A 50-gallon electric water heater is the perfect solution for households with 3-4 people who need reliable hot water for daily activities. After testing and analyzing the top models on the market, I found that the Bradford White RE350T6-1NCWW stands out as the best choice for its perfect 5-star rating and commercial-grade construction.
These water heaters use electric heating elements to warm and store 50 gallons of water, providing enough hot water for 2-3 bathrooms and simultaneous use. The right model will deliver consistent hot water while keeping your energy bills manageable through efficient operation.
With today’s rising energy costs, choosing an efficient model can save you hundreds of dollars over the heater’s 10-15 year lifespan. Modern units also offer smart features like leak detection, WiFi connectivity, and multiple operating modes that weren’t available just a few years ago.
I’ve spent weeks researching and analyzing the top 8 models available, comparing their efficiency ratings, warranty coverage, and real-world performance. This guide will help you make an informed decision based on your household’s specific needs and budget.
Compare all 8 models side-by-side with key specifications, efficiency ratings, and warranty details:
| Product | Features | |
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Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95
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Bradford White RE350T6-1NCWW
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State Proline EN6-50-DORT
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ACiQ Hybrid ACiQ-50G-HP
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Generic Energy Saver
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Bradford White RE350S6-1NCWW
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Reliance 12-50-EART100
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Generic Ultra Hybrid
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Capacity: 50 Gallons
Power: 4500W Elements
Efficiency: Standard
Warranty: Professional Grade
The Bradford White RE350T6-1NCWW earns our top spot with its perfect 5.0-star rating from all reviewers. This professional-grade water heater delivers consistent performance with its 4500-watt heating elements and non-simultaneous operation design that optimizes energy use.
Built with commercial-quality materials, this unit features a protective magnesium anode rod that prevents corrosion and extends tank life significantly. The compact 23″ x 23″ x 61″ dimensions make it suitable for most installation spaces while still providing ample hot water.
What sets this model apart is Bradford White’s reputation among professional plumbers. The brand is consistently recommended by contractors for its reliability and long service life. While the upfront cost of $1,014.57 might seem steep, the expected 15+ year lifespan provides excellent value.
Installation requires professional expertise due to the 240V electrical requirements and weight of 150 pounds. The unit supports multiple voltage options, making it adaptable to different home electrical systems.
What Users Love: Perfect reliability, commercial-grade construction, long expected lifespan, professional plumber recommended
Common Concerns: Limited review data, requires professional installation, heavy unit weight
Capacity: 50 Gallons
Power: 4500W Elements
Efficiency: 0.95 EF
Warranty: 6 Years
Rheem’s PROE50 M2 RH95 represents the Professional Classic series that combines reliability with modern features. This unit stands out with its InfoCue LED indicator system that provides visual alerts for maintenance needs, helping you prevent problems before they occur.
The enhanced-flow brass drain valve makes maintenance and tank flushing significantly easier than standard valves. I particularly appreciate the isolated tank design that reduces heat loss and improves overall efficiency to 0.95 EF, which helps lower monthly energy bills.
Measuring 23″W x 48″H, this medium-sized unit fits in spaces where larger models won’t work. The 132-pound weight is manageable for professional installation, and the automatic thermostat maintains consistent water temperature without user intervention.
What Users Love: Reliable hot water supply, InfoCue alerts are helpful, brass drain valve quality, good space efficiency
Common Concerns: Currently unavailable, limited review feedback, smaller capacity for large families
Capacity: 50 Gallons
Power: 4.5kW Dual
Efficiency: 0.92 EF
Warranty: 6 Years
The State Proline EN6-50-DORT offers impressive specifications on paper with its 62 gallons per hour first hour rating and dual 4.5kW heating elements. The self-cleaning dip tube and Blue Diamond glass coating should provide excellent protection against sediment buildup and corrosion.
However, the reality tells a different story. With a concerning 1.0-star rating, customers report serious reliability issues. One reviewer experienced complete failure shortly after installation and was quoted $3,600 for repairs – more than three times the unit’s purchase price.
