Top 10 Best 70-Gallon Water Heaters (December 2024)🥇
Last Updated: 21 December 2024
In this article, we’re going to be talking about the best 70-gallon water heaters that are available on the market.
✅Why use a 70-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.
70-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 70-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 $$$$$ representing the highest. We realize that everyone has a unique budget, so this is an important consideration
- Warranty – We’ve displayed warranty information where possible.
- Customer Reviews/Ratings – We’ve gone about researching only the highest quality 70-gallon hot water heaters to include within this article, therefore you can be confident in knowing that any of these units are a great choice.
We’ve listed the following 70-gallon water heaters in order of cost, from the lowest price at the top ($) to the largest price ($$$$$) at the bottom:
70 Gallon Water Heaters Review – Top 10
Gas
- Triangle Tube Smart80 70 Gallon Water Heater – Gas – $$$$ – Skip to section
- Reliance 75 Gallon 606 Series Water Heater – Gas – $ – Skip to section [Gas Recommendation – Affordable & Decent Warranty]
- A.O. Smith PCG-75LP 75 Gallon Residential Water Heater – Gas – $$$$ – Skip to section
- Rheem 76 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$$ – Skip to section
- A.O. Smith BT-80 80 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$ – Skip to section
Electric
Triangle Tube Smart80 70 Gallon Water Heater – Gas – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): N/A EF
- First Hour Delivery: 690 gallons
- Continuous Recovery Rate: 690GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 61H x 26W x 26D inches
- Weight: 271 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year vessel warranty, 1-year parts
Features
The Triangle Tube Smart80 phase 3 is an indirect 70-gallon water heater. Triangle Tube is known for two main things, their feats of hydronic innovation and their incredibly efficient products. These qualities are intertwined in Triangle Tube’s Smart Series Indirect Fired water heaters.
This smart water heater features an exclusive “tank-in-tank” design, which means that the water heater uses boiler water as a heat source, so whenever your boiler fires, it’s not just providing heat for your home, but also for your water too.
It has high-quality stainless steel within the tank, to help prevent the growth of bacteria within the tank, whilst also preventing metal corrosion.
The unit has a HUGE FHD & recovery rate, 300% more than that of a conventional heater.
The water heater is ETL and ISO certified.
Finally, the inner tank of the smart 80 unit is designed to promote water movement, and hence is specifically tasked to prevent lime built-up.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Huge recovery rate
- Tank-in-tank efficiency
- Self-cleaning
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Reliance 75 Gallon 606 Series Water Heater – Gas – $
Gas Recommendation – Affordable & Decent Warranty
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.53 EF
- BTU Input): 75,100
- Recovery Rate: 81GPH
General Specs
- Price: $
- Dimensions: 62.5H x 26.5W x 26.5D inches
- Weight: 241 lbs
- Warranty: 6-year Limited Warranty (Tank and Parts)
Features
The Reliance 6 75 XRRS is a 75 Gallon gas water heater suitable for both residential and light commercial usage.
It is the most affordable unit that we’ve featured within the list, but don’t let that fool you, it comes with a 6-year warranty and some impressive technical specs and features.
It’s considered to be a short unit, being 61 inches in height, and utilizes a patented Green Choice® “Eco-Friendly” design which helps reduce NOx emissions by up to 33%. This also helps to save you money on your gas energy bill.
Series 606 models feature FVIR technology to help prevent accidental ignition of flammable vapors from gasoline and other sources near the water heaters.
The unit meets flammable vapor and NAECA codes. It is also BOCA approved.
We imagine this would be suitable for someone who doesn’t want to spend too much money, yet get a great warranty and reliable unit, from a well-known, trustworthy water heater supplier.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Energy Efficient
- 6-year warranty
Cons
- Lower energy efficiency when compared to electric units
A.O. Smith PCG-75LP 75 Gallon Residential Water Heater – Gas – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): N/A EF
- BTU Input): 75,100
- Recovery Rate: 81GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 61H x 26.5W x 26.5D inches
- Weight: 315 lbs
- Warranty: 6-year Limited Warranty (Tank and Parts)
Features
The A.O. Smith® PCG-75LP is a 75 Gallon unit, designed for both residential and commercial usage.
