Best Gas Hot Water Systems in 2024: Top Picks for Aussie Homes

Choosing the best gas hot water system in 2024 depends on how your home uses hot water, whether you have natural gas or LPG, how many bathrooms you run, and whether you prefer storage or continuous flow.

For many Brisbane, Gold Coast and South East Queensland homes, gas hot water is still a strong option. It can deliver fast recovery, compact outdoor installation and reliable hot water for families that already have a suitable gas setup.

The main decision is whether to choose an instant gas hot water system or a gas storage hot water system. Continuous flow systems are compact and heat water on demand, while gas storage systems keep hot water ready in a tank and can suit homes that prefer stored hot water recovery.

JR Gas & Water can help compare gas options against heat pump hot water systems if long-term energy efficiency or solar PV use is also part of your decision.

Quick answer

The best gas hot water system for most homes in 2024 is a correctly sized continuous flow gas unit, with the Rinnai Infinity 26 often being the strongest all-round choice for standard family homes.

For budget-conscious replacements, the Rinnai B26 or Rheem Metro 26 can be worth comparing. For larger homes, a higher-flow continuous gas unit or a strong gas storage system may be more suitable. For homes that prefer stored hot water, the Rheem Stellar 330 and AquaMAX G270SS are two of the best gas storage options to compare.

If your home has solar PV and suitable outdoor space, a heat pump may also be worth considering before committing to gas.

Gas storage vs continuous flow gas hot water

Before choosing a brand, it is important to choose the right system type.

Continuous flow gas is popular because it saves space and heats water only when needed. Gas storage is still a good option where the household already has gas storage and wants strong recovery without changing system type.

Best overall gas hot water system: Rinnai Infinity 26

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is one of the best all-round gas hot water systems for Australian family homes.

It is a continuous flow gas system, which means it heats water on demand rather than storing a full tank of hot water. For many medium households, it offers a strong balance of performance, brand confidence, compact installation and long-term support.

Best suited to

• Medium households

• Many 2 bathroom homes

• Homes replacing an older instant gas unit

• Natural gas or LPG properties

• Customers wanting compact wall-mounted hot water

• Homes where gas continuous flow is already suitable

Why it stands out

The Rinnai Infinity 26 is a strong pick because it offers:

• Well-known continuous flow gas performance

• Strong Rinnai brand recognition

• Compact outdoor wall-mounted design

• Good suitability for many family homes

• Natural gas and LPG options where suitable

• Optional controller compatibility on suitable installations

• Strong installer familiarity

For most homeowners comparing 26L-style continuous flow gas systems, the Rinnai Infinity 26 is usually the first model worth considering.

JR Gas & Water can help compare it against other instant gas hot water systems based on your home’s gas supply, shower demand and installation location.

Best value continuous flow option: Rinnai B26

The Rinnai B26 is a good option for homeowners who want a practical continuous flow gas system from a recognised brand without stepping into the higher-cost end of the range.

It is often considered for straightforward replacements where the customer wants reliable on-demand gas hot water and strong value.

Best suited to

• Budget-conscious gas replacements

• Rental properties

• Standard family homes

• Like-for-like instant gas replacements

• Customers wanting Rinnai at a sharper price point

Why it works

The Rinnai B26 is not usually the premium pick, but it is a practical option where value and simplicity matter.

It can suit homes where:

• The existing gas setup is suitable

• The household demand matches the flow rate

• The installation is straightforward

• The customer wants a known brand

• A compact outdoor unit is preferred

For many homes, the Rinnai B26 is the sensible alternative to the Rinnai Infinity 26 when price matters more than premium features.

Best budget alternative: Rheem Metro 26

The Rheem Metro 26 is a solid continuous flow gas hot water option from one of Australia’s best-known hot water brands.

Rinnai often leads the conversation in continuous flow gas, but Rheem is still a strong alternative, especially for customers who prefer Rheem or are replacing an existing Rheem gas unit.

Best suited to

• Budget-conscious households

• Rheem-preferred replacements

• Medium homes with suitable gas supply

• Standard continuous flow gas upgrades

• Customers wanting a known hot water brand

What to consider

The Rheem Metro 26 can be a good system, but JR Gas & Water would usually compare it directly against the Rinnai Infinity 26 and Rinnai B26 before making a final recommendation.

The right choice depends on:

• Natural gas or LPG setup

• Existing gas line size

• Number of bathrooms

• Shower flow rates

• Household peak usage

• Outdoor installation location

• Budget

Best premium gas storage system: Rheem Stellar 330

The Rheem Stellar 330 is one of the best gas storage hot water systems for households that want strong recovery and premium stored hot water performance.