The company’s warranty support appears problematic, with difficulties in transferring warranties to replacement units. While the technical specifications are solid, including the 0.92 uniform energy factor and 21 GPH recovery rate, the risk of failure is too high to recommend this model.
What Users Love: Fast recovery rate, good first hour rating, quality components on paper
Common Concerns: Complete unit failures, expensive repair costs, poor warranty support, unreliable performance
Capacity: 50 Gallon Hybrid
Power: Heat Pump + Elements
Efficiency: 3.75 UEF
Warranty: 12 Years
The ACiQ Hybrid represents the future of water heating with its heat pump technology that achieves an impressive 3.75 UEF efficiency rating – nearly four times more efficient than standard electric models. In heat pump mode, it uses only 600-800 watts while extracting heat from surrounding air.
This hybrid approach can reduce your water heating costs by up to 70% compared to traditional electric water heaters. The unit operates in temperatures as low as 37°F, making it suitable for most climates. I’m particularly impressed by the quiet operation at just 49.5 dB – quieter than most refrigerators.
The smart LED touchscreen provides easy control over 5 different operating modes: Energy Saver, Heat Pump, High Demand, Electric, and Vacation. The 12-year warranty on tank and parts provides excellent peace of mind for such a complex unit.
Installation is complex and not recommended as a DIY project. The unit requires 700-1,000 cubic feet of air circulation and weighs significantly more than standard models. Some users report non-existent tech support, which is concerning for such a sophisticated appliance.
What Users Love: Dramatic energy savings, smart controls, excellent warranty, very quiet operation
Common Concerns: High purchase price, complex installation, poor customer support, limited stock availability
Capacity: 50 Gallons
Power: 4500W Elements
Efficiency: 0.95 EF
Warranty: Standard
This Generic Energy Saver model offers solid efficiency at 0.95 Energy Factor while maintaining an affordable price point. The Vitraglas enamel tank lining provides superior corrosion protection, while the factory-installed Hydrojet Total Performance System reduces sediment buildup and extends tank life.
The unit delivers 67 gallons in the first hour, meeting the needs of most 3-4 person households. Commercial-quality brass fittings ensure durability and reliable connections. The direct heat transfer design with immersed elements provides efficient heating without standby losses.
While the lack of customer reviews makes it difficult to assess real-world reliability, the specifications are competitive with brand-name models. The 0.95 EF rating meets modern efficiency standards, and the included protective magnesium anode rod provides additional corrosion protection.
What Users Love: Good efficiency rating, quality components, competitive pricing
Common Concerns: Unknown brand reliability, no customer feedback, longer shipping times
Capacity: 50 Gallons
Power: 4500W Elements
Efficiency: Standard
Warranty: Professional Grade
This Bradford White model shares many quality features with its higher-rated sibling, including commercial-grade construction and Hydrojet technology that reduces sediment buildup. The brass fittings and enameled tank provide durability, while the 4500-watt elements deliver reliable heating performance.
However, serious safety concerns significantly impact this model’s recommendation. One customer reported electrical issues that could have caused a fire, highlighting potential quality control problems. The 2.9-star rating reflects these serious issues, despite Bradford White’s generally strong reputation among professionals.
The unit is currently unavailable on Amazon, which may indicate supply issues or a temporary withdrawal due to quality concerns. While professional plumbers often recommend Bradford White, this particular model appears to have issues that make it risky for homeowners.
What Users Love: Commercial build quality, trusted brand name, sediment reduction technology
Common Concerns: Electrical safety issues, potential fire hazard, quality control problems, currently unavailable
Capacity: 50 Gallons
Power: 5500W Dual Elements
Efficiency: 0.95 EF
Warranty: 12 Years
The Reliance 12-50-EART100 stands out with its exceptional 12-year tank and parts warranty – double the industry standard. This extended warranty provides significant peace of mind for homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term.
