A water heater is a water heater, right? Well, you wouldn’t be searching for a Rheem hybrid water heater review if that were the case. So, you probably have cost savings on your mind and want to know how Rheem hybrid water heaters stack up against the competition.

You might even be wondering how a hybrid water heater differs from other kinds of water heaters. Well, there’s a lot of technical information related to how hybrid water heaters work, but the bottom line is they’re more energy-efficient.

And even though they’re more expensive than other types of water heaters, they’ll save you money in the long run.

But how do you know if a Rheem hybrid water heater is right for you? Well, a Rheem hybrid water heater review is a great place to start.

Rheem Hybrid Water Heater Review: What You Need to Know

An essential part of any Rheem Hybrid Water Heater review is knowing the specifics of Rheem’s line of hybrid water heaters.

Rheem is well-respected in the industry as a manufacturer of quality water heaters. They’ve been making residential gas and water heaters since the1930s. And they were the first manufacturer to bring a hybrid electric heat pump water heater to market, introducing their newest innovation in 2009.

Since then, they’ve continued to innovate by adding new technologies to their water heaters, making them the most efficient on the market today.

The hybrid water heater of the future

So, if you’re looking for a high-tech, highly efficient, and quiet hybrid water heater that will reduce your energy costs, Rheem is at the top of their field.

Rheem has two lines of electric hybrid water heaters: the Professional Prestige Series and the Performance Platinum Series. Both series’ offer water heaters with 50-, 65-, and 80-gallon capacities.

However, the only difference between the two is that the Professional Prestige Series has options to work with both 15 and 30 amp circuit breakers. The Performance Platinum Series only works with 30 amp circuit breakers.

In addition, both series’ have high-efficiency ratings ranging from 3.55 on the 50-gallon tank to 3.7 on the 80-gallon tank. Plus, both series’ feature EcoNet technology, which allows you to operate the heater from a smartphone.

But why else should you choose a Rheem Hybrid Water Heater?

What people are saying

No Rheem hybrid water heater review would be complete without knowing what customers have to say about the product.

The majority of people who have purchased a Rheem hybrid water heater are highly satisfied. They rave about the heater’s performance and energy efficiency.

Many appreciate how easy it is to use the smartphone app with the heater. But most of all customers love their lower energy bills since they installed the unit in their home.

However, some customers noted that the heater is difficult to install, especially for do-it-yourselfers. And others commented that the units sometimes have control board and sensor issues.

Overall, though, most customers were happy with their purchase.

Rheem Hybrid Water Heater vs. The Competition

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Let’s compare the Rheem Performance Platinum Electric Hybrid Water Heater to similar models from A.O. Smith and Steibel Eltron.

The Rheem Hybrid Water Heater review: How we did it

We researched information on hybrid water heaters to learn how they differ from other water heaters from heating and plumbing experts such as Bradbury Brothers, Modern Plumbing Industries Inc, and Adams and Son Plumbing.

In addition, we checked with the U.S. Department of Energy, This Old House, and Family Handyman to learn how hybrid water heaters work, and why they’re so energy efficient.

Plus, we researched manufacturers of hybrid water heaters using a list from Consumer Reports and checked manufacturer websites and home appliance store websites to compare various features. Specifically, we analyzed energy efficiency ratings, operating modes, and customer reviews.

Rheem Performance Platinum Electric Hybrid Water Heater

The Rheem Performance Platinum Electric Hybrid Water Heater is the creme de la creme of hybrid water heaters. Not only is this water heater super efficient with a 3.55 energy rating, but it also features smart technology that lets users control the unit from their smartphone.

This means you can operate and check on your water heater without having to go into the basement or garage if you need to change the settings.

Plus, it has a water boost feature which makes more hot water available whenever you need it. For example, when your teenager decides to take an hour-long shower before everyone else.

In addition, this unit has five different operation modes, a water sensor, and an anode rod that helps extend the water heater’s life.

Product specifications

The Rheem 50 Gallon Performance Platinum Electric Hybrid Water Heater rates 4.5 out of 5 stars at Home Depot and 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Rheem website.

Steibel Eltron Acelera E Heat Pump Water Heater

The Steibel Eltron Acelera E Heat Pump Water Heater is not a “hybrid” water heater but operates on the same heat pump method as hybrid models. The difference is that this water heater works on “hybrid” mode all the time, meaning you don’t have to choose the setting like on other models.

However, this German-made water heater is the most expensive of those listed here — like almost twice the price. In addition, it is not as energy efficient as the other models coming in with a 3.05 UEF rating.

It also has an automatic booster mode which will detect high usage and adjust accordingly. In fact, there are no operation modes available with this 58-gallon tank water heater. And the available functions it does have are controlled by an LED interface on the tank body.

Home Depot users give this water heater 4.2 out of 5 stars. This product has not been rated on Amazon or the manufacturer’s website.

A.O. Smith Voltex Hybrid Electric Water Heater

The A.O.Smith Voltex Hybrid Electric Water Heater is a 50-gallon water heater that is slightly higher in price compared to the Rheem model. It’s also taller than the Rheem, coming in at 63 inches high.

In addition, this unit has a 3.24 UEF rating, which makes it energy efficient but not nearly as efficient as the Rheem. It has three operation modes, including efficiency, hybrid, and electric, as well as a vacation mode. All mode operations can be controlled via an electronic interface on the tank.

This hybrid water heater received a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on the manufacturer’s website and a 4 out of 5 stars rating from Supplyhouse.com.

Pros And Cons

What are the pros and cons of the Rheem?

Step Into The Future With A Rheem Hybrid Water Heater

There’s no comparison between the Rheem hybrid water heater and the other models. It’s super-efficient, and the integrated smart technology puts it far above the rest. Plus, it’s the lowest priced unit here even with all of its advanced features.

And while it might cost more upfront, the cost-saving benefits are well worth the investment in the long run.

Did our Rheem hybrid water heater review help with your purchasing decision? Share your thoughts below!