The best 60 gallon electric water heater electric delivers robust hot water capacity and energy efficiency for medium to large households. Selecting the right model is crucial, as a subpar unit can lead to inconsistent temperatures, longer heating times, and increased energy consumption. Factors like energy efficiency ratings (UEF), tank insulation, heating element quality, and warranty all significantly impact long-term performance and cost.
A poorly chosen heater might not adequately meet your demand or could prove unexpectedly expensive to operate. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of top-performing 60-gallon electric water heaters available this year, focusing on reliability and user satisfaction.
For comprehensive hot water needs, consider models like the Rinnai REHP65 Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, a 65-gallon unit offering excellent energy efficiency with a high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 3.This type of heat pump technology extracts ambient air heat, reducing operational costs. Another option suitable for high demand is the Westinghouse 27kW Electric Tankless Whole House Water Heater, delivering up to 6.3 GPM to supply multiple fixtures simultaneously.
While not a 60-gallon tank, these examples represent peak performance in their respective categories for capacity and efficiency, when searching for the best 60 gallon water heater electric.
Best 60 Gallon Water Heater Electric: At a Glance
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | GE Appliances 10 Gallon Versatile Plug and Play Electric Water Best for: Small households | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | GE Appliances 30 Gallon Electric Water Heater with Adjustable Thermostat, Best for: Apartment dwellers | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater, Gray Best for: Instant hot water | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95 50-Gallon Professional Classic Medium Residential Electric Best for: Standard homes | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater, GRAY Best for: Point-of-use | Check Price |
How We Picked
To identify the best 60 gallon water heater electric, we prioritized real-world performance and durability. We evaluated build quality, focusing on robust construction and reliable heating elements seen in models like the Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95. Safety was paramount, leading us to favor units with clear installation requirements and advanced temperature controls.
We ruled out tankless options lacking sufficient flow rates for whole-house needs, and those with less efficient heating methods. Standout features like energy efficiency, demonstrated by the Rinnai REHP models, further influenced our selections, ensuring long-term value and dependable hot water.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Gallon Capacity vs. Actual Hot Water Output
When looking at 60-gallon electric water heaters, it’s crucial to understand that the labeled capacity doesn’t always translate directly to how many hot showers you’ll get. Tankless models like the Rheem RTEX-13 or Westinghouse 14kW offer truly on-demand hot water, eliminating the wait for a tank to reheat. For tank-style heaters, features like the Rheem PROE50’s design focus on maximizing the usable hot water from its 50-gallon tank, implying larger capacity models would aim for similar efficiency.
Tankless Flow Rate for Household Needs
For tankless electric water heaters, the Gallons Per Minute (GPM) rating is a critical spec to avoid cold shower surprises. A unit like the Westinghouse 27kW electric tankless offers a robust 6.3 GPM, suitable for multiple fixtures. You’ll need to match this to your peak usage.
For instance, the Westinghouse 14kW has a 3.38 GPM maximum, which might be sufficient for a single shower or sink but could struggle with simultaneous use in a busy household.
1. GE Appliances 10 Gallon Versatile Plug and Play Electric Water
Best for: Compact Spaces & Boost Needs.
With 10 gallons of capacity, this compact electric water heater fits easily into kitchens, bathrooms, or RVs for on-demand hot water.
This unit’s 120-volt power draws from any standard outlet, and its 3/4-in NPT connections ensure compatibility with most existing plumbing. It can serve as a standalone hot water source or supplement another heater.
Pros
- Compact design for space-saving installation
- 120-volt operation uses standard outlets
- 8-year tank and parts warranty
- Can function as a hot water booster
Cons
- Does not provide enough hot water for multiple simultaneous uses in a typical home.
Ideal for small apartments, cabins, or workshops needing a dedicated hot water source. This GE model offers flexible installation and peace of mind with its warranty.
2. GE Appliances 30 Gallon Electric Water Heater with Adjustable Thermostat,
Best for: Family of Three, High First-Hour Use.
Delivering 53 gallons in the first hour, this 30-gallon electric water heater provides ample hot water for a household of up to three people.
Featuring a 5500-watt element and 240-volt power, it offers a real 30-gallon capacity and quick recovery. Its adjustable thermostat allows precise temperature control up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- 53 gallons of hot water in the first hour
- True 30-gallon tank capacity
- Adjustable thermostat up to 150°F
- 240-volt operation for powerful heating
Cons
- Requires a 240-volt dedicated circuit, making installation more involved than 120-volt models.
This GE Appliances water heater is suited for small to medium-sized families needing reliable hot water. Its robust first-hour rating supports multiple showers or appliance uses.
3. Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater, Gray
Best for: Whole House On-Demand Flow.
Providing up to 4.4 GPM with 18kW of power, this tankless electric water heater delivers instant hot water for multiple fixtures simultaneously.
With a durable copper element and 99.8% energy efficiency, it offers precise temperature control via an external digital display with +/- 1 degree accuracy. It utilizes 3/4-inch NPT connections for straightforward setup.
Pros
- Up to 4.4 GPM flow rate
- 18kW heating power for strong output
- External digital thermostat ±1° accuracy
- 99.8% energy efficiency
Cons
- Requires a substantial 240V/75A electrical circuit, necessitating professional installation and electrical upgrades.
This Rheem tankless unit is perfect for large homes or households demanding continuous hot water. Its self-modulating technology ensures energy is used only when needed.
4. Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95 50-Gallon Professional Classic Medium Residential Electric
Best for: Medium Household, Standard Replacement.
With an isolated tank design and 50-gallon capacity, this Rheem water heater provides hot water for homes with 3-5 people or up to 3 bathrooms.
It features an automatic thermostat to maintain your set temperature and a long-lasting anode rod for tank protection, operating on 240 volts for efficient heating. Enhanced-flow brass drain valve simplifies maintenance.
Pros
- 50-gallon capacity for family use
- Anode rod for long-term tank protection
- Automatic thermostat for consistent temps
- Enhanced-flow brass drain valve
Cons
- This is a tank-style heater, meaning it requires space for the tank and has a recovery time between uses.
This Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95 is a reliable choice for mid-sized households needing a dependable 50-gallon electric water heater. It offers standard features for consistent hot water delivery.
5. Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater, GRAY
Best for: On-Demand, Water Saving Showers.
This 13kW tankless electric water heater provides instant hot water with an adjustable digital thermostat offering +/- 1 degree accuracy for precise temperature.
Its two durable copper heating elements deliver up to 4.8 GPM, while 99.8% energy efficiency minimizes waste. The unit includes 1/2 inch NPT adapters for versatile installation.
Pros
- Up to 4.8 GPM flow rate
- 13kW heating power
- +/- 1 degree digital temperature accuracy
- 99.8% energy efficient
Cons
- A 240V/54A dedicated circuit is required, which may necessitate electrical panel upgrades.
Ideal for apartments, smaller homes, or areas where space is limited, this Rheem RTEX-13 provides on-demand hot water. It’s energy-efficient and offers precise temperature control for comfort.
6. Westinghouse Tankless Water Heater Electric 14kW 240V, Instant On-Demand Hot
Best for: Instant Hot Water, Smart Home Ready.
Delivering up to 3.38 GPM, this 14kW tankless electric water heater provides endless hot water on demand, starting at a flow rate of just 0.5 GPM.
Its 240-volt system requires a 60-amp double-pole breaker and 6 AWG wire for its Hard Wiring power source. The unit is ETL Certified and compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Pros
- Up to 3.38 GPM flow rate
- Instant and endless hot water
- Smart home compatibility (Google/Alexa)
- ETL Certified
Cons
- Requires a dedicated 240V/60A circuit, meaning complex electrical wiring is needed for installation.
This Westinghouse tankless water heater is a good fit for homes needing continuous hot water and smart home integration. Its on-demand capability ensures hot water whenever you need it.
7. Rinnai REHP50 Electric Heat Pump Water Heater – 50 Gallon,
Best for: Energy-Efficient, High Demand Homes.
With Energy Star certification and a UEF of 3.75, this 50-gallon heat pump water heater uses ambient air to deliver hot water efficiently for households of 3-4 people.
It provides an impressive 73 gallons of hot water in the first hour and is Demand-Response Enabled for potential energy savings. The unit operates on 240 volts for powerful performance.
Pros
- Energy Star Certified
- High UEF of 3.75
- 73 gallons first-hour delivery
- Demand-Response Enabled
Cons
- Requires a significant installation space due to its heat pump unit and operates on 240 volts, demanding a dedicated circuit.
This Rinnai heat pump water heater is ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners seeking significant energy savings. Its high first-hour delivery makes it suitable for families with moderate hot water needs.
8. Rinnai REHP65 Electric Heat Pump Water Heater‚ 65 Gallon, 240V,
Best for: Large Families, Max Energy Savings.
Offering superior energy efficiency with a UEF of 3.90, this 65-gallon heat pump water heater provides up to 80 gallons of hot water in the first hour for households of 4-5 people.
It features Energy Star certification and Demand-Response capability to optimize energy usage and reduce costs, operating on 240 volts. Heat pump technology efficiently extracts warmth from the air.
