Rheem Performance Platinum 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater

The Rheem Performance Platinum 50-gallon Electric (PROPH50 T2 RH95) is the electric counterpart to the popular Performance Platinum gas tank — same Platinum-tier positioning (12-year tank and parts warranty), same EcoNet WiFi compatibility, applied to an electric resistance heating platform instead of gas. It is positioned above the Rheem Performance and Performance Plus electric lines, with the warranty length being the primary differentiator.

Specs: 50 gallons stored, two 4500W heating elements (240V), UEF 0.93, 64-gallon first-hour rating, 12-year tank and parts warranty. Upper element ENERGY STAR certified. EcoNet WiFi support enables remote temperature control via smartphone, vacation mode scheduling, leak detection alerts, and energy-usage reporting. The WiFi module is integrated rather than an add-on accessory — no separate purchase or pairing required beyond installing the EcoNet app.

For households committed to electric resistance heating, the Platinum's 12-year warranty makes it the longest-warranted standard electric tank from a major US brand. The closest competitors are Rheem's own Marathon line (lifetime warranty but $1,300 higher price) and AO Smith's HPTU heat-pump line (lower operating cost but requires the 750-cu-ft air-volume install location).

The right buyer is a household choosing electric resistance over gas (no gas service available) or over heat-pump (install location does not support heat-pump) who wants the longest available warranty without stepping up to the Marathon's polybuthylene tank. The EcoNet WiFi is a meaningful add for households that travel — vacation mode set from the airport reduces standby losses while away.

About $749 unit at Home Depot, $1,300 installed. Replaces an existing electric tank like-for-like with the same 30A 240V circuit and standard plumbing connections. Reasonable DIY for any homeowner comfortable with electrical work; otherwise $300–$500 in plumber/electrician labor.