The Best 50-gallon Gas Water Heaters 2023

For large homes and families, a 50-gallon water heater is often the optimal tank capacity.

A gas-powered water heater gives you hot water more quickly than an electric water heater because it continuously heats water that is pumped in. In the case of a power failure, it continues to function. Gas-powered water heaters are therefore appropriate for locations that frequently experience storms.

Choosing the ideal model might be challenging due to the abundance of gas hot water heaters for residential and commercial purposes. To assist you in making the best decision, I have meticulously followed a seven-step research technique while testing and reviewing the top 50-gallon gas water heaters currently available.

Our Top Picks

Review

Rheem Performance Platinum — 9/10 (Best overall 50-gallon gas water heater)

Possibly the greatest 50-gallon gas water heater for the typical American home is the Rheem Performance Platinum. It can provide five people’s worth of hot water without burning a crater-sized hole in your wallet.

Pros

This water heater can produce 40,000 Btu/hour of hot water while using less energy than its rivals because of its low NOx (nitrogen oxide) burner. Additional cost reductions come from a self-diagnostic gas control valve and a maintenance-free combustion air intake system.

A high-quality, corrosion-free magnesium anode rod increases tank longevity, and a straightforward push-button ignition system ensures safer combustion.

A 12-year limited warranty is offered on the heater’s tank and individual parts, while a 3-year warranty is offered on labor repairs. It complies in full with NAECA 2015 specifications. This gas tank water heater is especially efficient for the majority of households, providing 86 gallons in the first hour in homes up to 10,200 feet in elevation, with a uniform energy factor of 0.62.

Additionally, this hot water heater has earned Energy Star certification. This indicates that you might qualify for federal tax refunds.

The Rheem Platinum may become a smart, programmable hot water heater with the addition of a $49 WiFi module. With the help of this module, you can remotely monitor and control your Rheem gas water heater, get alerts and notifications on your mobile smart devices, integrate the water heater with your home automation system, and configure the “vacation mode,” which lowers the temperature of your water heater and lowers energy usage while you’re away from home.

But the Rheem Performance Platinum’s pricing is arguably its best feature. Gas water heaters can be expensive when first purchased, with some units costing between $1,500 and $6,000. The $6,000 price of a water heater can deter many potential buyers, despite the fact that it has lower annual energy expenditures than an electric water heater. With a suggested retail price of $729, this Rheem unit is affordable for most homeowners.

Here’s a full list of features of the Rheem Performance Platinum:

• A 50-gallon tank sufficient for three to five people
• A premium-grade protective magnesium anode rod for long-lasting tank protection
• An automatic diagnostic gas control valve for enhanced monitoring and maintenance
• 97 gallons of water in the first hour
• Energy Star certification with a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.68
• An electronic ignition technology to streamline the start-up procedure and remove the need for a pilot light
• System performance monitored via a gas valve with electronic sensors
• Installation at ground elevations of up to 10,200 ft
• 2015 NAECA energy-efficiency standards
• A 40,000 Btu/hour environmentally friendly low NOx burner
• 3/4 in. water connections and a factory-installed temperature and pressure relief valve for simple installation
• No filter in the heater’s burner system, implying this unit is maintenance free
• A 12-year limited warranty on the tank and parts and a 3-year in-home labor warranty
• A recovery rate of up to 40.4 GPH (gallons per hour) at a 90°F temperature rise

Cons

Although the manufacturer’s specifications sheet states that the Performance Platinum features a low-NOx burner that is environmentally benign, a quick inspection of a few retail establishments demonstrates otherwise.

otherwise. This gas water heater does not comply with California’s emissions rules, according to many warning warnings for residents of that state (as well as Utah).

After some investigation, I discovered that this is not a fault with the heater, but rather a matter of regulation because it is illegal to install this kind of water heater in specific air quality zones.

The absence of an LCD control screen for more exact temperature adjustments, which would help users save time and energy and experience higher levels of comfort, is a minor downside of the Rheem Performance Platinum.

Other complaints center on the warranty support, which has left a lot of customers without hot water for long stretches of time or with few replacement options. However, the vast majority of users who have used this model for a long time confirm that it never leaks and consistently provides hot water without any issues. Customers who received units that were damaged in transit have said that the process for getting replacements was easy and quick.

Overall

A 50-gallon gas water heater with the Rheem Performance Platinum is a terrific option for a house with four or five occupants.

This inexpensive gas water heater costs $729 and includes a long list of features, such as electronic ignition technology (so you don’t have to scramble for matches when you need hot water), a 97 GPH flow rate, a recovery rate of up to 51 GPH at a 90°F rise, a 40,000 Btu low NOx gas burner, self-cleaning technology, Energy Star certification, a maintenance-free burner system, and a 12-year warranty.

