Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200
A Pentair built heater for owners on Pentair automation who want low NOx and high efficiency; compare prices with the MasterTemp first.
Amazon $3,650$3,650
The Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 and the Raypak 156A are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 leads on heating input and efficiency. The Raypak 156A wins on warranty and value. The Raypak 156A costs $1,359.56 less ($2,290.44 vs $3,650).
$2,290.44
Prices were last checked October 31, 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 Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 for heating input (200,000 BTU/h vs 150,000 BTU/h) and efficiency (84% thermal efficiency vs 82% thermal efficiency).
- Choose the Raypak 156A for warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and value ($15.27 per 1,000 BTU/h ($2,290.44, 150,000 BTU/h) vs $18.25 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,650, 200,000 BTU/h)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 250,000 BTU gas pool heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 | Raypak 156A |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 35% | 40 $18.25 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,650, 200,000 BTU/h) | 65 $15.27 per 1,000 BTU/h ($2,290.44, 150,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 100 200,000 BTU/h | 50 150,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 20% | 67 84% thermal efficiency | 33 82% thermal efficiency |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 | Raypak 156A | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 200,000 BTU/h | 150,000 BTU/h |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Thermal efficiency | 84% | 82% |
| Condensing | No | No |
| Low NOx | Yes | No |
| Heat exchanger | Copper | - |
| Max water flow | - | 70 GPM |
| Installation and controls | ||
| Ignition | - | Electronic |
| Venting | Both | Both |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes |
| Automation or app | Yes | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |