Whirlpool 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater
Whirlpool 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater Review
The Whirlpool 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater is the electric counterpart to Whirlpool's 40-gallon gas tank — sold through Lowe's as the Whirlpool-branded water heater line. Built by AO Smith with Whirlpool branding for the Lowe's channel. Functionally equivalent to AO Smith ProMax 40-gallon electric.
Specs: 40 gallons stored, two 4500W heating elements (240V), UEF 0.93, 52-gallon first-hour rating, 6-year tank and 6-year parts warranty. Glass-lined steel tank, magnesium anode rod, polyurethane foam insulation. ENERGY STAR certified.
The 40-gallon electric capacity covers 1-2 person households with sequential demand. 52-gallon FHR is the limiting factor — adequate for 2 sequential showers plus a kitchen sink hot fill. For 3+ person households, the 50-gallon Whirlpool electric or AO Smith Conservationist is usually the better-sized choice.
Right buyer: Lowe's-channel shopper replacing an existing 40-gallon electric tank in a 1-2 person household, particularly with brand-recognition preference for Whirlpool. About $499 at Lowe's, $1,000 installed.
- No combustion, no venting required — installs anywhere with 240V electrical access
- Strong UEF 0.92 efficiency — approximately 20% lower annual operating cost vs 0.62 standard
- 6-year warranty — below the 8–12 year average for premium models in this class
- Resistance electric has slower recovery than gas at comparable capacity — schedule heavy use to match tank recovery