Top 3 Best 50-Gallon Electric Water Heaters

Are you fed up with always running out of hot water in your shower or while doing daily laundry? I feel you! But don’t fret.

The ultimate answer to all your hot water problems is a 50-gallon electric water heater. It’s reliable and efficient, providing optimum heating for all your needs without any stress.

In this piece, we’ll delve into some of the best 50-gallon electric water heaters available on the market and their key features.

Comparison Table of Popular 50-Gallon Electric Water Heaters

ModelFeaturesUniform Energy FactorWarrantyPrice Range
Bosch Tronic 5000TUnbeatable Durability, Heavy Gauge Steel Tank, Compact Size0.9210 years (Limited)$$$
Rheem PROE50Dual 4.5 KW heating elements, Automatic thermostat, 21 GPH Recovery0.936 years (Limited)$$
Rheem ProTerra SeriesEnergy Star certified, Hybrid electric heat pump technology3.8810 years (Limited)$$$$

The 3 Best 50-Gallon Electric Water Heaters

Best Overall
Bosch Thermotechnology Tronic 5000T 50-Gallon Standard Electric Storage Water Heater (ES50M)
Bosch Thermotechnology Tronic 5000T 50-Gallon Standard Electric Storage Water Heater (ES50M)
Price not available
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Best Overall
Bosch Thermotechnology Tronic 5000T 50-Gallon Standard Electric Storage Water Heater (ES50M)
Bosch Thermotechnology Tronic 5000T 50-Gallon Standard Electric Storage Water Heater (ES50M)
Price not available
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#1. Best Overall: Bosch Tronic 5000T Electric Storage Water Heater

Bosch Thermotechnology Tronic 5000T 50-Gallon Standard Electric Storage Water Heater (ES50M)
  • APPLICATION: Dimensions : 22.25" W x 48.75" H x 22.25" LPerfect size for a maintenance closet, access closet under the stairs, crawl space. Ideal for replacement projects.
  • DURABILITY: Two magnesium anode rods for extra tank protection. Dielectric heat trap. Heavy gauges steel tank for extra years of trouble-free service. Glass-lined steel tank to help prevent corrosion.
  • WARRANTY: 10-year tank and parts limited warranty
  • EFFICIENCY: HFO foam insulated, reducing fuel costs and increasing energy efficiency. Double heating elements conserve energy. Incoloy elements for a long-lasting unit
  • CONVENIENCE: Factory-installed electric hot and cold water connections for extended tank life. Easy-to-use plastic drain valve for maintenance. Factory-installed heat traps reduce heat loss. Temperature and pressure relief valve included. Fully-automatic surface mount thermostats
  • Uniform Energy Factor: 0.92
  • First Hour Rating: 58 gallons
  • Recovery Factor: 24
  • Wattage: 4.5 KW
  • Dimensions LxWxH: 22.25 x 22.25 x 48.75 inches

This Bosch Electric Water Heater offers an impressive 50-gallon capacity. Plus, it fits into tight spaces such as closets or under-the-stairs crawl space, making it perfect for apartments with limited room.  This model’s sleek yet compact design makes it an ideal choice for installation in these cramped areas – without compromising on any of the features or performance.

With its first-hour rating of 58 gallons and ultra-efficient UEF score of 0.92, this water heater guarantees unbeatable performance without wasting resources in the process. 

This Electric Water Heater is built to last. Featuring two magnesium anode rods and a heavy gauge steel tank. It offers maximum durability and superior resistance to corrosion. With this reliable model, you can count on your hot water supply for years to come – no matter how much you use.

The Bosch Electric Water Heater offers customers an unparalleled warranty – a 10-year tank and parts limited warranty. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water heater is protected from any premature malfunction or defect over the span of 10 years.

Pros

  • Durable with two magnesium anode rods
  • Heavy gauges steel tank
  • Compact size ideal for replacement projects

Cons

  • Not Energy Star certified

#2. Best Value: Rheem PROE50 Tall Electric Water Heater 

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  • Uniform Energy Factor: 0.93
  • First Hour Rating: 63 gallons
  • Wattage: 4.5 KW
  • Dimensions LxWxH: 20.25 x 20.25 x 61.63 inches

The Rheem PROE50 Electric Water Heater offers a massive capacity of 50 gallons. It comes equipped with dual 4,500-watt heating elements that can heat the tank faster than with a single-element unit, this means the heater can more quickly deliver enough hot water for daily needs.

Featuring an impressive 0.93 Uniform Energy Factor and 21 GPH Recovery at 90 degrees Fahrenheit Rise, you can be sure that this electric water heater provides unparalleled efficiency.

It provides an impressive 63 gallons of hot water in the first hour. This ensures you and your family can enjoy long showers or do multiple loads of laundry with no hassle.

The Rheem Electric Water Heater has an in-built automatic thermostat so you can feel confident that your home is always enjoying controlled and comfortable temperature levels.