Pros
- Energy Star Certified
- High UEF of 3.90
- 80 gallons first-hour delivery
- Demand-Response Enabled
Cons
- Requires a 240-volt dedicated circuit and has larger physical dimensions due to its heat pump technology.
This Rinnai REHP65 water heater is designed for larger families with high hot water demands who prioritize energy efficiency. Its heat pump technology ensures lower operating costs.
9. Westinghouse 27kW Electric Tankless Whole House Water Heater, 6.3 GPM
Best for: Whole House, Simultaneous Fixtures.
This 27kW tankless electric water heater provides up to 6.3 GPM, capable of supplying multiple fixtures simultaneously without temperature drops.
With smart WiFi control and Alexa/Google voice commands, you can adjust temperature remotely via an app. It operates on 240 volts and features copper heating elements for durability.
Pros
- 6.3 GPM flow rate for multiple uses
- Smart WiFi and voice control
- Copper heating elements
- Whole-house hot water supply
Cons
- Requires a 240V/125A dedicated circuit, meaning it consumes significant electrical power and requires professional installation.
This Westinghouse tankless unit is perfect for large homes where simultaneous hot water use is common. Its smart features offer modern convenience and control.
10. Electrolux 18kW Tankless Water Heater Electric 240v – Smart Wifi
Best for: Smart Home, Instant Endless Hot Water.
Providing up to 4.4 GPM, this 18kW tankless electric water heater delivers instant hot water for the whole house with smart WiFi and voice control.
Requiring two 240V/40A breakers and 8 AWG wires, it ensures stable temperatures with its self-modulating technology. The unit is ETL Certified and includes a scale inhibitor.
Pros
- 4.4 GPM flow rate
- Smart Wifi & Voice Control
- ETL Certification
- Comes with a Scale Inhibitor
Cons
- Requires a robust electrical supply (2 x 240V/40A breakers, >150 amp panel) for proper operation.
This Electrolux tankless water heater is suited for modern homes that need reliable, on-demand hot water and smart home convenience. Its capacity and smart features cater to busy households.
Tankless vs. Tank: The Efficiency Mirage
When selecting a best 60 gallon water heater electric, the critical differentiator isn’t nebulous efficiency claims, but the fundamental trade-off between on-demand speed and immediate availability for high-demand scenarios.
The allure of tankless models like the Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater or the Westinghouse 27kW Electric Tankless Whole House Water Heater is undeniable. They promise endless hot water because they only heat water as it’s needed. However, this comes with a significant caveat: flow rate for simultaneous use.
The Westinghouse unit boasts a 6.3 GPM, capable of supplying multiple fixtures, while the Rheem RTEX-13 is rated for a more modest output. If your household routinely runs showers, dishwashers, and washing machines concurrently, a tankless system, regardless of its kW rating, can falter.
The 27kW Westinghouse, for instance, demands a substantial 240V/59A circuit with a single 60-amp breaker, highlighting the electrical infrastructure requirements that often go overlooked.
Conversely, traditional tank systems, exemplified by the Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95 50-Gallon Professional Classic Medium Residential Electric and the Rinnai REHP50 Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, offer a buffered supply. The Rheem PROE50 M2, with its 50-gallon capacity, is designed for 3-5 person households or homes with up to three bathrooms, ensuring that hot water is immediately accessible without the ramp-up time inherent in tankless units. While electric heat pump models like the Rinnai REHP series, with their high Uniform Energy Factors (e.g.
3.75 for the 50-gallon unit), do offer superior energy savings over time by leveraging ambient air, they still rely on a stored volume to meet peak demand. The GE Appliances 30 Gallon Electric Water Heater, though smaller, illustrates this principle of readily available hot water, a distinct advantage when instant delivery is paramount.
The true decision hinges on whether your priority is continuous availability for multiple simultaneous uses, even if it means a larger physical footprint and more static energy draw, or the potential for lower operating costs and space savings offered by tankless, provided your demand pattern doesn’t exceed its flow rate limitations.
For households prioritizing immediate, simultaneous hot water delivery across multiple fixtures, regardless of electrical infrastructure upgrades, the Westinghouse 27kW Electric Tankless Whole House Water Heater is the more capable option amongst these specific choices.
How to Choose the Best 60 Gallon Water Heater Electric
Energy efficiency standards
When selecting a 60-gallon electric water heater, prioritize models with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.90 or higher. This metric directly correlates to how efficiently the unit converts electricity into hot water, meaning a higher UEF translates to lower ongoing utility bills. For a 60-gallon tank, a jump from a UEF of 0.80 to 0.95 can yield significant annual savings.
