stuck choosing between Watts and Zurn devices, thoughts?

I’d give more weight to how easy the specific model is to service where it’ll sit than to broad brand reputations. If one is awkward to reach, though, I’d lean toward the reliability reputation instead - routine maintenance can become a bigger hassle when access is poor. I wouldn’t call either brand an automatic winner without comparing the actual models.

If two specific models were equally accessible, I’d let the one with simpler service access - such as easier access to the parts that need routine attention - tip the choice, even if the other brand has a stronger general reliability reputation. That makes the model comparison do more work than the brand name.

Do you have specific Watts and Zurn models in mind? The model numbers would make it easier to compare service access and reliability claims without generalizing from the brand names.

If the model numbers are available, the service instructions and availability of replacement parts would help make the maintenance comparison more concrete than brand-wide reviews. Those details could show whether one is actually simpler to keep up in the intended location.