Best 50 Gallon GAS Water Heater Reviewed

Benefits of Gas Hot Water Heaters Over Electric Systems 

One of the first choices you will need to make when buying a new water heater is the power or fuel type of the water heater. There are several options here, but the biggest two are electric or gas. 

Gas water heaters are designed for natural gas and propane, so make sure you know which one you are getting. 

To help you understand the differences, the following list showcases the main reasons why gas water heaters are better compared to electric water heaters. 

Fast Heating 

Gas fueled water heaters use the natural gas or propane coming in to ignite a burner; the flames then heat up the tank and the water inside. Compared to the electrical current that heats up an element in the water tank on electrical units, the gas fire underneath heats the water faster and more efficiently. 

Lower Energy Costs 

Enter your text here...Because there is little need for electricity to power or operate a gas water heater, you save a lot more on your monthly electrical bills. Of course, you will need to pay for the gas used to heat the water, but natural gas is less expensive than electricity in almost every state. 

Easy Installation 

Installing a gas powered water heater has most of the same steps as an electrical unit with the exception of the gas line into the system, and no electrical circuits are needed. Because you don't need to run electrical wires, install a new breaker or rewire an existing circuit, installing a gas water heater is generally faster and easier. 

Operates During Blackout 

If there is a bad storm and your power is knocked out, you can still get clean hot water for cooking or bathing. Also, because the gas lines aren’t reliant on electricity, you can still keep your water heater running and heating water for your daily needs. 

Cleaner Water 

Since there aren’t metal probes and electrical current burning inside the water tank, your water is less likely to develop film, bacteria, and corrosion. The cleaner water is also less likely to have foul odors too. While the quality of the water is still reliant on the source, gas water heaters tend to maintain the water cleanliness level better than electrical ones. 

Finding the Right Gas Hot Water Heater for Your Home 

So now you have decided on a gas water heater, but which one? There are dozens of brands and multiple models available to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? 

We have several consideration factors below that explain the more important aspects to think about before you buy.  

Size of the Model 

The size of the water heater comes in two forms. The first is the tank capacity. In this article, we are covering 50-gallon tank gas water heaters. However, there are various sizes and measurements you need to know. 

There are short tanks, tall tanks, and standard tanks that have 50-gallon capacities. Where you install will matter, and the height, depth, and width need to fit in the water heater space as well as maintain proper clearance for air movement and piping.  

Budget - Cheap Vs. Expensive Brands 

Your budget is also a concern, and water heaters come in all price ranges. Cheaper models are very basic and offer lower warranties, inferior parts and construction, and will need to be replaced sooner. 

More expensive models will have modern features and technologies, better performance efficiency, and last much longer. You need to stick within your budget, though, so make sure you plan accordingly. 

Costs Over Time 

Over time maintenance and fuel costs will add up, too. You will need to maintain the equipment, clean out the tank, replace burners or ignitors and ensure the system is not corroded, damaged, or leaking. Most of this can be done as a DIY project on the weekend, but hiring a professional is an option, too. 

Venting - Power Vs. Direct 

Gas fueled water heaters need to be adequately vented. The fumes and gas build-up needs to be removed from the home to prevent issues. Most water heaters will come with either power venting or direct venting. 

Power venting uses a fan to force new air into the space and old air out through ducting. Direct venting uses a standard vent line that goes directly outside. The pressure of the air build-up pushes it out without the need for a fan or motor. 

Get a Lengthy Warranty 

Warranty coverage should include the water heater, internal systems, and non-replaceable parts. It can also include labor, installation, and repairs if you get a good enough one. In most cases, gas water heater warranties will range between 6 and 12 years, with a few outliers on either side. Ensure that your warranty covers what you need and lasts long enough to make the cost worthwhile. 

1. A.O. Smith (GPVL-50 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

A.O. Smith is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of water heaters in total. They have a wide range of products for you to consider and are also the parent company for a lot of smaller brands on the market. 

This manufacturing giant is on the edge of technology and always looking to improve their products and your way of life. 

With their gas water heaters, you are not left without options. In fact, they offer two lines for you to choose from, each with over 200 models, sizes, and capabilities. For the 50-gallon gas water heaters, you can choose the Signature Series or the ProLine series. 

With the ProLine, you get the best of the best. This is as high-end as it gets for water heaters, and only Bradford White produces models that can compare. As you would expect, these are sold through very specific wholesalers and plumbing professionals only. 

The Signature series, though, is sold exclusively through Lowe’s home improvement stores and features over 20 models in the 50-gallon range. There are 4 main models in the Signature Series, including the Signature 500 line. 

