We've only had ours since last Aug so I don't know if our experience will mean much. The builder recommended we stay away from the new electronic ones (with the fancy led display, programmable, etc.) as the circuit boards or something were not holding up well to the elements. Off the top of my head, I can't recall the brand we got (I'll kick myself when I go look as it is a major brand name) but it is a 400,000 BTU unit that heats the water well, comes on when its supposed to, and really runs my gas bill up. I think these things (non-electronic ones) are pretty low-tech appliances that should be fairly reliable. Probably shouldn't require alot of research.