Top 9 Best 80 Gallon Water Heaters Reviews 2022

Last Updated on 7 months by Todd

Water heaters are a necessary part of your household especially when you are living in an extremely cold region. In such regions, taking shower and doing day-to-day water-based chores becomes a cumbersome task. So installing a water heater is the best possible solution.

There are multiple varieties of water heaters available in the market. Some require electricity whereas some require gas to work. In addition to this, some water heaters are small and some are large.

Nowadays, 80-gallon water heaters are the most popular water heaters that can be used not only for residential purposes but also for commercial purposes. The best part about 80 gallon hot water heaters is, they have a large water holding capacity which makes them more energy efficient.

The market is loaded with tons of 80-gallon gas and electric hot water heaters. Choosing the best one among them becomes a tricky task, especially when you have little knowledge about the product. So to ease your difficulty we have chosen the best 80 gallon water heater. Mind you, these water heaters are manufactured by high-end brands that offer superior customer service.

Best 80 Gallon Water Heaters Reviews

This article will expose a few best 80gallon water heaters which are then followed by a brief and concise buying guide.

Best 80 Gallon Electric Water Heater:

1. A.O. Smith 80 Gallon – Best Electric Water Heater

Features and Specifications

• it’s tall and has got a huge capacity for heating water
• equipped with DynaClean™ Diffuser System which is an efficient system that reduces the sediment buildup  and thereby increases the life of the tank
• it provides awesome protection against leak which is because of its Blue Diamond® Glass Lining
• A.O Smith 80gallon electric water heater has two 4500-watt zinc-plated copper sheathed elements.
• A.O Smith hot water heater also featured COREGARD™ anode rods. These anode rods have a stainless steel core which increases the life of anode rods.
• Furthermore, A.O smith meets the standby loss requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy and the current edition of ASHRAE/IES 90.1
• The thermostat is adjustable through a range of 120º to 181ºF with a manual reset high-temperature cutoff
• Customers have unshakeable faith in A.O Smith
• It comes with 6 years of tank warranty.

Customer Impression:

2. Westinghouse 80 Gal – Best Electric Water Heater

Features and Specifications:

• Westing house 80-gallon water heater features a faux stainless steel finish that provides an aesthetically pleasing look
• Laser welded 316L stainless steel tank. the tank is completely resistant to corrosion
• Westinghouse hot water heater is quite light in weight and that’s because of its stainless steel construction
• 57 standby loss(% per hour)
• 98% thermal efficiency
• Heavy-duty insulation which ensures minimal heat loss
• Powered through 13500 watts
• Westinghouse 80 gallon water heater has got built-in heat traps in inlet and outlet that keeps the heat in the tank for greater efficiency
• No need for anode rods as it has 4500watt of heating elements
• 10 years warranty in commercial applications whereas lifetime warranty in residential applications.

Customer Impression:

3. Rheem Ruud 80 gal – Best commercial Electric Water Heater

Features and Specifications:

• One of the best light-duty commercial units.
• Rheem Ruud 80 gallon water heater has a proprietary steel formulation with a unique coat of high-temperature porcelain enamel, which maximizes corrosion resistance of the tank.
• Its heavy-duty anode rod provides advanced technology and equalized aggressive water action.
• It features patented resistor elements with a double layer of magnesium oxide and copper to resist corrosion.
• 95% thermal efficiency
• It offers superior insulating qualities which result in reduced operation cost
• It is quite easy to use. Thanks to its surface-mounted thermostat that automatically cycles on and off.
• Easy to use
• The maximum temperature it provides is greater than 180F.
• Offers 103gallons of hot water during the first hour of operation.

