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

A 50L hot water system can be a practical choice for small spaces, low-demand fixtures and compact properties where a full-size storage tank is unnecessary. It is most commonly used where hot water demand is light, such as small apartments, granny flats, offices, studios, kitchenettes, hand basins or occasional-use areas.

The key is choosing a 50 litre system for the right application. A 50L electric storage hot water system may be compact and simple, but it will not suit every household. If two people take long showers, if a bath is used, or if multiple hot water outlets run close together, a larger system may be needed.

Installed Today helps customers compare hot water systems online, including electric hot water systems, instant electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems.

Supply-only ordering is available across major Australian metro areas, with selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown.

Quick Answer

A 50L hot water system is best suited to low hot water demand.

It may suit:

• Studios

• Small offices

• Kitchenettes

• Granny flats with light usage

• Single-person low-use situations

• Hand basins

• Small sinks

• Occasional-use spaces

• Compact replacement jobs where the old 50L unit was adequate

It may not suit:

• Families

• Homes with long showers

• Homes with baths

• Multiple bathrooms

• Simultaneous shower and kitchen use

• High-demand laundry use

• Households where the previous 50L system regularly ran out

If the system needs to serve regular showers, sizing should be checked carefully before ordering. A larger electric hot water system, instant gas hot water system or heat pump hot water system may be more suitable depending on the property.

What Is a 50L Hot Water System?

A 50L hot water system is a small storage hot water unit that holds around 50 litres of heated water.

Most domestic 50L units are electric storage systems. They heat water inside a tank using an electric element and store it until needed.

A 50L electric hot water system is much smaller than common household storage sizes such as 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems and 400L electric hot water systems.

That compact size is useful in the right setting, but it also means the stored hot water can run out quickly if demand is too high.

Who Is a 50L Hot Water System Best For?

A 50L system is usually best for small, specific hot water needs rather than a full family home.

Small Apartments and Studios

A 50L hot water system may suit a small studio or apartment where one person has short showers and limited hot water use.

It may not suit an apartment with multiple occupants, long showers or heavy daily use.

Granny Flats

A 50L unit may suit a granny flat if hot water demand is light and usage is predictable.

Before choosing a 50L system for a granny flat, consider:

• How many people will live there?

• Will it serve a shower?

• Will it serve a kitchen?

• Will it serve a laundry?

• Are long showers likely?

• Will multiple outlets be used at once?

If the granny flat is used daily by one or two people, a larger system may be more practical.

Offices and Staff Kitchens

A 50L system can be useful for offices, staff kitchens and small commercial-style kitchenette areas where hot water is mainly used for handwashing, cups, dishes or light cleaning.

In these situations, the demand may be lower than a residential shower setup.

Hand Basins and Small Sinks

A 50L system may be suitable for low-demand hand basins, sinks or point-of-use hot water where compact storage is preferred.

For very small point-of-use applications, an instant electric hot water system may also be worth comparing, depending on electrical requirements and usage.

Occasional-Use Areas

A compact system may suit sheds, studios, guest spaces or occasional-use rooms where hot water demand is limited.

However, if the space includes a shower, sizing should be checked carefully.

Is 50L Enough for a Shower?

A 50L hot water system may be enough for short, low-flow shower use in some situations, but it is easy to oversize the expectation and undersize the system.

How long a 50L tank lasts depends on:

• Shower flow rate

• Water temperature setting

• Incoming cold water temperature

• Tempering valve settings

• How hot the stored water is

• Shower length

• Whether other taps are used

• Recovery rate

• Element size

• Time between uses

A 50L system can run out quickly if the shower has a high-flow showerhead or if users take long showers.

If regular showers are expected, especially for more than one person, compare larger electric hot water systems before ordering.

50L Hot Water System vs Larger Electric Storage

A 50L system is compact, but a larger storage system may be better where daily demand is higher.

