Best 50-Gallon Water Heater Review In 2025

Wondering to get hot waters in the cold months ahead? Here I have come up with the best 50-Gallon Water Heater buying guide for your.

Well, this is the thought of many more people around the globe. The best 50-gallon water heater can solve the problem instantly. The water heater can heat 50 gallons of water at a time.

Therefore, you will have the hot water ready your daily needs and for the members of your family.

But problem occurs while selecting the right water heater. Most of the people visit the regular websites selling the water heaters. And often, they are the prey of under-rated products. In fact, selection of the water heater needs some prior know-how.

Instead of cheap and substandard products, get through the reviews below. And grab the one that fits in your criteria.

Top 8 Best 50-Gallon Water Heater Review

Here we have picked the top 8 best trending 50-gallon water heaters. We have chosen this finding the positive reviews about them from the customers. We believe that you can choose one from 8 water heaters as per your choice and preference. You should read the specifications, reviews, pros, and cons of these and make your final decision to make sure you got the best one for your need.

1. AO Smith GDHE-50-NG Residential Natural Gas Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • Long lasted.
  • Big in size.
  • Advanced technology.

If you are looking for an extraordinary and high-quality tank water heater that can supply you unlimited hot water, we recommend you to choose AO Smith GDHE-50-NG Residential Natural Gas Water Heater. Being powered by natural gas, it ensures tons of water that can fulfill the need of even a very large family.

Coming with an amazing 96% thermal efficiency and powerful heat exchanger, it is equipped with advanced technologies along with LCD and temperature controls. Though it is the best in its work, you do not need to think it complex. Installing the unit does not require you to know rocket science.

Features

Power Source: When it comes to the power source, this depends on natural gas to work.

Dimension and Weight: This is quite a big size water heater as it needs to accommodate more water than the RV tankless water heaters. It is 22 inches in length, 22 inches in width and 66.75 inches in height. As it is big, we can expect it to be heavy and it is. This water heater got a weight of 296 pounds.

Color: A good part of this water heater is white, while the upper tip part is green.

Portability: It is quite heavy and you may need someone else’s help to carry from one place to another.

Warranty: This water heater comes with a limited warranty period of 6 months.

Pros

  • Ensures 96% thermal efficiency.
  • Features 100,000 BTU input.
  • An advanced internal heat exchanger is used.
  • Output hot water quickly.
  • Ensures better durability with 6 years warranty.
  • Followed cyclone commercial design at its core.
  • Comes with direct-vent.

Cons

  • Poor plastic connector.
  • Frequent ignition failure.

2. GE GEH50DEEDSR GeoSpring Hybrid Electric Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • High capacity.
  • Energy saving.
  • Advanced technology.
  • Qualified by Energy Star.

In case you want to have saved your energy without sacrificing the hot water you need to fulfill the demand of your family, you choose this GeoSpring Hybrid Electric Water Heater.

Coming with advanced heat pump technology along with traditional electric elements, this unit of water can help you to cut your energy cost for the year significantly.

It comes with two variable-speed fans to surround the unit with air. On top of that, compressor and evaporator are designed in a way so that they can ensure energy-efficiency. Coils are surrounding the bottom to ensure that the water tank gets enough heat to provide you hot water in the quickest possible time.

If you compare it with other 50-gallon water heaters, it keeps itself ahead by using up to 62% less energy which can help you to save $365 a year. To prevent dust and debris, this water heater features a removable filter.

Features

Capacity: This water heater comes with a water capacity of 50 gallons.

Dimension and Weight: To talk about the dimension, it is 22.2 inch in length, 22.2 inches in width and 59.5 inches in height. The weight of this water heater in 195 pounds which is pretty fair for this large water heater.

Color: The lower part of this water heater is white, while the upper part comes in red.

Vacation Setting: It is equipped with a special 3 to 14 days’ vacation setting.

Display: The LED display helps to let you know the input precisely.

Pros

  • LED display for ease of use.
  • Flexible vacation mode.
  • Hybrid technology.
  • Saves power and energy cost.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Fast speed fans.

Cons

  • You may face an issue with heat-pump mode.
  • Made of cheap plastic.

3. Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • Durable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Reasonable price.
  • Certified by GAMA/UL.

Being run by 240 volts, Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater comes with 50 gallons of water capacity. As it comes with a lifetime warranty for the tank, you can stay relaxed about the quality it ensures.

