The Best 50 Gallon Gas Water Heaters for 2023

Gas water heaters come in handy and cost-effective when you need an abundant and steady supply of hot water in your home. Today, it will primarily be a choice between an electric water heater and a gas water heater.

So far, energy-efficient electric water heaters’ energy costs are higher, and you are left with cold water if there is a power outage in your area. Gas water heaters are ideal in the budget, and it works all the time.

Buying a 50-gallon gas water heater requires considering several factors. Lucky for you, we found three crucial parameters to help you choose.

• First-hour Rating: Fifty-gallon gas water heaters might have similar capacities but differ in how much water they can heat in the first hour. Buyers might want to look for a gas water heater with a higher FHR (i.e., 80 gallons vs. 65 gallons).

• Recovery Rate: Although gas-powered water heaters have more robust recovery rates than electric versions, ratings vary across brands and models. Buyers must examine each prospective option to determine which product reheats more water within an hour. For instance, you might want to buy a gas water heater with a 40-gallon per hour recovery rate than a unit with 30-GPH.

• Warranty: Some buyers dismiss this attribute, thinking it is not crucial. However, warranty relates to a 50-gallon gas water heater’s longevity and defines how much the company trusts its product.

Most gas water heaters have a six-year guarantee, while others double the coverage. Still, some brands offer a lifetime warranty to give users peace of mind forever.

Thankfully, the market offers a lot of options when shopping for this must-have in your home. Owning the best 50 gallon gas water heater provides you with unlimited hot water and many additional perks.

Top 7 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater Reviews

1. A.O. Smith ENS-50 Water Heater

Do you want your 50 gallon electric water heater to be well-protected against corrosion, diligently meeting all standard water heater regulations, and a long-lasting appliance? Install the AO Smith ENS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water Heater as soon as possible.

This electric water heater not just has corrosion resistance but also boasts a Permaglas coating for its tank’s interiors. This design is what keeps it from rusting. Unlike most heaters where the water is in constant contact in the steel seams, this AO Smith model provides a protective layer against the longer appliance life’s internal components.

Integrated with a sacrificial magnesium anode rod powered by the CoreGuard technology, a stainless-steel center encased in an aluminum shell. This, again, secures the tank from wear and tear and exposure to water.

It also comes with a PEX cross-linked polymer responsible for reducing the buildup of sediments and decreasing lime, making it very convenient if your water state is severe.

Even if your water’s pH level is not average, the water heater’s design will still produce hot water. Paired with a water softener and a filter, it can work as efficiently as a direct source.

Impressively, this heater has a first-hour rating of 62 gallons and, afterward, a recovery time of 21 gallons after 60 minutes. It only takes 2 hours to get the 50-gallon tank refilled and heated with the temperature set faster than other tank water heaters.

Another thing I like is its brass tamper-resistant drain valve, which is placed thoughtfully on the tank to offer 100% drainage during servicing and maintenance. Its shut-off valve is likewise easy to use and access. It is also compatible with ¾ connections.

2. Rheem PROG50-42N Gas Water Heater

The Rheem PROG5-42N RH67 is a natural gas water heater that simultaneously uses indoor air for ignition. The system has a blower which will exhaust all those gases from your home.

Among the Rheem 50 gallon gas water heaters that boast the brand’s exclusive anode rod technology, this “R-Tech” technology is mainly responsible for protecting the tank’s interiors. If your water source is extremely corrosive, it could still burn through and damage your rods sooner than later.

This is an excellent buy because it provides venting lengths of up to 100 corresponding feet, making installation hassle-free and seamless.

Based on the varying 50 gal gas water heater reviews, this system is one of the quietest systems. Its noise level is low, and the blower works so silently that it barely makes any noise even if you stand near it.

Additionally, it also has a quick heating cycle. In its first hour, you can expect 100 gallons of hot water, and over the first 60 minutes, it completes a whole cycle in under half an hour when the temperature is set to 150°F. If you set it lower at 140°F, you can enjoy a full cycle of continuous hot water in about 48 minutes.

Like most gas water heaters, this also comes with an adjustment valve and a warning indicator. If anything is wrong with your gas water heater, the system will flash a code.

