Looking for the best 50-gallon electric water heater on a budget?
In this blog, we review the top 50-gallon electric water heaters that offer the best value for your money. We examine factors such as energy efficiency, longevity, heating capabilities, and safety features. Additionally, we discuss installation considerations and maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance. We also explore alternative water heating options for those with different space or capacity requirements, providing a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
With over 20 years of experience in home appliances and energy solutions, we’ve assisted numerous homeowners in selecting efficient and cost-effective water heaters. Our recommendations for 50-gallon electric water heaters are based on extensive product testing and industry expertise, ensuring you get a reliable and economical solution for your hot water needs.
50 Gallon Electric heater reviewed Reviewed 2024
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EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater,... | 2,964 Reviews | Check Price |
Rheem RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater, GRAY
This electric water heater from the esteemed house of Rheem comes in a stylish gray color. Among the 50 electric water heaters, this one stands out for various reasons that we will quickly check.
Benefits for residential use: This electric water heater is capable of storing and heating up to 50 gallons of water, which is sufficient for your family. This one is equipped with an external, adjustable digital thermostatic control, which you can easily operate. The temperature of the water is clearly visible on the LED display, which also shows +/- 1 degree of accuracy.
The self-modulating power control makes it easier for anyone to use this appliance regularly. The water heater has a copper immersion with two heating elements. The copper immersion is extremely durable, as the manufacturing brand claims. This appliance is field-serviceable. Hence, whenever you need to have servicing done, you can avail of it from the comfort of your home.
The installation of this water heater is quite simple. The pack includes 1/2 NPT adapters. It can be easily connected to the 1/2-inch compression water connections. Also, the appliance is 99.8% energy efficient. There are external controls allowing you to adjust the temperature in increments of 1°F. The water-saver showerhead provides a 1.5 GPM flow rate.
This tankless unit is the best 50-gallon electric hot water heater for those with a small family. The user manual makes it easier for the user to install and operate this appliance. Adding to that, if you think the water heater is not working properly, you can ask for an easy replacement. However, once the brand representatives check the appliance and consider the need for replacement, they will do it.
Buying Guide:
Color: The color of your electric water heater makes a good impact on the way your bathroom looks. This one comes in a classy shade of gray, which matches perfectly with the décor of your modern bathroom. The brand logo at the top center with a maroon border and the white font look striking, while the black LCD display at the bottom center shows you the temperature. The upper section of the water heater has a polished effect on grey, which breaks the monotony of the solid matte effect on the rest of the body.
Voltage: This electric water heater consumes 240 volts of energy.
Wattage: Delivering 13 KW of energy, it works efficiently for your residential use.
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Capacity: This electric water has a 50-gallon capacity. It suffices for all your needs for residential use. However, as you are already aware of the disadvantages of tankless water heaters, you can expect them to heat water for one use at a time. It means you can’t take a shower when you are using the dishwasher.
Rheem 240V 3 Heating Chambers RTEX-24 Residential Tankless Water Heater, GRAY
This electric water heater from Rheem comes with high-end features, making it more advanced than the previous model. It comes in an exotic grey hue that fits the décor of your bathroom.
Benefits for residential use: This water heater is perfect for those who don’t like gas water heaters. It has an external digital thermostatic control with an LED display. All you need to do is check the temperature on the display and operate it. The thermostatic control is equipped with +/- 1 degree of accuracy.
This electric water heater comes with the most advanced self-modulation technology. You can adjust its power according to your hot water demand. There is a durable copper immersion inside the appliance that is equipped with three heating elements to provide faster heating. This device is field serviceable and you can contact the company representatives to get the servicing done at home.
This electric unit is the best 50-gallon water heater for multiple reasons. It comes with a flow rate of up to 5.9 GPM. Hence, it does not take much time to deliver hot water to the entire household. It provides a simple installation. You can follow the manual to install it correctly through the bottom 3/4-inch NPT water connections.
Rheem’s simple replacement policy ensures that you won’t have to worry if it stops functioning properly after purchase. You can request a replacement and once they confirm by checking the unit, it will be done easily.
Buying Guide:
Color: Whether you have a contemporary bathroom or a classic one, you will have a variety of options when choosing the color of your electric water heater. This one comes in a classy grey shade that fits well with any bathroom décor.
The iconic logo of Rheem at the top center creates a contrasting design and the black LED panel completes the overall design. There is a regulator that you can use to reduce or increase the water temperature.
Voltage: This electric water heater consumes 240 volts of energy.
Wattage:
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Capacity: This electric water heater provides a 50-gallon capacity. The capacity is moderate enough to suit a family. It provides 0.5 GPM to the standard hand sink, 1 to 1.5 GPM to the washing machine, 1 to 2 GPM to the kitchen sink, 1 to 2 GPM to the dishwasher, 1.5 GPM to the water saver shower head, 2.0 GPM to a standard showerhead, 4 GPM to the bathtub and overall up to 6 GPM to the entire home.