50L Electric May Suit:

• Low-use applications

• Small spaces

• Single-person use

• Hand basins

• Kitchenettes

• Offices

• Occasional shower use

• Tight installation areas

Larger Electric Storage May Suit:

• Families

• Regular shower use

• Multiple occupants

• Homes with baths

• Higher laundry or kitchen use

• Homes where the old unit ran out

• Households wanting more stored hot water

Common larger electric options include 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems and 400L electric hot water systems.

A larger system is not always necessary, but a 50L unit should only be chosen when the hot water demand is genuinely low.

50L Hot Water System vs Instant Electric Hot Water

A 50L electric storage system and an instant electric hot water system are different.

A 50L system stores a limited amount of hot water in a tank.

An instant electric system heats water as it flows through the unit.

50L Storage May Suit:

• Small stored hot water demand

• Light shower or sink use

• Applications where a small tank is preferred

• Replacement of an existing 50L system that worked well

Instant Electric May Suit:

• Point-of-use sinks

• Kitchenettes

• Offices

• Workshops

• Hand basins

• Low-demand fixtures

• Locations where storage is not preferred

Instant electric is not automatically suitable for a whole home. Some units may require high electrical capacity, dedicated circuits or three-phase power depending on the model and application.

Customers comparing compact electric options can browse instant electric hot water systems.

50L Electric vs Gas Hot Water

A 50L electric system may suit low-demand applications, while gas hot water may suit homes with higher demand and existing natural gas or LPG.

Electric 50L May Suit:

• Small spaces

• Homes without gas

• Low-use hot water points

• Simple compact storage

• Light residential or office use

Gas Hot Water May Suit:

• Homes with natural gas or LPG

• Higher hot water demand

• Multiple occupants

• Continuous flow needs

• Outdoor wall-mounted installation

• Larger household replacement

Customers with existing gas can compare gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and 26L instant gas hot water systems.

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

50L Electric vs Heat Pump Hot Water

A 50L electric system is compact and simple, while a heat pump hot water system is usually a larger storage-style system designed for whole-home hot water use.

A heat pump hot water system may suit homes wanting an efficient electric option where outdoor space, airflow, condensate drainage and electrical suitability are available.

Heat pumps are usually not chosen for very small point-of-use applications. They are more often compared for full household replacement where a larger storage tank is needed.

Customers comparing heat pump options can browse medium heat pump hot water systems from 200L to 280L and large heat pump hot water systems over 280L.

Where Can a 50L Hot Water System Be Installed?

A 50L hot water system may be installed in different locations depending on the model, property, clearances and installation requirements.

Possible locations may include:

• Laundry areas

• Cupboards where permitted by the model and rules

• Small utility areas

• Under-bench spaces where suitable

• External wall locations where the model is suitable

• Apartments or compact service areas

• Offices and kitchenettes

• Granny flats

Installation suitability depends on the specific product and property.

The installer may need to check:

• Access

• Safe mounting

• Base or bracket support

• Drainage

• Electrical supply

• Water pressure

• Valve requirements

• Clearance

• Ventilation if required by product type

• Future servicing access

• Compliance requirements

Do not assume every 50L unit can be installed inside a cupboard or tight space. Product instructions and plumbing/electrical requirements must be followed.

Wall-Mounted vs Floor-Mounted 50L Systems

Some compact systems can be wall-mounted, while others are designed for floor or base installation.

Before ordering, check:

• Whether the unit is approved for wall mounting

• Bracket requirements

• Loaded weight when full of water

• Wall structure

• Access for servicing

• Pipework location

• Electrical location

• Drainage

• Manufacturer instructions

A 50L tank can become heavy once full. Wall support and safe mounting should be confirmed by a licensed installer where required.

Electrical Requirements

Most 50L hot water systems are electric storage systems. Electrical requirements depend on the model and element size.

Before ordering, check:

• Existing electrical supply

• Circuit suitability

• Switchboard capacity

• Whether the unit needs hardwiring

• Whether a power outlet is suitable or allowed

• Whether a timer or tariff setup applies

• Whether a licensed electrician is required

Electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician where required.

