Water Heaters - A problem with hot water heater delivery

I wanted to buy Kenmore water heater. 50 gallon, diameter 22 inches. However, Sears' sales associate told me that they will deliver it in the box,
the dimensions of which is 32 inches. That way it won't fit through in my kitchen and, besides, none water heater will fit through if the box dimensions are 10 inches more than the diameter. Am I being clear? I wonder if there is a way to bring it into my basement without a box. There must be a way around it. My old one has about 19 inches diameter, but add 10 inches to this, it would not fit through either. Any suggestions/ideas are welcome. Please.

Sounds like you will have to cut the box off outside, remove the corner protectors from the box and then you can "wrap" the heater in the carboard box to prevent scratching it up on the way to the basement. Tape the ends of the cardboard to make a tight wrap. Good luck.