Rinnai vs Rheem vs Dux: Which 26L Continuous Flow Hot Water System Is Best?

A 26L continuous flow gas hot water system is one of the most popular choices for Australian family homes. It is commonly used for medium to larger households, especially homes with 2 bathrooms, higher shower demand or an existing 26L gas unit that needs replacing.

The main brands homeowners compare are Rinnai, Rheem and Dux. All three offer 26L-style gas continuous flow systems, but they are not all the same when it comes to temperature stability, installer familiarity, retrofit suitability, warranty support and long-term confidence.

For Brisbane, Gold Coast and South East Queensland homes, the Rinnai Infinity 26 is usually the strongest overall choice. The Rinnai B26 is a good practical option for budget-conscious replacements and retrofits. Rheem Metro 26 and Dux 26 can still suit some homes, but JR Gas & Water would generally recommend comparing Rinnai first if the home is suitable.

JR Gas & Water can help compare instant gas hot water systems, gas storage hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems based on your gas supply, household demand and installation location.

Quick answer

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is the best overall 26L continuous flow gas hot water system for most homes because it offers strong performance, good temperature control, wide installer familiarity and excellent long-term brand confidence.

The Rinnai B26 is the best value and retrofit-friendly option where the homeowner wants a simpler replacement. Rheem Metro 26 is a solid alternative from another major hot water brand, while Dux 26 is more of a budget-focused option for straightforward installs.

The right system still depends on gas type, gas line sizing, water pressure, number of bathrooms, shower flow rates and whether the home is better suited to gas continuous flow, gas storage or a heat pump.

What is a 26L continuous flow hot water system?

A 26L continuous flow gas hot water system heats water as it passes through the unit. It does not store a full tank of hot water. When a hot tap is turned on, the system senses flow, ignites and heats the water on demand.

A 26L model may suit:

• Many 3–5 person households

• Homes with 1–2 bathrooms

• Properties replacing an existing 26L gas unit

• Homes with natural gas or LPG

• Households wanting compact wall-mounted hot water

• Customers wanting to avoid a large storage tank

• Homes where continuous flow gas is already working well

A 26L system is not automatically right for every home. Larger households, high-flow showers or multiple simultaneous outlets may need a bigger unit or a different setup. Smaller homes may not need a 26L model at all.

Models compared

This comparison looks at four common options:

Best overall: Rinnai Infinity 26

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is the strongest overall recommendation for most homes comparing 26L continuous flow gas hot water.

It is well known, widely installed and commonly used in Australian homes. For many families, it offers the best balance of performance, support, sizing practicality and long-term confidence.

Best suited to

• Standard family homes

• Many 2 bathroom properties

• Homes replacing an older 26L gas unit

• Customers wanting strong Rinnai brand confidence

• Households wanting compact wall-mounted hot water

• Homes where gas continuous flow is already suitable

• Customers wanting a higher-quality option than basic budget systems

What it does well

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is strong because it combines practical flow rate, brand recognition and installer familiarity.

Key strengths include:

• Strong reputation in continuous flow gas hot water

• Good temperature stability when correctly installed

• Compact outdoor wall-mounted design

• Natural gas and LPG options where suitable

• Good replacement pathway for older instant gas systems

• Optional controller compatibility on suitable installations

• Strong installer familiarity and support pathway

The Infinity 26 is usually the model JR Gas & Water would compare first when a homeowner wants a strong 26L instant gas replacement.

Best value retrofit: Rinnai B26

The Rinnai B26 is a practical choice where the customer wants a simpler, cost-effective Rinnai continuous flow replacement.

It may not have the same premium positioning as the Infinity 26, but it can be a strong option for homes where budget, availability and retrofit suitability matter.

Best suited to

• Budget-conscious homeowners

• Like-for-like instant gas replacements

• Rental properties

• Existing gas continuous flow installs

• Customers wanting Rinnai without paying for the top option

• Homes where the installation is straightforward

What it does well

The Rinnai B26 is appealing because it gives customers a known brand in a practical, replacement-friendly format.

Key strengths include:

• Competitive value

• Known Rinnai support

• Practical 26L flow category

• Good option for replacing older gas units

• Suitable for many medium households when correctly sized

• Simple, familiar continuous flow design

For many homes, the B26 is the sensible option when the Infinity 26 feels like more system than the customer needs.

Rheem Metro 26: solid, but not usually our first pick

The Rheem Metro 26 is a respectable continuous flow gas hot water option from one of Australia’s biggest hot water brands.

Rheem has excellent brand recognition across hot water generally, and the Metro 26 can suit many homes. However, in the 26L continuous flow category, Rinnai often has the stronger reputation and customer recognition.

