50L Hot Water System: Is a Small Electric Hot Water Unit Right for Your Home?

A 50L hot water system is a small-capacity hot water unit designed for low-demand applications. It can be useful for compact homes, small apartments, granny flats, offices, kitchenettes, under-sink areas and point-of-use hot water where only a limited amount of hot water is needed.

For most full-sized family homes, a 50L hot water system is usually too small for regular shower, bath, kitchen and laundry demand. Larger homes are more likely to compare 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems, 400L electric hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems or heat pump hot water systems.

Installed Today makes it easy to compare and order hot water systems online, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas and selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

Quick Answer: Who Is a 50L Hot Water System Best For?

A 50L hot water system is best suited to small, low-demand hot water applications.

It may suit:

• A small studio or granny flat with very low hot water use

• A single-person household with short showers and limited demand

• A kitchenette

• A small office

• A salon basin or handwash area, depending on usage

• A laundry sink

• A secondary hot water point

• A compact under-bench or cupboard installation where the model allows it

• A point-of-use setup close to the tap

It may not suit:

• A family home

• Multiple bathrooms

• Long showers

• Bath filling

• Multiple people showering close together

• Whole-home hot water demand

• Homes where the existing system already runs out of hot water

• High-flow shower use

Before ordering supply only, confirm the tank size, electrical requirements, installation location, water pressure, valves, drainage, access and household demand with your licensed installer.

What Is a 50L Hot Water System?

A 50L hot water system is a compact storage hot water unit with a tank capacity of around 50 litres. Most 50L systems are electric storage units, although exact designs vary by brand and model.

The system heats and stores water in a small tank. Once the stored hot water is used, the unit needs time to reheat the incoming cold water.

This means a 50L unit can work well where demand is small, but it can run out quickly if used for repeated showers or larger household tasks.

How Much Hot Water Does 50L Provide?

A 50L tank does not mean 50L of shower-ready hot water in every situation. Actual usable hot water depends on:

• Stored water temperature

• Tempering valve setup

• Incoming cold water temperature

• Shower flow rate

• Tap flow rate

• Distance from the unit to the fixture

• Pipe heat loss

• How quickly the system reheats

• Whether multiple outlets are used

A short, low-flow shower may use far less water than a long, high-flow shower. A bath or multiple back-to-back showers can use far more hot water than a 50L unit is designed to comfortably provide.

For normal whole-home shower use, a 50L system should be treated as a small-capacity option, not a family-sized hot water solution.

Common Uses for a 50L Hot Water System

Small Studio or Granny Flat

A 50L electric hot water system may suit a small studio or granny flat where one person uses limited hot water and shower habits are modest.

However, if the granny flat has regular shower use, laundry use or more than one occupant, a larger system may be more practical.

Office Kitchenette

A 50L system can be suitable for office kitchenettes where hot water is mainly used for handwashing, washing mugs or light cleaning.

Under-Sink or Point-of-Use Hot Water

Some compact electric systems are installed close to a fixture to reduce the delay between turning on the tap and receiving hot water.

This can suit:

• Remote sinks

• Small commercial handwash areas

• Detached rooms

• Secondary buildings

• Kitchenettes

• Laundry basins

Suitability depends on the model, location, drainage, electrical supply and available space.

Small Apartment

A 50L unit may suit a small apartment with very low hot water use, but it should be checked carefully. Many apartments need larger capacity if the system supplies a shower, bathroom and kitchen.

Temporary or Low-Demand Applications

A 50L hot water system may be considered where demand is known to be limited. It should not be chosen only because it is compact or cheaper upfront.

When a 50L Hot Water System Is Too Small

A 50L system may be too small if the home has:

• More than one regular occupant

• Longer showers

• High-flow shower heads

• A bath

• Multiple hot water outlets

• Laundry hot water use

• A kitchen and bathroom on the same unit

• Morning peak hot water demand

• Back-to-back showers

• Guests staying regularly

If the old system was already running out of hot water, replacing it with a 50L unit will usually make the problem worse unless the usage is much lower than before.

For larger demand, compare electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems.

50L Electric Hot Water Systems

Most 50L hot water systems are electric storage systems. They use an electric element to heat water inside the tank and keep it stored until needed.

A small electric hot water system may suit:

• Homes without gas

• Point-of-use applications

• Compact areas

• Low hot water demand

• Simple electric storage replacement where size is confirmed

• Secondary fixtures

Electric storage is familiar and can be practical, but sizing is critical. A small tank can run out quickly if demand is higher than expected.

50L Hot Water System vs 250L Electric Hot Water System

A 50L system and a 250L system are designed for very different uses.

If the system needs to supply a normal bathroom, kitchen and laundry, a 50L unit may not be the right comparison point. Browse 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems and 400L electric hot water systems instead.

