Jacqueline
Deputy Writer from Forbes.com, at ForbesMeet Jacqueline, the deputy writer and editor extraordinaire hailing from Boston. With a decade of experience under her belt at Forbes.com, where she most recently served as editor, Jacqueline is no stranger to the world of lifestyle publications. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, from product reviews to how-to guides, and she approaches each assignment with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence. When she's not crafting compelling content, Jacqueline...
Jacqueline
Deputy Writer from Forbes.com, at ForbesMeet Jacqueline, the deputy writer and editor extraordinaire hailing from Boston. With a decade of experience under her belt at Forbes.com, where she most recently served as editor, Jacqueline is no stranger to the world of lifestyle publications. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, from product reviews to how-to guides, and she approaches each assignment with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence. When she's not crafting compelling content, Jacqueline...
Looking for the best 50-gallon electric water heater for your residential use?
Looking for the one with top features and yet within the budget?
Then, you are on the right page. In this review of 50-gallon electric water heaters, we will analyze all the best models available today.
These are manufactured by some of the most dedicated brands and therefore, are sure to provide you with multiple facilities.
While looking for a water heater, there are multiple aspects that you need to consider. Firstly, saving the budget on gas is one of the concerns while choosing an electric water heater. Then, if you choose to buy an electric water heater for domestic use, you should carefully check its features, type, and other specifications well.
Usually, most of the 50-gallon electric water heater reviews highlight the product features without presenting an elaborate buying guide. You must know that a buying guide lets you determine which product suits you the most depending upon your specific needs.
Keeping this in mind, let us provide you with a complete buying guide and then move to the best products we have assorted for you.
50 Gallon Electric Water Heater Reviewed 2023
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Bosch Thermotechnology Tronic 5000T 50-Gallon Tall... | Check Price | |
| 2 |
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A.O. Smith ENS-50 ProMax Short Electric Water... | Check Price | |
| 3 |
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50 gal. Residential Electric Water Heater, 4500W | 1 Reviews | Check Price |
| 4 |
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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 electric water heaters 50 gals, 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-gallon 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 that also shows +/1 degree 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. As claimed by the manufacturing brand, the copper immersion is highly durable. This appliance is field serviceable. Hence, whenever you need to have servicing done, you can avail it from the comfort of 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 it, 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 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 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 all the needs for your 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 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 simple installation. You can follow the manual to install it correctly through the bottom 3/4 inch NPT water connections.
The easy replacement policy provided by Rheem ensures you do not have to worry when it is not working 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 get a variety of options while 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 to suit a family. It provides 0.5 GPM to 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 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 German patented technology invented by Stiebel Eltron automatically maintains water temperature for constant 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 warranties 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 enhance 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 all the requirements of a family. The minimum flow 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 in 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: This electric water heater is powered by digital temperature control. It comes with an LED display to show you the accurate water temperature. You can easily adjust the same using the regulator. There are three sections such as hand washing, residential use, and extremely hot.
This electric water heater consumes 240 volts or 208-volt 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 fluctuation, all you need to do is use the regulator.
You get a constantly satisfying experience using this water heater. The unit dimensions 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 with a 7-year leakage warranty and 3-year parts warranties 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 in 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 the house of 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 50-gallon electric delivers hot water instantly. However, before purchase, you need to verify that this model is the right size for your hot water needs and electrical requirements.
It has copper and stainless 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 the 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 200 Amps 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 – 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 more than all the requirements of a family. The minimum flow 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 Electric24 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 to pick the right one. Some of these are conventional while some follow advanced technology. So, quickly check the different types of water heaters and see how these 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*7, 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 it 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. The tankless water heaters sustain for a long and are costlier 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 the 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 in heating 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 in this list have different wiring requirements. These water heaters require AWG wires while 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 Whole House Tankless Electric Water Heater requires 208 volts of power. Around 50 AMPs are needed for 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 for other purposes when using it for washing purpose. 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.50 Gallon Electric Water Heater – FAQs
What are the wiring and power requirements?
How many amps are needed for 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 works 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 as well as a 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.