Some of us have little cozy hovels and others have modern-day palaces, but for the vast majority of us in Texas, a modest, mid-sized home is all we need.
You know what’s well-suited for a midsize home? A 50-gallon gas water heater!
The tank capacity is big enough to accommodate your hot water needs, whether you take back-to-back showers, run the dishwasher, or have a busy household with multiple people who need hot water one after another.
When shopping for your gas water heater, brands like Rheem and A.O. Smith will pop up, but before you pick one, you’d want to check things like energy efficiency, warranty coverage, extra features, and any energy-saving tech that could help cut down your bills.
Price matters too, of course!
After years of recommending gas water heaters to Texas homes, we’ve rounded up the top four models that stand out.
First up—the plumbing industry’s favorite: the Rheem Performance Platinum 50-gallon natural gas water heater.
Top-Performing, Most Reliable 50-Gallon Gas Water Heaters
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Rheem Performance Platinum
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Richmond Essential 50 Gallon
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Bradford White 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater
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A.O. Smith Vertex 100 Power Direct Vent
For each of these water heaters, we checked how much heat they produce per hour, measured in BTU (British thermal units). Most models fall between 40,000 and 100,000 Btu/hour.
We also looked at how much hot water they can deliver in the first hour (first-hour rating) and how quickly they heat more water (recovery rate).
Another key thing I checked was whether they have anti-scaling features to prevent sediment buildup, which helps extend their lifespan.
Beyond that, we considered the price ranges, how easy they are to install, and the customer support you get after buying.
Long story short—whichever of these four models you choose, you really can’t go wrong. But if you want to be sure you're getting the perfect fit for your home, keep reading to see the details of each one!
1. Rheem Performance Platinum
Rheem Performance Platinum
|
Type |
Tank storage |
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Capacity |
50 gallon |
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Price Range |
$729 |
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Warranty |
12-year tank and parts warranty coupled with a 3-year labor warranty. |
|
Performance |
97 gallon of water in the first hour |
One of the biggest selling points of this unit is its 97 gallons of hot water in the first hour. That means fewer cold showers, even when everyone uses hot water consecutively.
With a recovery rate of up to 40.4 gallons per hour (GPH) at a 90°F rise, you won’t have to wait long for more hot water if you run out.
The premium-grade protective magnesium anode rod helps prevent corrosion inside the tank. Additionally, a 12-year limited warranty on the tank and its parts, along with a 3-year in-home labor warranty, provides you with peace of mind.
The automatic diagnostic gas control valve constantly monitors performance so you can quickly detect any issues.
And if you’re looking for a smart home upgrade, you can add a $49 WiFi module to control and monitor your heater remotely.
The Rheem Performance Platinum doesn’t have an LCD control panel, so temperature adjustments aren’t as precise as possible. An LCD would’ve made it easier to fine-tune the settings for maximum comfort.
However, speaking of efficiency, this unit is Energy Star certified with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.68, so it helps keep your energy bills in check.
It also works at ground elevations of up to 10,200 feet, making it an excellent choice for homes in high-altitude locations.
Who Should Buy This Gas Water Heater?
If you're on the hunt for a dependable gas water heater that won’t let you down, the Rheem Performance Platinum is worth considering.
This 50-gallon tank is designed to provide hot water for a household with three to five people, making it a solid choice for medium-sized families.
You can shop quality Rheem heater kits and assemply from us at SnookHvac.
QUICK NOTE
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A suitable gas control valve helps prevent gas leaks and keeps the heater from overheating. Some even have automatic shut-off features in case something goes wrong.
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If you need a replacement of this part or need to invest in a better one for your unit, you can find the best gas valves for gas water heaters on Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply.
2. Richmond Essential 50 Gallon
Richmond Essential 50 Gallon Gas water heater
|
Type |
Tank storage |
|
Capacity |
50 gallon |
|
Price Range |
$647 |
|
Warranty |
6-year limited warranty on the storage tank and parts (including a 2-year labor warranty) |
|
Performance |
40 GPH at a 90°F rise and a first-hour rating of 87 GPH. |
For starters, the Richmond Essential Gas water heater is designed for a family of four, offering a solid 87 gallons per hour (GPH) first-hour rating and a 40 GPH recovery rate at a 90°F rise.
Then, there’s a Flammable Vapor Detection so that if there’s a gas leak nearby, it shuts off for safety. The unit has a self-cleaning dip tube to help prevent sediment buildup, which means less maintenance. In addition, there is no filter to clean.
With a 0.63 energy efficiency rating, it’s not the most efficient option. And its build quality isn’t as premium as Rheem’s higher-end models, but that explains its budget friendliness and it gets the job done.
