Whirlpool and A.O. Smith are not the same company, but they have a close business relationship. A.O. Smith manufactures the residential water heaters sold under the Whirlpool brand name, specifically those typically found at retailers like Lowe's.
The addition of the American, Whirlpool, GSW, and John Wood brands make A.O. Smith the leader in the North American water heater industry.
Top 10 Water Heater Brands of 2026
A. O. Smith Water Products Company is headquartered in Ashland City, Tennessee, home of the world's largest water heater factory. The A. O. Smith network includes five manufacturing facilities in North America, plus plants in Nanjing, China and Veldhoven, The Netherlands.
Whirlpool Corporation. In Constant Pursuit of Improving Life at Home.
A. O. Smith is a publicly traded American manufacturer (NYSE: AOS) and the largest supplier of residential and commercial water heaters in North America. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company operates globally with facilities across the U.S., Canada, China, and India.
Whirlpool is owned by the Whirlpool Corporation. Its family of sister brands includes major household names catering to different price points and needs:
Common problems include insufficient hot water from faulty heating elements, leaks from loose connections, strange noises from sediment buildup, and rust-colored water. While DIY repairs work for simple tasks like replacing anode rods or flushing tanks, professionals ensure proper tools, safety, and faster repairs.
Whirlpool appliances are overwhelmingly made in the USA rather than China. The company is based in Michigan and manufactures approximately 80% of the major appliances it sells in the U.S. across multiple American factory locations.
Quick Answer: Rheem is better for homeowners who want easier service and long-term reliability. AO Smith is a strong option when installer preference or model availability is the deciding factor.
We recommend going with Rheem, specifically for the Professional Series with 8 Year Warranty.
The longest-lasting water heater brands are Bradford White and Rheem (specifically the Marathon series). Bradford White is favored by plumbers for professional installations and longevity, while the Rheem Marathon uses a unique fiberglass tank backed by a true lifetime warranty.
There isn't a single "number 1" model, as the ideal water heater depends on your home's setup, but top-rated brands dominating the market include Rheem (best overall tank/tankless) and A.O. Smith (best for durability and commercial-grade units).
Yes, A.O. Smith is widely considered an excellent, high-quality water heater brand. They are highly regarded for their durability, energy efficiency, and commercial-grade components, though professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial to getting the longest lifespan out of your unit.
Professional installation costs to replace a water heater
The more hours of electrical, carpentry and plumbing work that are required for your installation (for example, installing new electric, water or gas lines or drywall), the higher your total water heater replacement cost.
Whirlpool Corporation is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by its shareholders and institutional investors rather than a single parent company or individual. The largest institutional shareholders include BlackRock and Fidelity. The company is based in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Most Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid refrigerators are made in Amana, Iowa. Some products are made in Mexico, but roughly 80% of Whirlpool and subsidiary brands are US-made. Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Viking refrigerators are all American-made.
The most common problem with Whirlpool washers is a failure to spin, agitate, or drain, primarily caused by unbalanced loads or a malfunctioning lid latch/door lock. Because safety mechanisms prevent the machine from running if the door isn't properly locked, or if the load shifts unevenly, the cycle frequently stalls.
In this transaction, Whirlpool Corp. accepted the partial tender offer made by Galanz and transferred 31.1% of shares in Whirlpool (China) to the counterparty, while retaining 20% of shares; Galanz acquired cumulatively 51.1% of shares in Whirlpool (China) via partial offer and gained control of the company.
How long will an A. O. Smith water heater last? Most A. O. Smith water heaters last between 8 and 12 years, though that range can shift depending on the unit's design, installation quality, maintenance history, and local water quality.
This problem usually comes down to capacity, heat production, or mixing issues inside your plumbing system. Sometimes the fix is simple, like adjusting your water heater temperature or flushing out sediment. Other times you may need a new mixing valve, an element replacement, or a different size water heater.
Water heater manufacturer A.O. Smith Corp. on Monday was hit with a proposed class action in Wisconsin federal court alleging that its home water heaters have defective plastic valves that can suddenly leak and flood basements, ruin floors, and cause expensive repairs.
Whether Whirlpool or LG is "better" depends entirely on what you value most. Whirlpool is the winner for budget, traditional designs, and easy repairs. LG excels in cutting-edge tech, energy efficiency, and large capacities.
In response to the post-war consumer demand for convenience products, the company launched a range of home laundry products including wringer and automatic washers, dryers, and irons. In 1949, The Nineteen Hundred Corporation was renamed as the Whirlpool Corporation.
A: Yes, KitchenAid is generally considered a more premium brand than Whirlpool. While both brands are part of the Whirlpool Corporation, KitchenAid focuses on high-end, design-forward kitchen appliances with advanced features, making it popular for those seeking luxury and style.