What Is The 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater/ Who This Is For
The best 50 gallon electric water heating system uses electricity to heat an element that raises the temperature to the desired level.
Electric hot water heaters are suitable for households with three bathrooms or those with a washing machine and a pair of baths. In general, a person uses about 10 gallons of warm water during a shower. Dishwashers can use about 10 gallons and washing machines need 20 or so gallons.
Reliance 9 50 Ekrs Electric Water Heater
The 9 50 EKRS is Reliances 50 gallon water heater electric that is taking the market by storm. It has an efficient and consistent heating element and superior insulation for optimum water heating performance and cost savings.
These fifty gallon electric water heaters offer a pair of energy-efficient 4500-watt heating elements that combine with its 3-inch thick non-CFC foam insulation. The unique design affords this unit an energy factor rating of 0.92. While it is not the best on the market, it is still higher than the 0.90 ratings of other electric water heaters.
I like the electronic thermostats design because it lasts longer than conventional electromechanical thermostats. You can rest easy knowing this unit will last you about a decade or more. Improving its durability is a self-cleaning PEX dip tube that prevents limescale and corrosion formation.
While I admire this electric water heaters energy efficiency, I wish I can say the same about its first-hour and hot water recovery rates.
This unit can only recover 21 gallons of hot water per hour. It would not be sufficient if four people took a shower simultaneously. Its 62-gallon first-hour rating is also modest, which is still better than other electric water heaters.
Nevertheless, the Reliance 9 50 EKRS remains an excellent choice for families that want a reliable and durable water heating system. It is efficient enough to provide your family the savings you need for a much-needed vacation.
Ao Smith Signature Gas Water Heater: Design & Features
If its a super smart and WiFi-enabled water heater youre looking for, then the A.O Smith Signature Gas Water Heater wont deliver. However, what you do get is a practical and affordable water heater that has everything you need and is ideal for families.
The electronic gas valve allows you to alter the water temperature and its LED status indicator will help you to identify any issues. For simplicity, the ignition button allows for an easy start-up process.
Helpful features include the in-built safety system, which will reduce the risk of flammable vapor being ignited. The anode rods inside the tank are combined with a ceramic tank shield to delay corrosion and extend the lifetime of your water heater. However, models such as the Westinghouse Electric Light Duty Water Heater do not require anode rods so if its something built to last a lifetime youre after, you could be better off with something else.
Whilst this water heater only has a warranty of six years, one of the shortest in all the models we reviewed, the price tag on this model is one of the cheapest, making the shorter warranty seem fair.
The lack of WiFi-enabled features means this water heater is not so sophisticated.
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Rheem Mr50245 Marathon Tall Electric Water Heater
With an energy-efficiency rating of 0.90 to 0.94, the Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall is one of the best fifty-gallon electric water heaters you can buy. It offers exceptional durability and superior cost-savings for the modern household.
This Rheem electric water heater 50 gallon unit features one of the best insulation systems on the market. It allows you to enjoy longer-lasting hot liquid that can reduce your energy expenditure. Heat your water today, and you will still enjoy a warm shower tomorrow.
Using these water heaters will only cost you about $500 in your energy expenditures every year. Some systems do worse, costing you about $800 to $1,000 annually.
The Rheem MR50245 Marathon Tall units 61-gallon first-hour rating is also commendable, enabling you to enjoy fun activities with your family.
The tanks construction also gives the heater cost-savings in the long term. Thanks to the polybutene tank, it resists corrosion better than other systems, extending its service life by a few years.
While this water heater is more than five feet tall, it is still a breeze to install. It has a brass drain valve that is easier to work with than plastic components.
I appreciate its energy factor and first-hour rating. I only wish the company also improved its 20-GPH recovery rate. Some systems can deliver up to 40 GPH. A few customers also complained about the cold-water air intake check valves durability. Worry not, as it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Ao Smith Voltex Hybrid Electric Heat Pump 50

Great for 1.5 baths in moderate climate, or 2.5 baths in warm climate.
The A.O. Smith Voltex® series uses less than half the electricity of a traditional electric tank, which means you’ll be saving a substantial amount on your electricity bill.
