Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gallon Gas - Verdict: Best Gas Tank Heater
The Rheem Performance Platinum is a 50 gallon gas tank water heater that hits the sweet spot for most three to four bedroom homes. A 40,000 BTU burner recovers about 50 gallons per hour, so back-to-back showers stay hot. The 12-year tank warranty is the longest in the price tier, and the self-diagnostic LED makes service calls cheaper. Power-vent variants exist if your house lacks an atmospheric flue, but the standard model is what most retrofits need.
Check price on Amazon →Choosing between a gas and electric water heater impacts your bills and comfort. This guide compares costs, efficiency, and top models to help you decide.
Choosing between a gas and electric water heater is a decision that impacts your utility bills, installation costs, and daily comfort. Both have distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your home’s setup, local energy prices, and your priorities. This guide breaks down the key differences, compares real products, and helps you decide which type suits your needs.
How Gas and Electric Water Heaters Work
Gas water heaters burn natural gas or propane to heat water. A burner at the bottom of the tank heats the water, and exhaust gases are vented outside. Electric water heaters use heating elements (usually two) submerged in the tank to warm the water. Electric units are typically simpler, with fewer moving parts, while gas units require proper ventilation and gas line connections.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Gas Water Heater | Electric Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Cost | Lower in most areas (gas is cheaper per BTU) | Higher in most areas (electricity is more expensive) |
| Upfront Cost | Higher ( for unit + installation) | Lower ( for unit + installation) |
| Installation Complexity | Requires gas line, venting, and often a permit | Simple if 240V circuit exists; may need new wiring |
| Energy Efficiency | Lower (Energy Factor 0.60-0.70 for standard) | Higher (Energy Factor 0.90-0.95 for standard) |
| Recovery Rate | Faster (heats water quicker) | Slower (takes longer to reheat) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years (with maintenance) | 10-15 years (with maintenance) |
| Environmental Impact | Emits CO2 and NOx; less efficient | Zero direct emissions; depends on grid mix |
| Safety | Risk of gas leaks, carbon monoxide | No combustion risks |
Product Comparisons: 5 Real Water Heaters
Here are three gas and two electric models that represent the market. Prices vary by retailer and region, but we focus on features and performance.
Gas Water Heaters
1. Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal Natural Gas
This model features a 50-gallon tank, 40,000 BTU burner, and a 0.68 Energy Factor. It includes a self-cleaning system and a 12-year warranty. Best for households needing fast recovery and lower gas costs.
2. AO Smith Signature 100 50 Gal Natural Gas
A 50-gallon unit with a 38,000 BTU burner and 0.67 EF. It has a corrosion-resistant anode and a 6-year warranty. A budget-friendly option with reliable performance.
3. Bradford White Defender 50 Gal Natural Gas
This 50-gallon heater uses a 40,000 BTU burner and achieves 0.68 EF. It features a Vitraglas lining and a 6-year warranty. Known for durability and easy maintenance.
Electric Water Heaters
4. Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal Electric
A 50-gallon electric unit with two 4,500-watt elements, 0.94 EF, and a 12-year warranty. It has a self-cleaning system and is Wi-Fi enabled. Ideal for homes with solar panels or low electric rates.
5. AO Smith Signature 100 50 Gal Electric
This 50-gallon model has two 4,500-watt elements, 0.93 EF, and a 6-year warranty. It includes a brass drain valve and is simple to install. A solid choice for standard electric setups.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose a gas water heater if: you have access to natural gas, gas prices are low in your area, you need fast recovery for a large family, or you want lower long-term operating costs. Gas units are also better for high-demand situations like filling a large tub.
Choose an electric water heater if: you don’t have a gas line, you want a simpler installation, your electricity comes from renewable sources, or you prioritize safety (no combustion risks). Electric units are also more efficient in terms of energy conversion and have longer lifespans.
For most homeowners, the decision boils down to fuel availability and local energy costs. If gas is cheap and available, a gas heater saves money over time despite higher upfront costs. If electricity is cheap or you have solar panels, electric is cleaner and easier to maintain.
Additional Considerations
Heat pump water heaters are an electric option that can be 2-3 times more efficient than standard electric, but they cost more upfront and require more space. Tankless water heaters (both gas and electric) provide endless hot water but have higher installation costs. Your choice should also factor in rebates and incentives-many utilities offer discounts for high-efficiency electric or heat pump models.
Finally, always consult a licensed plumber or HVAC professional to assess your home’s gas line capacity, electrical panel, and venting requirements. A proper installation ensures safety and optimal performance.
