Best 50 Gallon ELECTRIC Water Heater Reviewed

Electric Hot Water Heaters Over Gas Systems (Benefits Explained) 

When it comes to water heaters, there are two main types, electric and gas fueled. Gas water heaters are known for higher energy efficiency, but you need a natural gas line or propane tank to supply the fuel for those models. If you don't have gas lines, electric is your only choice. 

Are electric water heaters worth it? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest reasons electric may be better than gas fueled water heaters. 

Safety 

Like any other large appliance, electric water heaters have their own set of dangers. Overheating, corrosion, leaking tanks, and other factors are always risks. However, this is true of any water heater. Electric water heaters don’t have fire dangers, and flammable items stored nearby, fumes, gas leaks, and other fuel dangers simply aren't present. 

Timers On An Electric Tank 

Some higher-end models also feature timers. Usually called vacation mode, the water heater will run as low as possible without shutting completely off. This minimizes any risk while you are away, and you can set the time or duration for that mode to last. 

Cheaper Installation 

Because of the popularity of electric water heaters, the cost of installation is lower than natural gas models. On average, you can save about $200 to $400 installing an electric water heater over a gas fueled one. While the actual costs will vary, you can expect to pay less with electric models. 

Smaller Space Requirement 

Because you don't need to worry about gas lines, ignitors, flame boxes, and other items that come with gas water heaters, the electric models tend to be smaller in size while maintaining the same tank capacities. This means you have fewer space requirements for installation. 

Plus, you don't need to ensure there is room for ducting and venting like you do with the other options. Not only will this save you space and time, but it can also help keep installation costs, as mentioned above, lower in the long run. 

Longer Life Expectancy 

Electric heaters have a slightly longer life expectancy in most (but not all) cases. Their replaceable parts are part of the maintenance routine, and if kept up, you can have a water heater that lasts over 12 years. 

No Pilot Light 

Since there isn’t a need to burn fuel and everything is run on electricity, there is no gas line, no valves, and no pilot light. Some see this as an additional safety feature and others as a lack of another part to replace down the line. Either way, it is a win for many. 

Finding The Right Electric Hot Water Heater For Your Home 

Before you head out and buy the next electric water heater you find, let’s take a closer look at some factors worth considering. These may make or break your purchasing decision or even show you why another model is better suited for the job. 

Model Height 

When it comes to tanked water heaters, you still have a lot of variety. The model height, for example, is important to know when you are looking for which one to buy. Electric water heaters can fit in tighter spaces than other water heater types, but they still need room. 

With short and tall tanks being the most popular, you need to ensure your unit will fit in the install area. Under counter or Point of Use (POU) models are much smaller, and tall tanks are slender but can be as high as 52 inches in some cases.  

Budget - Cheap Vs. Expensive Brands 

When shopping for brand-specific models, there will be some notable differences between higher-priced brands and budget brands. Both will work at first, but you will soon find that the initial cost may be well worth it. 

Budget models need more maintenance and more often. Replaceable parts like burner elements, tank probes, and dip tubes will be weaker, thinner, and need to be replaced more frequently. This will add to the cost over time and shorten the overall life of the tank. 

Costs Over Time 

Speaking of those costs, over time, all-electric water heaters will have them. Anode rods will need to be replaced to help keep the inner tank from corroding away. Thermostats will burn out or stop responding, and drain valves can get rusted and need extra maintenance. 

While there are unexpected costs to think about as well, most of the ongoing fees will come from maintenance duties, which should be budgeted from the start. 

Recovery Time/Rate 

The recovery rate measures how fast the water in the tank can be heated once it is drained. For example, if you take a few back-to-back showers and there is no more hot water, the recovery rate is how long until another shower can be taken. 

Most brands and models measure this in gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH), but there isn't a standard unit, so companies can use anything. Be on the lookout for recovery rate, recovery time, recovery speed, or gallons to recovery on the label, as they all mean the same thing. 