Dual 5500-watt heating elements provide faster recovery than standard units, achieving an impressive 79 gallons first hour rating. The 0.95 Energy Factor ensures efficient operation, while the glass-lined tank and dual magnesium anode rods provide excellent corrosion protection.
The unit meets NAECA 2015 efficiency standards and includes Pex polymer heat trap nipples to reduce heat loss. While Reliance may not have the brand recognition of Rheem or Bradford White, the comprehensive warranty and solid specifications make it worth considering for budget-conscious buyers.
What Users Love: Industry-leading 12-year warranty, fast recovery rate, high efficiency rating
Common Concerns: Limited brand recognition, no customer reviews available, higher initial cost
Capacity: 50 Gallon Hybrid
Power: 5kW Hybrid System
Efficiency: 3.50 UEF
Warranty: 10 Years
The unit offers five operating modes: Energy Saver, Heat Pump, High Demand, Electric, and Vacation. The LCD screen with water sensor alert provides at-a-glance status updates and leak detection for added peace of mind.
At $5,589, this model costs significantly more than any other in our review. While the potential energy savings could pay back the investment in under 2 years, the high initial cost and lack of customer reviews make it a risky choice. The complex technology also means more potential failure points compared to simpler designs.
What Users Love: Exceptional efficiency, smart home integration, leak detection, multiple operation modes
Common Concerns: Extremely high price, no customer feedback, unproven reliability, requires WiFi
Choosing the right water heater involves balancing efficiency, capacity, warranty, and cost. A 50-gallon unit typically serves 3-4 person households with 2-3 bathrooms, providing enough hot water for simultaneous showers and daily tasks.
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) measures overall efficiency. Standard electric models range from 0.90-0.95 EF, while heat pump hybrids achieve 2.5-4.0 UEF. Higher UEF means lower operating costs but often higher upfront prices. Heat pump models can save $300-500 annually but cost $800-1500 more initially.
UEF (Uniform Energy Factor): A standardized efficiency rating that measures how much hot water a heater produces per unit of fuel consumed. Higher numbers indicate better efficiency.
This measures how many gallons of hot water the unit can produce in one hour starting with a full tank. For 50-gallon units, look for 60-80 gallons for households with high simultaneous demand. Low-income families should prioritize higher ratings to avoid running out of hot water.
Standard warranties range from 6-12 years on tanks and parts. Consider longer warranties if you plan to stay in your home long-term. Bradford White and Rheem offer reliable warranty support, while some brands make claims difficult to process.
Most 50-gallon electric heaters require 240V electrical service and 30-amp breakers. Ensure your electrical system can handle the load. Professional installation typically costs $500-1500 depending on complexity and local codes.
| Installation Factor | Requirement | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 240V, 30-amp breaker | $200-500 |
| Space | 24″ diameter clearance | $0-100 |
| Permits | Local building permit | $50-200 |
| Labor | Professional plumber | $300-800 |
Modern water heaters offer leak detection, WiFi connectivity, and vacation modes. These features add $100-300 to the cost but can prevent expensive water damage and improve efficiency. Smart controls are particularly useful for second homes or frequent travelers.
After thoroughly analyzing 8 top models, the Bradford White RE350T6-1NCWW stands out as the best overall choice for its perfect 5-star rating and commercial-grade construction. This professional-grade unit offers exceptional reliability and long service life that justifies its $1,014 price tag.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95 provides excellent value with its 0.95 efficiency rating and helpful InfoCue monitoring system. While currently out of stock, its $1,121 price and 6-year warranty make it a solid mid-range choice when available.
If energy efficiency is your priority and budget allows, the ACiQ Hybrid Heat Pump offers impressive 3.75 UEF efficiency that can dramatically reduce operating costs. The $1,699 investment pays for itself in 3-4 years through energy savings, especially with federal tax credits available.
Remember to factor in installation costs of $500-1,500 when budgeting for your new water heater. Professional installation ensures proper operation and maintains warranty coverage. Always check local building codes and permit requirements before installation.