Whirlpool 30-Gallon Electric Water Heater

The Whirlpool 30-Gallon Electric Water Heater is one of the smallest residential electric tanks in the Whirlpool line. Built by AO Smith with Whirlpool branding for the Lowe's channel. The 30-gallon class is at the boundary between primary water heater and large point-of-use mini-tank.

Specs: 30 gallons stored, single 4500W heating element (lower position only on this capacity class — some sub-models have dual elements), UEF 0.93, 39-gallon first-hour rating, 6-year tank and 6-year parts warranty. Glass-lined steel tank, magnesium anode rod. Standard 30A 240V circuit (some sub-models 20A).

The 30-gallon capacity covers single-person households, vacation cabins with light use, in-law suites with separate water heater. The 39-gallon FHR is the limiting factor — adequate for one extended shower plus a kitchen sink hot fill. For 2+ person households or any meaningful overlapping demand, the 40-gallon or larger sizes are better-sized.

Right buyer: single-person apartment, vacation cabin with light use, in-law suite secondary water heater. About $399 at Lowe's, $850 installed. Like-for-like 30-gallon electric replacement is the simplest residential plumbing/electrical job.