Customer Impression:

4. Westinghouse 100 Gal Electric Water Heater

Features and Specifications:

• Westinghouse features a deadly combination of high-quality stainless steel construction with the energy-efficient operation. This combination provides long draws of hot water without utilizing a large amount of energy.
• Its installation is really very simple and it requires 240 volts of power supply.
• Westinghouse hot water heater ensures no or less mixing of cold and hot water. A big thanks to its efficiently designed water connections.
• It features a high recovery rate.
• It offers 98% of thermal efficiency.
• Westing house is built to last forever.
• Westinghouse water heater comes with no anode rods this means there are no chances of corrosion and rust.
• The high limit control on the unit protects against overheating.
• Westinghouse provides a lifetime tank warranty for its electric water heaters.

Customer Impression:

Best 80 Gallon Gas Water Heater:

5. Reliance 75 Gallon – Best Gas Water Heater

Features and Specifications:

• A gas water heater which is suitable for both commercial and residential purposes.
• Reliance water heater features a patented Green Choice® “Eco-Friendly” design which reduces the emission of NO up to 33%. This way it saves your money and gas energy.
• Equipped with FVIR technology that prevents accidental ignition of flammable vapors caused by gasoline and other sources near the water heater.
• It features a Piezo igniter that allows easy one-hand pilot ignition without matches.
• Glass-lined tank with anode rods
• It offers 75,100 BTU.
• Its first-hour rating is 125 gallon
• It also features Environmental-friendly non-CFC foam insulation.
• With 6-year limited tank and parts warranty
• Reliance hot water heater meets the flammable vapor and NAECA codes.
• It is BOCA approved.

Customer Impression:

6. AO Smith PCG-75LP Residential Gas Water Heater

Features and Specifications:

• A.O Smith is a well known and reputable brand.
• The unit has got 81 gallons of capacity.
• The burner design is a patented Green Choice® which is an eco-friendly design because it emits less NO.
• Short heighted gas heater that can be placed anywhere.
• Features a CoreGardd™ Anode Rod. They won’t corrode at all as it’s made up of stainless steel.
• A.O smith 75-gallon gas heater features a Blue Diamond glass coating that protects against leakage. Thereby increasing the life of the tank.
• Equipped with DynaClean™ Diffuser System which is an efficient system that reduces the sediment buildup and thereby increases the life of the tank.
• DynaClean™ Diffuser System also reduces the lime and sediment build-up. Therefore increasing the hot water output.
• It comes with 6 years of the limited tank and parts warranty
• A.O Smith water heater meets UBC, CEC, SBCC, HUD, and BOCA codes along with meeting federal standards.
• Can be used for residential and commercial purpose.

Customer Impression:

7. Rheem 76 Gallon Gas Water Heater Review

Features and Specifications:

• It’s a tall gas hot water heater.
• It has got 76 gallons of capacity.
• Designed and built with high quality and durable material keeping in mind the commercial and residential usage of the gas heater
• Patented multi-flue design, which is the combination of two coats of porcelain enamel. This makes the tank design stronger.
• Multi-flue design is a superior heat exchange design.
• Interestingly, it features a built-in patented anode. These anodes are corrosion resistant and built to last long.
• To increase the tank life, anode rods utilize multiple magnesium rods which ensure corrosion resistance.
• Features a unique and advanced LED diagnostic system that keeps the heater well maintained.
• In addition to all these features, the heater is fully insulated. The moisture-proof fiber insulation surrounds the storage tank whereas heavy mineral wool insulation surrounds the combustion chamber.
• It has got energy efficiency of 0.80EF.

Customer Impression:

8. AO Smith 80 gallon – Best gas water heater

Features and Specifications:

• A.O Smith is a reliable and trustworthy hot water heater brand.
• This 80-gallon water heater is operated via gas and its ideal for office buildings and duplex apartments and homes.
• It’s not too large; in fact, it’s a mid-sized water heater.
• A.O Smith features DynaClean™ Diffuser System which is an efficient system that reduces the sediment buildup and thereby increases the life of a tank
• It features Blue Diamond® Glass Lining which provides outstanding protection against the leak.
• Interestingly it also features COREGARD™ anode rods. These anode rods are made up of stainless steel core which ensures that it won’t corrode at all. Thereby increasing the life of anode rods.
• A.O Smith 80 gallon gas heater has an automatic safety shut off gas function.
• Furthermore, A.O smith meets the standby loss requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy and the current edition of ASHRAE/IES 90.1
• It’s a CSA certified and ASME rated T&P relief valve.
• It comes with 3 years of limited tank warranty.