50L Hot Water System vs Instant Electric Hot Water

A 50L electric storage unit stores a limited amount of hot water. An instant electric hot water system heats water as it flows through the unit.

Instant electric systems can require significant electrical capacity. They are not always suitable for whole-home shower demand. A licensed electrician or installer should confirm whether the property can support the selected unit.

50L Hot Water System vs Instant Gas Hot Water

A 50L electric storage unit is completely different from an instant gas hot water system.

Instant gas systems heat water continuously while the tap is running, provided the unit is correctly sized and the property has suitable gas supply and water pressure.

Instant gas may suit homes that:

• Want continuous flow hot water

• Have natural gas or LPG available

• Have suitable gas pipe sizing

• Have suitable water pressure

• Want to avoid a large storage tank

• Have outdoor wall space

For larger households, many customers compare 26L instant gas hot water systems, but gas pipe sizing and water pressure must support the unit.

Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter. Natural gas and LPG models are not interchangeable.

50L Hot Water System vs Heat Pump Hot Water

A 50L system is usually chosen for compact, low-demand hot water. A heat pump hot water system is usually considered for larger household hot water demand and lower electricity use compared with standard electric storage.

Heat pump hot water may suit homes that:

• Want to reduce hot water electricity use

• Are replacing an older electric storage system

• Have suitable outdoor space

• Have clear airflow around the unit

• Can manage condensate drainage

• Have suitable electrical supply

• Have sensible noise placement

• Want to pair hot water heating with rooftop solar where timing and usage suit

Many homes compare medium heat pump hot water systems 200L–280L, while larger households may compare large heat pump hot water systems.

A heat pump is not automatically right for every home, but it is usually a more relevant category than 50L storage if the goal is whole-home hot water.

Where Can a 50L Hot Water System Be Installed?

A 50L hot water system may be suitable for compact locations, depending on the specific model and manufacturer requirements.

Possible locations may include:

• Cupboards

• Under-bench areas

• Laundries

• Kitchenettes

• Small utility rooms

• Offices

• Granny flats

• Outdoor areas where the model is approved for outdoor use

• Point-of-use locations near a fixture

Before choosing a location, confirm:

• Indoor or outdoor suitability

• Clearances

• Access for future servicing

• Drainage and overflow requirements

• Electrical supply

• Water pressure

• Safe tray requirements where relevant

• Structural support if wall mounting

• Manufacturer installation instructions

Do not assume every compact unit can go under every sink or inside every cupboard.

Wall-Mounted 50L Hot Water Systems

Some compact hot water systems may allow wall mounting where the model and wall structure support it.

Before wall mounting, check:

• Manufacturer approval for wall mounting

• Correct bracket requirements

• Wall strength

• Full tank weight when filled with water

• Access for servicing

• Drainage and safe tray requirements

• Pipework route

• Electrical isolation

• Clearance requirements

A filled 50L tank is heavy. Wall mounting should only be completed where the structure and installation instructions allow it.

Dual-Handed Connections

Some compact electric hot water systems include dual-handed connections. This can make installation more flexible because plumbing may be arranged from either side, depending on the model.

Dual-handed connections may help with:

• Tight cupboard installations

• Left-hand or right-hand pipework

• Replacing older compact units

• Reducing pipework changes

• Improving access for future maintenance

However, connection layout is only one part of installation. Electrical supply, drainage, valves, clearances and safe access still matter.

Electrical Requirements for a 50L Hot Water System

A 50L electric hot water system still needs the correct electrical setup.

Your installer or electrician should confirm:

• Element size

• Circuit requirements

• Switchboard suitability

• Isolation requirements

• Cable sizing

• Whether a power point is suitable or a dedicated circuit is required

• Indoor or outdoor electrical safety

• Timer or tariff setup where relevant

• Compliance requirements

Do not assume a small hot water unit can be plugged into any nearby outlet. Electrical requirements vary by model.

Plumbing and Valve Requirements

Even a small hot water system can require proper plumbing and valves.

Your installer may need to check:

• Cold water supply

• Hot water outlet

• Water pressure

• Tempering valve requirements

• Pressure limiting valve requirements

• Expansion control valve requirements

• Drainage and overflow

• Safe tray requirements

• Access for servicing

• Pipework condition

• Whether the system is close enough to the fixture

Plumbing work should be completed by a licensed plumber where required.

Drainage and Overflow Requirements

Storage hot water systems need appropriate drainage and overflow management.

For compact installations, this can be one of the biggest challenges. A small cupboard may physically fit the tank but still be unsuitable if there is no practical drainage or safe tray setup.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Where relief valve discharge will go

• Whether a safe tray is needed

• Whether a drain is nearby

• Whether the cupboard or room can handle a leak safely

• Whether pipework changes are required

• Whether the location meets plumbing requirements

Ignoring drainage can create water damage risk.

