Rheem Performance Plus 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater

The Rheem Performance Plus 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater (XG50T09HE40U0) is the mid-tier 50-gallon gas tank in Rheem's residential lineup. 85 GPH first-hour delivery, 9-year warranty, 0.68 UEF, 40,000 BTU. No WiFi feature. About $799–$899 retail — $300 less than the Performance Platinum 50G with the same burner and tank construction.

Headline specifications

• Capacity: 50 gallons
• Fuel: Natural gas, atmospheric vent
• BTU input: 38,000 BTU/h
• First Hour Delivery: 85 GPH
• Recovery: 40 GPH at 90°F rise
• Energy Factor (UEF): 0.68
• Warranty: 9-year tank and parts
• Dimensions: 60.5" H × 22" diameter

Who this model is for

The Performance Plus 50G is sized for 3–5 person households with typical hot-water demand. Same physical footprint and burner as the Performance Platinum 50G; what's different is the 9-year warranty vs 12, and no EcoNet WiFi integration.

The right buyer profile: homeowner who wants Rheem-tier reliability and an above-average warranty but doesn't value the WiFi+leak-detection feature enough to pay the $300 premium. For most US households who'd never look at the WiFi anyway, this is the smarter buy.

Where it beats the alternatives

Vs Performance Platinum 50G ($1,099): $300 savings. Same burner, same recovery, same FHD. Loses 3-year warranty and WiFi.

Vs AO Smith Signature Premier 50G ($949): equivalent warranty (both 9-year). Pricing comparable. Rheem is Home Depot's primary brand; AO Smith is Lowe's. Choose based on which store has the unit in stock and at what price.

Vs State Select 50G ($749): State is AO Smith's value-channel brand at 6-year warranty. Performance Plus's 9-year warranty justifies the $100 premium for most buyers.

Where it falls short

Same atmospheric-vent limitations. Same 0.68 UEF efficiency floor as all atmospheric tanks in this class.

No WiFi or leak detection. For buyers who would use the EcoNet ecosystem, step up to Platinum.

Install considerations

Standard 50G atmospheric install. 1/2" gas line sufficient. 60.5" height and 22" diameter footprint. Existing flue inspection required.

Install cost: $400–$800 like-for-like.

Maintenance

• Annual flush
• Anode inspection year 3–4, replace year 5
• T&P valve test annually

Bottom line

The Rheem Performance Plus 50-Gallon Gas is the mid-tier value pick for 3–5 person households with natural gas service and atmospheric venting. The 9-year warranty bridges the gap between budget tier and the Platinum; the lack of WiFi keeps the price down. For buyers who'd never use the WiFi feature, this is the smart pick over Platinum. Click through to Amazon or Home Depot for live pricing.