Everything you need to know is thoroughly explained in the owner’s guide. You can consult your manual for almost anything making you more confident in using your heater.

3. A.O. Smith GPVL-50 Gas Water Heater

The a.o. Smith gpvl-50 Promax power vent gas water heater, 50 gal is one of the most efficient water heaters of the brand for a reliable supply of 50 gallons per hour.

Energy Star approved, you can be sure to have non-stop hot water in your home with less energy and time, all while protecting the environment with its reduced NOx gas combustion.

You will be impressed with this model’s vent design because it gives you versatility and flexibility. Depending on your preference and where the 50 gallons per hour water heater will be installed, you can set it up through the wall horizontally or vertically via your roof.

You won’t need to make additional modifications in your home just to fit in the vents with this 50 gallon heater.

It makes use of a unique 3-position rotatable blower outlet. This pipe will give you the freedom to work with ABS, PP, or PVC, and it has a length of 180 feet, so you make it work without getting frustrated if you only have limited space.

You will also be impressed with its DynaClean II system with its exclusively designed dip tube, optimizing the inlet water pressure. This, in return, will reduce cold water within the tank and at the same time protect your tank from sediment buildup.

This 50-gallon heater model has transitioned into a hot-surface igniter instead of the standing pilot to help you with energy consumption. This design is more reliable and cost-efficient for you. With an energy efficiency of 0.72 and a first-hour rating of 79 gallons of hot water, you will never run out of it.

The system is also protected with Blue Diamond Glass coating with a shielded sensor and air intake snorkel to ensure safety.

This high efficiency 50-gallon water heater features an innovative gas control panel that lets you know the precise temperature and makes changes if you want to. It has a LED control light that will inform you of the operation status details and a diagnostic center to advise you if something is wrong with your system.

With its 2-inch eco-friendly foam insulation, you can better reduce your heat loss, which means an overall energy-efficient system for you.

4. Westinghouse WGR050NG076 Water Heater

The WGR050NG076 50-gallon heater is among the most distinct models of Westinghouse. It is designed as a tank-type system using condensing technology. It comes with a robust heat exchanger in spiral form and an energy efficiency rating of 97%.

This makes the Westinghouse WGR050NG076 50 gallon water heater Energy Star compliant, and you are entitled to rebates.

With its unique heat exchanger design and 316-liter stainless steel tank, the whole system becomes corrosion-proof and would require minimal to zero maintenance. There are no anode rods that need to be maintained and frequently checked.

Westinghouse also understands that stainless steel water heaters should never be complicated. Thus, they integrated an innovative yet straightforward LCD electronic panel to control, modify and troubleshoot your system. You can run a diagnostic check to ensure that your water heater’s operation is smooth and trouble-free.

The main goal of getting a stainless steel water heater is for a continuous supply of hot water in your home, and this Westinghouse model will never fail you.

Its first-hour delivery is an impressive 133 gallons making it suitable for larger households. There’s no need to schedule baths and showers just to make sure everyone gets hot water because, with the Westinghouse Gas Water Heater, everyone can enjoy hot water instantly and simultaneously.

With a quick recovery rate and an ultra-low NOx gas burner with 76,000 BTU power, you can even use this best 50 gallon gas water heater commercially. Regardless if you will install it in your home, office, or business establishment, hot water will never be a problem. You will also not get stressed with a scary energy bill.

5. A.O. Smith XCR-50 Gas Water Heater

The A.O. Smith XCR-50 ProMax Plus High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater gives you its commitment to innovative energy-saving technology encapsulated in a convenient water heater design that is easy to install.

You won’t regret investing in this gas-powered water heating system because it will last longer and let you save in energy costs in the long run compared to its other competitors.

The XCR-50 water heater is designed with smarter features setting it to a higher standard. It has a thermopile that permits the hot water tank to heat up, sans the need for any external power resource.

Like most of its AO new water heater siblings, this 50-gallon water heater, too, is powered by DynaClean II technology, so you don’t need to worry about lime and other sediments building up inside your tank. This ensures smooth hot water flow throughout your household.

Additionally, the water heater is also backed up by the brand’s Blue Diamond Technology to serve as an additional protection layer against corrosion. This makes it another great purchase because it is highly reliable with minimal maintenance.