The Voltex Hybrid Electric water heater utilizes heat pump technology for a more efficient way to heat water using electricity. Hot air surrounding the tank is pulled in from the fan on the top of the unit, and is then absorbed by refrigerant in the heat pump evaporator coil. While the tank draws in surrounding hot air to heat water, it is simultaneously cooling and dehumidifying the ambient air of the room.
In addition to it’s heat pump technology, the HPTU-50N also has two heating elements that help the water heater recover quickly during periods of high demand, which means you’ll always have hot water ready!
Details
- Reduce water heating costs by up to 73%
- User-friendly electric display screen
- Vacation mode to save money when you’re gone
- Water Connection Location: Side
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Rheem Proe50 T2 Rh95 Residential Electric Water Heater
The PROE50 T2 RH95 is one of Rheems most energy-efficient electric-powered heaters today. This heater can provide your family with more significant cost savings than other electric-only water heating appliances. With its energy factor rating of 0.95, this product is perfect for a modern energy-conscious family of five.
If you want greater energy efficiency and cost savings, I suggest checking out the Rheem Performance Platinum 50 gallon electric water heater. This unit has an energy factor rating of at least 3.55, reducing your energy consumption by as much as $404 every year.
I am not saying this Rheem 50 gallon electric hot water heater is not energy-efficient. Its 0.95 UEF rating is still better than the 0.90 UEF of other brands. Moreover, it has an automatic thermostat that improves overall energy efficiency by adjusting your water temperature automatically.
It also has multiple quality certifications from top organizations, including UL, AHRI, ICC, ASHRAE, ANSI, and NAECA. You will sleep sounder knowing every component meets or exceeds global standards. That is one less worry for you.
I like its dip tube design because it ensures maximum supply. It also has an over-temperature protector and a dedicated junction box above the heating elements. The TPR valve is robust, too.
The Rheem PROE50 T2 RH95 lives up to modern expectations. It is energy-efficient, durable, and works like a charm in giving your family the hot water you need.
- Professional installation recommended
Top Ten Reviews Verdict
The A.O Smith Signature Gas Water Heater is a no frills water heater that provides more than enough for a family home.
Pros
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Has anode rods that are prone to corrosion
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
If youre looking for a good value water heater, then look no further as we run through everything you need to know about the A.O Smith Signature Gas Water Heater.
For a round up of the models we reviewed, check out the best water heaters around. To see the best overall water heater, check out our Rheem Gladiator 50-gallon Water Heater review .
It wasnt possible for us to test each of the water heaters in our guide ourselves, however, weve compared multiple models, read hundreds of user reviews and asked the experts to find you information that you can trust.
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Facilities To Ponder Upon:
Every tools and device have their pros and cons. It is only realistic to go with the one that has more advantages than disadvantages. AO Smith water heater is no exception to that. Their cost-friendly modern technology designed water heater is amazing in every aspect a heater should be.
Here are some of the benefits this 50-gallon signature water heater is offering:
- The AO Smith 50-gallon water heater has a user-friendly mechanism. Its tall and slim feature. It is what makes it stand out among many other good products. Some people think their house cannot accommodate a water heater only because of its bulkiness.
But AO Smith has done no discrimination in this regard. They have designed the device in a way that everyone can enjoy a hot water shower in their best capabilities. It is also very easy to install. The user can do it all by himself without a plumber cutting a big chunk of money from the pocket.
Bradford White Bwc Re350s6
Bradford White has been around since 1881 that you can expect nothing less than high-performance, high-quality water heaters for residential and commercial applications. One of the brands best-selling electric water heaters is the BWC RE35056-1NCWW.
This 50 gallon electric water heater Bradford White creation is a true masterpiece. This 50 gallon water heater blows away the competition by offering an astonishing 0.95 energy factor rating and a 67-gallon first-hour rating.
A couple of technological innovations contributes to this products remarkable water heating performance.
It has the revolutionary HydroJect Total Performance System that minimizes sediment build up and improves overall efficiency. This technology also guarantees a higher volume of heated water in the first hour of operation.
Lining the tank is an ingenious Vitraglas that also prevents corrosion better than other systems. The lining can also accommodate an unheard-of 1600-degree Fahrenheit water temperature.
I like the devices unique magnesium rod that further improves the tanks corrosion resistance. It also has non-CFC foam insulation, allowing it to retain heat longer and contribute to better energy efficiency.
