AO Smith Conservationist 6-Gallon Lowboy Electric Water Heater

The AO Smith Conservationist 6-Gallon Lowboy Electric is a 6-gallon residential electric water heater in the "lowboy" form factor — short and wide rather than tall and narrow. Common in mobile homes, manufactured housing, and tight-space residential installations where standard 40+ gallon tanks won't fit.

Specs: 6 gallons stored, single 1500W heating element on 120V (some sub-models 240V), UEF 0.93, 10-gallon first-hour rating, 6-year tank and parts warranty. Approximately 24" diameter × 22" tall — substantially shorter than standard tanks. Glass-lined steel tank, magnesium anode rod.

The 6-gallon capacity is the entry-level residential tank size. Right for guest bathroom secondary water heaters, mobile home installs, in-law suite kitchens, or under-counter installs where a full-size tank is impossible. The 10-gallon first-hour rating means: 6 gallons of stored hot water + ~4 gallons of recovery in the first hour. Adequate for handwash, dishwashing, and occasional brief shower; inadequate for sustained demand.

120V power (on some sub-models) is the install advantage — works on standard household outlet rather than requiring a 30A 240V circuit. Right buyer: ADU and in-law-suite kitchens, manufactured housing installs, secondary tanks for finished basements. About $399 unit, $700–$900 installed depending on whether new electrical is needed.