Unlike continuous flow systems, it stores hot water in a tank and reheats using gas. Its real strength is recovery, making it suitable for households with back-to-back showers and heavier hot water demand.

Best suited to

• Medium to larger families

• Homes with higher hot water demand

• Properties already using gas storage

• Households with back-to-back shower use

• Customers wanting premium gas storage

• Homes where strong recovery matters

Why it stands out

The Rheem Stellar 330 is a strong choice because it offers:

• Strong gas storage recovery

• High first-hour delivery

• 5-star gas storage performance

• Rheem brand confidence

• Good support pathway

• Suitability for family homes

• A strong replacement path for older gas storage systems

If your home already has gas storage and the household uses a lot of hot water, the Rheem Stellar 330 is one of the best systems to compare in JR Gas & Water’s gas storage hot water systems.

Best stainless steel gas storage system: AquaMAX G270SS

The AquaMAX G270SS is a strong choice for homeowners who want stainless steel gas storage and low maintenance.

Its stainless steel cylinder is the major advantage. Unlike many enamel-lined storage tanks, it does not require a sacrificial anode in the same way, which can make it appealing for homeowners wanting a lower-maintenance storage system.

Best suited to

• Small to medium households

• 2–4 person homes

• Customers wanting stainless steel construction

• Homes with moderate gas hot water demand

• Properties replacing outdoor gas storage systems

• Homeowners prioritising lower maintenance

Why it stands out

The AquaMAX G270SS is a good option because it offers:

• Stainless steel cylinder

• No sacrificial anode requirement

• Compact outdoor design

• Good recovery for moderate demand

• Natural gas and LPG options where suitable

• Strong low-maintenance appeal

For larger households or heavier demand, Rheem Stellar may be the stronger gas storage choice. For smaller to medium homes wanting stainless steel, AquaMAX is a very good system to compare.

Best entry-level gas storage option: Vulcan 135L

The Vulcan 135L is a practical gas storage option for homeowners wanting a straightforward, budget-conscious replacement.

It is not as premium as Rheem Stellar or AquaMAX G270SS, but it can suit smaller to medium homes where cost matters and the household demand is moderate.

Best suited to

• Budget-focused replacements

• Rental properties

• Smaller to medium households

• Basic gas storage installs

• Homes replacing older Vulcan or Rheem-style units

Why it can make sense

Vulcan is commonly treated as a value option. It can be a sensible choice where the customer wants a familiar system without paying for a premium model.

However, for owner-occupied homes where recovery, performance and long-term confidence matter more, Rheem Stellar or AquaMAX G270SS are usually stronger options.

Best gas hot water systems in 2024: comparison table

How to choose the right gas hot water system

1. Check whether you have natural gas or LPG

Gas systems are made for specific fuel types. Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable unless the correct appliance and setup are used.

Before choosing a system, confirm:

• Whether your home has natural gas or LPG

• Whether the existing gas line is suitable

• Whether other gas appliances share the supply

• Whether regulators or pipework need checking

• Whether the appliance location is compliant

Gas work should always be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

2. Choose storage or continuous flow

Choose continuous flow gas if you want:

• Compact wall-mounted installation

• Hot water heated on demand

• No large storage tank

• A good replacement for older instant gas

• Strong suitability for homes with limited space

Choose gas storage if you want:

• Stored hot water ready for use

• Strong recovery for peak demand

• A like-for-like replacement for an existing gas storage tank

• A system style your household already suits

• A practical option for back-to-back hot water use

JR Gas & Water can help compare instant gas hot water systems and gas storage hot water systems if you are unsure.

3. Match the system to your household size

As a rough guide:

Sizing depends on more than the number of people. Shower flow rates, bathrooms, peak usage and gas supply all matter.

4. Check your gas line sizing

Continuous flow gas systems can require a strong gas supply, especially larger models. If the gas line is undersized, the unit may not perform properly.

A licensed gas fitter should check:

• Gas line sizing

• Appliance load

• Existing gas appliances

• Regulator setup

• Clearances

• Ventilation

• Water pressure

• Power point availability for continuous flow systems

This is especially important when upgrading from a smaller unit to a larger one.

5. Consider heat pump alternatives

Gas hot water is a strong option where the home already has gas and the setup suits it. But heat pumps are worth comparing if your home has solar PV or you want to reduce reliance on gas.

A heat pump may be better if:

• You have solar panels

• You want lower long-term energy use

• There is suitable outdoor space

• Noise placement can be managed

• Drainage is available

• You are replacing an old electric system

• You want an efficient electric upgrade

Browse JR Gas & Water’s heat pump hot water systems if long-term efficiency is a priority.