I love the fully automatic controls that include a surface-mounted, fast-acting thermostat and a manual reset energy cutoff system. Operating this baby is as effortless as you would like your electric water heater to be.
- A bit expensive
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Gallon Electric Water Heater Buying Guide
Buying the best 50 gallon electric heating system for your familys water supply requires looking at several factors.
Ideally, you will want electric water heaters 50 gal units with a higher Uniform Energy Factor or UEF. This number gives you an idea of the products overall energy efficiency. Many people consider a UEF of 0.90 is sufficient. However, it would be better to get a product with an energy efficiency rating close to 1.0.
You can see electric water heaters with a UEF of 3.4 to 3.9. These products are hybrids, allowing you to operate an energy-efficient heat pump that utilizes warm air from the external environment.
- First-hour Rating
Water heaters have a maximum draw equivalent to 70 percent its tank capacity. The figure accounts for the simultaneous cold-water inflow and hot-water outflow. As such, if you have the best 50 gallon electric heater mated to your plumbing system, you can expect its draw capacity to be only 35 gallons.
Thirty-five gallons is barely sufficient for the whole family. That is why you should look at the systems first-hour rating. It provides you a good idea of the appliances ability to deliver hot water for a full hour.
We recommend getting a product with a high FHR. For example, you can pick an appliance with a 70-gallon FHR instead of a 60-gallon FHR product.
The best 50 gallon heaters come with a minimum of six-year warranty. The more extended the warranty, the more confident you are about the products quality and performance.
Ao Smith Signature Gas Water Heater: User Reviews
Reviews for the A.O Smith Signature Gas Water Heater are wholly positive, with many commenting on how easy to install this water heater is. There were also multiple comments saying that it provides more than enough hot water for a family of four. Its worth nothing that a few reviews mention the water heater is really quite noisy when it starts to heat up, with some concerned it might wake their family members if they shower early in the morning.
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Ao Smith Gas Water Heaters
Lead Notification
This product does not meet the new low-lead criteria defined in Safe Drinking Water Act and cannot be used for potable water applications, including for drinking and cooking. This product can be used for non-potable water applications only.
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Resources
Should You Buy The Ao Smith Signature Gas Water Heater

If you want a reliable and no frills water heater, then this is the one for you. A.O Smith is a trustworthy brand and with a reasonable price tag, this is a great choice for a family home. If youd like more sophisticated options though and the ability to sync up your water heater with your phone, then youre better off looking at a smart water heater that can do that for you. Check out the Rheem Performance Platinum Smart Electric Water Heater review .
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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater
The best 50 gallon electric water heaters offer the following advantages.
- These electric water heaters are ideal for small families, ranging from four to five members.
- They are cheaper to buy upfront than gas water heaters while also lowering installation costs.
- Heaters that use electricity are easier and faster to install and maintain than gas water heaters. A gas heater requires complicated ductwork to vent gas safely.
- Electric-powered water heaters are friendlier to the environment than gas heaters because they do not emit noxious gases into the atmosphere. A gas water heater is not eco-friendly.
Fifty gallon electric water heaters can also have the following disadvantages.
- They take more time to heat than gas water heaters.
- A gas heater costs less to operate, giving electric appliances higher operating costs.
- Electric devices will not run in case of a power outage. Gas water heaters do not have such problems.
How It Works
Gas water heaters heat water by burning either natural gas or LP . Gas water heaters need a source of air and also need to be vented properly. Cold water enters the water heater through an internal dip tube which forces the cold water to the bottom of the tank and pushes hot water out through the outlet connection. This arrangement provides the most hot water for a given tank size. Most gas water heaters use a pilot light. The pilot light on some models also generates the power needed to operate an electronic gas valve. When cold water enters the tank, the temperature sensor on the gas control tells the main gas valve to open. Gas flows to the burner where it is lit by the pilot light. The air needed by the burner is supplied by the room where the water heater is installed. The exhaust gases are vented to the outside. When the proper temperature is reached, the main gas valve shuts off. Because water can corrode the steel tank, we glass line the inside of the tank and install an anode rod to help reduce corrosion. The temperature and pressure relief valve is a safety device designed to open if the internal temperature or pressure of the tank exceeds certain limits. Water heaters should be large enough to provide adequate hot water even when temperatures are cold and household demand is greatest.
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