Best suited to

• Homes already using Rheem gas hot water

• Customers who prefer Rheem as a brand

• Standard gas continuous flow replacements

• Medium households with suitable gas supply

• Installations where the Metro 26 suits the site and budget

What it does well

The Rheem Metro 26 offers:

• Strong hot water brand confidence

• Practical continuous flow performance

• Common household suitability

• Natural gas or LPG options where applicable

• Compact outdoor installation

• Good alternative to Rinnai where Rheem is preferred

It is not a bad choice. But if the customer is choosing between Rheem Metro 26 and Rinnai Infinity 26, JR Gas & Water would usually lean toward the Rinnai Infinity 26 for continuous flow gas.

Dux 26: budget-friendly, but more basic

Dux 26L continuous flow systems can suit homes where the main priority is a straightforward gas hot water replacement at a competitive price.

Dux is a known hot water brand, but in this category, it is generally harder to recommend over Rinnai unless price or site-specific availability makes it the better practical option.

Best suited to

• Budget-focused replacements

• Rental properties

• Basic continuous flow installs

• Homes with moderate hot water demand

• Customers who want a simple gas hot water solution

What it does well

The Dux 26 can be useful where the homeowner wants:

• A known brand

• A lower-cost gas continuous flow option

• Compact outdoor installation

• A basic replacement for an older gas unit

• A practical system without premium features

For owner-occupied homes where the customer wants stronger long-term confidence, Rinnai is usually the better direction.

Rinnai Infinity 26 vs Rinnai B26

Choose the Rinnai Infinity 26 if you want the stronger all-round system. Choose the Rinnai B26 if the priority is a practical Rinnai replacement at a sharper price.

Rinnai Infinity 26 vs Rheem Metro 26

Both can work well. Rinnai usually wins if the customer wants the best-known continuous flow gas option. Rheem is still worth considering where the home already has Rheem, the quote is strong or the site suits the model better.

Rinnai Infinity 26 vs Dux 26

The Dux 26 may suit basic installs, but Rinnai is usually the smarter choice for homeowners who want a stronger long-term result.

Performance and household suitability

All 26L systems are in the same general flow category, but real performance depends on more than the litre rating.

Important factors include:

• Gas type

• Gas line sizing

• Water pressure

• Shower flow rates

• Number of bathrooms

• Distance from the unit to fixtures

• Whether multiple outlets are used together

• Temperature settings

• Controller setup

• Installation quality

A 26L system may perform well in one home and struggle in another if the gas supply, plumbing or usage pattern is not suitable.

JR Gas & Water can help assess whether a 26L model is enough or whether a larger instant gas hot water system, gas storage system or heat pump would be better.

Installation and retrofit compatibility

A 26L continuous flow gas system can be a great replacement where the home already has an existing gas unit. But it should not be treated as a simple swap without checking the site.

Before installation, a licensed gas fitter should check:

• Natural gas or LPG setup

• Gas line sizing

• Appliance load

• Regulator suitability

• Outdoor location

• Clearance from windows, doors and boundaries

• Power point availability

• Water pressure

• Pipework condition

• Controller wiring if required

• Whether the old unit location is still compliant

The Rinnai B26 can be a strong retrofit option where the goal is a straightforward replacement. The Rinnai Infinity 26 is often the better option where the customer wants the strongest overall result.

Energy efficiency and running costs

Continuous flow gas systems can be efficient because they only heat water when needed. They do not keep a large storage tank hot all day.

However, running costs depend on:

• Gas price

• Natural gas or LPG use

• Household demand

• Shower flow rates

• Selected model

• Temperature settings

• Installation setup

• Whether the home would be better suited to heat pump hot water

A 26L gas continuous flow system can be a strong choice for homes that want to stay with gas. But if the home has solar PV and the customer wants to reduce gas use, it is worth comparing heat pump hot water systems before deciding.

Can instant gas work with solar PV?

This is an area where customers are often misled.

A gas continuous flow system does not meaningfully run from solar PV. It uses gas to heat the water and may use a small amount of electricity for ignition and controls. Solar PV does not offset the gas heating load in the same way it can support a heat pump.

If your goal is to use solar power for hot water, a heat pump is usually the better system type to compare.

Gas continuous flow is better suited to homes that want compact, on-demand gas hot water and already have a suitable natural gas or LPG setup.

Rinnai, Rheem or Dux vs heat pump hot water

If the home is already set up for gas and space is limited, a 26L continuous flow system can be the right call. If the customer wants lower long-term energy use and has solar PV, a heat pump may be the better direction.

Brisbane and Gold Coast installation considerations

South East Queensland homes have a mix of natural gas, LPG and electric hot water setups. The right choice depends heavily on the property.

Common local considerations include:

• Natural gas availability

• LPG bottle setup on acreage or regional properties

• Gas line sizing in older Brisbane homes

• High water pressure

• Distance from the unit to bathrooms

• Outdoor wall space

• Coastal exposure around the Gold Coast

• Clearance from windows, doors and boundaries

• Power point availability

• Whether a larger unit is needed

• Whether a heat pump is better for solar PV homes

A Rinnai Infinity 26 can be an excellent system, but only when the site is suitable and the model is correctly sized.

Which 26L continuous flow system should you choose?

