Replacing a water heater isn’t exactly a fun weekend project, so you want to get it right the first time. If you are eyeing State Water Heaters, you are looking at a brand with a serious reputation for durability. Owned by the industry giant A.O. Smith, State builds units that professional plumbers trust.
However, State offers a massive catalog. Between the ProLine series, hybrid options, and high-efficiency tankless models, finding the exact match for your home gets confusing fast. You need a clear breakdown of what works, not just a list of specs.
We analyzed the top models to help you decide. These State water heater reviews cover the gas, electric, and tankless units that offer the best value and performance for your money.
- Recovery time of 41 GPH
- 40,000 BTU gas burner
- Meets Low NOx emission requirements
- Non-CFC foam insulation
- Recovery time of 21 GPH
- Has self-cleaning dip tube
- Gas or propane option
- Uniform Energy Factor of 0.93
- Includes 15-year warranty
Why Homeowners Choose State Water Heaters
State Water Heaters prioritizes professional-grade components. Since A.O. Smith acquired the brand in 2001, State has benefited from massive manufacturing resources while maintaining its focus on the contractor market.
You won’t typically find these sitting on the shelf at a big-box store. They are engineered for wholesale distribution, meaning they are built to standards that keep professional installers happy. For a homeowner, this translates to reliability, rigorous testing, and solid warranty backing.
Selecting the Right State Water Heater Model
Gas Water Heaters
The “ProLine” series represents the core of State’s gas offerings. These aren’t just basic tanks; they incorporate commercial-grade technology into residential units. If you have a gas line, these boilers generally offer a faster recovery rate than electric counterparts.
State divides its gas line into a few categories. You have atmospheric vents (standard chimney venting) and power vents (using a fan to push exhaust out via PVC).
Here is what makes the ProLine gas series stand out:
- Durability: State uses a Blue Diamond glass coating fused to the steel tank. This ceramic layer is tough and resists corrosion better than standard industry linings.
- Self-Cleaning: Many models feature a PEX dip tube with side ports. This creates turbulence at the bottom of the tank to prevent sediment buildup, which is the number one killer of water heaters.
- Safety: They utilize a flammable vapor ignition resistant (FVIR) design to prevent accidental fires if combustible vapors are present in the room.
Tankless Water Heaters
If you want endless hot water and space savings, look at the State tankless line. They offer both condensing and non-condensing models, but condensing units are the smarter buy for long-term savings.
State’s condensing tankless heaters capture heat from the exhaust gas that would otherwise escape. They use that trapped heat to pre-warm the incoming water, pushing efficiency ratings (UEF) over 0.90.
Key features of State tankless units include:
- Heat Exchangers: Top-tier models use primary copper heat exchangers and secondary stainless steel exchangers. Stainless steel resists the corrosive acidic condensate, extending the unit’s life.
- Venting: Most are compatible with PVC venting, which is cheaper and easier to install than metal venting.
- Flow Rates: These units can handle high demand, with some residential models pushing out 10 gallons per minute (GPM), easily covering multiple showers at once.
Electric Water Heaters
State’s electric ProLine options are ideal for areas where gas isn’t available or for homes with lower hot water demands. While electric heaters usually recover hot water slower than gas, they are incredibly efficient at maintaining temperature.
The lineup ranges from compact point-of-use models to massive 120-gallon tanks. The most common choices are the 40 and 50-gallon ProLine Standard and Master units.
Things to look for in State electric heaters:
- Elements: Look for models with Incoloy or stainless steel heating elements. They resist burnout much better than cheap copper elements.
- Efficiency: While standard electric tanks are efficient, State also offers the Premier Hybrid Electric Heat Pump. This unit pulls heat from the surrounding air to warm the water and can cut electricity costs significantly compared to a standard tank.
Product Reviews
We dug through technical specification sheets, compared warranty terms, and analyzed feedback from HVAC professionals to select the top three units. These models represent the best balance of price, performance, and longevity.
PROLINE® GS6-50-BRT GAS WATER HEATER
Best State Gas Water Heater
The ProLine GS6-50-BRT is a workhorse. It features a 50-gallon capacity, which is the sweet spot for a typical family of three to five people. With a 40,000 BTU burner, it delivers a First Hour Rating of 81 gallons, meaning you aren’t likely to run out of hot water during the morning rush.
