Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400
A Pentair built heater for owners on Pentair automation who want low NOx and high efficiency; compare prices with the MasterTemp first.
Amazon $4,499$4,499
The Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400 is the better gas pool heater overall, rated 3.7 to 3.5. The Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400 leads on heating input and efficiency. The Raypak Digital 336A wins on warranty. The Raypak Digital 336A costs $884 less ($3,615 vs $4,499).
Raypak Digital 336A
Good value for in-ground pools outside low NOx areas, provided it comes from an authorized dealer so the warranty holds.
Amazon $3,615$3,615
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 400 for heating input (400,000 BTU/h vs 332,000 BTU/h) and efficiency (84% thermal efficiency vs 82% thermal efficiency).
- Choose the Raypak Digital 336A for warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 250,000 BTU and up gas pool heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400 | Raypak Digital 336A |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 35% | 72 $11.25 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,499, 400,000 BTU/h) | 76 $10.89 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,615, 332,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 100 400,000 BTU/h | 55 332,000 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 400 | Raypak Digital 336A | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 400,000 BTU/h | 332,000 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 | Copper |
| Max water flow | - | 100 GPM |
| Installation and controls | ||
| Ignition | - | Electronic |
| Venting | Both | Both |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes |
| Automation or app | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |