If you are looking for a cost-effective way to produce enough hot water for your home, then you should seriously consider getting yourself a 50-gallon gas water heater. Natural gas has a pretty low cost, so it’s no surprise that gas water heaters cost less to run.
We have reviewed nine products and found AO Smith XCR-50 ProMax Plus to be the best overall. Purchasing a new 50 Gallon Gas water heater can be daunting which is why we have spent more than 30 hrs shortlisting the best 50 gallon gas water heaters out there. We have leveraged buyer reviews and direct expert opinion to guide us toward the best products.
We’ve prepared a review of some of the best 50-gallon gas water heaters on the market. We’ll also tell you everything you ought to comprehend before you go shopping for one.
Without further ado, let’s get right to it.
Best 50 Gallon Gas Water Heaters
- A.O. Smith XCR-50 ProMax Plus – Best Overall
- A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Gas Water Heater – Runners Up
- Westinghouse High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater – Best for Large Households
- Rheem PROG50-38N RH60 Water Heater – Best for Recovery Rate
- Reliance 6 50 YRVIT Water Heater – Best for Efficiency
- Rheem PROG50-42N Gas Water Heater – Best for Indoor Installation
- AO Smith GDHE-50-NG Water Heater – Best for quality
- Rheem Performance Platinum Gas Water Heater– Best Eco-friendly Gas Water Heater
- A.O. Smith GCR-50 ProMax Plus – Best for Durability
Best 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater Reviews
1. AO Smith XCR-50 ProMax Plus Gas Water Heater
If your family is extended, then you need a water heater that will not only match your hot water needs but surpass them.
As a product of one of the most reputable water heater manufacturers, the XCR-50 ProMax is one of the best 50-gallon water heaters out there.
This water heater comes fitted with a blue diamond glass coating. The coating covers the entire internal lining of the tank, thus effectively preventing rust and corrosion.
You will like the fact that this water heater comes equipped with a self-powered gas valve in terms of convenience. The self-powered gas valve allows the water heater to ignite the gas and start heating the water automatically.
The A.O. Smith ProMax Plus also includes a diffuser dip. The diffuser dip comes in handy in reducing sediment buildup. It also makes cleaning the tank effortlessly.
Specs:
- Warranty – 10 Year limited warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.62
- Recovery Rate – 43 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – 10 GPM
- Gas Type – Natural Gas or Liquid Propane
- First Hr Rating (FHR) – 84 GPH
2. AO Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Gas Water Heater
If you are in the market for a powerful gas water heater, then look no further. The AO Smith GPVL-50 Gas Water Heater might be the product for you.
This water heater is specially designed to optimize energy efficiency. It has a uniform energy factor of 0.72, which is considerably higher than most gas water heaters out there.
This 50-gallon gas water heater comes equipped with a 40,000 BTU burner that provides enough hot water for a small family of five.
It can run three showers simultaneously or provide a 33-minute shower for one on a full tank.
Unlike most gas water heaters out there that use a standard standing pilot igniter, this water heater comes equipped with a hot surface igniter, which not only consumes less energy but is also more reliable and durable.
When it comes to installation, you will like the fact that this water heater has a rotatable blower outlet that can be rotated to fit three different positions, thus making installation easier.
Specs:
- Warranty – 6 Year limited warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.72
- Recovery Rate – 44.7 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – Not specified
- Gas Type – Natural Gas or Liquid Propane
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 79 GPH
3. Westinghouse High Efficiency Gas Water Heater
If you have a large household with more than five occupants, then this might just be the best water heater for you.
The Westinghouse High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater comes equipped with a 50-gallon tank constructed from high-quality stainless steel. The steel is resistant to corrosion, guaranteeing you optimum durability.
Although it runs on gas, this water heater emits very low NOx levels, making it among the most eco-friendly gas water heaters on our list.
In terms of energy efficiency, this water heater comes equipped with two-inch-thick insulation that effectively minimizes heat loss. This means that you won’t have to keep reheating the water to keep it at a constant temperature.