Reliability is the main selling point here. The tank interior is protected by State’s proprietary Blue Diamond glass coating, which provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard industry linings. It also utilizes a Coregard anode rod with a stainless steel core that won’t break away during service.
The unit operates on a pilot light system with a thermopile. This generates its own millivoltage to run the gas valve, so you still have hot water even during a power outage.
While it isn’t the highest efficiency unit on the market (it’s not Energy Star rated), it meets low NOx emission standards. The intelligent gas valve also offers decent diagnostics via an LED status light, making troubleshooting much easier for technicians.
Pros
- Operates without electricity thanks to the thermopile design.
- Self-cleaning dip tube reduces sediment buildup.
- Blue Diamond glass coating extends tank life.
- Diagnostic gas valve simplifies maintenance.
Cons
- Not Energy Star qualified.
Product Specs
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.62 |
| Recovery rate | 41 gallons per hour |
| Measurements | 60 inches by 21 inches by 21 inches |
| Energy Star Rated | No |
| Warranty | Six-year limited tank warranty |
Our Ratings
PROLINE® EN6-50-DORT ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
Best State Electric Water Heater
If you need a reliable electric option, the ProLine EN6-50-DORT is a solid contender. This 50-gallon tank is designed to keep operating costs manageable through thick, non-CFC foam insulation that traps heat effectively.
It boasts a high Uniform Energy Factor of 0.92. While electric heaters are generally efficient at holding heat, this model adds factory-installed heat trap nipples to further stop heat from migrating up the pipes when the water isn’t flowing.
Speed is decent for an electric unit. It uses dual 4,500-watt heating elements to provide a recovery rate of 21 gallons per hour. The elements are high-grade Incoloy or stainless steel (depending on the specific batch), which lasts much longer than cheap copper elements that succumb to mineral scale.
Maintenance is straightforward. It includes a brass drain valve rather than a plastic one, making the annual flush much easier and less prone to cracking. The warranty is a standard 6-year limited tank and parts coverage.
Pros
- Durable heating elements resist burnout.
- Solid brass drain valve for easier maintenance.
- High energy factor reduces standby heat loss.
- Self-cleaning dip tube helps prevent lime accumulation.
Cons
- Electric recovery rates are slower than gas models.
Product Specs
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.92 |
| Recovery rate | 21 gallons per hour |
| Measurements | 60.5 inches by 20.5 inches by 20.5 inches |
| Energy Star Rated | No |
| Warranty | Six-year limited tank warranty |
Our Ratings
GTS-540-NIH TANKLESS WATER HEATER CONDENSING
Best State Tankless Water Heater
The GTS-540-NIH is for homeowners who want top-tier efficiency. This condensing tankless unit boasts an impressive 0.93 Uniform Energy Factor, earning it an Energy Star rating. By utilizing a secondary heat exchanger, it squeezes every bit of heat out of the fuel before venting.
Performance is robust with a maximum input of 199,000 BTUs. In warm climates, it can produce up to 10 gallons per minute (GPM), easily handling three showers simultaneously. In colder climates, it still maintains strong flow rates.
Durability is a major focus for this model. State uses commercial-grade copper for the primary heat exchanger and marine-grade 316L stainless steel for the secondary exchanger. This protects the unit from the acidic condensation that forms during the high-efficiency heating process.
It also features an integrated recirculation pump. If your home has a dedicated return line, this pump circulates hot water through your pipes so it is ready the second you open the tap. No more waiting for the shower to warm up.
Pros
- Integrated recirculation pump for instant hot water.
- Energy Star rated with 0.93 UEF.
- Stainless steel secondary heat exchanger resists corrosion.
- Strong 15-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger.
Cons
- Requires a dedicated return line to use the recirculation feature fully.