Plumbing and Valve Requirements

A 50L hot water system may still require proper valves, pressure control and safe discharge arrangements.

Installation may involve:

• Isolation valve

• Pressure limiting valve where required

• Expansion control valve where required

• Temperature control device where required

• Relief valve discharge

• Safe drainage

• Correct pipework

• Compliance with plumbing requirements

Hot water installation should be completed by a licensed plumber where required.

Temperature Control and Safety

Hot water systems need to deliver water safely, especially to bathrooms and personal hygiene fixtures.

A temperature control device, such as a tempering valve, may be required depending on the installation and local requirements.

This helps reduce scalding risk at showers, baths and basins used for personal hygiene.

The right setup should be confirmed by a licensed plumber before installation.

Energy Use and Running Costs

A 50L system has a smaller tank than larger electric storage systems, so it may suit low-demand applications where a large tank would be unnecessary.

However, running cost depends on:

• How often hot water is used

• Element size

• Tariff

• Tank insulation

• Temperature settings

• Recovery frequency

• Water usage

• Whether the system is undersized

• Heat loss

• Installation location

A smaller tank is not always cheaper to run if it runs out often and reheats repeatedly. The system still needs to match the way the household uses hot water.

Maintenance for a 50L Hot Water System

Maintenance requirements depend on the model, water quality and installation conditions.

Common checks may include:

• Looking for visible leaks

• Checking relief valve discharge

• Watching for rust or corrosion

• Monitoring hot water performance

• Listening for unusual noises

• Checking for reduced hot water volume

• Following manufacturer servicing guidance

• Checking sacrificial anode requirements where applicable

Do not attempt internal electrical or plumbing repairs yourself. Licensed trades should complete repairs and servicing where required.

Signs a 50L Hot Water System May Need Replacement

Replacement may be worth considering if:

• The tank is leaking

• Hot water runs out much faster than it used to

• Water is rusty or discoloured from hot taps

• The system makes unusual noises

• Repairs are becoming frequent

• The system is old

• The unit no longer suits the household

• The installation is no longer compliant

• Parts are difficult to source

If the old 50L system regularly ran out of hot water, replacing it with another 50L unit may not solve the problem.

Choosing the Best 50L Hot Water System

When comparing 50L hot water systems, look beyond the brand name.

Important factors include:

• Tank capacity

• Element size

• Recovery rate

• Dimensions

• Indoor or outdoor suitability

• Wall-mounting or floor-mounting

• Water pressure rating

• Electrical requirements

• Valve requirements

• Warranty terms

• Service access

• Installation location

• Household demand

• Replacement compatibility

The “best” 50L system is the one that fits the space, meets the demand and can be installed safely and compliantly.

When a 50L System Is Too Small

A 50L system may be too small if:

• More than one person showers regularly

• Showers are long

• The showerhead has a high flow rate

• The home has a bath

• Kitchen and shower use overlap

• Laundry hot water demand is high

• The old 50L system was always running out

• You want whole-home hot water for a family

In these cases, compare larger storage systems or other hot water types.

Options may include:

• 250L electric hot water systems

• 315L electric hot water systems

• 400L electric hot water systems

• Instant gas hot water systems

• Heat pump hot water systems

Brisbane and Gold Coast Considerations

In Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, a 50L system may be used in small apartments, granny flats, offices, studios or low-demand secondary areas.

Installation can be affected by:

• Tight cupboards

• Apartment access

• Body corporate requirements

• Drainage

• Electrical supply

• Wall mounting limitations

• Existing valves

• Pipework condition

• Old unit removal

• Compliance upgrades

• Indoor or outdoor location

• Coastal exposure on the Gold Coast

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

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.