Choose Rinnai Infinity 26 if you want the best overall system

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is the strongest choice for most homes.

Choose it if you want:

• Strong Rinnai brand confidence

• Excellent continuous flow reputation

• Good household suitability

• Better user experience than budget systems

• A strong long-term gas hot water choice

• A system suited to owner-occupied homes

Choose Rinnai B26 if you want value and retrofit practicality

The Rinnai B26 is a strong choice where value and simplicity matter.

Choose it if you want:

• A practical Rinnai replacement

• A budget-friendlier option than the Infinity

• A good retrofit pathway

• A system for rental or standard household use

• A known brand without premium pricing

Choose Rheem Metro 26 if you prefer Rheem

The Rheem Metro 26 is worth considering if the home already has Rheem, the quote is competitive or the customer prefers Rheem as a brand.

Choose it if you want:

• A recognised hot water brand

• A practical 26L gas option

• A solid alternative to Rinnai

• Good suitability for standard gas replacements

Choose Dux 26 if budget is the priority

The Dux 26 is most suited to budget-focused replacements.

Choose it if:

• The budget is tight

• The installation is straightforward

• The household demand is moderate

• A basic continuous flow option is enough

• Rinnai or Rheem are not the preferred options

Final verdict: Rinnai Infinity 26 wins overall

For most homeowners comparing Rinnai, Rheem and Dux 26L continuous flow gas hot water systems, the Rinnai Infinity 26 is the best overall choice.

It offers the strongest balance of brand confidence, performance, user experience, installer familiarity and long-term support. The Rinnai B26 is also a good option where value and retrofit practicality matter.

Rheem Metro 26 is a solid alternative, and Dux 26 can work for budget-focused installs, but if the customer wants the strongest 26L gas continuous flow option, JR Gas & Water would generally recommend starting with Rinnai.

What JR Gas & Water can help with

JR Gas & Water can help with:

• Comparing Rinnai, Rheem and Dux 26L systems

• Choosing between Rinnai Infinity 26 and Rinnai B26

• Replacing older instant gas hot water systems

• Checking natural gas or LPG suitability

• Assessing gas line sizing and site requirements

• Comparing instant gas against gas storage and heat pump options

• Helping homeowners across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and nearby South East Queensland areas choose the right hot water system

Related JR Gas & Water services

• Compare instant gas hot water systems for compact continuous flow options

• View gas storage hot water systems if stored gas hot water suits your home better

• Browse heat pump hot water systems if solar PV and long-term efficiency are priorities

• Book hot water repairs and servicing if your current gas unit is unreliable

• Book a licensed gas fitter for gas hot water replacement advice

• Request help through JR Gas & Water quote requests and bookings

FAQs

Which 26L continuous flow gas hot water system is best?

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is usually the best overall 26L continuous flow gas hot water system for most homes. It offers strong brand confidence, good performance, installer familiarity and long-term support.

Is Rinnai better than Rheem for 26L continuous flow gas?

For continuous flow gas hot water, Rinnai is often the stronger recommendation because the Infinity range is so well known in this category. Rheem Metro 26 is still a solid alternative, especially where Rheem is preferred.

Is Rinnai better than Dux for instant gas hot water?

For most owner-occupied homes, yes. Dux can suit budget-focused replacements, but Rinnai generally offers stronger confidence, better recognition in continuous flow gas and a stronger overall user experience.

What is the difference between Rinnai Infinity 26 and Rinnai B26?

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is the stronger overall choice, while the Rinnai B26 is more value-focused and retrofit-friendly. The B26 can be a good option for standard replacements, but the Infinity 26 is usually better for homeowners wanting a more premium result.

Is a 26L instant gas system enough for two bathrooms?

A 26L system can suit many two-bathroom homes, but it depends on shower flow rates, simultaneous use, gas supply, water pressure and household habits. JR Gas & Water can check whether 26L is enough or whether a larger model is needed.

Do I need a tempering valve with a 26L continuous flow system?

Tempering requirements depend on the model, outlet temperature and installation. If hot water is delivered above safe bathroom temperatures, tempering control may be required. A licensed plumber or gas fitter can confirm what is needed for your home.

Can a 26L gas hot water system use solar power?

A gas continuous flow unit uses gas to heat water, so solar PV does not meaningfully offset the heating load. If you want to use solar power for hot water, compare heat pump hot water systems instead.

Can JR Gas & Water install Rinnai, Rheem and Dux gas hot water systems?

Yes. JR Gas & Water can help supply and install suitable Rinnai, Rheem and Dux continuous flow gas hot water systems across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and nearby South East Queensland areas, subject to site suitability and product availability.

Need help choosing the best 26L gas hot water system?

If your current gas hot water system is unreliable, undersized, inefficient or due for replacement, JR Gas & Water can help compare Rinnai, Rheem, Dux, gas storage and heat pump options for your home.

Browse instant gas hot water systems, compare gas storage hot water systems, or send photos and model details through JR Gas & Water quote requests and bookings for a practical recommendation.