Warranty Length 

An extended warranty is usually a good sign. However, warranty periods will vary. You may even have the option to purchase an extended warranty or get extra time if you register the purchase within a specific time frame (60 or 90-days generally). 

While an extended warranty doesn't mean a better water heater, it is a good indication. Always check the length of the warranty as well as what is and isn't covered. You should also look at the claims process before buying, too. This will tell you what you are responsible for and what is needed. Some can be quite outlandish or put a significant financial burden on you. 

2. A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Elements Electric Water Heater 

A.O. Smith is the other major player in the water heater game. Easily compared to (and with) Bradford White for the top spot, A.O. Smith has their hands in a lot of pies. While they are busy manufacturing and producing some of the best water heater models on the market, they also are the parent company for several other smaller companies. 

Their products come in three central lineups, and their electric water heaters are seen as some of the best in the business. Even their “low end” models are easily heads and shoulders above the smaller brands in terms of quality, longevity, and construction. 

The E6-50H45DV model, sold through Lowe's, is one of the mid-range models. It features dual heating elements that pull 4500 watts max each. Heating the entire 50-gallon tank in less than 20 minutes and still holding one of the highest energy efficiency ratings for its size at 0.92 UEF. 

The fused ceramic tank and glass lining, along with 2-inch non-CFC foam insulation, minimizes heat transfer loss. You will also find that this model features brass valves and factory-installed T&P relief valves, as well as heat traps on the fittings. 

With a 6-year warranty to cover your investment, you have nothing to worry about and only hot water to enjoy whenever you need it. 

3. Ruud Professional Achiever Series 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Ruud has been in the water heater industry for a long time. They know what it takes to produce a quality product at an affordable price that will meet their customer's needs. Along with electric water heaters, Ruud also produces natural gas and LP gas models. 

Each one is made to perform as well as the big names at a fraction of the cost. For the most part, they do succeed. You will find the same quality construction and many of the same materials. With magnesium anode rods in their high-end models and glass-lined inner tanks, corrosion is virtually non-existent. 

Ruud also introduced the isolated tank design that allows for less heat transfer between the inner and outer tanks, and with heat traps on the valves and 2-inch foam insulation between, your heated water stays hot longer. 

The Professional Achiever series, such as our example model here, also features what is known as System Sentinel. This system is an embedded self-diagnostics center that will identify potential, actual, and ongoing problems with the water, tank, and heating systems. Using LEDs, it will show you exactly what is wrong, so you know what to fix. 

All the safety features are also included, like leak detection, overheating shut-off, and automatic thermostats. You can even program this unit to stay in a temperature range or turn it down when you leave for extended times. 

Add to that a 6 year warranty that can be extended to 10-years, and you have at least a decade of worry-free operation. 

4. Reliance 6 50 EORT 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Reliance is a child company of A.O. Smith. One of many. However, like most others, they work with the brand, not for them. So all of the Reliance water heaters are manufactured and produced by Reliance. 

This is good news when you are looking for a budget brand water heater. Because Reliance doesn't compete with the bigger names, they focus on the end-user, you. Their products must also meet A.O. Smith's expectations, so you get higher quality with a lower price tag. 

With the Reliance 6-50-EORT model, for example, you have a solid build outer tank that houses dual thermostats, dual 4500-watt heating elements, and top-mounted connections. It is bare, simple, and easy to install. 

However, on the inside, you have a glass-lined tank, 3-inches of non-CFC foam insulation, and heat traps. Along with aluminum anode rods for added corrosion protection, this tank will last you a long time.

It is also rated for a high recovery rate and is Energy Star compliant. With a 6-year warranty on top of it all, this affordable, mid-range model will last you for several maintenance-free years. 

5. American Standard 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

American Standard is a brand name most homeowners are familiar with. They make an appearance in the kitchen, bathroom, and inside the garage in many homes around the country. With so many products, it can be hard to stand out in a crowded industry, and American Standard makes it look easy. 

First and foremost, their water heaters and other products are easy to find. Sold nationwide in Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other home improvement stores, you can get American Standard almost anywhere. 