Product Specs
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.93 |
| Recovery rate | N/A |
| Measurements | 23.625 inches by 17.75 inches by 11.25 inches |
| Energy Star Rated | Yes |
| Warranty | 15-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Uniform Energy Factor | Recovery rate | Measurements | Energy Star Rated | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROLINE® GS6-50 | Gas | 0.62 | 41 gal/hr | 60″ x 21″ x 21″ | No | 6-year (limited) |
| PROLINE® EN6-50 | Electric | 0.92 | 21 gal/hr | 60.5″ x 20.5″ x 20.5″ | No | 6-year (limited) |
| GTS-540-NIH | Tankless | 0.93 | N/A | 23.63″ x 17.75″ x 11.25″ | Yes | 15-year (limited) |
History of State Water Heaters
State Water Heaters has deep roots in American manufacturing. Founded by Herbert Lindahl Sr. in 1946 in a small garage in Nashville, Tennessee, the company started out building coal and wood-burning stoves.
By 1948, they pivoted to electric water heaters, and gas models followed in 1954. The brand became known for innovation, introducing sandblasted tanks in the late 70s to improve lining adhesion. In 2001, A.O. Smith Corporation acquired State Industries, creating a powerhouse in water heating technology while keeping the State brand alive and distinct.
Solar Water Heating Options
State also competes in the renewable energy space with the State Premier® Solar System. These setups are designed for the eco-conscious homeowner looking to slash utility bills.
Since water heating can account for up to 25% of a home’s energy use, switching to solar makes a dent in your monthly expenses. The Premier system uses high-efficiency solar collectors to absorb thermal energy, providing up to 70% of the energy needed to heat your water.
The storage tanks for these systems are heavily insulated with an R-value of 8 to keep the water hot overnight or during cloudy days. They also include an electric backup element to ensure you never take a cold shower.
Where to Buy State Water Heaters
This is where State differs from consumer brands. State operates primarily as a wholesale brand. You usually won’t find them at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Instead, they are sold through plumbing wholesalers to licensed contractors. To get one, you typically need to hire a local plumber who deals in State products. This ensures professional installation, which is vital for safety and warranty validity. However, you can occasionally find specific models sold by third-party distributors on Amazon.
Customer Service and Warranty Support
State generally receives high marks for support, largely because they back professional installers. If you have an issue, the protocol is usually to contact the installer, who then works with State’s technical support.
However, you can contact them directly via their website or customer support line for warranty verification or troubleshooting.
- Gas & Electric Tank Warranty: Typically 6 years on tank and parts.
- Tankless Warranty: Typically 15 years on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
Reviews indicate that when problems arise, they are often related to improper sizing (buying a unit too small for the home) rather than mechanical failure.
FAQs
Are State Water Heaters Made in the USA?
Yes, the majority of State Water Heaters are manufactured in the United States. The company headquarters is in Ashland City, Tennessee. While some specific components or smaller parts might be sourced globally, the primary assembly and tank production occur in their massive American facilities.
How Long Has State Water Heaters Been Around?
State Water Heaters was established in 1946 by Herbert Lindahl Sr. The company originally manufactured stoves before switching focus. They have been a dominant player in the water heating industry for over 75 years.
Are State Water Heaters Better Than A.O. Smith?
They are essentially the same quality because A.O. Smith owns State Water Heaters. They often share the same internal components, technology, and manufacturing lines. The main difference is usually the branding and the specific distribution channels (where they are sold).
Is State a Good Brand of Water Heaters?
Yes, State is considered a professional-grade brand. They are known for their “self-cleaning” turbo coil dip tubes and durable Blue Diamond glass lining. Plumbers often prefer them because they are reliable and easy to service.
How Long Should a State Water Heater Last?
A standard State tank water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years. Tankless models can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Hard water and lack of annual flushing can significantly shorten this lifespan.
What Is the Blue Diamond Coating?
Blue Diamond is a proprietary glass coating used inside State tanks. It is a commercial-grade ceramic fused to the steel surface at high heat. This layer protects the metal from rust and corrosion, which is the primary cause of tank failure.
How Do I Read a State Water Heater Serial Number?
The serial number helps you determine the age of the unit. For State heaters, the first two digits usually represent the year of manufacture, and the following two digits represent the week. For example, a serial starting with “1910…” was likely made in the 10th week of 2019.
