Reliance 6 6 SOMS 6-Gallon Mini Tank Point-of-Use Water Heater
Reliance 6 6 SOMS 6-Gallon Mini Tank Point-of-Use Water Heater Review
The Reliance 6 6 SOMS is a 6-gallon mini-tank point-of-use water heater, sold under A.O. Smith's budget Reliance brand. Designed for under-sink installation at single fixtures.
Specs: 6 gallons stored, 1500W heating element on 120V outlet, recovery rate ~7 gallons per hour, glass-lined steel tank, polyurethane foam insulation. About 13" diameter × 19" tall.
The Reliance 6-gallon mini-tank is the value-tier option in this capacity. Equivalent engineering to the Bosch Tronic 3210 or AO Smith Conservationist Lowboy at slightly lower price. Same fundamental application — point-of-use install at remote fixtures (basement bathroom, in-law suite, pool house, ADU kitchen).
Capacity calculation: 6 gallons stored + 7 gph recovery = 13 gallons available in first hour. Adequate for handwash + dishwashing + brief shower; inadequate for sustained shower demand.
About $190 unit, $300-$450 installed. 6-year warranty on the tank. Right buyer: budget-constrained point-of-use install where the price advantage versus premium mini-tank options matters. Reliance's value positioning serves rental property and vacation home applications particularly well.