Look for the Energy Star certification, an indicator of superior efficiency. The best choice for minimizing electricity consumption and operational costs is always the model with the highest UEF rating available, offering maximum long-term value.
Installation requirements and space
Proper installation is paramount for your 60-gallon electric water heater. Ensure the chosen unit’s physical dimensions, including height and diameter, fit comfortably in its designated space, always maintaining the manufacturer-specified clearances around the tank for safety and maintenance. Critically, verify the electrical requirements match your home’s 240V supply, demanding a dedicated circuit of appropriate amperage to prevent electrical hazards and ensure optimal performance.
The best installation requires precise plumbing connections for both hot and cold water lines, anticipating a robust, uninterrupted flow. Always select a model that aligns with your home’s existing electrical and plumbing infrastructure for a seamless setup.
Brand reputation and reliability
Invest in brands with a proven track record of durability and customer satisfaction within the 60-gallon electric water heater market. Seek out manufacturers consistently praised in user reviews for reliability and ease of maintenance. A substantial warranty, ideally 8 to 12 years on the tank and 6 to 10 years on the parts, signifies the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s longevity.
Furthermore, confirm the brand’s commitment to readily available replacement parts, such as heating elements and thermostats, ensuring quick resolutions should any issues arise. The most reliable choice is a well-established brand with overwhelmingly positive long-term owner feedback and comprehensive warranty coverage.
Heating capacity and recovery rate
For a 60-gallon tank, prioritize a First Hour Rating (FHR) of at least 75-85 gallons to meet the demands of larger households or those with high hot water usage. This rating indicates the volume of hot water the heater can supply in the first hour of use. A faster recovery rate, often achieved through higher wattage elements or dual heating elements, ensures that the tank can replenish hot water quickly between uses, preventing depletion during peak times.
Excellent tank insulation, measured by R-value, minimizes standby heat loss, maintaining water temperature and reducing energy consumption. The best 60-gallon electric water heater provides a high FHR and rapid recovery to guarantee a consistent supply of hot water for all your needs.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you have a smaller household or limited space, choose a compact 30-gallon model or consider a tankless option for on-demand hot water.
- If you need ample hot water for a larger family or multiple bathrooms, look for a 50-gallon or larger tank model or a high-flow tankless heater.
- If energy efficiency is your top priority, opt for a heat pump water heater, which extracts heat from the air to heat your water.
- If you need to supply multiple fixtures simultaneously without interruption, investigate a high-capacity tankless water heater designed for whole-house use.
Quick Best 60 Gallon Water Heater Electric Buying Checklist
- Check Energy Factor (EF) or UEF: Look for higher ratings for better energy efficiency.
- Verify Dimensions: Ensure the physical size fits your designated installation space.
- Confirm Voltage Requirements: Make sure your electrical system supports the 240V needed.
- Review First Hour Rating (FHR): Choose a model that meets your peak hot water demand.
- Assess Warranty: Consider the tank and parts warranty for long-term peace of mind.
- Read User Reviews: Gauge real-world performance and reliability from other owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Typical Lifespan Of An Electric Water Heater?
The typical lifespan of an electric water heater is generally between 10 to 15 years. This longevity is influenced by water quality, maintenance practices, and the specific model’s construction. Regular flushing and anode rod checks can help extend its operational life considerably.
How Does The First Hour Rating (Fhr) Affect Performance?
The First Hour Rating (FHR) indicates how much hot water a heater can supply in its first 60 minutes of operation. A higher FHR is crucial for households with high simultaneous hot water demands, such as multiple showers or appliance use.
What Voltage Is Required For A 60-Gallon Electric Water Heater?
Most 60-gallon electric water heaters require a 240-volt electrical connection, not the standard 120-volt found in typical household outlets. Ensure your home’s electrical panel can support this higher voltage requirement for proper installation and operation.
Are Smart Features Available On Electric Water Heaters?
Yes, some advanced electric water heaters offer smart features, allowing for remote control and monitoring via smartphone apps. These features can include scheduling, temperature adjustment, and energy usage tracking, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
How Important Is The Energy Factor (Ef) Rating?
The Energy Factor (EF) rating is a key indicator of an electric water heater’s energy efficiency, representing the percentage of energy used effectively to heat water. Higher EF ratings mean lower energy consumption and reduced utility costs over time.
Final Words
Investing in the right 60-gallon electric water heater provides consistent, reliable hot water for your entire household. Prioritizing energy efficiency and appropriate capacity ensures comfort while managing operating costs effectively. Make an informed choice today to enjoy the benefits of dependable hot water for years to come.