The polybutene tank used here is seamless and almost impervious to rust and corrosion. With fiberglass of multiple layers, you will have unmatched strength. On top of that Polyurethane insulation is used to minimize the consumption of energy. To resist scratches, dents, and salty air, polyethylene outer shell is used after being toughly molded.

Features

EF Factor: With an Energy Efficiency factor of 0.90-0.94, this water heater ensures a low consumption of energy.

Dimension and Weight: It is pretty large to make sure all of your family members get enough hot water throughout the day. When it comes to the dimension, it is 23.5 inches in length, 23.5 inches in width and 62.8 inches in height. According to the manufacturer, it features a weight of 100.1 pounds.

Protection: To ensure protection against dry-firing, this water heater has an upper element that is thermally fused.

Recovery Rate: You can experience a recovery rate of 20 gallons per hour at a rise of 90-Degree.

Warranty: The warranty service it comes with is awesome. You will be provided with a lifetime warranty for the tank, while 6 years for other parts of the water heater.

Pros

  • Safe to use.
  • Full flow valve.
  • Well insulated.
  • Standard replacement parts to lessen the hassle.
  • Prevents rust, dents, and corrosion.
  • Energy saving.
  • Good recovery rate.
  • Protection against dry-firing.

Cons

  • The heater is prone to leaking.
  • Thermostat fails frequently.

4. Stiebel Eltron 224199 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • Energy efficient.
  • Silent operation.
  • Advance flow control.
  • Compact and sleek.

Stiebel Eltron is one of the most pioneering names in hot water technology. Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus Electric Tankless Water Heater is a popular contribution of this brand. It is completely silent at the time of its operation.

You do not need any venting if you use this heater. On top of that, it saves both energy and money. As it remains on only when you need hot water, no standby cost is required. To maintain water temperature automatically, advanced flow control technology is adopted. Moreover, you will always get the shower hot. Due to having a sleek design, it can easily be fitted to anywhere you want.

Features

Voltage: It requires an electric supply of 240 volts or 208 volts.

Energy Consumption: It can save up to 20% of your electricity bill that you usually pay for hot water.

Working Pressure: This water heater has a working water pressure rate of 150 PSI.

Water Connections and Output Temperature Range: Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus Electric Tankless Water Heater can give water connection at 3/4″ NPT, while the output temperature of the water ranges from 86°F to 140°F.

Warranty: As it is made in Germany, you can depend on its durability. It comes with 7 years of leakage warranty, while 3 years of parts warranty.

Pros

  • Works silently.
  • Features a digital temperature display.
  • Provides with solid copper heating chambers.
  • Less expensive.
  • Easy to set up.
  • No venting required.

Cons

  • The water pressure is low.
  • Cannot handle very cold water.

5. Westinghouse High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • Long warranty.
  • Easy installation.
  • Pleasing look.
  • Energy-star certified.

Do you want to avoid inconsistency or fluctuations with hot water supply in your home? If yes, you can go for Westinghouse WGR050NG076 97-Percent High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater. With a great flow rate, it can deliver hot water to multiple outlets effortlessly in a large volume. Featuring 133 gallons per hour first-hour delivery, it supports rapid heating. 

The heat exchanger comes equipped with modern technologies. Being corrosion-resistant, it is a good choice for a family. Having a thermal efficiency of 97%, it is energy-saving while it runs. As it features LCD and eco mode, you can see your consumption and save without much trouble.

Features

Material: Coming with a faux stainless-steel finish, it makes sure that your heater is away from rust and corrosion.

Energy Consumption: You can have up to 97% thermal efficiency with this water heater.

Supply: Supplying 50 gallons of hot water, it is ideal for covering a family of 5 or more people in a family.

Dimension and Weight: Having a dimension of 46.8 x 23 x 46.8 inches, it is 155 pounds in weight.

BTU: This natural gas heater comes with a BTU burner of 76,000.

Warranty: You will get 7 years of warranty by default. But, if you register it online, you will have 10 years of the warranty period for your tank, while 1 year for the parts.

Pros

  • Great thermal efficiency
  • Eco-friendly.
  • Longer warranty period.
  • Stainless-steel finish avoiding corrosion.
  • Stylish and upgraded.
  • Low Nox technology.

Cons

  • A large and heavy footprint.
  • It may need frequent resetting.

6. A.O. Smith PXNS-50 Conservationist Short Electric Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • Corrosion resistance.
  • Longer-lasting.
  • Durable.