The water heater brand also understands the challenge to everyone of being more conscious of our actions and product usage in the environment. So, by investing in this smart gas-fueled heater, you can contribute to lowering the cost of natural gas as opposed to electricity and eventually claim your money back through a gas utility rebate.

For households with limited space, the XCR-50 ProMax has slender measurements. CSA International approves the design, and you are not limited when it comes to where to install it.

This model is fitted with a unique exhaust so it can vent up to 40 feet. You don’t need to alter your current home design because the installation is easy and convenient.

6. Reliance 6 50 YRVIT Water Heater

Reliance is a water heater that offers consumers different models and types for residential use, and all their models are designed to be extremely efficient.

The Reliance 6 50 YRVIT 50-gallon power vent is a sure deal for any consumer. It is Energy Star qualified, and it has an impressive efficiency rating of .70. With a 50K BTU input, expects a first-hour rating of a whopping 96 gallons. For its recovery, you’ll have continuous hot water of 56 gallons.

This model is perfect for larger households because it can confidently meet hot water demands without problems.

This natural gas-powered water heater comes with state-of-the-art electronics to efficiently regulate the water temperature inside your tank and the overall heating operation.

It comes with a patented and original air intake system that helps pressurize your water tank’s combustion chamber. You would greatly appreciate this energy efficiency feature.

It is also integrated with the cutting-edge Intelli-VentR with a control valve, which means zero standing pilot in the system, thus saving more energy.

Another huge thumbs-up goes to this model because it is environmentally friendly. Its powerful burner utilizes natural gas effectively with very low NOx emission, thus reducing environmental pollution significantly at about 33%

Reliance power vented natural gas water heaters are most suitable for homes that don’t have a chimney and where flexibility is a must for vent pipe routing. The length will not be an issue for this model, either. This system can be vented with 3-inches or 4-inches ABS/DWV, CPVC, or PVC/DWV, making installation easier and hassle-free.

7. AO Smith GDHE-50-NG Heater

Your search for the top-tier 50 gallon hot water heater on the market is over today. The AO Smith GDHE-50-NG is an excellent purchase because this high-quality insulated storage water heater is so efficient that it is eligible for a 30% federal tax credit, if probable.

Households would consider getting a water heater to have a steady supply of hot water. With this water heater tank being powered by natural gas, it can reliably provide your home with more than adequate hot water even if you have a large family.

The bigger your family is, the more heating water needs, and this 50 gallon natural gas water heater is up to the challenge.

Installation is also relatively easy, thanks to its side taps.

Another selling point of this energy-efficient 50 gallon gas hot water tank is its 96% thermal efficiency. You can be sure to be saving in energy costs. This can fit right into your monthly household budget because it is kind to the wallet.

With its advanced internal heat exchanger with an output of 100,000 BTU, you don’t have to wait long for your hot water. The energy-efficient heater has a direct power vent, and the vents are designed with a single or double PVC type.

User-friendly and sans complications, this water heater is designed with an advanced electronic control set, including an LCD, accurate temperature controls, and advanced diagnostics.

50 Gallon Gas Water Heater Buying Guide

Buying a piece of household equipment like a most trusted 50-gallon gas water heater is not an easy feat. It is not like shopping for a new waffle maker or other household appliance.

As a shopper and future owner of a top-rated water heater, you need to have a clear understanding of the water heater’s specifications and technicalities before purchasing.

To make it easier for you, here is a checklist that you can consult, including the non-negotiable features that your future water heater should have.

• Should you go for tank or tankless?

You should pay close attention to whether your prospective heater has a storage tank or not. It is most suitable to buy a heater that comes with storage tanks where hot water can be stored.

This will help you have ready and always available hot water without waiting for a single second. All you need is to turn on your tap, and you have hot water at your beck and call.

A gas water heater with a tank means a continuous hot water supply. Compared to a tankless water heater, you must give the system about 2-3 minutes for the water to become hot before you can use it.

• What is its first-hour rating?

This is one of the technical aspects that you need to look into when buying.

The heater should be able to supply a minimum of 70-80 gallons of hot water in its first hour. So to identify if a 50-gallon gas water heater will work for you and your household, you need to know your hot water needs, and then from there, you can choose from the 50 gallon water heater options on the market, which can meet your demands.

