about the AO Smith vs State water heater comparison. These are two rather popular brands with many products with similar features, which can make the choice more challenging.
When in the store for a new product, choosing the right brand can be very important. While all brands have their hits and misses, some manufacturers are more reputable than others. Because of this, you should always have good knowledge about the brand you’re buying.
So, which one should you choose when it comes to AO Smith vs State water heaters? The answer might not be as straightforward as you’d like. Here’s everything you need to know!
AO Smith vs State Water Heaters
Before we can continue talking about the AO Smith vs State water heaters, it’s important to mention one fact: Technically speaking, they are both the same. The AO Smith Corporation declared that they have acquired State Industries, Inc. back in 2001.
As such, it’s easy to assume that these two brands have the exact same features and qualities. However, this isn’t entirely true.
While nowadays they are made by the same manufacturer, they have rather different products made using different methods. This is because the water heaters made by the State Industries, Inc. have kept most of the features and traits they had before acquisition.
As the result, these two brands don’t have the same characteristics. Still, many people might confuse them for the same brand or assume one is the ‘daughter’ brand, which isn’t the case.
To get a better understanding of both brands, we’ll look into their individual characteristics.
AO Smith Water Heaters
AO Smith Corporation isn’t the oldest water heater manufacturer, but it is one of the most reputable ones.
Interestingly enough, the company was founded in 1884 as a part of a baby carriage and bicycle industry. By the beginning of 20th century, they became one of the biggest bicycle parts manufacturers in the US.
In the following years, AO Smith started producing car parts and electric motors before moving to the boiler industry.
The company has been producing water heaters since 1972 using modern technologies and skilled workers. Most of their heaters are made to follow country-related specifics. This is because they are aware that US and EU, and even many countries within EU, might have different regulations from one another.
Today, company produces tank-based and tankless heaters that work on gas or electricity. This makes them rather versatile and suitable for most homes.
Its tank-based gas-powered heaters, such as BFC Cyclone, Innovo, or fairly new Proline series, use modern technologies to ensure energy saving properties. As water heaters are responsible for 20% of home’s energy use, this is a rather important feature.
In fact, thanks to their condensing and advanced gas-controlling capacities, they are even more energy efficient than electric models, despite a somewhat higher price.
As for their tankless models, its Proline XE series is one of the best-selling tankless water heaters on the market. They are energy efficient and don’t emit as much gas as some other manufacturers.
In general, AO Smith produces water heaters of top-notch quality, even though they are on the expensive side.
State Water Heaters
State Industries isn’t as old as AO Smith Corporation, but that doesn’t mean it’s less impressive. It was founded in 1948, when it produced its first water heater. This actually means that the company has been producing water heaters almost three decades before AO Smith released its first model.
The manufacturer offers more than 500 water heater products and always tries to stay up-to-date with technologies.
This ensures the company offers high-quality, energy efficient products that can satisfy all of their needs.
As AO Smith Corporation acquired State water heaters, there aren’t too many differences when it comes to their quality and design.
This company also offers tank and tankless water heaters that are powered by either gas or electricity. However, gas State water heaters come in three categories based on customer preferences:
- Economy select
- Advanced premier line
- Tankless
The economy select is their most popular one thanks to its fairly affordable price and a huge variation of products.
As for their electric water heaters, they are energy-efficient and might also come tank-based or tankless. This means you’ll have a huge variety of products to choose from. Customer favorite seems to be the Premier Hybrid Electric tank-based heater.
If you prefer tankless water heaters, State also has the Proline XE series which is fairly popular. However, it has some design changes compared to the AO Smith one. This includes an internal microprocessor that helps the unit heat water much faster.
Also, when you buy a State water heater, you’ll get a self-cleaning dip dupe. This ensures the heater is long lasting. In fact, many will outlive the average water heater lifespan.
The main reason behind this is modern technology used to prevent sedimentation buildup. The self-cleaning dip dupe will constantly stir water, making sure minerals don’t settle down at the unit’s bottom.
Keep in mind that most State tankless water heaters use recirculating pump, so make sure you know all the pros and cons of such models before you opt for them.
Also, many State’s models aren’t as energy efficient as AO Smith’s ones.
Similarities
After looking into the brands and their products’ specifics, you might notice that there are many similarities between the two. While both make amazing products – including some of the best electric tankless water heaters for cold climates – there are some specifics they both share.
This includes:
- Both brands produce various units, including tank and tankless models that work on both gas and electricity.
- Both brands comply with all necessary Energy Star requirements. This means they are both an amazing choice if you’re looking for energy efficient products.
- Both brands produce safe units that reduce the chance of damage or explosion.
- Both products use a unique Blue Diamond glass coating that helps battle corrosion. This helps them be more durable.
- Finally, both heaters meet the Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) criteria as an additional proof of their safety.
As you can see, both brands are manufactured by the same company, both are up to the energy-efficient standard, and both are rather durable. In fact, they even offer the same warranties, as most of their tank models are advertised to last at least 8 to 10 years, with their gas tankless models having a 15-year warranty!
Main Differences
Just like there are many similarities between the two, there are many differences. Here are some of the most noticeable ones:
- AO Smith products are a bit more energy efficient, while this is a hit or miss with State’s ones.
- While AO Smith heaters have four venting options (power, atmospheric, direct, and direct power vents), while State water heaters only have two (premier power vent and premier power vent DV).
- Many AO Smiths have an amazing capacity of more than 100 gallons. On the other hand, State’s largest capacity is 98 gallons.
- While both are made by the same manufacturer, State water heaters have a self-cleaning dip dupe that prolongs the unit’s lifespan. This is something that AO Smit’s heaters lack.
As the result, you can see that the biggest difference lies in their energy efficiency.
Most of AO Smith’s models are highly energy efficient. This company uses various technologies to ensure its products save as much energy as possible – but their initial cost might be higher.
State is a bit more versatile. It has affordable products that will do an amazing job heating your water, but they won’t help you save much on utility bills. If you’d like a more energy-efficient product from them, you’ll need to pay a higher price.
AO Smith vs State Water Heaters – The Verdict
Now that we’ve listed main features from both brands, which one is the winner?
This might be challenging to say. Both models have their pros and cons that cannot be overlooked.
AO Smith offers energy efficient models that have a higher initial cost but will save you money in the long run. Also, they produce some of the best water heaters for large homes.
On the other hand, State water heaters have more models with a fairly low initial cost, and their units are more durable. If you’re okay with paying higher utility bills but want a durable model, State might be a better choice.
Related: AO Smith vs Richmond Water Heater
Bottom Line
When it comes to AO Smith vs State water heaters, the competition isn’t really there. Both brands are produced by the same manufacturer, which means the quality is more or less the same.
Not just that, but different people have different preferences. You cannot choose the same brand for a commercial property and for a small home.
While AO Smith seems to have a slight win, State is also a high-quality brand with its pros. In general, they are brands of a fairly equal quality designed with different consumers in mind.
As such, it’s essential to look into your needs and expectations and choose the best product for your individual situation.
If anything, you can rest assured that whichever you choose, you’ll pick a quality brand with long-lasting products.
Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