The GPVL-50 is a 50-gallon power vent gas model that produced over 45,000 BTU output with a high efficiency rating. It installs in about 3 hours and is one of the most impressive and full-featured models available for retail sale. 

The 3-position blower motor allows for install in any facing and will connect to your venting with ease. Fume, gas, and odor sensors, as well as a Piezo ignitor, ensure your home and family are safe. 

It also features leak protection which will shut off the tank and only allow a maximum of 20 ounces of water to escape. So while you will pay more for the unit and the installation, the cost is well worth it. 

Not only do you get all of the safety features, but an effortless model that will keep your water hot and flowing for more than a decade without worry. 

2. American Standard (GSN Low NOx 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

American Standard is a manufacture of many home plumbing appliances and fixtures. Everything from sinks and faucets to toilets, HVAC systems, and, of course, water heaters. You can find their products in most hardware and home improvement shops, too, making them readily available at any given time. 

Their water heater division produces several models in electric, gas, and LP gas varieties, so you always have an option. While they may not have the lineup of Bradford White or A.O. Smith, they do have enough models to fit almost every need. 

One of those is the 50-gallon Residential Low NOx GSN model. It comes in only 3 sizes, including 30, 40, and 50 gallon capacities, and all are relatively identical other than the tank size. 

You can choose either a short or tall tank model to fit in your water heater closet and even decide if you want a 6 or 12 year warranty coverage. The 50-gallon model features gas and fume sensors, leak detection, and stainless steel construction. 

It also has 2-inch thick inner tank insulation to minimize heat loss while on stand-by. Plus, you don't need to choose right away if you want to run on natural gas or propane, as each model ships with the connections for both. 

3. State (Proline Series 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

One of the umbrella companies owned by A.O. Smith, mentioned above, is State. While State remains its own entity and manufactures their own line of water heaters, they do share a lot of the same technologies and performance factors as their parent company. 

Due to the agreement that all State products would be produced in A.O. Smith plants, and partly because of the signing deal that allowed State to use A.O. Smith technologies, you get a more affordable unit with the same features. 

The 50-gallon GP6-50-YTPDT model, for example, uses the same Blue Diamond glass liner, superior insulation, and offers 96% efficiency. It also comes with a lower price tag than the A.O. Smith counterpart. 

You still get the power direct venting, side connections, and simple installation, too. Like A.O. Smith, the retail versions only come with a 6-year warranty, but you can also upgrade to the wholesale versions for a 12 year warranty (though at a much higher price point). 

At 100,000 BTUs and a recovery rate of 129 gallons per hour, you can essentially take unlimited showers back to back without ever having to worry about running out of hot water. In fact, this model is rated at 3 simultaneous 10 minute showers. 

4. Bradford White (D4504S6FSX 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

Bradford White is the other large brand and high-end producer of water heaters. Compared to AO Smith, they may be slightly better, but it is a judgment call, to be honest. Both brands offer an extensive range of high-quality, top-end models in many forms, sizes, and features. 

Bradford White also acts as the parent company for several smaller brands and helps them produce better products, much like A.O Smith does. The biggest difference here is that Bradford White is solely wholesale. You must go through a plumber or professional contractor to get their latest and greatest models. 

If you want an older model, like this Bradford White D4504S6FSX model, you can shop online at sites like Amazon. However, you may or may not be granted a warranty from the brand. Make sure there is a return policy or extended protection plan you can purchase instead of a warranty if one is not available. 

What you will get, though, is a 50 gallon gas water heater that uses atmospheric venting, has a host of sensors to protect the machine and your home and can produce enough hot water per day to satisfy a family of 5 without the worry of running out of hot water. 

It has a high efficiency rating, side and top connections for multiple installation locations, and comes with a factory-installed T&P relief valve. When bought new, it comes with a 6 or 9 year warranty, which covers everything except the anode rods. 

5. Rheem (PROG-42N 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

Almost everyone has heard of Rheem before, and their products stand the test of time. When you buy through Rheem or an authorized dealer or wholesaler, you get a top-quality product at an affordable price. 

They make a wide range of products from HVAC to plumbing and everything in between. When it comes to water heaters, their lineup is pretty expansive. Plus, they are innovators in the field, offering new technologies and advancements with each new model. 

The biggest problem is that if you buy outside of their network, customer service can be a pain. Most non-authorized dealers won’t be honored, including the warranty, even when professionally installed. 

Unfortunately, as of this writing, Amazon is not on the approved vendors list with Rheem. If you are shopping online to save a bit of money, shop with caution. With the bad news out of the way, though, Rheem’s most popular model to date is the 50-gallon gas water heater PROG50-42N RH67. 