The Westinghouse High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater has an LCD that displays all crucial information. It also features easy-to-use controls that enable you to adjust the water temperature and use the different modes such as the ‘eco-mode that allows the unit to use less energy, thus helping you save on energy bills.
Specs:
- Warranty – 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.90
- Recovery Rate – 98 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – Not Specified
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 154 GPH
4. Rheem PROG50-38N RH60 Gas Water Heater
With a 1st-hour rating of 88, and a retrieval rate of 43.4 gallons, the Rheem RH60 Water Heater is sure to meet all your hot water needs.
This water heater comes equipped with a smart diagnostic system. The primary aim of the system is to help you monitor the unit ensuring every process is running correctly.
The gas burner in this water heater is specially designed to reduce NOx emissions. If you are an environmentalist, you can sleep better at night knowing that your water heater is not destroying our ecosystem.
This unit is very durable. It is constructed from high-quality materials that can effectively resist rust and corrosion. It also has a maintenance-friendly burner system. The burner system doesn’t have any filters; hence cleaning or regular maintenance is off your budget.
Safety is always a significant concern when it comes to gas water heaters. That is the reason why Rheem equipped this unit with an innovative fuel/air shut-off technique. The mechanism disables the water heater in case of flammable gas accumulation. This, in turn, prevents fire hazards.
Specs:
- Warranty – 6 Year Limited Tank and Parts
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.62
- Recovery Rate – 43.4 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – Not Specified
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 88 GPH
5. Reliance 6 50 YRVIT Gas Water Heater
The most notable thing about Reliance water heaters is their excellent energy efficiency, and the Reliance 6 50 YRVIT Heater is no exception.
This energy star-qualified water heater has a remarkable effectiveness rating of 0.70. To top it all off, it also has a 50,000 BTU and an FHR rating of a whopping 96 gallons. With this unit, you’re sure to get all the hot water you need.
This unit comes equipped with a state-of-the-art temperature regulation system that allows you to monitor and control the temperature of the water inside the tank. The system also prevents overheating, thus acting as an added safety mechanism.
The Reliance patented air intake system pressurizes the tank’s combustion chamber to ensure optimum conditions for gas combustion. It also minimizes the energy losses and pollution brought about by poorly combusted gas.
In terms of installation, you will be thrilled to know that this system is specially designed for houses that are not fitted with a chimney. The system also favors homes that require a lot of flexibility for vent pipe routing.
This unit can be vented with 3” or 4” PVC/DWV, or ABS/DWV, CPVC, making installation more straightforward and hustle-free.
Specs:
- Warranty – 6 Year limited tank and parts warranty, one-year labor warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.70
- Recovery Rate – 56 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – Not Specified
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 96 GPH
6. Rheem PROG50-42N Gas Water Heater
Installing a gas water heater in your home can be pretty daunting, especially if your home is not adequately vented. The PROG50-42N Gas Heater can fix all that.
It features a blower that effectively expels all the exhaust gasses from your home. It can also vent up to 100 feet, thus making installation easier.
This water heater features Rheem’s anode rod technology (R-Tech) that actively protects your tank’s interior from corrosion. This feature comes in handy, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
When it comes to heating water fast, it doesn’t get better than this. This water heater has a FHR of 78 gallons. If that’s not impressive enough, you can also expect it to complete a whole cycle in an hour when the water temperature is set at 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you set the water temperature lower, say 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the unit can complete a cycle every 48 minutes.
Like many gas heaters, this unit comes fitted with a regulating valve and a threat indicator. The warning indicator flashes a code if there is anything wrong with the water heater.
Specs:
- Warranty – 6 Years
- Uniform Energy Factor – 0.68
- Recovery Rate – 42.4 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – Not Specified
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 78 GPH
7. AO Smith GDHE-50-NG gas Water Heater
Nobody wants to repair or replace their water heater every once in a while, because quite frankly, that’s a waste of money.
That is why you should invest in a high-quality water heater.
The Smith GDHE-50-NG Heater is made of high-quality materials to ensure optimum durability and dependability.
This water heater’s tank is heavily insulated to minimize energy loss. It has a thermal efficiency of 96%.