It’s a short unit, and utilizes a patented Green Choice® “Eco-Friendly” design which helps reduce NOx emissions by up to 33%. This also helps to save you money on your gas energy bill.
It comes with CoreGardd™ Anode Rod, which are made from stainless steel, meaning they won’t corrode.
The tank has a Blue Diamon® Glass Coating to help protect it from corrosion, especially due to hot water temperatures.
The unit meets UBC, CEC, SBCC, HUD and BOCA codes, and also federal standards.
One particularly nice aspect is that it comes with a 6-year limited warranty on the tank and parts.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Energy Efficient
- 6-year warranty
Cons
- May be expensive for some
Rheem 76 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.80 EF
- BTU Input): 199,990
- Recovery Rate: 215GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$$
- Dimensions: 68.81H x 26.25W x 26.25D inches
- Weight: 523 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year tank warranty, 1-year parts warranty
Features
This Rheem 76-gallon unit is a tall gas water heater, designed and built with commercial/residential usage in mind, being able to meet heavy-duty demands.
This particular model requires a 110-volt power source.
The unit has a LED diagnostic system, which helps with heater maintenance and upkeep. The glowing LED lights verify that the heater is operational.
It includes a strong tank design, using a patented multi-flue design, which combines two coats of porcelain enamel, resulting in a superior heat exchanger design.
Additionally, it includes built-in corrosion-resistant patented anodes, which utilize multiple magnesium rods to ensure corrosion resistance for a long tank life.
Not to mention, the heater is fully insulated with moisture-proof fiberglass insulation, that surrounds the storage tank and heavy mineral wool insulation surrounds the combustion chamber.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- High recovery rate
- Energy Efficient
- Decent warranty
Cons
- Very expensive
A.O. Smith BT-80 80 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.80 EF
- BTU Input): 75,100
- Recovery Rate: 74GPH (at 100°F)
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 63.5H x 24W x 24D inches
- Weight: 275 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Limited Warranty (5-year optional)
Features
The A.O. Smith® 80 Gallon unit is a mid-sized, reliable gas water heater, ideal for applications such as office buildings and duplex/fourplex apartment homes.
It comes with CoreGardd™ Anode Rod, which are made from stainless steel, meaning they won’t corrode.
The tank has a PermaGlas® Glass Lining to help protect it from corrosion, especially due to hot water temperatures.
The water heater has an automatic safety shutoff gas function, if the pilot is extinguished.
It’s CSA Certified and ASME Rated T&P Relief Valve, Factory-Installed Meets the Thermal efficiency and standby loss requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy and current edition of ASHRAE/IESNA90.1
Finally, it comes with a 3-year limited tank warranty, but this can be extended to 5-years.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Affordable price
- Decent recovery rate
- Energy Efficient
- Optional 5-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t provide FHR information
- Premium-price
A.O. Smith 80 Gallon Light Service Commercial Water Heater – Electric – $$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): N/A EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): N/A GPH
- Recovery Rate: 36GPH
General Specs
- Price: $
- Dimensions: 63.5H x 24W x 24D inches
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Warranty: 6-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
The A.O. Smith® 80 Gallon unit is a Tall, Light Service Water Heater which is ideal for commercial usage.
Its DynaClean™ Diffuser System Reduces Sediment Buildup which helps extend it’s tank life.
Additionally, it uses Blue Diamond® Glass Lining which provides protection against leaks.
The unit has two 4500-watt zinc-plated copper sheathed elements and it has COREGARD™ anode rods, which have a stainless steel core that extends the life of the anode rod allowing superior tank protection, for a longer life when comparing to standard anode rods.
This unit meets the standby loss requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy and the current edition of ASHRAE/IES 90.1
Finally, it comes with a 6-year limited tank warranty/1-year limited parts warranty
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Affordable price
- High recovery rate
- Lower power usage
- Energy Efficient
- 6-year tank warranty/1-year parts
Cons
- Doesn’t provide UEF or FHR information
- Only 1-year parts warranty
Westinghouse 80 Gal. 10 Year 13,500-Watt Water Heater with Durable 316 – Electric – $$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 84GPH
- Recovery Rate: 19GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: 69H x 23.75W x 23.75D inches
- Weight: 151 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
Westinghouse’s 3 Element Commercial Stainless Steel Water Heater allows for flexibility with 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’s 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.
