Top 8 Best 100-Gallon Water Heaters (December 2024)🥇
Last Updated: 21 December 2024
In this article, we’re going to be talking about the best 100-gallon water heaters that are available on the market, consisting of both electric and gas units.
✅Why use a 100-Gallon capacity water heater?
In this current day, large capacity water heaters have gotten far more energy-efficient than then used to be, and because of this, it’s often more preferable to choose a larger unit.
100-Gallon hot water heaters can be used for both residential and commercial usage, and provide enough heated water for you and your premises, without overburdening the water heater itself.
We’ve included some top considerations to take into account below, before purchasing a 100-gallon water heater for your home or commercial property.
💧Top Considerations Before Purchasing
- Technical Specs – We’ve done our very best to outline each heater’s technical specs, including UEF (Energy Efficiency), FHR (First Hour Rate), and Recovery Rate, so you have all of this information available when making any comparisons between models.
- General Specs – We’ve also included information regarding the units physical dimensions and weight
- Price – Price information has also been specified, with $ representing the lowest price and $$$$$ representing the highest. We realize that everyone has a unique budget, so this is an important consideration
- Warranty – We’ve displayed warranty information where possible.
- Customer Reviews/Ratings – We’ve gone about researching only the highest quality 100-gallon hot water heaters to include within this article, therefore you can be confident in knowing that any of these units are a great choice.
We’ve listed the following 100-gallon water heaters in order of cost, from the lowest price at the top ($) to the largest price ($$$$$) at the bottom:
100 Gallon Water Heaters Review – Top 8
Electric
Westinghouse 100 Gal. 10 Year 16,500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank – $$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 68GPH
- Recovery Rate: 25GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$
- Dimensions: 69H x 27W x 27D inches
- Weight: 151 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
The Westinghouse 100 Gal tank electric water heater is the only 100-gal electric water heater that we’ve featured within the article.
It’s powered through 16,500 watts and is extremely efficient when it comes to energy efficiency, reaching approximately 98%.
The inlet and outlet have built-in heat traps, keeping the heat in the take for greater efficiency.
It comes with a 10-year take warranty (on tank), which shows how confident the company are of the high-grade stainless steel incoloy elements, and the coated tank.
According to Westinghouse, their stainless steel tank design is superior to competitor glass-lined tanks, in both protection, preventing scale built-up and being lightweight.
There are no anode rods, as they are not needed.
It includes 3 elements for quicker recovery between hot water draws.
Subsequently, it has an FHR of 68GPH and a recovery rate of 25GPH, which is a substantial amount.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Required Gallon Capacity
- Energy Efficient
- High FHR & RR
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Slightly (by a margin) lower energy efficiency
Westinghouse 115 Gal. 10 Year 13,500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank – $$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 48GPH
- Recovery Rate: 20GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$
- Dimensions: 69H x 24W x 24D inches
- Weight: 224 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
The Westinghouse 115 Gal tank electric water heater is powered through 13,500 watts and is extremely efficient when it comes to energy efficiency, reaching approximately 98%.
The inlet and outlet have built-in heat traps, keeping the heat in the take for greater efficiency.
This model also comes with a 10-year take warranty (on tank), which shows how confident the company are of the high-grade stainless steel incoloy elements, and the coated tank.
According to Westinghouse, their stainless steel tank design is superior to competitor glass-lined tanks, in both protection, preventing scale built-up and being lightweight.
There are no anode rods, as they are not needed.
It includes 3 elements for quicker recovery between hot water draws.
Subsequently, it has an FHR of 48GPH and a recovery rate of 20GPH, which is smaller than the 100-gallon version.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Required Gallon Capacity
- Energy Efficient
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Slightly lower HFR and RR than 100-gallon version
Westinghouse 115 Gal. Lifetime 5500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank – $$
Top Recommendation – Incredibly Efficient
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 110GPH
- Recovery Rate: 25GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: 70.5H x 27W x 27D inches
- Weight: 224 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime Limited Warranty on tank, 6-year on parts
Features
The Westinghouse 115 Gallon tank electric hot water heater is powered through 5,500 watts, meaning it requires the lowest wattage of any unit we’ve included.