Who Should Buy This Gas Water Heater?
If you're seeking a cost-effective, uncomplicated gas water heater, consider the Richmond Essential 50-gallon. At just $647, it's one of the cheapest natural gas water heaters on the market.
It’s better for basic home use. But if you want premium durability and better warranty coverage, you might want to invest in a Rheem Performance Platinum instead.
3. Bradford White 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater
BRADFORD WHITE URG250T6N 40MBTU 50 GALLON Water Heater
|
Type |
Tank storage |
|
Capacity |
50 gallon |
|
Price Range |
Around $1,800 |
|
Warranty |
6-year warranty on tank and parts |
|
Performance |
First-hour rating of 81 GPH, a recovery rate of 43 GPH at a 90°F temperature rise |
With 40,000 BTUs of heating power, this water heater heats water fast and efficiently. Its Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is designed to minimize wasted energy.
Plus, the Hydrojet® system helps reduce sediment buildup, keeping things running smoothly without extra maintenance.
Bradford White packs in some smart tech, like the Defender Safety System, which prevents flames from escaping the burner area.
The ICON Control System gives precise temperature control and diagnostics, making it easy to monitor performance.
Lastly, with a Vitraglas® enamel lining, the tank is protected from corrosion, helping it last longer.
Who Should Buy This Gas Water Heater?
This 50-gallon gas water heater is built to handle high-demand households, delivering an impressive 81 gallons in the first hour. Only that at 60 inches tall and 22 inches wide, so make sure you’ve got the space.
It’s pricier than the two first options, but a great investment—especially if your current water heater is over 10 years old and starting to show its age.
You can shop bradform white vapor sensors and control valves from us at snook HVAC
4. A.O. Smith Vertex 100 Power Direct Vent
|
Type |
Tank storage |
|
Capacity |
50 gallon |
|
Price Range |
$6,200 and $7,000 (excluding installation) |
|
Warranty |
6-year limited warranty |
|
Performance |
an ultra-low NOx 100,000 Btu burner system and a flow rate of 164 GPH |
With a 100,000 BTU output and a flow rate of 164 gallons per hour, the A.O. Smith Vertex 100 Power Direct Vent can handle four to five showers at once.
The power direct vent uses a fan to pull in outside air for combustion and expel exhaust gases efficiently. This can reduce installation costs since you can use PVC pipes instead of expensive venting materials.
Unlike traditional gas water heaters, this minimizes energy waste while keeping your water hot all day. That means lower gas bills and fewer emissions.
The model also has iCOMM connectivity, which allows you to monitor and adjust the water temperature remotely. The touchscreen digital display also makes operation easier.
The unit has a Blue Diamond glass coating that helps prevent corrosion, and the solid brass ball valve extends its lifespan.
Who Should Buy This Gas Water Heater?
The A.O. Smith Vertex 100 Power Direct Vent is one of the best premium gas water heaters on the market. It delivers endless hot water with high efficiency, but it comes at a steep price.
If you want a top-tier water heater and don’t mind the short warranty or the high cost, this one’s worth considering.
Using A Mixing Valve To Improve 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater Capacity
Some users have mentioned that while a 50-gallon water heater is usually enough for their household, they still run into efficiency issues, like being unable to fill the tub.
Remember that these units are essentially storage tank water heaters. So, adding a mixing valve can make a big difference. I have one installed on my indirect water heater, which is connected to my boiler.
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You set the tank temperature higher (mine is at 150°F)
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The mixing valve blends the extra-hot water with cold water before it reaches your faucet.
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This way, you get a steady, safe hot water supply without needing a bigger tank.
A mixing valve can almost double your tank’s capacity and is pretty easy to install. Some come in pre-assembled kits with flexible hoses, while others, like my Taco-brand model, are hard-piped.
That said, cranking up your tank temperature does come with a trade-off. Running the tank hotter might shorten its lifespan and slightly increase energy loss—but that’s usually only an issue if the system isn’t set up correctly.
Final Take
Unlike electric-powered water heaters, gas is better; it's cheaper to operate and recovers faster.
Any 50/55 gallon standard (avoid one with digital controls) electric can do the job. AO Smith and Bradford White are the brands that many plumbers favor.
However, the Rheem Performance Platinum seems to take the crown as it checks all the key boxes I looked out for, including:
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Energy efficiency rating (especially the UEF)
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Recovery rate
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Tank size
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Brand reputation
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Warranty coverage
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Installation costs
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And even available space for the unit
Adding a $49 WiFi module to control and monitor your heater remotely is a huge plus.
We hope this article helped you choose the best gas water heater for your home. Good luck, and give us a call if we can help you with anything else!