It comes with a 10-year take warranty (on tank), which shows how confident the company is 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 84GPH and a recovery rate of 19GPH, which is a substantial amount.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Required Gallon Capacity
- Energy Efficient
- High FHR & Decent RR
- 10-year limited warranty (Tank)
Cons
- Only 1-year parts warranty
Westinghouse 80 Gal. 10 Year 16,500-Watt Water Heater with Durable 316 – Electric – $$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 84GPH
- Recovery Rate: 19GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: 69H x 23.75W x 23.75D inches
- Weight: 151 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty on the tank, 1-year on parts
Features
Westinghouse’s 3 Element Commercial Stainless Steel Water Heater allows for flexibility with 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’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 the tank), which shows how confident the company is 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 84GPH and a recovery rate of 19GPH, which is a substantial amount.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Required Gallon Capacity
- Energy Efficient
- High FHR & Decent RR
- 10-year limited warranty (Tank)
Cons
- Only 1-year parts warranty
Rheem Rudd 80 gal. Commercial Water Heater, 12000W – Electric – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): Not Supplied GPH
- Recovery Rate: Not Supplied GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$$
- Dimensions: 59H x 24.5W x 24.5D inches
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
Rheem Ruud’s 80-gallon capacity water heater is considered to be a light-duty commercial unit.
It is versatile enough to be used in a wide variety of applications such as retail stores and small offices.
The Maximum temperature on this unit is greater than 180° F.
It is built to last, with its proprietary steel formulation with a unique coat of high-temperature porcelain enamel, which helps maximizes the corrosion resistance of the tank. This also prolongs the effective life of the anode rod and in turn, the life of the tank.
The unit also has patented resistor elements, designed with a specially treated, double layer of magnesium oxide and copper to resist corrosion.
It features automatic temperature controls, with a surface mounted thermostat automatically cycles on and off to maintain the water temp.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Energy Efficient
Cons
- Premium-Priced
- Only a 3-year tank warranty
- The company don’t supply FHR in manual (“N/A”)
Westinghouse 100 Gal. Lifetime 5500-Watt Water Heater with Durable 316 – Electric – $$$
Electric Recommendation – Lifetime Tank Warranty
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 92GPH
- Recovery Rate: 25GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$
- Dimensions: 69H x 23.75W x 23.75D inches
- Weight: 151 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
The Westinghouse water heater uses a combination of high-quality stainless steel construction and energy-efficient operation providing long draws of hot water without consuming large amounts of energy.
It requires a 240-Volt electrical connection for installation.
Its cleverly designed water connection directs cold water to the heating element near the bottom of the tank to minimize the mixing of cold and hot water.
Durable components, low standby heat losses, and high recovery rates make the Westinghouse water heater an ideal choice for electric water heating needs.
The titanium elements with low watt density reduce the change of element burnout and ultimately provide a longer service life.
It comes with a lifetime warranty (on tank), which shows how confident the company is 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 84GPH and a recovery rate of 19GPH, which is a substantial amount.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Required Gallon Capacity
- Energy Efficient
- High FHR & Decent RR
- Lifetime warranty on tank, 6-year on parts
Cons
- None
Conclusion
It’s important to highlight that we realize everyone has different needs and requirements for a 70-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, here are our suggestions:
If you’re looking for a 70-gallon electric water heater, then we personally like the Westinghouse 100 Gal. Lifetime 5500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank. It comes with a lifetime tank warranty and a 4-year parts warranty. It’s priced in a way which is still attractive for those who are looking at a more affordably priced unit – We say it’s great value for money for a mid-range unit.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a 70-gallon gas water heater, and you’re looking to spend an affordable amount, whilst getting a great warranty, we suggest looking at the Reliance 75 Gal 606 Series Water Heater.
FAQ
🚰Is a 70-gallon capacity water heater enough?
The “draw efficiency” of both gas or electric units 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 70-gallon unit has a draw efficiency of around 49 gallons.
This is enough to simultaneously maintain four baths running or three baths with an automatic clothes washer running.
💧How long does it take a 70-gallon water heater to heat up?
There are a few different factors that come into play when talking about this, including the type (gas or electric), the 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.
🚰70-gallon water heater cost
These units vary in price, ranging from around $1200 through to $3000.
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.