This model features a Low-NOx venting, multi-position power vent with blower included, and a factory-installed T&P relief valve. 

The inner lining is protected on both sides by insulation and glass liner. Heat transfer loss is a minimum, and with 42,000 BTUs powering the burners, it heats the water quickly and efficiently; all of this with a 9-year warranty and one of the simplest installs of a gas water heater on the market. 

6. Whirlpool (Ultra Low Nox 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

Whirlpool is best known for their kitchen appliances and small appliance divisions. However, the kitchen giant makes some impressive plumbing appliances as well. Called Flame-Lock, the gas water heater line features all the safety features you need and a wide range of models. 

From 30 gallon to 50 gallon models, each one is rated as standard energy-efficient or high efficient models. Whirlpool comes in with 6, 9, and 12-year warranties depending on your selected model. 

As a whole, the brand produces over 200 total models, most of which are in the natural gas line. With propane and electric options, there are a lot of choices to make. One of those is the 50T6-40NG. 

This model features a 6-year warranty and is one of the most affordable and easiest installed 50 gallon water heaters available. It doesn't house a ton of additional features or extra technologies. Part of this keeps costs low, but the biggest part is that Whirlpool focuses on performance. 

You won't get a lot of fancy wireless communications or digital display readouts. However, you do get high performance, good efficiency, and simple installation. All of this adds up to a lower initial cost, installation cost, and lower overall maintenance. 

The 6-year warranty is the lowest offered by the brand, but they stand behind their products and will hold up the warranty details as long as you do your part, too. 

7. Richmond (Essential Plus 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

Rheem is also a parent company for a few smaller brands. One of those brands is Richmond Water Heaters. While they don’t have the clout or line up of other umbrella companies, like State, for example, they do hold their own. 

All told, there are about 50 gas fueled water heaters with the Richmond name on them. Of those, you will find various ranges of technologies and innovations to more standard and simple models. 

The choice you have is how much you want to spend and the build quality of the unit to determine how long it lasts. Richmond, like Rheem, offers 6, 9, and 12-year warranties that cover standard, upgraded, and premium models. 

The Essential Plus model, for example, features a 9-year warranty and comes with enough safety and operational features to make it well worth your investment.  

8. GE (50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

GE water heaters are a tough sale--mainly because people don't think of GE as being in the water heater market. The truth is, though, that they really don't belong. Instead, the brand stopped providing water heaters and no longer produces, manufactures, or supports them. 

What they have done is essentially lease their name, brand, and logos to Rheem. As a result, Rheem now handles all GE water heater manufacturing and production, puts a GE logo on it, and sells them through GE distributors, like Sears and GE Appliance websites. 

What does this mean for you? It means that you essentially get a Rheem water heater with a GE name. All parts, customer support, services, and repairs are done through Rheem. The quality, longevity, and low maintenance are all still there, though. 

Take the GE SG50T12AVG gas water heater, for example. It is a direct vented gas water heater with all the basic functionality you expect. It offers a burner port view window to see the pilot is lit, self-cleaning dip tubes to fight deposits and sediment build-up, sacrificial anode rods to prevent tank corrosion, and glass-lined inner tanks that thwart heat loss. 

The main difference is that GE water heaters come with a 2-year warranty. That is an in-home warranty, though, so you don't have to pay to have the unit removed or installed during the warranty claim phase. 

After the 2-years is up, you get a full 10 more years (12 years total) warranty on the tank and functional parts. Replaceable parts like the ignitor, thermostat, anode rods, and burner aren't covered. 

9. Westinghouse (WGR050NG076 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater)

Westinghouse, also known as White-Westinghouse, makes a wide range of products from electronics to HVAC equipment and appliances. Part of that lineup includes water heaters in both electric and gas fueled options. 

The gas lineup models feature rapid heating with no minimum flow rates. On average, all first hour delivery rates on a Westinghouse water heater are over 100 gallons. They also pressurize the tanks to help maintain water pressure to the taps, even multiple taps, without fluctuation. 

The Westinghouse WGR050NG076 model comes in three tank capacity sizes, and 50 gallons is the smallest. You can also get them in 60 and 80 gallon sizes to handle large families and multiple simultaneous open taps. 

It has all of the popular features, including an LCD display, programmable operational modes, temperature settings, and a high first hour delivery. The PVC connections fight corrosion and increase pressure resistance. 

You will also get 316L stainless steel for one of the most aesthetic water heaters on the market. With the 97% efficiency rating, it is also one of the most efficient gas models on the market. Thanks to a 10-year warranty, it is also one of the most well-backed ones—all at prices that compete with mid-range models.  

