Skip to content
WaterHeating.caby CANRO Heating & Cooling

Comparison

Bradford White RG250T6N (50 gal, 40,000 BTU/h) vs RG250S6N (50 gal, 50,000 BTU/h)

Verdict in brief

Two 50-gallon tall atmospheric tanks with the same 0.63 medium-draw UEF but different personalities: the RG250T6N recovers 163 L/h and leads the first-hour test at 307 L; the RG250S6N's 50,000 BTU/h burner recovers 204 L/h, so it comes back faster between draws, but its tested first-hour delivery is 284 L. Pick the T6N for one big busy hour and the S6N for long, repeated draws.

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 RG250S6N
SpecificationBradford White RG250T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG250S6NGas storage tank
Rated nominal volume50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
Rated (DOE) storage volume48 US gal (182 L)47 US gal (178 L)
First-hour rating81 US gal (307 L)75 US gal (284 L)
Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise, natural gas43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)54 US gal/h (45 Imp. gal/h, 204 L/h)
Input, natural gas40,000 BTU/h50,000 BTU/h
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw0.630.63
Vent connection3 in or 4 in (76 or 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
Electrical supplyNone required (ICON System control powered by the pilot thermopile)None required (ICON System control powered by the pilot thermopile)
Height to top of heater56 5/8 in (1438 mm)56 5/8 in (1438 mm)
Jacket diameter22 in (559 mm)22 in (559 mm)
Shipping weight154 lb (70 kg)167 lb (76 kg)

“—” 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

First-hour rating is the headline number on spec sheets, but it is a one-hour test. The T6N wins it at 307 L because more of its 40,000 BTU/h burner output is available inside the test hour; the S6N's higher 50,000 BTU/h input does not translate into a higher first-hour figure on this pair because the sheet's tested tanks differ. What the S6N's extra 10,000 BTU/h actually buys is recovery between draws: 204 L/h against 163 L/h, which matters for back-to-back showers, laundry and dishwasher cycles across an evening.

The input difference forces a venting difference: at over 40,000 BTU/h the S6N takes a 4 in draft hood only, so the chimney or B-vent must accept a 4 in connection. The T6N fits either a 3 in or 4 in. The gas line also needs to carry 50,000 BTU/h on the S6N.

Both are medium-draw UEF 0.63, below ENERGY STAR, atmospheric units with no electrical requirement. The S6N is 13 lb heavier; the jackets are both 22 in wide and the heights match at 56 5/8 in.

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 RG250S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour delivery
75 US gal (284 L)
Input
50,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG250S6N is a 50 US gallon (189 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a high 50,000 BTU/h input, 75 US gallon first-hour rating, 204 L/h recovery and UEF 0.63, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It recovers faster than any other Defender atmospheric tank.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Frequently asked questions

Which 50-gallon tank delivers more in a busy morning?

The T6N, on the sheet's first-hour test: 307 L against 284 L. The S6N catches up and passes when the demand is spread out, because its recovery is 25% faster.

Does the S6N need a bigger chimney?

Its 4 in draft hood requires a 4 in chimney or B-vent connection. If the existing flue is 3 in, the T6N is the model that fits.

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 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.

Call 604-359-1081Get Estimate