With their 50-gallon electric water heaters, it is no different. Good quality, helpful customer support, and a willingness to listen to their customers. All reasons the brand has been around as long as they have. 

While innovation may not be synonymous with the brand, they take advantage where they can. Pricing and quality are at the top of their list, and you won’t find a better model for half the price. 

The American Standard ENS-50T is one such example. With a total of up to 6000 watts output, this tall tank water heater can heat a lot of water quickly. It also features durable tank linings, thick foam insulation, and heat traps to prevent a lot of heat loss. 

Comparatively, it has the same or less heat loss (488 compared to 499) than the A.O. Smith model above. This unit is also backed by a 6-year warranty that can be upgraded to 12-years. Low price, quality construction, and a great warranty. What else could you ask for? 

6. Richmond Encore 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Richmond water heaters are made and manufactured by Rheem. Like other parent companies, Rheem utilizes the smaller brand to help them grow and uses Rheem's resources to maintain quality expectations. 

With Richmond, you get a high-quality build, great adaptability, and even higher output than other budget brands. However, Richmond also works directly with Rheem to offer some of their more advanced units in a more affordable packaging. 

The Marathon water heater, for example, is one of the first ”life-long” non-metallic water heaters ever made. Originally produced by Rheem, it is now in the Richmond stables. 

This water heater is made of a seamless, blow-molded plastic that will never rust or corrode. It is lined with woven fiberglass for superior strength and durability and offers a no-leak promise. 

On top of the construction materials, it also features some of the most advanced and energy-efficient internal parts crafted to date. This water heater truly is something you expect to find from Bradford White or AO Smith and not a brand like Richmond, but here we are. 

It is also the only water heater on the market with a residential lifetime warranty. 6-years on parts coverage, and as long as you own the water heater, everything else is covered for life. 

7. Westinghouse WER052C2X055N06 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Westinghouse, like a few other brands mentioned here, makes a lot of home appliances and equipment. One of their divisions is responsible for plumbing, and that includes the water heaters. 

While they may not be the first name out of your mouth when talking about water heater replacement, they should be. This brand is exceptional when it comes to functionality and aesthetics. In short, their lineup looks good and performs well. 

They offer many different styles and sizes like any major manufacturer, but their lineup isn't as long as most. However, when you do browse their options, you will be pleasantly surprised. 

While they may not have hundreds of models to choose from, the ones they do offer are sure to fit your needs. 

Take the WER052C2X055N06 model as an example. Technically it is a 52 gallon model and not 50 gallons, but that is splitting hairs, isn’t it? With a dual heating element set up that produces up to 5500 watts of output power, it heats a full tank of cold water in less than 20 minutes. It keeps the water hot for much longer, too. 

What this means to you is that it runs for less time and shorter intervals, saving you money on your energy bill even just doing its job. The slim and tall design is made to fit in some tight installation locations, too. As long as you have the height space, it can be set up in less than 21 inches of width space. 

The stainless steel in gray and black are also sleek and eye-pleasing. Matched with a 6-year warranty, it also takes the worry out of your investment at the same time. 

8. Whirlpool 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Whirlpool is another name brand better known for their kitchen goods and small appliances. However, their water heater and large appliance division turn out some great deals and high-quality units, too. 

With a small but thorough electric water heater lineup, you are sure to find a model that fits the bill. They have short tanks, tall tanks, tankless, and point of use models for all needs. Their 50-gallon sized electric models are high performance and low-cost models that will serve you for at least a decade. 

While these models do have higher maintenance than some other brands, it isn’t anything you can’t handle. You may need to replace an anode rod sooner than other brands, but the cost for replacement parts is more competitive and affordable than their competition. 

The Whirlpool model E50R6-45 is a shorter tall tank model, making it almost mid-range in height at 50 total inches. With top mount connectors, it will fit in most spaces easily and allow for better connections and plumbing. 

It features all the safety features you would expect and offers a high energy efficiency rating to boot. The steel construction makes it a little heavier than other models its size, but it is stout and durable and won't damage easily. 