Customer Impression:

9. Rheem G100 Propane Water Heater

Features and Specifications:

• Rheem Ruud is a popular and well-reputed brand.
• It is a 100-gallon gas water heater that uses liquid propane.
• Rheem Ruud gas water heater is a compact size gas water heater that can be fit into any narrow spaces.
• Besides this, it’s a heavy-duty gas water heater that is capable enough to deliver hot water for commercial and heavy-duty needs.
• Its first-hour recovery rate is 264GPH
• With its patented multi-flue design, the tank design becomes stronger and robust. A patented multi-flue design is a combination of two coats of porcelain enamel.
• It provides a superior heat exchange design that is because of its patented multi-flue design.
• Built-in patented anode rods that are corrosion resistant.
• Anode rod utilizes multiple magnesium rods which ensure corrosion resistance and increase the life of the tank.
• Features a unique and advanced LED diagnostic system that keeps the heater well maintained.
• In addition to all these features, the heater is fully insulated. The moisture-proof fiber insulation surrounds the storage tank whereas heavy mineral wool insulation surrounds the combustion chamber.
• The unit has a thermal efficiency of around 80% and a BTU of 199,900.
• Rheem Ruud gas water heater is really very simple to install.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING 80 GALLON HOT WATER HEATER:

80 Gallon electric water heater cost ranges from $1,000 – $3,000.

Capacity:

First and the foremost factor that you need to consider before buying any hot water heater is its capacity. Capacity is actually the maximum amount of storage space the water heater tank can hold. You can determine the ideal capacity from the number of family members.

Generally, 100-gallon of water heater will be more than enough for a family of 5 members. Keeping in mind that the family does frequent dishwashing and laundry. For such a family even an 80-gallon water heater would be sufficient.

Space Availability:

Well, the availability of proper and suitable space is the second most important consideration. You need to have a proper and dedicated place where you can install an 80 gallon hot water heater. And you know what, the more spacious space is, more easier would be the installation. Also, make sure that the required plumbings should be there in your desired space.

Energy Efficiency:

Energy efficiency is again the most important and critical factor to consider. It’s a big part of what makes electric heaters a favorite among people.

It has been said that the energy used to power your electric heater can account for 14% of your utility bill. So it is advisable to select a high energy efficient hot water heater as it will lower the overall energy bills.

So before buying an 80-gallon hot water heater, make sure to read the specs on the label properly,

First Hour Rating:

First-hour rating is indeed a crucial and better indicator of the capacity of the hot water heater. A larger tank does not mean a high FHR.

FHR is actually the amount of hot water that the unit will be able to deliver during its working hour.  You can find FHR on the bright yellow Energy Guide label.

So before buying any 80 gallon hot water heater determined your peak-hour hot water needs the shop for a water heater. I am sure your heater would be capable of delivering an FHR within your peak-hour range.

Tank Lining:

Usually, water heaters have some sort of lining on the inside surface of the tank. This lining protects the tank wall from rust and corrosion. The reason is, rust and corrosion on the steel tank wall may lead to leakage, which cannot be fixed. The only option is to purchase a new water heater, which will be a big burden on your pocket.

There are some hot water heaters that use glass lining. Using glass lining is a good idea indeed but you know what, glass tends to crack or may have other imperfections. These imperfections will ultimately decrease the life of your tank.

On the other hands, you will find some hot water heater that has porcelain and polymer tank linings. This is indeed a better choice when it comes to the life of the tank.

Installation:

There are some hot water heaters that are quite basic in nature and easily connect to the standard water system. In contrast to this, there are some hot water heaters that are quite tricky and a little bit complex to install. For such a heater, you will require professional and experienced plumbers that you will charge an arm or leg. So it is advisable to always look for basic and less complex units that are simple and easy to install that even a less experienced plumber can install it.