Can a 50L Hot Water System Supply a Shower?

A 50L system may supply a shower in very low-demand situations, but it should be treated carefully.

It may only suit shower use where:

• There is one occupant

• Showers are short

• Shower flow rate is low

• No bath is used

• Hot water use is not back-to-back

• Kitchen and laundry demand is limited

• Recovery time between uses is acceptable

For normal household shower use, a larger electric storage system, instant gas system or heat pump may be more suitable.

Can a 50L Hot Water System Supply a Kitchen?

A 50L system may suit a kitchen or kitchenette where hot water use is modest.

It may be suitable for:

• Handwashing

• Washing a few dishes

• Light office use

• Small kitchenettes

• Tea room sinks

• Low-volume cleaning

It may not suit heavy kitchen use, commercial-style washing, multiple users or large volumes of hot water.

Can a 50L Hot Water System Supply a Granny Flat?

It depends on the granny flat and the people using it.

A 50L system may suit a very low-demand granny flat with one person and short showers. It may not suit a granny flat with:

• Two occupants

• Regular shower use

• Laundry hot water

• High-flow shower heads

• Back-to-back showers

• Bath use

• Guests

If the granny flat is used like a normal small home, compare larger electric storage, instant gas where gas is available, or heat pump options where the site suits.

Sizing: When to Choose Bigger Than 50L

Choose a larger system if the household needs more stored hot water or faster recovery.

You may need to compare larger systems if:

• More than one person uses hot water daily

• The system supplies a shower

• The system supplies multiple fixtures

• The old system ran out of hot water

• There are morning or evening demand peaks

• Laundry hot water is used

• A bath is used

• The home has guests regularly

• You want fewer restrictions on shower length

For electric storage, common categories include 250L, 315L and 400L.

For instant gas, common sizes include 16L, 20L and 26L.

For heat pumps, many households compare 250L to 280L or larger.

50L Hot Water System Running Costs

Running costs depend on more than the tank size.

They can be affected by:

• Usage

• Electricity tariff

• Element size

• Insulation quality

• Recovery settings

• Location

• Pipe length

• Water temperature

• Maintenance

• Household habits

A 50L unit may use less energy than a larger electric tank if the demand is genuinely small. But if it is undersized and constantly reheating, it may not perform well for the household.

If energy use is a major concern for whole-home hot water, compare heat pump hot water systems as well.

50L Hot Water System Replacement

Replacing a small hot water system should not be done purely by matching the old tank capacity.

Before replacing like-for-like, ask:

• Did the old system run out of hot water?

• Has household usage changed?

• Is the unit feeding more fixtures than before?

• Is the old system in a compliant location?

• Are valves still suitable?

• Is drainage adequate?

• Is electrical supply suitable?

• Is access still practical?

• Would instant electric, larger storage or heat pump hot water suit better?

A like-for-like 50L replacement can be practical if the old system worked well and the installation location is still suitable.

What Is Not Included in Supply-Only 50L Hot Water Pricing?

For supply-only products, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

• Installation labour

• Electrical work

• Plumbing alterations

• New valves

• Pipework changes

• Drainage changes

• Safe tray installation

• Tempering valve upgrades

• Pressure limiting valve upgrades

• Expansion control valves

• Old unit removal

• Disposal

• Compliance upgrades

• Wall brackets or mounting accessories unless listed

• Relocation of the system

Always check the product page and confirm full site requirements with your licensed installer before ordering.

Supply-Only vs Supplied-and-Installed

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

Supply-only may suit you if:

• Your installer has confirmed a 50L system is suitable

• The tank size matches your usage

• The installation location is suitable

• Electrical requirements have been checked

• Drainage and overflow have been checked

• Access is suitable

• You understand what is not included in the product price

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, location and installation requirements.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Considerations

For Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, 50L hot water systems are usually more relevant for small secondary applications than full family homes.

Common local use cases may include:

• Granny flats

• Small offices

• Kitchenettes

• Detached rooms

• Studio spaces

• Low-demand secondary bathrooms

• Small laundry areas

• Compact replacement applications

Local installation checks may include:

• Tight access

• Existing valve condition

• Drainage and overflow

• Safe tray requirements

• Electrical supply

• Whether the old unit was undersized

• Whether a larger system would suit better

Installed Today offers selected supplied-and-installed options on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas.

Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Small electric storage systems such as 50L units are not usually the main focus of heat pump or renewable-style incentives. Some heat pump and solar-style upgrades may be eligible for rebates, STCs or other incentives depending on the product, location and current rules.

These incentives can change, so check current eligibility before budgeting around a rebate.

If a rebate is important, confirm whether the selected product, supplier pathway and installation process qualify before ordering.