9. State Select 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

State is another child brand to AO Smith, and they share the same features, advancements, and quality standards as the others. However, State is still its own entity and only partially manufactured in AO Smith plants. 

Instead, they are left more to do their own thing and produce the budget-friendly models AO Smith stays away from. While the quality and standards are there, State does get away with making cheaper models than other brands. 

The good news is that these models are more affordable for everyone. The bad news is that maintenance is higher and replacement parts can be more expensive. However, if you can live with that, you can get a decent model for a great price. 

The State EN6-50-DORT is part of the brand’s Signature series and has one of the highest output ratings you will find. At 6000 watts, it will heat 50 gallons of water in less than 15 minutes and has a recovery rate to match. 

It also features a 95% UEF energy factor, but because of the high wattage output, it is not Energy Star rated. 

Still, with all of AO Smith’s safety features included, a 6-year warranty, and a glass-lined inner tank, there isn't much else to ask for. You save a lot upfront and pay a little more in the long run with this model, but it can still be worth it. 

10. Rheem 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Rheem has been in the HVAC and plumbing space long enough to know what they are doing. It is hard to find a more popular name brand that is easily recognized in so many different industries. 

Their water heater division is pretty vast, and they are even responsible for a few umbrella brands, too. While they aren't as dominant in the space as Bradford White (few are), they still have a large enough lineup and affordable pricing to compete with the bigger guys. 

Their electric tanked models, for example, are excellent in quality and have had fewer recalls or major issues than almost every other brand. That being said, they also offer some of the most unique sizes and dimensions to fit a wider range of installations, making them a go-to for the more diverse crowd. 

The E50 T2 RH95 model is one such example. At 21 inches wide, it fits in many tight spaces, but you need a lot of headroom. Being almost 64 inches tall, the top mount connectors are easily fitted but can be hard to access during install. 

With the dimensions as they are, though, you would expect other issues, which isn't the case here. The dual tank system with high insulation factor and heat traps factory-installed, the heat retention, output wattage, and efficiency rating mean a simple unit that just works. 

It is also Energy Star certified and qualifies for many local rebate options. It does have a reasonably standard flow rate, and with the build, this can make it seem even lower. However, the 6-year warranty is standard, and if you have hard water, using a water softener will help it last even longer. 

40 Vs. 50 Gallon Water Heaters (Compared For All Users) 

When shopping for a new water heater, one thing you will find is that there is a large variety of tank capacities and sizes. Two of the most popular are 40 gallon and 50 gallon. 

The major difference, aside from 10 gallons, is how quickly they drain out and how fast they recover. As you can imagine, the 40-gallon tanks are first in both categories. While a 40 gallon will run out of hot water more quickly than a 50 gallon, it also doesn’t take as long to reheat the water. 

The other main difference is cost. Installation of a 50 gallon compared to a 40 gallon is about the same, but the unit price is a lot different. In some cases, the 40 gallon model can be as much as $300 cheaper, depending on brand and features compared. 

For all other major categories, though, the two are about the same. This includes efficiency, maintenance levels, and ease of installation. Warranties may vary, but that is up to the individual brand manufacturers. 

The simple tale is how big your family is and how much hot water you use per day. A family of 4 or less can usually get by with a 40 gallon water heater. Families larger than 4 may need a 50-gallon tank, though. 

Breaking Down Price & Installation Costs 

One of the biggest factors for any major purchase is the cost. The good news is that electric water heaters tend to have a lower cost than gas water heaters. Both installation and unit costs are typically lower, and depending on the brand and features selected, those savings can be significant. 

For 50-gallon water heaters, the actual cost will vary quite a bit for each model, brand, and style. You can expect to find budget-friendly brands offering models around $400 to $600 and high-end or top-of-the-range models for as high as $2000. 

The installation fees, though, will also have quite a few variances. Additional costs on top of the actual installation fee can include clean-up, removal of the old unit, water pipe repairs or additions, new valves, drains, and more. 

