Commercial Water Heater Platform Marks 30 Years
A.O. Smith touts improvements to its Cyclone Flex high-efficiency water heater

NEW AND IMPROVED: A.O. Smith Corp. has announced improvements to its Cyclone Flex high-efficiency commercial water heater as the company marks the 30th anniversary of the Cyclone platform.
MILWAUKEE — A. O. Smith Corp. is marking the 30th anniversary of its flagship Cyclone commercial water heater platform with recently enhanced features designed to elevate usability and performance.
As A. O. Smith celebrates the milestone, the Cyclone Flex high-efficiency commercial water heater continues to raise the bar, a press release from the company said. The latest enhancements include improved usability features that simplify installation, operation, and service, further strengthening Cyclone’s reputation as the go-to solution for demanding commercial applications, the press release said.
Models are now available from 100,000 Btuh to 500,000 Btuh, and all deliver thermal efficiencies of up to 98%, the company said. The time-proven and unique helical coil heat exchanger makes Cyclone Flex the clear choice for demanding commercial applications, while the AiQ Adaptive Gas Control automatically adjusts to fuel type and qualities for optimized performance. This technology eliminates the need for separate models or conversion kits and is another industry first for tank water heaters in the U.S.
Cyclone Flex also features advanced connectivity capabilities, including over-the-air updates that help ensure the unit remains current with the latest performance enhancements and functionality. In addition, integrated leak detection with an optional automatic water shutoff provides an added layer of protection by helping prevent damage to the unit and surrounding property if a water leak is detected.
“Cyclone has set the standard in commercial water heating for 30 years,” said Matt Schulz, senior product manager, commercial gas, at A. O. Smith. “With these latest enhancements, we’ve listened closely to our customers and improved usability, performance, and overall experience, building on what is already the most trusted platform in the industry.” Since its launch in 1996, Cyclone has continuously evolved, delivering the reliability customers trust while adapting to meet changing needs, the press release said.
The Cyclone Flex was recently named one of the 2026 Products of the Year by Consulting-Specifying Engineer.
Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!




