Top 10 Best 80 Gallon Water Heaters (December 2024)🥇
Last Updated: 16 December 2024
In this article, we’re going to be talking about the best 80-gallon water heaters that are available on the market, including gas & electric water heaters.
✅Why use an 80-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.
80-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 an 80-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 $$$$$ representing the highest. We realize that everyone has a unique budget, so this is an important consideration
- Warranty – We’ve displayed warranty information where possible.
- Customer Reviews/Ratings – We’ve gone about researching only the highest quality 80-gallon hot water heaters to include within this article, therefore you can be confident in knowing that any of these units are a great choice.
We’ve listed the following 80-gallon water heaters in order of cost, from the lowest price at the top ($) to the largest price ($$$$$) at the bottom:
80 Gallon Water Heaters – Top 10
Electric
- Reliance 75 Gallon 606 Series Water Heater – Gas – $ – Skip to section [Gas Recommendation – Affordable & Decent Warranty]
- A.O. Smith PCG-75LP 75 Gallon Residential Water Heater – Gas – $$$$ – Skip to section
- Rheem 76 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$$ – Skip to section
- A.O. Smith BT-80 80 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$ – Skip to section
- Rheem G100-200 LP 100 Gal. Propane Universal Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$ – Skip to section
A.O. Smith 80 Gallon Light Service Commercial Electric Water Heater – $
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): N/A EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): N/A GPH
- Recovery Rate: 36GPH
General Specs
- Price: $
- Dimensions: 63.5H x 24W x 24D inches
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Warranty: 6-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
The A.O. Smith® 80 Gallon unit is a Tall, Light Service Water Heater which is ideal for commercial usage.
Its DynaClean™ Diffuser System Reduces Sediment Buildup which helps extend it’s tank life.
Additionally, it uses Blue Diamond® Glass Lining which provides protection against leaks.
The unit has two 4500-watt zinc-plated copper sheathed elements and it has COREGARD™ anode rods, which have a stainless steel core that extends the life of the anode rod allowing superior tank protection, for a longer life when comparing to standard anode rods.
This unit meets the standby loss requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy and the current edition of ASHRAE/IES 90.1
Finally, it comes with a 6-year limited tank warranty/1-year limited parts warranty
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Affordable price
- High recovery rate
- Lower power usage
- Energy Efficient
- 6-year tank warranty/1-year parts
Cons
- Doesn’t provide UEF or FHR information
- Only 1-year parts warranty
Westinghouse 80 Gal. 10 Year 13,500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank – $$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 84GPH
- Recovery Rate: 19GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: 69H x 23.75W x 23.75D inches
- Weight: 151 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
Westinghouse’s 3 Element Commercial Stainless Steel Water Heater allows for flexibility with multiple wiring configurations.
The 3 elements provide quicker recovery between domestic hot water draws. With a single or 3 phase option, installation can be flexible.
It’s powered through 13,500 watts and is extremely efficient when it comes to energy efficiency, reaching approximately 98%.
The inlet and outlet have built-in heat traps, keeping the heat in the take for greater efficiency.
It comes with a 10-year take warranty (on tank), which shows how confident the company is of the high-grade stainless steel Incoloy elements, and the coated tank.
According to Westinghouse, their stainless steel tank design is superior to competitor glass-lined tanks, in both protection, preventing scale built-up and being lightweight.
There are no anode rods, as they are not needed.
It includes 3 elements for quicker recovery between hot water draws.
Subsequently, it has an FHR of 84GPH and a recovery rate of 19GPH, which is a substantial amount.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Required Gallon Capacity
- Energy Efficient
- High FHR & Decent RR
- 10-year limited warranty (Tank)
Cons
- Only 1-year parts warranty
Westinghouse 80 Gal. 10 Year 16,500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank – $$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): 84GPH
- Recovery Rate: 19GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: 69H x 23.75W x 23.75D inches
- Weight: 151 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
Westinghouse’s 3 Element Commercial Stainless Steel Water Heater allows for flexibility with multiple wiring configurations.
The 3 elements provide quicker recovery between domestic hot water draws. With a single or 3 phase option, installation can be flexible.
It’s powered through 16,500 watts and is extremely efficient when it comes to energy efficiency, reaching approximately 98%.
The inlet and outlet have built-in heat traps, keeping the heat in the take for greater efficiency.
It comes with a 10-year take warranty (on tank), which shows how confident the company is of the high-grade stainless steel Incoloy elements, and the coated tank.
According to Westinghouse, their stainless steel tank design is superior to competitor glass-lined tanks, in both protection, preventing scale built-up and being lightweight.
There are no anode rods, as they are not needed.
It includes 3 elements for quicker recovery between hot water draws.