The Rheem Performance Platinum may also be upgraded to a smart water heater that can be controlled and monitored remotely by purchasing a $49 WiFi module.

Order the Rheem Performance Platinum 50-gallon natural gas water heater right away if you need an affordable, long-lasting gas water heater that won’t need frequent maintenance.

A.O. Smith Vertex 100 Power Direct Vent — 8.5/10 (Best premium 50-gallon gas water heater)

Manufacturers of water heaters frequently make premium models, allowing them the chance to test out cutting-edge ideas. The most opulent choice is the A.O. Smith Vertex 100 Power Direct. This particular model qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit because it is so energy efficient.!

Pros

The Vertex 100 by A.O. Smith has a power direct vent. This vent, which is attached to your water heater, draws combustion air from the outside of your home using a fan. The same blower is used to evacuate combustion-related exhaust gases. By employing PVC piping, a power direct vent water heater can save installation costs.

Condensing technology, which enables ultra-efficient and continuous water heating with fewer energy losses than normal natural gas water heaters, little gas emissions, and excellent performance, is another feature of the Vertex 100 that has won it praise.

The Vertex 100’s 164 GPH flow rate, which enables the operation of up to four or five showers simultaneously, is ideal for homes with high hot water usage (or hot tubs). You and your family can shower anytime you want with this style!

Here’s the full list of features:

• a spiral heat exchanger to extend the heat transfer cycle by prolonging the amount of time that hot combustion gases stay in the tank.
• An integrated large touchscreen digital display that enables precise temperature control and sophisticated diagnostics
• A tamper-resistant, enhanced-flow, ball-type valve made of solid brass that extends the life of the heater
• A common female hose connection that enables quick and simple drainage during maintenance
• Inexpensive PVC, CPVC, or ABS pipe for intake and exhaust
• A sophisticated heat exchanger with a 100,000 Btu output that ensures a constant flow of over four gallons per minute
• Blue Diamond glass coating that offers better corrosion resistance in comparison to industry-standard glass coating
• iCOMM connectivity that not only allows you to monitor and regulate the water temperature, but also allows the manufacturer to monitor the heater remotely
• Side-mounted hot and cold recirculating taps that enable the Vertex 100 to be fitted in conjunction with space heating and water heating systems
• Energy Star compliance and an annual energy cost savings of around $187
• A federal tax rebate of around 30% when you purchase this natural gas water heater

Cons

There are substantial drawbacks with the A.O. Smith Vertex 100. Price is the first and most evident factor. The Vertex 100 is not a cheap product because it is a premium one. The price ranges from $6,200 to $7,000, and that doesn’t include installation fees. The cost of this gas water heater may be close to $10,000 when shipping and installation fees are taken into consideration.This cost is prohibitive for the vast majority of homeowners, particularly those who merely require a straightforward and inexpensive water heating solution for their residences.

Additionally, the warranty period is not as appealing as you might anticipate. A.O. Smith only offers a 6-year limited guarantee, compared to the 12-year warranty offered by Rheem Performance Platinum.

Despite the excellent features of this gas water heater, paying close to $10,000 for a water heater with such a limited guarantee is not prudent.

Overall

Excellent natural gas water heaters include A.O. Smith’s Vertex 100. With no interruptions in the water supply, it continuously provides four gallons of hot water per minute to each fixture in the house.

By increasing the period that hot combustion gases stay in the tank, its helical coil heat exchanger lengthens the heat transfer cycle. With this exchanger placed in the center of the tank, heat is distributed more evenly and effectively, resulting in lower operating costs than with a traditional gas water heater.

164 GPH flow rate, ultra-low NOx 100,000 Btu burner system, glass coating for corrosion-free protection, iCOMM wireless communication for remote monitoring, and a sizable touchscreen display that enables accurate operation are further remarkable features of the Vertex 100.

This natural gas water heater is excellent overall. If you don’t mind spending a lot of money on a product with a limited warranty, you should pick the AO Smith Vertex 100 Power Direct Vent.

Bradford White 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater

A few cutting-edge technology that the Bradford White 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater includes make it a choice worth your attention.

Vitraglas, a specially formulated enamel coating applied to Bradford White tanks, provides great resistance to the corrosive effects of hot water. The steel exterior is then bonded with this robust enamel finish to improve protection.

A millivolt-powered ICON intelligent gas control system and an integrated piezo igniter are also included in this $1,828 gas water heater. A typical thermopile is used to convert the heat energy of the pilot flame into electrical energy, which controls the gas valve and microprocessor. Power from an external source is not necessary. To stop combustible vapor from igniting outside of the water heater, a flame arrestor is utilized.

A powerful microprocessor controls the burner, maintaining precise and constant water temperatures up to 160°F. A 40,000 Btu gas burner, an 81 GPH first-hour rating, a 43 GPH recovery rate at a temperature rise of 90°F, a uniform energy factor of 0.63, and a 6-year warranty on the tank and parts are among the further technical details.