Having confidence in your purchase is essential. With the Rheem PROE50, you get a 6-year limited tank and parts warranty for worry-free protection.

Pros

  • Delivers 63 gallons of hot water in the first hour
  • Automatic thermostat
  • 6-year warranty

Cons

  • Tank is not glass-lined

#3. Best Hybrid: Rheem ProTerra Series Hybrid Electric Water Heater

No products found.

  • Uniform Energy Factor: 3.88
  • Wattage: 4.5 KW
  • Energy Star certified
  • Dimensions LxWxH: ‎22.25 x 22.25 x 61.75 inches

This Rheem Hybrid Electric Water Heater is perfect for large households or those looking to enjoy the benefits of long-lasting hot water. With its 50-gallon capacity and 4.5 kW hybrid electric heat pump technology, this water heater lets you take a deep breath knowing that you’ll have more than enough warm water – without any lost energy due to heat retention problems.

This water heater is the ideal eco-friendly choice for homeowners looking to save on energy costs. With an astounding 3.88 Uniform Energy Factor, this water heater is up to five times more efficient than a standard water heater – what better way to protect the environment and your wallet at the same time?

This Energy Star Certified model uses an impressive 75% less energy than a standard electric water heater – without any cutting of corners when it comes to power provided.

With a 10-year limited warranty, your Rheem Hybrid Electric Water Heater is guaranteed to keep up with the toughest demands without you having to worry about costly repairs. 

Pros

  • Energy Star Certified
  • Meets the requirements to receive a Federal Tax Credit of $300
  • 5x more efficient than a regular water heater

Cons

  • Expensive

Why Choose a 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater?

Here are a few reasons why you should consider a 50-gallon electric water heater:

Sufficient Capacity

With a 50-gallon tank, these water heaters can easily meet the hot water demands of an average-sized household. Whether you need hot water for showers, dishwashing, or laundry, a 50-gallon capacity ensures an ample supply.

Energy Efficiency

Electric water heaters are known for their energy efficiency. They are designed to heat water quickly and maintain the desired temperature, reducing energy wastage. With advances in technology, modern electric water heaters offer better energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills.

Ease of Installation

Installing a 50-gallon electric water heater is relatively straightforward. They require minimal plumbing modifications, making it a hassle-free process. You can even choose between different installation options, including traditional tank installation or a tankless model.

Affordability

Electric water heaters are generally more affordable than their gas counterparts. Additionally, the cost of installation and maintenance is relatively lower. This makes 50-gallon electric water heaters an economical choice for homeowners.

Safety

Electric water heaters eliminate the risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning associated with gas-powered models. They are a safer option for households, especially those with children or elderly family members.

Buying Guide: 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater

Here are some key features to look for:

Size and Capacity

The first thing to determine is the appropriate size and capacity for your needs. A 50-gallon water heater is suitable for households with 3 to 5 members, providing ample hot water for showers, laundry, and other daily activities. Consider the space available for installation as well.

Energy Efficiency

Efficiency is a crucial aspect to save on energy bills and reduce environmental impact. Look for water heaters with a high Energy Factor (EF) rating, indicating better energy efficiency. Energy Star-certified models are known for their excellent efficiency.

Recovery Rate

The recovery rate determines how quickly the water heater can reheat the water after usage. Consider your household’s hot water demands and select a model with an adequate recovery rate to ensure a steady supply of hot water.

Insulation

Opt for water heaters with superior insulation. This helps retain heat within the tank, reducing standby heat loss and improving overall energy efficiency.

Anode Rod

An anode rod helps prevent corrosion within the tank, prolonging the lifespan of your water heater. Consider models with a replaceable anode rod for ease of maintenance.

Digital Controls

Advanced water heaters offer digital controls with user-friendly interfaces. These controls provide precise temperature settings, diagnostics, and even vacation modes, allowing you to optimize energy consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can shower with a 50-gallon water heater?

If you have a 50-gallon water heater, it can provide enough hot water for 3-5 people to take an average shower. An average shower uses 17.2 gallons of hot water, so with a 50-gallon tank, you can get approximately 3 showers per tankful. However, if you have multiple showers running at the same time or people taking longer showers, the amount of hot water available will be reduced significantly. 

Are electric water heaters safer than gas?

Yes, electric water heaters are safer than gas water heaters. This is because they do not require the use of combustible fuels, such as natural gas or propane, which can potentially cause a fire or explosion if there is an undetected leak. Additionally, electric water heaters are less likely to produce carbon monoxide, which can be very dangerous in high concentrations.

How long do electric water heaters last?

Electric water heaters typically last for about 10-15 years. This is dependent on the quality of the heater, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of an electric water heater by checking for signs of corrosion or leaks and replacing any worn-out parts. Properly insulated tanks can also help to keep your heater running efficiently for a longer period of time.