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

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

It does not usually include:

• Installation labour

• Plumbing alterations

• Electrical work

• New valves

• Pipework changes

• Drainage changes

• Tempering valve upgrades

• Pressure limiting valve upgrades

• Expansion control valves

• Old unit removal

• Disposal

• Compliance upgrades

• Concrete bases or slab work

• Wall brackets unless listed

• Relocation of the system

• Rebate administration

• Site assessment

For a 50L system, confirm tank size, dimensions, mounting method, electrical supply, drainage, valve requirements and installation suitability with a licensed installer before ordering.

Common 50L Hot Water System Mistakes

Assuming 50L Is Enough for Two People

It may be enough for light use, but two people taking regular showers can quickly exceed a 50L tank.

Choosing Based Only on Price

A cheaper system may not suit the installation location, pressure requirements, mounting method or household demand.

Forgetting Recovery Time

If the tank empties, it needs time to heat again. Recovery time matters in daily use.

Ignoring Installation Space

Compact does not mean it fits anywhere. Clearance, drainage, valves and future access still matter.

Not Checking Electrical Requirements

Some installations may need electrical work or circuit checks.

Replacing Like-for-Like When the Old System Was Too Small

If the old 50L unit ran out regularly, another 50L system may repeat the issue.

Assuming Supply-Only Includes Installation

Supply-only pricing generally covers the product only unless installation is clearly included or selected.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before choosing a 50L hot water system, check:

• How many people will use the system?

• Will it serve a shower?

• Will it serve a kitchen?

• Will it serve a laundry?

• Are showers short or long?

• Was the old system 50L?

• Did the old system run out of hot water?

• Is the system for daily use or occasional use?

• Is the installation indoor or outdoor?

• Is there enough space for the unit?

• Is wall mounting required?

• Can the wall support the loaded unit?

• Is drainage available?

• Is electrical supply suitable?

• Are new valves required?

• Is a tempering valve required?

• Is old unit removal included or separate?

• Is the product supply-only or supplied-and-installed?

• Has a licensed installer confirmed suitability?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 50L hot water system?

The best 50L hot water system is the one that suits your space, usage, electrical supply and installation requirements. For low-demand applications, a compact electric storage unit may be suitable. For regular showers or multiple users, a larger system may be better.

Is a 50L hot water system enough for one person?

A 50L system may be enough for one person with short showers and light usage. It may not suit long showers, baths or heavy daily hot water demand.

Is a 50L hot water system enough for two people?

Sometimes, but only where usage is light and showers are short. If two people shower daily or use hot water close together, a larger system may be more practical.

Can a 50L hot water system run a shower?

It can in some low-demand situations, but shower length and flow rate matter. A high-flow or long shower can quickly use the stored hot water.

Can a 50L hot water system be installed in a cupboard?

Only if the model, clearances, drainage, access and installation requirements allow it. A licensed installer should confirm suitability.

Can I install a 50L hot water system myself?

No. Hot water installation can involve plumbing and electrical work. Licensed trades should complete the work where required.

Is a 50L system cheaper to run?

A 50L system may be efficient for low-demand use because it stores less water than a larger tank. However, if it is too small and reheats often, it may not be the best choice.

What size hot water system should I choose instead of 50L?

If regular household shower use is required, larger electric systems such as 250L, 315L or 400L may be worth comparing. Gas, instant gas or heat pump options may also suit depending on the property.

Does supply-only pricing include installation?

No. Supply-only pricing generally covers the product only. It does not usually include installation labour, plumbing work, electrical work, valves, pipework changes, drainage, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless clearly listed.

Final Word

A 50L hot water system can be a good choice for compact spaces and low hot water demand. It may suit studios, offices, kitchenettes, granny flats, hand basins and light-use applications.

It is not automatically suitable for regular shower use, multiple occupants or family homes. If the old 50L system ran out of hot water, another 50L replacement may not solve the problem.

Before ordering, check household demand, installation space, mounting requirements, electrical supply, drainage and valve requirements. For supply-only orders, confirm suitability with a licensed installer first.

Installed Today makes it easy to compare hot water systems, electric hot water systems, instant electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems online.