Taking into account the power requirement, and it’s UEF (Energy Efficiency) rating of 98%, it’s an incredibly efficient system.
This unit is designed for both commercial and residential usage, and boasts a lifetime warranty on the tank, and a 6-year warranty on parts.
It has Stainless steel incoloy elements with low watt density, to help reduce the chances of element burn out, which in turn provides longer service life versus conventional elements.
According to Westinghouse, their stainless steel tank design is superior to competitor glass-lined tanks, in both protection, preventing scale built-up and being lightweight.
There are no anode rods, as they are not needed.
It includes 3 elements for quicker recovery between hot water draws.
This unit clearly provides the best value for money in our opinion, when taking into account its cost vs features and technical capabilities.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Enormous FHR
- Low wattage usage
- Energy Efficient
- Lifetime Warranty on Tank, 6-Year on Parts
Cons
- None
Westinghouse 115 Gal. 10 Year 16,500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 84GPH
- Recovery Rate: 19GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 70.5H x 27W x 27D inches
- Weight: 224 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
This 3 Element Commercial Stainless Steel Electric Water Heater by Westinghouse is a 16,500 watt unit, suitable for multiple wiring configurations.
The 3 elements provide quicker recovery between domestic hot water draws. With a single or 3 phase option, installation can be flexible.
It has a slightly lower FHR and RR than the previous unit that we talked about, but is still an efficient model.
This unit is designed for both commercial and residential usage, and boasts a 10-year tank warranty and 1-year parts warranty.
It has Stainless steel incoloy elements with low watt density, to help reduce the chances of element burn out, which in turn provides longer service life versus conventional elements.
According to Westinghouse, their stainless steel tank design is superior to competitor glass-lined tanks, in both protection, preventing scale built-up and being lightweight.
There are no anode rods, as they are not needed.
It includes 3 elements for quicker recovery between hot water draws.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Energy Efficient
- 10-Year Warranty on Tank, 1-Year on Parts
Cons
- Premium-price
Rheem-Ruud 120 gal. Commercial Electric Water Heater, 27000W – $$$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): N/A
- Recovery Rate: 99GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$$
- Dimensions: 67H x 36W x 36D inches
- Weight: 414 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
Rheem Commercial Heavy-Duty Electric Water Heaters are suitable for general commercial hot water applications and are also ideal for point-of-use installations.
The tank has a proprietary steel formulation with high-temperature porcelain enamel to maximize corrosion resistance, resulting in superior tank design, with long-lasting capability.
It has screw-in Lifeguard™ stainless-steel elements that resist burn out and corrosion, in addition to thick foam insulation to prevent heat loss.
Not to mention, it has 2 anode rods installed to ensure long life and corrosion resistance, and the full port, full flow brass drain valve reduces time to drain and service tank.
It also has sentinel diagnostics, which helps to identify a non-operating element.
This is a very expensive unit, and will most definitely be ideal for large-scale commercial usage who require a unit which can provide a high turnover of hot water.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Ideal for Large Commerical Operation
- 3-Year Warranty on Tank, 1-Year on Parts
Cons
- Large Price
Rheem G100-200 LP 100 Gal. Propane Universal Commercial Water Heater – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.80 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): N/A
- BTU: 199,900
- Recovery Rate (at 100): 194GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 73.8H x 30.25W x 30.25D inches
- Weight: 780 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Warranty
Features
The Rheem G100-200 LP is a 100-gallon commercial, liquid propane water heater, designed to fit into narrow spaces, and has features and the capability to deliver enough hot water for heavy-duty/commercial needs. This particular model requires a 120-Volt power source.
The tighter the commercial retrofit, the more you will appreciate how Universal’s compact size and multiple water connections simplify installations.
The unit has a thermal efficiency of 80% and a BTU of 199,900. Additionally, it has a maximum temperature setting of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
The unit has a diagnostic system, with glowing LED lights, verifies system operation sequence by sequence, which is especially helpful to debug any issues.