There are a few drawbacks with the Bradford White 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater that new owners should be aware of. Most consumers agree that this gas water heater is extremely expensive and was built using questionable materials. There have been instances of gas leakage starting in the second or third year, and the unit’s price is increased by the high cost of installation.

Reliance 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater

The stainless steel flame arrestor on the Reliance 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater ensures the appliance’s longevity. It has a self-powered Honeywell millivolt generator gas control valve as well as a temperature switch installed on the door that can be manually reset. This self-cleaning heater has a tank that is lined with glass, twin anode rods, and pex-lined heat trap nipples.

Piezo ignition, CFC foam insulation, a low NOx 40,000 Btu/hour gas burner, a first-hour rating of 81 GPH, a recovery rate of 41 GPH at a temperature rise of 90°F, a nine-year limited tank & parts warranty, and a one-year labor warranty are further features.

The Reliance has a lot of amazing features for an off-brand that aspires to compete with the big dogs. However, the Reliance is less energy efficient than the Rheem Performance Platinum, does not qualify for the Energy Star program, has a shorter warranty, and does not provide remote access.

I should also point out that some users have reported problems with the thermostatic mixing valve, delayed water recovery, leaks in the discharge line, and an unpleasant smell from the water.

Given all of this, purchasing this water heating system for close to $1,400 is not warranted. A more effective and far more economical natural gas water heater is the Rheem Performance Platinum.

Westinghouse Stainless Steel 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater

Condensing technology is used to produce hot water in the Westinghouse Stainless Steel 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater. The energy efficiency of the water heater is considerably increased by this technique, which increases heat retention.

This water heater has a digital display integrated control system, automatic spark ignition with flame stabilization monitoring, and a Cupronickel combustion heat exchanger with superior heat transmission and corrosion resistance.

The Westinghouse Stainless Steel 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater has a high UEF rating of 0.90, a first hour rating of 154 gallons, a maximum temperature limit of 160°F, and a recovery rate of 90 GPH at a temperature rise of 90°F. It generates 76,000 Btu each hour. These figures are just astounding! A 10-year home guarantee is included with this Westinghouse water heater, which is even better.

However, there are a number of issues with this water heater that should be mentioned. To get the whole 10-year warranty, you must first register your heater online.The warranty is reduced to 7 years in all other cases.The warranty is also void if you attach stainless steel corrugated pipes to the hot water tank.

Customers have reported that this water heater makes a loud rumbling noise. The sole remedy is a few hundred dollar combustion gas analyser adjustment of the fuel mixture.

Failure of the ignition system and an erratic digital management system that needs to be reset every few weeks are further problems.

On the Westinghouse website, it is stated that as of December 31, 2021, all water heating, space heating, and combination heating devices would be phased out. What this means for current clients who might require ongoing care is unclear.

The price of the Westinghouse 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater in Stainless Steel is $2,300. When you take into account the flaws, this is a sizable sum.

The Bottom Line

The 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater in Stainless Steel from Westinghouse employs condensing technology to The Rheem Performance Platinum is the greatest 50-gallon gas water heater you can buy for your home, in my opinion after a careful review process.

Some of the characteristics of this $729 gas water heater include the following: a 40,000 Btu/hour environmentally friendly low NOx burner (with auto-ignition), a self-cleaning dip tube that prevents sediment buildup, a premium grade protective magnesium anode rod for long-lasting tank protection, an automatic diagnostic gas control valve for enhanced monitoring, a filterless design that eliminates the need for ongoing maintenance, Energy Star certification, and the ability to be used in altitude.

The Performance Platinum also comes with a 12-year limited guarantee on the tank and equipment in addition to a 3-year in-home service warranty. Additionally, it features a consistent energy factor of 0.68, a first-hour rating of 97 GPH, a recovery rate of up to 51 GPH (gallons per hour) with a temperature rise of 90°F, and more.

You can turn the Performance Platinum into a smart gas water heater that can provide real-time performance statistics to any smart device in your home by purchasing a $49 WiFi module. Your heating may be managed virtually anywhere.

If you need a reliable, fairly priced gas water heater that will work for many years without regular maintenance, the Rheem Performance Platinum 50-gallon natural gas water heater is the ideal choice for your home. warm water. The energy efficiency of the water heater is considerably increased by this technique, which increases heat retention.

This water heater has a digital display integrated control system, automatic spark ignition with flame stabilization monitoring, and a Cupronickel combustion heat exchanger with superior heat transmission and corrosion resistance.

The Westinghouse Stainless Steel 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater has a high UEF rating of 0.90, a first hour rating of 154 gallons, a maximum temperature limit of 160°F, and a recovery rate of 90 GPH at a temperature rise of 90°F. It generates 76,000 Btu each hour. These figures are just astounding! A 10-year home guarantee is included with this Westinghouse water heater, which is even better.

