A.O. Smith Voltex MAX 80 Gal
#3 in 80 GallonFull review
A solid 240 V heater with leak protection included, sold at Lowe’s as the Signature 900 line.
Lowe's $2,999$2,999
The A.O. Smith Voltex MAX 80 Gal is the better heat pump water heater overall, rated 3.8 to 3.6. The A.O. Smith Voltex MAX 80 Gal leads on hot water. The Bradford White AeroTherm 80 Gal wins on efficiency.
Bradford White AeroTherm 80 Gal
#10 in 80 GallonFull review
Bradford White’s second-generation hybrid, sold and installed through plumbers, with a 10-year tank and parts warranty and a port for utility demand-response programs.
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the A.O. Smith Voltex MAX 80 Gal for hot water (95 gallons in the first hour vs 88 gallons in the first hour).
- Choose the Bradford White AeroTherm 80 Gal for efficiency (4.00 UEF vs 3.88 UEF).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 80 gallon heat pump water heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | A.O. Smith Voltex MAX 80 Gal | Bradford White AeroTherm 80 Gal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 63 3.88 UEF | 71 4.00 UEF |
| Hot water 20% | 80 95 gallons in the first hour | 52 88 gallons in the first hour |
| Warranty 20% | 75 10-year tank, 10-year parts, 1-year labor | 70 10-year tank, 10-year parts |
| Cold rooms 15% | 32 heat pump runs down to 37 °F room air | 32 heat pump runs down to 37 °F room air |
| Noise 10% | 69 45 dB(A) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| A.O. Smith Voltex MAX 80 Gal | Bradford White AeroTherm 80 Gal | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings (ENERGY STAR) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 80 gal | 80 gal |
| Tank volume (measured) | 81 gal | 75 gal |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| First-hour rating | 95 gal | 88 gal |
| Draw pattern | High | High |
| Yearly energy use | 1,279 kWh | 1,240 kWh |
| Heat pump cut-off (low) | 37 °F | 37 °F |
| Sound level | 45 dB(A) | - |
| ENERGY STAR ID | 3417562 | 4439729 |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 240 V | 240 V |
| Circuit | 30 A, 208/240 V | 25 A, 208/240 V |
| Backup element | 4,500 W | 4,000 W |
| Operating air range | 37 to 120 °F | 37 to 120 °F |
| Minimum room size | 450 cu ft | 700 cu ft |
| Size | 69 in tall, 27 in across | 51.1 in tall, 22 in across |
| Weight | 302 lb | - |
| Refrigerant | R-134a | R-134a |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| App | A. O. Smith (iCOMM) | Bradford White Wave |
| Demand response port (CTA-2045) | Yes | - |
| Leak detection | Yes | - |
| Modes | Hybrid, Heat Pump, Hot Water+ (3 levels), Guest, Electric, Vacation | Heat Pump, Hybrid Standard, Hybrid Plus, Electric, Vacation |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 10 yr tank, 10 yr parts, 1 yr labor | 10 yr tank, 10 yr parts |
| Also sold as | American HPA10280H045DV, Lochinvar HPPA080KD, Reliance 10-80-DHPTA, State HPAX-80-DHPT | Jetglas RE2HP8010-1NCTT |
| Released | 2024-03 | 2025-07 |