Bradford White
Defender Safety System 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater
Best high-capacity water heater for busy households with significant hot water needs.
Experience reliable hot water with the Bradford White Defender Safety System 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater. Designed for homes with high demand, it offers a substantial First Hour Rating of 81 gallons. This model features the advanced Defender Safety System with ScreenLok® Technology and the ICON Control System for precise temperature management. Its durable Vitraglas® enamel lining resists corrosion, while the Hydrojet® System minimizes sediment buildup. Enjoy efficient performance and a maintenance-free design, ensuring consistent hot water supply for your household.
$876.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
23
/ 252
#23 in Water Heaters
Price vs Category Average
-3%
Below average
Rated Nominal Volume
50
/ Gallons
Who it's for
- Homeowners prioritizing fire safety and peace of mind
- Property owners seeking long-term durability and consistent efficiency
- Efficiency-minded users wanting precise temperature control and diagnostics
Who should skip it
- DIY enthusiasts preferring direct retail purchase and self-installation
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level pricing
- Homeowners who prefer performing their own appliance repairs
Performance breakdown
Hot Water Capacity
The 81-gallon first-hour rating easily handles high-demand household needs.
Temperature Precision
ICON Control System provides consistent, reliable heat management for daily use.
Sediment Resistance
Hydrojet technology effectively minimizes buildup to extend the tank's lifespan.
Energy Efficiency
Standard atmospheric venting performance meets basic efficiency expectations for gas units.
Build Durability
Vitraglas enamel lining offers robust protection against internal tank corrosion.
Safety Integration
ScreenLok technology provides industry-leading protection against accidental ignition.
Key Specs
Rated Nominal Volume
50 Gallons
Fuel Type
Natural Gas (NG)
First Hour Delivery Rating
81 Gallons
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
0.63
BTU Input
40000
Overall Height
60.125 inches
Jacket Diameter
22 inches
Weight
154 lbs
Features
- Defender Safety System with ScreenLok® Technology
- Precise temperature control with ICON Control System
- Hydrojet® System reduces sediment buildup
- Durable Vitraglas® enamel lining for corrosion resistance
- High efficiency for demanding households
- Maintenance-free pedestal base
- 2" non-CFC foam insulation for reduced heat loss
- Ideal for high hot water demand
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Bradford White Defender water heater for its exceptional reliability and superior performance, especially its rapid recovery rate ensuring consistent hot water. Users frequently note the unit's impressive longevity compared to standard models. The integrated Defender Safety System provides significant confidence regarding residential safety. While the initial purchase price and associated professional installation costs are higher than budget alternatives, owners view this as a justified investment for long term durability and peace of mind. Those prioritizing top tier quality and consistent operation consider this heater an excellent, worthwhile purchase despite the premium cost.
Know before you buy
The First Hour Delivery Rating indicates how much hot water the unit can supply in the first hour of high demand. With an 81-gallon rating, this model is well-suited for households with 3 to 5 people who may be using multiple showers or appliances simultaneously.
The Hydrojet system uses a specially engineered inlet tube to create turbulence within the tank. This movement helps prevent sediment from settling at the bottom, which extends the life of the tank and maintains heating efficiency over time.
This model uses an atmospheric vent and does not require an external power source for the burner. However, the ICON Control System may require a connection if your specific installation includes electronic ignition or advanced monitoring features.
This safety feature uses a flame arrestor plate to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors outside the water heater. It provides an essential layer of protection for residential installations, particularly in areas like garages or basements where vapors might be present.
This unit stands 60.125 inches tall with a 22-inch jacket diameter. Before purchasing, measure your current space to ensure you have enough clearance for the height and the necessary venting requirements for an atmospheric vent system.
Vitraglas is a specialized enamel coating applied to the interior of the steel tank. It acts as a protective barrier against corrosion caused by water, significantly increasing the durability and lifespan of the tank compared to standard steel interiors.
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