Hot Water Heater Buying Advice Please

[Rallyn8664]

It's time to replace the HW heater(leaking all over the place) and of course we're broke.  There are only two models that are in the price range and available.  I've always liked Whirlpool brand for my appliances but am unsure about their hot water heaters.  The product reviews were pretty mixed.  The GE brand is actually a Rheem and is the same model I am replacing (after 11 years with zero maintenance on my part-shameful, I know).  So, I'm leaning toward that one for the extra $22.
I'm hoping that someone here can give any pros or cons on the two hot water heaters (more info in attached pdfs).

Thanks in advance for your expert advice.

GE40M06AAG or E2F40RD045V

[JWWebster]

I got one of them new Rheem 30 gal gas water heater tanks and it keeps up as well as my old 40 gal model and the gas bill has dropped pretty good to boot.

[Rallyn8664]

Thanks JW, wish I could get a gas one, not an option in this house.  I think I'm just going to get that Rheem (GE) and hope like hell that it holds up as well as the last one...At least my husband is actually home and can do the install.  Between the navy & other jobs, he's missed almost every appliance repair for the last 20+years.  As always, I really appreciate the techs here and the Appliance Junk website.  You guys rock!

[jumptrout51]

I have installed the Whirlpool brand heaters for 10 years.
No reported problems to date.
Most have a 6 year warranty.

[JWWebster]

I saw a industrial microwave oven once that had 2 mags in it. I had a serious idea about building a microwave water heater. But after determining the wattage vs the volume I figured it wouldn't work very well.

I Read up on China's roof mounted solar water heaters which look really cool.

 Here in south Alabama we have a passive water heater setup where you paint a plastic barrel black and sit it in direct sunlight, add about 5 or 10 water hoses together and submerge them inside the water filled barrel.

The gas water heater does work out nice during times of hurricane blackouts where power is not restored for months.

[Earl Dryer]

Whirlpool is a good heater but I would check out which is the least expensive. the only real difference is the tank the elements and t-stat are the same (except Wattage).  Be sure to put a pan under the the new unit.
Be sure to use cold water for the supply, no since in reheating the hot water (This is an old plumbing inspectors joke since people call the Hot water Heaters)