The costs will also depend on the contractor you hire for the install and can range from about $800 to $1500 per installation. For help with finding a reliable and affordable contractor or plumber for the job, see further below. 

Shopping for the best deals is always a smart move. But, unless it is an emergency situation, you should have time to do extra research. One thing to note about the different brands of water heaters, though, is that not all of them are sold directly to consumers. 

Wholesale-only brands will need to be purchased through a contractor or plumber, who usually does the installation as a package deal. Retail brands, though, can be purchased anywhere the brand is sold. 

You will want to look at home improvement or hardware stores for in-person shopping to see the units up close and bring them home the same day. Home Depot is a great example. They will have a lot of different brands and models in stock, with the online portion able to order or deliver even more choices. Lowe’s will also be about the same, but may carry other brands. 

You can even check stores like Menard’s who may have a more limited selection but also offer great deals, delivery, and in some areas, even installation. 

Your other option is online shopping. Here you can get some really great prices, and good customer service should something go wrong. You are also not limited to the current selection like stores will have. Shopping through Amazon, for example, will offer new-in-box water heaters that are a year or two older than the current production line at significant savings.  

Finding A Reliable Local Contractor For Assistance 

One challenge when buying a new electric water heater is having it installed. The costs, as mentioned above, are a big strain, and finding the right person for the job can be nearly impossible. 

We have partnered with Networx to help you in this situation. Instead of having to vet and check licenses, background checks, and following up with reviews, ratings, and comparisons, Networx does it for you. 

By filling out the free app here, you can get results from up to four local contractors that have all been properly vetted. All you have to do is make a phone call to set up estimate appointments and pick the best contractor for your needs. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What brand of electric water heater is the most reliable? 

One specific brand isn't going to be the best option for everyone. With different regions, you have different water conditions. A brand like Ruud or Richmond may handle soft water better than Reliance, or Whirlpool may last longer processing hard water with additional minerals than American Standard. The most reliable brand for you may not be the best option for your neighbor. 

How many showers can you take with a 50 gallon water heater? 

The hot water in a 50 gallon water heater can accommodate quite a few showers. The exact number, however, will depend on the length of showers, how much hot water is used in the shower, and other factors such as ambient temperature, pressures, and other meteorological issues. On average, though, you can expect a 50 gallon water heater to handle 4 or 5 standard showers with a few minutes between each one. 

What size breaker is needed for a 50 gallon electric water heater? 

Most water heaters in the 35 to 80 gallon range will require a 20 to 30 amp circuit. Each brand will be slightly different in its power requirements. On average, a 30 amp circuit is plenty for a 50-gallon electric water heater on a standard installation. 

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

50 gallons of water can take a lot of time to heat to 140+ degrees. The benefit to electric water heaters is that they have two heating elements and two thermostats. When either thermostat reads below a certain degree, the water heater kicks on to raise the water temp. When you take a single shower or wash some dishes, you won’t use all of the hot water in the tank, but the cold water mixing with the hot water to refill the tank will drop the temperature. On average, a refill heating can take about 10 to 15 minutes. A full tank heating (such as initial install or after maintenance draining) can take up to 30 minutes or more. 

How do you install a 50 gallon electric water heater? 

Electric water heaters are fairly simple to install once the old one is removed. The water lines need to be reconnected after the unit is in place, and often this will require some soldering or valve replacement. You also need to connect the power supply from the circuit breaker. Once everything is connected and secured, the water valve needs to be opened to fill the tank, while checking for leaks. Once the tank is full and no leaks are detected, power on the water heater and let it work. Test at the faucet for water pressure, heat and to clean out dust and debris from the piping. 

Conclusion

Finding a 50 gallon tanked electric water heater isn’t hard. There are literally dozens of brands producing hundreds of models. However, finding the right model and brand for your specific needs can be a challenge. 

You need to understand the requirements, sizes, and costs associated with each brand. You also need to decide on the features and options you want or need, or the ones you can live without. 

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the differences in these water heaters and given you a starting point towards finding the brand and model that fits the bill for your family’s hot water needs.