Best Upper Thermostats for Water Heaters: Top Picks for Reliable Hot Water
Answering the buyer’s intent: choose an upper water heater thermostat that fits most two-element electric water heaters, offers a safe operating range, and is easy to install. This guide highlights five well-suited options for common brands and setups. Best for homeowners replacing an upper-element thermostat, property managers maintaining multiple units, and DIYers seeking a straightforward upgrade.
Quick comparison table of selected products
| Product | Brand | Key Range | Best For | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastman 60172N Double Throw Upper Element Thermostat | Eastman | 90–150°F | Most two-element water heaters; safety switch included | Fits various brands; confirm compatibility with your model |
| APCOM WH10-A Bradford White Upper Water Heater Thermostat | APCOM | 90–150°F (approximate based on common TOD/Apcom style) | Bradford White systems and similar configurations | Brand-specific design; ensure exact match for your unit |
| Rheem UV11698 Therm-O-Disc Upper Thermostat | Rheem | Typically up to 150°F | Many standard electric water heaters | Verify compatibility with your model’s connections |
| NISHCON EWH-00 Upper Thermostat Kit | NISHCON | 90–150°F | Combination kits for upper and lower elements | Interchangeable with Apcom type; check tank specs |
| Zero EWH-02 Electric Water Heater Repair Kit | Z | 90–150°F | All-in-one repair including upper and lower thermostats | Compatibility with tank size and voltage requirements |
Note: This article focuses on upper thermostats compatible with most double-element electric water heaters. Always verify voltage, terminal types, and wiring diagrams for your specific unit before replacement.
Eastman 60172N Double Throw Upper Element Thermostat
The Eastman 60172N is designed to fit many water heater brands, making it a versatile choice for households with multiple makes. It features a built-in safety switch to help prevent overheating, addressing common failure modes in aging units. Its adjustable range from 90°F to 150°F allows tuning for comfort or energy efficiency. This model uses a single pull, double throw (SPDT) switch to connect between two outputs, suitable for supplying controlled power to either the upper or lower element as needed. Best for: homes with diverse brand profiles or where a safety interlock is a priority. Limitation: confirm exact model compatibility if your tank is an uncommon size or configuration.
- Best for: Versatile compatibility across many two-element water heaters.
- Better for: Ensuring upper-element protection with a safety switch.
- Choose this if: You want a straightforward upgrade without changing other components.
APCOM WH10-A Bradford White Upper Water Heater Thermostat
The APCOM WH10-A is tailored for Bradford White systems and similar configurations. It provides a standard upper-element control compatible with many TOD-style installations. Its design emphasizes reliable switching with a focus on maintaining safe operating temperatures. Best for: Bradford White installations or close equivalents where a replacement part mirrors the original design. Limitation: brand specificity means it may not fit non-Bradford White tanks without adapters or modifications.
- Best for: Bradford White and compatible two-element setups.
- Better for: Replacing an aging upper thermostat without changing the entire control system.
- Choose this if: Your unit is Bradford White or matches its control style.
Rheem UV11698 Upper Thermostat
The Rheem UV11698 is a Therm-O-Disc style thermostat designed for electric water heaters. It includes a high-limit contact arrangement with normally open and normally closed contacts, optimized for 2-pole operation and a maximum of 150 degrees. This unit is suitable where a simple, durable upper control is required and when a Rheem-compatible replacement is desired. Best for: standard two-element Rheem and many compatible brands. Limitation: verify that the wiring and terminal layout match your current setup to avoid mismatches.
- Best for: Two-element electric water heaters needing a dependable upper control.
- Better for: Systems that require a clear high-limit and dual-contacts arrangement.
- Choose this if: You want a familiar Rheem-style replacement with robust construction.
CAROPT WH10A For Apcon Electric Water Heater Thermostat
The CAROPT WH10A is positioned as a replacement upper thermostat for Apcom-type and related models. It offers a temperature range of 110–170°F with an adjustable slotted knob and a hi-limit reset button (L180). Best for: installations following Apcom-type configurations or where an adjustable knob is preferred for precise control. Limitation: the 110–170°F range may exceed comfort targets in some homes, so verify your desired set point before replacing.
- Best for: Apcom-style control systems and adjustable targets.
- Better for: Precise upper-element temperature customization.
- Choose this if: Your unit uses an Apcom-compatible thermostat layout.
NISHCON EWH-00 Upper Thermostat Kit
The EWH-00 kit provides both upper and lower thermostats for many double-element systems. It features a TOD-style design and a wide compatibility range that includes Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, Bradford White, and more. Best for: complete thermostat refresh on a dual-element water heater. Limitation: ensure the pair matches your specific tank and wiring scheme, as non-simultaneous operation is typical for many TOD setups.
- Best for: Complete upper and lower replacement in one kit.
- Better for: Broad compatibility with major brands.
- Choose this if: You want a two-piece replacement to restore both elements’ control.
Zero EWH-02 Electric Water Heater Repair Kit
The Zero EWH-02 is a repair kit offering two 4500W360 copper elements, an upper and lower thermostat, protective covers, and gaskets. The set is designed to renew aging electric water heaters and is compatible with many brands via non-simultaneous TOD-style thermostats. Best for: DIY tune-ups that aim to restore heat quickly with a full kit. Limitation: ensure tank size and voltage fit the kit specs, particularly for smaller or larger storage tanks.
- Best for: All-in-one repair that replaces both elements and thermostats.
- Better for: Quick, comprehensive refresh of aging systems.
- Choose this if: You want a complete replacement package in one purchase.
Buying Guide: Upper Thermostats For Water Heaters
Key considerations when choosing an upper thermostat include compatibility, temperature range, and safety features. Consider the following questions.
- What brands and models does your water heater support? Check the tank’s service manual and current part numbers before ordering a replacement.
- Is the temperature range suitable for your climate and energy goals? Most upper thermostats offer about 90–150°F; adjust to achieve comfortable hot water without wasting energy.
- Do you need a kit that also includes the lower thermostat or heating elements? Complete kits can simplify replacement but may add unnecessary items if you only need the upper control.
- Is a safety feature like a manual reset high-limit switch important for your setup? This can prevent overheating in some failure scenarios.
- What is the wiring configuration and terminal type on your unit? Ensure the new thermostat matches input/output connectors and wiring harnesses.
FAQ
- What is an upper thermostat used for in a water heater? It controls the temperature of the upper heating element to prevent overheating and maintain consistent hot water.
- Can I replace just the upper thermostat, or do I need a full kit? You can replace just the upper thermostat if compatible; full kits are helpful when multiple components need replacement.
- What temperature should I set my upper thermostat to? A common target is 120–130°F for balanced comfort and energy use, but adjust based on household needs and safety.
- How do I know a replacement will fit my tank? Compare brand compatibility, model number, and the TOD or Apcom-style interface to ensure a proper fit.
- Is a safety reset important? A manual reset high-limit switch helps prevent overheating in abnormal conditions and is recommended for many installations.
- Do these thermostats work with all two-element water heaters? Most are designed for common two-element models, but always verify with your specific tank’s documentation.