That, coupled with the 100,000 BTU heat exchanger output, makes it one of the most energy-efficient and reliable water heaters on the market.
The LCD screen on this unit displays all crucial information on the unit’s functionality. It also features an innovative electronic regulator set that enables you to make accurate temperature controls and run advanced system diagnostics.
Specs:
- Warranty – 6 Year Limited Tank and Parts
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.88
- Recovery Rate – 129 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – Not Specified
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 100 GPH
8. Rheem Performance Plus Gas Water Heater
If you are an environmentalist, then you need a water heater that is as kind to the environment as you are.
The Rheem Plus gas water heater runs on natural gas. It comes loaded with lots of features that ensure proper combustion and venting, thus effectively minimizing NOx emission.
The Rheem Platinum has a 40,000 BTU, so you don’t have to worry about your water not getting heated fast enough.
It also has a uniform energy factor of 0.62, making it pretty cost-effective in operational costs.
Specs:
- Warranty – 12-year limited warranty
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.62
- Recovery Rate – 40.4 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – Not Specified
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 77 GPH
9. AO Smith GCR-50 ProMax Gas Water Heater
If you are looking for a gas water heater that will serve you for many years without damage, then the A.O GCR-50 ProMax Plus might just be the product for you.
This gas water heater is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials, making it perfect for use in areas with hard water.
This water heater comes equipped with a PEX polymer coating on its tank. The PEX polymer coating effectively reduces heat loss, thus keeping your water hot for long.
Like our previous pick, this unit also comes equipped with a microprocessor that facilitates faster response time and accurate monitoring
Specs:
- Warranty – 6 year limited Tank and Parts
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.62
- Recovery Rate – 43 GPH at 90F Rise
- Flow rate – 9 GPM
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 84 GPH
Factors to Consider when buying a 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater
1. Energy Efficiency
Water heaters are some of the highest energy consumers in any household. So, when you’re out shopping for a new water heater, you should choose one with the highest energy-saving ratings.
Fortunately for us, all new water heaters are expected to reach set federal energy-saving standards. To determine whether a gas water heater is energy-efficient, you need to check its Uniform Energy Factor (UEF).
The UEF rating measures how efficiently a water heater converts fuel into heat and how much heat it loses during storage. Typically, the higher a unit’s UEF, the more efficient it is.
2. Warranty
Warranty duration is an essential factor to consider before buying any device, and gas water heaters are no exception. Gas water heaters usually have a warranty period ranging between three and twelve years.
In most cases, gas water heaters with extended warranties tend to cost more. Most of these models also have larger burners that increase their heating rate tremendously. They also feature thick insulation to curb heat loss.
Additionally, having a gas water heater with an extended warranty period enables you to enjoy the benefits of free repairs and replacements if the water heater develops any issues.
So, whenever you are out shopping for a new gas water heater, always consider buying the one with the most extended warranty validity period.
3. First Hour Rating
The first-hour rating of a gas water heater refers to the number of gallons of hot water the heater can supply per hour, starting with a full tank.
The first-hour rating of a gas water heater depends on the source of heat and the size of the burner. Typically, the higher the first-hour rating, the more reliable the water heater is in hot water delivery.
If you live in a large household with many hot water needs, you should buy a water heater with a high FHR rating. Doing that will ensure that you get all the hot water you need without having to wait for the water in the tank to heat up again.
4. Reliability
When it comes to the reliability of gas water heaters, several factors come into play. For starters, there is the brand. Most high-end premium brands produce high-quality water heaters that will cater to all your home hot water requirements and do it efficiently.
You can’t talk about the reliability of a gas water heater without talking about durability. Like any other device, gas water heaters are prone to damage, primarily due to rust and corrosion.
You should, therefore, buy a gas water heater that is constructed from high-quality material that is resistant to rust and corrosion. After all, you don’t want to keep paying for repairs now and then, do you?
5. Ignition
Most modern gas water heaters use electronic ignition to ignite the gas. Electronic ignition is much safer than manual ignition, such as the one used on water heaters with standing pilots. Therefore, you should choose a water heater with an electronic ignition system.