Alternatives to a 50L Hot Water System

Larger Electric Storage

If you need normal household hot water, compare electric hot water systems, including 250L, 315L and 400L categories.

Instant Electric Hot Water

For small point-of-use applications, instant electric hot water systems may be worth comparing, provided electrical capacity supports the unit.

Instant Gas Hot Water

For whole-home continuous flow hot water where gas is available, compare instant gas hot water systems and 26L instant gas hot water systems.

Heat Pump Hot Water

For energy-focused households replacing electric storage, compare heat pump hot water systems, medium heat pump hot water systems 200L–280L and large heat pump hot water systems.

Gas Storage Hot Water

For homes already using gas and wanting stored hot water, compare gas hot water systems, 130/135L gas hot water systems and 160/170L gas hot water systems.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a 50L Hot Water System

Assuming 50L Suits a Family Home

A 50L tank is small. It is usually not the right choice for a normal family home with showers, laundry and kitchen demand.

Choosing Based Only on Price

A smaller unit may cost less upfront but may run out of hot water quickly if undersized.

Ignoring Shower Flow Rate

High-flow showers can use stored hot water quickly.

Forgetting Recovery Time

Once a 50L tank is depleted, it needs time to reheat.

Installing in a Cupboard Without Checking Drainage

Compact spaces still need safe drainage and overflow planning.

Not Checking Electrical Requirements

Small electric hot water systems still need correct electrical supply and isolation.

Replacing Like-for-Like Without Checking Demand

If the old system was too small, the same size may repeat the problem.

Assuming Supply-Only Includes Installation

Supply-only generally means product only unless installation is selected or clearly shown.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before ordering a 50L hot water system, confirm:

• Intended use

• Number of people using it

• Number of fixtures supplied

• Whether it supplies a shower

• Shower flow rate

• Expected daily hot water use

• Recovery time

• Electrical requirements

• Water pressure

• Installation location

• Indoor or outdoor suitability

• Available space

• Access for servicing

• Drainage and overflow

• Safe tray requirements

• Valve requirements

• Wall mounting suitability if applicable

• Whether a larger system would suit better

• Whether supply-only or supplied-and-installed is the right option

• Installer confirmation before buying supply only

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 50L hot water system?

A 50L hot water system is a small storage hot water unit with around 50 litres of stored hot water capacity. Most are electric storage systems used for compact or low-demand applications.

Is a 50L hot water system enough for a house?

Usually not for a normal family home. A 50L system may suit a small studio, office, kitchenette or low-demand point-of-use application, but it is often too small for regular whole-home shower and laundry use.

How many people can use a 50L hot water system?

It depends on shower length, flow rate and usage habits. A 50L unit may suit one person with low hot water use, but it can run out quickly with longer showers or multiple users.

Can a 50L hot water system run a shower?

It may run a short, low-flow shower in some situations, but it is not ideal for repeated or long showers. For regular shower use, compare larger electric storage, instant gas or heat pump options.

Is a 50L hot water system good for a granny flat?

It can suit a very low-demand granny flat, but many granny flats need more capacity if used daily for showers, kitchen and laundry. Confirm sizing with your installer.

Can a 50L hot water system fit under a sink?

Some compact systems may suit under-sink or cupboard installations, but it depends on the specific model, clearances, drainage, safe tray requirements, electrical supply and access.

Is a 50L electric hot water system cheap to run?

Running cost depends on usage, tariff, element size, location and recovery demand. A small tank can be efficient for low use, but an undersized system may reheat often and still fail to meet demand.

Should I choose 50L or 250L electric hot water?

Choose based on demand. A 50L system is for small or point-of-use needs. A 250L system is more relevant for many small-to-medium households needing normal shower and kitchen hot water.

Can I install a 50L hot water system myself?

No. Hot water systems involve plumbing, electrical work, water pressure, valves, drainage and compliance requirements. Use licensed trades where required.

What is not included in supply-only 50L hot water pricing?

Supply-only pricing generally excludes installation, electrical work, plumbing alterations, valves, drainage, safe trays, pipework changes, old unit removal, disposal and compliance upgrades unless selected or clearly shown.

Final Word

A 50L hot water system can be a practical solution for small, low-demand hot water applications. It may suit a kitchenette, office, small studio, compact granny flat or point-of-use setup where only limited hot water is needed.

It is usually not the right choice for a normal family home, multiple bathrooms, long showers or high daily hot water demand. In those cases, larger electric storage, instant gas, gas storage or heat pump hot water systems are usually more suitable to compare.

Before ordering supply only through Installed Today, confirm the tank size, electrical requirements, plumbing setup, drainage, valves, access and actual hot water demand with your licensed installer. A 50L unit works best when it is chosen for the right job, not just because it is compact or cheaper upfront.