Our top choice
#1
Bradford White Infiniti K-Series
- Top cold-water inlet
- Built-in backflush capability
- Made in America
Tankless water heaters · Side by side
Tankless comparison: the winner is?
Bradford White Infiniti K-Series vs. Rinnai vs. A.O. Smith: how three popular tankless water heaters compare on installation, servicing, origin, warranty, and efficiency.
- Based on manufacturer specs
- From the installer’s view
- Tankless specialists
Side by side
Three tankless heaters, compared.
How the models stack up from the installer’s side of the job: connections, servicing, origin, warranty, and efficiency.
| Feature | Bradford White Infiniti K-SeriesTop choice | Rinnai (e.g. Sensei) | A.O. Smith (e.g. Vertex) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-water inlet | Top inlet: easier vertical installs and routing in tight spaces, no floor-clearance issues | Bottom inlet: needs more vertical space below the unit | Bottom inlet: needs more vertical space below the unit |
| Built-in backflush | Yes: integrated backflush, no extra valves needed (saves $200–400 plus labor) | No: needs add-on Webstone valves and pro install | No: needs add-on Webstone valves and pro install |
| Installation ease | Superior: top connections and compact design for the fastest install and servicing | Average: bottom inlets complicate tight basements | Average: bottom inlets complicate tight basements |
| Servicing & maintenance | Best in class: built-in flush for descaling, minimal downtime | Good, but extra components add complexity | Good, but extra components add complexity |
| Manufacturing origin | Made in America | Japan/Asia (imported) | Asia (imported) |
| Warranty | 15-year heat exchanger, 5-year parts (residential) | 12–15 years (varies by model) | 10–15 years (varies by model) |
| Efficiency (UEF) | Up to 0.96 (condensing) | Up to 0.96 (condensing) | Up to 0.95 (condensing) |
| Overall | #1 choice: design innovation and American-made reliability for the easiest install and lowest lifetime cost | Solid performer, but lacks Bradford White’s install advantages | Reliable, but an outdated bottom-inlet design |
Data based on manufacturer specs (2024); consult a local pro for exact models. This report was compiled by Mr. Tankless, and we encourage you to do your own research. Mr. Tankless makes no legal representations and isn’t an authorized marketing agent for any company in this report.
Why Bradford White wins
Plumbers love it.
The K-Series rethinks tankless around the installation, which is ideal for New Jersey basements.
- Top inletsEliminate common installation headaches.
- Built-in backflushNo add-on valves needed for descaling.
- American-made qualityBuilt for longevity.
- Easy to servicePlumber-friendly, with minimal downtime.
Make it affordable
Upgrade now. Pay over time.
Flexible financing, utility rebates, and current promotions help make the work your home needs fit your budget.
Flexible financing
Quick approval with a soft credit check that won’t affect your score.
Explore financingUp to $750
PSE&G rebates
Qualifying energy-efficient upgrades may be eligible. We’ll help you find out.
Check rebatesCurrent promotions
10% off any service for new customers, $299 water heater maintenance, and more.
View promotionsCustomer reviews
Trusted by your neighbors.
“He did not oversell us which many other contractors tend to do. Very happy with his work and would definitely use him again.”
“We contacted Mr Tankless around 3 PM in the middle of a heat wave. Howard was at our house before the end of the day and we had a new AC unit in 48 hrs!”
“From the first phone call to the final installation, he was responsive, professional, and transparent about the process and prices.”
Ready when you are
Choose the right tankless. Talk to a specialist.
Talk to a real person today. You’ll get honest advice, an upfront price, and work done right the first time.