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Comparison

Bradford White RG250T6N vs RG260T6N: 50 or 60 Gallons?

Verdict in brief

The RG250T6N and RG260T6N are both 40,000 BTU/h atmospheric tanks that recover 43 US gal/h at a 90 °F rise and rate 81 US gal first-hour, but the RG260 stores 60 US gallons nominal against 50 and is rated by a legacy EF of 0.62 rather than a UEF. Ten extra gallons of standing volume does not add first-hour delivery, so the RG260T6N buys longer draw-down between recovery cycles, not a bigger busy-hour output, and it costs 2 in of jacket width and 38 lb.

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 RG250T6N and Bradford White RG260T6N
SpecificationBradford White RG250T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG260T6NGas storage tank
Rated nominal volume50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)60 US gal (50 Imp. gal, 227 L)
Rated (DOE) storage volume48 US gal (182 L)—
First-hour rating81 US gal (307 L)81 US gal (307 L)
Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise, natural gas43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)
Input, natural gas40,000 BTU/h40,000 BTU/h
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw0.63—
Energy Factor (EF, legacy test)—0.62
Vent connection3 in or 4 in (76 or 102 mm) draft hood3 in or 4 in (76 or 102 mm) draft hood
Gas connection1/2 in (13 mm)1/2 in (13 mm)
Water connections3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps
Height to top of heater56 5/8 in (1438 mm)57 3/16 in (1453 mm)
Jacket diameter22 in (559 mm)24 in (610 mm)
Shipping weight154 lb (70 kg)192 lb (87 kg)
Electrical supplyNone required (ICON System control powered by the pilot thermopile)None required (ICON System control powered by the pilot thermopile)
CertificationCSA International, ANSI Z21.10.1 / CSA 4.1CSA International, ANSI Z21.10.1 / CSA 4.1; CSA P.3-04 performance certified

“—” 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 two tanks share their burner, venting and control, so the published first-hour rating and recovery are identical: 81 US gal (307 L) and 43 US gal/h (163 L/h) at a 90 °F (50 °C) rise, from a 40,000 BTU/h natural gas burner, through a 3 in or 4 in draft hood, with room combustion air and a millivolt control that needs no electricity.

The difference is stored volume. The RG250T6N holds 50 US gallons (189 L) nominal and 48 US gallons (182 L) rated; the RG260T6N holds 60 US gallons (227 L) nominal. The extra 10 US gallons is standing hot water, which extends how long the tank can serve before the burner's recovery rate becomes the limit, but it does not change the first-hour rating because both burn and recover at the same rate.

The efficiency metrics are not directly comparable and should not be presented as if they were. Bradford White lists UEF 0.63 for the RG250T6N under the medium-draw test, but for the 60-gallon RG260T6N the Canadian sheet lists a legacy Energy Factor of 0.62 and CSA P.3-04 certification instead of a UEF. EF and UEF are different tests.

The 60-gallon tank is wider and heavier: a 24 in (610 mm) jacket against 22 in (559 mm) and 192 lb (87 kg) shipping against 154 lb (70 kg), standing 57 3/16 in against 56 5/8 in to the top of the heater. Choose the RG260T6N only when the draw is long and slow and the space allows; for a normal busy hour the RG250T6N delivers the same and fits more places. Whether CANRO supplies a given size is confirmed at consultation.

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG250T6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour delivery
81 US gal (307 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG250T6N is a 50 US gallon (189 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 81 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.63, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the most common size for four-person Metro Vancouver homes replacing an existing gas tank.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG260T6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
60 US gal (50 Imp. gal, 227 L)
First-hour delivery
81 US gal (307 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG260T6N is a 60 US gallon (227 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 81 US gallon first-hour rating and a legacy Energy Factor of 0.62, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the largest tank in the Defender atmospheric line.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Frequently asked questions

Does the 60-gallon RG260T6N give more hot water in the first hour?

No. It rates the same 81 US gal first-hour as the RG250T6N because both recover 43 US gal/h at the same 40,000 BTU/h input. The extra 10 gallons is standing volume that lasts longer between recovery cycles.

Why does the RG260T6N list an EF while the RG250T6N lists a UEF?

Bradford White's Canadian sheet rates the 60-gallon model by a legacy Energy Factor (0.62) with CSA P.3-04 certification and the 50-gallon model by UEF (0.63). The two metrics use different tests and must not be compared directly.

Can both be side-wall vented?

No. Both are atmospheric tanks that need a chimney or B-vent and draw combustion air from the room, so neither is a side-wall venting solution.

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.

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Related

Sources and verification

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

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