However, there are a number of issues with this water heater that should be mentioned. To get the whole 10-year warranty, you must first register your heater online. The warranty is reduced to 7 years in all other cases.The warranty is also void if you attach stainless steel corrugated pipes to the hot water tank.

Customers have reported that this water heater makes a loud rumbling noise. The sole remedy is a few hundred dollar combustion gas analyser adjustment of the fuel mixture.

Failure of the ignition system and an erratic digital management system that needs to be reset every few weeks are further problems.

On the Westinghouse website, it is stated that as of December 31, 2021, all water heating, space heating, and combination heating devices would be phased out. What this means for current clients who might require ongoing care is unclear.

The price of the Westinghouse 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater in Stainless Steel is $2,300. When you take into account the flaws, this is a sizable sum.

Best 50-Gallon Gas Water Heaters Review Methodology

This section describes the approach I took when looking for the best 50-gallon gas water heaters.

Step 1: A list of every 50-gallon water heater available

I compiled a list of every 50-gallon water heater currently on the market to start my investigation. All models with power outputs between 40,000 and 100,000 Btu/hour are included in this. I discovered that several manufacturers have more than two product lines of the same kind, like Rheem. I was able to determine the products that each company supplied thanks to this initial step.

Step 2: Online reviews

I looked up reviews of each gas water heater on the internet using my list of potential models. Several websites, including Consumer Affairs, Amazon, Lowes, Walmart, and the Better Business Bureau, had to be searched through for days in order to discover the information. Eventually, I was able to determine which companies produced the most dependable 50-gallon gas water heaters and which makes and models were the most popular with customers.

Step 3: Product analysis

Here is a rundown of everything I look for in a 50-gallon gas water heater, as well as some questions about the variations across models:

• How does a gas water heater differ from an electric water heater?
• What are the advantages of a gas water heater with a water storage tank over a tankless water heater?
• Is there any intuitive technology incorporated into these units that improves their energy efficiency?
• What is the warranty period for each model?
• What level of after-sales support is provided by each manufacturer?
• Are any accessories available with every purchase?
• Are any energy saving technologies incorporated into these water heaters?
• What are the distinguishing features for each water heater model (including cost differences)?

I looked up reviews of each gas water heater on the internet using my list of potential models. It took days to search through numerous websites, including Consumer Affairs, Amazon, Lowes, Walmart, and the Better Business Bureau, in order to discover the information. Eventually, I was able to determine which companies produced the most dependable 50-gallon gas water heaters and which makes and models were the most popular with customers.

Step 4: Interviews with real customers

It was time to locate actual customers and solicit their opinions after compiling the final list of dependable and effective gas water heaters. With the assistance of a few friends, I organized a door-to-door tour of every residence within a 10-mile radius. Despite the lengthy and challenging nature of the process, I was able to eliminate a few more businesses from my list using the information I learned.

Step 5: Interviews with manufacturers

In order to get responses to some of the unfavorable customer evaluations they’ve received, this phase involves contacting the marketing and customer service departments of the remaining manufacturers of gas-powered water heaters. I was able to understand how each company engaged with clients and handled complaints as a result.

Step 6: Test drives

I then asked the producers to deliver a number of products for me to review. I wasn’t sure how they would respond, but I decided it was worth a shot. Surprisingly, nearly fifteen businesses responded. As a result, I rented a warehouse, bought two water bowsers, and started testing various gas water heater brands.

Step 7: Ratings

It was time to compare water heater brands now that I was familiar with them. I evaluated each water heater based on its features, which were as follows:Number of Btu (British thermal units) that each heater produces per hour (between 40,000 and 100,000 Btu/hour)

• First hour rating and recovery rate for each unit
• Presence of anti-scaling technologies that prevent sediment buildup
• Uniform energy rating
• Length of the warranty period
• Affordability and availability
• Ease of installation
• Type of after-sales services available

The Best 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater

I concluded that the Rheem Platinum Performance is the best 50-gallon gas water heater on the market after conducting a comprehensive seven-step examination.

This gas water heater is a fantastic deal with a low price of $729 and features like a self-cleaning system, Energy Star certification, a maintenance-free burner system, a 12-year tank and components guarantee, and a 3-year labor warranty. A recovery rate of up to 51 GPH and a flow rate of 97 GPH will occur from a temperature increase of 90°F.

The Rheem Performance Platinum may also be transformed into a smart water heater that you can manage and monitor remotely by adding a $49 WiFi module.

If you want a reasonably priced, dependable gas water heater that will operate for many years without needing frequent maintenance, the Rheem Performance Platinum 50-gallon natural gas water heater is the best choice for your home. Order the Rheem Performance today for the best 50-gallon gas water heater available

Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API