A. O. Smith GCR-50 2**

It holds 48 gallons in the test, 2 gallons less than its 50-gallon sold size. Over one hour from a full tank, it gave 81 gallons in the test (its first-hour rating). That is 33 gallons more than its tank holds, since it reheats during the hour. Among 763 gas storage models, 295 have a higher first-hour rating. The median gas storage model gives 78 gallons in the first hour of the test.

On Oct 26, 2026, this heater was not listed as ENERGY STAR certified. In tests, 64% of the energy it uses ends up as hot water (UEF 0.64). Its test simulated a day of high hot water use (its draw pattern). Of 434 gas storage models with the same draw pattern, 255 have a higher UEF and 95 a lower one. For its type and draw pattern, the UEF runs from 0.61 to 0.90. The water took in 80% of the energy used to reheat it (its recovery efficiency).

Its 2 model numbers are GCR-50 2** and GCR-50 2*1. All of its test figures are shared by 5 other basic models. They are listed under 5 other brands, one each.