Skip to content
WaterHeating.caby CANRO Heating & Cooling

Comparison

Bradford White RG250H6N vs RG255H6N: High-Input 48 or 55 Gallons?

Verdict in brief

These are Bradford White's two atmospheric high-input tanks. The RG250H6N burns 65,000 BTU/h for a 106 US gal first-hour rating at UEF 0.63; the RG255H6N burns 78,000 BTU/h for 117 US gal at UEF 0.61 and ships with an ASSE-approved thermostatic mixing valve. Both recover far faster than the standard 40,000 BTU/h line and both use a 4 in draft hood. Choose the RG255H6N when recovery is the constraint and the gas supply can carry 78,000 BTU/h.

Side by side

Published manufacturer figures with units. Storage and flow figures are different measures and are shown on their own rows; blanks mean not applicable or not published.

Comparison of Bradford White RG250H6N and Bradford White RG255H6N
SpecificationBradford White RG250H6NGas storage tankBradford White RG255H6NGas storage tank
Rated nominal volume48 US gal (40 Imp. gal, 182 L)55 US gal (46 Imp. gal, 208 L)
Rated (DOE) storage volume40 US gal (151 L)49 US gal (185 L)
First-hour rating106 US gal (401 L)117 US gal (443 L)
Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise70 US gal/h (265 L/h)84 US gal/h (318 L/h)
Input, natural gas65,000 BTU/h78,000 BTU/h
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw0.630.61
Vent connection4 in (102 mm) draft hood4 in (102 mm) draft hood
Water connections3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps
Space-heating connections3/4 in NPT side tappings (inlet and outlet)3/4 in NPT side tappings (inlet and outlet)
Gas connection1/2 in (13 mm)1/2 in (13 mm)
T&P relief valveFactory installedFactory installed
Thermostatic mixing valve—ASSE-approved valve included with the model
Height to top of heater56 5/8 in (1438 mm)54 3/4 in (1391 mm)
Jacket diameter22 in (559 mm)24 in (607 mm)
Shipping weight189 lb (86 kg)210 lb (95 kg)
CertificationCSA International, ANSI Z21.10.1 / CSA 4.1CSA International, ANSI Z21.10.3 / CSA 4.3
Electrical supplyNone required (ICON System control powered by the pilot thermopile)None required (ICON System control powered by the pilot thermopile)

“—” means not applicable to that system type or not published by the manufacturer. Flow figures are only comparable at the same temperature rise; UEF values are only comparable within the same draw pattern.

What actually separates them

The high-input line exists to recover faster, not to store more. At a 90 °F (50 °C) rise the RG250H6N recovers 70 US gal/h (265 L/h) and the RG255H6N 84 US gal/h (318 L/h), against 43 US gal/h for the standard 40,000 BTU/h Defender tanks. That is the reason a high-input tank can serve a demand that would outrun a standard tank of similar volume.

The RG250H6N stores 48 US gallons (182 L) nominal and 40 US gallons (151 L) rated, and rates 106 US gal (401 L) first-hour at UEF 0.63. The RG255H6N stores 55 US gallons (208 L) nominal and 49 US gallons (185 L) rated, and rates 117 US gal (443 L) first-hour at UEF 0.61. Both draw combustion air from the room and vent through a 4 in (102 mm) draft hood into a chimney or B-vent.

The RG255H6N carries two features the RG250H6N does not. It is certified to ANSI Z21.10.3 / CSA 4.3 rather than Z21.10.1 / CSA 4.1, and it ships with an ASSE-approved thermostatic mixing valve, which matters because a high-recovery tank runs hotter and a mixing valve limits the delivered temperature at the fixtures.

Both have 3/4 in NPT side tappings for space heating in addition to the potable connections, both are factory-fitted with a T&P relief valve, and both use a millivolt control that needs no electricity. The RG255H6N is shorter and wider: 54 3/4 in against 56 5/8 in to the top of the heater, 24 in against 22 in in the jacket, and 210 lb against 189 lb. Whether CANRO supplies either is confirmed at consultation.

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG250H6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
48 US gal (40 Imp. gal, 182 L)
First-hour delivery
106 US gal (401 L)
Input
65,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG250H6N is a 48 US gallon (182 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 65,000 BTU/h input, 106 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.63, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the only high-input model that carries the Defender FVIR safety system.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG255H6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
55 US gal (46 Imp. gal, 208 L)
First-hour delivery
117 US gal (443 L)
Input
78,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG255H6N is a 55 US gallon (208 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 78,000 BTU/h input, 117 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.61, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. An ASSE-approved mixing valve ships with the model.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Frequently asked questions

Why choose a high-input tank over a standard one?

Recovery speed. The RG250H6N and RG255H6N recover 70 and 84 US gal/h at a 90 °F rise, against about 43 US gal/h for Bradford White's standard 40,000 BTU/h tanks, so they keep up with a heavier continuous draw.

Does the RG255H6N include a mixing valve?

Yes. Bradford White lists an ASSE-approved thermostatic mixing valve as included with the RG255H6N, and the model is certified to ANSI Z21.10.3 / CSA 4.3.

Do these need a larger gas supply?

They draw 65,000 and 78,000 BTU/h respectively, several times a standard tank's 40,000 BTU/h, so the gas line and meter capacity must be checked by a licensed gas fitter before either is specified.

Not sure which one fits your home?

A consultation includes a hot-water demand review so capacity is right for your winter, not the brochure's.

On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.

Call 604-359-1081Request a consultation

Related

Sources and verification

Facts checked September 21, 2026. Last updated September 21, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.

Call 604-359-1081Get Estimate