For gas water heaters, I don't really know if there are regional brands or if they are all available nationally, but for the last few replacements for residential size of 30 gallons to 60 gallons, I have replaced them with Bradford White gas water heater. For commercial size of 100 gallons, I have replaced with American Standard gas water heater.

I know that these have been quality manufacturers in the past, but I was wondering whether other brands might be considered better choices these days.

Yes I am considering the tankless water heater for future replacement of the smaller sizes but have not done so yet.

Any opinions on best choices these days???

I've worked on and owned all different brands. Even the best manufacturer can have a bad batch of great 30, 40 and 50 gallon water heaters -- there's not guaranty you'll get a good one. PLUS, even when you buy a 8 year, 10 year 0r 12 year guaranteed model, it is almost exactly the same. The only difference is the label. They charge more for a longer warranty, and for them it's a roll of the dice.

The only way to insure you get a good brand and model, is to properly service the water heater.

A) The supplied plastic drain valve is garbage. To opening is so small that large particles of sediment can never drain through it. You have to replace the drain vale with a proper 3/4 inch full port ball valve with a standard hose fitting. That's round $24.

B) and after you drain the sediment and flush out the tank, you use your pin head camera and view the Anode Rod. If it's bad or chewed up, you replace it. Do so every 3 to 5 years, then you water heater will last over 15 years. I had one last over 35 years.

C) You mark on the water heater with a marker each time drain/flush the unit. Each time you replace the Anode.

Yes, I always get from plumbing supply rather than big box store. Also I don't rely on what I hear from guy at plumbing supply store as they will usually just favor what they carry if they even know anything. On that issue, here's something that points out just that:

I asked plumber I had been using for many years something about a backflow prevention device. This plumber had done a very good job on simple jobs every time and was ethical businessman. Unfortunately, it turned out he was lacking in knowledge on backflow devices so he asked the completely moronic plumbing supply guy to suggest the parts needed.

There is a type of valve called a reduced pressure backflow preventer. It has the words reduced pressure in the name but it is not a pressure regulator. It is just the technique used to accomplish backflow prevention. The plumbing supply guy and the plumber did not understand this. So when I asked for a separate pressure regulator and a backflow preventer valve, they suggested a device called a reduced pressure backflow preventer which would have left me without out any pressure regulator on a street pressure of over 130. Fortunately, the correct info was right on the website of the manufacturer and easy to understand for a non-plumber like me.

Complete incompetence. I never considered that plumber again for any serious plumbing and I never trusted a plumbing supply guy for any important information.

Dino,

We only install Bradford White because Consumer Reports ranked them highest / best value AND I lost 5 Whirlpools a few years back when their ignitors had no replacements due to a big lawsuit.

Tankless are not as good as advertised. Each time I check they are expensive to install and must be in the perfect location, not suitable in our cold climate. If you are in warm Cali you could install outside for

Also check your incoming water temp. Tankless raises the water temp by X degrees. Mine is cold enough in winter that tankless would only make the water very warm, not steamy hot.

Check out the review on YouTube by Matt Rissinger / The Build Show.