40 Vs. 50 Gallon Water Heaters - Which Do I Need? 

Capacity needs for water heaters will come down to how much you use them. The size of the home, number of water faucets, and the number of occupants will all play a role. For a standard family of four with two bathrooms, 40 gallon water heaters are recommended as a minimum. 

However, if there is extra laundry, cleaning or bathing needed, or your family is larger than four persons, a 50-gallon may work out better. With a larger capacity unit, you will have a higher water and gas bill, but you won't run out of hot water during that second shower. 

In most cases, the installation costs won’t vary much when installing a 40 or 50 gallon tank. Maintenance will cost about the same over the long run, too. The choice ultimately comes down to how much water you and your family use per day to determine what size you need. 

Breaking Down Price & Installation Costs 

Gas water heaters will last several years before a replacement is needed. However, they will require a more substantial upfront cost than electric water heaters. Depending on the brand, model, and features, the average for a gas fueled water heater itself will run between $400 and $2500, compared to $200 to $2000 for electric models. 

Once you purchase the unit and parts, though, you still need to have it installed. Plumbers and contractors will generally charge by the hour, and their costs can vary greatly. As an average across the US, the range for 50-gallon water heater install ranges between $600 to $1500, on top of the unit purchase price. 

It is important to note that this doesn't include extras like a new water main, additional water lines, filtration system installs, and other factors that may or may not need to be considered. See below to learn more about finding the best plumber or contractor for the installation. 

Where To Buy Hot Water Heaters 

Gas water heaters are not a rare item, and you can find them for sale just about everywhere. One thing to mention up front, though, is that not all brands are sold retail. Some brands are wholesale only, meaning you can only get them through your plumber or installation contractor. 

If you know what brand and model you want but can't find it below, call your local contractors to determine if they have or can get them for you. 

Home improvement and hardware stores will have the largest selection of water heaters for sale. Home Depot, for example, has a large range of sizes, types, styles, and brands to choose from. The same can be said for Lowe’s and other stores like Sears’s hardware department. 

These stores tend to have higher-end models that may cost a little more. If you are willing to get your hands a little dirty and install the system yourself, or at least get it set up to be installed, you can save a little money shopping online. 

Amazon lists several brands and styles to choose from, including models that are a year or two older, no longer sold in stores (but still new in box) for a considerable discount. 

Finding a Reliable Local Contractor 

If finding a reliable and trustworthy plumber or contractor is a concern of yours, we can help. The key to getting the best deal and the most reliable contractor is to vet them properly. You need to look for the right certifications and licenses, know their work history, talk to past customers and do a solid background check. 

Or, you can let us handle all of that for you. We have partnered with Networx, a leading brand in contractor finding and vetting. All of the tough parts are done for you, and by using the free form, you will be put in touch with reliable, properly vetted, and trustworthy candidates within 24 hours. 

The best part (aside from it being free to use) is that you get the full reviews and ratings for each one, plus they are all guaranteed to be local to your area. All you have to do then is make a few phone calls, set up an estimate inspection and pick the one that suits your needs best. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How long do 50 gallon gas water heaters last? 

With proper care and maintenance, a 50-gallon gas water heater can last 9 to 12 years or more. Most water heaters will be warrantied up to 12 years, but there are models and brands that are still going strong after 15 years. 

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

Most water heaters will maintain a temperature once it is reached, so there is little waiting time for you to get hot water at the tap. However, for first-time use or in the event the water is entirely replaced in the tank (during maintenance, for example), it can take a gas fueled burner about 25 to 45 minutes to completely heat the water in the tank to temperature. 

How many showers are in a 50 gallon hot water heater? 

The amount of showers will depend on the gallons per minute (GPM) rating of your shower head, the size of your piping, and the flow rate of your water heater. It will also depend on how long the showers run and how quickly they come in sequence. However, in most cases, with a standard 10 to 15 minute shower, a 50-gallon water heater can easily serve a family of 4 to 6 with a 5 minute rest between showers ending and restarting. 

How long does it take for a 50 gallon water heater to run out of hot water? 

On average, a water heater in use will continuously reheat the new water coming in. Temperatures will fluctuate in the tank during this time as the heated water is sent out to the faucet or tap while the freshwater is being heated. With standard faucets running at 0.5 to 1.5 GPM and showers up to 7 GMP, a 50-gallon tank can run out of hot water anywhere between 25 and 60 minutes. 

Conclusion

Finding the best 50 gallon gas water heater for your home’s needs can be tough. There are several brands to research and hundreds of models to go through. 

Hopefully, this article has helped you decide if gas fueled water heaters are for you and has shown you the best brands to buy that meet your family's specific needs.