Subsequently, it has an FHR of 84GPH and a recovery rate of 19GPH, which is a substantial amount.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Required Gallon Capacity
- Energy Efficient
- High FHR & Decent RR
- 10-year limited warranty (Tank)
Cons
- Only 1-year parts warranty
Rheem Ruud 80 gal. Commercial Electric Water Heater, 12000W – $$$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.98 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): Not Supplied GPH
- Recovery Rate: Not Supplied GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$$
- Dimensions: 59H x 24.5W x 24.5D inches
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Limited Warranty on tank, 1-year on parts
Features
Rheem Ruud’s 80-gallon capacity water heater is considered to be a light-duty commercial unit.
It is versatile enough to be used in a wide variety of applications such as retail stores and small offices.
The Maximum temperature on this unit is greater than 180° F.
It is built to last, with its proprietary steel formulation with a unique coat of high-temperature porcelain enamel, which helps maximizes the corrosion resistance of the tank. This also prolongs the effective life of the anode rod and in turn, the life of the tank.
The unit also has patented resistor elements, designed with a specially treated, double layer of magnesium oxide and copper to resist corrosion.
It features automatic temperature controls, with a surface mounted thermostat automatically cycles on and off to maintain the water temp.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Energy Efficient
Cons
- Premium-Priced
- Only a 3-year tank warranty
- The company don’t supply FHR in manual (“N/A”)
Westinghouse 100 Gal. Lifetime 5500-Watt Electric Water Heater with Durable 316 l Stainless Steel Tank – $$$
Electric Recommendation – Affordable & Lifetime 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 Electric 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 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
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 – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): N/A EF
- BTU Input): 75,100
- Recovery Rate: 81GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 61H x 26.5W x 26.5D inches
- Weight: 315 lbs
- Warranty: 6-year Limited Warranty (Tank and Parts)
Features
The A.O. Smith® PCG-75LP is a 75 Gallon unit, designed for both residential and commercial usage.
It’s a short unit, and utilizes a patented Green Choice® “Eco-Friendly” design which helps reduce NOx emissions by up to 33%. This also helps to save you money on your gas energy bill.
It comes with CoreGardd™ Anode Rod, which are made from stainless steel, meaning they won’t corrode.
The tank has a Blue Diamon® Glass Coating to help protect it from corrosion, especially due to hot water temperatures.
The unit meets UBC, CEC, SBCC, HUD and BOCA codes, and also federal standards.
One particularly nice aspect is that it comes with a 6-year limited warranty on the tank and parts.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Energy Efficient
- 6-year warranty
Cons
- May be expensive for some
Rheem 76 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.80 EF
- BTU Input): 199,990
- Recovery Rate: 215GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$$
- Dimensions: 68.81H x 26.25W x 26.25D inches
- Weight: 523 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year tank warranty, 1-year parts warranty
Features
This Rheem 76-gallon unit is a tall gas water heater, designed and built with commercial/residential usage in mind, being able to meet heavy-duty demands.
This particular model requires a 110-volt power source.
The unit has a LED diagnostic system, which helps with heater maintenance and upkeep. The glowing LED lights verify that the heater is operational.
It includes a strong tank design, using a patented multi-flue design, which combines two coats of porcelain enamel, resulting in a superior heat exchanger design.
Additionally, it includes built-in corrosion-resistant patented anodes, which utilize multiple magnesium rods to ensure corrosion resistance for a long tank life.
Not to mention, the heater is fully insulated with moisture-proof fiberglass insulation, that surrounds the storage tank and heavy mineral wool insulation surrounds the combustion chamber.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- High recovery rate
- Energy Efficient
- Decent warranty
Cons
- Very expensive
A.O. Smith BT-80 80 Gallon Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.80 EF
- BTU Input): 75,100
- Recovery Rate: 74GPH (at 100°F)
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- Dimensions: 63.5H x 24W x 24D inches
- Weight: 275 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Limited Warranty (5-year optional)
Features
The A.O. Smith® 80 Gallon unit is a mid-sized, reliable gas water heater, ideal for applications such as office buildings and duplex/fourplex apartment homes.
It comes with CoreGardd™ Anode Rod, which are made from stainless steel, meaning they won’t corrode.
The tank has a PermaGlas® Glass Lining to help protect it from corrosion, especially due to hot water temperatures.
The water heater has an automatic safety shutoff gas function, if the pilot is extinguished.
It’s CSA Certified and ASME Rated T&P Relief Valve, Factory-Installed Meets the Thermal efficiency and standby loss requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy and current edition of ASHRAE/IESNA90.1
Finally, it comes with a 3-year limited tank warranty, but this can be extended to 5-years.
Pros
- Reputable Brand
- Affordable price
- Decent recovery rate
- Energy Efficient
- Optional 5-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t provide FHR information
- Premium-price
Rheem G100-200 LP 100 Gal. Propane Universal Commercial Water Heater – Gas – $$$$
Technical Specs
- UEF (Energy Efficiency): 0.80 EF
- FHR (First Hour Rating): N/A
- BTU: 199,900
- Recovery Rate (at 100): 194GPH
General Specs
- Price: $$$$
- 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