• Does it have a digital display?

You should go for water heaters with a digital display to know how it is operating for convenience and transparency. An LCD would be most preferred because of its ease of access and simple interface as it shows important information like the water flow rate and current temperature.

A digital display with a control panel can also provide you the freedom to adjust your water heating system. You can modify the temperature to your preference and based on your needs.

• What are your reasons for buying a heater?

You should create a list of reasons you need to purchase a heater and a list of the purpose you intend to use. The logic behind this is to know if 50 gallons is enough hot water for your demands or if you need something smaller like a 40-gallon gas water heater. You need to know this before buying because, as they say, the correct size of water heaters matters.

• How much is it?

This is perhaps the golden question when you are buying household investments like a 50-gallon heater. You must set a budget for your purchase, and you must strictly take it upon yourself to stay within this budget.

There are many heaters at varying rates today so choose a brand without going over your budget. You must strike a perfect balance between getting a high-quality heater with superb performance and one that is also within your budget range.

• How are its warranty terms?

You should always consider the water heaters brand that can offer you a full warranty. You should always prefer companies that can provide you at least a six-year warranty but the longer, the better.

Anywhere between a 6 to 12-year warranty should give you confidence because the brand has your back. When it comes to warranty, you can consider the Rheem performance platinum 50 gallon gas water heater. This model offers a 50-gallon gas water heater 12-year warranty.

Most of water heater faults happen when the heater is already being used. Hopefully, all is well with your gas heater, but just in case, the warranty can help you with the repair and labor costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a 50 gallon gas water heater take to heat?

The time for a 50-gallon heater to heat the water depends hugely on factors, including the drawing efficiency, first-hour rating, and recovery rating.

The drawing efficiency of a heater depends on a calculation of 70% of the overall storage tank. So, for a 50-gallon tank, the drawing efficiency will be 35 gallons. This is primarily due to the concept that as the hot water goes out, another batch of cold water comes in.

Based on the US Department of Energy, the total water drawn in gallons from the water heater in its first hour with a temperature set to 135°F will determine the first-hour rating of your water heater. The recovery rating of water heaters, meanwhile, is the amount of power that your heater receives.

Gas water heaters are more efficient than their electric counterparts because they heat faster – almost half the time than electric heaters. The temperature of your water going into the heater and the temperature that the heater is set to will dictate the time it will take for your 50-gallon tank to heat up thoroughly.

For example, when using an electric heater, 50-gallon water with 5,500 watts set to a temperature of 120°F will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes for the water to heat up. Since gas water heaters take less time, using the same settings will only take 53.5 minutes for the water to reach 120°F.

How much does a 50 gallon water heater cost?

A 50-gallon heater would usually have a price range of $795 to $2,800, but these may vary depending on several factors. You can get the most suitable price on 50-gallon water heaters by ensuring that you factor in the cost of the actual unit and the installation and labor.

To set proper expectations, you won’t know a reasonable estimate of the costs until the installer goes onsite and surveys the water heater installation location.

The installation may change depending on the actual gas water heater unit also if you need to take out your existing one and replace a new unit. The labor costs will also go higher if other processes need to be completed before the unit’s actual installation.

It would be best to discuss with a professional plumber your existing pipes and fixtures to determine if there will be more costs that need to be included in your budget for water heaters.

What brand of 50 gallon water heater is the most reliable?

With so many water heaters on the market today, each trying to find its way to your home, it is essential to ensure that your investment goes to the right brand.

You can easily choose trusted brands that have established a reliable reputation already in this industry. Expect that when your choice is well-known, the water heaters costs are higher because you are not just getting an effective unit but a kind of quality that is guaranteed.

You can shortlist the water heaters brands below and further review the company itself and all the products and services that they offer. These are considered leaders in the water heating industry and are known to manufacture reliable and efficient products.

These brands are AO Smith, Rheem, Westinghouse, Reliance, Heat Pump, and the Bradford white water heater. Getting any heater from these companies would be a smart and worth-it investment. You can’t go wrong with these companies because their products are already proven, given the number of loyal consumers they have.

