A. O. Smith 24K Gold Heating Element
Benefit of 24K Gold Heating Elements in Water Heaters
High performance water heaters incorporate speed heating technology, so you can get hot water in minutes.
The fastest working heating elements are made from 24K gold. Gold has the lowest specific heat capacity so it heats water the most quickly.

GOLD
0.13J/g°C

SILVER
0.24J/g°C

COPPER
0.39J/g°C

STEEL
0.47J/g°C
Other Water Heater Manufacturers use regular steel heating elements because they are low-cost.
However, steel is not the most efficient material for heating as compared to 24k gold.