Top picks (where to buy)
Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal Natural Gas
Fast recovery, self-cleaning, 12-year warranty, and high efficiency for a gas model.
Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gal Electric
High EF rating, Wi-Fi connectivity, self-cleaning, and long warranty.
AO Smith Signature 100 50 Gal Electric
Reliable performance at a lower cost, simple installation, and decent warranty.
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
The picks, reviewed
Rheem Performance Platinum 50 Gallon Gas - Verdict: Best Gas Tank Heater
The Rheem Performance Platinum is a 50 gallon gas tank water heater that hits the sweet spot for most three to four bedroom homes. A 40,000 BTU burner recovers about 50 gallons per hour, so back-to-back showers stay hot. The 12-year tank warranty is the longest in the price tier, and the self-diagnostic LED makes service calls cheaper. Power-vent variants exist if your house lacks an atmospheric flue, but the standard model is what most retrofits need.
AO Smith Signature 50 Gallon Electric - Verdict: Best Electric Tank
The AO Smith Signature 50 gallon electric tank is the unit I recommend for homes without gas service. Two 4,500 watt elements deliver about 20 gallons per hour of recovery, which is slower than gas but adequate for two adults and one or two kids if showers are not simultaneous. The blue diamond glass-lined tank resists corrosion, and the 10-year warranty covers parts and labor for several years. Install requires a dedicated 30 amp 240V circuit, so check your panel capacity first.
Rinnai RU199iN Tankless Gas - Verdict: Best Tankless Gas
The Rinnai RU199iN is the tankless gas unit I would install in a high-demand home with multiple bathrooms. It delivers 11 gallons per minute of hot water at a 35 F temperature rise, which is enough for two showers and a dishwasher running together. WiFi control through the Rinnai app lets you set vacation mode remotely, and the recirculation pump option keeps hot water instant at distant fixtures. Install requires a larger gas line and dedicated venting, but the unit lasts close to 20 years.
Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Heat Pump - Verdict: Best Heat Pump Electric
The Rheem ProTerra Hybrid is a heat pump water heater that uses about a third the electricity of a standard electric tank. It pulls heat from ambient air, so it cools and dehumidifies the space it sits in (great for a basement, less ideal for a closet). Most utilities offer rebates of to for heat pump water heaters, which can drop the install close to a standard electric. The 65 gallon model has the best recovery for families.
Bradford White RG250T6N 50 Gallon Gas - Verdict: Best Pro-Grade Gas Heater
Bradford White sells through plumbing supply houses, so most homeowners do not see them at big box stores. The RG250T6N is the gas tank I would buy if I planned to stay in a house for 15 years. The Vitraglas tank lining and Hydrojet sediment-reducing dip tube outlast cheaper brands by several years. The Defender FVIR system meets all current safety codes for flammable vapor ignition resistance. Expect to hire a plumber, since most retail channels do not stock this brand.
What to look for
What to consider
Start with what you have. If your home has natural gas service and a working flue or power vent, stick with gas. The fuel is cheaper per BTU in most US markets, and recovery is faster, so a 40 gallon gas tank does the same work as a 50 gallon electric.
What to consider
Electric makes sense in three situations: no gas service available, very low electricity rates (under 10 cents per kWh), or a rooftop solar system that covers daytime usage. A heat pump water heater turns electric from "more expensive to run" to "cheapest to run" but adds upfront cost and needs a space with ambient air above 50 F.
What to consider
Sizing matters more than fuel type. A family of four typically needs a 50 gallon gas tank or a 65 gallon electric. Tankless gas eliminates sizing concerns but requires upgraded gas piping. Heat pump units take longer to recover, so size up by one tier compared to a standard electric tank.
FAQs
In most areas, gas is cheaper per BTU, so gas water heaters have lower operating costs. However, electric units are more energy-efficient (higher EF), so the actual cost depends on local utility rates. Check your gas and electric prices to compare.
Both typically last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Gas units may have a slightly shorter lifespan (10-12 years) due to burner and venting components, while electric units can last 10-15 years. Regular flushing and anode rod replacement extend life.
Yes, but it may require electrical upgrades (240V circuit) and removal of the gas line. Installation costs can be higher. Conversely, switching from electric to gas requires a gas line and venting, which can be expensive if not already present.
Electric water heaters have no combustion, so they eliminate risks of gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and explosions. However, they still pose electrical hazards. Gas heaters require proper ventilation and carbon monoxide detectors.
Gas water heaters generally recover faster because the burner heats water more quickly than electric elements. A typical gas unit can recover 40 gallons in about 30-40 minutes, while an electric unit may take 60-90 minutes.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
Affiliate disclosure: TheTestedHub is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.