Reliance and AO Smith are the same manufacturer with different brand badges and distribution channels. This is the single most important fact about Reliance — the choice between them is really a choice of retailer and pricing tier within the same product family.
Quick summary
| Reliance | AO Smith | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured by | AO Smith | AO Smith |
| Primary retail | Ace Hardware, True Value, Do it Best | Lowe\'s, plumbing wholesale (Ferguson) |
| Positioning | Hardware-store value | Lowe\'s mid-tier (Signature Select) and premium (Signature Premier); contractor channel |
| 50-gal 6-yr gas price | $749-949 | — (Signature Select is 9-yr from $849) |
| 50-gal 9-yr gas price | $849-1,049 | $849-1,049 (Signature Select) |
| 50-gal 12-yr gas price | $949-1,199 | $999-1,249 (Signature Premier) |
| Customer service | 1-800-365-4054 (AO Smith) | 1-800-365-4054 (same) |
Tier mapping
| Reliance | AO Smith equivalent |
|---|---|
| 6-NORT (6-yr Standard) | No direct equivalent; Signature Select is 9-yr |
| 9-NORT (9-yr Extended) | Signature Select (9-yr) |
| 12-50-NORT (12-yr Premium) | Signature Premier (12-yr) |
| HPHE (10-yr Hybrid) | Voltex Hybrid (10-yr) |
| 6-PVRT (Power Vent) | Power Vent equivalent |
| SOMS (Mini-Tank) | No direct AO Smith retail equivalent |
When to choose Reliance over AO Smith
- You shop at Ace, True Value, or Do it Best
- Same-day emergency tank swap (faster than special-order from Lowe\'s)
- Want the same product at hardware-channel pricing (typically $50-150 cheaper)
- Need a point-of-use mini-tank (SOMS line — no AO Smith retail equivalent)
- Prefer to support a local independent hardware store over big-box
When to choose AO Smith over Reliance
- You shop at Lowe\'s and want Lowe\'s install/delivery service
- Contractor channel preferred (AO Smith Signature through plumbing wholesale)
- Need a model not available in the Reliance lineup (some commercial sizes)
- Want to badge-match other AO Smith equipment in the home
Bottom line
Same product, different badge, different channel. Reliance saves $50-150 at the cash register typically; AO Smith offers wider product range and Lowe\'s/wholesale install integration. Choose based on which retailer you prefer to do business with.