Are you looking for something that can save you money and energy? If yes, A.O. Smith PXNS-50 Conservationist Short Electric Water Heater is made for you. Being one of the conservationist models of this series, this unit of water heater comes with maximum energy-saving technology.

For ensuring better durability than traditional water heaters, this unit features upper and lower phoenix heating elements which can extend the lifetime up to three times more. On top of that, the manufacturer provides a warranty period of 10 years. Most of the water heaters use standard glass lining to resist corrosion, while this unit uses blue diamond glass coating for better resistance to corrosion. To protect the tank further, it comes with CoreGard anode rod along with magnesium anode. Dynaclean II is used to make turbulence in the water to reduce sediment buildup and lime.

Features

Dimension and Weight: Having a dimension of 24 x 24 x 50 inches, this unit of water heater accommodates 50 gallons of water. When it comes to weight, it is 176 pounds which is a bit heavy.

Energy Efficiency: Being very much energy efficient, this can save you maximum energy.

Corrosion resistance: It has multiple technologies that help to resist corrosion. Blue diamond glass coating with advanced magnesium anode and core Gard anode help this device to fight with corrosion.

Certification: This water heater is certified by Energy Star for its excellent performance.

Warranty: You do not need to be worried about the warranty for this product. It has a great warranty period of 10 years for the tank, while 6 years for the parts that come with it.

Pros

  • Almost no lime or buildup of sediment.
  • Phoenix upper and lower element replacing standard copper.
  • Stainless steel core with magnesium and core Gard anode.
  • Energy Star certified heater.
  • Energy-efficient.
  • Longer warranty period.

Cons

  • Comparatively bulky.

7. A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Power Vent Gas Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • LED control light displays.
  • Environmentally-friendly.
  • Certified by Energy Star.

A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Power Vent Gas Water Heater is a 50-gallon water heater with good energy efficiency. To add flexibility in this unit, it offers you 3-position rotatable blower outlet. To minimize cold water regions, it got Dynaclean II. The LED display will provide you information about operation status.

A hot-surface igniter is also there to help you reduce the monthly electric bill. When it comes to insulation, it features thick foam insulation which is very environment-friendly. It is quite enough to cover a large family to supply constant hot water. Installation of water heater is made with the venting facility of up to 40 feet.

Features

Energy Efficiency: As it is equipped with 2-inch foam insulation, you can expect to minimize heat loss. This helps to ensure overall energy efficiency.

Dimension and Weight: Being 24 inches in length and 24 inches in width, it comes with 60.1 inches in height. To talk about the weight, this unit of water heater is 213 pounds.

Temperature Control: With an electric gas control system, the temperature can be controlled more precisely. To have information about the temperature, LED control display will help you.

Flexibility: 3-position rotatable blower outlet makes sure that the unit has got adequate flexibility.

Warranty: To make sure that you get help in case you face any issues with this water heater, the manufacturer provides 6-year limited warranty for both the tank and the parts of it.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly.
  • Energy-efficient.
  • LED control light for information.
  • Good warranty period.
  • Comes with flexibility.
  • Certified with Energy Star.
  • Low heat loss.
  • Robust and reliable igniter.

Cons

  • Bit expensive.
  • More weight.

8. Westinghouse WER052C2X055N06 Electric Water Heater

Highlighted Features

  • Stainless still made.
  • Durable.
  • LIghtweight.

Have you got a big family of more than 5 family members? If yes, we have good news for you. Westinghouse WER052C2X055N06 Electric Water Heater with Durable 316L Stainless Steel Tank comes with 52-gallon water capacity to supply hot water for a big family.

With .94 energy factor and high-quality construction by stainless steel, you can feel great seeing how amazingly it saves your money and lasts for years without corrosion. This water heater tank can serve you with 71 gallons of water in the very first hour. Coming with high recovery rates and low standby heat losses, it minimizes the monthly cost on the electric bill.

Features

Energy Efficiency: This water heater tank saves you energy with an energy efficiency rate of .94.

Dimension and Weight: It features 52-gallon water capacity. It has got a dimension of

19.5 x 19.5 x 66.8 inches and weigh only 118 pounds.

First hour supply: When it comes to the water delivery in the first hour, you will get approximately 71 gallons of water supply.

Coverage: This water heater of 52-gallon capacity can cover a family that has more than 5 members.

Voltage and Wattage: To run this water heater you will need 240 volts along with 5500 wattages of electricity supply.