Is a 50 gallon gas water heater big enough?

Yes, a 50 gallon water heater gas unit is sufficient for a household with four to six members. Supplying their hot water needs should not be an issue because a gas tank water heater is more efficient than a similarly-sized electric version.

Gas-powered water heaters heat the water faster (i.e., better first-hour rating) and recover heat losses (i.e., high recovery time) more efficiently than electric models.

A residential 50 gallon water heater has a similar performance to a 10-GPM (gallons per minute) gas-powered tankless water heater or a 27-kilowatt electric version.

As Consumer Reports noted, the adequacy of tank-type water heaters depends on peak hot water consumption and the device’s first-hour rating (FHR).

For example, some folks love to spend 30 to 45 minutes in the shower, while others only require five to ten minutes. The longer people shower with hot water, the more heating they need.

The average 50-gallon gas water heater heats 75 gallons of water in the first hour and recovers 40 gallons per hour. Hence, 50 gallons might be insufficient for a four-member household that consumes 100 gallons per hour during peak use.

What 50 gallon gas water heater lasts the longest?

High-quality 50-gallon gas water heaters last eight to twelve years, although it is not uncommon that well-maintained units can last two decades. As for the brand, it is a toss-up among Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Kenmore, and other leading manufacturers.

For instance, the Rheem Performance Ultra Low-NOx Natural Gas Water Heater has a six-year warranty. The figure implies that the product should last at least that long. This 45,000 BTU per hour water heater also has an Energy Star (UEF) rating of 0.58 to 0.64, making it more efficient than other brands.

The 50 gallon Rheem hot water heater has the same six-year warranty as the A.O. Smith Signature 100 tall natural gas water heater. However, both only have 40,000 British Thermal Units.

Meanwhile, the Platinum-series Rheem Performance Platinum 12-Year Tall Gas Water Heater should last longer than its Ultra Low-NOx cousin. With proper care, we figure this product will continue serving families for twelve years or more.

On the other hand, a Bradford White 50 gallon gas water heater should last at least a decade, provided you take care of it.

Is Rheem a good quality water heater?

Yes, Rheem makes good-quality gas water heaters. These products might seem cheap, but their performance can outclass higher-priced models. The brand enjoys favorable gas water heater ratings because of reliable performance, safe operation, and water temperature consistency.

You might want to know that Rheem is North America’s largest and most trusted manufacturer of heating and cooling technologies. Unsurprisingly, you can find their products in many homes and commercial establishments.

Marathon-series is one of Rheem’s best-selling water heaters with a lifetime warranty and a durable anode rod-less design. Marathon’s materials resist corrosion better than other brands.

Which water heater has the fastest recovery rate?

Gas-powered water heaters recover hot water faster than electric versions. Recovery time reflects the heater’s ability to warm the water within an hour after hot water consumption.

It is worth noting that cold water enters the 50-gallon storage tank when someone uses hot water. Cold water mixing with the tank’s hot water alters the liquid temperature, making it slightly colder. Hence, water heaters must “recover” the heat loss by returning the cold-hot water mixture to the ideal temperature.

The average gas water heater (i.e., Rheem or State 50 gallon gas water heater) can recover about 50 gallons per hour. Meanwhile, electric versions can only heat about 14 gallons per hour after hot water consumption.

Although gas models cost more than electric units, they are more affordable to operate in the long run.

Conclusion

Having an adequate supply of hot water to meet your entire household’s demands is an absolute must. You can make this happen through a top-rated 50 gallon gas water heater. This is a better and cheaper alternative than electric heaters because it works 100% of the time.

By knowing the specifications and technicalities, pros and cons of most of the reliable brands offering a gas hot water heater 50 gallon or propane water heater 50 gallon, you can have a better understanding of your future investment.

It is not enough to get your hot water non-stop. Having additional perks would surely make you a happier and more satisfied customer. Buy the best 50 gallon gas water heater today!

Ronald Brown

Hi, I am Ronald, founder of Saveourh2o. With this website, we aim to solve all the problems related to your water filters, softeners, and heaters. I have five years working in water equipment sales & service. I hope to bring the knowledge gathered from my daily work to help you to achieve comfort and safety in your home!