Also, on the ignition, most gas water heaters come equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the gas when they detect the presence of flammable gas in the air. This feature is beneficial as it helps avert any fire hazards that might arise from the ignition of the flammable gas.
6. Installation
Gas water heaters are much harder to install than electric water heaters. This is because gas water heaters require extra piping to vent.
When shopping for a gas water heater, look for one with flexible vents. This enables you to install the heater in most spaces without having to damage or renovate your home.
You should also consider getting a gas water heater with a compact design. New gas water heaters currently being produced are much smaller than their predecessors.
That being said, if your space is limited, then you should buy a unit that will fit into your available space effortlessly.
7. Safety
Although gas water heaters are pretty safe to use, you must be aware of the risks involved and the safety features installed in a unit before making your purchase.
When buying a gas water heater, check whether it has a safety valve. The safety valve opens to relieve pressure if the pressure and temperature get too high. This, in turn, prevents the gas water heater from blowing up due to excess pressure.
Conclusion
Gas water heaters provide an efficient, cost-friendly water heating solution. They also cost less than their electric-powered counterparts but provide the same value.
If you have a reasonably large home or run a business that needs a constant supply of hot water, then a 50-gallon gas water heater can provide all your water heating needs.
In the article, we have reviewed ten of the best 50-gallon gas water heaters available on the market. As our top pick, we have chosen the A.O. Smith XCR-50 ProMax Plus. One of the main reasons behind picking this water heater is its high energy efficiency, which considerably minimizes its operating costs.
It also comes equipped with a blue diamond glass coating that effectively prevents corrosion, making this unit very durable. The water heater also has a self-powered gas valve offering you a lot of conveniences.
The water heater is fitted with excellent features. It can automatically ignite gas and heat water without your intervention. There is so much to talk about this water heater. Give it a shot when you go shopping.
Before you go shopping for a new gas water heater, remember to keep all the factors that we have discussed in the buying section in mind to ensure that you end up with the best unit for your home. And if you had any questions before reading the article, we hope that we have answered them in the FAQ section, but please feel free to let us know if you have any more questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a 50-gallon gas water heater provide enough hot water for a family of five?
If you have a family of four to five people, you should expect to run at least two showers or faucets simultaneously.
Moreover, you will need to connect at least 3-4 faucets to the water heater. Based on these parameters, a 50-gallon gas water heater can provide sufficient hot water for your entire household.
However, you should keep in mind that the most suitable tank capacity for your home ultimately depends on how much water you use during peak hours.
How long can I shower with a 50-gallon gas water heater?
When using hot water continuously, you can expect to use at least 70% of the tank’s capacity. That means that you’ll be using up to 35 gallons for your shower.
On average, people use at least two gallons per minute when taking a shower. So, a 50-gallon water heater can give you more than 20 minutes of shower time when the faucet is fully open.
Can I install a tank-type gas water heater myself?
Yes, you can. If you have some experience and know-how to get it done, you can install it yourself. You can also use a DIY guide to guide yourself during the installation process.
That being said, whether or not you choose to install the water heater yourself depends on the manufacturer’s warranty. Some warranties become void if the installation is not done by a professional.
So, to err on the safe side, it is advisable that you contact your manufacturer before attempting to install the heater yourself.
How durable is a 50-gallon gas water heater?
The durability of a gas water heater depends on how well you clean and maintain it. If you live in an area with hard water, you will have to clean your heater more frequently. You can expect a decent 50-gallon gas water heater to last anywhere between eight and ten years.
However, your water heater’s lifespan ultimately depends on the nature of the water in your area.
Can my gas water heater get damaged if I leave it on all the time?
The answer to this question is a resounding no! Leaving your gas water heater on all the time can neither damage nor shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
If you want to save on energy bills, or you are an environmentalist who is keen on protecting the environment, you should only turn it on when you need it.
Which is the most common issue associated with gas water heaters?
If your gas water heater is not heating water, it might be that the pilot light has gone off. When this happens, the problem is mainly caused by the gas valve, the natural gas supply, or the thermocouple located next to the pilot light.
If you encounter these issues, you can look for solutions in your owner’s manual, or better yet, contact a professional.