It has a patented design, with proprietary steel formulation, patented multi-flue design, combined with two coats of porcelain enamel, results in a superior heat exchanger design
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Ideal for Large Commerical Operation
- 3-Year Warranty on Tank, 1-Year on Parts
Cons
- Not as energy-efficient or eco-friendly as some electric units
AO Smith BT-100 100 Gal. Tank Type Water Heater with Commercial Natural Gas – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): Not disclosed
- BTU: 75,100
- Recovery Rate (at 100): 73GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 68.6H x 27.75W x 27.75D inches
- Weight: 350 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
The AO Smith BT-100 is a 100-gallon commercial gas water heater designed for both commercial and residential usage.
It has a glass-lined tank to help maximize tank life, alongside a heavy gauge steel jacket, finished with baked enamel over bonderized undercoat.
The unit has an accurate and dependable control system that requires no electric connections. It also includes a fixed automatic gas shutoff device for added safety.
The BT-100 is insulated with foam to help prevent heat from escaping.
It’s easy to install, given that only gas, water and vent connections need be made. All connections are located in front and top of heaters for ease of installation and service.
Finally it comes with a three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Ideal for Large Commerical Operation
- 3-Year Warranty on Tank, 1-Year on Parts
Cons
- Specific Energy efficiency is not disclosed by AO Smith
Rheem ST120 115 Gal. Commercial Hot Water Storage Tank – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): Not disclosed
- PSI: 150 PSI
- Tank Capacity: 115 Gallons
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 59.25H x 24.9W x 24.9D inches
- Weight: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 5-year Warranty on tank
Features
The Rheem ST120 is a 115 Gallon gas water heater, designed for commercial and larger-scale residential usage.
It’s quite a lot smaller in height when compared to some of the other gas water heaters, even despite the increase in gallon capability.
The tank is created with a unique steel formulation with high-temperature porcelain enamel. This helps to maximize corrosion resistance and results in a superior tank design. Heavy duty magnesium anode rods are installed for longer tank life.
All commercial storage tank models are certified to ASME boiler and pressure vessel code standards.
The unit has a 5-year limited tank warranty against tank leaks.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Ideal for Large Commerical Operation
- 5-Year Warranty on Tank
Cons
- Specific Energy efficiency is not disclosed by Rheem
- Doesn’t mention a parts warranty
Conclusion
It’s important to highlight that we realize everyone has different needs and requirements for a 100-gallon hot water heater, alongside an entirely different budget. Therefore we try not to make solid recommendations, as we don’t know your unique requirements.
However, based on features, reviews, and price, we personally like the Westinghouse 115 Gal. Lifetime 5500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank. It comes with a lifetime tank warranty, 6-year parts warranty which is unparalleled when compared with other units. Additionally, it offers superior UEF & FHR to other similarly priced models… Overall, a fantastic product for those who are looking for an (approximate) 100-gallon capacity electric water heater.
However, if you’re looking for a 100-gallon gas water heater, then the Rheem ST120 115 Gal. may be an attractive option for you, given the price, gallon capacity and positive feedback that it has gained when looking at the Amazon listing.
FAQ
🚰Is a 100-gallon capacity water heater enough?
The “draw efficiency” of both gas or electric heaters is generally calculated at approximately 70% of the overall tank storage size.
This is because as a tank is being emptied of hot water, it is also being filled with cold water, so approximately 70% of it is usable hot water.
This means that a 100-gallon unit has a draw efficiency of around 70 gallons.
This is enough to simultaneously maintain six baths running or four baths with two automatic clothes washers running.
💧How long does it take a 100-gallon water heater to heat up?
There are a few different factors that come into play when talking about this, including the type of heating element inside the tank and the temperature of the water that is entering the unit.
However, hot water heaters will have two ratings that will help you determine the answer to this question, and these are:
First Hour Rating: The total amount of water in gallons that the heater can supply per hour, starting with a full tank of hot water.
Recovery Rate: The total amount of water in gallons that the heater can supply per hour, starting with an empty tank.
🚰100-gallon water heater cost
These units vary in price, ranging from around $1,500 to $10,000.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, we have listed the water heaters in order of cost, from the lowest price at the top ($) to the largest price ($$$$$) at the bottom.
