Answering the question, these 38 gallon gas water heaters are designed for medium to larger homes that need reliable hot water with steady flow. They suit users who want faster recovery, strong performance for multiple fixtures, and durable construction. The top picks below cover outdoor tankless options, indoor tankless models, and medium-capacity electric models for comparison. Each entry notes who it’s best for and why it stands out, along with a cautious note where relevant. Use the table to quickly compare key features and choose the model that matches your household hot water pattern.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Type | Fuel | Capacity/Flow | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem RTG Series 8.4 GPM | Tankless | Natural Gas | 8.4 GPM | Homes needing continuous hot water outdoors |
| Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95 50-Gallon Electric | Storage Tank | Electric | 50 gal | Medium-to-large households with electric supply |
| MIZUDO Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater | Tankless | Natural Gas | ~199,000 BTU | Whole-home gas hot water with high flow |
| APUS Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (140k BTU) | Tankless | Natural Gas | ~6.8 GPM | Best for compact spaces with strong performance |
| APUS Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater (95k BTU) | Tankless | Natural Gas | ~4.42 GPM | Smaller homes or apartments with modest needs |
Rheem RTG Series 8.4 GPM Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Outdoor
The Rheem RTG Series is a high-efficiency non-condensing tankless option designed for outdoor installation. It delivers up to 180,000 BTUs to provide on-demand hot water with an emphasis on continuous flow. Best for homes with outdoor installation needs or spaces where a compact, on-demand system is preferred. Choose this if you want a durable, outdoor-focused system that avoids storage tanks.
Key considerations: outdoor exposure requires weather protection and venting compliance. This unit suits households that require reliable simultaneous usage across several fixtures without storage delays.
Best for: Homeowners needing outdoor on-demand hot water with substantial flow. Caution: ensure proper venting and weatherproofing for longevity.
Rheem PROE50 M2 RH95 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater
This 50-gallon electric storage heater targets medium-to-large homes with reliable, stored hot water. It features an automatic thermostat, anode rod protection, and enhanced-flow components for modest recovery time in electric systems. Best for households with adequate electrical service to support a 50-gallon tank. Choose this if you want a proven storage option with straightforward maintenance.
Best for: Homes prioritizing steady stored water with a conventional electric setup. Caution: electric storage tanks can be slower to recover compared to some gas or tankless options.
MIZUDO Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
With a high 199,000 BTU rating, this indoor gas tankless model emphasizes whole-home performance and high flow. It supports multiple outlets—up to five to seven—while maintaining stable temperatures. Best for large households seeking continuous hot water with strong flow. Note that installation and venting requirements may be more involved than compact units.
Best for: Large homes needing robust, whole-house hot water on demand. Caution: ensure the installation space fits the venting and clearance requirements.
APUS Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, 140,000 BTU
APUS’s 140,000 BTU tankless unit combines instant hot water with smart controls. It claims 4–5 fixtures capacity and a 95–140°F control range, with a built-in booster pump to increase flow up to 130% for showers and sinks. Best for compact spaces or homes needing a strong, responsive on-demand solution without a storage tank. Caution: ensure electrical and gas line compatibility before install.
Best for: Homes seeking strong on-demand performance in a space-saving package. Caution: verify booster pump compatibility and installation clearances.
APUS Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, 95,000 BTU
This model delivers 4.42 GPM with a focus on efficiency and space saving. It emphasizes precise temperature control and anti-freeze features for cold climates. Best for smaller households or spaces where a full-size tankless system is not needed but on-demand hot water is still required. Data highlights indicate good efficiency metrics and stable performance under busier loads.
Best for: Smaller homes or apartments needing reliable on-demand hot water. Caution: lower GPM compared to higher BTU tankless units may limit simultaneous usage.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Hot water demand and household size: Evaluate peak simultaneous usage to determine whether a tank, tankless, electric, or gas unit best fits your needs.
- Fuel availability and installation: Gas-powered units require venting, gas line considerations, and outdoor vs. indoor placement. Electric tanks rely on electrical service capacity.
- Flow rate and BTU ratings: Tankless models focus on GPM and BTU inputs; storage tanks emphasize gallon capacity and recovery rate.
- Ventilation and safety features: For gas models, ensure proper venting, anti-freeze, and safety shutoffs as applicable. For electric models, consider insulation and warranty terms.
- Space and installation constraints: Indoor vs. outdoor installation affects the model choice and clearances.efi
- Energy efficiency and operating costs: Look for high energy factors or UEF ratings to estimate ongoing energy consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference between tankless and storage water heaters? Tankless heat water on demand, while storage heaters keep a reservoir of hot water ready. Tankless can save space and energy, but may have higher upfront costs.
- Which is better for a large family: gas or electric? Gas tankless or gas storage often delivers quicker recovery and lower standby losses in larger homes, but installation costs and venting must be considered.
- Do I need venting for gas tankless water heaters? Yes, most gas tankless units require proper venting to exhaust combustion byproducts. Indoor units often require venting through walls or roofs.
- Can I install a gas heater outdoors? Outdoor gas tankless models exist, but require weatherproofing and protection from freezing elements in cold climates.
- What should I check before buying a 38 gallon gas system? Confirm your home’s gas supply, available space, venting options, and whether you need on-demand or stored hot water capability.
- Are APUS or MIZUDO models good for whole-home use? APUS and MIZUDO provide strong on-demand performance in many home layouts, but verify flow requirements for your fixtures to avoid temperature fluctuations.