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater- Tempra 24 Plus- White
The all-new electric tankless water heater from Stiebel Eltron is an example of sheer perfection. It is loaded with multiple features to lend you optimum comfort. This model is 24kW, 240V/208V. Hence, it provides hot water within a minute.
Benefits for residential use: This water heater is comparatively smaller in size and yet packed with multiple facilities. Though this one saves a lot of space, it provides endless hot water for your whole house. No venting is required to install this device. The eco-friendly unit saves energy with auto-modulation.
This eco-friendly unit saves energy with its auto-modulation technology and it also comes with the ability to electronically measure water flow. There is a savings monitor, which shows how much you save on energy costs. Hence, it is among the top-rated 50-gallon electric hot water heaters.
The advanced flow control Stiebel Eltron developed patented German technology to automatically maintain water temperature for comfort. It will reduce flow slightly if hot water demand exceeds capacity. The installation process is also simple, as only a household electric service of 150 A is recommended for this unit.
This water heater offers an output water temperature of 86 to 140 °F. Your hot showers will never be interrupted again with this electronic water heating unit. Also, this one is noise-free while in use and has preset temperature memory buttons that you can adjust. Stiebel Eltron provides a 7-year leakage and 3-year parts warranty on your purchase.
Buying Guide:
Color: While metallic shades such as gray are quite common in water heaters, this one comes in a classy shade of white. The small, sleek, and compact design not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also saves your bathroom space.
The display panel with regulator and touch sensor buttons enhances the overall design.
Voltage: This electric water heater consumes 240 volts of energy.
Wattage: It delivers 18000 watts of energy (24 KW/18 kW).
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Capacity: This electric water heater provides a 50-gallon capacity. The capacity suffices for all the requirements of a family. The minimum flow required to activate this unit is 0.50 GPM.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater
A great solution to your daily hot water requirement, this one from Stiebel Eltron is one step higher than the previous model on the list. It comes in a pleasing shade of gray and is equipped with multiple advanced features, which we will quickly check.
Benefits for residential use: A digital temperature control powers this electric water heater. It comes with an LED display to show you the accurate water temperature. You can easily adjust it using the regulator. There are three sections: hand washing, residential use, and extremely hot.
This electric water heater consumes 240 volts or 208 volts, of power. The installation process is simple as it doesn’t require venting. The sleek and compact design fits anywhere in the bathroom, making it look organized. The best part of this unit is that you can save at least 15-20% on the hot water portion of your electric bill.
According to the manufacturing brand, this series of water heaters is one of the most technologically advanced tankless units you can avail of today. The advanced flow control in this unit ensures a constant temperature output, no matter how great your hot water demand is. To eliminate unpleasant temperature fluctuations, all you need to do is use the regulator.
You get a constantly satisfying experience using this water heater. The unit measures approximately 21.7 x 20.1 x 9.6 inches and weighs around 16.1 pounds. This one is certified frustration-free. The manufacturing brand ensures you a 7-year leakage warranty and 3-year parts warranty on your purchase of this appliance.
Buying Guide:
Color: This electric water heater comes in a classy shade of gray, which is one shade darker than the other models you will see on the market. Hence, it has a unique design that will please you for sure. The small, sleek, and compact design not only looks attractive but also fits anywhere in the house. The display panel has multiple sections to improve your user experience.
Voltage: This electric water heater consumes 208 volts of energy.
Wattage: It delivers 18000 watts of energy (24 KW).
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Capacity: This tankless electric water heater provides a 50-gallon capacity. The minimum flow to activate this unit is 0.50 GPM. This one makes a great option for all your household needs.
EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
An electric water heater loaded with several features is this one from EcoSmart. As a tankless water heater, it saves a lot of space in the house and provides hot water quickly whenever you need it. This one makes a worthy pick for a family.
Benefits for residential use: Whether you need to take a quick shower or wash clothes and utensils, this hot water heater delivers hot water instantly. However, before purchasing, you need to verify that this model is the right size for your hot water needs and electrical requirements.
It has copper and stainless steel components, which are designed for efficiency and durability. This water heating unit provides digital temperature control in 1-degree increments, allowing you to control the temperature of hot water.
The activation flow of this unit is 0.3 GPM.
This one comes with an electrical requirement of 240 volts. The other specifications are 40 breakers, 112.5 maximum powers (AMP), and 8 wires. The amperage draw of this unit is 113 A. It can deliver 27 kW of power. Also, you need a 200-amp electric panel to install this water heating unit.
The ECO 27 is one of the largest electric tankless water heaters you can avail of today. It is available with our patented self-modulating technology. Hence, it works even in extremely cold weather where the temperature is as low as 37°F.
Even at this low temperature, this unit delivers 3 gallons of hot water per minute. You can set the temperature anywhere from 80°F to 140°F.
