Best 130–135L Gas Storage Hot Water Systems: Rheem vs Rinnai vs Vulcan vs Aquamax

When choosing a gas storage hot water system, you want performance, value, and long-term savings. In this ultimate comparison, we dive into four of Australia’s most popular options:

• Rheem Stellar 330

• Rinnai Hotflo 130L

• Vulcan 135L (4-Star)

• Aquamax G270SS

Let’s break down how these units perform on energy efficiency, capacity, pricing, maintenance, and more—so you can confidently pick the right one for your home.

⚡ Energy Efficiency – Who Costs You Less?

• Rheem Stellar 330: ★★★★★

• Aquamax G270SS: ★★★★★

• Rinnai Hotflo 130L: ★★★★½ (4.8-Star)

• Vulcan 135L: ★★★★

💡 Top Pick: Rheem Stellar 330 & Aquamax G270SS lead the pack, helping you save on energy bills year-round.

💧 Capacity – Who Can Keep Up With Your Family?

• Rheem Stellar 330: Best for larger households

• Aquamax G270SS: Great for families of 2–4

• Rinnai Hotflo 130L: Suits small to medium homes

• Vulcan 135L: Everyday performer with solid capacity

💡 Top Pick: Rheem Stellar 330 wins for big families or households with high water usage.

🔧 Installation – Ease & Flexibility

• Rheem Stellar & Aquamax: Easy external installs

• Rinnai Hotflo: Compact and budget-friendly

• Vulcan 135L: Common dimensions, fits older setups easily

💡 Top Pick: Aquamax G270SS – lightweight stainless steel tank simplifies install.

📍 Get a Quote for Your Install in Brisbane or Gold Coast

🛡 Maintenance & Durability

• Rheem Stellar: Stainless steel, proven reliability

• Aquamax G270SS: Stainless steel, no anode, lower maintenance

• Rinnai Hotflo: Affordable but uses enamel

• Vulcan 135L: Solid entry-level build

💡 Top Pick: Rheem Stellar – unmatched in performance and lifespan.

💰 Pricing – Upfront Investment

• Most affordable: Rinnai Hotflo 130L

• Best long-term value: Rheem Stellar 330

• Mid-range options: Vulcan 135L & Aquamax G270SS

💡 Top Pick: Rinnai Hotflo 130L for tight budgets, but Stellar pays off in the long run.

🛒 Shop Gas Storage Hot Water Systems

📱 User Experience & Smart Features

• Vulcan: Easy-to-use controls

• Rheem Stellar: Advanced features and faster heat recovery

• Aquamax G270SS: Adjustable mixing valve for extra litres

• Rinnai: Basic but reliable

💡 Top Pick: Rheem Stellar 330 – smooth performance, user-friendly controls, smart recovery.

🔇 Noise, Safety & Water Quality

All four units are:

• Quiet in operation

• Include pressure/temperature relief valves

• Deliver clean, reliable hot water

💡 Top Pick: All perform well – no major downsides.

🔁 Retrofit Compatibility

• All four models offer easy upgrades for existing gas storage systems.

• Use similar dimensions and plumbing configurations.

💡 Top Pick: Rheem Stellar & Vulcan – commonly used for replacing older Vulcan/Saxon/Rheem units.

🌱 Solar & Renewable Energy Compatibility

• These storage systems aren’t solar-ready

• For homes with solar PV, consider pairing with a timer to heat using surplus power

Explore our solar-ready hot water systems here.

🧰 Warranty & Aftersales Support

• Rheem: Strong support network

• Rinnai: Easier warranty process, no upfront inspection fee

• Aquamax: Solid manufacturer reputation

• Vulcan: Backed by Rheem, good local support

💡 Top Pick: Rinnai – less hassle if issues arise, even if rare.

🎨 Visual Appeal

• Aquamax G270SS: Sleek stainless steel design

• Rheem Stellar: Iconic look with performance to match

• Rinnai & Vulcan: More basic appearance

💡 Top Pick: Aquamax for visual appeal, Rheem for form meets function.

🏁 Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?

If you want long-term value, superior recovery, and excellent build quality, the Rheem Stellar 330 is the clear winner.

✅ Our Recommendation:

Go with the Rheem Stellar 330 if:

• You want powerful recovery for back-to-back showers

• You care about energy savings

• You’re upgrading from an older Vulcan or Saxon

💧 Buy Rheem Stellar 330 or Book Install

🔍 FAQs

1. Is the Rheem Stellar worth the extra cost?
Yes—its stainless steel cylinder, faster recovery, and 5-star rating offer better long-term value.

2. Can the Aquamax G270SS be installed indoors?
No—it’s designed for outdoor installation only.

3. How long do these systems typically last?
Stainless steel tanks like Rheem & Aquamax can last 12–15 years. Enamel units (Rinnai, Vulcan) average 8–10 years.

4. What’s the best budget option?
The Rinnai Hotflo 130L offers solid performance at a lower price point.

5. Can I connect these systems to solar?
Not directly. You can use a PV timer to heat with surplus solar power if desired.