Flow Rate:

When buying a hot water heater, always consider a unit that offers a high flow rate. The reason is, you might experience poor water flow, when you turn on several outlets at the same time.  A unit with a high flow rate will allow water to pass through faster and maintain the same pressure throughout the building. The higher the flow rate rating (in GPM) the better it would be.

What kind of water heater is best 80 gallon?

A.O. Smith 80-Gallon Light Service Commercial Electric Water Heater, Rheem Electric Water Heater.

How long does it take to heat 80 gallons of water in an electric water heater?

Well, an 80 gallon of electric water heater will require approximately 2 hours to heat up the 80 gallons of water.

How many amperes for an 80 gallons water heater?

Usually, an 80 gallon of water heater has two heating elements that have a maximum watt of 5500. So by dividing 5500 watts with 240 volts we get the amperes for an 80-gallon water heater that is 23 ampere.

Do I need a 50 or 80-gallon water heater?

It all depends upon the number of individuals in your home. If your family comprises of 3-4 people then a 50-gallon water heater would be enough. Whereas for the family of 5-7 individuals 80-gallon water heater would be best.

How much does an 80-gallon water heater cost?

The cost of a water heater varies with the brand and model you are buying. But roughly speaking, keep a budget of 1000$ to 4000$ for an 80-gallon water heater.

Conclusion:

I am sure that you are now quite confident about the best 80-gallon water heater. All the above-mentioned hot water heaters are from well-known and reputable brands as the manufacturer’s reputation matters a lot. So if you are still wondering what is the best 80 gallon electric water heater? We recommend buying A.O Smith electric water heater since it is a well-reputed brand that manufactures heavy-duty and long-lasting water heaters. For the Gas units, Reliance 75 Gallon Hot Gas Water Heater is the best one is Purchasing water heaters are just like a one-time investment. So you need to be very careful while buying one for you. Invest wisely!

Is an 80-gallon capacity water heater enough?

A 60 – 80 gallon water tank is required for a household with 5 – 7 people. If you live alone and have a spouse, a 30-gallon water heater will be sufficient for you to bathe, wash your clothes, and clean your dishes. These capacities are approximations for your property. As a tank is emptied of hot water, it is simultaneously refilled with cold water, leaving just around 70% of usable hot water.

How long does it take an 80-gallon water heater to heat up?

A few aspects to consider when discussing this, including the kind of heating element in the tank and the water’s temperature as it enters the unit. On the other hand, water heaters will have two ratings that will assist you in determining whether or not your question is true.

First Hour Rating: The maximum amount of water in gallons that the heater can provide each hour, starting with a full tank of hot water.

Recovery Rate: The heater can provide water each hour, starting with an empty tank.

What is 80-gallon water heater cost?

A wide range of heaters is available, including gas and electric. They range in price from around $1000 to $4000. As we said at the outset, we’ve organized the water heaters according to their cost, from the lowest priced ones at the top ($$) to the most expensive ($$$$$).

Is 80 gallon water heater too big?

3 people require a 30-gallon water heater. 2 people require a 40-gallon water heater. A 40-50 gallon water heater is needed by 3 to 4 individuals. 5 or more persons require a 50-80 gallon water heater.

What size water tank do I need for a family of 4?

With a family of four that has visitors regularly, you’ll need roughly 225,000 – 250,000L of water each year. You may not require a 250kL tank after all if your tank is filled up by the end of the winter.

What size water heater do I need for a family of 5?

If you have 5 or more people, you’ll need an 80-gallon tank (electric) or a 50-gallon tank (natural gas or liquid propane).

What size water heater do I need?

The number of individuals in your household will assist you in determining the required tank capacity (in gallons).

1. 1 or 2 people—23 to 36 gallons.
2. 2 to 4 people—36 to 46 gallons.
3. 3 to 5 people—46 to 56 gallons.
4. 5 or more people—over 56 gallons (add 10 gallons per additional person)