Buying Guide:
Color: The metallic shades are not the only option, as you get this one in a pretty shade of white. It has a small, sleek, and compact design, which looks great in your house and also saves a lot of space. At the center, the brand logo design completely suits the white base color. The display panel has a regulator and touches sensor buttons, which enhance the overall design.
Voltage: This electric water heater consumes 240 volts of energy.
Wattage: It delivers 27000 watts of energy (27 KW).
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Capacity: This electric water heater provides a 50-gallon capacity. The capacity is greater than all the requirements of a family. The minimum flow required to activate this unit is 0.3 GPM.
Comparison
RTEX-04
RTEX-06
RTEX-08
RTEX-11
RTEX-18
RTEX-24
GPM (Max.)
up to 0.9
up to 1.5
up to 1.95
up to 2.68
up to 4.4
up to 5.9
Power Source
120V Electric
220V Electric
240V Electric
240V Electric
240V Electric
240V Electric
Power Source
120V Electric
220V Electric
240V Electric
240V Electric
240V Electric
240V Electric
Kilowatt (Max.)
3.5 kW
6 kW
8 kW
11 kW
18 kW
240V Electric, 24 kW
Fixtures Served (Max.)
1 Sink
2 Sinks
1 Shower
1 Shower, 2 Sinks
2 Showers, 2 Sinks
3 Showers, 2 Sinks
Height
5-7/8″
5-7/8″
12-5/8″
12-5/8″
18-1/4″
18-1/4″
Width
10-7/8″
10-7/8″
8-1/4″
8-1/4″
14-1/2″
17-5/8″
Depth
2-3/4″
2-3/4″
3-5/8″
3-5/8″
3-1/2″
3-1/2″
Ship Wt.
4.5 Lbs
4.5 Lbs
7 Lbs
8.5 Lbs
14.78 Lbs
17.8 Lbs
Water Connections
1/2″ NPT
1/2″ NPT
1/2″ NPT
1/2″ NPT
3/4″ NPT
3/4″ NPT
Breakers Required
(1 x 30) AMP
(1 x 30) AMP
(1 x 40) AMP
(1 x 50) AMP
(2 x 40) AMP
(3 x 40)AMP
Whether you are replacing the old water heater in the house or buying a water heater for the first time, knowing the various types will help you pick the right one. Some of these are conventional, while others follow advanced technology. So, quickly check out the different types of water heaters and see how they function. Conventional Water Heaters: These are also known as storage tank water heaters and are the most common type. In these water heaters, there is an insulated tank that heats and stores water. The power source can be anything from natural gas or liquid propane to electricity. Inside the tank, the water temperature is gauged and whenever it falls, the unit heats the water temperature up. Since it works 24 hours a day, it ensures you get hot water whenever you need it. These heaters come in all sizes, including 50 gallons. Tankless Water Heaters: These are also known as instantaneous water heaters. If you compare these with conventional water heaters, the first benefit you get is significant energy cost savings since they heats water only upon demand. The disadvantage is that it delivers only two to five gallons of hot water per minute. Hence, if you need to use these heaters simultaneously for many household uses, you need to install more than one. Tankless water heaters last a long time and are more expensive than conventional water heaters. Hybrid Electric Water Heaters: These are also known as heat pump water heaters. These heaters function by capturing heat from the air or ground and transferring it to the water. These consume at least 60% less energy than the standard electric models. Yet, the cost of these heaters is much higher than that of standard electric heaters. However, hybrid electric water heaters don’t work well in very cold spaces. Solar Water Heaters: In these heaters, the roof-mounted solar panels absorb the sun’s heat and transfer it to the water. The closed-loop system runs to the water tank to heat water in these devices. They are only a good option when you live in a warm, sunny region. Solar panels are quite efficient, as almost 80% of the radiation is turned into heat energy. As a result, you will save money on fuel bills.
Most of the models on this list have different wiring requirements. These water heaters require AWG wires, and the number of wires ranges from 2 to 3. Most of these 50-gallon electric water heaters require 240 volts of power. Only the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 plus The Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater requires 208 volts of power. Around 50 AMPs are needed for the Rheem Rtex 13 240v heating tankless electric water heater. Yes, these electric water heaters will work for a regular-sized washer. However, to make them work properly, you need to avoid using them for other purposes when using them for washing. No, the electric water heaters do not require a gas line. Only a specified electric connection is enough for these units to deliver hot water.FAQs: 50-gallon Gallon Electric Water Heater
What are the wiring and power requirements?
How many amps are needed for the Rheem Rtex 13 240v heating tankless electric water heater?
Will this work for a regular-size washer?
Does a gas line have to be connected?
Conclusion
With these advanced electric tankless water heaters, you can simply relax and do all your household work comfortably.
You can choose the best 50-gallon electric water heater as per your specific needs by following the above analysis.
If you are looking for the most affordable option, go for the Rheem RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater. The most expensive and feature-rich option would be the EcoSmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater.
Based on our review, the best residential 50-gallon water heater is the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 plus Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater. It is priced moderately and yet equipped with some great features to satisfy all.
