U.S. Craftmaster GCR-50 4**

It holds 48 gallons in the test, 2 gallons less than its 50-gallon sold size. It delivers 84 gallons of hot water in the test's first hour. Its tank holds 48 gallons, so reheating adds 36 gallons during the first hour. Among 763 gas storage models, 209 have a higher first-hour rating. Among gas storage models, the median first-hour rating is 78 gallons.

On Oct 26, 2026, this heater was not listed as ENERGY STAR certified. In tests, 62% of the energy it uses ends up as hot water (UEF 0.62). The daily hot water use in the test, called its draw pattern, was high. Of 434 gas storage models with the same draw pattern, 386 have a higher UEF. For its type and draw pattern, the median UEF is 0.66. When it reheats water in the test, 77% of the energy it uses ends up in the water.

It is the basic model for LG2J5040TR 4*1 and NG2J5040TR 4**. There are 4 more basic models with the same test figures. They are listed under 4 other brands, one each. For the full group, see the A. O. Smith GCR-50 4** page.