Brisbane and Gold Coast installation considerations

South East Queensland homes have a mix of natural gas, LPG and electric hot water systems, so the best gas system depends heavily on the property.

Common local considerations include:

• Natural gas availability

• LPG bottle access for acreage homes

• Gas line sizing in older Brisbane homes

• Outdoor wall space for continuous flow units

• Clearance from windows, doors and boundaries

• Coastal corrosion around the Gold Coast

• High water pressure affecting valves

• Older pipework in established suburbs

• Long pipe runs to bathrooms

• Whether the home has solar PV

• Whether a heat pump would be better long term

JR Gas & Water checks these site details before recommending a system.

Maintenance and servicing

Gas hot water systems should be checked and serviced by licensed trades. Maintenance helps identify safety issues, performance problems and wear before they become bigger failures.

Common checks may include:

• Burner operation

• Gas connections

• Flueing and ventilation where applicable

• Valves and safe discharge

• Temperature stability

• Error codes on continuous flow units

• Signs of corrosion

• Storage tank condition

• Water pressure

• Relief valve operation

Do not test gas leaks with open flames, remove appliance covers, alter gas components or attempt gas repairs yourself. Gas work should always be handled by a licensed gas fitter.

JR Gas & Water can help with hot water repairs and servicing if your current system is leaking, unreliable, noisy or not keeping up.

Final verdict: which gas hot water system should you choose?

For most homes wanting continuous flow gas hot water, the Rinnai Infinity 26 is the best overall pick in 2024. It is compact, well known, widely supported and suitable for many standard family homes when correctly sized.

For value, the Rinnai B26 and Rheem Metro 26 are worth comparing. For gas storage, the Rheem Stellar 330 is the best premium option, while the AquaMAX G270SS is the best stainless steel low-maintenance choice. Vulcan 135L is a practical budget gas storage option.

The best system is not just the one with the best brochure. It is the one that matches your gas supply, household demand, installation location and long-term plans.

What JR Gas & Water can help with

JR Gas & Water can help with:

• Comparing continuous flow and gas storage systems

• Choosing between Rinnai, Rheem, AquaMAX, Vulcan and other options

• Checking natural gas or LPG suitability

• Assessing gas line sizing and installation requirements

• Replacing old gas hot water systems

• Comparing gas hot water against heat pump alternatives

• Servicing leaking, unreliable or underperforming systems

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

Related JR Gas & Water services

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

• Compare gas storage hot water systems for strong recovery and stored hot water

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

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

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

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

FAQs

What is the best gas hot water system in 2024?

For most homes, the Rinnai Infinity 26 is one of the best overall continuous flow gas hot water systems in 2024. For gas storage, the Rheem Stellar 330 is one of the strongest premium choices.

Is continuous flow gas better than gas storage?

Continuous flow gas is better if you want a compact wall-mounted system that heats water on demand. Gas storage can be better if your household prefers stored hot water and strong recovery during peak demand.

Is Rinnai better than Rheem for gas hot water?

For continuous flow gas hot water, Rinnai is often the stronger recommendation because the Infinity range is so well known. Rheem is still a strong hot water brand and can be a good alternative, especially in gas storage and selected instant gas models.

What size gas hot water system do I need?

Many standard family homes compare 26L continuous flow systems, but the right size depends on bathrooms, shower flow rates, people in the home, gas supply and simultaneous hot water use.

Can gas hot water run during a blackout?

Some gas storage systems may continue to provide stored hot water during a power outage, but many continuous flow gas systems need electricity for ignition, controls and operation. Do not assume all gas systems work without power.

Is LPG suitable for gas hot water?

Yes, many gas hot water systems are available in LPG versions. The correct model must be selected, and the gas setup should be checked by a licensed gas fitter.

Should I choose gas hot water or a heat pump?

Choose gas hot water if your home already has a suitable gas setup and you want compact continuous flow or strong gas storage recovery. Choose a heat pump if you want efficient electric hot water, solar PV compatibility and your site suits the installation.

Does gas hot water need servicing?

Yes. Gas hot water systems should be checked by licensed trades for safe operation, temperature stability, valves, gas connections and general performance. If the system is leaking, unreliable or showing error codes, book a service.

Need help choosing the best gas hot water system?

If your current gas hot water system is leaking, unreliable, undersized or due for replacement, JR Gas & Water can help compare Rinnai, Rheem, AquaMAX, Vulcan, gas storage, instant gas 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.