Warranty: The manufacturer of this huge water heater is careful about customer service. They have provided 6-year limited warranty for the tank of this water heater.

Pros

  • Covers a large family.
  • Laser welded stainless-steel for heavy construction of the body.
  • Corrosion-resistant.
  • Good energy factor.
  • Almost no mixing of hot and cold water.
  • Low standby heat loss.

Cons

  • Heating elements are not that great.

Things to Consider Before You Go for 50-gallon Water Heater

Though 50-gallon water heater is one of the most popular sizes that are used for residential purpose, there are certain things you should ask yourself or consider before you decide on buying one. 50-gallon water heaters are designed to meet the demand of a big family consisting of more than 3 members. Let’s see the things you should consider with caution while you go for a 50-gallon water heater.

If the size is perfect for you: The first thing you should ask yourself before buying a 50-gallon water heater is that, ‘Do I need 50-gallon water heater?’ This is important because you should not spend money on something that you do not need.

If you have got a small family of two members who does not require much water on day to day basis, you should think twice before buying this type of unit spending huge amount of money. On the other hand, if you have got a quite large family with great demand for hot water every day, we believe that spending on this will give you a great return on investment.

Get to know the first-hour rating: If you know the first-hour rating of your tank, you can know if the water heater is perfect to deal with the hot water demand of your entire family. By first-hour rating, we mean the gallons of water that your heater can supply you within the very first hour of operation. You have to determine the water need first and then look at the first-hour rating of certain water heaters.

Usually, you can expect 60 to 80 of water in the first hour with your 50-gallon water heaters. Keep in mind that you consume about 15 gallons of hot water if you keep showering for 8 minutes.

Electric or gas water heater: As there are two kinds of 50-gallon water heaters, gas, and electric, it is important to fix the type you need. For energy efficiency and operating cost, determining your fuel source is essential. Electric heaters are more expensive and less expensive. It comes with coils to heat the water. However, though you can buy them cheaply, they cost you more per month than ones that run with propane or natural gas. So, think about which energy source you will use and buy a heater that is more cost-saving and convenient for you.

Recovery rates: Knowing the recovery rate of your water heater is important. In electric water heaters, the recovery rate is comparatively slow when compared with gas water heaters. When you set a typical 50-gallon water heater run by electricity to 12 degrees, you may need approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes to heat water after entering the unit. However, if you at 70 degrees, it takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes to do the same.

On the other hand, if you use propane or natural gas, you will have a faster recovery rate. It will take about 53 minutes to heat the water at 40 degrees and 33 minutes at 70 degrees.

Usually, most of the Americans use propane or natural gas for their water heaters to save more energy and get a higher recovery rate.

Energy Factor: Energy factor or EF factor determines the energy efficiency a water heater comes with. You can measure energy efficiency after evaluating the amount of hot water against the fuel consumed. The more EF factor your water heater has, the better it is. If you go for a 50-gallon water heater, it should at least have an energy factor of .62 rate.

Energy-Star certification: If your 50-gallon water heater is certified by Energy Star, it means you have got a more efficient water heater. A water heater certified by Energy Star usually 15% more efficient than one without it.

Flow Rate: You should not ignore the flow rate of your water heater. It lets you know your access to hot water per hour. If you have got a water heater with a high flow rate, it means you have more possibility of getting enough hot water to meet your needs. That’s one of the most important things people look for when they opt to buy a water heater.

Warranty: Usually 50-gallon water heaters last from 3 years to 12 years. Be wise enough to choose the water heater that comes with better and longer warranty period and after-sales service.

Faq

When should I buy a 50-gallon water heater?

You should go for a 50-gallon water heater if you have a family consisting of more than 3 family members with the need of much hot water per day.

Between gas and electric water heaters, which one should I choose?

It depends on the availability of the resources in your area. If you can manage natural gas or propane at less cost, you should go for this option.

Why is energy factor important while buying a water heater?

The more the energy factor, the less the cost. If you have got a water heater that comes with better energy factor, it uses less energy.

What is the usual warranty period for a 50-gallon water heater?

It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Choose one with that ensures a maximum warranty period.

Final Words

We hope that after reading this guide and FAQ, you will able to choose the best 50-gallon water heater for you from the products we have reviewed before. Always follow the instructions given by the manufacturer for getting the best of your product. Be aware of the maintenance and hire a good professional for proper installation for claiming the warranty.