Our Verdict
The Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater — 8.7/10. This is an excellent high-efficiency upgrade for homeowners seeking to lower utility bills through smart scheduling and hybrid heat pump technology while maintaining a reliable electric tank system.
Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Hybrid Water Heater — 8.7/10
The Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) is an excellent high-efficiency upgrade for homeowners who want lower operating costs, smart scheduling, and flexible hot water performance without moving away from an electric tank system.
Overview
The Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) is a 50-gallon hybrid electric water heater designed to reduce energy use by combining heat pump technology with traditional electric backup elements. Instead of relying only on resistance heating like a conventional electric tank, it uses surrounding air to help heat the water more efficiently, while still keeping electric backup available for heavier demand periods.
Related parts & accessories
This model is best suited to homeowners replacing an older electric water heater (such as the A.O. Smith EES-40), and users can see how these traditional units compare in our detailed reviews., households looking to cut utility costs, and buyers who want app-based control over water heating schedules. The 50-gallon capacity makes it a practical fit for many small to medium households, while the hybrid design gives it a strong efficiency advantage over standard electric storage tanks, similar to the Bradford White AeroTherm 50-Gallon Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater.
The built-in EcoNet Wi-Fi functionality is one of the biggest convenience upgrades. It allows remote monitoring, scheduling, energy tracking, and mode changes from a smartphone app, which is especially useful if you want to adjust hot water production around utility peak-rate windows, vacations, or changing household routines.
Key features
Uses heat pump operation with electric backup elements to improve efficiency compared with conventional electric water heaters.
Designed for everyday residential hot water use in many small to medium households.
Enables smartphone-based monitoring, scheduling, mode selection, and energy tracking through Rheem’s connected platform.
Includes Energy Saver, Heat Pump, High Demand, and Vacation modes so the heater can prioritize efficiency, recovery, or reduced usage.
Built to deliver up to four times the efficiency of conventional electric water heaters, depending on installation conditions and usage.
A strong option for homeowners trying to meet stricter energy standards or qualify for applicable efficiency incentives.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Product name | Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) |
| Model number | PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE |
| Category | Water Heaters |
| Water heater type | Hybrid electric heat pump tank water heater |
| Tank capacity | 50 gallons |
| Heating system | Heat pump technology with traditional electric backup element |
| Smart connectivity | EcoNet Wi-Fi |
| App controls | Remote monitoring, scheduling, mode selection, and energy tracking |
| Operating modes | Energy Saver, Heat Pump, High Demand, and Vacation |
| Efficiency positioning | Up to 4x the energy efficiency of conventional electric water heaters |
| Best fit | Homeowners seeking lower electric water heating costs, smart controls, and improved energy efficiency |
| Primary tradeoff | Higher upfront cost and more installation considerations than a basic electric tank |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Much more efficient than a conventional electric water heater in typical hybrid operation
- EcoNet Wi-Fi adds useful remote control, scheduling, and energy monitoring
- Multiple operating modes make it adaptable to different household routines
- High Demand mode helps when hot water usage spikes
- Vacation mode is useful for reducing energy waste while away
- Strong fit for homeowners focused on utility savings and energy incentives
Cons
- Costs more upfront than a basic electric tank water heater
- Heat pump operation depends on the installation environment and available air volume
- May produce more operational sound than a standard electric tank
- Best performance requires thoughtful mode selection and scheduling
- Installation may be more involved than a simple like-for-like replacement
Performance
The Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) is built around a clear performance goal: reduce energy consumption while still delivering reliable hot water for everyday residential use. In normal conditions, Energy Saver or Heat Pump mode is where this model makes the most sense. These modes prioritize efficient heat pump operation, which is the main reason to choose a hybrid water heater over a traditional electric tank.
For daily showers, handwashing, dishwashing, and laundry, the 50-gallon capacity should be adequate for many households, especially when usage is spread throughout the day. When demand increases, High Demand mode gives the system more recovery support by leaning more on the electric backup element. That flexibility is important because it means the unit is not locked into maximum efficiency at the expense of comfort.
The smart features are more than a novelty. EcoNet Wi-Fi makes it easier to see how the water heater is being used, adjust settings remotely, and schedule operation around household routines. If your utility charges higher rates during peak times, the scheduling and monitoring tools can help you shift operation more intelligently. Vacation mode is also a practical feature, reducing unnecessary energy use when the home is empty for an extended period.
Installation tip: Hybrid water heaters perform best when installed in a space with adequate surrounding air and appropriate clearance. A cramped or very cold location can reduce the efficiency advantage of heat pump operation.
To protect your investment from mineral buildup, consider adding a whole house water filter to your plumbing system.
The biggest performance consideration is that hybrid water heaters behave differently from basic electric tanks. Heat pump operation is efficient, but it is not always as fast as resistance heating. That is why mode selection matters. Homeowners who want maximum savings should favor efficient modes most of the time, while households with frequent back-to-back showers may occasionally benefit from High Demand mode.
Value for money
The Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) is not the cheapest way to replace an electric water heater, but it can be one of the smarter long-term choices. The main value argument is operating cost—especially when compared to standard models like the A.O. Smith hybrid series. Water heating can be a significant part of a home’s energy bill, water heating can be a significant part of a home’s energy bill, and a hybrid heat pump design can substantially reduce electricity use compared with a conventional electric tank.
The strongest buyers are homeowners who plan to stay in their home long enough to benefit from energy savings, people replacing an inefficient older electric unit, and households that can take advantage of rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives where available. The EcoNet controls also add value if you actually use them to schedule operation, monitor consumption, and adjust modes based on demand.
It may be less compelling for buyers who simply want the lowest upfront replacement cost or for installations where the unit cannot be placed in a suitable environment for heat pump operation. In those cases, the efficiency advantage may be harder to fully realize. But for the right home, the Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Hybrid Water Heater offers a strong blend of efficiency, flexibility, and smart-home convenience.
Final verdict
The Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) earns an 8.7 out of 10. It is a highly efficient, feature-rich water heater that makes the most sense for homeowners who want to lower energy costs and gain smarter control over hot water production.
Its biggest strengths are hybrid heat pump efficiency, EcoNet Wi-Fi control, multiple operating modes, and long-term savings potential. Its drawbacks are mainly tied to upfront cost, installation requirements, and the need to understand how hybrid operation differs from a standard electric tank. If your installation space is a good fit and you want a future-ready electric water heater, this model is a strong choice.
Is the Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) worth it?
Yes, it can be worth it for homeowners who want lower energy bills and plan to use the unit long enough to benefit from efficiency savings. It is especially attractive when paired with available utility rebates or tax incentives.
Who is the Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) best for?
It is best for small to medium households replacing an electric water heater, especially homeowners who want smart controls, energy tracking, and more efficient hot water production.
What does EcoNet Wi-Fi add to the Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE)?
EcoNet Wi-Fi allows remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app. You can adjust modes, create schedules, track energy use, and manage settings when you are away from home.
Does the Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE) still work during high hot water demand?
Yes. Its High Demand mode uses the electric backup element to help support heavier hot water usage. For maximum savings, efficient modes are preferable, but High Demand mode is useful when the household needs faster recovery.
What is the main downside of the Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Smart Electric Hybrid Water Heater with EcoNet Wi-Fi (PROPH50 T2 RH350-HE)?
The main downside is the higher upfront cost compared with a standard electric tank water heater. It also needs a suitable installation space to get the best efficiency from heat pump operation.
